Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 21 May 2001

65 articles found

After 2nd memorandum, what next?

After 2nd memorandum, what next? By William Chang PONTIANAK, West Kalimantan (JP): The recent second memorandum of censure issued by the majority of legislators against President Abdurrahman Wahid brings about more social political divisions and, hence, increased uncertainty. Meanwhile, the government has not made any significant progress in reforming socioeconomic conditions. Some say the situation is worsening because many officials do not know what should be done.

Fuad Bawazier's house sealed

Fuad Bawazier's house sealed CILACAP, Central Java: Hundreds of students from various universities sealed the residence here of former finance minister and director general of taxes Fuad Bawazier on Sunday. The students, grouped in the Indonesian Islamic Students Association (PMII), came from various towns in the area such as Purwokerto and Wonosobo. Only several housemaids were at the house at the time.

Ministers meet to discuss advice

Ministers meet to discuss advice JAKARTA (JP): Confusion again was evident within the ranks of the administration as a hastily scheduled Cabinet meeting on Sunday was suddenly downgraded to a plenary ministerial meeting in the absence of both the President and Vice President. The 3 p.m. meeting, which was originally due to be held at the presidential office, was moved at the last minute to the office of Coordinating Minister of Political, Social and Cultural Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Sikka coral reefs damaged

Sikka coral reefs damaged MAUMERE, East Nusa Tenggara: The increasing use of explosives in traditional fishing has caused damage to some 5,800 hectares of coral reef in Sikka regency, regent Paulus Moa said on Saturday. Paulus said currently the regency had a total of 7,200 hectares of coral reef, of which only 1,400 hectares were still intact and undamaged. He said local fishermen and fishermen from outside the province often used explosives in their daily fishing activities in the Sikka area.

China beats Cambodia 3-1 in World Cup qualifier

China beats Cambodia 3-1 in World Cup qualifier GUANGZHOU, China (Agencies): China ensured a berth in the second 2002 World Cup qualifying after it beat Cambodia 3-1 Sunday in the qualifying Group 9 match here. Midfielder Ma Mingyu got his team on the scoreboard in the sixth minute slamming home a goal from 12 meters (40 feet) out in what many thought was the beginning of a Chinese rout. But Cambodia came back in the 12th minute as the Chinese attack went too far forward.

Model city to be tourist hot spot

Model city to be tourist hot spot KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Malaysia will soon promote its new administrative capital as a prime destination for foreign visitors who appreciate town planning and architectural grandeur, a senior tourism official said on Sunday. The government will try to get travel agents to include Putrajaya, about 40 kilometers south of Kuala Lumpur, in their tour packages, Deputy Tourism Minister Ng Yen Yen was quoted as saying by the national news agency, Bernama.

Indian labor unions threaten strike

Indian labor unions threaten strike NEW DELHI (AFP): Leading Indian trade unions on Sunday threatened to launch a nationwide strike to protest against Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee government's policy of privatization and relaxing rigid labour laws. In a joint statement, national labour unions criticized Vajpayee for his recent statement that liberalization of the economy was aimed at raising employment and reducing poverty.

U.S. budget surplus soars

U.S. budget surplus soars WASHINGTON (AFP): The U.S. government surplus soared to a record US$189.80 billion in April from $159.50 billion in the same month last year, the US Treasury announced here Friday. The April report typically registers the largest monthly surplus of the fiscal year, as it includes tax receipts received ahead of the mid-April deadline for filing income taxes. The Treasury said overall receipts totaled a record $331.80 billion in April, while outlays came to $142 billion.

American greenback likely to hold gains

American greenback likely to hold gains NEW YORK (Dow Jones): The dollar emerged from a rangebound week Friday with renewed sway over the euro and the yen, shrugging off a rebound in monthly trade deficit that points to weaker first-quarter growth. This pattern is expected to continue into this week, as a slate of euro-zone data are forecast to show more weakness and U.S. data are light. But market watchers should pick up clues in the meantime that hint at trends to come.

East Timor bishop calls for calm political process

East Timor bishop calls for calm political process FATIMA, Portugal (Reuters): Nobel Peace Prize winner Bishop Ximenes Belo on Sunday urged political groups in East Timor to settle their differences peacefully as the Asian territory prepares for full independence. Ximenes Belo described the political situation in the former Portuguese colony, currently under transitional administration by the United Nations, as "somewhat troubled".

