Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 21 September 2001

95 articles found

Japan's trade surplus with Asia tumbles 72 percent

Japan's trade surplus with Asia tumbles 72 percent TOKYO (AFP): Japan's trade surplus with Asia plunged 71.9 percent in August from a year earlier as Japanese consumers kept buying mobile phones and other gadgets from overseas to sustain electronics parts imports. The trade surplus with the rest of Asia fell to 91.6 billion yen (US$783 million) in August, marking a year-on-year fall for the ninth consecutive month, the finance ministry said Thursday.

S'pore tissue bank to help research

S'pore tissue bank to help research SINGAPORE (DPA): A national bank storing healthy and diseased human tissue will be set up in Singapore to enable scientists to pursue cures for deadly diseases, organizers said on Thursday. The facility boosting the city-state's drive to become a major research center in Asia will be spearheaded by the Ministry of Health and the Genome Institute of Singapore.

Bin Laden urged to leave Afghanistan

Bin Laden urged to leave Afghanistan ISLAMABAD/WASHINGTON (Agencies): Afghan clerics on Thursday recommended that Osama bin Laden, prime suspect in last week's nightmare attacks, leave their country, an overture rejected by the U.S. Washington instead demanded the world's most hunted man be turned over to responsible authorities. "It does not meet America's requirements," said White House spokesman Ari Fleischer.

KL to closely check performance at SEAG

KL to closely check performance at SEAG KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Malaysia emerged victorious from the Southeast Asian Games for the first time in their 42-year history, and the government is demanding to know why. Sports Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said Thursday he wants a report on his desk by the end of the month from every national sporting association giving a detailed "post-mortem" of their athletes' performance.

Can human race end

Can human race end the cycle of violence? By Omar Halim JAKARTA (JP): The awful and tragic scenes of billowing smoke, huge balls of orange flames, falling people and the ultimate crumbling of the structures of what used to be the World Trade Center in downtown Manhattan manifested once more how violent the human race can be. 2. 4Karim -- 1 X 32 36 pt Bodoni To the rescue against radicalism By Karim Raslan KUALA LUMPUR: Indonesia, the world's largest Islamic nation is a bastion of moderate Islam.

World Bank urges RI do more on tax revenue

World Bank urges RI do more on tax revenue JAKARTA (JP): The World Bank urged the government on Thursday to step up its efforts in raising tax revenue to improve its debt repayment capacity and finance the development of public services. World Bank senior economist Bert Hoffman stressed the importance for Indonesia to secure internal funding for its budget.

Sisters go to court over house

Sisters go to court over house JAKARTA (JP): Fashion designer Dhanny Dahlan has sent her only sister to court in a dispute over a house in Menteng, Central Jakarta, which they inherited from their parents. "I have a message from my father to settle all things related to the house even if this case has to be handled by the court," Dhanny told Central Jakarta District Court. The court is trying Asih Dahlia Sandjoyo Subono, alias Lili, 46, on embezzlement charges.

Alkatiri named to head E. Timor's Cabinet

Alkatiri named to head E. Timor's Cabinet DILI, East Timor (Agencies): Mari Alkatiri, the leader of East Timor's largest political party, was appointed on Thursday to head a new de facto Cabinet that will lead the fledgling nation to independence next year. "This is the first truly representative and democratic government in the history of East Timor," said Sergio Vieira de Mello, East Timor's UN administrator.

Jazz, Titi DJ and hula girls at JAMZ

Jazz, Titi DJ and hula girls at JAMZ JAKARTA (JP): It's been years since I've been to JAMZ. Not since they moved out of the little club across from Blok M Plaza to the Aston Hotel. Talk about moving on up, George and Weezie style. So, after all these years I finally get around to seeing what the place looks like now and guess who else shows up the same night? Titi DJ. What a coincidence, or was it? It seems everywhere I go lately, there's Titi.

