Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 24 August 2001

72 articles found

M-Web restructures to boost revenue

M-Web restructures to boost revenue JAKARTA (JP): Internet group PT M-Web Indonesia is planning to lay off some of its employees as part of a crucial restructuring plan aimed at improving revenue, lowering costs and enhancing the level of service for new and existing customers, according to a top official at the company.

East Timorese savor democracy

East Timorese savor democracy DILI, East Timor (AFP): East Timorese voters are relishing their first-ever taste of democracy but some parties in next week's elections have tried to intimidate them, local poll watchdogs said on Thursday. Five groups, including the Joint Election Observers Committee and the National East Timorese Students' Resistance (RENETIL), cited cases of minor violence, forced attendance at campaign rallies and intimidation by several of the 16 parties running in the Aug.

Laid-off journalists to file lawsuit

Laid-off journalists to file lawsuit JAKARTA (JP): Employees of Forum Keadilan weekly newsmagazine said on Thursday that they planned to file a lawsuit against the board of directors following the management's decision to lay off 25 staff members, including nine senior journalists.

Stop talk of KKN

Stop talk of KKN Looking forward to the visit to the United States of President Megawati Soekarnoputri as a state guest, it is only natural for the Indonesian people to entertain hopes that economic benefits could result from the visit. The political elite have already reaped a good deal of benefits from the country's independence or from their allegiance to the regime in power.

Less thrills in 'the Apes'

Less thrills in 'the Apes' By Joko E.H. Anwar Planet of the Apes, **1/2 out of four stars; Adventure/Sci-Fi/Action, 120 minutes; Starring Mark Wahlberg, Tim Roth, Helena Bonham Carter, Paul Giamatti, Kris Kristofferson, Charlton Heston; Directed by Tim Burton; A 20th Century Fox/The Zanuck Company Production JAKARTA (JP): Tim Burton's remake of the 1968 international phenomenon Planet of the Apes is campy, burdened with a lack of real thrills.

Boozy 'bule' baiting at BuGils bar

Boozy 'bule' baiting at BuGils bar JAKARTA (JP): Descartes, no doubt after suffering a pecuniary setback, once said that the only certain thing in life is uncertainty, or something to that effect. The developers of the Taman Ria Senayan entertainment complex must be nodding their heads earnestly in agreement.

It's a (s)mall world after all

It's a (s)mall world after all By Simon Wellington They form one of the larger congregations in Jakarta and definitely one of the more devoted. With religious fervor, they meet at any time and on any day of the week to worship at the fountain of life -- provider of all life-sustaining resources -- the mall. JAKARTA (JP): Well it has to be said that there are a lot of malls in Jakarta.

1. Japan (3 x 15)

1. Japan (3 x 15) Japan's economic woes deepen with jobs, trade data 2. Brunei (3 x 14) RP, Brunei agree to reinvigorate economic zone 3. Argent (1 x 30) Argentina plans belt-tightening vote 4. Korea (1 x 30) U.S. investors buy Hyundai units 5. Hanoi (2 x 18) Vietnam emphasizes dominant role of state-owned firms JP/12/Hanoi 6. Taiwan (1 x 28) Taiwan jobless books record high JP/ 6. Petro (2 x 24) PetroTimor seeks A$2.85b in damages over Timor Gap

RP, Brunei agree to reinvigorate economic zone

RP, Brunei agree to reinvigorate economic zone BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (AFP): Brunei and the Philippines are to work together to reinvigorate a special economic zone covering provinces near their maritime borders as well Indonesia and Malaysia. Philippines President Gloria Arroyo, on the second day of a visit to the oil-rich Sultanate, agreed to relaunch the project during talks with Brunei's ruler, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, according to Philippine sources.

Government to talks with OPIC over controversial deal

Government to talks with OPIC over controversial deal JAKARTA (JP): The government is currently still in talks with U.S. government-owned insurance firm Overseas Private Investment Corp. (OPIC) over a controversial payment agreement signed last month by former finance minister Rizal Ramli, according to president of the state-owned electricity company PLN Eddie Widiono. But Eddie did not clearly said whether the "talk" was meant to renegotiate the settlement deal.

