Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 13 July 2001

73 articles found

Aceh

Aceh Int'l group slams RI's dealings over Aceh issue. Page 2 Taiwan Opposition flirts with China confederation. Page 5 Olympics pledges press freedom at Olympic Games. Page 7 Workplace Does your workplace pose a health hazard? Page 8 Currencies Asian currencies mixed; central banks may have intervened. Page 11 IMF IMF tells govt to keep on track with next LoI. Page 12

Observers tell Megawati to be ready for task ahead

Observers tell Megawati to be ready for task ahead JAKARTA (JP): Political observers urged the nation on Thursday to ignore President Abdurrahman Wahid's political maneuvers and instead focus on the future by identifying the priorities needed to be tackled by a new government. In a news briefing at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies on Monday which signaled little faith in the survival of Abdurrahman's administration, political observers J.

Sherina gets warm response at concert

Sherina gets warm response at concert By Hera Diani JAKARTA (JP): Being a child sensation like Sherina, no matter what she will later pursue in life, must be exciting. This thought must have crossed the minds of hundreds of children, and certainly their parents, while watching the starlet's concert at the Jakarta Convention Center in Central Jakarta on Saturday.

Major bomb explosions in Jakarta 1999-2001

Major bomb explosions in Jakarta 1999-2001 Date Venue Casualties Status -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jan. 2, 1999 Ramayana store, None Four suspects tried Jl. H. Agus Salim, C. Jakarta April 15, 1999 Hayam Wuruk Plaza, W. Jakarta None Unknown April 19, 1999 Istiqlal Mosque, C. Jakarta Four injured Seven suspects tried July 4, 2000 Attorney General's Office, None Unknown S.

Policeman tortures Banpol member

Policeman tortures Banpol member JAKARTA (JP): A military policeman allegedly tortured a civilian police assistant (Banpol) member who helped people crossing Jl. Kebon Sirih, Central Jakarta, on Thursday morning. The Banpol man, identified as Muhaimin, was helping stop vehicles passing the street near the City Council building when the traffic light turned red to allow pedestrians to cross the street, but an Isuzu panther van driven by military policeman Second Sgt.

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.

Jakarta Great Sale campaign has few enthusiasts

Jakarta Great Sale campaign has few enthusiasts JAKARTA (JP): Aiming to become as successful as the annual event in Singapore, the one-month Jakarta Great Sale has turned out to be a dud as it did not significantly affect the number of visitors or boost revenue for mall vendors. The Jakarta Great Sale has been held in 17 shopping malls across the city since it began on June 14 and it will end on Saturday.

Unrest anticipated in E. Java: Police chief

Unrest anticipated in E. Java: Police chief SURABAYA (JP): East Java's security forces were ready to anticipate possible outbreaks of violence, ahead of the Aug.1 special session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), police chief Insp. Gen Sutanto said on Thursday. "We are all out preparing ourselves to maintain a conducive situation here.

Picking the proper clubs

Picking the proper clubs JAKARTA (JP): Taking up the game of golf can be a confusing process for beginners because there are so many options when it comes time to select your equipment. There is a wide range of prices to choose from, depending on brand, specifications, materials and so on. And those players who have mastered the basic skills of the game may want to add a club or two to their bag in order to cut their scores.

Malaysia Airports to woo airlines back

Malaysia Airports to woo airlines back KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia Airports Bhd said Thursday it has launched a campaign to woo airlines to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) after four carriers suspended services. "A high profile marketing and promotion campaign is in progress to recapture the market segment consisting of airlines that have suspended their services," said Azmi Murad, general manager for air traffic services.

Councilor's son named suspect

Councilor's son named suspect BANDA ACEH, Aceh: The police named on Thursday a student activist, who is the son of the province's council speaker, as a suspect for allegedly instilling hatred toward the government during Wednesday's rally against ExxonMobil Oil Indonesia. Kautsar Mohd.

Property market remains bleak

Property market remains bleak By I. Christianto There are no promising signs yet that there is even a slow recovery in the property and real estate sector. Meanwhile, in the stock market, concerns over weak consumer demand has dragged down property and real estate heavyweights. JAKARTA (JP): Market analyst Yenny Fadjar of PT Harita Kencana Securities said the property sector had been generally stagnant. "Since 1998, the sector has been stagnant. This is partly due to our weak banking sector.

