Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 21 August 2001

70 articles found

Women shuttlers told to focus on SEA Games

Women shuttlers told to focus on SEA Games JAKARTA (JP): The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) has dropped its top women's shuttlers from the national team bound for the JVC Asian Badminton Championships to be held later this week in Manila, saying the event could affect their preparations for the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games next month.

Government sends high-powered team to Aceh

Government sends high-powered team to Aceh JAKARTA (JP): The government is sending a high-powered team to Aceh and is freeing six detained rebel peace negotiators in a bid to speed up a resolution of the conflict plaguing the restive province. A strong entourage of 13 high-ranking officials comprising ministers and security chiefs, will arrive in Banda Aceh on Tuesday, from where they will travel by land to Lhokseumawe, the stronghold of the armed separatist movement.

The fugitive appellant

The fugitive appellant Chief Justice Bagir Manan's conclusion that the Supreme Court is legally bound to process Tommy Soeharto's appeal despite the fact that Tommy is a fugitive from justice, is shocking jurisprudence.

Government to adopt new approach to fight KKN

Government to adopt new approach to fight KKN JAKARTA (JP): The government is formulating a new approach for the eradication of corruption, collusion and nepotism among state officials, State Minister of Administrative Reforms Feisal Tamin said on Monday. "The plan will include several measures, such as reviewing policies that could open up the possibility of such practices, shortening bureaucratic procedures and providing stricter rules covering unauthorized levies," Feisal said.

Putting military 'meat' on diplomatic 'bones'

Putting military 'meat' on diplomatic 'bones' By Damien Kingsbury VICTORIA, Australia (JP): Following the successful if largely symbolic visit by Prime Minister John Howard to President Megawati Soekarnoputri, the question now facing ministers and senior bureaucrats in Australia and Indonesia is how to put policy 'meat' on the repaired diplomatic 'bones'. This will be the substantial test of how the previously damaged bilateral relationship develops.

National soccer coach wary of SEAG players' mental shape

National soccer coach wary of SEAG players' mental shape JAKARTA (JP): National soccer team coach Benny Dollo has admitted to being aware of his players' psychological shape and has called for more training to contain their tempers as well as to build up self-confidence. "They must train much more on how to get used to the pressures and strive to overcome them.

Sanex inaugurates US$12m assembly plant

Sanex inaugurates US$12m assembly plant SERANG, West Java (JP): PT Sanex Qianjiang Motor International inaugurated its US$12 million motorcycle assembly plant at the Modern Cikande Industrial Estate here on Monday, more than one year after it sold its first Sanex motorcycle here in April 2000. "The opening of this assembly plant demonstrates our desire to provide an affordable and high-quality means of transportation," Sanex Qianjian president Herman Jaya told the press.

Undip recieves 2,955 new students

Undip recieves 2,955 new students SEMARANG: The state University of Diponegoro has welcomed a total of 2,955 new students this academic year, its rector Eko Budihardjo said here on Monday. Accepting the newcomers in a ceremony at the university soccer stadium, Eko said that those who passed this year's entrance test were among 8,060 students from various programs, including postgraduates.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on August 20, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,550 0 136,000 Adindo Foresta 105 0 36,000 AGIS 140 0 5,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 1,625 0 0 Alakasa 260 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 950 0 300,500 Alter Abadi 85 0 0 Alumindo Light 675 0 0 Andhi Chandra 2,025 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 210 10 50,000 Aneka Tambang 1,000 0 1,145,000 Apac Citra 350 -5 77,500 Aqua...

Family to claim

Family to claim Japanese man's body JAKARTA(JP): The family of a Japanese businessman who was found dead last Saturday will travel to Indonesia to claim the body, an embassy official said on Monday. Cultural Council of the Japanese Embassy, Sachiko Furuya, told The Jakarta Post that the embassy had contacted the family of the deceased Wasao Fukumoto. However, the family requested the embassy keep their arrival confidential, Furuya said, without further elaboration.

