Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 7 June 2001

67 articles found

RI also to seek car trade compensation

RI also to seek car trade compensation KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Indonesia has joined Thailand in seeking compensation from Malaysia after Kuala Lumpur was allowed to delay the opening up of its auto sector under a regional free trade deal, sources said Wednesday. Indonesia submitted its claim during a meeting between trade officials in Kuala Lumpur on May 28, according to sources from Malaysia's international trade and industry ministry.

Military tribunals cover soldiers' impunity: YLBHI

Military tribunals cover soldiers' impunity: YLBHI JAKARTA (JP): Legal activists made a fresh call on Wednesday for the abolishment of military courts and joint civilian- military tribunals which, they said, were often used to protect the military's impunity. Indonesian Legal Aid Institute Foundation (YLBHI) deputy chairman Munir and Jakarta-based Legal Aid Institute (LBH) director Irianto Subianto said during a discussion that everybody including soldiers should be equal before the law.

Maid tries to kill her newborn baby

Maid tries to kill her newborn baby JAKARTA (JP): A housemaid who claimed to work for the Philippine Embassy was detained on Tuesday evening for allegedly trying to kill her one-day-old baby at the Menteng public health clinic (Puskesmas) on Jl. Menteng Raya, Central Jakarta. Menteng Police substation chief Comr. Eky H.S. said on Wednesday the 20-year-old maid, identified as Ida, was caught red-handed trying to murder her newborn at 6:30 p.m. in the Puskesmas rest room.

Displaced Acehnese move southward

Displaced Acehnese move southward BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Hundreds of residents of Aceh Timur regency, displaced by the armed conflicts, have migrated southward to the neighboring province of North Sumatra, Antara said on Wednesday. "They decided to move to North Sumatra because of security concerns," O.K. Ibrahim, a local public figure, told the news agency. The migration had started several months ago, he said.

Indonesia's rating outlook remains stable despite doubts

Indonesia's rating outlook remains stable despite doubts JAKARTA (JP): The United States-based rating agency Moody's maintained its B3 foreign currency country ceiling for Indonesian bonds and notes, despite the country's uncertain financial position. Moody's said on Wednesday that the rating was compatible with the current volatility in the country's political situation and economy, adding that Indonesia's outlook remained stable.

Performance artist Erawan mouths off about politicians

Performance artist Erawan mouths off about politicians Text and photos by I Wayan Juniartha DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Erawan did it again. The versatile artist gave new meaning to the act of tooth brushing in his most recent performance. Appropriately titled Sikat Gigi, Ritus Seni Pembersih Mulut (Tooth Brushing, A Mouth Cleansing Art Ritual) the performance was his expression of dissatisfaction of the current state of this country.

Udayana to take on more students

Udayana to take on more students DENPASAR, Bali: State-run University of Udayana will accept 3,191 new students in the new academic year starting in August, slightly higher than this year's 3,058 intake, according to Antara on Wednesday. No explanation was given for the increase in the intake.

Golkar chairman Tadjus Sobirin to be replaced

Golkar chairman Tadjus Sobirin to be replaced JAKARTA (JP): Golkar Party city chapter chairman Tadjus Sobirin will likely be replaced in an expedited congress this month, a councillor said on Wednesday. Golkar councillor Amarullah Asbah revealed that the congress would be based on demands from Golkar's North Jakarta chapter and one from another mayoralty, and several districts which were disappointed with Tadjus's leadership.

Asia Pacific must be wary of trade protection: Report

Asia Pacific must be wary of trade protection: Report SHANGHAI, China (Reuters): Asia-Pacific trading powers must kick-start another round of trade liberalization to head off a growing tendency of protectionism amid a global economic downturn, the APEC think-tank said on Wednesday.

National boxers to train in Cuba

National boxers to train in Cuba JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Amateur Boxing Association (Pertina) will send boxers for a two-month overseas stint in Cuba as the final preparation for the Kuala Lumpur Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in September. "Pertina has yet to decide on the number of boxers it will send to Cuba. Due to financial difficulties, we will most probably prioritize boxers who have a chance of winning gold medals," Pertina's deputy secretary-general Didiet Soedijoto said on Wednesday.