Gymnasts call for overseas tryouts

Gymnasts call for overseas tryouts JAKARTA (JP): The Southeast Asian (SEA) Games national gymnasts are calling for more overseas tryouts in their training program prior to the biennial sporting event in Kuala Lumpur in September. "The intensive training program will be meaningless without overseas tryouts as we can't compare our performance with that of gymnasts from other countries," said Jonathan Sianturi, who grabbed five golds at the 1997 Jakarta Games, on Tuesday.

IMF tells govt to keep on track with next LoI

IMF tells govt to keep on track with next LoI JAKARTA (JP): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reminded the government on Thursday to abide by the economic reform targets to be set in the next letter of intent (LoI) and urged it to show strong discipline in meeting the targets. "The important thing is for the government to implement the program on track, (be) systematic, consistent and predictable.

Does your workplace pose a health hazard?

Does your workplace pose a health hazard? By Maria Kegel JAKARTA (JP): "Sara" used to boast about her 20/20 vision, but that was before she needed eyeglasses like many of the other employees at her office. During the height of the monetary crisis, her company reduced office lighting to half of what it normally was in an effort to cut costs. Three months later, Sara needed reading glasses.

Gus Dur backtracks on order to arrest Gen. Bimantoro

Gus Dur backtracks on order to arrest Gen. Bimantoro JAKARTA (JP): Within hours, President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid backtracked on his earlier statements on Thursday regarding the order to arrest outgoing National Police chief Gen. Surojo Bimantoro, following the reluctance of his top aides to carry out his instruction.

Rupiah rate July 12

Rupiah rate July 12 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Oka's arrest: Supremacy of law 'still respected in Bali'

Oka's arrest: Supremacy of law 'still respected in Bali' DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Bali Corruption Watch chairman Putu Wiratha said here on Thursday the arrest of former Bali governor Ida Bagus Oka was evidence that the supremacy of law was now respected on the island. "Oka was the most untouchable man in Bali in the past. His case is a good example that the legal system in Bali is now working. And the offense he allegedly committed actually involves only a small amount of money," he said.

Jaffna rape troops arrested

Jaffna rape troops arrested COLOMBO (Reuters): Sri Lanka's army said on Thursday two soldiers have been arrested on suspicion of raping a woman from the Tamil minority. The army also retracted allegations the crime had been committed by Tamil Tiger guerrillas. The victim, a 42-year-old resident of the Meesalai area in the northern Jaffna peninsula, was raped last Saturday by "armed men in military fatigues", according to police reports.

RI greenfields among the region

RI greenfields among the region JAKARTA (JP): Golf Digest Indonesia in its June 2001 edition identified Indonesia as home to some 250 golf courses. In the edition, the monthly presented "the best golf courses in 100 countries" in the Planet Golf column.

Residents attack vendors at Bekasi market

Residents attack vendors at Bekasi market BEKASI (JP): One man was killed on Thursday morning when hundreds of residents of Ringin village, Bekasi, attacked vendors and burned their pushcarts and tables at the Bekasi Jaya market across from the Bekasi bus terminal. The chief of the Bekasi Police's riot unit, Second. Insp. Aat Nasir, said the incident was sparked by the stabbing of public minivan driver Dian Ardiansyah, 30, a Ringin resident, by a teenager in front of the bus terminal.

Athletes to undergo psychological tests

Athletes to undergo psychological tests JAKARTA (JP): Members of Indonesia's Southeast Asian (SEA) Games squad will undergo psychological tests for only the third time in the country's Games history, with the tests being designed to determine whether they have the strengths that are necessary for improving their performances. "The tests will observe their adaptability, concentration, intelligence and analytical-synthesis abilities.

RI signs deal with JICA

RI signs deal with JICA JAKARTA (JP): The government signed a memorandum of understanding on Thursday with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for technical assistance to local small and medium enterprises. JICA's Takumi Ueshima said that the technical assistance would go to three local manufacturing and industry clusters, from the 10 clusters initially selected.

Exercises to help keep healthy at the office

Exercises to help keep healthy at the office JAKARTA (JP): No one should feel resigned to suffering from discomfort while working in the office. Office workers have a number of options they can practice to alleviate physical stress from working long hours at the desk and prevent problems from developing. Here are several suggestions: * Sit straight in a chair, with your lower back supported. * Avoid sitting in one position for more than an hour. Stand up or change positions often.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 12, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,400 0 427,000 Adindo Foresta 120 10 1,411,500 AGIS 140 -5 2,800,500 Alakasa 160 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 1,000 0 152,000 Alter Abadi 75 -5 10,000 Alumindo Light 625 0 0 Andhi Chandra 2,025 0 12,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 190 0 0 Aneka Tambang 1,075 75 16,122,000 Apac Citra 395 70 727,000 Aqua...

