Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 21 March 2001

68 articles found

Ethnic Indians protest racial violence in KL

Ethnic Indians protest racial violence in KL KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): Nearly 200 ethnic Indian activists demonstrated outside parliament on Tuesday, declaring Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad responsible for recent ethnic clashes that were Malaysia's worst in three decades.

Prijadi says Guthrie transaction final

Prijadi says Guthrie transaction final JAKARTA (JP): Finance Minister Prijadi Praptosuhardjo reiterated on Tuesday that the sale of 25 palm oil plantations by the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) to Malaysia's Kumpulan Guthrie Bhd. was already final. Prijadi made the statement following earlier reports quoting farmers association top officials as saying that Vice President Megawati Sukarnoputri wanted the transaction to be renegotiated. "(The transaction) is final.

Police search for three men over train bombing

Police search for three men over train bombing JAKARTA (JP): The City Police have distributed rough sketches of three men in connection with the weekend bombing of a railway track in the Tangerang district of Serpong. City Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Anton Bahrul Alam said on Tuesday that the three men were observed at the scene of the explosion by at least four of 18 witnesses questioned over the case.

RI scraps antidumping duty on steel pipes

RI scraps antidumping duty on steel pipes JAKARTA (JP): Government has decided to remove the antidumping duty imposed on welded steel pipe imports from China, Japan, South Korea and Singapore. The decision was made after the Indonesian Antidumping Committee (KADI) found evidence that petitioners for the duty had also used "dumped" products, the Ministry of Finance said in a statement.

Seoul posts 8.8% GDP growth rate for 2000

Seoul posts 8.8% GDP growth rate for 2000 SEOUL (AFP): South Korea's economy grew 8.8 percent in 2000 despite a marked slowdown in the fourth quarter, the central Bank of Korea (BoK) said Tuesday. The increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) last year was down from a rate of 10.9 percent the previous year. Some analysts said the 2000 GDP growth was slightly lower than expected.

The judiciary mafia

The judiciary mafia The judiciary "mafia" (gang) in Indonesia is like the wind: trees tumble, but it is impossible to catch the wind. And the one party who keeps denying that the wind exists is the government. Monday, though, the denials came to an end. President Abdurrahman Wahid, whether on the basis of facts or assumptions, acknowledged that 90 percent of cases in Indonesian courts are won by those who have the money to pay.

Mixed doubles seniors concerned for juniors

Mixed doubles seniors concerned for juniors JAKARTA (JP): After a failure in the All England championships, Indonesia mixed doubles senior players expressed concern on their juniors development specially to compete against strong badminton countries athletes in international events in the future.

Govt to build new drug rehab center

Govt to build new drug rehab center JAKARTA (JP): The government will soon build another rehabilitation center for drug addicts in Cibubur, East Jakarta, due to the big increase in patients over the past five years, an official said. "The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has long planned to build another rehabilitation center, since the existing Fatmawati Hospital Rehabilitation Center (RSKO) has very limited capacity," City Health Service Agency chief Dedy Ruswendi said on Tuesday.

KL gives $10m palm oil credit to Cuba

KL gives $10m palm oil credit to Cuba KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia will extend US$10 million in credit to Cuba to purchase its palmoil over the next 14 months, a report said on Tuesday. The primary industries ministry signed a memorandum of understanding to provide the credit facility to a Cuban company, Empresa Cubana Importadora de Alimentos, the national Bernama news agency said.

Masthai Run to promote SEA Games

Masthai Run to promote SEA Games KOTA BAHARU, Malaysia (Bernama): The Masthai International Run 2001 will be held on April 13 as part of programs to promote the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games 2001 to be held in September. Kelantan Amateur Athletics Union (POAK) chairman Tan Sri Hussein Ahmad said the run, which will also involve Thailand, would create greater interest in the Games among the people of both countries.

Elize handed over to prosecutors with tight escort

Elize handed over to prosecutors with tight escort JAKARTA (JP): Tight security marked the hand-over of bomb suspect Elize Maria Tuwahatu from the city police to the Jakarta Provincial Prosecutor's Office on Tuesday. At least 20 armed Mobile Brigade (Brimob) police officers in six vehicles provided a security escort for Elize's trip to the prosecutor's office. Arrested for the possession of three bombs at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah recreation park in East Jakarta on Jan.