Train engineers

Train engineers The article School stresses train engineers must stay alert in The Jakarta Post on Sept. 11, 2001, attracted my attention. A late uncle of mine, born in 1900, happened to work as a train engineer, then called a machinist, some time between 1920 and 1930. He was an active man, physically, mentally and morally. A person for whom right was right and wrong was wrong.

Pickpockets shot dead

Pickpockets shot dead JAKARTA (JP): Taman Puring subprecinct police shot dead two alleged pickpockets near the busy Blok M bus terminal on Wednesday after the two suspects resisted arrest and even threatened to fight the officers, police reported on Thursday. The two were seen threatening a female passenger on a public minibus with a knife. Plainclothes officers stationed at the bus terminal fired warning shots but the two turned to the officers and pointed the knife at them, the report said.

1. Growth (3 X 15)

1. Growth (3 X 15) World growth falling to Asian crisis level: ADB 2. Air (2x20) Crisis in global airline industry deepens 3. Fed ( 3 x 14) U.S. economy sluggish before attacks: Fed 4. Gas ( 2 x 16) RP to launch giant natural gas project 5. EU ( 2 x 18) EU ministers to study fallout of attacks 6. Black (1 x 24 ) EU to crackdown on black money 7. Virus (2 x 16) Nimda virus still spreading in Asia

Asian currencies mixed late, dollar fails to sustain rise

Asian currencies mixed late, dollar fails to sustain rise SINGAPORE (Dow Jones) : Asian currencies were mixed late Thursday, after having recouped most of their earlier losses as the dollar remained wobbly against the yen despite the threat of intervention by Japanese authorities. With little in the form of direction from the stable yen in early trading, most of the region's currencies fell under the sway of the Singapore dollar's swift decline, dealers said. But the U.S.

Cybercrime trial on domain name continues

Cybercrime trial on domain name continues JAKARTA (JP): Martha Tilaar, director of PT Martina Bertho, the giant producer of Sari Ayu cosmetics, appeared at the Central Jakarta District Court on Thursday in the trial of her former employee who had illegally registered the domain name of the firm's competitor, PT Mustika Ratu.

JP/ /

JP/ / Deposit Rate Sept. 19 Bank 1 month 3 months 6 months 12months last updated Mandiri 12.50/5.50 12.50/5.50 12.75/5.50 12.75/5.50 14/08/01 BCA 13.50/4.00 13.50/4.00 13.50/4.00 13.50/4.00 02/07/01 Danamon 14.00/6.00 14.00/6.00 14.00/6.10 14.00/6.10 03/09/01 BII 17.35/6.04 17.66/6.10 17.38/6.18 17.26/6.18 01/09/01 BRI 12.50/5.50 12.50/5.50 12.50/5.50 12.50/5.50 17/09/01 Niaga 13.75/5.00 13.75/5.00 13.25/5.15 13.25/5.15 01/09/01 Bali 11.00/5.25 12.00/5.75 12.00/5.75 12.00/5.75 23/05/01 Bukopin...

JP/12/KPPU

JP/12/KPPU Flour importers criticize new govt policy: KPPU JAKARTA (JP): The country's antimonopoly watchdog said on Thursday that the government's plan to impose antidumping duty on flour imports may create unfair business competition in the industry. Chairman of the Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU) Mohammad Iqbal said, however, that the committee would still have to conduct a further evaluation before proposing any recommendations to the government.

Can cycle of violence end?

Can cycle of violence end? By Omar Halim JAKARTA (JP): The awful and tragic scenes of billowing smoke, huge balls of orange fire, falling people and the ultimate crumbling of the structures of what used to be the World Trade Center in downtown Manhattan manifested once more how violent the human race can be. 2.

Listed firms win awards

Listed firms win awards JAKARTA (JP): Ten publicly listed companies, including several state-owned enterprises, have won awards for implementing good corporate governance. The corporate governance awards were distributed by local corporate governance watchdog the Indonesian Institute for Corporate Governance (IICG). The awards were the first of their kind to be given out by the agency, which plans to grant similar awards annually.

