Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 30 June 2001

69 articles found

BI signals higher local rates despite Fed rate cut

BI signals higher local rates despite Fed rate cut JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia said on Friday that lowering local rates to adjust them in line with the United States' Federal Reserve Bank (Fed)'s interest rate cut was untimely, and warned that domestic rates might even rise further. Bank Indonesia Governor Sjahril Sabirin said cutting local rates would not be appropriate given Indonesia's current economic conditions.

Police shoot two robbers dead

Police shoot two robbers dead JAKARTA (JP): Police shot dead on Thursday night two members of a gang who had allegedly robbed several passengers on a Metromini bus plying the Tanjung Priok-Pulogadung route. The two men, Jabotan Butar Butar, 29, Miduk Aritonang, 30, were shot at Tanjung Priok bus terminal, North Jakarta, for resisting arrest and attacking police officers with knives, North Jakarta Police detective chief Adj. Comr. Agus Sulistiyo said.

S'pore steps up coastal patrols

S'pore steps up coastal patrols SINGAPORE (AP): Singapore authorities are stepping up coastal patrols in the country's northern waters to guard against illegal immigration and other problems such as piracy, police said on Friday. Singapore police spokesman Stanley Norbert said illegal immigration was on the rise, but said he could not immediately release statistics on the increase or the nationalities of people trying to sneak into the wealthy Southeast Asian city-state.

Prompt response

Prompt response I appreciate greatly the prompt and proper response that the management of RS AW has shown to the complaint that I raised through this column on June 22, 2001 (The Jakarta Post: Narrow- minded nurse). LIE HUA Jakarta

PBB, PPP to designate vice presidential nominees

PBB, PPP to designate vice presidential nominees JAKARTA (JP): While the fate of embattled President Abdurrahman Wahid is still far from sealed, the United Development Party (PPP) and the Crescent Star Party (PBB) are already preparing to forward vice presidential candidates to partner Megawati Soekarnoputri. Legislators from both parties acknowledged that they were actively taking this step, but would not reveal who their candidates might be.

Villagers attack immigration center in Gunung Putri

Villagers attack immigration center in Gunung Putri BOGOR (JP): Locals attacked an immigration center housing 150 illegal immigrants from Iraq, Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan on Thursday night, following the alleged assault of three locals by six foreigners. Dayat, a villager, said on Friday that at about 9:15 p.m.

Message from the President

Message from the President To all our kababayans abroad, I convey my warmest felicitations on the occasion of the 103rd Anniversary of Philippine Independence. This year's Philippine Independence Day should be extra meaningful in light of another glorious moment in our history at EDSA II. This recent triumph of people power once more reaffirms the Filipino's unity and resolve in the face of any threat or challenge to the peace and stability of our beloved nation.

Asian currencies mostly higher late on yen, stock market gains

Asian currencies mostly higher late on yen, stock market gains SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Most Asian currencies were higher - albeit well within recent ranges - as they found solace from the Japanese yen's bounce and Wall Street-inspired gains on most of the regional bourses, dealers said. Left out in the cold, the Philippine peso and the Thai baht were weaker, although fears of intervention kept a rein on their losses, dealers said. The rupiah ended higher against the U.S.

Optimism grows ahead of Geneva Aceh talks

Optimism grows ahead of Geneva Aceh talks BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): Optimism looms ahead of the upcoming two-day peace talks between the Indonesian government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) scheduled to take place in Geneva from Monday.

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.

Free tickets for best students

Free tickets for best students JAKARTA (JP): Any student in the top three in his or her class will be entitled to a free ticket to enter Seaworld Indonesia, with the offer running for one month starting Sunday. The 2000-2001 Student Achievement Program will require students to show their last school report (which states their class ranking) to the information department of Seaworld Indonesia to get the free tickets, Metty Sander, the marketing manager, said.

Govt approves $1.2b FDI in five months of 2001

Govt approves $1.2b FDI in five months of 2001 JAKARTA (JP): The government approved some US$1.2 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the first five months of this year, compared to $1.6 billion in the same period last year, deputy head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Yus'an said on Friday.

PetroChina plans massive A share issue

PetroChina plans massive A share issue BEIJING (Reuters): Chinese oil giant PetroChina Co Ltd said on Friday it is planning the biggest ever domestic A-share offer to raise funds for a massive natural gas pipeline project. A top official said the offer to local investors was possible this year and that the proceeds would go to developing gas fields to feed gas into its planned 4,200 km pipeline, which will stretch from the western region of Xinjiang to eastern Shanghai city.