Quality swimmers are getting scarce

Quality swimmers are getting scarce From Koran Tempo Having observed the achievements of Indonesian swimmers now, I, as a sports lover, have reason to feel deeply worried. The Southeast Asia (SEA) Games are in the offing and we have to be aware of the fact that we have not seen senior swimmers being usurped by their junior "brothers". These little brothers are expected to become swimmers of the next generation in defending Indonesia's contingent taking part in SEA Games events.

Chad votes for new president

Chad votes for new president N'DJAMENA (Reuters): Chadians from northern desert to southern jungles voted on Sunday to decide who will rule the Central African country for the next five years, when oil money promises to transform its desperately poor economy. President Idriss Deby, 49, hopes to extend more than a decade of rule that began when he seized power at the head of a lightning rebellion in the former French colony in 1990. Voting began after the scheduled 6 a.m. (11 a.m.

Poker crowns new world champ

Poker crowns new world champ LAS VEGAS, Nevada (AP): A 29-year-old man is poker's new king after he bluffed his way to a US$1.5 million jackpot. Carlos Mortensen, a professional poker player for four years, won the World Series of Poker tournament Friday night at Binion's Horseshoe. When the dealer turned over the final card in the no-limit Texas hold-em event, the nine of diamonds gave Mortensen a straight, beating Dewey Tomko's two pair.

Thai PM invited to visit U.S.

Thai PM invited to visit U.S. BANGKOK (AFP): The United States has invited Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to visit Washington, Thai foreign ministry spokesman Norachit Singhasenee said on Sunday. U.S. Assistant Secretary of State James Kelly extended the invitation on Friday, when he stopped over in Bangkok on his return from an Association of Southeast Asian Nations regional meeting in Hanoi.

No change suits Roma as leading trio all win

No change suits Roma as leading trio all win ROME (Agencies): AS Roma coasted to a 4-1 victory at bottom club Bari Sunday to stay firmly on course for what would be its first Italian first division title in 18 years. Goals from French defender Vincent Candela and Argentinean forward Gabriel Batistuta had the game wrapped up at half-time for the league leader while Brazilian defender Cafu and Batistuta again added two more after the break.

[i] It is not for nothing that a recently published United States

It is not for nothing that a recently published United States report has showed a great deal of softness towards Pakistan ...

Aceh's fertilizer exports fall

Aceh's fertilizer exports fall BANDA ACEH, Aceh (Antara): Aceh's fertilizer exports in the first quarter of 2001 fell to US$16.57 million from US$21.60 million in a corresponding period last year. The drop in fertilizer exports was closely related to PT Aceh Asean Fertilizer (PT AFF)'s decision to suspend its production activities due to lack of gas supplies from U.S. oil and gas giant ExxonMobil, a source at the Aceh Office of the Industry and Trade Ministry said on Saturday.

Lady Luck smiles on Bayern ahead of Champions League

Lady Luck smiles on Bayern ahead of Champions League BERLIN (Agencies): Bayern Munich was the most famous last- minute loser in recent soccer history until Lady Luck smiled on it in the dying moments of a crazy game on Saturday to give it its third straight Bundesliga title and a timely morale boost.

Online personal payment services may replace credit cards

Online personal payment services may replace credit cards JAKARTA (JP): The recent arrests of several Internet thieves in Yogyakarta had at least two effects on us, Indonesians. The first, which was very saddening, was that they put us in deeper disgrace. They expanded the already long list of undesirable attributes that we, Indonesians, have to live with by adding "cybercriminals". The second was that it made us more aware that the Internet is not at all a safe place.

Prisoners go on hunger strike

Prisoners go on hunger strike COLOMBO (Reuters): About 20 foreigners held in a Sri Lankan prison on various minor offenses have started a hunger strike to protest their treatment, embassy and other officials said on Sunday. They said the prisoners in Negombo, mostly South Koreans but also one Briton, an American and six Chinese, were demanding that they be brought to trial or released.