JAKARTA (JP): Despite the fact that piracy is rampant here,

JAKARTA (JP): Despite the fact that piracy is rampant here, any hope of obtaining legal redress will require patience, persistence and plenty of time. For the third time in a row, the Central Jakarta District Court failed on Thursday to deliver a judgment in a piracy case involving Microsoft Inc. and four local computer traders. Presiding judge Amiruddin Zakaria opened the hearing at 3:20 p.m., more than four hours late, only to adjourn it for another two weeks.

Legislators admit to accepting gifts, cash

Legislators admit to accepting gifts, cash JAKARTA (JP): Members of the House of Representatives seemed adamant, when confronted with an alleged bribery case, that accepting gifts, cash and facilities from their colleagues was commonplace. Legislators interviewed by The Jakarta Post on Thursday said that the practice was considered acceptable because "practically everybody did it" and they knew they were beyond the reach of the law.

Megawati, accompanied by a number of Cabinet ministers, held a

Megawati, accompanied by a number of Cabinet ministers, held a closed-door meeting with members of the U.S. Congress on Capitol Hill on Thursday morning (late Thursday night Jakarta time). Megawati had a one-hour meeting with Patrick Kennedy, a Congressman vocal on human rights issues, Valium Mavega, who is critical on the Irian Jaya issue, and Porter Goss and Hendry Hyde, the officials in charge of receiving foreign guests on Capitol Hill.

U.S. showers Indonesia with promises

U.S. showers Indonesia with promises By Fabiola Desy Unidjaja WASHINGTON, D.C. (JP): President Megawati Soekarnoputri has reaped instant rewards from U.S. President George W. Bush for her commitment to join the global war against terrorism. During their meeting here on Wednesday morning, Bush promised the visiting President a restoration of military aid and a total of US$657.4 million in financial aid.

Clear-cut separation needed between police and military

Clear-cut separation needed between police and military JAKARTA (JP): Observers have called for the prompt issuance of regulations to clearly define the respective functions of the military and police so as to avoid the kind of overlapping that has frequently sparked conflicts between the two organizations.

Ex-marine steals to outdo brass

Ex-marine steals to outdo brass BOGOR (JP): A former marine currently in police custody over a Rp 1.8 billion robbery that left two people dead has admitted that he robbed to prove to his former supervisors in the Navy that he could lead a better life than they. "I am a former marine. My (former) senior often mocked me, saying that outside the Navy, I would be a vagrant. That motivated me to work really hard," Antono Dwi, 36, told reporters at Bogor Police Headquarters on Wednesday.

Textbook thinking

Textbook thinking Although the idea to allow elementary and secondary schools throughout Indonesia to select textbooks for use in their schools on their own is at this stage no more than just that -- an idea -- the enthusiasm with which it has been greeted by educators and parents alike, can justly be taken as an expression of the pent- up discontent that has for decades been brewing among the public.

Rupiah Rates Sept.20

Rupiah Rates Sept.20 JP/11/Conversion Rupiah Rates Sept.20 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Indonesia sympathizes with U.S. people and government

Indonesia sympathizes with U.S. people and government The following is the address of President Megawati Soekarnoputri at the gala dinner in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, held by the United States-Indonesia Society during her visit to the U.S. 2.

Preserving Malay arts through annual gathering

Preserving Malay arts through annual gathering By Fadli BATAM, Riau (JP): Former prominent Malay figure Hang Tuah once said that the Malay culture would never be lost. Now, it would seem that the preservation of Malay culture is indeed confronted with difficult challenges in the face of modernization. Malay people fear that one day they will have to give up their own land as a result of their failure to cope with globalization.

IMF dismisses worries over Paris Club meeting delay

IMF dismisses worries over Paris Club meeting delay JAKARTA (JP): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) dismissed on Thursday worries that a delay in the Paris Club meeting had put at risk a US$2.8 billion debt rescheduling deal for this year. The IMF senior resident representative for Jakarta, David C.L. Nellor, expressed confidence that Indonesia's debt rescheduling deal with the Paris Club was safe.