Mending ties with the IMF

Mending ties with the IMF High expectations of a new reform agreement with the International Monetary Fund next week will not likely be dashed as they were in April and mid-July. Judging from the smooth negotiations since early this week and the good rapport between the new economic team and the IMF review mission, one can say that a new letter of intent (LoI) is already in the bag. The final draft will most likely be ready for IMF management next week.

Big screen beckons Tracy Trinita

Big screen beckons Tracy Trinita By Hera Diani JAKARTA (JP): The charm of the big screen is hard to resist, even for successful Indonesian model Tracy Trinita. Following the path taken by famous models like Cindy Crawford and Elle McPherson, Tracy, who has made her way as an international model after winning the Elite Model Look contest six years ago, has now paved her way to star in a Malaysian flick titled Mendam Berahi (Holding Lust). "I was just curious.

U.S. investors buy Hyundai units

U.S. investors buy Hyundai units SEOUL (AP): The South Korean government signed a much-awaited preliminary deal with a U.S. consortium Thursday to jointly take over three heavily indebted financial arms of the Hyundai group. The two trillion won (US$1.55 billion) deal, struck after a year of bargaining, removed a major headache for South Korea, which has been trying to reform its debt-ridden financial and corporate sector since the 1997-98 Asian economic crisis. The deal calls for the U.S.

RI vulnerable to infiltration by int'l terrorists: BIN chief

RI vulnerable to infiltration by int'l terrorists: BIN chief JAKARTA (JP): National Intelligence Agency (BIN) chief A.M. Hendropriyono warned on Thursday that Indonesia is vulnerable to infiltration by international terrorists. "Terrorism has a tendency to flourish in a country which is in transition toward democracy. So, democratization should be coupled with the promotion of surveillance," he said. "We must be alert and be prepared. It is our responsibility (to fight terrorism)," he said.

Hyundai eyes expansion in region ahead of AFTA

Hyundai eyes expansion in region ahead of AFTA KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): South Korean carmaker Hyundai Motor Co. Thursday unveiled plans to expand in Southeast Asia to take advantage of the planned opening in 2003 of a regional free trade area. Hyundai's vehicles are now locally assembled in Malaysia and Indonesia and the company wants to venture into the Philippines and Thailand, said Hyundai Motor director Um Kwang Heum.

Australia and Indonesia sued over Timor Gap

Australia and Indonesia sued over Timor Gap SYDNEY (AFX): PetroTimor has launched legal action against the Australian and Indonesian governments and Phillips Petroleum over a disputed exploration concession covering part of the Timor Gap treaty zone, The Sydney Morning Herald reported without identifying its source.

New coach to boost wushu team

New coach to boost wushu team JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's quest to win six gold medals in the wushu competition at the upcoming Southeast Asian Games has received a major boost with the presence of former Malaysian coach Phoon Chee Kong. Phoon had been a national coach for his country's team before he quit due to an internal rift within the Malaysian wushu body.

1. Maria - 48 MM, 3 cols, 3 lines, 3x 15

1. Maria - 48 MM, 3 cols, 3 lines, 3x 15 Woman tried for reporting bribery case 2. Becak - 28 NCSB, 3 cols, 2 lines, 2x20 Public order office crushes 750 'becak' 3. Harry alias Gus Dur - 26 MM, 2 col, 2 lines, 2x18 Gus Dur may be quizzed over search for Tommy 4. Gus Dur alias German - 28 NCSBI, 3 cols, 2 line, 2x 20 Authorities have no funds to deport German students 5. Trip - 36 HBC, 3 cols, 2 lines, 2x21 Prosecutors urged to probe councillors' trips Focus: 3 biji

Govt extends talks with IMF to settle state budget issue

Govt extends talks with IMF to settle state budget issue JAKARTA (JP): The government said on Thursday it was still in talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over the final draft of the fund-sponsored economic program, citing unresolved issues over the state budget. The government had previously hoped to finalize the so-termed letter of intent (LoI) by Thursday.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Environment 8:45 City News 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 Student's Debating 3:15 Music 4:15 Children's Program 4:30 Regional Program 5:00 News 5:30 Religious Teachings 6:00 News 7:00 Dialog 8:00 Music 9:00 Puppet Show 10:00 News 10:30 Puppet Show (contd.) 11:30 Talk Show Program 2 5:30 p.m.