Sharon talks tough after air raids

Sharon talks tough after air raids JERUSALEM (Reuters): Prime Minister Ariel Sharon pledged to use as much Israeli military might as needed against the Palestinians, amid scathing domestic and international criticism on Sunday of his dispatch of warplanes to retaliate for a suicide bombing. "We will do everything necessary and use everything we have to protect Israeli citizens," Sharon was quoted as saying in an interview with Israel's largest daily, Yedioth Ahronoth.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Advertisement Postcard, Gallery RPC, Jl. Suryo 8 Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, until May 31. * Modern Indonesian Literature, Galeri Lontar, Jl. Utan Kayu 68H, East Jakarta (Phone: 8573388), May 31. * Photo Open Boundaries, in collaboration with British Council and Goethe Institute, Italian Cultural Institute, Jl. HOS Cokroaminoto 117, Central Jakarta (Phone: 3927531), Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., until May 27.

School or just at home with moms?

School or just at home with moms? ----------------------------------------------------------------- More and more moms and dads, including those from the lower economic classes, realize the importance of early education for their children. What do they really have in mind when they think about the appropriate schools, teachers, facilities, activities and toys for their children? ----------------------------------------------------------------- By K.

RP grounds all Bell helicopters

RP grounds all Bell helicopters MANILA (AFP): Philippine authorities have grounded all Bell- 407 helicopters following a crash that left six people dead, a report said on Sunday. Air Transportation Office (ATO) chief Adelberto Yap was quoted in the Philippine Star as saying that pilots have complained of mechanical defects on the Bell craft. Yap said he had sent a letter to helicopter maker Bell Corp. informing it of the grounding and complaints of pilots.

Chinese parties in Barisan Nasional falling short

Chinese parties in Barisan Nasional falling short By P. Ramasamy SINGAPORE: The appointment of two Chinese advisers -- one a lawyer and the other a Chinese daily editor -- to Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad is a reflection, among other things, that Chinese component parties in the Barisan Nasional (BN) -- especially the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) and Gerakan -- are not doing enough to woo members of the Chinese community away from the opposition.

Uncertainties impede demand in property sector

Uncertainties impede demand in property sector JAKARTA (JP): Growing risk factors and economic uncertainties befalling the country have impeded demand in the property sector during the first three months of the year, property consultant PT Procon Indah/Jones Lang Lasalle said.

China to join Bangkok Skytrain

China to join Bangkok Skytrain BANGKOK (AFP): A Chinese state firm will build a 300 million dollar extension to Bangkok's debt-burdened light rail system known as the Skytrain, a report said Saturday. The Shanghai Metro Construction Corp (SMCC), a Shanghai city enterprise, will come to the aid of Thailand's ailing Bangkok Transit System Co (BTSC), which owes creditors more than 30 billion baht (US$660 million).

Supreme Audit Agency finds Rp 14.4t in unreported credits

Supreme Audit Agency finds Rp 14.4t in unreported credits JAKARTA (JP): The Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) has found an additional Rp 14.4 trillion (US$1.3 billion) in bank liquidity support facility funds disbursed by Bank Indonesia during the period of 1998 and 1999, in addition to the Rp 144.5 trillion so far reported by the central bank. BPK chief Satrio B. Joedono, however, said on Saturday that the new figure had yet to be clarified with Bank Indonesia.

'Jathilan' artists march to palace

'Jathilan' artists march to palace YOGYAKARTA: Some 1,000 members of the newly formed Association of People's Traditional Art (PKTK) staged a rally at Yogyakarta Palace to express their support for the continuation of the province's status as a special region. Dressed in traditional dance Jathilan costume, they marched some three kilometers from Tugu to the palace to meet Sultan Hamengkubuwono X. During the march to the palace, the association members performed the Jathilan dance.

Rumors over TNI reshuffle send another bad sign

Rumors over TNI reshuffle send another bad sign JAKARTA (JP): Rumors that President Abdurrahman Wahid plans a reshuffle among top military officials to allow him to disband the House of Representatives will cloud this week's political outlook and may extend pressure on the rupiah, analysts said. They said that if the rumors were true, the rupiah would buckle under more political tension, and could drag down the stock market.

Trucks impounded for illegal logs

Trucks impounded for illegal logs PADANG, West Sumatra: West Sumatra Police on Saturday impounded eight trucks and questioned their drivers for transporting logs without proper documentation from several areas in the province. West Sumatra Police chief of detectives, Sr. Comr. Octavianus Far Far, said: "We don't know who are the owners of the illegal logs.

