Archive: 8 March 2001
55 articles found
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
3G has promising future in Asia Pacific: Analyst
3G has promising future in Asia Pacific: Analyst SINGAPORE (AFP): The Asia Pacific region has all the ingredients for third-generation (3G) wireless phone services to flourish, according to a leading industry analyst. But telecoms operators and phone vendors could prove an obstacle, Greg Tarr, chief investment officer with Asian venture capital firm M-Werks, told AFP on the sidelines of the three-day Internet World Asia conference which opened here Wednesday.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Faltering confidence
Faltering confidence The higher-than-expected 4.8 percent economic growth Indonesia posted in 2000 has apparently failed to increase market confidence or raise expectations of a stronger recovery. Instead, last year's economic spurt, from zero growth in 1999 and a contraction of almost 14 percent at the peak of the country's economic crisis in 1998, is expected to cool off this year as a result of external and internal factors.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Government replaces PLN president
Government replaces PLN president JAKARTA (JP): The government replaced Kuntoro Mangkusubroto as president of state electricity company PT PLN on Wednesday, to leave the burden of restructuring the ailing state company with PLN former marketing and distribution director, Eddie Widiono. Ministerial decree no 108/2001 signed by Finance Minister Prijadi Praptosuhardjo on March 2, also re-appointed Hardiv Situmeang as PLN director for planning after he had resigned from the post in late 1999.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Customer sues Lippo Shop
Customer sues Lippo Shop TANGERANG (JP): A customer, Kusnoro, has filed a lawsuit with the Tangerang District Court against Lippo Shop Internet-based shopping website for deception and demanded Rp 2 billion (US$210,000) in compensation. The lawyer representing the customer, Adi Yulistanto, told reporters on Wednesday that the company failed to live up to its promise to deliver cigarettes in cartons ordered by his client by phone. The order, according to Adi, was made five times on Oct.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Parties reach peace deal over Priok bloodshed
Parties reach peace deal over Priok bloodshed JAKARTA (JP): The families of Tanjung Priok riot victims and military officers who were active when the bloody shooting took place have reached a peace after more than 16 years. The Islamic reconciliation pact, called an islah, was signed in the presence of a notary public on March 1, but was only announced during a gathering on Wednesday at the Sunda Kelapa Grand Mosque in Menteng, Central Jakarta.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Soeharto used to demand protection: Sudjana
Soeharto used to demand protection: Sudjana JAKARTA (JP): Former minister of mines and energy Ida Bagus Sudjana revealed on Wednesday that ex-president Soeharto told him to "protect" a company belonging to the latter's son, Bambang Trihatmodjo.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah Rates March 7, 2001
Rupiah Rates March 7, 2001 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Megawati 'would be better' than Gus Dur
Megawati 'would be better' than Gus Dur JAKARTA (JP): People's Consultative Assembly Speaker Amien Rais expressed confidence on Wednesday that Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri would be a better leader than incumbent President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid. Speaking to journalists in his office, Amien assured that Megawati would learn from Abdurrahman's mistakes and would listen to her advisors carefully to deal with the country's myriad of problems.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
S'pore doesn't store nuclear weapons for U.S.