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * French Comics, Toko Buku Maruzen, 7th floor, Pasaraya, Blok M, until July 15. * Photo Java-Instituut in Photos, Erasmus Huis, Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said, Kav S-3, Kuningan, South Jakarta (Phone: 5241069), until July 28. * Painting, Ceramics Paul Husner, F. Widayanto, Galeri Minima - Maxima, Jl. Sultan Iskandar Muda 88D, Arteri Pondok Indah (Phone: 7207171, 7209009), 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., until Aug. 23.

Telselindo calls for tender on radio frequency

Telselindo calls for tender on radio frequency JAKARTA (JP): Cellular phone company PT Telselindo Nusantara urged the government to put up for tender radio frequency allocations for cellular companies to promote healthy competition among operators, a senior executive said.

No trust between President and me, says Megawati

No trust between President and me, says Megawati JAKARTA (JP): Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri on Thursday signaled her "distrust" of President Abdurrahman Wahid further shutting the door for any political reconciliation in the coming weeks. Supreme Advisory Council chairman Achmad Tirtosudiro, after leading a delegation to meet the Vice President at her office, said that when asked, Megawati was pessimistic at the prospects of working together with the President.

U.S., RP vow to take on against Abu Sayyaf

U.S., RP vow to take on against Abu Sayyaf ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (AFP): U.S. Pacific fleet commander Admiral Dennis Blair and Philippine defense chief Angelo Reyes agreed on Thursday to boost intelligence sharing on Muslim rebels holding 21 American and Filipino hostages. The agreement came as police in the southern city of Zamboanga arrested two Abu Sayyaf couriers and the military reported that they were closing in on the kidnappers on southern Basilan island.

RI to join sports fashion expo

RI to join sports fashion expo JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will participate in the international summer sports fashion and sporting goods trade exhibition in Munich, Germany from July 21 until July 24. National Export Development Agency (BPEN) chief Gusmardi Bustami said in a statement on Friday that participation in the 55th expo would be aimed at helping to raise Indonesian exports because sporting goods were one of the country's export commodities that featured potential.

Fire destroys market

Fire destroys market PURBALINGGA, Central Java: Fire razed the biggest traditional market here on Wednesday night destroying more than 1,000 kiosks and causing billions of rupiah in losses. No fatalities were reported. An eye witness, Pariyanto, 40, told The Jakarta Post at the accident site on Wednesday that the two fire engines that arrived soon after the fire broke out had difficulty entering the compound. "We don't know how the fire started.

Dossiers on Ancol scam to be given to court

Dossiers on Ancol scam to be given to court JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Prosecutor's Office will soon submit to the courts the dossiers on three councillors who have been declared suspects in a case involving a controversial foreign trip, an official said on Thursday. The chief of intelligence affairs at the prosecutor's office, R.J. Soehandojo, said the office had completed its investigation of the case. "The case is ready to be turned over to the courts this month.

Parents dreaming of Tiger kids

Parents dreaming of Tiger kids By Novan Iman Santosa and Primastuti Handayani JAKARTA (JP): Five-year-old Andhika sat stunned in front of the TV watching golf icon Tiger Woods make a final birdie putt on the 18th green at Augusta on April 10. When Woods lifted his trophy -- making him the holder of all four Grand Slam titles, the Masters, U.S. Open, British Open and PGA Championship, the boy shouted to his mother: "Mom, I want to learn golf.

On the fast lane into oblivion?

On the fast lane into oblivion? By Avie K. Utomo JAKARTA (JP): It's 6:47 a.m. on Saturday. A speeding S-Type blue Jaguar passes on Jagorawi toll road. The person behind the wheel is driving fast to join his already waiting golfing buddies. They are supposed to start playing at exactly 7:09, but if they miss it, they have to wait 45 minutes, provided another group had not shown up. The thought of waiting for not being there on time, he floors the gas pedal to 165 kmh. He makes it on time.

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.

A privilege through memberships

A privilege through memberships JAKARTA (JP): In the United States there are several private golf clubs that only allow up to 200 members and whose membership and annual fee run into the millions of dollars and hundreds of thousands of dollars, respectively. The clubs are indeed very exclusive as they do not allow nonmembers to use their course. In Indonesia, the story is slightly different.

