Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 15 March 2001

66 articles found

Shooting victim's family meets Mulyono

Shooting victim's family meets Mulyono JAKARTA (JP): The family of 31-year-old Yudianto, the man wrongfully shot to death by West Jakarta Police mobile detectives, demanded that city police not only detain and question the officer who pulled the trigger, but the entire West Jakarta mobile detectives unit. "I have already assured Yudianto's family, that we are looking into this case thoroughly ...

Nguyen wins chess duel securing unbeatable lead

Nguyen wins chess duel securing unbeatable lead JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian junior chess player Andrean Susilodinata was no match for Vietnamese Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son after conceding in the 62nd move on the fourth day of junior duel meet on Wednesday. Nguyen has collected 2.5 Match Points (MPs) compared to Andrean's 0.5 MPs to claim overall victory in the meet. The result means that the final session on Thursday is no longer decisive.

Govt mulling over whether to liquidate PPD

Govt mulling over whether to liquidate PPD JAKARTA (JP): The government has agreed to provide state-owned bus company PPD with Rp 6.9 billion (US$690,000) in new subsidies to help it pay its workers' wages for the next three months pending a decision on whether or not to liquidate the ailing company, a minister said.

Japanese movie on RI freedom sparks protests

Japanese movie on RI freedom sparks protests TOKYO (Reuters): A new Japanese movie set in Indonesia during World War II ran into trouble even before it opened when Indonesia demanded cuts for distorting history, diplomats said on Wednesday. The movie could also spark protests from other nations for portraying Japan's World War II invasion of Asia as a war of liberation from Western colonialism.

Transformation of corruption

Transformation of corruption This is the second of two articles on corruption by Teten Masduki, coordinator of the Jakarta-based Indonesian Corruption Watch. JAKARTA (JP): The outcome of the last election may have strengthened the old forces, after apparently successfully repositioning themselves in new institutions during Habibie's administration. Obviously, we cannot expect the political elite to come up with an agenda to wipe out graft because they are the main perpetrators.

State firms sell dollars to help rupiah

State firms sell dollars to help rupiah JAKARTA (JP): Several state enterprises have, at the request of the government, sold their U.S dollar reserves to ease pressure on the rupiah and shore up the beleaguered local unit, Finance Minister Prijadi Praptosuhardjo said on Wednesday. "We've called on state firms with dollar surpluses to release their dollars into the market," Prijadi told reporters on the sidelines of a hearing with the House of Representatives' budget committee.

Nazar walks out of court

Nazar walks out of court BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): Aceh Referendum Information Centre (SIRA) Muhammad Nazar refused to attend his sedition trial here on Wednesday, saying that "the court has failed to present adequate government representation in court". Nazar had to be picked up by a court official from the Banda Aceh Penitentiary, some 100 meters away from the court house. "The judges are free to impose any sanctions they want on me. But, I'm not going to attend the trial as I've said before.

Ericsson launches new cell phone

Ericsson launches new cell phone JAKARTA (JP): Cellular phone maker PT Ericsson Indonesia unveils on Wednesday its latest product, the T29 and the HBH-10 Bluetooth headset, for the Indonesian market. The T29 is a wireless application protocol (WAP) enabled dual- band phone which could handle short message service (SMS) and group-SMS text messages, equipped with four games, voice control, vibrating alert and a comprehensive phone book, the company said.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Music 8:30 Documentary 9:00 Children's Program 9:30 Documentary 10:00 Music 11:00 Talk Show 12:00 p.m. Interval 3:00 News 4:00 Children's Program 4:30 Quiz 5:00 News 6:00 Village News 6:15 TV Drama 7:00 News 7:30 Music 9:00 Music 10:00 Variety Show 11:00 TV Drama Program 2 5:30 p.m. Music 6:30 City News 7:00 Music 7:30 News (in English) 8:30 Documentary TPI 5:30 a.m.

High court sentences Bob to six years in jail

High court sentences Bob to six years in jail JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta High Court on Wednesday sentenced Mohamad "Bob" Hasan to six years in prison for corruption and ordered him to pay compensation of US$243 million -- the amount of the losses suffered by the state. The court's spokesman, A. Hutauruk, said the panel of judges had also ordered the defendant to pay a Rp 15 million fine or spend a further six months in jail.

'Washington won't back army coup'

'Washington won't back army coup' SURABAYA (JP): A U.S. envoy gave a reassurance here on Wednesday that Washington would not back a military coup against the civilian government in Indonesia. Speaking to reporters during a one-day visit to the East Java capital, the U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia Robert Gelbard reiterated that Washington would continue to support the transition towards stronger democracy in Indonesia. He also said that he recently met with the Army Chief of Staff Gen.

