Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 4 August 2001

71 articles found

Secular or Muslim nation?

Secular or Muslim nation? Are we to remain a secular nation or are we to become the world's largest Muslim nation? Megawati Soekarnoputri is a President with the potential to lead this nation to peace and strength. As with the presidents who went before her, she believes in a secular state and will lead us in that direction. But will Amien Rais and Hamzah Haz allow this? What will happen to us if President Megawati does not serve her term?

Sutiyoso admits to his Harley escorts

Sutiyoso admits to his Harley escorts JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso admitted here on Friday that he utilized two Harley Davidson motorbikes belonging to the City Land Transportation Agency (DLLAJ). However, he denied that he had appropriated them for private use. "As a governor, I deserve to be escorted by DLLAJ officials on their Harleys," the governor said.

Sunda Kelapa porters

Sunda Kelapa porters hero for their families By Muninggar Sri Saraswati JAKARTA (JP): It is morning and the Sunda Kelapa Port in North Jakarta is busy. Several cargo ships are docked and dozens of porters are waiting nearby, enjoying this brief moment of rest. When a truck arrives, they rush to the vehicle. Minutes later, they are busy hauling goods to a ship. It is a daily scene at the port. Some porters carry goods from a truck to a ship, while others haul goods from a ship to a truck.

Army to punish errant soldiers

Army to punish errant soldiers BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: Chief of Tanjungpura Military Command Maj. Gen. Hadi Waluyo promised on Friday to punish those officers under his command who have been backing illegal mining and logging activities in Kalimantan, Antara reported. Hadi, who was appointed to the post last month, said he would not tolerate any criminal act within his command as it would taint the image of the Indonesian Military (TNI). The command oversees all four Kalimantan provinces.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug 3, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,325 0 22,000 Adindo Foresta 105 -5 50,000 AGIS 135 0 966,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 1,600 0 0 Alakasa 200 10 9,000 Alfa Retailindo 950 0 127,000 Alter Abadi 85 0 2,000 Alumindo Light 625 0 0 Andhi Chandra 2,025 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 200 0 0 Aneka Tambang 1,050 0 978,000 Apac Citra 375 10 223,500 Aqua...

Streetcars: Riding the rails in Batavia

Streetcars: Riding the rails in Batavia By Ida Indawati Khouw Young Jakartans might be surprised to know that the capital city once boasted a streetcar service, but it will do you no good now trying to find the tracks. The 83rd article in our Batavia series tries to uncover the history of Jakarta's streetcars.

Gus Dur back home to fight for democracy, human rights

Gus Dur back home to fight for democracy, human rights JAKARTA (JP): Former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid arrived home on Friday after a medical check-up in the United States, with a stronger commitment to fight for democracy and human rights protection following his ouster two weeks ago.

Bimantoro

Bimantoro Gen. Bimantoro reinstated as police chief. Page 2 Activist Police detain SIRA activist for inciting hatred. Page 3 English 'Local English' anyone? Page 4 Education Subsidies must target better education for poor students. Page 5 Athletics Athletics meet to begin with marathon race. Page 6 Batavia Streetcars: Riding the rails in Batavia Page 8 Currencies Asian currencies mostly up, Singapore dollar rallies. Page 11 IBRA IBRA launches overhaul plan to boost efficiency.

Blast victims moved to police hospital

Blast victims moved to police hospital JAKARTA (JP): Three victims of Wednesday's bombing at Atrium Plaza, Senen, Central Jakarta, who were earlier treated at the Army's Gatot Subroto Hospital, have been moved to Kramat Jati Police Hospital, East Jakarta, a police official said on Friday. City police chief of detectives Sr. Comr. Adang Rochyana said that the move was made to speed up the police investigation of the case.

President endorses caretaker ministers' crucial rulings

President endorses caretaker ministers' crucial rulings JAKARTA (JP): In an about-face, President Megawati Soekarnoputri has approved all crucial decisions made by the current caretaker ministers, including one to stop a contract with PT Sucofindo, an export inspection company. Outgoing Vice President secretary Bambang Kesowo said on Friday that caretaker ministers had reported all critical decisions directly to the President and they were approved before they were announced to the public.

