Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 19 June 2001

70 articles found

Maluku top officer told to resign

Maluku top officer told to resign YOGYAKARTA: Some 100 Maluku students in Yogyakarta staged a rally here on Monday demanding Pattimura Military Commander Brig. Gen. I Made Yasa, who oversees the riot-hit province, step down. Calling themselves the Yogyakarta Maluku Muslim Students Association (HIPMAMMAYO), the protesters said the Indonesian Military (TNI) troops in Maluku had treated Muslims unfairly. "22 civilians and one soldier were killed in a raid by the TNI Joint Battalion on Thursday.

Rupiah rate June 18.

Rupiah rate June 18. Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Antam plans Tayan bauxite operations

Antam plans Tayan bauxite operations SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Indonesia's PT Aneka Tambang, or Antam, expects bauxite production at its Tayan prospect to start in 2004 at one million wet metric tons a year, the company's spokesman, Cameron Tough, told Dow Jones Newswires Monday. Apart from the bauxite mining, Antam expects to form a US$150 million joint venture with two other international companies to produce alumina at 300,000 tons/year for the Tayan project, Tough said.

Arun to resume gas production later this month

Arun to resume gas production later this month JAKARTA (JP): More than three months since pulling out from the Arun gas fields in Lhok Sukon, Aceh, PT ExxonMobil Oil Indonesia has returned as part of a joint team with state oil and gas company Pertamina. The team will lay the groundwork for the resumption of operations, which is expected some time late this month.

Batam says no to gambling

Batam says no to gambling BATAM, Riau: The Batam Development Authority has rejected any proposal to allow gambling on the industrial island, Antara reported on Monday. "We are not even considering the idea. We have even banned ships that have gambling facilities on board from entering Batam waters," Ismeth Abdullah, the head of the agency, said. "We want to rectify the image of Batam as a city for gambling and sex, by developing tourism facilities with religious values," he said.

Indonesian mining still lures investors due to good track record

Indonesian mining still lures investors due to good track record JAKARTA (JP): Though legal and security uncertainties are scaring away mining investors from Indonesia, the country's good track record in developing the industry remains a strong enticement to foreign investors, according to a mining association.

The color and drama of life in Italian ceramics

The color and drama of life in Italian ceramics By Mehru Jaffer JAKARTA (JP): The Italian Cultural Institute will remain awash with color as an exquisite collection of ceramics from different parts of Italy decorate its off-white premises throughout June. The contribution of Italy to this primeval art is difficult to contest. It dates back to the days of the ancient Greeks and the Romans, continuing to play an important role in modern times in both the handicraft and the industrial sectors.

Major TNI reshuffle imminent

Major TNI reshuffle imminent JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Military (TNI) will announce on Tuesday a major reshuffle, which includes changes of guard in four regional military commands and the two Navy fleets. Vice Air Marshal Mudjiono will be the highest ranking officer among 111 others to be affected by the reshuffle as he will relinquish his post as deputy Air Force chief to Rear Air Marshall Alimunsiri Rappe, TNI spokesman Rear Air Marshal Graito Usodo told The Jakarta Post on Monday.

No transportation

No transportation From Suara Karya I was one of the maybe thousands of stranded passengers in Lebak Bulus bus terminal, South Jakarta, who was disappointed at the actions of a group of youths who intentionally instigated the Angkot drivers to go on strike on Saturday, June 16. As a result of the drivers' strike, would-be passengers had to walk for several miles to get to their places of work in the Ciputat area.

Gus Dur to go ahead with Australian visit on Sunday

Gus Dur to go ahead with Australian visit on Sunday JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid will go ahead with his visit to Australia and two other countries this week, Minister of Foreign Affairs Alwi Shihab announced on Monday. Speaking to journalists after the induction of five new Indonesian ambassadors at the State Palace, Alwi contended it was impossible to cancel the trip, as the President had repeatedly postponed his visit to Australia.