'No SMS divorces for Malaysians'

'No SMS divorces for Malaysians' KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysia will not permit Muslim men to divorce their wives through text messages on mobile telephones, the Star newspaper quoted a religious adviser to the government as saying on Thursday. Hamid Othman, adviser to Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, said that although sharia might permit divorce using SMS -- or short messaging service, by which mobile phone users send each other brief bursts of text -- the government would not accept it.

Police in the dark about Slipi blast

Police in the dark about Slipi blast JAKARTA (JP): The police said on Thursday that Wednesday's explosion under the Slipi flyover in West Jakarta was caused by a light explosive, but they had no clue on the motive behind the blast. Deputy chief of the National Police Forensics Laboratory (Puslabfor) Sr. Comr. Dudon Setia Putra told The Jakarta Post on Thursday that the blast was caused by a light explosive.

Empowering the KPKPN

Empowering the KPKPN We were all filled with disappointment and anger at finding out that only 18 percent or approximately 4,500 out of the 25,000 forms have been returned by the officials obliged to fill out wealth declarations.

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.

FAM invites Kurniawan, Bima Sakti to play against MU

FAM invites Kurniawan, Bima Sakti to play against MU JAKARTA (JP): PSM Makassar striker Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto and midfielder Bima Sakti will get a big boost this month as they are being asked by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) to join the neighboring country's team against English champion Manchester United in the club's Asia Tour in Kuala Lumpur.

Grand Prix finals set for August

Grand Prix finals set for August LONDON (AFP): The postponed World Grand Prix finals will be held in Brunei next month, the International Badminton Federation (IBF) has confirmed. The finals, one of the highlights of the international badminton calendar, had originally been due to take place from March 28 to April 1 but were postponed for logistical reasons. The event has now been rearranged for Aug. 8 to Aug. 12 at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Bandar Seri Begawan, the IBF said.

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.

Pacific, Pertamina to bid for Taiwan's LNG contract

Pacific, Pertamina to bid for Taiwan's LNG contract TAIPEI (Dow Jones): Taiwan's Pacific Construction Co. plans to bid for the contract to supply natural gas to state-owned Taiwan Power Co.'s Tatan Power Plant, an official at the construction company told Dow Jones Newswires Thursday.

Philip Morris' $300m plant

Philip Morris' $300m plant MANILA (AP): U.S. cigarette company Philip Morris began building Thursday a US$300 million plant in the Philippines, which the company called its largest investment project in Asia.

Solution to our country's loans

Solution to our country's loans From Warta Kota Even the averagely informed Jakartan is quite aware of our country's huge foreign loans. This is clearly caused by the character and attitude of our leaders, especially those in power and major businesses, who, along with their cronies and nepotism network, prefer taking loans for their own needs rather than the people's. As their sole major "asset" is power, they take the corruption, collusion and nepotism route.

Soldier's body arrives

Soldier's body arrives Antara/Zarqoni JAKARTA (JP): The body of Pvt. Wahyudi, a member of the Army's Special Command (Kopasssus), who was killed in a guerrilla ambush on Wednesday in Aceh, arrived here on Thursday to a full military reception. Spokesman for the military operations chief in Aceh, Lt. Col.

Not-so-funky fowl flock to Satu Lagi

Not-so-funky fowl flock to Satu Lagi JAKARTA (JP): Somewhere between the hideous, architectural insanity that is Pondok Indah and the semiorganized chaos of Jl. Fatmawati, you'll find Hotel Kristal perched on a hill at the side of a winding road that could almost be in the countryside. What's so important about Hotel Kristal, I hear you ask? Well, nothing much except that it's home to the Satu Lagi bar, one of the longest established and most popular watering holes in South Jakarta.

Singapore changes monetary policy, dollar falls to new low

Singapore changes monetary policy, dollar falls to new low SINGAPORE (AP): In a surprise move designed to combat a sharp recession, Singapore's central bank said Thursday it has abandoned its policy of promoting slow appreciation of the island-state's currency.

Robber wounds housewife

Robber wounds housewife JAKARTA (JP): An unidentified robber severely wounded a housewife in Rawa Bugel village, near Harapan Jaya housing complex in North Bekasi, and managed to escape with the woman's purse containing Rp 1 million in cash and important documents on Wednesday evening. Asli Ratua, 43, was on her way home after visiting a colleague near the housing complex when she was robbed, a police officer of the North Bekasi subprecinct said.