S'pore doesn't store nuclear weapons for U.S. SINGAPORE (AP): In an unusual parliamentary debate in Singapore, several legislators demanded information from the government on Wednesday about the city-state's secret military agreement with the United States. While no one seems to fear hidden nuclear weapons in Singapore, opposition veteran Joshua "J.B." Jeyaretnam raised that issue when he said he doesn't understand why the 1990 military accord remains classified.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah could worsen with further IMF delay
Rupiah could worsen with further IMF delay Opinions have been brewing for quite some time over the "medication" of the country's crisis. The following is an excerpt from a recent interview with economist Mari Pangestu. Question: How do you see the latest tension between Indonesia and the International Monetary Fund (IMF)? Answer: Good ties with the IMF are still evidence for foreign investors in relation to confidence recovery for Indonesia.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
East Kalimantan wary of conflict
East Kalimantan wary of conflict SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: Provincial police chief Brig. Gen. Togar M. Sianipar warned here on Wednesday that East Kalimantan could see ethnic violence similar to that in neighboring Central Kalimantan due to the population's heterogeneous ethnic composition. Togar noted that ethnic violence had erupted in Sambas, West Kalimantan, just two years ago and it could also happen in East Kalimantan due to the similar demographic conditions.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Legal battle against PT Freeport reopens
Legal battle against PT Freeport reopens JAKARTA (JP): The legal battle between the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) and the mining giant PT Freeport Indonesia opened on Wednesday at the South Jakarta District Court. Walhi told the hearing that Freeport has been responsible for environmental damage caused by its mining activity in Irian Jaya and that the company should be held responsible for spreading misleading information about a recent accident at its dump site.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Kostrad declares war against GAM
Kostrad declares war against GAM JAKARTA (JP): Chief of the Army Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad) Lt. Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu on Wednesday declared war against Free Aceh Movement (GAM) separatist rebels. "We have prepared our (Kostrad) troops to fight not the people, but only enemies of the state. "GAM is an enemy of the state.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Last group of refugees leave Sampit
Last group of refugees leave Sampit SAMPIT, Central Kalimantan (JP): The last remaining refugees sheltering in camps here as a result of the bloody ethnic riot have been officially evacuated and transported by ship to East Java. The exact number that were remaining is still sketchy, but officials claimed that the last batch of about 4,500 refugees were evacuated Wednesday evening aboard the Tilongkabila ship bound for Surabaya.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Hoodlum killed by colleague
Hoodlum killed by colleague BOGOR (JP): A dispute over a guitar ended up in the death of a notorious hoodlum. His body was found lying on a soccer field near his home in Pasir Angin subdistrict, Cileungsi on Monday night. A Cileungsi Police Subprecinct officer said on Tuesday the man, identified as Dede alias Ikat, 18, died from stab wounds to his head and back. Some of his teeth were also missing.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
KONI upbeat despite its lack of funds for SEAG
KONI upbeat despite its lack of funds for SEAG JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council (KONI) deputy chairman Arie Sudewo expressed optimism that the training program for the 2001 Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) would continue despite of shortage in funds. KONI needs more than Rp 77 billion (US$8 million) for the training program and is working hard to meet this requirement.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Plot to kill Xanana foiled
Plot to kill Xanana foiled DILI, East Timor (AP): United Nations police on Wednesday arrested three men in connection with a possible assassination attempt on independence leader Jose Alexandre "Xanana" Gusmao, who accused political opponents linked to the Indonesian military of being behind the alleged plot. Gusmao spoke shortly after police intervened during a political gathering to arrest three men trying to push their way through the crowd toward him.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Manila 'came close to debt moratorium'
Manila 'came close to debt moratorium' MANILA (Dow Jones): Philippine Central Bank Governor Rafael Buenaventura said on Wednesday the country came close to declaring a debt moratorium after foreign banks cut credit lines last December while the leadership crisis was raging. Buenaventura, speaking to the Foreign Correspondents' Association, said disaster was only averted by the ouster of former president Joseph Estrada on Jan. 20.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Talisman profit up threefold
Talisman profit up threefold CALGARY, Alberta (Reuters): Talisman Energy Inc. pumped out a nearly threefold jump in fourth-quarter profit on Tuesday, as Canada's third-largest oil and gas explorer and producer reaped rewards from strong prices and rising production. Talisman, known for operations in Canada, the North Sea, Sudan and Indonesia, also joined a long list of international oil companies in reporting record annual results, and predicted an even stronger showing this year.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
RI to up rice, sugar duties