Islamic congress to open on Tuesday

Islamic congress to open on Tuesday AMBON, Maluku: The three-day Islamic congress will open on Tuesday in spite of the ongoing communal conflict between Muslims and Christians, Antara reported on Monday. "There is no reason to postpone the meeting, even if the situation is not conducive," Lutfy Sanaky, head of the organizing committee, said. The congress aimed at consolidating the vision and mission of Muslims in the province, especially in view of the communal conflict.

Special session

Special session From Rakyat Merdeka We all believe that everything that happens does so because God desires it and that man can only solve his problems if he gets His guidance. In light of this, the economic and political crisis now squeezing the country in its grip will only be solved if God interferes. Neither the upcoming special session of the People's Consultative Assembly nor the presidential decree, which President Wahid may issue at any time, will get the country out of this crisis.

KL palm oil extends fall, eyes Chicago

KL palm oil extends fall, eyes Chicago KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysian palm oil futures stayed in a negative territory throughout Monday on worries over fresh falls on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT), traders said. The new benchmark third-month September contract was down 17 ringgit at 806 ringgit (US$212.11) after trading as low as 802. Volume was 1,366 lots. In the physical sector, June crude palm oil (CPO) for the southern region was offered at 790 ringgit a tonne against bids at 785.

Violence mars protests over fuel price hike

Violence mars protests over fuel price hike JAKARTA (JP): Violence marred protests here on Monday when scores of people were wounded by police who fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse a student rally protesting the 30 percent increase in fuel prices. Angered by continuous jeering, police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at student protesters outside the State Institute of Islamic Studies (IAIN) campus in Ciputat, Tangerang.

Navies comb South China Sea in mine-sweeping exercise

Navies comb South China Sea in mine-sweeping exercise SINGAPORE (AFP): Navies from 16 mainly Asia-Pacific countries combed the South China Sea on Monday in a mine-sweeping exercise aimed at improving multinational efforts to keep the region's vital shipping lanes safe. Anti-mine helicopters, hunter ships and specially trained divers carried out the exercises off the Indonesian island of Bintan, detecting their first dummy mine in hours, military officials said.

Paris has Olympic hopes: Ambassador

Paris has Olympic hopes: Ambassador JAKARTA (JP): French ambassador to Indonesia Gerard Cros said on Monday that Paris stands a fair chance of winning the bid to host the 2008 Olympics because of the city's infrastructure advantages. "Paris has most of the sporting venues and we only need to construct small additional venues," Cros said during a dinner at his residence. "Another advantage is that all venues are in or around the city of Paris.

'Bajaj' owners say 'kancil' vehicles too expensive

'Bajaj' owners say 'kancil' vehicles too expensive JAKARTA (JP): Bajaj (three-wheeled motorized vehicles) owners lodged an official complaint with the city government on Monday over the high installment payments on the four-wheeled kancil, which are to replace the bajaj. The chairman of the Bajaj Transportation Owners Association, Tarjono, said the daily installment fee of Rp 40,000 (US$3.60) for the kancil was too high compared to the daily rental fee for a bajaj, which is Rp 30,000.

Robert Paul to race in Sentul

Robert Paul to race in Sentul JAKARTA (JP): Canadian drag racer Robert Paul is returning to speed his Holden Torana at the first leg of the national drag race championship at Sentul Circuit on Sunday. Paul was the 1997-1999 champion. He also held the 1995 and 1997 titles for the super car category. He finished third in 1996. "Sunday's race will be very interesting because I believe all drivers are preparing their cars well," Paul said, as quoted by organizer A.R. Loebis in a fax transmission.

Factions' moves to hasten special session cool down

Factions' moves to hasten special session cool down JAKARTA (JP): Major political parties begin to display a lack of confidence in their bid to expedite the special session of the People's Consultative Assembly. Top leaders of Golkar Party, United Development Party (PPP) and National Mandate Party (PAN) admitted on Monday there were no strong reasons to accelerate the session, which was originally scheduled to start on Aug. 1.