TNI investigators begin Maluku probe

TNI investigators begin Maluku probe AMBON, Maluku: A fact-finding team from the Indonesian Military (TNI) headquarters began a probe on Monday into recent clashes involving civilians and an Army joint battalion. The five-member team, led by Col. Hawas Muin, a military police officer, arrived in Ambon on Saturday.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Performance 8:30 Documentary 9:00 Woman's Program 10:00 Children's Songs 11:00 Regional News 12:00 p.m. News 1:00 Family's Consultation 2:00 News 2:15 Student's Debating 3:15 Music 4:15 Children's Program 4:30 Regional Program 5:00 News 6:00 TVRI's News 7:00 Dialog 8:00 Music 9:00 Pupet Show 11:15 Talk Show Program 2 5:30 p.m. Music 6:30 City News 7:00 Music 7:30 News (in English) 8:30 Documentary TPI 5:30 a.m.

Polling on president and VP

Polling on president and VP From Suara Karya Telepolling on the prospective vice president conducted by private TV stations has indicated prominent names such as Hamzah Haz, Yusril Ihza Mahendra and Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. So far Susilo has received a much more favorable response from the general public compared to the other two; an average of 85 percent of respondents have voted for him.

Robber shot dead, five others held

Robber shot dead, five others held JAKARTA (JP): Police officers shot dead a man and arrested five others who were caught red-handed mugging a motorist on Jl. Setia Kawan Ujung, Duri Pulo subdistrict, Gambir, Central Jakarta, on Thursday. Gambir subprecinct police detective chief Second. Insp. Bayu Dewantoro identified the shot robber as a vagrant, Ali Akbar, 28. who, along with his five accomplices, had just robbed Joni Nuriman, 38, a resident of Angke subdistrict, Tambora, West Jakarta.

BI branches to use RTGS system

BI branches to use RTGS system JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia's branches in Surabaya, Yogyakarta and Semarang will soon be using the new interbank settlement system called Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS), which will allow for more efficient and safer interbank payments, the central bank said on Thursday. "In early August, we will launch the RTGS system in Yogyakarta and Semarang," Bank Indonesia deputy director Aulia Pohan said, adding that Surabaya will be added to the list later.

Miss Universe contest

Miss Universe contest From Media Indonesia I watched an interesting program featuring "Women" on Metro TV on July 2, 2001. In the program the plan to send Miss Indonesia to the Miss Universe Contest was discussed. During the discussion, controversy over the objection by certain circles was brought up, as they viewed the competition as incompatible with religious teachings and eastern norms. For me, the case, from that perspective, is already very clear.

TNI supports joint security troops

TNI supports joint security troops JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Adm. Widodo A.S. sounded on Thursday his strong support for stern measures taken by joint-security troops to restore law and order in strife-torn Ambon. "Amid condemnation, troops have tried to maintain security and order there.

Major bomb explosions in Jakarta 1999-2001

Major bomb explosions in Jakarta 1999-2001 Date Venue Casualties Status Jan. 2, 1999 Ramayana store, Jl. H. Agus Salim, C. Jakarta None Four suspects tried April 15, 1999 Hayam Wuruk Plaza, W. Jakarta None Unknown April 19, 1999 Istiqlal Mosque, C. Jakarta Four injured Seven suspects tried July 4, 2000 Attorney General's Office, S. Jakarta None Unknown Aug.1, 2000 The Philippine ambassador's residence, C. Jakarta Two dead, 21 injured Unknown Aug.27, 2000 Parking lot of Malaysian Embassy, S.

Police in the dark about Slipi blast

Police in the dark about Slipi blast JAKARTA (JP): The police said on Thursday that Wednesday's explosion under the Slipi flyover in West Jakarta was caused by a light explosive, but they had no clue on the motive behind the blast. Deputy chief of the National Police Forensics Laboratory (Puslabfor) Sr. Comr. Dudon Setia Putra told The Jakarta Post on Thursday that the blast was caused by a light explosive.

Prosecutors demand 15 years for Elize

Prosecutors demand 15 years for Elize JAKARTA (JP): Government prosecutors demanded on Thursday a 15-year prison term against psychic Elize Maria Tuwahatu for illegal possession of explosives which were found in her possession at the time of her arrest at Taman Mini, East Jakarta, in January. The prosecutors however many no reference to any specific bombing campaign or any accomplice of the 33-year old woman from Menteng district in Central Jakarta.

Bad vibes from the palace

Bad vibes from the palace The nation seems to have been getting a lot of bad vibes from the presidential palace over these last few days. On Monday, President Abdurrahman Wahid's invitation to a meeting to discuss a political compromise was snubbed by leaders of the major political parties. On Thursday, he ordered the arrest of National Police chief Gen. Surojo Bimantoro for insubordination.