RI to up rice, sugar duties JAKARTA (Reuters): Indonesia is considering raising import duties on rice, sugar and soybeans to protect local producers, a senior trade and industry official said on Wednesday. "We are discussing plans to raise import duties on rice, sugar and soybeans," Director General of International Trade Riyanto Yosokumoro told reporters. "It's still being discussed by the tariff team so I can't give you the figures.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Support needed to help TNI conduct reforms
Support needed to help TNI conduct reforms JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for Political, Social and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono appealed on Wednesday for support for the Indonesian Military's (TNI) undertaking in conducting internal reforms and for no disruption to its efforts in producing professional soldiers.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Mobile phone menu
Mobile phone menu I have been involved in a localization project of a mobile phone company for quite a while. Localization means that all the display menus and users' guides of a product, in my case, a mobile phone, should be translated into Bahasa Indonesia without disregarding local standards and cultural norms.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Justice Party only upholds the Constitution
Justice Party only upholds the Constitution The Justice Party's Hidayat Nurwahid explains the change in his party's stance towards the Vice President. Question: What caused the Justice Party to change its position regarding a Megawati presidency? Answer: It is our political position not to support kedzaliman (cruelty, abberation) but rather the Constitution.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Suci Bungaran the only Indonesian survivor
Suci Bungaran the only Indonesian survivor JAKARTA (JP): Girl's tennis player Suci Bungaran was the only Indonesian to survive the second round of the 2001 Gas Negara International Junior Championships on Wednesday. Suci had no difficulty overcoming compatriot and eighth seeded Maya Rosa 6-3, 6-2, to cruise into the quarterfinals on Thursday. She will face top seeded Maretha Van Niekerk of South Africa, who had an easy time with South Korean qualifier Kim Su-jin, winning 6-4, 6-2.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Officer to be tried over wrongful shooting
Officer to be tried over wrongful shooting JAKARTA (JP): A court-martial is awaiting a police officer who wrongfully shot an innocent man to death on Jl. Raya Semanan in Kalideres, West Jakarta, last Wednesday. City Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Anton Bahrul Alam said on Wednesday that internal affairs investigating the shooting had concluded that Brig. Pambudi, an officer of the West Jakarta Police SWAT team, had wrongfully shot Cengkareng resident Yudianto, 31, in the back of the head.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia needs shock therapy whereby IMF, WB leave the country
Indonesia needs shock therapy whereby IMF, WB leave the country Someone who holds rather extreme views of the IMF is economist Revrisond Baswir of Yogyakarta's Gadjah Mada University, who chairs the Institute of Development and Economic Analysis and is a member of an anti debt coalition comprising several nongovernmental organizations. Question: Do you think the IMF has been too demanding of Indonesia? Answer: The real issue is not whether they are too demanding or not.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Probe demanded for past corruption cases
Probe demanded for past corruption cases JAKARTA (JP): Legislators proposed on Wednesday that the House of Representatives (DPR) probe past major corruption cases, including the alleged misappropriation of Rp 144 trillion (US$14.6 billion) Bank Indonesia Liquidity Support (BLBI) funds and corruption at several projects of state-owned oil and gas company Pertamina.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
RI makes fuel from palm oil
RI makes fuel from palm oil JAKARTA (AFP): Indonesia, the world's second largest crude palm oil (CPO) producer, is currently developing a fuel from the commodity, Agriculture Minister Bungaran Saragih said Wednesday. "We are currently conducting tests on CPO converted into bio- diesel oil at the CPO Research Center in Medan (North Sumatra)," Saragih told journalists after meeting with Vice President Megawati Sukarnoputri.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Court ruling affects Kia car project
Court ruling affects Kia car project JAKARTA (JP): The recent ruling by the Supreme Court that ordered PT Timor Putra Nasional car company to pay the tax directorate general Rp 3.2 trillion (US$326 million) in back taxes and duties has further put the fate of the Kia car project in limbo, Trade and Industry Minister Luhut Panjaitan said here on Wednesday.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
KPU must be independent, professional: Candidates
KPU must be independent, professional: Candidates JAKARTA (JP): The integrity of the 2004 general election will depend much on the Indonesian Election Commission (KPU)'s independence and its members' professionalism, KPU candidates said on Wednesday.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Sampit tragedy
Sampit tragedy From Kompas Many have attributed the human tragedy in Sampit to the tardiness of government, including those in charge of security. Under regional autonomy, utmost responsibility would lie with the head of a province or regency. Of course, we cannot simply blame such officials before taking a close look at the area in question.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
We give priority to national interest: PBB party official
We give priority to national interest: PBB party official The Crescent Star Party (PBB) is another party which no longer supports President Abdurrahman Wahid as much as it did in the beginning of his term. Party executive M.S. Ka'ban shared his views on this matter with The Jakarta Post. Question: How do you justify your party's new support for a Megawati Soekarnoputri presidency? Answer: The situation in the country affects our political judgments.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Repsol-YPF finds oil in RI