Alternative theaters to present Wong Kar-Wai films

Alternative theaters to present Wong Kar-Wai films JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta might not be Cannes, but this doesn't necessarily mean that its residents cannot enjoy quality, award- winning movies, thanks to the establishment of alternative theaters that regularly screen non-commercial films. Bentara Budaya on Jl. Palmerah Selatan 17, Central Jakarta, and Teater Utan Kayu on Jl. Utan Kayu 68 H, East Jakarta, are both presenting Wong Kar-Wai Film Week, starting Monday.

Milosevic now. Who's next?

Milosevic now. Who's next? Indonesia should take heed of the way Belgrade succumbed to international pressure and delivered former Serbian strongman Slobodan Milosevic to the United Nations to face war crime charges. The real message this story sends out is that the world community has become more determined than ever to ensure that those who have committed crimes against humanity will be punished.

Vietnamese rescue Indonesian sailors

Vietnamese rescue Indonesian sailors HANOI (AP): Vietnamese fishermen have rescued 21 Indonesian sailors who clung to their life preservers for 36 hours after high waves sank their ship, an official said on Friday. One sailor remained missing, said Nguyen Xuan Thu, director of the Nha Trang Port Authority. The ship, the Gosella, loaded with 3,400 cubic meters (120,000 cubic feet) of timber, sank on June 20 near the Spratly Islands, Thu said. The sailors were rescued on June 22.

Leuser Park: A battle unbegun

Leuser Park: A battle unbegun By Donna K. Woodward MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): The report on illegal logging in this newspaper of June 18 on Aceh's Gunung Leuser National Park titled "An unending battle against illegal logging," was right on the mark. Except that the article by Tertiani Z.B. Simanjuntak should probably have been titled "an unbegun battle." Because of illegal logging Leuser National Park, one of the world's most important remaining rain forests, is disappearing.

British mission to arrive

British mission to arrive JAKARTA (JP): A British trade delegation from the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry will begin a week-long visit to Indonesia on Monday as part of efforts to boost trade ties between the two countries, the British Embassy said on Friday. The embassy said six companies from the agribusiness, aviation, manufacturing and merchandising sectors would explore new opportunities for expansion with Indonesian partners during the visit.

Java-Institute photos a reminder of the past

Java-Institute photos a reminder of the past By Nuraini Razak JAKARTA (JP): Jaap Erkelens holds to the saying that whoever forgets his own history will be destined to repeat it, with all the sorrow or happiness that it might entail.

At 89, 'Mbah' Delik still a cave conqueror

At 89, 'Mbah' Delik still a cave conqueror By Tarko Sudiarno YOGYAKARTA (JP): If you want to go caving in these parts, nature lovers and students will tell you there is one man who is essential to have on your side. Slamet Karsodihardjo, nicknamed Mbah (grandpa) Delik, is almost 89, but the Yogyakarta royal servant has been exploring caves, including previously undiscovered ones, since his youth.

Manila, KL to intensify cooperation to counter Abu Sayyaf rebel threat

Manila, KL to intensify cooperation to counter Abu Sayyaf rebel threat MANILA, Philippines (AP) - Malaysia and the Philippines will intensify defense cooperation to thwart threats posed by Abu Sayyaf guerrillas and outlaws, the defense chiefs of both countries said on Friday.

Hypnotized at the restaurant

Hypnotized at the restaurant From Kompas It was one afternoon when I had lunch in a fast-food restaurant in Mal Ciputra, West Jakarta, that a man of Chinese descent, aged between 30 and 40, rather stocky with hair like porcupine spines, approached me and asked to sit at my table. As I like to have friends, I welcomed him. After telling me his story for quite a while, he said he had just returned from the States a week ago and that he had with him a number of goods.

Stakes raised in S'pore's battle of the banks

Stakes raised in S'pore's battle of the banks SINGAPORE (AFP): The stakes in Singapore's battle of the banks rose sharply Friday when United Overseas Bank (UOB) bid US$5.5 billion for Overseas Union Bank (OUB), topping an offer by a bigger rival. Analysts said the offer had a better chance of being accepted because it had won the support of key OUB shareholders who were opposed to a $9.4 billion bid last Friday by DBS Group Holdings, Singapore's biggest local bank.