Singapore awards scholarships

Singapore awards scholarships JAKARTA (JP): The Singapore Embassy announced on Monday eight Indonesian recipients of scholarships awarded by the Singapore government for admission to the National University of Singapore and the Nanyang Technological University. The recipients are Tri Tutury Farah Meswari, Mathias Dharmawirya, Gede Artha Azriadi Prana, Riznaldi Akbar, Cheryl Riya, Bina Prawati, Yuni Tri Wulandari and Grace Marlina.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 18, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,500 0 202,500 Adindo Foresta 120 10 89,500 AGIS 135 0 300,000 Alakasa 150 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 1,075 0 14,500 Alter Abadi 100 0 0 Alumindo Light 575 0 0 Andhi Chandra 1,975 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 150 0 0 Aneka Tambang 1,025 50 6,782,000 Apac Citra 325 5 5,000 Aqua Golden 12,200 0 0 Argha...

NTB earns opening win in National Championships

NTB earns opening win in National Championships JAKARTA (JP): The West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) women were the only team from outside Java to win on the opening day of the qualifying round at the Interchapter National Volleyball Championships on Monday. Jakarta, West Java, East Java and tournament favorite Yogyakarta also earned victories at the basketball hall at the Bung Karno Sports Complex in Senayan. The qualifying round will end on Friday, followed by the semifinals and finals on the weekend.

China ready for full-scale attack at Indonesian Open

China ready for full-scale attack at Indonesian Open JAKARTA (JP): After a four-year absence at the five-star Indonesian Open, the Chinese team is ready to make a clean sweep at the event by fielding its best shuttlers. In contrast, the host, the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI), is still doubtful on whether it will stage the US$170,000 tournament slated for between July 25 and July 29 with regard to the heated domestic political situation.

EVA Air's handling of missing items

EVA Air's handling of missing items On May 13, 2001 I flew with EVA Air from Los Angeles to Surabaya, stopping in Taipei. I arrived at Juanda Airport at 1 p.m. on May 14, 2001. When I was retrieving my baggage, I noticed that the zippers of both my suitcases were not completely closed. Further I found the locks were broken. I reported the matter to the officer on duty at that time. When I opened the suitcases I found that many valuable items were missing.

Spiral of violence continues in Aceh

Spiral of violence continues in Aceh BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): The cycle of violence in Aceh seems unending as witnesses and officials reported the death on Monday of at least another eight people in various locations in the province. In the Babah Dua tourist resort in Lhoknga district, Aceh Besar regency, three bodies, all family members, were found dead with gunshot and stab wounds found all over their bodies, Ikhsan, a local Indonesian Red Cross official said.

Police prevent student convoys

Police prevent student convoys SURABAYA: Police officers visited most senior high schools in Surabaya on Monday morning to prevent jubilant students from parading on motorcycles to celebrate their graduation. Final year students celebrated the results of the exams, announced on Monday, by painting their white uniforms. But they were prevented from holding the traditional parade through town in motorcycle convoys. Adj. Chief. Comr.

Using sad news to cheat

Using sad news to cheat From Kompas Recently someone who introduced himself as Dr. Handoko from Sukabumi phoned my family in Jakarta to inform that I had met with a traffic accident in Sukabumi when in fact I had not. At about 11 a.m. Dr. Handoko called my house to say that I was involved in a traffic accident in Sukabumi and that I was seriously injured and was being treated in a local hospital. He repeatedly told my family that I was in critical condition.

Authorities agree to raise fares

Authorities agree to raise fares JAKARTA (JP): Many local administrations and councils across the country surrendered on Monday to demands for an increase in transport fares as thousands of commuters were again left stranded in the wake of a strike by public minivan drivers. While not nationally organized, minivan drivers in cities across the country held demonstrations to protest the government's decision to increase the price of fuel by 30 percent.

Hormone therapy may improve the quality of life: Doctor

Hormone therapy may improve the quality of life: Doctor JAKARTA (JP): Getting old can be scary as it is a time when the body is prone to various ailments due to the lack of certain hormones. But there is a way to prolong the quality of life for aging people.

Civilian-military relations

Civilian-military relations From Rakyat Merdeka To the best of my understanding, now that civilian-military relations seem to be closer or more intimate, as can be observed from one TV program aired on May 8, 2001 presenting resource person MT Arifin and (ret) Maj. Gen. Syaiful Sulun. Along with that, the question is why in the world there are still efforts to separate the military from civil society by creating disharmonious relations between the military and the people.