Rupiah rate March 20

Rupiah rate March 20 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Sapuan sentenced to two years in jail

Sapuan sentenced to two years in jail JAKARTA (JP): The South Jakarta District Court handed down a guilty verdict to the former deputy chairman of the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) Sapuan on Tuesday, sentencing him to two years in jail for his part in a Rp 35 billion (US$3.5 million) scandal that allegedly involved President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid.

Foreign banks develop onshore currency market

Foreign banks develop onshore currency market SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): The demise of the dollar-rupiah cross currency swap market offshore has led several major foreign banks in Jakarta to create an onshore market to trade in dollar-rupiah cross currency and rupiah interest rate swaps, industry sources told Dow Jones Newswires.

Govt should be more generous

Govt should be more generous From Media Indonesia If the government decided to be more generous, life would be more convenient for us. Such generosity, for instance, could be in the form of service to its citizens. For example, formerly, those wishing to go abroad were required to apply for an exit permit at the immigration office. One day the government decided to be generous (I can't recall when it was), and we no longer had to apply for an exit permit at the immigration office.

Asian currencies mixed ahead of expected rate cut in U.S.

Asian currencies mixed ahead of expected rate cut in U.S. SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Asian currencies were mixed late Tuesday, languishing within familiar trading ranges, as participants wondered how aggressively the U.S. Federal Reserve would lower interest rates later in the global trading day, dealers said. The South Korean won, the New Taiwan dollar and the Philippine peso were firmer. The Indonesian rupiah was unchanged, while the Singapore dollar and the Thai baht were slightly weaker.

Golkar's dissolution legally unacceptable

Golkar's dissolution legally unacceptable MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): There is no legal basis for any power in this country to disband the Golkar Party, despite mounting demands for the party's dissolution, prominent lawyer Todung Mulya Lubis said here on Tuesday.

RI under review for laxity in fighting money laundering

RI under review for laxity in fighting money laundering JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is being investigated by an international antimoney laundering body for not doing enough to curb the flow of dirty money into the country, a senior official of the central bank said here on Tuesday.

Arroyo blasts corruption

Arroyo blasts corruption MANILA (Reuters): Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo urged government officials and employees on Tuesday to launch what she called a moral revolution to stamp out corruption. Arroyo's remarks followed a survey by the Hong Kong-based consultancy firm Political & Economic Risk Consultancy Ltd. which showed the Philippines was perceived as one of Asia's most corrupt countries. Arroyo took office on Jan.

SIC told to provide cheaper tickets

SIC told to provide cheaper tickets KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's sports minister Tuesday urged organizers of the Formula One race here to make tickets cheaper by providing more seats for spectators. The Sepang International Circuit (SIC) could make up for the cheaper tickets by expanding the current 100,000 seating capacity, Hishammuddin Hussein was quoted as saying by the Bernama news agency.

What Americans want for Indonesia

What Americans want for Indonesia By A.M. Hendropriyono JAKARTA (JP): The Washington Post editorial of March 2, "Judging Indonesia" was of interest given the potential of a leading daily in shaping public opinion in the United States. What was interesting was not only the editorial's conclusion but more so its dialectic arguments, which reflect opinions of the Republican government and that of a public which is also influenced by the Democratic party.

U.S. Dollar Rates March.20

U.S. Dollar Rates March.20 Latest Previous %Change Yen 122.64-65 122.90-98 -0.21 Euro* 0.9023-25 0.8988-93 +0.39 Sterling 1.4308-18 1.4250-60 +0.41 Swiss Franc 1.6976-86 1.7050-60 -0.43 Canadian Dollar* 1.5636-41 1.5664-74 -0.18 Australian Dollar* 0.4984-89 0.4979-84 +0.10 New Zealand Dollar 0.4157-67 0.4173-80 -0.38 Deutsche Mark 2.1669-74 2.1748-60 -0.36 Czech Koruna 38.329-59 38.422-52 -0.24 Hungary Forint 295.05-38 296.33-62 -0.43 Danish Krone 8.2700-20 8.3023-63 -0.39 Norwegian Krone...

Dede hopes to grab GM Norm title

Dede hopes to grab GM Norm title JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's young and hopeful chess player, International Master (MI) Dede Liu, expressed hope of being able to grab the Grand Master (GM) Norm title at the Wotulo Memorial International Grand Master Chess Tournament this week. "I have prepared myself for more than two months and I'm very eager to compete in the event especially because of the presence of seven foreign GMs," said Dede, whose elo rating is 2378 as quoted by Antara.