Repsol-YPF finds oil in RI MADRID (Dow Jones): Spanish-Argentine oil and energy group Repsol YPF SA (REP) has discovered three new oil fields in West Madura, off the East coast of Java, Indonesia. Through its YPF Madura Barat subsidiary, Repsol YPF has a 25 percent stake in the West Madura operation. Its partners in the venture are Indonesian state-owned Pertamina, with a 50 percent participation, and Kodeco Energy Co. Ltd., with 25 percent.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Megawati may be the cure of Indonesia's ill
Megawati may be the cure of Indonesia's ill HONG KONG: Abdurrahman Wahid's presidency is looking more precarious with every passing week. The nation's economy has not been turned around, political reforms are going nowhere and ethnic violence is tearing apart the provinces. Indonesians are thus understandably restless for change. The danger is that this anxiety will be used to. remove the president prematurely, undermining democracy in the process.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Marzuki determined to reform Attorney General's Office
Marzuki determined to reform Attorney General's Office JAKARTA (JP): Attorney General Marzuki Darusman says he is determined to reform and restructure his "corrupt" and "inefficient" office in response to public demands for professional and independent prosecutors. Marzuki announced on Wednesday the establishment of a team to reform and restructure the office as a follow up to a legal audit carried out to identify ways to improve the office's integrity, professionalism and effectiveness.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Pemuteran village successful in boosting tourism
Pemuteran village successful in boosting tourism By Alpha Savitri BULELENG, North Bali (JP): Prior to the 1990s, Pemuteran was one of Bali's poorest villages but not anymore. Not only have the villagers successfully made their village more attractive but also more prosperous thanks to tourism. Pemuteran, in Gerokgak subdistrict, Buleleng regency, is increasing in popularity with tourists fond of meditating and diving. The village has both a strong spiritual attraction and amazing marine wealth.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Govt agrees to IBRA's deal with Guthrie
Govt agrees to IBRA's deal with Guthrie JAKARTA (Dow Jones): The government has agreed to the sale of palm oil plantations to Malaysian firm Kumpulan Guthrie Bhd. after months of delay caused by political interference in the deal. Indonesia's Bank Restructuring Agency, or IBRA, reached a final agreement with Guthrie earlier this week to sell the Sumatra plantations formally belonging to the Salim Group, IBRA Vice President Thomas Lembong said.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
BDNI abused liquidity support, says witness
BDNI abused liquidity support, says witness JAKARTA (JP): A central bank official testified on Wednesday Bank Dagang Negara Indonesia (BDNI) used liquidity support it received from Bank Indonesia to buy foreign currency from Bank Bali.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on March. 7, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------ Astra Agro 825 0 26,000 Asuransi Bina 475 0 8,500 Andhi Chandra 1,875 0 771,000 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,750 -25 204,500 Adindo Foresta 125 0 0 GT Petrochem 175 0 0 Asuransi Harta 1,100 -100 5,000 Asia Intiselera 275 -25 65,000 Argha Karya Prima 200 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 220 0 0 Alter Abadi Tbk 105 0 50,000 Alfa...
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Employees suspected of killing employer
Employees suspected of killing employer JAKARTA (JP): A team of Central Jakarta Police detectives are hunting down a gardener and a driver who allegedly killed their employer, Megawati Purnomo, on Monday. A source at the Menteng Police substation said on Wednesday that vengeance was the most obvious motive behind the murder since the two suspects Saputra, 25, (driver) and Susanto, 15 (gardener) took nothing from their employer.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Giant statue taking shape on a hill in Bali
Giant statue taking shape on a hill in Bali Text and photos by Pandaya JIMBARAN, Bali (JP): As the taxi from Denpasar dropped me off at a hotel in Kuta, I suddenly remembered the giant multimillion dollar statue built somewhere in the general area some four years ago.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Paris Club meeting likely to go ahead
Paris Club meeting likely to go ahead JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Finance Prijadi Praptosuhardjo said here on Wednesday that uncertainty regarding the International Monetary Fund's (IMF's) review on Indonesia's economic reform program would not affect the Paris Club meeting. The minister said that he hoped the international creditors in the Paris Club would go ahead with their meeting in April.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Bali:
Where to go in Bali: Exhibition * Painting, 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. 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. Raya Ubud, Gianyar (Phone: 0361 975136), daily, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. * Museum of Bali, Jl.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
City Council approves two parking operators
City Council approves two parking operators JAKARTA (JP): City Council Speaker Edy Waluyo said on Wednesday the council had recommended two private parking operators to manage the city's on-street parking. "We recommended that the city administration choose these two operators," Edy of the Indonesian Military/National Police faction said.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Marlev and Ronny cruise to All England second round