'Becak' drivers, vendors

'Becak' drivers, vendors stage protest rally JAKARTA (JP): More than 1,000 disadvantaged people (photo above), mostly becak (pedicab) drivers and street vendors, staged a rally at the Office of Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare on Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat, Central Jakarta, on Monday. Organized by several non-governmental organizations, including the Urban Poor Consortium (UPC), the people urged Minister Jusuf Kalla to press the city administration to revoke City Bylaw No.

Purnomo targets Pertamina in fighting KKN

Purnomo targets Pertamina in fighting KKN Newly reappointed Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro has unveiled five priority programs of his office for the rest of his ministerial term. The programs include the eradication of corruption, collusion and nepotism. He described the programs in a recent interview with The Jakarta Post. Following are an excerpt of the interview.

U-18 soccer tourney resumes

U-18 soccer tourney resumes JAKARTA (JP): The national U-18 soccer tournament -- locally known as the Bogasari League -- resumes play on Wednesday with second-round matches held in seven towns. The tournament features 32 teams divided into eight groups. Chairman of The Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) Agum Gumelar is scheduled to officially open the second round of the league in Malang, East Java.

Councillors' trips overseas ineffective

Councillors' trips overseas ineffective JAKARTA (JP): City Council chairman Edy Waluyo stated on Monday that the council had received copies of letters from Indonesian consulates saying that councillors' foreign trips were not effective due to lack of preparation. "We received the letters from the consulates in Los Angeles, Unites States and Madrid, Spain, last week saying that the councillors' trips were not effective," Edy told reporters at City Hall.

How elegant, 'Ibu' Mega

How elegant, 'Ibu' Mega From Media Indonesia As an Indonesian woman, I feel proud of the election of Ibu Megawati as the first female to occupy the presidency. I know some people, especially some Muslims, are against female presidents. I suggest, therefore, that Bu Megawati please these people by: * avoiding cheek-to-cheek greetings with men other than her husband or who are not her male relatives as this is risky. * dressing in Muslim-style clothes.

'Po Meurah', Aceh's threatened elephants.

'Po Meurah', Aceh's threatened elephants. By Ron Lilley MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): The troubled province of Aceh has some of the largest areas of forest in Sumatra. These, together with its mountainous topography, have helped to protect Aceh from the fires that have plagued other provinces. Aceh's forests contain a wealth of rare wildlife, including, tigers, rhinos, tapirs and one of the largest surviving populations of Sumatran elephants.

Has international terrorism gone local?

Has international terrorism gone local? By Meidyatama Suryodiningrat JAKARTA (JP): Security officials here have partly blamed the recent wave of bomb attacks on what they claim is infiltration of Indonesia by foreign terrorist groups. The extent of the threat may never be truly revealed, but the danger was real enough to prompt both the United States and Britain to take precautionary measures against possible attacks from "extremist elements". Purported plans to bomb the U.S.

JSX bombers get 20-year jail each

JSX bombers get 20-year jail each JAKARTA (JP): The South Jakarta District Court sentenced two defendants to 20-years imprisonment each on Monday for their role in last year's bombing of the Jakarta Stock Exchange building, which killed 10 people and injured 46 others. The verdict was presented by the presiding judge, Rusman Dani Achmad, during the trial of Tengku Ismuhadi Jafar, 30 and Nuryadin alias Nadin, 29.

How elegant, Ibu Mega

How elegant, Ibu Mega From Media Indonesia As an Indonesian woman, I feel proud of the election of Ibu Megawati as the first female to occupy the presidency. I know some people, especially some Muslims, are against female presidents. I suggest, therefore, that Bu Megawati please these people by: * avoiding cheek-to-cheek greetings with men other than her husband or who are not her male relatives as this is risky. * dressing in Muslim-style clothes.

Worker remains unburied?

Worker remains unburied? Based on information from our sources, our client's daughter, Chosiah binti Hosnan, an Indonesian from East Java working in Saudi Arabia, was killed by a local 11 months ago. However, her family members learnt of her death from the Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah only four months ago.

Seribu Islands' regency inauguration delayed

Seribu Islands' regency inauguration delayed JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso finally bowed on Monday to City Council pressure to postpone the inauguration of the Seribu (Thousand) Islands as a new regency for "administrative reasons". "I've decided to delay the inauguration because some administrative aspects have yet to be cleared up," Sutiyoso told reporters. The inauguration ceremony was scheduled to take place on Pramuka island on Tuesday. On that day, Sutiyoso was slated to install M.