House to invite G-15 leaders on May 30

House to invite G-15 leaders on May 30 JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives (DPR) plans to invite leaders of the Group of 15 (G-15), due here at the end of the month for a summit, to a House plenary session which will decide whether to proceed with an impeachment process against President Abdurrahman Wahid.

When enough is enough

When enough is enough The flurry of activity over the weekend has further strengthened rumors in Jakarta of impending drastic measures by President Abdurrahman Wahid as he struggles for his political survival. One of the most talked about scenarios has it that the President is seeking to replace the top leaders of the Army because of their opposition to his plan to declare a state of emergency, which in turn will allow him to dissolve the House of Representatives.

RI riders gear up for 2001 SEA Games

RI riders gear up for 2001 SEA Games JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Equestrian and Horse Racing Association (Pordasi) will select its team members for the Kuala Lumpur 2001 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games through a championship series. The first championship, which was organized by the Equestrian Committee of Indonesia (ECI), started on Friday and went until Sunday at Arthayasa Stables in Sawangan, West Java.

Economic outlook remains gloomy despite 2.6% growth

Economic outlook remains gloomy despite 2.6% growth JAKARTA (JP): Although economic growth in the first quarter of this year fulfilled the market's expectations, many economists warn that the outlook for the rest of the year is much more gloomy. They said that unless the current domestic political instability was resolved, 2001 economic growth might be even lower than the government's new target of around 3.5 percent.

Nation needs to adopt sense of remorse: Activist

Nation needs to adopt sense of remorse: Activist JAKARTA (JP): The nation needs to adopt a common mind set in which it will agree to stop vengeful attitudes and instead adopt a mood of forgiveness if it is ever to heal the wounds of communal conflict which has pierced the heart of the nation, a noted advocate for peace has said.

Price of goods may jump with power, fuel hikes

Price of goods may jump with power, fuel hikes JAKARTA (JP): Observers say the price of consumer goods and other manufacturing products may increase by up to 20 percent if the government goes ahead with its plan to raise fuel prices, electricity rates and the value added tax (VAT).

20 students held for bus robbery

20 students held for bus robbery JAKARTA (JP): Police arrested 20 high school students on Saturday for robbery, following a tip from a street musician who witnessed the crime. Police also seized machetes, sickles, knives, swords and screwdrivers from the suspects, who are accused of robbing the passengers of a Mayasari bus traveling on Jl. Suprapto in Cempaka Putih, Central Jakarta. Kemayoran Police chief Adj. Comr.

Once pristine beach ravaged by development

Once pristine beach ravaged by development JAKARTA (JP): Early in the 1970s, many local families spent their weekend at Cilincing beach in North Jakarta. These days, it is a slum, and nothing more than a place to dump garbage. Cilincing was once a popular leisure destination in the city, with its beautiful beach and fishponds luring families to lounge and fish for hours on end.

Three murdered over the weekend

Three murdered over the weekend JAKARTA (JP): The city police recorded three murders in separate locations in Greater Jakarta over the weekend, a police spokesman said on Sunday. Sr. Comr. Anton Bachrul Alam said the first victim was Elizabeth, 16, who lives on Jl. Pecah Kulit in the Pinangsia area of West Jakarta. She died in the hospital on Saturday night. Anton said the girl was alone at her residence on May 4 when a man broke into her home, and aggressively assaulted her.

Calls for unity during the National Awakening commemorations

Calls for unity during the National Awakening commemorations were also expressed by several governors. In Medan, North Sumatra Governor Rizal Nurdin used the event to urge people to remember the National Awakening spirit to revitalize their sense of unity. In his written address at a ceremony in Merdeka Field, Rizal said the National Awakening spirit has also helped to usher in a new era of reform which consistently renews itself to this present day.

East Timor sees Australia oil pact soon

East Timor sees Australia oil pact soon UNITED NATIONS (Dow Jones): East Timor hopes to sign a revenue sharing agreement with Australia for oil and natural gas production in the Timor Sea within two months, a senior East Timorese official said on Friday.

India and Pakistan could break the ice in Colombo

India and Pakistan could break the ice in Colombo NEW DELHI (AFP): The foreign secretaries of India and Pakistan could meet for the first time in two years on the sidelines of a conference next month, an Indian official said on Sunday. Indian Foreign Secretary Chokila Iyer will be in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo for a meeting of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), which will take place on June 8 and 9, Indian foreign ministry spokesman R.S Jassal said.