Rupiah rate June 6

Rupiah rate June 6 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Exhibitions * Cartoon by 16 Balinese cartoonists, Gedung Titik Dua, Jl. W.R. Supratman, Denpasar, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., until June 15. * Indonesian Ikat from many places around the country of many ages, at Gaya Gallery (Gaya Fusion of Senses), Jl. Raya Sayan, Ubud (Phone: 0361 979253), until Jun. 10. Museums and Galleries * Blue Moon Gallery, Jl. Tirta Tawar, Banjar Kutuh Kaja, Ubud (Phone: 0361 976727), daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. * Museum Puri Lukisan, Jl.

Two hikers remain missing

Two hikers remain missing PADANG, West Sumatra: Bad weather on Wednesday hampered the search for two teenagers who went missing while hiking on Mount Marapi in Tanah Datar regency on Sunday. An official from the Tabing Airport search and rescue team, Alfizan, told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday that heavy rain and fog had hampered the search for the past two days.

Nation celebrates Sukarno's birthday

Nation celebrates Sukarno's birthday JAKARTA (JP): What started as a day of sentimental remembrance became one full of political nuances as the nation commemorated on Wednesday the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of the state's founding father, Sukarno. The apex of the commemorations was a ceremony at the Gelora Bung Karno Sports Center, the name of which was only recently reinstated after having been changed to the Senayan Sports Complex.

European ambience at Fatahillah Museum

European ambience at Fatahillah Museum JAKARTA (JP): Ignore the traffic jam. Put aside the air pollution. Pretend the street vendors aren't there. If you can do all this, visiting the Jakarta History Museum will feel much like visiting a museum in a European country. The museum, better known as the Fatahillah Museum, is located at Jl. Taman Fatahillah No. 1 in Kota, West Jakarta. In the plaza in front of the museum is a cannon called Si Jagur, which has become the symbol of the museum.

Asian currencies mostly down late; baht rally fizzles

Asian currencies mostly down late; baht rally fizzles SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Most Asian currencies fell under the sway of the wavering Japanese yen and the Thai baht late Wednesday, dealers said. Resisting the pressure, the Indonesian rupiah was steady on hopes that President Abdurrahman would eventually be forced to step down, dealers said. After falling to an intraday low of Rp 11,115, the dollar closed at Rp 11,210, little changed from its close Tuesday.

KL palm oil cool, focus on China

KL palm oil cool, focus on China KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysian palm oil futures rebounded at the close on Wednesday amid prospects of more buying from China when it releases the second batch of import quotas in June, traders said. Benchmark third-month August futures ended up two ringgit at 794 ringgit ($208.95) a ton after trading as low as 784 ringgit on overnight losses in Chicago. Volume stood at 1,516 lots compared with 1,411 on Tuesday.

Man stabbed for rebuking brother

Man stabbed for rebuking brother BEKASI (JP): A man was rushed to the hospital on Tuesday after being stabbed by his brother who was angry at being reproached for being drunk. Bekasi General Hospital identified the victim as 31-year-old Uma Syarifuddin, a resident of Perum Harapan Jaya, South Bekasi. Uma's wife Yanti Dahlia said at the hospital emergency room that her husband had been concerned about his two younger brothers, Dedi, 28, and Nano, 26, who had been frequently found drunk.

Lessons behind Sukarno and Hatta's bittersweet relationship

Lessons behind Sukarno and Hatta's bittersweet relationship This is the second of two articles on Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta by Halida Nuriah Hatta Jusuf. JAKARTA (JP): As Bung Karno let himself be absorbed in politics -- in which he increasingly favored leftist ideology -- the dwitunggal leadership (of Sukarno and Hatta) bond gradually fell apart.

House urges Telkom to review rate hike

House urges Telkom to review rate hike JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives urged the government on Wednesday to review a plan to increase fixed telephone rates by an average of 21.67 percent beginning next week.

Dual police leadership remains

Dual police leadership remains JAKARTA (JP): The present dual leadership of the National Police remains, with suspended National Police chief Gen. Surojo Bimantoro denying reports that he will accept a new position in the government. Nevertheless, Bimantoro promised that he would seek a peaceful solution to the leadership row with his new deputy, Comr. Gen. Chaeruddin Ismail, whom President Abdururahman Wahid had tasked to take over all responsibilities from Bimantoro.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 6, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,550 -50 762,500 Adindo Foresta 110 -5 79,500 AGIS 140 5 4,192,000 Alakasa 150 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 1,075 0 133,000 Alter Abadi 100 10 17,500 Alumindo Light 550 0 0 Andhi Chandra 1,800 50 5,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 150 0 0 Aneka Tambang 900 0 1,477,500 Apac Citra 330 0 0 Aqua Golden 12,500 0 0 Argha...