2nd heart transplant patient dies

2nd heart transplant patient dies SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore's longest-surviving local heart transplant patient, Krishnasamy Chandrasegaran, has died at the age of 47, 10 years after undergoing the operation, reports said on Wednesday. Chandrasegaran, who had health problems for the past four years, died early on Tuesday, but the cause of death was not immediately known, the Straits Times reported. He had been on dialysis three times a week since both his kidneys failed in 1997.

Five arrested for drugs

Five arrested for drugs DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Five alleged drug dealers have been arrested by Bali Police drug squad detectives. Bali Police chief Brig. Gen. Wayan Ardjana said here on Wednesday that the five suspects, identified as Tatang Wiyadi (33), Nanang (41), Budi (36), Yuda (30), and Iqbal (33), were all apprehended on Tuesday. The first four suspects were arrested in separate places in the Kuta area a number of hours before Iqbal's arrest.

S'pore asks U.S. to back a Pacific Five trade pact

S'pore asks U.S. to back a Pacific Five trade pact WASHINGTON (Reuters): Singapore Trade Minister Trade George Yeo urged the United States on Tuesday to build on its separate free trade talks with Chile and Singapore to craft a Pacific Five trade pact that would also include Australia and New Zealand. In a speech to the Institute for International Economics, Yeo said the cross-regional trade agreement should also eventually include South Korea, making it a P6 pact.

Images of injustice in the history of Kalimantan

Images of injustice in the history of Kalimantan A long time observer of Indonesia, Herbert Feith, shares some examples of historical incidents in Kalimantan to lend a greater understanding of the current conflict. After years of teaching at the Gadjah Mada University, he has returned to Australia where he talked to The Jakarta Post's contributor Dewi Anggraeni in Melbourne.

Premier Oil seeks 100m boe in sales deals

Premier Oil seeks 100m boe in sales deals SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Premier Oil PLC hopes to negotiate sales contracts for 100 million barrels of oil equivalent in unbooked reserves by the end of this year, Charles Jamieson, Premier Oil's chief executive told Dow Jones Newswires late Tuesday. Among those contracts may be a second sales deal for Premier Oil's gas discoveries in Block A of Indonesia's Natuna Sea.

Newmont goldmine closure plan

Newmont goldmine closure plan With regard to the news article titled Newmont to close Minahasa gold mine (March 9) its erroneous premise has caused considerable confusion within Indonesia for little reason, and may have unfortunate effects outside the country as well. PT Newmont Minahasa Raya (NMR) will not be closing any sooner than the depletion of the Mesel Pit Ore Body, currently scheduled for 2003. The contract of work signed with the government for PT NMR was set at a standard 30 years.

Batuan children create beautiful puppets

Batuan children create beautiful puppets By I Wayan Juniarta DENPASAR, Bali (JP): A tiny room in the Puaya hamlet, Batuan village, 15 kilometers east of Denpasar, where children learn to make beautiful wayang kulit (leather puppets), was virtually empty. Where are the children? There were only six wooden blocks, a number of small carving tools, numerous half-finished puppets hanging upside-down from the ceiling and some puppets laying on the cement floor.

RI bans import of livestock from EU

RI bans import of livestock from EU JAKARTA (Agencies): Indonesia has banned imports of livestock, meat and other animal products from Europe to prevent the spread of highly contagious foot and mouth disease, Director General for livestock development Sofyan Sudardjat said here on Wednesday. "We have banned all imports of cattle, meat and animal products from all countries in Europe since late December," Sudardjat told Reuters. But the ban was not publicly announced at that time.

Municipal bonds: A feasible strategy?

Municipal bonds: A feasible strategy? By Achmad Mukhtar JAKARTA (JP): When the laws on regional autonomy and fiscal balance were announced, two new catchwords become popular -- autonomy and municipal bonds. What do they really mean, and are they workable in the domestic bonds market?

Efforts to expedite special session fail

Efforts to expedite special session fail JAKARTA (JP): Antigovernment demonstrators who had been camping out at the House of Representatives complex dispersed on Wednesday after minority factions in the People's Consultative Assembly scuttled attempts to expedite a special session which could impeach President Abdurrahman Wahid. Assembly Speaker Amien Rais, who presided over a meeting of the factions on Wednesday, confirmed the divisions among them over the acceleration of the special session.