Lindskog retains Olympic Open title

Lindskog retains Olympic Open title JAKARTA (JP): Swedish golfer Stephen Atako Lindskog came back from behind to retain the title at the Rp 350 million (US$36,000) 2001 Olympic Open at the Taman Dayu Golf Club in Pandaan, East Java on Friday. Lindskog, who lives in Jakarta, finished with a three-under- par 69 for an aggregate eight-under-par 280 to beat overnight leader Greg Hanrahan of the U.S. by four strokes. The Swede took the winner's Rp 67 million prize money.

Sutiyoso confesses to using DLLAJ's Harleys

Sutiyoso confesses to using DLLAJ's Harleys JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso admitted here on Friday that he utilized two Harley Davidson motorbikes belonging to the City Land Transportation Agency (DLLAJ). However, he denied that he had appropriated them for private use. "As a governor, I deserve to be guarded by DLLAJ officials on their Harleys," the governor said.

UN troops may face sex charges

UN troops may face sex charges DILI (Reuters): Several Jordanian soldiers attached to the UN peacekeeping force in East Timor might face charges over alleged sexual misconduct, a spokesman said on Friday. Spokesman Peter Biro declined to give details of the allegations but said an investigation had been conducted following an order from the chief of the UN Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), Sergio Vieira de Mello.

Indonesian soccer team to play trial matches

Indonesian soccer team to play trial matches JAKARTA (JP): The national soccer team will put the final touches on its preparations for the Kuala Lumpur 2001 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in a training session in Cilegon, Banten, beginning on Monday. After the training camp, two more players, likely to be a defender and half-back, will be discarded from the current 22- player squad, coach Benny Dolo said on Friday. "The final session will focus on developing the players' morale.

Radar built in West Timor

Radar built in West Timor KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: The Indonesian Air Force will start building a radar monitoring system in the village of Buraen, Amarasi district, Kupang regency, in anticipation of increasing infringement of Indonesian airspace.

JAKARTA (JP): Three victims of Wednesday's bombing at Atrium

JAKARTA (JP): Three victims of Wednesday's bombing at Atrium Plaza, Senen, Central Jakarta, who were earlier treated at the Army's Gatot Subroto Hospital, have been moved to Kramat Jati Police Hospital, East Jakarta, a police official said on Friday. City police chief of detectives Sr. Comr. Adang Rochyana said that the move was made to speed up the police investigation of the case.

Rice fields in Irian Jaya

Rice fields in Irian Jaya JAKARTA (JP): Plans are underway to turn easternmost province Irian Jaya into a new rice-producing region. Chairman of the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) Widjanarko Puspoyo said on Friday that the agency planned to develop 200,000 hectares of rice paddy fields in the region. "Irian Jaya has very good land for rice planting," Wijanarko was quoted by Dow Jones as saying. If the plan materializes, he said, the fields could yield up to 1.6 million tons of rice per year.

14 killed as violence continues in Aceh

14 killed as violence continues in Aceh BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): Despite peace efforts by the government and Free Aceh Movement (GAM), at least 14 people were killed in Aceh in the latest outbreak of violence on Thursday and Friday, reports said. Security forces were reportedly launching an intensive search ahead of Indonesia's Independence Day on Aug. 17, targeting sites believed to be bases for separatist rebels. Indonesian Military (TNI) spokesman in Aceh Besar Maj.

JP/4/let12

JP/4/let12 No trespassing: Soeharto land From time to time I visit the family of my friend who has a bungalow in Lebak Ciheurang, West Java. There are two ways to enter this road: One is much longer and on a very winding rough road. The second is through a gate that goes through a group of houses connected to pak Soeharto's cattle ranch. These houses are for his staff (most likely supervisory, as the houses are very nice).

Play on missing people

Play on missing people JAKARTA (JP): A play highlighting human rights issues will be staged at Taman Ismail Marzuki arts center in Central Jakarta to mark the International Week of Disappeared Persons which falls on Aug. 30. Jointly held by the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) and Indonesian Arts Association (PSI), the play will be performed for three consecutive nights, from Aug. 6 to Aug. 8.