Uprooting the New Order

Uprooting the New Order From Forum Keadilan It is popular these days to discuss how to eradicate the New Order. As nearly everyone agrees the New Order is rooted in militarism, some people have opined that militarism should be crushed. Strangely, militarism is still alive and kicking among us. It has even seemingly gained strength. Evidence of this is the military style adopted by civilian organizations.

Jatiluhur has plenty of water

Jatiluhur has plenty of water PURWAKARTA, West Java: The water level of the Jatiluhur reservoir is approaching the maximum limit due to the excessive amount of rain in the region, Antara reported on Wednesday. The water level reached 106.6 meters, just 40 cm short of the maximum, the news agency said quoting the Jatiluhur management agency, Perum Jasa Tirta II. Besides supplying water to Jakarta, the reservoir channels water to rice fields and towns in West Java.

New privatization strategy

New privatization strategy The government's decision last week to focus its privatization program on private placement to strategic investors, instead of public share offerings, seems to be the best alternative available in the present circumstances. The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) is deeply depressed, with the JSX Composite price index hovering below 400, compared with its peak of over 743 in 1997.

IBF president against importing players

IBF president against importing players JAKARTA (JP): The increasing number of people playing for other countries is troubling newly elected president of the International Badminton Federation (IBF) Korn Dabbaransi of Thailand. Dabbaransi said he disapproved of the practice of importing players and would propose to the IBF council to halt it. "I will stress on the nationality of the players.

Rebel says U.S. man injured, demands ransom

Rebel says U.S. man injured, demands ransom MANILA (Reuters): The Abu Sayyaf rebels said on Wednesday one of three American hostages they were holding in the southern Philippines was injured by an army grenade, and demanded a military pullback as a condition for talks. "He took many hits in the back...He is now in a stable condition, nothing to worry (about)," a spokesman for the Abu Sayyaf guerrillas said in a call to a local radio station, referring to American missionary Martin Burnham.

Agum opposes imposing state of emergency

Agum opposes imposing state of emergency JAKARTA (JP): Newly installed Coordinating Minister for Political, Social and Security Affairs Agum Gumelar has kept his predecessor's key policy intact with his opposition to the issuance of a presidential decree on a state of emergency. Agum, touching upon the sensitive issue for the first time since taking over from Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Saturday, said such a decree was not "a proper manner to cope with contemporary political problems".

Mining firms in limbo under regional autonomy

Mining firms in limbo under regional autonomy JAKARTA (JP): Six months after the implementation of regional autonomy, unprepared local governments have left mining firms adrift in legal limbo, the Indonesian Mining Association (IMA) said on Wednesday IMA executive Kosim Gandataruna said in a report to legislators that the decentralization of powers over mining came too quickly and lacked preparation.

Palestine's suffering and the misery of Yasser Arafat

Palestine's suffering and the misery of Yasser Arafat The following is an interview with Dr. Azzam Tamimi, director of the Institute of Islamic Political Thought, on the recent suicide bombing in Tel Aviv. He spoke to The Jakarta Post's Santi Soekanto in London. Question: The Israelis are outraged over the recent suicide bombing in Tel Aviv. Will there be an open war as the western media have predicted?

Indonesia seeks larger quota for textile exports to the U.S.

Indonesia seeks larger quota for textile exports to the U.S. JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will ask for a larger textile export quota from the United States to enable the country's textile industry to absorb jobless workers during the economic crisis, Minister of Industry and Trade Luhut B. Pandjaitan said on Wednesday. Luhut said he would lobby the U.S.

National parks under threat, says expert

National parks under threat, says expert BOGOR (JP): The uncontrolled deforestation of the Salak, Pangrango and Halimun national parks in West Java, which are crucial water conservation areas for at least 30 million people, including Jakartans, is an environmental disaster in the making, a green activist has warned.

PSSI to reschedule soccer league matches

PSSI to reschedule soccer league matches JAKARTA (JP): The Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) has been forced to reschedule numerous matches of the 2001 Bank Mandiri national league, which were postponed over fears of fan violence. The association hopes to meet with officials from the league's 28 clubs and representatives of the National Police next Monday to discuss the postponement and the possible rescheduling of the matches.