Concern over porn VCDs

Concern over porn VCDs From Media Indonesia In this era of advanced technology, people have invented a clever flat circular object called the VCD. Unfortunately, many of them contain readily available pornography. Recently, I was shocked to learn that a teenager had bought a VCD of Indonesian songs featuring a naked women dancing to the music. I would like to ask the producers a simple question: "Do VCD sellers get more profit from selling pornographic movies?

Good health service 'doesn't always mean cheap medicine'

Good health service 'doesn't always mean cheap medicine' JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Health Achmad Suyudi disclosed here on Thursday that good health services for the people does not necessarily mean the availability of medicines at low prices but more the assurance of the availability of over-the-counter drugs.

No. of refugees in Indonesia

No. of refugees in Indonesia .tb 0.1" 0.5" 2.3" 3.3" 4.3" .RM10.50" PROVINCE FAMILIES PEOPLE ORIGINS 1. Aceh 10,377 41,508 Aceh 2. N. Sumatra 9,350 44,998 Aceh 3. Riau 762 3,135 Aceh 4. Jambi 519 2,103 Aceh 5. S.Sumatra 425 1,700 Aceh 6. W, Java 2,363 9,275 Aceh, Maluku, Irian, W. Kalimantan 7. C. Java 2,788 11,799 Aceh, E. Timor, W. Kalimantan, Maluku, Irian, C. Sulawesi 8. E. Java 40,961 165,732 W. Kalimantan, C. Kalimantan, E. Timor, Maluku, Aceh, Irian 9. Bali 751 2,974 E. Timor 10. W.

Mahathir's fresh battle with Islam

Mahathir's fresh battle with Islam By Barani Krishnan KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Asia's longest-serving elected leader, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, is waging an old battle in the twilight of his career -- beating down the multi- ethnic country's Islamic opposition. Over the last month, police have shut down political and religious forums, banned videos and tapes of political speeches and locked up more than 20 political activists accused of violent extremism.

Indonesia and ASEAN

Indonesia and ASEAN In the past couple of years the impression has been created that Indonesia no longer needs the regional association called ASEAN. Such an impression was reinforced by the diverse statements of disappointment made by Abdurrahman Wahid when he was president with regard to ASEAN's spirit of solidarity. He even floated the idea of forming a new West Pacific Forum to replace ASEAN, but the idea died with Wahid's political demise.

Science expo at Ancol Dreamland

Science expo at Ancol Dreamland JAKARTA (JP): Ancol Dreamland in North Jakarta is hosting a week-long exhibition featuring creative science projects, including a spaceship satellite made by students who took part in a science fair at the entertainment center. The expo, which will last until this Sunday, involves about 9,000 students from junior high school up to university, according to the organizer.

UK foreign minister to visit Indonesia

UK foreign minister to visit Indonesia JAKARTA, (JP): British Foreign Minister responsible for Asian and Middle East issues Ben Bradshaw will visit Indonesia from Aug. 26 to 28, the British Embassy announced here on Thursday. The embassy said in its press statement that Bradshaw would be the first British official to make such a visit to Indonesia since President Megawati Soekarnoputri took office last month.

JAKARTA (JP): In the October meeting of the Consultative Group

JAKARTA (JP): In the October meeting of the Consultative Group on Indonesia in Tokyo, a number of donor countries raised the crucial issue of forest devastation in Indonesia. The commitment of the Indonesian government to forest conservation even became one requirement to get loans. 2. 4G-7 -- 1 x 40 36 pt optima bold More drastic steps needed to check decline TOKYO: When will the slowdown of the U.S. economy be arrested?

Nearly 300,000 displaced in January-August period

Nearly 300,000 displaced in January-August period JAKARTA (JP): Nearly 300,000 people were displaced by communal and sectarian conflict in various parts of Indonesia between January and August, further straining government resources, officials said on Thursday.

Teachers on strike for salary backpay

Teachers on strike for salary backpay PURBALINGGA, Central Java: Continuing their fight to receive salary backpay, thousands of teachers here entered a second day of strike action on Thursday, leaving hundreds of thousands of students without classes. On Wednesday, the first day of their scheduled week-long strike, the teachers held a sit-in protest in front of their schools with their students present, while on Thursday many of them locked classes and staff rooms.