Hitachi to cut S'pore jobs

Hitachi to cut S'pore jobs TOKYO (Reuters): Japan's biggest electronics maker, Hitachi Ltd, said on Friday it would cut 550 jobs at a Singapore unit and move the business to either China or Indonesia in a revamp of its Asian color television operations. Hitachi, which like other Japanese electronics conglomerates is struggling to cut costs in the face of tough price competition, will also transfer vacuum cleaner production at the Singapore unit to a factory in Thailand, a spokesman said.

SE Asia must boost free trade area: WTO chief designate

SE Asia must boost free trade area: WTO chief designate KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Southeast Asia must strengthen its free trade zone and seek new members to meet even stronger competition from China after it joins the World Trade Organization, the WTO's next chief said on Thursday. The ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) "will have to take a good look at the goal we set for ourselves," WTO director-general designate Supachai Panitchpakdi told an economic forum.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 29, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,500 25 68,000 Adindo Foresta 110 -5 132,000 AGIS 140 0 970,500 Alakasa 190 40 33,000 Alfa Retailindo 1,025 0 27,500 Alter Abadi 90 15 500 Alumindo Light 600 0 0 Andhi Chandra 1,975 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 200 0 0 Aneka Tambang 1,000 0 3,156,000 Apac Citra 310 -10 37,000 Aqua Golden 14,200 0...

House accepts special autonomy bill on Papua

House accepts special autonomy bill on Papua JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives' consultative body agreed on Thursday to put forward a controversial special autonomy bill for Irian Jaya proposed by Papuan legislators, but at the same time acknowledged that the government's own bill on the subject would remain the primary reference of the deliberation.

Where to go in Yogyakarta:

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Exhibitions * Painting, GelArt: Laporan dari Jogja, Gelaran Budaya, Jl. Menukan 273, Karangkajen, until July 6. * Painting, Realitas Keseimbangan/l'equilibre de la realite, by Made Mahendra Mangku, LIP/CCF French Cultural Center Gallery, Jl. Sagan 3 (phone: 0274-566520, e-mail:lip@idola.net.id) June 25 to July 6. * Painting by Yunizar, Mien Gallery, Jl.

ASEAN, EU launch energy program

ASEAN, EU launch energy program JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the European Union (EU) have launched a five-year program to stimulate and support energy projects in both regions, the two international bodies announced in a joint statement. "The program will be managed by the Jakarta-based ASEAN Center for Energy (ACE). The executive body of the EU, the European Commission, is contributing around 18 million euros to the program," the joint statement said.

Gus Dur rectifies his statements

Gus Dur rectifies his statements JAKARTA (JP): Returning President Abdurrahman Wahid sought to rectify reports of the impending decree on a state of emergency and a change of military chiefs of staff, which gave the nation a case of the jitters while he was abroad. Abdurrahman, who arrived at Halim Perdanakusumah Airport from Manila 15 minutes earlier than scheduled, was greeted by Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri, several Cabinet ministers, Indonesian Military (TNI) Chief Adm.

Cave clubs push thrill of the unknown

Cave clubs push thrill of the unknown By R. Kristiawan YOGYAKARTA (JP): Outdoor activities are popular among students in Yogyakarta, and almost all the universities in the city have nature lovers' clubs. But Palawa at Atma Jaya University is different from the usual clubs as it also conducts mountaineering, wall climbing and rafting activities. It's major activity is spelunking -- cave exploring.

Garbageman mobbed over rape

Garbageman mobbed over rape JAKARTA (JP): Angry residents of Kebon Manggis in East Jakarta mobbed a garbageman, after hearing reports that he had allegedly raped a 19-year-old housemaid. Matraman Police Chief Comr. Unggul said that Mrs. Simanjuntak had filed a complaint about the incident that happened to her servant, identified only as SI. Quoting her statement, Unggul said that on Friday afternoon, Mrs.

Giant, colorful kites enliven Ancol sky

Giant, colorful kites enliven Ancol sky By Hera Diani JAKARTA (JP): Feeling worn down? Stressed out from work? Go fly a kite. That was the advice of the contestants at the Jakarta International Kite Festival, who swear by the soothing effects of flying a kite. "Watching the colorful kites up in the sky really eases my mind," Effendi Jafri, a contestant from Riau, told The Jakarta Post on Friday.