RI to go ahead with military operation in Aceh

RI to go ahead with military operation in Aceh JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Military Commander Adm. Widodo A.S. said on Tuesday a limited military operation in Aceh was necessary because the police could no longer handle security disturbances in the province. "In a Cabinet meeting, the government declared the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) separatists.

New warning to Indonesia

New warning to Indonesia After the rebuke from the Manila-based Asian Development Bank (ADB) last week, all three multilateral development agencies that have been playing an important role in backing Indonesia's desperate bid to get out of its economic crisis have expressed utter disappointment with the government's reform measures. The first strong warning was made by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) last December by delaying, for the third time, its loan disbursement.

Company demands ministry Rp 1,000

Company demands ministry Rp 1,000 JAKARTA (JP): The State Administrative Court on Tuesday adjourned until next Wednesday the trial of a dispute between the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs and promotion company PT Cahaya Kristal Media Utama (CKMU) after both parties refused to respond to each other's arguments. The case centers on a lawsuit filed by the promotion company over alleged irregularities in three tenders for the ministry's purchase of equipment and services, which the firm lost.

Marines queried over shooting

Marines queried over shooting JAKARTA (JP): Two Marine officers are facing an internal affairs investigation by the Marine Infantry Brigade in Cilandak, South Jakarta, over the shooting of a police officer on Tuesday morning. The shooting occurred during a dangdut traditional music open- air party, held near the Buana Serra shopping center in Pondok Cabe, South Jakarta. City Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Anton Bahrul Alam said Chief Brig.

Datacraft wins Telkom order

Datacraft wins Telkom order SINGAPORE (AFX-ASIA): Datacraft Asia said it, along with partners NEC Nusantara Communications and Stimec Alita Nasio, obtained a US$6 million contract from PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (PT Telkom). The contract will enable the consortium to help PT Telkom roll out its voice-over-internet protocol network, it said.

Students march for special session

Students march for special session PADANG, West Sumatra: Thousands of students marched to the provincial legislative building on Tuesday calling for an expedited special session of the People's Consultative Assembly to impeach President Abdurrahman Wahid. The protest -- jointly held by members of Student Solidarity for the People and students from Padang State University and IAIN Imam Bonjol Padang -- caused traffic to back up in the area.

Legislators go on the attack again

Legislators go on the attack again JAKARTA (JP): The wave of recriminations against President Abdurrahman Wahid further increased on Tuesday when a petition signed by 151 legislators was submitted, charging that the President had violated the State Guidelines. Legislators submitted their petition to a plenary session of the House of Representatives here on Tuesday and proposed the use of the House's right of opinion on the matter.

Asia GDP forecasts cut as U.S. economic beacon dims

Asia GDP forecasts cut as U.S. economic beacon dims SINGAPORE (Reuters): Economists have pared growth forecasts for Asia as its number one customer, the United States, takes a cyclical downturn after a decade of growth and as demand for electronic goods withers in the post-internet-mania era, Reuters latest quarterly economic survey showed. With few exceptions, estimates for 2001 were revised down compared with a similar survey three months ago.

Shuttler Ellen resigns from national squad

Shuttler Ellen resigns from national squad JAKARTA (JP): Following her poor performance at the All England Championships two weeks ago, Indonesia's number two women's shuttler, Ellen Angelina, resigned from the Indonesian Badminton Center. Ellen submitted her resignation on Monday to officials at the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI).

Identifying the problem of congenital heart disease

Identifying the problem of congenital heart disease Heart disease is not only a condition of the aged -- children can also have congenital or acquired heart disease. The Jakarta Post's regular contributor on pediatrics Dr. Donya Betancourt discusses the different types of congenital heart disease in the second article of a three-part series.

Three men arrested for Rp 100m swindle

Three men arrested for Rp 100m swindle JAKARTA (JP): City police have arrested three men for allegedly using the names of some senior officers to tap money from a number of large companies. City police spokesman Sr. Comr. Anton Bahrul Alam said on Tuesday the suspects, identified as Supardi alias Pardi, 27, Sumardi Toha alias Ode, 27, and Burhan alias Shabu, 26, were arrested at their rented residence on Jl. Margasatwa in Pondok Labu, South Jakarta on Sunday.