Family to claim Japanese man's body

Family to claim Japanese man's body JAKARTA (JP): The family of a Japanese businessman who was found dead last Saturday will travel to Indonesia to claim the body, an embassy official said on Monday. Cultural Council of the Japanese Embassy, Sachiko Furuya, told The Jakarta Post that the embassy had contacted the family of the deceased Wasao Fukumoto. However, the family requested the embassy keep their arrival confidential, Furuya said, without further elaboration.

Maya says Tommy has not contacted her for 10 years

Maya says Tommy has not contacted her for 10 years JAKARTA (JP): Singer Olivia Maya Rumantir, a close friend of Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra, claimed on Monday that her last contact with Tommy was about 10 years ago. "I used to know him but it was some nine years ago. We have not contacted each other for almost 10 years, I think," Maya told a media conference after she was questioned by police in connection with Tommy's whereabouts.

China expresses 'deep concern' over killing of two Chinese men

China expresses 'deep concern' over killing of two Chinese men MANILA (AFP): China expressed deep concern Monday over the killing of two Chinese men by Filipino kidnappers and demanded an explanation from Manila for the tragedy, diplomatic sources and reports said. The two Chinese were killed in the southern Philippines Sunday while one of their compatriots held by the kidnappers escaped when the military mounted a rescue attempt.

Reforming Indonesia

Reforming Indonesia Indonesia's President Megawati Soekarnoputri is exceeding expectations left and right. Last week she awarded the most important positions in her cabinet to well-respected technocrats, doling out lesser posts to her coalition partners, and the markets gave their nod of approval.

Immigration office to deport six German students

Immigration office to deport six German students JAKARTA (JP): The six German students arrested by police last Saturday would be deported on Tuesday as they had violated immigration regulations, the immigration enforcement section said on Monday. Mohammad Indra, director of the immigration enforcement section, said on Monday that they would also be prohibited from entering Indonesia for between the next six months and a year, as provided for in article 42 of the Indonesian immigration law.

Indonesian boxers match Cuban juniors in training

Indonesian boxers match Cuban juniors in training JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian boxers undergoing a series of training stints for the Kuala Lumpur 2001 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games matched their Cuban sparring partners, an official said on Monday. "Our boxers fought members of the Cuban under-19 national team who are slightly more skillful. But our boxers have also shown improvement," deputy secretary-general of the Indonesian Amateur Boxing Association (Pertina) Didit Soedijoto said.

IBRA prepares for BCA retender, official says

IBRA prepares for BCA retender, official says JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) is preparing the "relaunch" of a tender process for a 30 percent government stake in Bank Central Asia (BCA), after it seemingly failed to obtain a good bid in the first round, according to IBRA chairman I Putu Gede Ary Suta. Ary Suta said Monday that plans to relaunch the tender followed the decision made by State Minister of State Enterprises Laksamana Sukardi, who now supervises IBRA.

Girl falls to her death

Girl falls to her death JAKARTA (JP): An 18-year-old girl died after falling from the 22nd floor of Plaza Sentral, an office building on Jl. Sudirman in South Jakarta, on Sunday night. Murry, a resident of Srengseng Sawah in West Jakarta, attended a church service at the building, her brother, Jordan, said. But as soon as the mass finished, Murry went straight to the 22nd floor while her friends came down, he said. No one knew why or with whom Murry went upstairs, he added.

A nostalgic look at yesterday's cigarette labels

A nostalgic look at yesterday's cigarette labels Cigarette packs on display inspire nostalgia Text and photos by Blontank Poer SEMARANG (JP): Cigarettes have been both loved and hated for a long time now. Active smokers will still purchase them regardless of the deadly consequences of cancer, heart failure or other diseases.