Bali flooded by refugees

Bali flooded by refugees PADANG, West Sumatra (JP): Ethnic conflicts in several regions have triggered increasing flows of refugees to Bali, adversely affecting the island's tourist centers like Denpasar and Badung physically, socially and culturally, claimed an expert in Padang recently.

Bapepam focuses BCA inquiry on 14 investors, 15 brokerages

Bapepam focuses BCA inquiry on 14 investors, 15 brokerages JAKARTA (JP): The Capital Market Supervisory Agency (Bapepam) has narrowed its investigation down to 14 stock investors and 15 securities firms, from a total of 172 securities firms examined, in relation to the suspected manipulation of PT Bank Central Asia (BCA) share prices.

Police detain SIRA activist for inciting hatred

Police detain SIRA activist for inciting hatred JAKARTA (JP): City police detained on Friday the chairman of Jakarta's Aceh Referendum Information Center (SIRA), Faisal Saifuddin, after he reportedly ignored police summonses regarding his alleged role in sowing hatred against the government. Faisal's lawyer Basir Bahuga, however, strongly denied that his client had defied the police summonses, saying that Faisal had showed up for two previous summonses. City police chief of detectives Sr. Comr.

Indonesian PKI

Indonesian PKI The news that British intelligence was involved in serious cover-up work over the 1965-1966 bloody purges in Indonesia is old news really, but no less important for that. The British had long been hostile to Indonesia's first president Sukarno and well before "confrontation".

Koizumi, Howard agree on Kyoto Protocol, E. Timor

Koizumi, Howard agree on Kyoto Protocol, E. Timor TOKYO (Agencies): Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and his Australian counterpart John Howard agreed Friday to continue cooperating to bring the United States back into the 1997 Kyoto Protocol on combatting global warming.

Sunda Kelapa porters

Sunda Kelapa porters hero for their families By Muninggar Sri Saraswati JAKARTA (JP): It is morning and the Sunda Kelapa Port in North Jakarta is busy. Several cargo ships are docked and dozens of porters are waiting nearby, enjoying this brief moment of rest. When a truck arrives, they rush to the vehicle. Minutes later, they are busy hauling goods to a ship. It is a daily scene at the port. Some porters carry goods from a truck to a ship, while others haul goods from a ship to a truck.

Police say arson behind blaze

Police say arson behind blaze CIREBON, West Java: A fire that gutted the Cirebon Land Affairs Office and destroyed hundreds of land certificates last month was deliberate, police announced on Friday. Cirebon Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Ricardo Hutahuruk said the evidence suggested arson and that the fire on July 9 may have been started by employees of the land office, Antara reported. He declined to disclose the possible motive.

Gen. Bimantoro reinstated as police chief

Gen. Bimantoro reinstated as police chief JAKARTA (JP): Gen. Surojo Bimantoro was formally reappointed on Friday to his position as National Police chief after President Megawati Soekarnoputri issued a presidential decree annulling the controversial decree suspending him, issued by former president Abdurrahman Wahid. The move is expected to end uncertainty regarding leadership of the police force and was seen as a mere formality.

JP/4/let13

JP/4/let13 From Surabaya Post Look to Singapore Indonesia will have a new Cabinet. As a member of ASEAN which was early dubbed ASEAN's "Big Brother" I think it would be appropriate for us to study review the economic achievements of one of our neighbors: Singapore. When Singapore was ruled by Britain, Lee Kuan Yew set up the People's Action Party in 1954 and become the first Prime Minister of an independent Singapore in 1961. Since 1990 he became Senior Minister.

By Muninggar Sri Saraswati

By Muninggar Sri Saraswati JAKARTA (JP): It is morning and the Sunda Kelapa Port in North Jakarta is busy. Several cargo ships are docked and dozens of porters are waiting nearby, enjoying this brief moment of rest. When a truck arrives, they rush to the vehicle. Minutes later, they are busy hauling goods to a ship. It is a daily scene at the port. Some porters carry goods from a truck to a ship, while others haul goods from a ship to a truck.