TNI chief's approval sought for questioning Ginandjar

TNI chief's approval sought for questioning Ginandjar JAKARTA (JP): Former minister of mines and energy Ginandjar Kartasasmita, a suspect in graft cases involving state oil and gas company Pertamina and a local partner, said on Tuesday that he is awaiting the Indonesian Military (TNI) chief's approval prior to testifying before the prosecutors. "I have been summoned to testify at the Attorney General's Office on Thursday (March 22, 2001).

Tuberculosis often a symptom of underlying HIV infection

Tuberculosis often a symptom of underlying HIV infection By Chris Green JAKARTA (JP): There is no way to prove it at present, but it appears that tuberculosis (TB) is the most common infection associated with AIDS in this country. However, it is probably not among the small proportion of cases of HIV infection actually treated by doctors here, which amount to less than 2 percent of the total.

Actor brings Oscar Wilde to Jakarta

Actor brings Oscar Wilde to Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): His name was once a dirty word, sullied by the homosexual scandal which sent him to prison and left him a broken man, but today Irish playwright Oscar Wilde is someone to celebrate. Books, plays and a collection of his private letters were rolled out in his honor in November last year, the centenary of his death.

Indonesia, UK expand ties in marine development

Indonesia, UK expand ties in marine development JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian and British governments took steps to expand ties in marine development on Tuesday through a number of programs, including the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) and cooperation in integrated coastal zone management.

Anti-govt websites back online

Anti-govt websites back online KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Some Malaysian antigovernment Internet sites reappeared on Tuesday after a three-day absence their United States host said was due to a computer error. About a dozen sites were removed and replaced with notices saying they were deleted because they violated terms of agreement set by site host Tripod, owned by Lycos Inc., but on Tuesday at least three were back online.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on March 20, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,550 -50 70,500 Adindo Foresta 90 -10 73,000 AGIS 170 -5 1,510,500 Alakasa 140 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 1,250 -50 331,000 Alter Abadi 90 0 0 Alumindo Light 600 0 0 Andhi Chandra 1,850 -25 28,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 220 0 0 Aneka Tambang 775 -25 819,500 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 Apac Citra 300 -25...

Spicing things up at Martabak Mesir Kubang

Spicing things up at Martabak Mesir Kubang JAKARTA (JP): The streets are filled with vendors offering that favorite snack-time bite martabak, a rich pancake with either a sweet filling (take your pick from peanuts, cheese, chocolate sprinkles, or a devilish mix of them all) or minced beef or lamb. It's usually a takeout meal, and rare is the place that provides an area to sit down and munch on it while it's still piping hot. We tried one of the few martabak eateries which does.

The government is slow

The government is slow I must say I am not too far from reality by saying, in some cases, our government is telmi (acronym for telat mikir or slow thinking). This was evident when the government recently declared the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) a separatist group and that the government should act against it. This decision was reached after tough statements by the commander of the Army Strategic Reserves Command and Army chief of staff.

Gus Dur to reply to House censure soon

Gus Dur to reply to House censure soon JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid said on Tuesday that his reply to the House of Representatives (DPR) memorandum of censure for his alleged involvement in two financial scandals would be ready by the end of March. "The reply is estimated to be ready around March 25 or 26 or by the end of March," Abdurrahman told reporters at Bina Graha presidential office. He said that the response was being prepared by Defense Minister Mahfud M.D.

Cop may face 7 years over suspect's death

Cop may face 7 years over suspect's death JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Military Court postponed on Tuesday the initial hearing of a police officer responsible for the death of a suspected robber during questioning at South Bekasi Police office on Oct. 7, 1999. As the defendant, Second Adj. Insp. Makmur Sinuaji, 40, has yet to be assisted by lawyers. Presiding judge Lt. Col S. Djuwariyah decided to adjourn the hearing until March 28 when lawyers are expected to accompany the officer in court.

Akbar defends second memorandum of censure

Akbar defends second memorandum of censure JAKARTA (JP): House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung defended on Tuesday the move by six House factions to draft a second memorandum of censure before President Abdurrahman Wahid had replied to the first memorandum. "I do not think we have to hold a plenary session to discuss the President's reply to the first memorandum because there have been no significant changes in the performance of the President and the government.

Marubeni's debt restructuring plan rejected

Marubeni's debt restructuring plan rejected JAKARTA (AFP): The Indonesian government has rejected a proposal by Japan's Marubeni Corp to become the single creditor in a debt restructuring deal for petrochemicals company PT Chandra Asri, an official said Tuesday.