New Garuda tested

New Garuda tested Lured by the New Garuda advertising campaign, and during a bout of dementia, I asked my travel agent KIA to book three tickets for my family to fly to London on the aforementioned airline. with reservations confirmed and tickets issued with OK (confirmed) status I naively arrived at Cengkareng Airport expecting to board the flight to the United Kingdom with no fuss.

457 killed in Central Java road accidents

457 killed in Central Java road accidents PURWOKERTO, Central Java (JP): More than 450 people have been killed in road accidents in Central Java within the last eight months, provincial traffic police chief Sr. Comr. Edy Prawoto said here on Monday. "The figures do not include accidents involving motorcycles and other fatal accidents not reported to the police," Edy said.

President Megawati leaves for eight-day ASEAN trip

President Megawati leaves for eight-day ASEAN trip JAKARTA (JP): President Megawati Soekarnoputri is leaving home on Tuesday for her first official visit to the nine member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to start strengthening ties with them. Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda said, after meeting the President on Monday, that by making her first foreign overseas trip to ASEAN countries it showed Indonesia's commitment to the grouping.

Reforming Indonesia

Reforming Indonesia Indonesia's President Megawati Soekarnoputri is exceeding expectations left and right. Last week she awarded the most important positions in her cabinet to well-respected technocrats, doling out lesser posts to her coalition partners, and the markets gave their nod of approval.

Looking into the IMF mirror: Thailand's experience

Looking into the IMF mirror: Thailand's experience BANGKOK: Today is the fourth anniversary of the day that Thailand joined the International Monetary Fund program following the economic and financial crisis of July 2, 1997, when the baht was untied from the US dollar. Some may remember that it was a popular move because confidence in the government of the day to handle the sinking economy was very low.

Noted award means struggle goes on: Dita

Noted award means struggle goes on: Dita JAKARTA (JP): Dita Indah Sari, a noted woman activist who is the one of the recipients of the 2001 Ramon Magsaysay Award, said here on Monday that winning the award would encourage her to continue her fight for the basic rights of workers. "For me the award constitutes international recognition for what I've done in the labor movement, which hasn't been properly addressed in Indonesia.

Yogya policeman gets 10 months for murder

Yogya policeman gets 10 months for murder YOGYAKARTA (JP): A Yogyakarta Military Tribunal sentenced on Monday Second Adj. Insp. Edy Wuryanto, a former police detective at Bantul regency, to 10 months in jail for concealing evidence in the murder case of reporter Fuad Muhammad Syafruddin, alias Udin, five years ago. Presiding judge Col. Hani Sumarni said that Edy had tarnished the image of the police with the public by violating standing procedures in handling the murder case.

JP/4/LET86

JP/4/LET86 Election of ITB Rector From Republika The nomination and election process for the rector of the Bandung Institute of Technology reflects the highest respect of all in ITB academic circles for democracy and transparency. It is really an extraordinary breakthrough that even a foreigner can take up the position. However, some government regulations could pose an obstacle. Those who apply for nomination need not be ITB alumni.

Permit processing for foreign researchers 'easy'

Permit processing for foreign researchers 'easy' JAKARTA (JP): State Minister for Research and Technology M. Hatta Rajasa said here on Monday that the processing of permits for research activities by foreigners in Indonesia was not as complicated as thought. Hatta, who has only been at the helm for the past week, reiterated that its procedure is very simple and doesn't take a long time. He made the remarks in response to the questioning of six German students for alleged immigration violations.

Allowance for E. Timor refugees

Allowance for E. Timor refugees KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: The government has offered a bonus of between Rp 7 million and Rp 15 million to each East Timorese family currently living in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) who are willing to return home.

Old cigarette packs recall bygone era

Old cigarette packs recall bygone era Text and photos by Blontank Poer SEMARANG (JP): Cigarettes have been both loved and hated for a long time now. Active smokers will still purchase them regardless of the deadly consequences of cancer, heart failure or other diseases. Meanwhile, non-smokers are trying to lobby local authorities to ban smoking in public places including malls, theaters and on public transportation, which is still a huge task.