KPPU: Flour importers criticize new policy

KPPU: Flour importers criticize new policy JAKARTA (JP): The country's antimonopoly watchdog said on Thursday that the government's plan to impose antidumping duty on flour imports may create unfair business competition in the industry. Chairman of the Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU) Mohammad Iqbal said, however, that the committee would still have to conduct a further evaluation before proposing any recommendations to the government.

Give IBRA chief enough time

Give IBRA chief enough time Set up in July last year at the request of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Oversight Committee of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency's (IBRA) has worked without much fanfare. Dubbed "Mr. Clean" for his integrity, former finance minister Mar'ie Muhammad, the committee's chairman, disclosed in an interview with The Jakarta Post's' Dadan Wijaksana and Johannes Simbolon what his committee had thus far accomplished.

Two foreign investors eye Chandra Asri: Govt

Two foreign investors eye Chandra Asri: Govt by Berni K Mustafa JAKARTA (JP): Two foreign investors have expressed interest in acquiring government stakes in the financially ailing PT Chandra Asri Petrochemical Center, which could end the petrochemical giant's long and complicated debt restructuring effort. Secretary of the Financial Sector Policy Committee (FSPC), Syafruddin A.

U.S. scales down presence at KL show

U.S. scales down presence at KL show KUALA LUMPUR (DPA): The United States has scaled down its participation in Malaysia's premier air and sea defense exhibition next month, following last week's terror attacks in New York and Washington, news reports said Thursday. Although the U.S. has confirmed it will still take part in the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace exhibition (LIMA), some participants have pulled out, Defense Minister Najib Razak said.

U.S. hostages alive, more troops sent

U.S. hostages alive, more troops sent MANILA (AFP): An American couple and 16 other hostages held by Abu Sayyaf gunmen are still alive in the jungles of Basilan island in the southern Philippines, the military said on Thursday. Intelligence reports indicate that the rebels are holding Christian missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham and 16 Filipinos in Tuburan, a jungle-clad town in Basilan, armed forces spokesman Brig. Gen. Edilberto Adan told reporters.

Sibi tribe members block wharf owned by PT Pelindo

Sibi tribe members block wharf owned by PT Pelindo JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): Some 100 members of the Sibi tribe blocked the Jayapura wharf belonging to state-owned PT Pelindo on Thursday, demanding Rp 7.5 billion in compensation for the land which they claim belongs to them. On Wednesday around 100 members of the Yableh and Yahim tribes blocked the Sentani Airport, forcing the airport authority to halt flights to and from the airport.

Give IBRA chief enough time and space: Mar'ie

Give IBRA chief enough time and space: Mar'ie Set up in July last year at the request of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Oversight Committee of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency's (IBRA) has worked without much fanfare Dubbed "Mr. Clean" for his integrity, former finance minister Mar'ie Muhammad, the committee's chairman, disclosed in an interview with The Jakarta Post's' Dadan Wijaksana and Johannes Simbolon what his committee had thus far accomplished.

Give IBRA chief enough time and space: Mar'ie

Give IBRA chief enough time and space: Mar'ie Set up in July last year at the request of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Oversight Committee of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency's (IBRA) has worked without much fanfare. Dubbed "Mr. Clean" for his integrity, former finance minister Mar'ie Muhammad, the committee's chairman, disclosed in an interview with The Jakarta Post's' Dadan Wijaksana and Johannes Simbolon what his committee had thus far accomplished.

Can cycle of violence end?

Can cycle of violence end? By Omar Halim JAKARTA (JP): The awful and tragic scenes of billowing smoke, huge balls of orange fire, falling people and the ultimate crumbling of the structures of what used to be the World Trade Center in downtown Manhattan manifested once more how violent the human race can be. 2.

Cilacap teachers go on back pay shopping spree

Cilacap teachers go on back pay shopping spree CILACAP, Central Java (JP): Teachers and other civil servants in Cilacap regency, Central Java, went on spending and shopping sprees on Wednesday after receiving their six-month back pay ahead of schedule. Some of the jubilant public servants assembled dozens of local pedicab drivers and journalists to treat them to light meals, while others went out shopping in the nearest supermarkets before returning home from their schools and offices.