Adi Andojo resigns from the anti-corruption team

Adi Andojo resigns from the anti-corruption team JAKARTA (JP): Former deputy chief justice Adi Andojo Soetjipto has resigned from the government-sponsored anti-corruption team, saying that the decision was prompted by the team's failure in taking any major corruption cases to court. "I could no longer lead the team because since its establishment seven months ago, we haven't been able to take a single corruption case to court," Adi told The Jakarta Post in a telephone interview on Tuesday.

A taste of Italian chic at Prego's restaurant in Blok M

A taste of Italian chic at Prego's restaurant in Blok M JAKARTA (JP): The area near Blok M bus terminal always seems to be a maelstrom of noise, dust and people in a hurry, whatever the time of day. Fortunately there is a refuge near at hand, Prego's, for a pleasant drink or meal in comfortable, chic surroundings. Prego: Units 4 & 5, Wisma Iskandarsyah Raya, Blok A Jl Iskandarsyah, South Jakarta, 12160, (tel.723 5123).

The Guthrie deal: Land laundering

The Guthrie deal: Land laundering Your editorial Guthrie deal finally closed (March 9, 2001) misses the point somewhat. If (some of) the lands for the plantations were taken without the agreement of the original owners, then the Salim Group never obtained legal title. Therefore, the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) had no authority to sell the land on the group's behalf and consequently Guthrie has acquired ... nothing. In fact, Kumpulan Guthrie Bhd.

China may source LNG from Indonesia and Australia

China may source LNG from Indonesia and Australia BEIJING (Dow Jones): China's decision to invite BP Amoco Plc (BP) to partner China National Offshore Oil Corp. in a US$600 million terminal project has improved the prospects that liquefied natural gas will be sourced from Australia and Indonesia, analysts said Tuesday.

Asia world of soccer to have Super League

Asia world of soccer to have Super League MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced here on Tuesday that after this year, the Asian Champions Cup and Winners Cup would be staged as the Asian Super League. "Starting in 2002, the Asian Champions Cup and Winners Cups will be officially changed to the Super League. Matches will take place after the World Cup in South Korea and Japan next year," AFC official Alex Soosay said.

'Smart card' travel discussed

'Smart card' travel discussed BANGKOK (AFP): ASEAN delegates met here on Tuesday to discuss ways of standardizing immigration laws so that "smart cards" could one day replace passports and visas for member nationals, officials said. Under the proposal to facilitate travel between member states, the cards would first be issued to government officials, then to business investors and finally tourists as the scheme became fully operational, they said.

Where to go in Surabaya

Where to go in Surabaya Exhibition * Posters: Le Saga du Francais, CCCL - French Cultural Center, Jl. Darmokali 10 (Phone: 031 5615246), until March 24. Music and Entertainment * Hotel Majapahit, Mandarin Oriental, Jl. Tunjungan 65 (Phone: 031 545 4333) - Indigo Restaurant and Bar: Acoustic Quartet, nightly 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. except Wednesday. Weekly Indigo Jazz Performance with Howie Chen and Virtuoso band, 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. * The Westin Surabaya, Jl.

Bank Indonesia's control of money supply must end

Bank Indonesia's control of money supply must end The rupiah has fallen well beyond the "psychological" limit of Rp 10,000, in what has been called a repetition of the September 1997 scene. An economist at the Australian National University, Ross H. McLeod, talked with The Jakarta Post contributor A'an Suryana.

Felia installed as new IBRA deputy chairwoman

Felia installed as new IBRA deputy chairwoman JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Finance Prijadi Praptosuhardjo installed on Tuesday Felia Salim as the new deputy chairwoman of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) in charge of the restructuring and sale of banks controlled by the agency. Felia replaces Jerry Ng, who tendered his resignation earlier this year.

Ade Rai continues competition despite PABBSI threat

Ade Rai continues competition despite PABBSI threat JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's top bodybuilder Ade Rai will go ahead with the 2001 Siswaraga bodybuilding championships for students on Saturday despite an alleged threat from the Indonesian Weightlifting, Powerlifting and Body Building Association (PABBSI) to suspend bodybuilders competing in that event. PABBSI is organizing the Djoko Pramono Weider Cup national championships on Tuesday.

Do my young sons need fluoride for their teeth?