KL litterbugs will be punished

KL litterbugs will be punished KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia will punish litterbugs by making them clean up public places following an amendment to the country's constitution, reports said Friday. The order for community service was necessary as the current 500 ringgit (US$132) fine was ineffective in deterring people from littering, Housing and Local Government Minister Ong Ka Ting was quoted as saying by The Star. "Some people feel they are rich enough to pay the fine...

Play on missing people

Play on missing people JAKARTA (JP): A play highlighting human rights issues will be staged at Taman Ismail Marzuki arts center in Central Jakarta to mark the International Week of Disappeared Persons which falls on Aug. 30. Jointly held by the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) and Indonesian Arts Association (PSI), the play will be performed for three consecutive nights, from Aug. 6 to Aug. 8.

Vietnam sells most of its coffee: Official

Vietnam sells most of its coffee: Official HANOI (Dow Jones): Vietnamese coffee traders have sold almost all of the 90,000 tons of coffee which they kept as the second part of a 150,000-ton retention plan, an official said Friday. According to Le Xuan Nhan, deputy chairman of Vietnam Coffee & Cocoa Association, or Vicofa, traders have slowly sold their stock over the past month since Hanoi allowed them to release beans in to the market.

Rupiah Rates Aug. 3

Rupiah Rates Aug. 3 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

'Ca-bau-kan' to hit theater next year

'Ca-bau-kan' to hit theater next year By Tony Ryanto JAKARTA (JP): The compelling and best-selling novel by Remy Sylado, Ca-bau-kan, will soon graze the big screen with a release scheduled for next year. Over the years, Ca-bau-kan, which means woman, is often misinterpreted as cabo, which has attached to it the pejorative meaning of prostitute.

Cabinet power struggle persists

Cabinet power struggle persists JAKARTA (JP): Political parties have submitted their candidates for the new Cabinet but the lineup will not be announced until next Thursday, largely due to a power struggle within Megawati's own party. Three of the country's largest parties, the Golkar Party, the United Development Party (PPP) and the National Mandate Party (PAN), all confirmed on Friday that they had presented their candidates to President Megawati Soekarnoputri for consideration.

BI vows to defend rupiah if necessary

BI vows to defend rupiah if necessary JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia Governor Sjahril Sabirin said on Friday that the central bank would take necessary measures to defend the rupiah if the local unit weakened due to a delay in the announcement of the new Cabinet. Sjahril said that he had instructed the central bank's money market division to closely monitor movements of the local currency.

IBRA launches overhaul plan to boost efficiency

IBRA launches overhaul plan to boost efficiency JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) announced a major overhaul including plans to cut down the number of consultants. IBRA chairman I Putu Gede Ary Suta said on Friday that the changes were made as an effort to increase efficiency in the agency and to speed up the disposal of assets. "We've been accused of working too slow, we want to change that," he said in a media conference here.

Provocateurs monitored in East Java

Provocateurs monitored in East Java SURABAYA (JP): At least 12 people suspected of being provocateurs have been allegedly trying to incite riots in six towns in East Java, province military chief Maj. Gen. Sudi Silalahi said on Friday. "Our intelligence officers have been observing their activities. They have been distributing antigovernment leaflets and terrorizing the public," Sudi said after Friday prayers at the military headquarters.

Megawati extends Caltex oil contract for one year

Megawati extends Caltex oil contract for one year JAKARTA (JP): President Megawati Soekarnoputri has issued a decree extending the contract of PT Caltex Pacific Indonesia over the Coastal Plains Pekanbaru (CPP) oil block in Riau for one year following a lingering dispute between the central and Riau governments over stakes in the oil block.

Daughter joins Fujimori in Japan as pressure grows

Daughter joins Fujimori in Japan as pressure grows TOKYO (AFP): Japan resisted growing pressure from Peru to extradite former president Alberto Fujimori on Friday while his eldest daughter flew in from Lima to join him. A judge in Lima on Thursday issued an international arrest warrant for Fujimori, currently in self-imposed exile in Japan, for failing to appear in a Peruvian court to respond to criminal charges of abandoning his post.