Tales of battery operated mice

Tales of battery operated mice By Zatni Arbi JAKARTA (JP): Have you been handling your mouse like a matchbox? Do you have to drag it all over your desktop to get the cursor to the spot where you want it on the screen? Then it is time to go out and buy a new mouse. That was just what I did last week. No mouse lives forever. I had been using my Logitech Cordless MouseMan Pro for at least four years.

Batam remains tense

Batam remains tense BATAM, Riau: The security situation in Sekupang, Batam Island, remained tense on Monday, following riots that erupted on Sunday. Antara reported that police continued patrolling the area in anticipation of further unrest. A mob ran amok on Sunday venting anger on public transportation drivers after a resident of Kampung Baru, identified as SL, was severely injured after being beaten by a public vehicle driver, said to be a Sumatra native.

Gaikindo expects higher car sales

Gaikindo expects higher car sales JAKARTA (JP): The association of Indonesian Automotive Industries (Gaikindo) revised its 2001 car sales forecast to 280,000 from 250,000 following higher-than-expected sales in April and May. Gaikindo chairman Bambang Trisulo said on Thursday that car sales this year would now only be slightly lower than last year's 300,000 units.

Govt's ambitious cyber plan doubted

Govt's ambitious cyber plan doubted JAKARTA (JP): Experts and industry players voiced on Thursday pessimism over the feasibility of the government's plan to establish 500,000 integrated Internet and telephone kiosks across the nation by 2004. To date, according to government data, there are 2,500 Internet kiosks and 187,000 telephone kiosks across the country operated independently. Adi R.

Banks disclose their CAR levels

Banks disclose their CAR levels JAKARTA (JP): In response to media reports citing nine banks listed to face liquidation this year, six banks disclosed their CAR levels to shrug off speculation against them. The six publicly listed banks submitted an explanation of their CAR levels to the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) on Thursday.

Environmentalists set up biodiversity network

Environmentalists set up biodiversity network JAKARTA (JP): Environmentalists here have agreed to establish a cooperation network to fight the increasing danger of biopiracy and exploitation of the country's rich biodiversity by irresponsible businesses. The desire to establish such a network was one of the outcomes of the three-day 2001 Indonesian Biodiversity Forum which ended here on Thursday.

Friends to those in high places

Friends to those in high places By Muhammad Sauri Hasibuan JAKARTA (JP): Political connections are not much different from any other kind, although they often have dire consequences for our democracy. Nowadays, people who can break through the clamor and actually whisper into the powerful ears are in greater demand, and their rewards rising precipitously. Former legislators can reach powerful ears by virtue of their past associations.

Malaysia stands firm on delaying auto tariff cuts

Malaysia stands firm on delaying auto tariff cuts KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Malaysia on Thursday reaffirmed its promise to lift tariffs on automotive products to Southeast Asian countries by 2005, two years later than agreed to under a regional free-trade pact. The stand has triggered demands for compensation by Thailand and Indonesia for dragging its heels on implementation of the agreement.

Mother batters 4-year-old boy to death for going home late

Mother batters 4-year-old boy to death for going home late JAKARTA (JP): A four-year-old boy who had been severely beaten by his mother on Wednesday died at the Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital (RSCM) on Thursday morning from the injuries he had received.

Asian currencies mixed; central banks may have intervened

Asian currencies mixed; central banks may have intervened SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Asian currencies were mixed late Thursday as gains on most of the regional bourses and the stable yen mitigated jitters over Argentina's worsening crisis, dealers said. Suspected central bank interventions in the foreign exchange markets of Singapore, Taiwan and the Philippines also helped the currencies regain their footing, dealers said.

MPR ready for snap special session

MPR ready for snap special session JAKARTA (JP): Leaders of the People's Consultative Assembly made preparations on Thursday evening for a snap special session, calling on members to be ready to convene here at short notice. "The convening of the special session is only a matter of hours, no longer days, away," Amien told journalists, after attending a meeting of Assembly leaders and faction leaders of the House of Representatives. "So I warn Assembly members to be alert during the coming days..

Int'l group slams RI's dealings over Aceh issue

Int'l group slams RI's dealings over Aceh issue JAKARTA (JP): Analysts from the International Crisis Group said on Thursday that the Indonesian government had applied "contradictory" measures in dealing with rising insurgency in the troubled-province of Aceh. Diarmid O'Sullivan said the current military operation launched in Aceh would be effective in reducing the number of armed civilians in the area.