All are responsible for moral education

All are responsible for moral education By Mochtar Buchori JAKARTA (JP): Since the Reform movement broke out in 1998, the issue of educational reform has frequently come up as a topic of public discourse. Popular opinion has been that educational reform will never be genuinely accomplished without improving our moral education at schools. Proponents of this view insist that improving moral education must constitute the first agenda in the nation's program for educational reform.

Newcomers to Jakarta

Newcomers to Jakarta From Media Indonesia The following are a few suggestions for the attention of the governor of Jakarta so that this city with its huge population of over 12 million can become a safer and a more comfortable place to live in.

Eight orangutans to get taste of freedom

Eight orangutans to get taste of freedom SAMARINDA , East Kalimantan: The Wanariset Semboja Orangutan Rehabilitation Center is scheduled to send eight orangutans on Saturday back to their natural habitat around Mount Meratus, located on the border of East and South Kalimantan. Jean Mandala, spokesperson of the rehabilitation center, said on Thursday that the orangutans have been trained on how to adapt to life in their natural habitat for the past three years at the center.

U.S. Dollar Rates Aug.23

U.S. Dollar Rates Aug.23 Latest Previous %Change Yen 120.32-38 120.40-45 -0.07 Euro* 0.9105-11 0.9141-45 -0.39 Sterling 1.4441-47 1.4486-91 -0.31 Swiss Franc 1.6690-96 1.6635-45 +0.33 Canadian Dollar* 1.5422-28 1.5411-17 +0.07 Australian Dollar* 0.5325-30 0.5336-41 -0.21 New Zealand Dollar 0.4396-01 0.4416-23 -0.45 Deutsche Mark 2.1469-78 2.1382-94 +0.41 Czech Koruna 37.655-85 37.505-35 +0.40 Hungary Forint 277.74-10 280.04-26 -0.82 Danish Krone 8.1726-66 8.1440-88 +0.35 Norwegian Krone...

Men tried on forgery charges

Men tried on forgery charges TANGERANG (JP): A prosecutor asked the Tangerang District Court on Wednesday to sentence a subdistrict secretary and a member of staff each to two years and six months imprisonment for counterfeiting 31 signatures in connection with the sale of a 15- hectare plot of land in Jatake subdistrict, Pagedangan district, Tangerang, in October, 1999. Prosecutor Nellita Ariani said the defendants, A.

More stores opening in the offing

More stores opening in the offing By Hendarsyah Tarmizi JAKARTA (JP): Signs of recovery in the country's retail sector have become more apparent lately with the opening of more shopping centers in the capital and surrounding areas. Lippo Supermall in Karawaci, Tangerang has reopened about 9,000 square meters of its east wing, which was closed following the bloody riots that hit the capital in May 1998.

JP/4/let

JP/4/let Telkom's billing statement From Koran Tempo For months, the telecommunications company Telkom has been charging its customers Rp 1,000 a month for the sending of billing statements, which is categorized as a non- telecommunication service charge. In October, the charge will rise to Rp 1,500. This must be stopped. Each time a customer pays the phone bill, he will always get the receipt, which has the same data as the billing statement.

Musician blends local tunes with classical

Musician blends local tunes with classical Text and photo by Harry Bhaskara JAKARTA (JP): In this time of domestic crises, it is easy to forget that there are numerous Indonesian artists abroad who are still alive and kicking. One of these artists is Berlin-based classical guitarist Iwan Tanzil who visited Indonesia last week. He has been living in the German capital for 19 years but retained his Indonesian passport.

Malaysia comes under fire for plan to whip illegals

Malaysia comes under fire for plan to whip illegals KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): Government plans to whip illegal immigrants in Malaysia were attacked as "inhuman and barbaric" by labor and rights groups Thursday. "We condemn the move to whip migrant workers. It is dehumanizing," said Irene Fernandez, director of Tenaganita, a group which champions women's' and migrant workers' rights.