1. Duit (48pt, MM, 2 lines, 5 cols, 2 x 25)

1. Duit (48pt, MM, 2 lines, 5 cols, 2 x 25) Asian currencies mostly up, Singapore dollar rallies 2. Market (36pt, HBC, 1 lines, 5 col, 1 x35) Key Asia bourses dip as tech euphoria fades 3. Oil (36pt, NCSB 1 line 5 cols, 1 x 25) Oil stays firm, watches Storm Barry 4. Gold (28pt, HBC, 2 lines, 3 col, 2 x 24) Palladium continues climb, gold waits for U.S. jobs report 5. WB (NCSB 24pt, 2 cols, 2 lines, 2 20) World Bank lending rises to US$17.3b

Air-conditioned buses set for fare increase

Air-conditioned buses set for fare increase JAKARTA (JP): The city administration has rejected the proposal by the Organization of Land Transportation Owners (Organda) to increase fares for air-conditioned buses by as much as 80 percent or Rp 4,500 from the previous Rp 2,500 (25 U.S. cents). The proposal was made by the chairman of the Jakarta chapter of Organda, Aip Syaifuddin, during a meeting with Governor Sutiyoso at the City Hall on Friday.

Subsidies must target better education for poor students

Subsidies must target better education for poor students Good schools want new entrants with good grades. Do rich and poor have the same opportunities? Education researcher Ace Suryadi shared his views with The Jakarta Post's Muhammad Yazid on Monday. He teaches in the postgraduate program of the University of Indonesia, as well as the Jakarta State University, and holds a Phd in the economics of education from the State University of New York at Albany.

Observers: Focus should be on forming effective government

Observers: Focus should be on forming effective government JAKARTA (JP): Political observers warned on Friday that President Megawati Soekarnoputri should focus on forming an effective government rather than letting herself be constrained by party demands for more seats in the Cabinet. Mochtar Pabottingi of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) said that effective government was badly needed to help overcome the country's multi-dimensional crisis.

Two robbers mobbed to death

Two robbers mobbed to death TANGERANG (JP): Two suspects from a group of three that had allegedly robbed two public minivan passengers were beaten to death by angry residents on Jl. Thamrin, Penunggangan Utara subdistrict, late on Thursday. The third managed to escape being lynched, Curug subprecinct police chief Adj. Comr. Syamsu said. He said two minivan passengers, Ester, 26, and Sarah, 24, boarded the vehicle plying the Lippo Karawaci - Cikokol route at 7:30 p.m., at Lippo Supermal.

New parking fees target wealthy motorists

New parking fees target wealthy motorists JAKARTA (JP): Motorists beware, those of you parking at parking lots run by PT Securindo Packatama may be subject to not only the published hourly fees, but also encumbered by newly imposed taxes and other questionable fees. At the parking lots run by the company at Le Meridien and the Mandarin Oriental Hotels, motorists since July 1 have had to pay an additional 10 percent tax on top of the regular parking fees.

Information ministry

Information ministry The possibility of the revival of the information ministry has sparked controversy. In the New Order period, this ministry served as the government's tool in disseminating its programs and persuading the people to implement or actively participate in the programs.

Dead toll in Nias flood tragedy jumps to 50

Dead toll in Nias flood tragedy jumps to 50 MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): More dead bodies were found by Search and Rescue team members in three other districts devastated by Tuesday's flood on the island of Nias, reports said here on Friday. Latest reports, made available by the Nias Disaster Task Force, said that the three other districts hit by the floods were Lolowa'u, Gomo and Bawolato. Previous reports said that the flood destroyed only three districts, Lahusa, Telukdalam and Lolomatua.

Bagir sheds light on colleague's murder

Bagir sheds light on colleague's murder JAKARTA (JP): Chief Justice Bagir Manan hinted at new findings on Friday which may lead to the solving of the murder of his colleague Syafiuddin Kartasasmita, but declined to reveal them on the grounds that the case under investigation. "We've submitted all of the findings to the police," he said in a meeting with members of the Coalition of Non-Governmental Organizations Against Corruption and Violence at his office.