Marlev and Ronny cruise to All England second round JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian shuttlers breezed through the second round of the 2001 Yonex All England Open on Wednesday. Marlev Mainaky, seeded seventh in the men's singles grabbed his first-round victory by defeating Swede Daniel Eriksson 15-12, 15-10. Rony Agustinus traced Marlev's path by beating Chinese Xiao Hui 15-9, 15-12.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Teen marriages cause serious social problems
Teen marriages cause serious social problems By I Ketut Sutika Denpasar, Bali (Antara): The ongoing multi-dimensional crisis has badly affected efforts of the Bali provincial government to prevent the island's teenagers from tying the knot with their young lovers, said a minister. The increasing rate of school dropouts has encouraged the youth, teenage girls in particular, to get married soon, according to State Minister for Women Empowerment Kofifah Indar Parawansa.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Foreign tourist spends $77.35 per day on average in Bali
Foreign tourist spends $77.35 per day on average in Bali DENPASAR, Bali (Antara): The result of a survey conducted by local tourism authorities shows a foreign tourist visiting Bali spent an average of US$77.35 per day with a stay averaging 11 days last year. The result of the survey conducted on 3,884 tourists also shows the total spending of foreign tourists to the world- renowned tourist island last year reached $3.3 million.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Fire guts Jambi hotel
Fire guts Jambi hotel JAMBI: A fire gutted the Telanaipura Hotel, located on Jl. Urip Sumoharjo, on Friday which left the 30-room hotel gutted. Antara reported that the fire began at about 3 p.m. and firemen were only able to put it out three hours later. Police in their preliminary investigation surmised that the fire was caused by a short circuit in the canteen on the ground floor of the hotel. No casualties were reported in the fire.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Italian artist's work an homage to athletes
Italian artist's work an homage to athletes By Mehru Jaffer JAKARTA (JP): What does Italy mean to you? To many students of Universitas Negeri Jakarta, the boot-shaped country in Europe conjures up images of Ferraris and soccer. This was evident in a competition on graphic arts, painting and sculpture organized by The Italian Cultural Institute here. Students concentrated on illustrating their impressions of Italy through the twin themes of racing cars and soccer.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Gus Dur back home as anti-government rally over
Gus Dur back home as anti-government rally over JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid arrived home after midnight on Thursday, an hour after some 4,000 youths from different camps rallied peacefully in front of the Merdeka Palace. The Garuda Airbus carrying the beleaguered President and his entourage landed at Halim Perdanakusuma airport in East Jakarta 40 minutes into midnight amid tight security cordon.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
La Paene to earn Rp 5m in first professional bout
La Paene to earn Rp 5m in first professional bout JAKARTA (JP): Fast money is what former national boxer La Paene Masara will get from his first professional bout next week. La Paene's manager, Waris, confirmed on Wednesday that a promoter from the RCTI private TV station Abraham Bisma had agreed to pay the 27-year old boxer Rp 5 million (US$510) for six-rounds against Darwin Alfian of Tangerang in the 48.9- kilograms division bout on March 20.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Luhut downplays impact of U.S. economic growth
Luhut downplays impact of U.S. economic growth JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Trade and Industry Luhut Pandjaitan played down on Wednesday the impact of the slowdown in the U.S. economy on Indonesia's exports. Speaking at a hearing with the House of Representatives (DPR), Luhut said the impact of the U.S. economic slowdown would be minimal because most of goods exported to the country comprised primary consumption products such as textiles, garments and shoes.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Japanese grant aid for refugees
Japanese grant aid for refugees AMBON, Maluku: The Japanese government awarded on Wednesday a total of US$540,217 (Rp 5.1 billion) in grants under the grass roots assistance scheme for projects designed to help with the transporting of refugees in Maluku and North Maluku provinces. "The grants will also assist the development of emergency school buildings for repatriated children in North Maluku and Maluku," a statement from the Japanese government said.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
RP official wants stop to executions
RP official wants stop to executions MANILA (AFP): The justice secretary of the Philippines, Hernando Perez, pronouncing himself against the death penalty, said on Wednesday he would block practically all judicial executions for as long as he was in charge of the country's prisons. President Gloria Arroyo commuted the sentences of two condemned men on Tuesday on the recommendation of Perez.
Thu, 08 Mar 2001, 00:00 WIB
Semarang to hold volleyball c'ships
Semarang to hold volleyball c'ships SEMARANG (JP): The Indonesian Volleyball Association (PBVSI) will stage the PBVSI Cup national junior championships here from March 25 through April 1. Secretary of the PBVSI's Central Java chapter Sofyan T. Dolo told reporters on Wednesday that the Central Java team was ready to retain its men's title in the competition, which used to be called the Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana Cup in honor of the PBVSI's former chairwoman. Jakarta took the women's title last year.