Chinese tires come under scrutiny

Chinese tires come under scrutiny JAKARTA (JP): The association of Indonesian tire producers has called on the government to stop the import of automotive tires from China, saying the low quality tires could endanger motorists. The association's chairman A. Aziz Pane said here on Wednesday most of the Chinese tires which were sold here at prices between 30 percent and 40 percent lower than other tires did not meet the national standards (SNI) set by the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

PSP debt restructuring okayed

PSP debt restructuring okayed JAKARTA (AFX-ASIA): The Rp 4.3 trillion (about US$430 million) debt restructuring of PT Putra Surya Perkasa will go ahead despite protests from the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA), presiding chief judge Putu Supabmi said. She said IBRA protested to the court that it did not sign the debt restructuring agreement resulting from a vote of creditors earlier this month.

PAN ministers to remain in cabinet

PAN ministers to remain in cabinet JAKARTA (JP): Two Cabinet ministers who are members of the National Mandate Party (PAN) maintained their earlier stance that they would remain in the Cabinet. Minister of National Education Yahya Muhaimin and Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Al Hilal Hamdi met with PAN chairman Amien Rais at the latter's residence on Jl. Widya Chandra in South Jakarta on Wednesday evening.

Palm market cools ahead of crop data

Palm market cools ahead of crop data KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysian palm oil futures closed lower, with players taking profits and trying to correct a buying frenzy ahead of official February crop data due on Thursday. With many expecting bearish data, the market saw double-digit losses on several contracts as it shed recent gains. Benchmark third-month May futures tumbled 20 ringgit to 832 ringgit ($219) a ton.

Police correct Akbar's status from a suspect to a witness

Police correct Akbar's status from a suspect to a witness JAKARTA (JP): The National Police have corrected their previous statement that Speaker of the House of Representatives Akbar Tandjung was a suspect in a land scam, saying he would be questioned as a witness.

Palyja operates Kedoya pipeline

Palyja operates Kedoya pipeline JAKARTA (JP): Joint venture tap water firm PT PAM Lyonaise Jaya (Palyja) commenced operation of a newly constructed pipeline on Tuesday, spanning two kilometers between Kedoya and Tubagus Angke, both in West Jakarta. The underground pipeline, which is 900 millimeters in diameter, follows Jl. Perjuangan. It is has the capacity to serve 80,000 current customers and an estimated 20,000 new customers in the northern part of Jakarta. "The Jl.

Former Shangri-La workers threaten to picket hotel

Former Shangri-La workers threaten to picket hotel JAKARTA (JP): Members of the Shangri-La Independent Worker Union (SPSM) threatened on Wednesday to spoil the hotel's reopening on Saturday with a rally. SPSM chairman Halilintar Nurdin said the move would be taken in response to the Shangri-La management's failure to respect the ongoing negotiations aimed at resolving their three-month-old labor dispute.

Attaka produces 600m barrels

Attaka produces 600m barrels JAKARTA (JP): Oil and gas company Unocal Indonesia, one of state oil company Pertamina's production-sharing contractors, announced here on Wednesday that it had exceeded a 600-million barrel cumulative production target from its Attaka field in East Kalimantan. "The amount has been achieved in less than eight years of production," the company said in a statement. The subsidiary of the United States-based Unocal Corp.

Army to dispatch special troops to Aceh province

Army to dispatch special troops to Aceh province JAKARTA (JP): Army Chief of Staff Gen. Endriartono Sutarto said on Wednesday the Army has been preparing "special troops" to be dispatched to Aceh, following the government's decision to impose a limited military operation in the troubled province. "We have been training six companies of troops in Batujajar (Bandung, West Java) since February and they will complete the training by the end of this month.

NYSE reviews APP's listing

NYSE reviews APP's listing NEW YORK (Reuters): The New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday said the listing of debt-laden Asia Pulp & Paper Co. Ltd. was under review because the Indonesian company's shares have fallen below the $1 minimum price. The NYSE notified APP, the 10th-largest paper company in the world, that it was out of compliance with its listing requirements. A share must trade for at least $1 over a 30-day period six months from notice.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Exhibitions * Painting by Titin Hartini, Seniwati Gallery of Art by Women, Jl. Sriwedari 2b, Banjar Taman, Ubud (Phone: 0361 975485), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., until March 24. * Painting by Made Jirna, Bali Padma Hotel, Jl. Legian 1 (Phone: 0361 752111), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., March 18-27. Museums and Galleries * Blue Moon Gallery, Jl. Tirta Tawar, Banjar Kutuh Kaja, Ubud (Phone: 0361 976727), daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. * Museum Puri Lukisan, Jl.