Kostrad vows to side with the people

Kostrad vows to side with the people JAKARTA (JP): In a blatant show of force geared to demonstrate the corps allegiances, the Army's Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad) chief Lt. Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu told soldiers to remain "loyal to the people" and warned of punishment for "traitors" allying themselves to individuals or groups.

Putrajaya sold to tourists

Putrajaya sold to tourists KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Malaysia will soon promote its new administrative capital as a prime destination for foreign visitors who appreciate town planning and architectural grandeur, a senior tourism official said Sunday. The government will try to get travel agents to include Putrajaya, about 40 kilometers south of Kuala Lumpur, in their tour packages, Deputy Tourism Minister Ng Yen Yen was quoted as saying by the national news agency, Bernama.

Enron Corp moves closer to pulling plug on India plant

Enron Corp moves closer to pulling plug on India plant BOMBAY (Reuters): U.S. energy giant Enron Corp's Dabhol Power Company (DPC) on Saturday took a major step towards pulling the plug on a controversial power project in India that has cost both the company and the country dearly. Dabhol, 65 percent owned by Houston-based Enron Corp, said it has issued a preliminary notice to terminate its contract to sell power to India's Maharashtra state.

Lovelorn soldier, student arrested for Depok blast

Lovelorn soldier, student arrested for Depok blast JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Police announced late Sunday that they had arrested a lovelorn army soldier and student on Saturday in connection with the recent bomb blast in Depok, on the outskirts of Jakarta. Speaking at a hastily called news conference here, Jakarta Police Detective chief Sr. Comr. Adang Rochyana identified the suspects as First Sgt. Ucok Erianto, 27, and Irwan bin Erman, 27.

Bahana proposes to repay 10% of debts

Bahana proposes to repay 10% of debts JAKARTA (JP): Financially troubled state-owned securities company PT Bahana Pembinaan Usaha Indonesia will propose paying off up to 10 percent of its US$300 million in debt during a meeting with its 27 creditors in Singapore on Monday. The company said here over the weekend that the 10 percent figure was the most "realistic option".

No more space left for city's street vendors

No more space left for city's street vendors JAKARTA (JP): Some two million street vendors in the capital have been going through a vicious cycle every day: trading, being raided and detained, then freed, trading again, raided again, detained again, freed, and trading again. Most of the time they are not detained, but still, their carts are confiscated by city public order officers and they have to reclaim them, at of course a much steeper rate than the official fee.

On moral reform

On moral reform Thank you very much for reprinting the letter by Mr. Kuswoyo from Sinar Pagi, Moral reform needed (The Jakarta Post, May 17, 2001). Mr. Kuswoyo deserves our thanks for revealing what is the least mentioned, but undoubtedly the most fundamental requirement for Indonesian society and government today: "Moral values must be reformed immediately". The present reform movement does not go deep enough. It is superficial because it never touches the root problem: men's hearts.

Police close discotheque

Police close discotheque JAKARTA (JP): Central Jakarta Police detectives sealed off a discotheque in the Menteng Hotel in Central Jakarta on Sunday for reportedly staying open from the late night until midday. Central Jakarta police chief of operational control Comr. Paulus Waterpauw told The Jakarta Post on Sunday that the police had warned the discotheque several times not to stay open until the midday. "But they still kept those hours. So we sealed off the discotheque today.

Gus Dur prays at Kyais grave

Gus Dur prays at Kyais grave KROYA, Central Java: President Abdurrahman Wahid, or Gus Dur as he is familiarly known, paid a brief visit and prayed at the grave of Kyai Mbah Barokah, a local spiritual leader, late on Sunday in the town of Kroya, some 50 kilometers east of Cilacap. Abdurrahman, accompanied by his wife Shinta Nuriyah and one of his daughters, Zanuba Arifah Chafsof Rahman, arrived in the town at around 8:30 p.m. by train from Jakarta.

Semen Padang slams Persikab 2-0

Semen Padang slams Persikab 2-0 PADANG, West Sumatra (JP): Home team Semen Padang grabbed three full points after defeating visitor Persikab of Bandung regency 2-0 in the second round of the Bank Mandiri national soccer league at H. Agus Salim Stadium here on Sunday. Jeniwardin's home side started the onslaught right after the kickoff under the direction of Maskur Rauf assisted by right winger Ellie Aiboy and left winger Erol FX Iba.