Public order office crushes 750 'becak'

Public order office crushes 750 'becak' JAKARTA (JP): The city administration crushed on Thursday 750 becak (three-wheeled pedicabs) that they had seized this year. Witnessed by deputy governor for administrative affairs Abdul Kahfi, the becak, which had been seized in raids starting in January, were destroyed in a yard of the warehouse of the City Security and Public Order Office in Cakung, Cilincing, North Jakarta. The becak were destroyed using an excavator.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Painting by Darvies Rasjidin, Galeri Cipta II, Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jl. Cikini Raya 73, Central Jakarta (Phone: 3140554), 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Aug. 24. * Rotterdam Waterfront, Erasmus Huis, Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said, Kav S-3, Kuningan, South Jakarta (Phone: 5241069), until Sept. 22. * Painting 66th Marah Djibal, Galeri Milenium, Golden Plaza complex, Blok B-23, Jl. R.S. Fatmawati No. 15, South Jakarta (Phone: 7507828), 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., until Aug. 26.

TV Program: Friday, August 24, 2001

TV Program: Friday, August 24, 2001 TVRI .tb .30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Environment 8:45 City News 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 Student's Debating 3:15 Music 4:15 Children's Program 4:30 Regional Program 5:00 News 5:30 Religious Teachings 6:00 News 7:00 Dialog 8:00 Music 9:00 Puppet Show 10:00 News 10:30 Puppet Show (contd.) 11:30 Talk Show Program 2 5:30 p.m.

New radio station comes under fire

New radio station comes under fire PALU, Central Sulawesi: The Association of Indonesian Private Radio Stations (PRSSNI) has strongly protested the Central Sulawesi Provincial Legislative Council's decision to launch its own radio broadcasting station despite the absence of a license. Head of PRRSNI's Central Sulawesi branch office Tasdiqy Lasahido reiterated that according to the broadcasting law, only private companies are allowed to set up a private radio station.

Rupiah Rates Aug.23

Rupiah Rates Aug.23 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Court rejects bankruptcy petition against Manulife

Court rejects bankruptcy petition against Manulife JAKARTA (JP): The Central Jakarta Commercial Court dismissed on Thursday a bankruptcy petition filed against joint venture insurance company PT Asuransi Jiwa Manulife Indonesia (AJMI), a subsidiary of Canada's Manulife Financial Corp. The Court said it had no authority to try the case due a lack of legal grounds.

Indonesian TV ambitions face bumpy road ahead

Indonesian TV ambitions face bumpy road ahead Aug. 24 is jointly celebrated as the anniversary of three television stations -- state owned TVRI and two private networks RCTI and SCTV. Soon, there will be more TV stations, which will heighten competition. How tough will the competition be if the new TV stations are still struggling to get their signals up before the Oct. 25 deadline? Is it a bumpy or smooth ride ahead? The Jakarta Post's contributor Luas Samudera looks into the issues.

Facing up to destruction of forests

Facing up to destruction of forests By Suhardi Suryadi JAKARTA (JP): At the October meeting of the Consultative Group on Indonesia in Tokyo, a number of donor countries raised the crucial issue of forest devastation in Indonesia. The commitment of the Indonesian government to forest conservation even became one requirement for the extending of further loans. Given the present condition of Indonesia's forests, the CGI's political pressure on Indonesia is understandable.

1. OPIC (2x20)

1. OPIC (2x20) Govt in talks with OPIC over controversial deal 2. Mweb (3x16) M-Web restructure to improve revenue, efficiency levels 3. Manu (2x24) Court rejects bankruptcy petition against Manulife 4. Hyunda (2x18) Hyundai eyes expansion in region ahead of AFTA

Constitution

Constitution Constitutional team 'must be free from politicians'. Page 2 'Becak' Public order office crushes 750 'becak'. Page 3 Education All are responsible for moral education. Page 5 Badminton Lin Dan stuns Taufik in first encounter. Page 6 TV Indonesian TV ambitions face bumpy road ahead. Page 8 Shopping More stores opening in the offing. Page 9 Manulife Court rejects bankruptcy petition against Manulife. Page 13

Trains disrupted for 12 hours

Trains disrupted for 12 hours JAKARTA (JP): Rail services between Jakarta and Bekasi were disrupted for almost 12 hours from Wednesday night due to the derailment of a coal train at Jatinegara station, East Jakarta. Zaenal Abidin, public relations chief for state-owned rail company PT Kereta Api Indonesia's Jakarta office, said here on Thursday that after repairs on Thursday morning, Jakarta-Bekasi train services had returned to normal.