Amien calls for combined effort against terrorism

Amien calls for combined effort against terrorism JAKARTA (JP): Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly Amien Rais urged on Thursday the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Australia and New Zealand to work hand in hand in fighting terrorism, as Muslim students intensified their protests against any U.S. military strikes against Afghanistan.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sept.20 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,350 25 10,000 Adindo Foresta 90 0 0 AGIS 140 5 2,353,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 600 -50 44,000 Alakasa 215 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 875 0 3,000 Alter Abadi 85 0 0 Alumindo Light 625 0 0 Andhi Chandra 2,025 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 230 0 0 Aneka Tambang 975 0 172,500 Apac Citra 300 0 0 Aqua Golden...

ILO team meets with Suu Kyi, officials

ILO team meets with Suu Kyi, officials YANGON (AFP): An International Labour Organisation (ILO) team investigating the Myanmar junta's efforts to eradicate forced labour has met with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and been given access to every minister concerned, sources said on Thursday. The four-member ILO team, and seven experts accompanying it on the three-week mission, had a working lunch with Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday, an official source said.

Rupiah Rates Sept.20

Rupiah Rates Sept.20 JP/11/Conversion Rupiah Rates Sept.20 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Jazz, Titi DJ and hula girls at JAMZ

Jazz, Titi DJ and hula girls at JAMZ JAKARTA (JP): It's been years since I've been to JAMZ. Not since they moved out of the little club across from Blok M Plaza to the Aston Hotel. Talk about moving on up, George and Weezie style. So, after all these years I finally get around to seeing what the place looks like now and guess who else shows up the same night? Titi DJ. What a coincidence, or was it? It seems everywhere I go lately, there's Titi.

Police to probe court incident

Police to probe court incident JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Police Chief Insp. Gen. Sofjan Yacoeb pledged on Thursday to probe the clash between students, lawyers and police at the trial of two student activists at the South Jakarta District Court. At least one student and three lawyers were injured after reportedly being beaten by police officers safeguarding the trial.

JP/12/Beef

JP/12/Beef Indonesia's beef imports to fall by 10 percent this year JAKARTA (JP): The country's beef imports are expected to reduce by 10 percent this year partly due to lower demand for imported beef amid higher prices in the international market, a senior executive of the Association of Indonesian Beef Importers (Aspidi) said on Thursday. Aspidi's chairwoman Frieda Nalapraya said the country's beef imports would fall to 22,500 tons this year, as compared to 25,000 tons last year.

Listed firms win awards

Listed firms win awards JAKARTA (JP): Ten publicly listed companies, including several state-owned enterprises, have won awards for implementing good corporate governance. The corporate governance awards were distributed by local corporate governance watchdog the Indonesian Institute for Corporate Governance (IICG). The awards were the first of their kind to be given out by the agency, which plans to grant similar awards annually.

Study invitation in Brunei

Study invitation in Brunei From Media Indonesia A letter has recently circulated inviting the alumni of Pakuan University to conduct a comparative study in the Kingdom of Brunei Darussalam. We therefore call the alumni's attention to the following points: 1. There is no cooperation to conduct a comparative study in the fields of economics, engineering or teacher training between Bogor Agricultural Institute and Bogor Pakuan University; 2.

Lippo Cikarang clarifies

Lippo Cikarang clarifies We would like to inform the public, in particular the relations, the partners and customers of PT Lippo Cikarang regarding a letter offering a joint advertisement. The ad referred to reads "Congratulations on and Success in the eighth Anniversary of PT Lippo Cikarang Tbk", which is carried out by an institution claiming to be the publication team of PT Lippo Cikarang Tbk. The team uses the following address: Jl.