The budget revised

The budget revised Most people probably do not care much about the goodwill of the House of Representatives in delivering on its promise to approve, through a fast-track deliberation process, the government-proposed amendments to the 2001 state budget on Friday.

Catastrophe in a free country

Catastrophe in a free country From Suara Karya I have known this country since I was seven, when the condition and atmosphere were perfectly harmonious, so heartening. Never a single scream of fear or yelling of dissatisfaction over the government's policies was heard from the society. But now, after the downfall of the New Order regime, to Indonesians, the world has turned topsy-turvy; the emergence of reform has added a cloud to an otherwise happy and cheerful atmosphere.

Nine policemen tried over Trisakti incident

Nine policemen tried over Trisakti incident JAKARTA (JP): After almost three years, the Military Tribunal commenced on Monday the trial of nine low-ranking police officers for their alleged role in the shooting of students from Trisakti University, an incident that sparked massive riots and forced former President Soeharto to step down in disgrace. Prosecutor Let. Col. Taufik Rachman initially named 11 defendants in the case. But two defendants, First Adj. Brig.

Lopa to probe protected tycoons for alleged graft

Lopa to probe protected tycoons for alleged graft JAKARTA (JP): The fight against corruption has led the Attorney General's Office under new boss Baharuddin Lopa to three businessmen once protected from prosecution by President Abdurrahman Wahid. The office revealed on Monday that textile tycoon Marimutu Sinivasan had been slapped with a travel ban for a year in connection with alleged graft in his holding company Texmaco.

Message from Teofisto T.Guingona,JR.

Message from Teofisto T.Guingona,JR. Vice President and Secretary of Foreign Affairs The Republic of Philippines It is with great pride and joy that Filipinos all over the world celebrate the 103rd Anniversary of Philippine Independence. Today, we honor with even greater attention the memory of our heroes. We recall their martyrdom for the freedom that we now enjoy. We are profoundly grateful.

Alipi wins Solo Open

Alipi wins Solo Open SEMARANG (JP): Bodybuilder Muhammad Alipi of Nirwana club, Surakarta, Central Java, grabbed the 55-kilogram division title at the Solo Open Bodybuilding National Invitational. Hendy Heiyana of Tasikmalaya, West Java, was the runner up followed by Priyo Handoko. Alipi's teammate Agus Wahono failed to follow in his footsteps, only finishing as runner up in the 60kg division.

JP/2/DAYAK

JP/2/DAYAK Follow-up actions to Dayak-Madura reconciliation urged PALANGKARAYA, Central Kalimantan (JP): Several local tribal leaders have called on all levels of the government to promptly follow up results of the newly concluded Dayak people's congress, which recommended the settlement of interethnic conflicts that occurred months earlier.

Government to resolve row with IMF over BI law

Government to resolve row with IMF over BI law JAKARTA (JP): The new Coordinating Minister for the Economy Burhanuddin Abdullah said on Monday that he would immediately seek a resolution over the controversial amendment of Bank Indonesia law, which he said was the only remaining key factor hampering the disbursement of the IMF loan to the country.

Kerosene price set at Rp 505 a litter

Kerosene price set at Rp 505 a litter JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso issued a decree on Saturday, setting the highest price of kerosene sold by distributors at Rp 505 per liter and Rp 700 at the retail end such as shops. In a written statement received on Monday, City Administration spokesperson Muhayat said the new price was set after calculating all costs and profit margins for distributors, transportation companies and retailers.

Lack of plane seats may affect Indonesia's tourism target

Lack of plane seats may affect Indonesia's tourism target By Tantri Yuliandini SINGAPORE (JP): The Indonesian government may fall short of its goal of attracting seven million foreign tourists a year by 2004 due to a lack of available seats on foreign and local airlines, a senior official said here.

Government submits bill on money laundering to House

Government submits bill on money laundering to House JAKARTA (JP): The government submitted to the House of Representatives on Monday a bill to fight money laundering by international criminal syndicates. Minister of Justice and Human Rights Marsillam Simanjuntak said the draft law was urgently required because money laundering had resulted in massive financial losses to the state and worsened the country's already lagging economy.