Gus Dur asked to open police anniversary event

Gus Dur asked to open police anniversary event JAKARTA (JP): Despite the apparent rift between them, National Police chief Gen. Surojo Bimantoro said on Friday he would ask President Abdurrahman Wahid to oversee the commencement of the police's 55th anniversary ceremonies on Sunday. "If the President would like, he will be the one launching the event. Otherwise, it will be the National Police chief," Bimantoro said, referring to himself.

Microsoft's Office XP: Is it a compelling upgrade?

Microsoft's Office XP: Is it a compelling upgrade? By Zatni Arbi JAKARTA (JP): You must have heard a lot about it already: Microsoft has just launched the latest version of its Office productivity suite. Instead of giving it the name of Office 2002, the software maker everybody loves and hates at the same time has chosen the two letters XP to distinguish it from the earlier versions, Office 97 and Office 2000.

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.

Holcim acquires $340m in Semen Cibinong debt

Holcim acquires $340m in Semen Cibinong debt JAKARTA (JP): Swiss cement group Holcim Ltd. has purchased US$340 million in debt of publicly listed cement producer PT Semen Cibinong as part of the company's $1.18 billion debt restructuring deal, a company executive said on Friday. Semen Cibinong financial director Bambang S. Atmadja said that Holcim would later convert the debt into Semen Cibinong equity, representing a 7.5 percent stake.

RI coffee exports record 7.5% growth

RI coffee exports record 7.5% growth SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Indonesia's coffee exports rose 7.5% on-year to an estimated 162,301 metric tons in the eight months to end-May, according to data Friday from the Association of Indonesian Coffee Exporters, or AEKI. In terms of export value, Indonesian coffee exports in the October 2000 through May 2001 period totaled US$130.5 million compared with US$197.3 million in the corresponding period in 1999/2000.

Governors meeting in Yogyakarta

Governors meeting in Yogyakarta YOGYAKARTA: A one-day meeting of top officials from the provincial administrations of Java, Bali and Lampung took place at the Melia Purosani Hotel here on Friday. The meeting, initiated by Yogyakarta Governor Hamengkubuwono X, was supposed to be in anticipation of possible riots before and after the People's Consultative Assembly's (MPR) special session in August.

Rupiah rate June 29

Rupiah rate June 29 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Indonesians find escape in booming soap opera industry

Indonesians find escape in booming soap opera industry By Chris Brummitt JAKARTA (AP): I had been murdered, but nobody thought to tell me. I only found out when I tuned into Episode 2 of The Curtain of Love and saw the actress playing my girlfriend in the arms of her new lover, telling him: "James is dead. He is not coming back." Six months earlier, the producer had spotted me in a Jakarta coffee shop and offered me the part of James, a British businessman.

Milosevic's handover a precedent for RI

Milosevic's handover a precedent for RI By Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak JAKARTA (JP): Observers warned that the extradition of former Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic could set a precedent for the prosecution of Indonesians accused of human rights abuses, if the government here fails to bring legal proceedings against them.

A start to stopping money laundering?

A start to stopping money laundering? Can the new regulation requiring banks to report any suspicious transactions help curb money laundering? Bank Indonesia senior deputy governor Anwar Nasution shares his views. Question: Bank Indonesia has issued Regulation No.3/2001 which requires banks to carefully scrutinize the source of their customers' money and to report any suspicious transactions.

INACA slams antimonopoly watchdog's move

INACA slams antimonopoly watchdog's move JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian National Air Carriers Association (INACA) criticized the country's antimonopoly watchdog's moves to revoke INACA's right to set fares for domestic airline tickets. INACA chairman Wahyu Hidayat said on Friday he was not sure if other agencies had sufficient knowledge on the airline industry and thus set too low a fare.

Security guards nabbed for stealing

Security guards nabbed for stealing PURWOKERTO, Central Java: Four security guards of Matahari supermarket on Jl. Jend. Sudirman were arrested by local police for stealing supermarket goods. Budi Hartono, the supermarket owner, told reporters on Thursday, that the shop's security guards had stolen various goods, including cigarettes, soap and clothes, worth millions of rupiah.

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta Antique Moesson: Original Chinese compartment for worship, the only pair in the world. This unique pair of Chinese ancient compartments is priceless. Moesson Antik, Jl. Parangtritis, on the corner of South Yogyakarta ring road. Open daily from 8:00 through 18:00. Phone: 081 826 1100, Fax.: (0274) 368230.