Painter Arie Smit honored for contribution to the arts

Painter Arie Smit honored for contribution to the arts By I Ketut Sutika UBUD, Bali (JP): Harmony emerging out of bright colors used in unusual formats and contexts is the defining characteristic of the works of the Young Artists, a school of Balinese painters who owe their existence to Dutch-born Adrianus Wilhelmus Smit. Now 85, the artist better known as Arie Smit is endowed with an indefatigable spirit to share his talent with the community of Penestanan village in Ubud, Gianyar.

A suggestion for Jasa Marga

A suggestion for Jasa Marga From Bisnis Indonesia As a toll road user I am terribly disappointed with the unruly drivers who are neither concerned with their own safety nor that of others. Therefore I would like to call on Jasa Marga to activate its patrol units and take stern measures against violators of traffic rules.

Indonesian shuttlers dominate Junior Indonesia Open

Indonesian shuttlers dominate Junior Indonesia Open JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian junior shuttlers dominate the seeds for the Milo Junior Indonesia Open badminton championships to be held in Surakarta, Central Java, next week. Junior shuttlers from the Indonesian Badminton Center (PBI) are the top seeds in the boys' singles, girls' singles and girls' doubles. While shuttlers from the Kudus-based Djarum club are the top seeds in the boys' doubles and mixed doubles.

Three killed in Padalarang plane crash

Three killed in Padalarang plane crash PADALARANG, West Java (JP): Three people were killed after a U.S.-made Baron training plane, belonging to the Curug Civil Aviation Academy, crashed in the village of Tagog Apu, Padalarang subdistrict, Bandung, on Wednesday. The fatalities were the pilot, Captain Hendi Yoga Pranata, 26, and two students Yuda Gautama and Puji Arianto, both 22 years old.

Council moves on without chairman

Council moves on without chairman BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: The Lampung Legislative Council continues to work as usual even though it has been without a leader following the vote of no confidence against its chairwoman Srie Atidah last month, according to deputy chairman Azib Zanim on Wednesday. Azib told Antara that the council was still waiting for an approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs in Jakarta for the election of Abbas Hadisunyoto as the new chairman.

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.

MPR to revive regional representatives' faction

MPR to revive regional representatives' faction JAKARTA (JP): Despite its lateness, the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) will restore a separate faction of regional representatives in its next plenary session to accommodate the aspirations of people in the provinces, says MPR speaker Amien Rais. "Insya Allah (God willing), the re-establishment of the regional representatives faction will be endorsed in the next plenary session of the Assembly.

Petition against Danamon rejected

Petition against Danamon rejected JAKARTA (JP): The Central Jakarta Commercial Court turned down on Wednesday a bankruptcy petition filed by Bank IFI against the publicly listed Bank Danamon, saying the petition violated the bankruptcy law. "The petitioner has no locus standi to file for the bankruptcy petition," said chief judge Subari in his verdict.

Gus Dur inaugurates new NU headquarters

Gus Dur inaugurates new NU headquarters JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid inaugurated on Wednesday the new headquarters of Nahdlatul Ulama on Jl. Kramat Raya, Central Jakarta. It took 18 months to finish the construction of the Rp 28.8 billion nine-story building and another 10 months to process the required permits and other administrative matters. Abdurrahman was leader of the NU, the country's largest Muslim organization, for 15 years before he became President in 1999.

Lampung contractor cries foul play

Lampung contractor cries foul play BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: A contractor is suing the head of the Lampung Agency for Population and Transmigration and his entire staff at the local state administrative court, claiming collusion in the way they awarded contracts, Antara reported on Wednesday. "I have authentic proof. I want justice and that corruption, collusion and nepotism be eliminated," Sumurung Sianturi, director of CV Kharisma, told the news agency.

Travel ban impossed on businessmen

Travel ban impossed on businessmen JAKARTA (JP): The Attorney General's Office has banned four suspects in corruption cases from traveling overseas for one year, spokesman Muljohardjo said on Wednesday. "The travel ban is aimed at facilitating the ongoing investigation into the cases," he said.

1945 Constitution

1945 Constitution From Rakyat Merdeka The 1945 Constitution, Paragraph 4, Article 1 reads: "The president of the Republic of Indonesia holds the power of administration". While Article 2 reads: "In performing his duties the president is assisted by a vice president". So, the President does not reserve the right to delegate his duties to the Vice President because the latter only assists the President.