Rates for tax payment, valid from August. 20 to July. 26

Rates for tax payment, valid from August. 20 to July. 26 U.S. dollar 1 Rp 8,470.00 Austrian schilling 1 Rp 551.65 Australian dollar 1 Rp 4,380.68 Belgian franc 1 Rp 188.18 Canadian dollar 1 Rp 5,508.58 Swiss franc 1 Rp 5,003.25 Deutschemark 1 Rp 3,883.36 Danish krone 1 Rp 1,028.63 French franc 1 Rp 1,157.20 Poundsterling 1 Rp 12,024.01 Hong Kong dollar 1 Rp 1,085.97 Italian lira 100 Rp 392.03 Japanese yen 100 Rp 6,917.11 Malaysian ringgit 1 Rp 2,229.06 Dutch guilder 1 Rp 3,444.57 New Zealand...

2. 4Damien --

2. 4Damien -- 1 x 40 36 pt optima bold Putting military 'meat' on diplomatic 'bones' By Damien Kingsbury VICTORIA, Australia (JP): Following the successful if largely symbolic visit by Prime Minister John Howard to President Megawati Soekarnoputri, the question now facing ministers and senior bureaucrats in Australia and Indonesia is how to put policy 'meat' on the repaired diplomatic 'bones'. 3.

Government upbeat on new LoI by Thursday

Government upbeat on new LoI by Thursday JAKARTA (JP): The government expressed optimism to be able to complete by Thursday a new draft of the Letter of Intent (LoI) with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to restart a stalled US$5 billion loan program. State Minister for State Enterprises Laksamana Sukardi told reporters on Monday, after a meeting with the visiting IMF special mission, that the IMF team was very optimistic about completing the review of the country's economic programs.

UNTAET ends triple E. Timor currency trade

UNTAET ends triple E. Timor currency trade JAKARTA (AFP): East Timor's days of triple currency trade were brought to an end Monday as fines were introduced for businesses caught trading in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Although the greenback has been the UN-administered territory's official currency since January 2000, trade in the Indonesian rupiah and Australian dollar has thrived, especially in the villages and traditional marketplaces. "The problem has been the shortage of U.S.

50 firms to join oil expo

50 firms to join oil expo JAKARTA (JP): More than 50 companies and 450 delegates from around the world will take part in an international oil and gas industry exhibition and conference which starts on Tuesday. Organizing committee spokesman Khairul Rizal said on Monday that the Mega Petro Event (MPE) was aimed to lure more investors into the industry. "The event will be more focused on the oil and gas outsourcing industry," he said.

Rupiah rate Aug.20

Rupiah rate Aug.20 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

AG office frees two suspects

AG office frees two suspects JAKARTA (JP): The Attorney General's Office has freed two suspects, Leo Tanubarta and Kaharuddin Ongko, in the corruption case concerning Bank Indonesia's liquidity support for Bank Umum National (BUN), a private bank owned by the Ongko Group. Kaharuddin was freed because he suffered from epilepsy, which required him to undergo intensive medical treatment, Antara quoted the office's spokesman, Muljohardjo, as saying Monday.

Megawati's Aceh visit

Megawati's Aceh visit The mixed reactions that have greeted reports of President Megawati Sukarnoputri's apology for past government wrongdoings in Aceh and her intended visit there illustrate not only the difficulties that lie in the way of a reconciliation between Jakarta and the Acehnese, but the many misconceptions that exist regarding this westernmost of Indonesian provinces as well.

Family to claim

Family to claim Japanese man's body JAKARTA(JP): The family of a Japanese businessman who was found dead last Saturday will travel to Indonesia to claim the body, an embassy official said on Monday. Cultural Council of the Japanese Embassy, Sachiko Furuya, told The Jakarta Post that the embassy had contacted the family of the deceased Wasao Fukumoto. However, the family requested the embassy keep their arrival confidential, Furuya said, without further elaboration.

Conservationists fight to save elephants

Conservationists fight to save elephants MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): In Aceh, another battle is being fought, but this time it is between elephants and people. As a result of excessive deforestation and land clearing, elephant habitats are shrinking. Increasingly, they find that land on their migration paths has been converted to gardens or plantations, presenting them with a choice of good food.