Govt names two new officials

Govt names two new officials JAKARTA (JP): Despite its pledge to improve efficiency, the government has expanded its bureaucratic network by naming two new officials who fall directly under the President. Asep Saefuddin has been appointed the initial chief of the National Information Institute, an agency that replaces the now dissolved ministry of information. Coordinating Minister for Political, Social and Security Affairs Agum Gumelar installed Asep on Friday.

RP sets vote for expansion of Muslim self-rule

RP sets vote for expansion of Muslim self-rule MANILA (Agencies): Millions of residents in the southern Mindanao region of the Philippines will vote on Aug. 15 on whether to join areas under Muslim self-rule, President Gloria Arroyo said on Friday.

Every computer needs a peripheral

Every computer needs a peripheral By Zatni Arbi JAKARTA (JP): Come to think of it, a computer system is so much like our stomach. It typically consists of one or more input devices, one central processing unit (CPU), and one or more output devices. The main different is perhaps that, unlike the output of the computer system, the output of our stomach is not normally to be displayed.

Cheated by a 'doctor'

Cheated by a 'doctor' From Sinar Pagi Some time ago a relative of mine received a call from a man claiming to be a doctor at a private hospital. He said a relative of mine had met with an accident and was in critical condition at the hospital. The man further said that due to his grave condition, he had to be operated on at once otherwise he might die.

Archaeologists discover prehistoric rock paintings

Archaeologists discover prehistoric rock paintings SINGAPORE (AFP): A team of archaeologists said on Friday they had uncovered 11 new caves with more than 500 prehistoric handprints, paintings and other rock art in Kalimantan. The discovery of 375 handprints in one cave was "one of the most important finds" of the expedition, said Frenchman Luc-Henri Fage, one of the mission's leaders who presented their findings at a media conference here.

Pregnant Malleswari to miss Goodwill Games

Pregnant Malleswari to miss Goodwill Games NEW DELHI (AFP): Olympic bronze medalist Karnam Malleswari will miss a chance to become the first Indian to take part in the Goodwill Games because of the impending birth of a child, it was revealed on Friday. The weightlifter earned an invitation to the games, to be held in Brisbane from Aug. 29 to Sept. 9, after winning India's lone medal at the Sydney Olympics last year.

Minister Mahfud says Golkar party dissolution unfair

Minister Mahfud says Golkar party dissolution unfair JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Defense Mahfud MD said on Friday demands for the dissolution of the former ruling party Golkar were unfair because Golkar was not the only party that violated election laws in 1999. "The Golkar Party was not the only party that violated the political party law during the 1999 general election. I believe that all political parties committed offenses," Mahfud said during a media conference.

Sewu mountain, a paradise for cave explorers

Sewu mountain, a paradise for cave explorers By Israr Ardiansyah and R. Kristiawan YOGYAKARTA (JP): Burning, vivid colors of a beautiful sunset and trepidation are what Yahyawan Triyana remembers of his first experience exploring Cerme Cave 13 years ago. "My headlamp was on and the water soaked my cotton-drill trousers. The water in the tunnel reached my waist, and finally my chest was soaked, too.

Road repairs

Road repairs From Warta Kota It has always been the case in Jakarta and surrounding areas that when government officials appear, all roads they pass will be in good condition and none will be in disrepair. The following two cases may serve to illustrate this. A road in Tangerang had been in very poor repair for many months. It was not repaired until there were reports that Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri was going to pass that road.

Violence

Violence Violence must be comprehensively curbed: Minister. Page 2 Attack Villagers attack immigration center in Gunung Putri. Page 3 Laundering A start to stopping money laundering? Page 5 Tennis Ivanisevic ends Roddick dream, Rusedski advances. Page 6 Photos Java-Institute photos a reminder of the past. Page 9 Free trade SE Asia must boost free trade area: WTO chief designate. Page 10 FDI Govt approves $1.2b FDI in five months of 2001. Page 12 Pointer:

E. Kalimantan to build futsal stadium

E. Kalimantan to build futsal stadium JAKARTA (JP): An international futsal stadium worth Rp 7 billion (US$610,000) was set to be built in Tarakan, East Kalimantan, a source said. The source, quoted by the futsal media team from the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) - McDonald's Indonesia futsal team, said that the air-conditioned indoor stadium would be designed by a Dutch architect.

Great promotions launched despite uncertainties

Great promotions launched despite uncertainties JAKARTA (JP): Housing and property developers are currently promoting their projects with attractive advertisements in the media. Property exhibitions are also held regularly in the capital. However, the property market is still down, at least according to stock market analysts and property consultants.