Do my young sons need fluoride for their teeth? Dear Dr Donya, I live in Medan and I have two sons, aged 3.5 years and 1.5 years. My elder son brushes his teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice daily. My younger son brushes without toothpaste at the moment. Can you recommend fluoride supplements for my sons? I asked pediatricians in Medan before, and the reply was fluoride supplements are not necessary until their permanent teeth appear.

Chinese Taipei, Japan advance at Asian Baseball Championship

Chinese Taipei, Japan advance at Asian Baseball Championship TAIPEI (Agencies): Both Chinese Taipei and Japan advanced Tuesday, the second day of the 21st Asian Baseball Championship in Taipei, defeating the Philippines and Indonesia, respectively. Japan thrashed Indonesia 17-0 and ended the game in the sixth innings. Indonesia was competing in the tournament for the first time.

Gunmen fire on choppers carrying minister, reporters

Gunmen fire on choppers carrying minister, reporters By Johannes Simbolon LHOKSEMAWE, Aceh (JP): Gunmen fired on two helicopters carrying Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro and other officials inspecting gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) operations in Aceh on Tuesday. Another helicopter carrying journalists covering the minister's visit also was fired on.

City inspector resigns over Ancol scandal

City inspector resigns over Ancol scandal JAKARTA (JP): City Inspector Hendarin Ono Saleh has submitted his resignation after his recommendation to remove two senior city officials over an overseas travel scandal was rejected. City administration spokesman Muhayat confirmed on Tuesday that Hendarin had submitted his resignation letter last week, but denied it was related to the controversial foreign trips of city officials and city councillors.

1,200 civil servants have no job

1,200 civil servants have no job BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: At least 1,200 civil servants posted at the South Kalimantan administration have been out of work since the regional autonomy law was implemented in January. While waiting for a new job placement under the regional administration, many have become ojek (motorcycle taxi) drivers, some have become motorcycle brokers, and others have turned to mining for gold and precious stones.

DHL wins best service award

DHL wins best service award JAKARTA (JP): Courier company DHL Worldwide Express has been named the "Best Express Service" for the 15th consecutive year at the Asia Freight Industry Awards (AFIA) 2001. "Winning this award is a tremendous accolade which speaks volumes about our people and their collective effort in making this company the best in the industry," DHL Asia-Pacific chief operating officer Marc Duale said in a statement.

Behaving like country bumpkins

Behaving like country bumpkins From Rakyat Merdeka Amien Rais, speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly, was once denied entry to Pasuruan, something which would not have happened, said Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) chairman HM Muzadi, if Amien had lobbied him. Actually, Muzadi should have instructed NU members that they should have respect for other organizations.

Danone takes control of Aqua

Danone takes control of Aqua PARIS (AFP): French group Danone said Tuesday it had signed a deal with Indonesia's Utomo family to allow it to take control of the bottled water manufacturer Aqua group. The value of the deal, subject to approval by the Indonesian government, was not given. Under the agreement, Danone would increase its stake in the firm to 74 percent from 40 percent previously.

More hole-in-ones expected in major golf event

More hole-in-ones expected in major golf event JAKARTA (JP): The 2001 Fedex-RPX corporate golf league is expected to produce more hole-in-ones in the event which starts next Friday. The league, organized by Golf Links Indonesia, is to be played on six different golf courses around Jakarta on the last Friday of each month for the next six months. The first match will take place at the Cengkareng Soewarna Golf Club on March 30.

House endorses bill on RI-HK extradition treaty

House endorses bill on RI-HK extradition treaty JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives passed a bill on Tuesday that will allow the administrations of Indonesia and Hong Kong to surrender fugitives pursued by each country.

Shangri-La accused of sabotaging talks

Shangri-La accused of sabotaging talks JAKARTA (JP): The Shangri-La Hotel Independent Workers' Union (SPMS) on Tuesday accused the hotel management of sabotaging tripartite negotiations with the Ministry of Manpower and Transmigration by refusing to deliver an invitation on the talks to the union. SPMS deputy secretary Odie Hudiyanto said the invitation was only delivered by the hotel to the union on Tuesday, while talks to discuss the dispute had been set for March 14.

Three types of presidents

Three types of presidents From Rakyat Merdeka I almost could not believe my ears when I heard that President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid said that if he stepped down, Madura, Aceh and Irian Jaya would secede from the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. It was really exasperating to hear this. Secondly, I also believe that Gus Dur's visit to Kalimantan was overdue. Why did he go abroad when the conflict showed signs of worsening?