Taxes, fees choke Jakarta residents

Taxes, fees choke Jakarta residents JAKARTA (JP): Nothing comes free living in the city, especially now when the city administration has increased many taxes while at the same time private institutions and thugs exhort their own fees from Jakarta residents. People taking water from their own wells have now to pay a lot higher tax as the city administration plans to increase artesian well tax five-fold from Rp 2,500 (about 20 U.S. cents) to Rp 12,500 a year.

AIDS activists hold special event

AIDS activists hold special event JAKARTA (JP): Street children, homosexuals, transvestites and prostitutes joined in an AIDS candlelight memorial in the city on Saturday night. The event was held to increase awareness among people about the dangers of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), according to one of the organizers, Spiritia foundation. The event held by Spiritia in its office on Jl.

I'm not ambitious to become president, says Megawati

I'm not ambitious to become president, says Megawati JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri affirmed on Sunday her readiness to lead the country as mandated by the party. Speaking to tens of thousands of her supporters in Malang, East Java, through a teleconference facility from her residence in Central Jakarta, Megawati reiterated that it was not her personal ambition to become president.

TV today

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

Iran hosts natural gas meeting

Iran hosts natural gas meeting TEHRAN (AFP): Ministers from 11 nations are meeting Saturday in Iran, which holds the second largest natural gas reserves in the world, to discuss ways of coordinating gas export policies. Industry sources said the current president of the OPEC oil cartel, Algerian Energy Minister Shakib Khelil, would be among those present for the two-day meeting.

'It's rainy out there. Let's play games, kids'

'It's rainy out there. Let's play games, kids' JAKARTA (JP): Playgroups are a wonderful way for children to have early social interaction with a familiar set of friends before they reach school age. Looking for some activities to keep those little ones occupied? Whether you run a day-care center or have the neighborhood kids over for the afternoon, here are some activities aimed at entertaining them, and you, which do not require much preparation or an endless supply of materials.

2002 Worl Cup cost tops $3.5b in Japan

2002 Worl Cup cost tops $3.5b in Japan TOKYO (AFP): Preparation costs for the 2002 World Cup soccer finals have topped US$3.5 billion in Japan, weighing down the debt-ridden country, a newspaper said Sunday. Japan's central and local governments have spent a total of 433.6 billion yen ($3.5 billion) over the past two years on preparation for the event, which will be co-hosted by South Korea, the Mainichi Shimbun said.

It's easy at last

It's easy at last Following my recent letters to The Jakarta Post, I would like to thank Citibank for the clear written explanation regarding the working of the Easypay system, which I received via fax the morning of my last letter to this column. I also received an original copy via mail a few days later. Furthermore, I would like to acknowledge the way the customer service department handled this situation.

Banyuwangi batik enters Netherlands market

Banyuwangi batik enters Netherlands market By Singgir Kartana BANYUWANGI, East Java (JP): The big names on the map of batik in the country are Surakarta, Yogyakarta and Pekalongan. But Banyuwangi? It may not mean much at home but some of its producers are trying to establish its reputation in overseas markets, particularly in the Netherlands.

'Leftist' books safe as planned raids canceled

'Leftist' books safe as planned raids canceled JAKARTA (JP): Members of the Anti-Communist Coalition (AAK) made visits to a number of major bookstores here on Saturday, but the alliance did not act on its earlier threat to raid them for leftist titles on Sunday. AAK visited the Jakarta branches of well-known bookstores on Saturday to thank them for removing leftist books from their shelves in response to the group's threats.

A nation awakes

A nation awakes Ninety-three years to the day, yesterday, a handful of young Javanese intellectuals met in Jakarta to declare the founding of Budi Utomo. It was the first association set up by Indonesians on the basis of modern organizational principles, and adopted the lofty aim of improving the intellectual base of young Javanese from all walks of life. Why only young Javanese? Why not all young Indonesians?

'Democratization should be implented in stages'

'Democratization should be implented in stages' JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid warned on Sunday that the country's fledgling democratic process could not be unduly hastened. Speaking in a nationally televised address to commemorate the 93rd anniversary of National Awakening Day, Abdurrahman said that democratization should be implemented "in stages". "Democratization can only be implemented in stages, not all at once," Abdurrahman said in a pre-recorded address.