Beware of logo forgery

Beware of logo forgery From Suara Karya In view of the forgery of the seal, logo and letterhead of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, purportedly under the name of the ministry's publication team, we deem it necessary to call on the business sector and the public at large to exercise great caution when receiving and responding to letters requesting advertisement sponsorship for a particular activity.

Asian currencies mixed in late trading

Asian currencies mixed in late trading TOKYO (Dow Jones): Asian currencies were mixed in late trading Wednesday as the yen's slight weakening against the dollar weighed on most but fears of central bank intervention pushed the Indonesian rupiah higher, in turn supporting the Thai Baht. The Singapore dollar and the South Korean won lost ground against the U.S. currency after the yen tumbled to a low of Y120.24 to the U.S. dollar in late trading.

Global university info network opens

Global university info network opens SURABAYA (JP): The University of Surabaya (Ubaya) opened on Wednesday the international educational and cultural information network, the first of its kind in the country. The grand launching hosted by Ubaya rector Anton Prijatno, was attended by U.S. ambassador to Indonesia Robert Gelbard, the British ambassador Richard Gozny and envoys from other participating countries, Japan, Germany, the Netherlands and France.

Support for Megawati

Support for Megawati Support for Megawati Soekarnoputri as the legitimate successor to the President, should the position become vacant, has been snowballing in the last few days. An agreement involving leading representatives of six political parties was reached on March 2 in Jakarta. This is an important development and promises a smooth take-over. Earlier, there were voices which suggested the selection of a "dark horse." However there still remains a very important factor to be agreed on.

City recorded an annual growth of 3.6% in 2000

City recorded an annual growth of 3.6% in 2000 JAKARTA (JP): Despite the prolonged nationwide recession, the Jakarta's economy showed a significant rebound with 3.67 percent growth last year, an official said on Wednesday. Head of the city's Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) office Masni Rani told reporters the recuperation exceeded the target of 1.66 percent. The capital's economic growth was a mere 1.29 percent in 1999.

Writer Wiratmo dies from stroke

Writer Wiratmo dies from stroke JAKARTA (JP): Writer Wiratmo Soekito died from a stroke at the MMC Hospital here on Wednesday, aged 72. He was later buried in the Karet cemetery, Central Jakarta. Born in Solo on Feb. 8, Wiratmo was well known for conceiving the Cultural Manifesto (Manikebu), initiated in 1963 by Indonesian anti-communist writers and artists.

The uncertainty of it all

The uncertainty of it all The battle between President Abdurrahman Wahid and his political opponents has entered a new, but not necessarily decisive, phase this week. Students from various elite state universities, led by those from the University of Indonesia, conducted a sit-in on Monday and Tuesday at the House of Representatives (DPR) complex, adding to the growing chorus of demands for the President to step down.

Free Ebtanas for elementary, junior high school students

Free Ebtanas for elementary, junior high school students JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of National Education has allotted Rp 161 billion (US$16.1 million) to pay the National Examination (Ebtanas) fees for elementary and junior high school students, the ministry announced on Wednesday. "The funds are ready to be disbursed. The parents and students no longer have to worry about the fees or any other levies.

Exhibition shows illuminating possibilities

Exhibition shows illuminating possibilities By Aendra H. Medita JAKARTA (JP): In the realm of belief, light is supposed to illuminate life by making it visible, observable and enjoyable. Yet it probably never occurred to Scottish inventor James Watt when he invented the electric lightbulb that one day there would be a rich variety of lamp designs, an art form in itself. Some of those produced by designers in the Netherlands are now part of an exhibition at Erasmus Huis, Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav.

Rubber producing countries want to raise their profile

Rubber producing countries want to raise their profile COONOOR, India (Dow Jones): The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries must shed its low profile role and become stronger and relevant in the rubber industry, ANRPC delegates said at a meeting in south India, one participant told Dow Jones Newswires. The closed door meeting of ANRPC's executive committee was held Tuesday in Cochin where key issues facing rubber producers were discussed.

Watch out for self-interested, short-term coalitions

Watch out for self-interested, short-term coalitions Political observer Pratikno looks at, among others things, the confusing picture of changing coalitions. He teaches at the Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta. Question: Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri seems to have gained strong support from Islam-oriented political parties to replace President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid. Do you think she can build a strong government if she becomes president? I don't think so.