Japan, WB, ADB vow to fight poverty

Japan, WB, ADB vow to fight poverty TOKYO (AFP): The World Bank, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Japanese government said Monday they would tighten their ties to fight poverty, especially in Asia. "We still have so much to do," Shoji Nishimoto, ADB director of strategy and policy development, told a press conference after a meeting of representatives of the three bodies here.

BPK refuses to comment on state budget report

BPK refuses to comment on state budget report JAKARTA (JP): The Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) has refused to comment on the government accountability report on the implementation of the 1999/2000 state budget, which may prompt legislators to reject the budget report outright. The result of the BPK audit was revealed on Monday during a preliminary talk between the House of Representatives state budget task force and Minister of Finance Rizal Ramli.

Medium-range missile being developed by Taiwan: Report

Medium-range missile being developed by Taiwan: Report TAIPEI (Agencies): Taiwan is secretly researching and developing a medium-range ballistic missile in the face of a perceived threat from China, military sources said in a newspaper on Monday. Military authorities hope to develop a surface-to-surface missile with a range of up to 2,000 kilometers, the unidentified sources told The United Daily News. But the defense ministry denied the claim. "The report was not correct.

Asia's environmental abuse has to end: ADB

Asia's environmental abuse has to end: ADB MANILA (Reuters): Environmental degradation in Asia and the Pacific is pervasive, accelerating and unabated and policy-makers have to respond to the problem now, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said on Monday. Among 41 cities ranked by particulate pollution in the atmosphere, 13 of the worst 15 are in Asia, the ADB said in its Asian Environment Outlook 2001 report. One in three Asians has no access to safe drinking water close to home.

NTT DoCoMo, KG Telecom's deal

NTT DoCoMo, KG Telecom's deal TOKYO (AP): NTT DoCoMo is planning to invest about 6.9 billion yen (US$56 million) to increase its stake in Taiwan cell phone operator KG Telecommunications Co., Japan's top mobile carrier said on Monday. If the deal goes through, NTT DoCoMo will raise its stake in KG Telecom to up to 21.43 percent from the current 20 percent.

Pregnant single women need help: Criminologist

Pregnant single women need help: Criminologist JAKARTA (JP): Two women, single and impregnated by irresponsible boyfriends, and living in fear of facing ridicule from society. Both heartlessly decided to end their newborns' lives. Both of these cases occurred in this city this month in less than two weeks.

Court told to seize Abdurrahman's assets

Court told to seize Abdurrahman's assets JAKARTA (JP): Former secretary-general of the forestry ministry, Soeripto, demanded the Jakarta District Court seize property belonging to President Abdurrahman Wahid, a building and land on Jl. Warung Sila in Ciganjur, South Jakarta, as part of compensation he sought for alleged defamation, news portal detikcom reported.

Theys asks Gus Dur to testify

Theys asks Gus Dur to testify JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Chairman of the separatist Papuan Presidium Council Theys Hiyo Eluay now on trial for alleged treason has renewed his demand that President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid appear in the court to testify as a witness, a lawyer said on Monday. Theys' defense lawyer Anton Raharoson said the summons should also be addressed to former Irian Jaya Police chief Brig. Gen. Sylvanus Wenas and former Trikora Military Commander Maj. Gen. Albert Inkiriwang.

RP military says U.S. hostage could be dead

RP military says U.S. hostage could be dead LAMITAN, Philippines (Reuters): The Philippine military said on Monday that it believed Muslim gunmen had killed a 40-year-old American hostage after tying his hands behind his back and leading him away from his fellow captives. But while a military spokesman said he had strong reason to believe that the self-styled Abu Sayyaf rebels had executed Guillermo Sobero, a tourist from Corona, California, his body had still not been found.