Bank Indonesia mulls lowering interest rate

Bank Indonesia mulls lowering interest rate JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia (BI) will allow its benchmark interest rate to decline if pressure on prices and the rupiah continue to lessen over the next couple of weeks, central bank deputy governor Miranda Goeltom said on Thursday. Miranda said that although Bank Indonesia would retain its tight money policy for the moment it was possible that reign over the policy would be considerably lessened in the near future.

Japan's surplus with Asia tumbles 72%

Japan's surplus with Asia tumbles 72% TOKYO (AFP): Japan's trade surplus with Asia plunged 71.9 percent in August from a year earlier as Japanese consumers kept buying mobile phones and other gadgets from overseas to sustain electronics parts imports. The trade surplus with the rest of Asia fell to 91.6 billion yen (US$783 million) in August, marking a year-on-year fall for the ninth consecutive month, the finance ministry said Thursday.

Malaysia will closely examine performance at SEA Games

Malaysia will closely examine performance at SEA Games KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Malaysia emerged victorious from the Southeast Asian Games for the first time in their 42-year history, and the government is demanding to know why. Sports Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said Thursday he wants a report on his desk by the end of the month from every national sporting association giving a detailed "post-mortem" of their athletes' performance.

1. BI (3x15)

1. BI (3x15) Bank Indonesia mulls lowering interest rate 2. Tax (2x28) World Bank urges Indonesia to do more on tax revenue 3. Beef (2x16) RI's beef imports to fall this year 4. KPPU (2x16) Flour importers criticize new policy 5. RP (2x16) PAL defers Boeing order plans 7. IMF (2x16) ABN AMRO keeps bin Laden family ties 8. Rate (2x24) Global rate cut seen as one-off show of solidarity 9. CA (3x12) Two foreign investors eye Chandra Asri: Govt

Microsoft judgment delayed for third time

Microsoft judgment delayed for third time JAKARTA (JP): Despite the fact that piracy is rampant here, any hope of obtaining legal redress will require patience, persistence and plenty of time. For the third time in a row, the Central Jakarta District Court failed on Thursday to deliver a judgment in a piracy case involving Microsoft Inc. and four local computer traders.

Who bears BCA's bond?

Who bears BCA's bond? From Koran Tempo The House of Representatives (DPR) has finally approved the divestment of 51 percent of BCA's shares after arguing persistently against the step. Thus, the government will no longer be a majority shareholder in the bank. The divestment will cause a sharp drop in the portion of government's ownership from 92 percent, when the government took over the bank's management.

1. Mega --

1. Mega -- 1 X 35 48pt Bodoni We're convinced U.S. will be stronger The following is the address of President Megawati Soekarnoputri at the gala dinner in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, held by the United States-Indonesia Society during her visit to the U.S. 2.

JAKARTA (JP): With doubts hanging over main singles player

JAKARTA (JP): With doubts hanging over main singles player Suwandi's fitness, the Indonesian tennis team's chances in the Asia-Oceania relegation play-off match against China look slim. The tie, to be played at the Kemayoran tennis complex, begins on Friday, with Peter Handoyo drawn to take on Yu Zhang in the first singles. Suwandi will be up against Zu Beng Qiang. The visiting team is led by Ma Ke-Qin. "But I doubt if he (Suwandi) will be fit in time.

SKorea cuts growth estimate

SKorea cuts growth estimate SEOUL (AFP): South Korea's economy has come to a virtual standstill, with the central bank Thursday drastically revising down its previous third quarter growth estimate of 3.0 percent. The Bank of Korea (BoK) said gross domestic product (GDP) was now expected to expand by only 0.5 percent in the three months to the end of September, down year-on-year from 2.7 percent in the second quarter and 3.7 percent in the first. "We have not yet officially readjusted ...

'Antara' to hold photo exhibition

'Antara' to hold photo exhibition JAKARTA (JP): The National Antara News Agency is organizing a black and white photo exhibition under the theme Glory of the Past. A total of 30 photos are displayed from Sept. 19 to Sept. 23 at the Antara photo journalism gallery at Jl. Antara No. 59, Pasar Baru, Central Jakarta. The photos are of unfinished artwork and documentary photographs.