Group wants tough anti-vice law

Group wants tough anti-vice law CIREBON, West Java: A local group has called on the Cirebon Legislative Council to issue a tougher law on gambling, drinking, drugs and prostitution, saying these activities have tainted the town's image as an Islamic center, Antara reported. Sobaruddin, the coordinator of the People's Movement Against Vice, told the councillors that these activities have also had a negative impact on the local people.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * 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. * Painting Barli Sasmitawinata, Sriyanto Gallery, Jl. Gedung Hijau Raya 36, South Jakarta (Phone: 7503117), until Aug. 7. * Painting by Alfi, Galeri Lontar, Jl. Utan Kayu 68H, East Jakarta (Phone: 8573388), 8 p.m., until Aug. 23.

Aurora to review sales plan

Aurora to review sales plan CANBERRA (Dow Jones): Australia-based Aurora Gold Ltd. will review its options for divesting its Toka Tindung gold mine in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, following a decision by Austindo Resources Corp. against taking over the operation. Aurora put the mine on care and maintenance in September 1999 when, in a major period of unrest in Indonesia, Toka Tindung's satellite Talawaan operation was overrun by thousands of illegal miners.

Policemen reexamined in fatal case

Policemen reexamined in fatal case JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas Ham) has reexamined 24 policemen of various ranks from private to general over last December's bloody incident in Abepura, Irian Jaya, in which two policemen were killed.

The U.S. role in Indonesia

The U.S. role in Indonesia The American role in Indonesia, which was exposed by State Department documents, unequivocally proves that issues of human rights and people's freedom are mere matters of no real value to American foreign policy. They are used for pressuring other countries that politically differ with the United States.

Decree sanctions ad hoc tribunal

Decree sanctions ad hoc tribunal JAKARTA (JP): President Megawati Soekarnoputri has issued a decree that authorizes an ad hoc court in Central Jakarta to try those suspected of committing crimes against humanity in the 1984 Tanjungpriok and 1999 East Timor tragedies. The ad hoc court was established in March during the administration of former president Abdurrahman Wahid. "The just-issued Presidential Decree No.

Play on missing people

Play on missing people JAKARTA (JP): A play highlighting human rights issues will be staged at Taman Ismail Marzuki arts center in Central Jakarta to mark the International Week of Disappeared Persons which falls on Aug. 30. Jointly held by the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) and Indonesian Arts Association (PSI), the play will be performed for three consecutive nights, from Aug. 6 to Aug. 8.

The task ahead

The task ahead In view of the pressure of inflation, which is expected to be quite high, the new government of President Megawati Sukarnoputri and Vice President Hamzah Haz will have to work extra hard and with extra caution. One of the keys to resolving the problems at hand is forming a cabinet so that the work can begin and the national economy put in order. Any tendency for the formation of the new cabinet to be delayed could cause the markets to become uneasy.

RP's Abu Sayyaf rebels behead four villagers

RP's Abu Sayyaf rebels behead four villagers ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (Reuters): Hooded gunmen from the Abu Sayyaf militia beheaded four villagers on a southern Philippine island after kidnapping more than 30 people, the army said on Friday. Two villagers managed to escape after the attack on Thursday night on the island of Basilan, 900 km south of Manila, officers said.

Mikola joins F3 Prost as Minardi signs Yoong

Mikola joins F3 Prost as Minardi signs Yoong JAKARTA (JP): After three months of rest, Ananda Mikola will resume his racing career at the Central European Zone Championship series beginning later this month. The 20-year-old driver will join the Formula Three Prost Grand Prix Junior team in the four races remaining in the Central European competition: on Aug. 26 in Croatia; Sept. 2 in Slovenia; Sept. 16 in Hungary's Hungaroring circuit; and Sept. 30 in Austria's A1 Ring circuit.

By Muninggar Sri Saraswati

By Muninggar Sri Saraswati JAKARTA (JP): It is morning and the Sunda Kelapa Port in North Jakarta is busy. Several cargo ships are docked and dozens of porters are waiting nearby, enjoying this brief moment of rest. When a truck arrives, they rush to the vehicle. Minutes later, they are busy hauling goods to a ship. It is a daily scene at the port. Some porters carry goods from a truck to a ship, while others haul goods from a ship to a truck.