Thank you Dian Taxi

Thank you Dian Taxi From Suara Pembaruan On July 18 at about 5 p.m. my child had accidentally dropped his cell phone, an Ericsson T-29, in a Dian Taxi on his way home from SMU Lab School in Rawamangun, East Jakarta. I immediately called the taxi pool in Kalimalang. On July 24, I received a call from the Dian Taxi pool in Kalimalang, saying the cell phone has been located.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Environment 8:45 News: Hallo, Metro Indonesia 10:00 Children's Program 10:30 30 Minutes with Anita Rahman 11:00 Regional News 12:00 p.m. News 1:00 Psychology 2:00 News 2:15 Debating 3:15 Children's Program 3:40 Quiz 4:15 Children's Program 4:30 Traditional Performances 5:00 News 5:30 TV Drama 6:00 News 7:00 Talk Show 8:00 TV Drama 9:00 Music 10:00 News 10:30 Music 11:30 Talk Show Program 2 5:30 p.m.

Where to go in Bandung:

Where to go in Bandung: Bandung Art Event 2001 Exhibitions: Painting: Ruang Alternatif X, Galeri Adira, Jl. Kiaracondong 33 E (Phone: 022 7216758), 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., until Sept. 8. Painting, Galeri 16, Jl. Raya Cibeureum 16, until Sept. 22. Painting: Mawas Diri, by Rosid, Buddy Siswanto and Azis Suryanegara, Galeri Hidayat, Jl. Sulanjana 36 (Phone: 022 4208257), until Sept. 16. Painting: Rupi-Rupi Rupa, LennArt, Kampung Daun Culture, Cafe Gallery and Spa, Jl. Sersan Bajuri Km 4,7, until Sept.

Bomb found close to Munir's family home

Bomb found close to Munir's family home JAKARTA (JP): A live bomb was found outside the family residence of human rights activist Munir in Batu, Malang, East Java, in the early morning hours of Monday. The police defused the high explosive bomb in the middle of a paddy field opposite the house on Jl. Diponegoro. The bomb squad claimed it was of TNT (trinitrotoluene) type.

The President should set an example

The President should set an example From Koran Tempo The decision to place the Indonesian Banking Restructuring Agency (IBRA) under the control of the State Minister of State Enterprises is now a reality. Hence a part of the nation's assets is now within the "jurisdiction" of a minister of a certain political party, which won the last election.

Malaysian police guilty of rights abuses: Inquiry

Malaysian police guilty of rights abuses: Inquiry KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): Malaysia's police were guilty of violating human rights and "cruel and inhuman" treatment of detainees after a mass anti-government protest last November, a top-level inquiry found Monday. The government-backed Human Rights Commission of Malaysia, in a 66-page report of its first public inquiry since it was established in April last year, found police used excessive force against protesters.

Rates uncertainty makes Telkom, Indosat unattractive

Rates uncertainty makes Telkom, Indosat unattractive JAKARTA (JP): The government may not receive good offers for the planned sale this year of between 10 percent and 14 percent of its shares in state-owned telecommunications companies PT Telkom and PT Indosat due to uncertainties over rates, a senior analyst said. "I think it would be difficult to obtain an optimum price this year," PT Danareksa Sekuritas' vice president for research and equity capital markets Agung Prabowo said on Monday.

KL wary of Thai whores at SEA games

KL wary of Thai whores at SEA games BANGKOK (AFP): Malaysian authorities concerned about a huge influx of Thai prostitutes during next month's Southeast Asian Games have asked Thai police to screen women crossing the border, a report said Friday. A senior immigration official told The Nation newspaper that Malaysia was afraid visitors to its capital Kuala Lumpur would get the wrong impression if the city was packed with sex workers during the Sept. 8-17 Games.

PKB legislators resume participation in the House

PKB legislators resume participation in the House JAKARTA (JP): Legislators of the National Awakening Party (PKB) resumed their participation in proceedings at the House of Representatives (DPR) on Monday, attending the House's first session for the 2001-2002 period. PKB faction's newly appointed chairman Ali Masjkur Musa said that despite the comeback of the faction, it was under no obligation to clarify its stance on the Special Session and the presidential succession.