Students attacked over gambling row

Students attacked over gambling row PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: At least 40 people, armed with guns and sharp weapons raided the local office of the Indonesian Muslim Students' Association (HMI) on Jl. Radial on Friday and attacked students inside the building. The students said that the attackers, believed to be thugs working for gambling operators, brandished guns and knives, kicked and beat any students they met in the office. "The attack started at about 7:30 a.m.

People in Jakarta remain unaware of unleaded fuel

People in Jakarta remain unaware of unleaded fuel JAKARTA (JP): The initiative to remove leaded fuel from the capital is only one day away, but many residents of this city remain oblivious to the program. Some even frowned at the idea of unleaded fuel when separately contacted on Friday. "What is lead?" asked a woman named Lita, an employee at a multinational company. "Well, if the fuel is better for the environment, good. As long as the price won't rise," she told The Jakarta Post.

Japan agrees to reschedule RI's $2.8b sovereign debt

Japan agrees to reschedule RI's $2.8b sovereign debt JAKARTA (JP): The Japanese government finally signed a formal agreement with the government of Indonesia on Friday to reschedule the latter's US$2.8 billion sovereign debt maturing between 2000 and 2002. The agreement was signed here by the Director General for Foreign Economic Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Makarim Wibisono and the Japanese Ambassador in Indonesia Yukio Takeuchi.

Synchronized swimmers eye 2 silvers at SEAG

Synchronized swimmers eye 2 silvers at SEAG JAKARTA (JP): Mindful of its athletes' lack of experience, the Indonesian Swimming Federation (PRSI) is targeting two silver medals in synchronized swimming at the Kuala Lumpur 2001 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. "We only hope to get two silver medals from the solo and duet events in Kuala Lumpur. Our swimmers are relatively new and still inexperienced compared to the swimmers from Malaysia and Thailand," coach Dinda Rahmani said.

The power of personality

The power of personality JAKARTA (JP): Everybody wants success, but few know how to beat a path to it. One of the keys to unlock the door of success is the power of one's personality. You have to have the technical skills to do well in certain tasks, and these skills are the capital you need to start your journey. Next, you need to have managerial skills -- the skills that enable you to use the various facilities to support the effort to achieve your target.

Quake damages Majalengka homes

Quake damages Majalengka homes BANDUNG (JP): An earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale rocked the West Java town of Majalengka, leaving more than 2,400 houses damaged and at least three people injured, officials said on Friday. Majalengka regent Tuti M. Anwar said the people suffered minor injuries from falling debris in the quake, which struck at 10:45 a.m. on Thursday in the small town situated 250 kilometers southeast of Jakarta.

Violence must be comprehensively curbed: Minister

Violence must be comprehensively curbed: Minister JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for Political, Social and Security Affairs Agum Gumelar called on provincial authorities to comprehensively curb violence within their jurisdictions and to prevent it from spreading to neighboring provinces.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Calligraphy and Illuminations: Spiritual Culture, the National Archives Building, Jl. Gajah Mada 111, Central Jakarta, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., until July 3. * Art in Italian and Indonesian Ceramics in the framework of the Indonesian-Italian Workshop on Advanced and Conventional Ceramics, Italian Cultural Institute, Jl. HOS Cokroaminoto 117, Central Jakarta (Phone: 3927531), Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., until June 30.

BCA divestment plan on schedule: IBRA

BCA divestment plan on schedule: IBRA JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) dismissed speculation of a delay in the divestment of its ownership in the giant, publicly listed PT Bank Central Asia (BCA), saying the divestment process was proceeding according to schedule. IBRA deputy chairwoman Felia Salim said, however, on Friday that the evaluation of the submitted bid would take longer, as the agency wanted to ensure a profitable sale.

Malaysian girl held captive for seven years

Malaysian girl held captive for seven years DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Police here have detained 35-year-old man who is alleged to have kidnapped a Malaysian girl seven years ago, held her captive and then molested her. The case has only now been revealed after the victim, identified as S.A., fled from her abductor, Syafaruddin, a native of Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara, after he molested her. Syafaruddin has reportedly confessed to abducting S.A. while working in Malaysia in 1994.

Sutiyoso to announce bus fare hike Sunday

Sutiyoso to announce bus fare hike Sunday JAKARTA (JP): The City Council is scheduled to make a final decision on Saturday relating to the city administration's proposal to increase bus fares by between 30 percent and 60 percent, with the council expected to lower the range of the increase.