Rates for tax payment, valid from June 4 to June 10

Rates for tax payment, valid from June 4 to June 10 U.S. dollar 1 Rp 11,100.00 Austrian schilling 1 Rp 681.48 Australian dollar 1 Rp 5,617.71 Belgian franc 1 Rp 232.45 Canadian dollar 1 Rp 7,191.91 Swiss franc 1 Rp 6,180.06 Deutschemark 1 Rp 4,798.55 Danish krone 1 Rp 1,273.10 French franc 1 Rp 1,429.56 Poundsterling 1 Rp 15,724.26 Hong Kong dollar 1 Rp 1,423.11 Italian lira 100 Rp 484.29 Japanese yen 100 Rp 9,170.52 Malaysian ringgit 1 Rp 2,921.05 Dutch guilder 1 Rp 4,255.24 New Zealand dollar...

60% of import invoices underpriced

60% of import invoices underpriced JAKARTA (JP): A high proportion of import invoices are underpriced, due to the lack of control from the customs and excise authority, according to the Indonesian Importers Association (Ginsi). The association's chairman Amirudin Saud said that underpricing had attributed to the significant drop in the government's receipts from import duties. "About 60 percent of the country's import goods are underpriced," he told reporters at a media briefing.

It was the transformation from Bung Karno the statesman to

It was the transformation from Bung Karno the statesman to Bung Karno the central player in politics that caused tension ...

More arrested for Net crime in Yogya

More arrested for Net crime in Yogya YOGYAKARTA (JP): Yogyakarta Police announced here on Tuesday that they had arrested four more people for allegedly using other people's credit card numbers for purchasing goods over the Internet. The latest four arrests brings the total number of people who have so far been arrested for the crime to 10. "There are 110 more cyber criminals on our hit list," said the chief of the Yogyakarta Police's intelligence directorate, Sr. Comr.

RI bids to host Asian futsal c'ship

RI bids to host Asian futsal c'ship JAKARTA (JP): The McDonald's futsal team is visiting the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) headquarters in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday to lobby the soccer body to appoint Indonesia as the host for the 2002 Asian futsal championships.

Sukarno's children vie for father's heritage

Sukarno's children vie for father's heritage JAKARTA (JP): Amid the media hype and public adulation marking the 100th anniversary of Sukarno's birth on Wednesday, the occasion has in many respects been clouded over by arguments and recriminations over who are the true inheritors of the former president's legacy.

KL police detain eight Filipinos

KL police detain eight Filipinos KUALA LUMPUR (DPA): Malaysian marine police arrested on Wednesday eight Filipinos, who were armed with a shotgun and knives, in three boats which illegally entered waters off Sabah state. Sabah marine police chief Mohamed Yusof Wok said the eight were between the ages of 10 and 36, and were from islands off Palawan island in the southern Philippines.

Office assistant murdered

Office assistant murdered MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Amir, alias Lili, 22, who worked as an office assistant for the Independent Journalists Alliance (AJI), was stabbed to death on Wednesday by an unidentified man in the AJI office on Jl. Serigala. Herman Hafsyah, an eyewitness, said he was in shock after witnessing the murder of Amir, who was hired by AJI six months ago. "A man entered the office and stabbed Amir.

Arun gas restart in June: Minister

Arun gas restart in June: Minister VIENNA (Reuters): Indonesia hopes to reopen gas fields in the rebellious Aceh province "sometime" in June and resume valuable exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG), Energy Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said on Tuesday. Yusgiantoro said security was still the main issue for the fields' closure but about 24 soldiers were guarding installations at the fields and the key PT Arun NGL gas plant on the island of Sumatra.

ADB considers issuing bonds

ADB considers issuing bonds MANILA (AP): The Asian Development Bank said Wednesday its board has approved raising US$3.4 billion in the international capital market for financing requirements this year - and part might be raised in Asia's emerging markets. ADB Assistant Treasurer Peter Balon said the bank's borrowing requirement will probably rise sharply to between $7.5 billion and $8 billion next year.

Ji Xinpeng, Candra and Sigit out

Ji Xinpeng, Candra and Sigit out JAKARTA (Agencies): Olympic champion Ji Xinpeng of China was sent crashing out of the World Badminton Championships in Seville, Spain, on Wednesday losing in a stunning upset to unknown Hong Kong player Agus Hariyanto. Ji, seeded 11 for the tournament, was beaten 12-15, 15-11, 15- 4 by Indonesian-born Agus in an early second-round singles match that also saw wins for India's Pullela Gopichand and Denmark's Peter Gade Christensen.