Authorities have no funds to deport German students

Authorities have no funds to deport German students JAKARTA (JP): Six German students, who were scheduled to be deported on Tuesday for visa violations, are still in the city as immigration authorities do not have the funds to send them home. "We don't have the funds to deport them," Mohammad Indra, director of the immigration enforcement section of the Directorate General of Immigration, said.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug. 23, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,550 -25 56,000 Adindo Foresta 105 0 15,500 AGIS 135 -5 250,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 1,700 75 2,035,000 Alakasa 320 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 925 -25 54,500 Alter Abadi 80 -5 6,500 Alumindo Light 675 0 5,000 Andhi Chandra 2,025 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 210 0 75,000 Aneka Tambang 1,000 0 260,000 Apac Citra 350 0...

Constitutional team 'must be free from politicians'

Constitutional team 'must be free from politicians' YOGYAKARTA (JP): Politicians should not be included on the proposed constitutional commission, otherwise the country would have an amended constitution laden with political interests, scholars warned on Thursday.

Providing more public services for the disabled

Providing more public services for the disabled By Inge Komardjaja and Peter Neumann MUENSTER, Germany (JP): Bandung in Indonesia and Muenster in Germany are geographically disconnected and culturally different. In dealing with the problems disabled people face with mobility, there is nothing comparable. Muenster is advanced, whereas Bandung is still at the beginning of addressing disability issues within society.

Fishing firms attacked by mobs

Fishing firms attacked by mobs JAKARTA (JP): Fishermen and fishing boats of PT Djarma Aru in Merauke, Irian Jaya, have of late been afraid of going out to sea after two recent brutal attacks by mobs, Arudya, chief of the company's fishing fleet said. Arudya said in a statement sent from Merauke on Thursday that one fishing boat, MS Jala Perkasa, was attacked and torched by 30 people on Monday and its eleven crew members were still missing as of Thursday.

Govt extends talks with IMF

Govt extends talks with IMF JAKARTA (JP): The government said on Thursday it was still in talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over the final draft of the fund-sponsored economic program, citing unresolved issues over the state budget. The government had previously hoped to finalize the so-termed letter of intent (LoI) by Thursday. State Minister for State Enterprises, Laksamana Sukardi said progress during negotiations with the IMF was going well, but required some "fine-tuning".

From corruption to extortion

From corruption to extortion From Koran Tempo A legislator of the Justice and Unity Party (PKP) faction at the Jakarta legislative assembly was reported by the tabloid, Ambisi, to be involved in a case of corruption involving Rp 6 billion in a tire project at the supply bureau of the Jakarta administration. This report led to an extortion case and the chief editor of Ambisi, Joseph Hutabarat, was arrested by the police.

Lin Dan shows Taufik the door in first career encounter

Lin Dan shows Taufik the door in first career encounter JAKARTA (JP): Newcomer Lin Dan of China put top seed Taufik Hidayat's attempt to defend his title at the US$150,000 JVC Asian Badminton Championships in Manila to an end on Thursday. World number five Taufik played as if he was a novice against the left-handed Chinese teenager who used speed and power to breeze past the Indonesian 15-3, 15-2 in just 29 minutes for a place in the quarterfinals.

TV channels battle for ratings and revenue

TV channels battle for ratings and revenue JAKARTA (JP): The country's first commercial station RCTI, which was introduced 12 years ago on Aug 24, and SCTV, which was launched a year later, also on Aug. 24, find August the hottest month of the year.

Gus Dur may be quizzed over search for Tommy

Gus Dur may be quizzed over search for Tommy JAKARTA (JP): National Police chief Gen. Surojo Bimantoro implied on Thursday that former president Abdurrahman Wahid would be summoned for questioning in connection with the police's efforts to hunt down the fugitive Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra.

How to address Megawati's husband

How to address Megawati's husband From Kompas In the article Tiga Hari Bersama RI-3 (Three Days with RI-3) in Kompas dated Aug. 14 on Taufik Kiemas, the husband of President Megawati Soekarnopurti, he was referred to as RI-3 by the staff members of the State Secretariat. As a former lecturer (unsalaried) in the School of Social and Political Studies of the University of Indonesia in Rawamangun, Jakarta.

MUENSTER, Germany (JP): Bandung in Indonesia and Muenster in

MUENSTER, Germany (JP): Bandung in Indonesia and Muenster in Germany are geographically disconnected and culturally different. In dealing with the problems of the mobility of disabled people there is nothing comparable. 2. 5Buchori -- Moral education: Whose responsibility is it?