Haj airport in S. Kalimantan

Haj airport in S. Kalimantan BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan (JP): The provincial legislative council here wants to turn Syamsuddin Noor Airport into a departure point for haj pilgrims, Antara said on Friday. Currently, people in the province have to fly to Batam first in order to perform the pilgrimage. Members of the council proposed a team to look into the possibility, including the prospect of expanding the airport.

Mega's overseas trips

Mega's overseas trips Precisely a month after her appointment as the fifth president of Indonesia on Aug. 23, President Megawati will begin an overseas trip to all ASEAN member countries. This means that she will visit eight countries. It seems, even though her political aspirations are different from those of former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid, that when it comes to overseas trips, she is following his example.

Useful framework of managing cultural differences

Useful framework of managing cultural differences By Pri Notowidigdo JAKARTA (JP): John Asing (fictitious) has accepted the post of technical advisor for The Great American Oil Company (fictitious). Based in Jakarta, he will be working directly with Mr Sumarno (fictitious) or Pak Sumarno, as he is called in Indonesia. Together they will be responsible for a major exploration project in Natuna Islands. John is eager to arrive at his post.

Chronology of RP hostage crisis

Chronology of RP hostage crisis MANILA (AFP): A chronology of the Abu Sayyaf hostage crisis in the southern Philippines this year following the group's latest abduction of at least 21 Filipinos and the beheading of four captives. May 27: Abu Sayyaf gunmen raid the Dos Palmas resort off the western Philippine island of Palawan and seize 20 hostages, including three Americans -- missionary couple Martin and Gracia Burnham from Kansas and Peru-born Californian, Guillermo Sobero.

Renong tycoon 'not under inquiry'

Renong tycoon 'not under inquiry' KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said Friday that Halim Saad, the besieged boss of troubled conglomerate Renong, is not under investigation and defended the government's rescues of faltering companies. Halim was one of the Malay Muslim businessmen favored by Mahathir to give the country's predominant ethnic group more economic clout, but the government's recent efforts to take over his debt-ridden empire has cast his future in doubt.

JAKARTA (JP): It is morning and the Sunda Kelapa Port in North

JAKARTA (JP): It is morning and the Sunda Kelapa Port in North Jakarta is busy. Several cargo ships are docked and dozens of porters are waiting nearby, enjoying this brief moment of rest. When a truck arrives, they rush to the vehicle. Minutes later, they are busy hauling goods to a ship. It is a daily scene at the port. Some porters carry goods from a truck to a ship, while others haul goods from a ship to a truck.

JP/1/correction

JP/1/correction Charles Himawan On this page in our Aug. 3 edition, the writer of "Court's decision a warning to Megawati", Charles Himawan, was referred to as being a former member of the National Commission on Human Rights. The writer is still a member of the Commission. We apologize for the error. -- Eds.

PLN says natural causes behind power outage

PLN says natural causes behind power outage JAKARTA (JP): State electricity company PT PLN said early investigations indicated that unpredictable forces of nature were responsible for the power outage that affected several areas of Jakarta on Thursday, dismissing suspicions of deteriorating services due to PLN's financial constraints.

Porters the backbone of Sunda Kelapa Port

Porters the backbone of Sunda Kelapa Port By Muninggar Sri Saraswati JAKARTA (JP): It is morning and the Sunda Kelapa Port in North Jakarta is busy. Several cargo ships are docked and dozens of porters are waiting nearby, enjoying this brief moment of rest. When a truck arrives, they rush to the vehicle. Minutes later, they are busy hauling goods to a ship. It is a daily scene at the port. Some porters carry goods from a truck to a ship, while others haul goods from a ship to a truck.

Cipinang prison: From chicken farms to drugs

Cipinang prison: From chicken farms to drugs By Tiarma Siboro JAKARTA (JP): People who like to eat out at KFC would never have imagined that it had something to do with Cipinang Penitentiary in East Jakarta. It's not that the franchiser of this famous American fast food chain is involved in any crime.