Second wave of Asian debt workouts on the way

Second wave of Asian debt workouts on the way HONG KONG (Dow Jones): Out of the frying pan, into the fire. That may be Asia in 2001, after economies around the region flopped out of the financial crisis of 1997 only to get burned by the economic slowdowns in the U.S. and Japan. The result could be a second wave of massive debt restructuring across the region, starting with the upcoming colossal restructuring of Indonesia's Asia Pulp & Paper's US$12 billion.

Malaysia police to quiz opposition over clash toll

Malaysia police to quiz opposition over clash toll KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): Malaysian police said on Wednesday they would question government critics over their allegations that the number of dead following weekend clashes between ethnic Malays and Indians exceeded official account.

Report on Thai plane blast to be released

Report on Thai plane blast to be released BANGKOK (AFP): An official report into the blast that destroyed a Thai Airways jet has found that a bomb was deliberately planted on board, but fails to identify who was behind the attack, a source said on Wednesday. The report is due to be presented on Thursday to Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was minutes away from boarding the plane at Bangkok's domestic airport on March 3 before it burst into flames.

Residents protest swallow breeding

Residents protest swallow breeding TANGERANG (JP): Dozens of residents of the Ciater Permai housing complex in Serpong have complained about unauthorized swallow breeding businesses in the area. One of the residents, Denny Kambaran, said on Wednesday the swallow breeders had not only violated land use regulations in building the bird's cages, but also generated health concerns. The business has been operating in at least seven houses situated in Block D.

Palace denies report on trip funds misuse

Palace denies report on trip funds misuse JAKARTA (JP): The presidential palace denied on Wednesday that there had been financial impropriety involved when it sent US$300,000 to President Abdurrahman Wahid during his recent trip to Saudi Arabia. Secretary to the President, Mujib Manan, told a press briefing that the money was taken from the presidential secretariat's coffers to cover "additional expenses" of the presidential entourage during the haj pilgrimage.

Arun gas field halts LNG loading for South Korea

Arun gas field halts LNG loading for South Korea SEOUL (Agencies): A vessel scheduled to load 56,000 metric tons of liquefied natural gas from Indonesia's Arun gas field Wednesday for delivery to South Korea floats idle in Singapore waters, an official from state-run Korea Gas Corp. said on Wednesday. "We are supposed to load today, but that's impossible...the Arun facility is closed..." he said.

All England evaluation to be submitted

All England evaluation to be submitted JAKARTA (JP): The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) has requested its coaches to submit a detailed evaluation of Indonesian shuttlers' performances in the 2001 Yonex All England Open last week. The PBSI set a target of a total of three titles in the men's singles, men's doubles and mixed doubles events but the shuttlers only managed the men's doubles title with Tony Gunawan and Halim Haryanto.

Invalid voucher

Invalid voucher In December 2000, we joined a kids program at a hotel in South Jakarta and received a complimentary voucher from D'BEST department store - Fatmawati (Diamond Group), valid until Feb. 1, 2001. But we found that the voucher expired before the store had opened. We contacted the hotel representative and our voucher's validity was renewed until March 1, 2001. But the voucher expired for a second time and the store still had not opened.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on March 14, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,675 -25 27,000 Adindo Foresta 105 -5 180,000 AGIS Tbk 175 5 1,218,000 Alakasa 140 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 1,150 50 4,319,500 Alter Abadi Tbk 90 0 0 Alumindo Light 600 0 0 Andhi Chandra 1,925 25 252,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 220 5 10,000 Aneka Tambang 850 50 791,000 Anwar Sierad Tbk 300 0 0...

Kostrad officer shot, held for attempted vehicle theft

Kostrad officer shot, held for attempted vehicle theft JAKARTA (JP): A Jagakarsa Police officer shot on Wednesday morning a member of the Army Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad) who was apprehended while breaking into a van. The soldier was shot in the leg when he fired on the police officers. South Jakarta Police chief of detectives Comr. Napolean Bonaparte said at his office the Kostrad soldier was shot on Jl. Raya Lenteng Agung in Jagakarsa, South Jakarta.

Govt, House decide to postpone debate on BI law until May

Govt, House decide to postpone debate on BI law until May JAKARTA (JP): The government said on Wednesday it would delay until May discussions with the House of Representatives on the amendment of the central bank law to allow the International Monetary Fund (IMF)-sponsored panel of central bank experts to review the proposed amendments.