Megawati-Hamzah partnership leads to improvement

Megawati-Hamzah partnership leads to improvement From Rakyat Merdeka The partnership between President Megawati and Vice President Hamzah Haz has resulted in signs of improvement in the national economy as indicated by the rupiah strengthening against the U.S. dollar. In accordance with the mutual cooperation spirit of the present Cabinet I propose ten exemplary deeds that should be shown by Megawati and Hamzah.

Women reporting bribery case tried for defamation

Women reporting bribery case tried for defamation JAKARTA (JP): A housewife appeared in court on Thursday on charges of defamation and falsifying a report of bribery which implicated Supreme Court justices, notaries public and National Land Agency (BPN) officials. Maria Leonita Sri Chandra Harumi, 54, was tried at the South Jakarta District Court for her report on an alleged bribery case filed at the now-defunct Joint Anticorruption Team (TGPTPK).

Taiwan turning point

Taiwan turning point For both political and security reasons, the Taiwanese government for years has kept strict official limits on trade and investment between it and the mainland. And for their own business reasons, Taiwanese companies consistently have found ways around the rules. Now it appears Taipei is about to recognize this reality and scrap the rules or at least rewrite them substantially. If it does, and mainland China reciprocates, important cross-strait changes will be on the way.

Asia shares mixed as Tokyo tumbles

Asia shares mixed as Tokyo tumbles SINGAPORE (Agencies): Gloomy Tokyo stocks fell to 17-year lows on Thursday while the rest of Asia put in a mixed performance despite a firm Wall Street buoyed by hints that the worst may be over for the anaemic U.S. economy. Tokyo's Nikkei average tumbled 2.36 percent to 11,126.92 points, the lowest close since October 1984. Taiwan, Indonesia and South Korean markets closed lower, while in mid-afternoon dealings Hong Kong and Singapore were higher.

PT REKAYASA INDUSTRI celebrates 20th anniversary

PT REKAYASA INDUSTRI celebrates 20th anniversary penetrates global market with local resources Celebrating its 20th anniversary on Aug. 12, PT REKAYASA INDUSTRI has managed to stand firm and continue expanding its operations, despite the economic crisis that has plagued Indonesia since 1997.

Jakartans still unaware of Hepatitis B spread

Jakartans still unaware of Hepatitis B spread JAKARTA (JP): Not many people here seem to be aware of the Hepatitis B virus, which statistics reveal still infects one in 20 Jakartans, the same proportion of the population infected ten years ago.

GAM support base waning: Minister

GAM support base waning: Minister JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said on Thursday that the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) rebels were becoming increasingly isolated. According to Yudhoyono, who led a team of Cabinet ministers to Aceh on Wednesday, the armed separatist movement was continuing to weaken due to lack of popular support.

Chandra Asri deal not fair: Committee

Chandra Asri deal not fair: Committee JAKARTA (JP): The oversight committee of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) said that the restructuring scheme of petrochemical firm PT Chandra Asri Petrochemical Center was advantageous to the firm's Japanese lenders but disadvantageous to IBRA.

Mall Calendar

Mall Calendar Metro (Plaza Senayan and Pondok Indah Mall): Metro Big Sale (Aug. 24 - Sept. 30)* * The first day is dedicated to Metro Yours and Citibank cardholders Supermal Karawaci Belanja Plus by Rimo department store (Aug. 16 - Sept. 16) Sogo Shades of Autumn (fashions shows, harp performance, vouchers) Sept. 1 - Sept. 30 Plaza Senayan Fashion Extravaganza (Sept. 21 - Sept. 23) Megamal Pluit Advance (sports equipment) Fair (Aug. 15 - Aug. 26) Automotive (Aug. 17 - Aug.

Prosecutor urged to probe councillors' trips

Prosecutor urged to probe councillors' trips JAKARTA (JP): Activists urged prosecutors on Thursday to investigate corruption alleged to have been committed by councillors in relation to foreign travel they are currently undertaking. "There is a lot of preliminary evidence that could be used by prosecutors to question the councillors," Jakarta Residents Forum (Fakta) chairman Azas Tigor Nainggolan told The Jakarta Post.