14,500 'Kancil' to start plying city streets

14,500 'Kancil' to start plying city streets JAKARTA (JP): Some 14,500 kancil, the locally made four- wheeled motorized vehicle, are expected to ply the city's streets in the next three months, replacing the notoriously noisy and polluting bajaj (three-wheeled motorized vehicle), an official said on Wednesday.

RI forex reserves decline

RI forex reserves decline JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's gross foreign exchange reserves fell to US$28.59 billion in the week ended on May 23 from $28.62 million the previous week, Bank Indonesia said in its weekly report. Bank Indonesia said base money, which includes the currency in circulation and commercial bank funds held by the central bank, saw an increase of Rp 4.26 trillion to Rp 107.74 trillion from Rp 103.48 trillion the previous week.

Refugee registration runs smoothly

Refugee registration runs smoothly KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara (JP): The registration of East Timorese refugees in West Timor ran smoothly on Wednesday with a tentative result of 9,226 out of 9,533 voters choosing to stay in Indonesia and only 277 choosing to leave. Latest records, made available at the organizing committee's media center at 11 p.m.

Ami Priyono passes away after stroke

Ami Priyono passes away after stroke Prominent movie director Ami Priyono, 61, took his last breath on Wednesday morning after suffering a stroke at his home on Jl. Sindanglaya in Cinere, Sawangan, south of Jakarta. He is survived by his wife, feminist figure Julia Suryakusuma and son, Aditya Pryawardhana. Ami most recently received treatment at the Puri Cinere hospital for a number of ailments, including hypertension, diabetes and lung problems.

Police hunt Bogor drug dealers

Police hunt Bogor drug dealers BOGOR (JP): Bogor Police are searching for drug dealers operating in a number of local university campuses, following reports of an increase in drug abuse among students. Bogor Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Sabar Rahardjo told Antara on Wednesday that he had sent plainclothes officers to a number of campuses to track down the drug dealers. He said his men had recently arrested three drug users, together with a packet of dried marijuana and heroin.

Moore sees China entry edging closer

Moore sees China entry edging closer SHANGHAI (Reuters): World Trade Organization chief Michael Moore said on Wednesday talks to seal China's entry to the global trade body were gathering pace ahead of a formal meeting in Geneva set for the end of this month. Moore also said he would urge Asia-Pacific trade ministers meeting in Shanghai on Wednesday and Thursday to push for China's 14-year accession bid. "I'm hopeful that ministers...

House demands higher fuel price increase

House demands higher fuel price increase JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives state budget task force surprisingly demanded on Wednesday a much higher fuel price increase than that proposed by the government. Head of the budget task force Benny Pasaribu said that the fuel subsidy for 2001 should be maintained at Rp 41.3 trillion, compared to the government's proposal of more than Rp 60 trillion.

Cooperation needed to fight piracy

Cooperation needed to fight piracy KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Piracy in Asia has risen sharply since the region's financial crisis and continues virtually unchecked, as governments and international bodies talk about tackling the problem but struggle to translate words into action, analysts said on Wednesday. "In maritime crime, piracy and armed robbery have given Asia a bad name," Malaysia's First Adm. Noor Azman Othman said at a conference on conflict reduction in the Asia-Pacific.

A tribute to Sukarno from the people of Algeria

A tribute to Sukarno from the people of Algeria By Abdelaziz Bouteflika ALGIERS (JP): There are men who, due to their unique qualities, flawless commitment and a rarely denied prospective vision, emerge from the community to mark their era and their contemporaries' wits. Therefore, their destiny transcends their own selves and embraces that of the people from whom they originated, to become their spokesmen, their course having acquired the value of an example.

Balinese artist Erawan mouths off about politicians

Balinese artist Erawan mouths off about politicians Text and photos by I Wayan Juniartha DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Erawan did it again. The versatile artist gave new meaning to the act of tooth brushing in his most recent performance. Appropriately titled Sikat Gigi, Ritus Seni Pembersih Mulut (Tooth Brush, A Mouth Cleansing Art Ritual) the performance was his expression of dissatisfaction of the current state of this country.

30% cigarette price rise unacceptable

30% cigarette price rise unacceptable In reference to a The Jakarta Post article published on June 6, 2001 titled Philip Morris eyes 20% increase in sales, which said: "When asked to comment on the government's plan to raise the retail price of cigarettes by an average 30 percent in July, Geroad said the company welcomed the move because it would enable it to maintain its profits despite the weakening rupiah." Philip Morris Indonesia never said it welcomed the government's plan for a 30 percent...