PAS to appoint Muslim Chinese to woo voters

PAS to appoint Muslim Chinese to woo voters KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): Opposition Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) will soon make a rare appointment of a Malaysian Muslim Chinese to the party's executive body, an official said on Monday. The Star newspaper quoted Fadzil Noor, president of the PAS, the country's largest opposition party, as saying the appointment was aimed at better understanding the "sensitivities" of the ethnic Chinese community and was expected this week.

Aiming for Market Leadership in Information Technology Services

Aiming for Market Leadership in Information Technology Services The information technology (IT) industry in the Philippines has been going through remarkable progress and growth in recent years. In the hardware sector, the Philippines' semiconductor and electronics industries have been growing at the rate of 30 percent to 40 percent per annum since 1993.

Where to go in Bandung:

Where to go in Bandung: Exhibitions * Ships in Miniature, by Samudera Raya Gallery, at Grand Hotel Preanger Bandung, Jl. Asia Afrika No. 81 (Phone: 022 4231631), 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. until June 30. * Painting by Agus Djatnika, Galeri Bandung, Jl. Siliwangi 16, July 13 to 28. Film * Video Screening, 2 p.m., 6:30 p.m., CCF French Cultural Center, Jl. Purnawarman 32 (Phone:

16 navies comb S. China Sea

16 navies comb S. China Sea SINGAPORE (AFP): Navies from 16 mainly Asia-Pacific countries, including Indonesia, combed the South China Sea on Monday in a mine-sweeping exercise aimed at improving multinational efforts to keep the region's vital shipping lanes safe. Anti-mine helicopters, hunter ships and specially trained divers carried out the exercises off the Indonesian island of Bintan in Riau, military officials said.

Gambir station to build fence

Gambir station to build fence JAKARTA (JP): The management of Gambir train station in Central Jakarta plan to construct fences around the complex to deter street vendors who continually cause traffic problems in the area. The station's operational division spokesman, Zainal Abidin, said on Tuesday that the station had already started organizing vendors within the area so that problems were minimized. "This is the first step before we erect the fence.

Job seeker killed by thug

Job seeker killed by thug JAKARTA (JP): A young man looking for work in Jakarta was murdered by an unidentified hoodlum at a bus shelter in front of Cempaka Mas Apartment on Jl. Letjen Suprapto, Central Jakarta, late on Monday. Kemayoran police subprecinct chief Adj. Comr. Herry Rodolf Nahak said Ibut Wahyudin, 19, was stabbed twice in the stomach by the hoodlum while waiting for a bus with his friend, Rudi, 20.

IBF not to force BAM to host finals

IBF not to force BAM to host finals JAKARTA (JP): The International Badminton Federation (IBF) will not force the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) to host the Thomas and Uber Cups final round next year although Kuala Lumpur-based Gold Bridge Engineering and Construction still holds the right to stage the biennial event.

AFTA may threaten local pharmaceutical industry's survival

AFTA may threaten local pharmaceutical industry's survival JAKARTA (JP): The implementation of the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AFTA) next year will threaten the existence of local pharmaceutical firms, an industry insider said here on Monday. J.R. Kosasih, the president of pharmaceutical distributor PT Millennium Pharmacon International, said most local pharmaceutical companies would be unable to survive the stiffer competition following the implementation of AFTA.

Dream Team faces former champions

Dream Team faces former champions JAKARTA (JP): The four players in the "Dream Team" -- National Master (MN) Susanto Megaranto, MN Taufik Halay, MN Tirta Chandra and MN Andrean Susilodinata -- are undergoing tryouts to be selected to compete at the ASEAN Open Chess Tournament in Brunei Darussalam next month. The tryouts began on Sunday and will end on Wednesday at the Utut Adianto Chess School in Bekasi.

PLN to limit hike for big industry users

PLN to limit hike for big industry users JAKARTA (JP): State electricity company, PLN, president Eddy Widiyono said here on Monday that the rise in electricity rates for power-intensive industries would be limited to a maximum of 20 percent. "We are even trying to set it below the 17.5 percent average increase planned for next month," he said at a seminar discussing proportional power rate adjustments for large industrial consumers.