Cipinang jail set ablaze during revolt

Cipinang jail set ablaze during revolt JAKARTA (JP): One prisoner died as hundreds of police quelled a revolt inside the Cipinang Penitentiary in East Jakarta in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Director General of Penitentiaries Adi Suyatno said the unrest broke out when some 60 Mobile Brigade (Brimob) officers and penitentiary guards were escorting 50 prisoners, mostly convicted on drug offenses, to buses which were to transfer them to Tangerang and Cirebon Penitentiaries.

Toll safety

Toll safety From Kompas There have been increasing practices recently of prying off automobile side mirrors in West Jakarta's Tomang-Kebon Jeruk toll road segment. These criminal acts are usually committed when it rains heavily during the day or in the afternoon when there is dense traffic along this segment of the toll road. It is only proper, therefore, that the toll road management or security officers intensify security.

Tourist industry in Bali reaches saturation point

Tourist industry in Bali reaches saturation point By Rini Utami DENPASAR, Bali (Antara): The word Bali usually conjures up beautiful landscape, myriad Hindu temples, elaborate religious rituals, dances and pristine beaches. All of these natural and cultural attractions have lured domestic and foreign visitors to the tourist island of Bali.

Maluku will remain part of RI: Leaders

Maluku will remain part of RI: Leaders AMBON, Maluku (JP): Maluku will remain part of the Republic of Indonesia "for whoever will constitutionally lead the country", leaders of the disputed province stated. "Whoever leads this country ... as long as they are being elected constitutionally, it will not affect the Malukus. The province is part of Indonesian history," Maluku Council Speaker Etty Sahuburua said on Wednesday.

Riau more attractive to S'pore

Riau more attractive to S'pore SINGAPORE (AP): A new Indonesian law giving local regions more autonomy has made the country more attractive to business people in neighboring Singapore, the city-state's foreign minister said. Indonesia enacted a fiscal decentralization law in January that gives additional powers and a greater share of government revenue to the vast archipelago's 364 local districts.

Pemecutan, inventor of 'fingertip paintings'

Pemecutan, inventor of 'fingertip paintings' By Alpha Savitri KUTA, Bali (JP): Early 1967. Something happened that exasperated Ngurah Gede Pemecutan. Later, this exasperation became a point of departure from his career as an artist in the country's fine arts arena. He is now widely known as the inventor of a painting technique using fingertips. It so happened that someone claiming to be a painter often visited Ngurah Gede Pemecutan's studio in Kuta.

U.S. pledges to continue helping Indonesian govt

U.S. pledges to continue helping Indonesian govt By Yenni Djahidin WASHINGTON (JP): The United States has promised to continue helping Indonesia to become a democratic, prosperous and united country. Speaking at a conference sponsored by the U.S.-Indonesia Society, deputy assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs Ralph Boyce said on Tuesday that President George W. Bush's administration was fully aware of the importance of Indonesia to the United States.

Andre's RI unit not affected

Andre's RI unit not affected SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Financial troubles at Swiss commodity house Andre & Cie S.A. hasn't affected its cocoa operations in Indonesia, a company source told Dow Jones Newswires Wednesday. "Life is still normal in UP," said the source, referring to Ujung Pandang, the main port for shipping cocoa in south Sulawesi, Indonesia. In fact, he said he is expecting some deliveries from a supplier Thursday. "Suppliers don't care about those rumors...about bankruptcy," he said.

ADB to adopt more selective lending strategy

ADB to adopt more selective lending strategy MANILA (AFP): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said Wednesday it is to adopt a more selective lending approach in a major strategic shift in its long-term goal of reducing the region's massive poverty. "The context in which ADB will operate over the next decade or so will be dramatically different from that of the 1990s," the ADB said in a statement issued at the launch of the bank's new long-term strategic framework.

Hail falls in Muara Enim

Hail falls in Muara Enim PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: Hail fell for the first time in recorded history in Muara Enim district, some 180 kilometers from Palembang, on Tuesday. The hailstones started falling at 5:30 p.m. local time and lasted for only around five minutes. "The weather had been fair and it had been a little hotter than usual before the hail started. Most of the people ran indoors when the small balls of ice, about the size of your fingertip, started to fall.

Rupiah rate March 14

Rupiah rate March 14 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Artist Kahlo through the eyes of a friend

Artist Kahlo through the eyes of a friend JAKARTA (JP): It's an enduring image of 20th century pop culture: the fixed gaze from black, deep-set eyes, the small arched lips and the furrow of eyebrows merging into one. And, yes, the unruly smudge of a moustache. This is the imposing, severe, almost masculine countenance of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, which can be found in her glorious, disturbing paintings that explore and document her equally glorious and tragedy-filled 47 years.