Win at the SEA Games or lose cash: NSC

Win at the SEA Games or lose cash: NSC KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's athletes have been warned that if they don't perform well at the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games next month they will lose state funding. The National Sports Council (NSC), which backs 32 sports bodies, will slash funding to just 12 associations after the Southeast Asian Games from Sept. 7-18, newspapers reported Monday.

Disbanding the

Disbanding the Golkar Party From Media Indonesia A number of social groups have demanded that the Golkar Party be disbanded, saying the party had committed sins during the New Order era and caused sufferings to the people. Honestly, I wonder whether people really lived in misery during Soeharto's era and whether they are living happily in the present reform era. What I can be sure of is that in the present era we are all living in uncertainty and there is no bright prospect is in sight.

1. Goh (3 x 15)

1. Goh (3 x 15) S'pore launches new scheme to distribute wealth 2. WTO (3 x 14) India opposed to new round of WTO talks 3. Fujitsu (2 x 20) Fujitsu confirms to cut 16,400 workforce 3. Taiwan (2 x 22) Taiwan to see greater access to China after WTO 4. ING (1 x 22) Japan's watchdog orders changes at ING Barings 5. HK (2 x 18) HK jobless rate worsens on slowdown 6. Timor (2 x 20) UNTAET ends triple ETimor currency trade 7. GDP (2 x 24) Bush aides defend 3.2% GDP growth forecast for 2002 8.

Aceh's endangered elephants

Aceh's endangered elephants By Ron Lilley MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): The troubled province of Aceh has some of the largest areas of forest in Sumatra. These, together with its mountainous topography, have helped to protect Aceh from the fires that have plagued other provinces. Aceh's forests contain a wealth of rare wildlife, including, tigers, rhinos, tapirs and one of the largest surviving populations of Sumatran elephants.

RI palm oil exports may fall this year

RI palm oil exports may fall this year KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): Indonesia's palm oil exports may fall to 3.9 million tons this year from 4.15 million tons last year, hampered by lower yields and a stronger rupiah, an industry official said on Monday. "I am afraid that we won't be able to reach a target of 4.2 million tons.

Activists want Constitution totally reformed

Activists want Constitution totally reformed JAKARTA (JP): President Megawati Soekarnoputri's idea to establish a commission to rework the 1945 Constitution received an enthusiastic response on Monday. Lawyer Todung Mulya Lubis and Center for Electoral Reform (Cetro) activist Smita Notosusanto said the President's idea had erased the general perception that it was taboo to even discuss possible change in the Constitution.

Conoco awards procurement contracts

Conoco awards procurement contracts SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Conoco Indonesia Inc. Monday awarded two engineering, procurement, construction and installation contracts worth US$744 million for a floating, production, storage and offloading, or FPSO, unit, and two wellhead platforms, a company spokeswoman said.

'Becak' drivers stage protest

'Becak' drivers stage protest JAKARTA (JP): More than 1,000 disadvantaged people, mostly becak (pedicab) drivers and street vendors, staged a rally at the Office of Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare on Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat, Central Jakarta, on Monday. Organized by several non-governmental organizations, including the Urban Poor Consortium (UPC), the people urged Minister Jusuf Kalla to press the city administration to revoke City Bylaw No.

Two sentenced over embassy blast

Two sentenced over embassy blast JAKARTA (JP): A university student was sentenced to seven years in jail and a former military officer was given eight-years imprisonment for their role in the grenade explosion at the Malaysian embassy compound here last year. Presiding judge M. Munawir of the South Jakarta District Court said that Iswadi H. Jamil, 30, a student of Syah Kuala University in Banda Aceh and Corp. Ibrahim Hasan, 31, were proven guilty beyond any doubt for the crimes.

Thank you Dian Taxi

Thank you Dian Taxi From Suara Pembaruan On July 18 at about 5 p.m. my child had accidentally dropped his cell phone, an Ericsson T-29, in a Dian Taxi on his way home from SMU Lab School in Rawamangun, East Jakarta. I immediately called the taxi pool in Kalimalang. On July 24, I received a call from the Dian Taxi pool in Kalimalang, saying the cell phone has been located.