Graft

Graft Lopa to probe protected tycoons for alleged graft. Page 2 Trisakti Policemen on trial for Trisakti killings. Page 3 Power Indonesia in jeopardy of facing severe power shortage. Page 5 Celebration Shirt for Pope, tattoos and striptease follow Roma win. Page 6 Ceramics The color and drama of life in Italian ceramics. Page 8 Japan BOJ downgrades economic view, sees more adjustment. Page 10 No comment BPK refuses to comment on state budget report.

Demand for unique Irian Jaya tortoise puts it in peril

Demand for unique Irian Jaya tortoise puts it in peril By Bayu Dwi Mardana Kusuma JAKARTA (JP): Irian Jaya is often called Indonesia's biggest herpetology laboratory. A recent study shows that some 253 species of reptiles have been documented in the province: 89 types of snakes, 150 lizards, two kinds of crocodiles, six species of turtles and six tortoises. Many of Irian Jaya's rare and unique-looking reptiles are only found on its southernmost tip.

Problem over refugee settlement

Problem over refugee settlement KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: The Kendari regency administration has rejected a Rp 3 billion project to develop a new settlement area for some 1,000 displaced families because it is managed by the provincial administration, Antara said on Monday. Head of Kendari transmigration agency Erna Bansin said the project in Marombo village had been commissioned to officials of the provincial government instead of the regency administration.

Painting exhibition by Yos Suprapto

Painting exhibition by Yos Suprapto JAKARTA (JP): The National Gallery will open a 10-day painting exhibition by artist Yos Suprapto on Friday, which also includes a cultural dialogue, a collaborative artwork project and a workshop. There will be a total of 85 paintings exhibited by the gallery, which is located on Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur in Central Jakarta.

Policemen on trial for Trisakti killings

Policemen on trial for Trisakti killings JAKARTA (JP): After almost three years, the Military Tribunal commenced on Monday the trial of nine low-ranking police officers for their alleged role in the shooting of students from Trisakti University, an incident that sparked massive riots and forced former President Soeharto to step down in disgrace. Prosecutor Let. Col. Taufik Rachman initially named 11 defendants in the case. But two defendants, First Adj. Brig. Idad Musadad, 26, and Second Brig.

Philippines-Indonesia Relations, a continuing partnership

Philippines-Indonesia Relations, a continuing partnership Philippine-Indonesian relations are characterized by a genuine sense of brotherhood borne out of centuries of close and vibrant interaction as neighbors. In precolonial times, trade, commerce and transmigration flourished between our peoples. Intermarriages and alliances solidified these cross-cultural and economic links. Over the centuries, the movement of peoples, goods and ideas between the two archipelagos intensified.

Lambung Mangkurat offers 1,529 seats

Lambung Mangkurat offers 1,529 seats BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: State-run Lambung Mangkurat University will accept 1,529 new students who pass the entrance test for the next academic year, significantly higher than the 1,081 admitted this year, Antara reported on Monday. The university is adding four new undergraduate programs to bring the total programs to 35.

Indonesia's rights crimes must be heeded

Indonesia's rights crimes must be heeded This is the second of two articles on crimes against humanity by Vanessa Johanson, an adviser to the National Commission on Human Rights in Jakarta (Komnas HAM). JAKARTA (JP): Extraordinary crimes require extraordinary responses.

Indonesia in jeopardy of facing severe power shortage

Indonesia in jeopardy of facing severe power shortage By James Castle and Todd Callahan JAKARTA (JP): Earlier this month the legislature agreed to hike electricity rates an average of 17.5 percent effective July 1. The measure in large part is being taken to address the government's ballooning budget deficit, which is feared could exceed 6 percent of gross domestic product this year, by trimming expensive subsidies on fuel and power that the country can ill afford.

Angkot fares to rise, bus fares remain the same

Angkot fares to rise, bus fares remain the same JAKARTA (JP): The city's Organization of Land Transportation Owners (Organda) agreed to the increase in fares of public transportation vans (angkot) but it said the bus fares should remain the same. The organization's chairman Aip Syaifuddin told reporters after meeting Governor Sutiyoso on Monday that his organization proposed a fare increase of 15 percent for angkot fares or an addition of between Rp 100 to Rp 300 from the current fares.