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 Song 11:00 Regional News 11:30 Music 12:00 p.m. News 1:00 Talk Show 2:00 News 2:30 Debating 3:30 Music 4:30 Children's Program 5:15 Religious Teachings 6:00 News 7:00 Dialog 8:00 Traditional Performance 9:30 Music 10:00 News 10:30 TV Drama 11:30 Puppet Show Program 2 5:30 p.m. Music 6:30 City News 7:30 News (in English) 8:30 Features TPI 5:30 a.m.

Protesters attack mayor's office

Protesters attack mayor's office PADANG, West Sumatra: More than 1,000 high school students protesting the dismissal of a principal attacked the offices of the mayor of Payakumbuh on Wednesday. Ten people, including a policeman, were injured and schools were closed for the rest of the day as tension gripped Payakumbuh. The students, from various junior and high schools in the town, were venting their anger at Mayor Darlis Ilyas, who had fired Ridwan Janur, the principal of SMU 2 high school.

Councillors demand Rp 4b life assurance

Councillors demand Rp 4b life assurance JAKARTA (JP): After courting controversy for recent trips abroad, the City Council has now asked the city administration to provide councillors, for the first time ever, with life assurance. "It's such a headache. The councillors have now demanded Rp 4.25 billion (US$472,222) for life assurance for the council's 85 members," a senior city official, who asked not to be named, told reporters here on Thursday.

1. BI (3x15)

1. BI (3x15) Bank Indonesia mulls lowering interest rate 2. Tax (2x28) World Bank urges Indonesia to do more on tax revenue 3. Beef (2x16) RI's beef imports to fall this year 4. KPPU (2x16) Flour importers criticize new policy 5. RP (2x16) PAL defers Boeing order plans 7. IMF (2x16) ABN AMRO keeps bin Laden family ties 8. Rate (2x24) Global rate cut seen as one-off show of solidarity 9. CA (3x12) Two foreign investors eye Chandra Asri: Govt

Advisory council deemed useless

Advisory council deemed useless JAKARTA (JP): Debate on the need to replace members of the 14- member Supreme Advisory Council (DPA) is fruitless due to strong criticism that its performance is ineffective, two noted observers have said. Constitutional law expert Harun Alrasyid reiterated on Wednesday that in the daily practice of state administration such an advisory council was not needed. "Public opinion says that the council is no longer needed.

RI's beef imports to fall this year

RI's beef imports to fall this year JAKARTA (JP): The country's beef imports are expected to reduce by 10 percent this year partly due to lower demand for imported beef amid higher prices in the international market, a senior executive of the Association of Indonesian Beef Importers (Aspidi) said on Thursday. Aspidi's chairwoman Frieda Nalapraya said the country's beef imports would fall to 22,500 tons this year, as compared to 25,000 tons last year.

Fugitive JSX bomber sent to Cipinang jail

Fugitive JSX bomber sent to Cipinang jail JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Stock Exchange bomber and grenade- thrower at the Malaysian Embassy, who escaped from military police detention in July, was brought to Cipinang Penitentiary on Wednesday night. Second. Corp. Ibrahim Hasan was escorted by Jakarta Military Police chief, Col. Subagja Jiwapraja to the penitentiary where he would occupy a tightly guarded cell.

Soldiers told to go back to barrack

Soldiers told to go back to barrack JAKARTA (JP): Observers call for prompt issuance of regulations which give a clear cut of functions of military and police to avoid overlapping functions which have frequently sparked conflicts between their personnel.

Indonesia sympathizes with U.S. people and government

Indonesia sympathizes with U.S. people and government The following is the address of President Megawati Soekarnoputri at the gala dinner in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, held by the United States-Indonesia Society during her visit to the U.S. WASHINGTON D.C.: Before all else, I invite you all to join me in observing a moment of silence in remembrance of those who lost their lives in their tragic events of Sept.

BI mulls lowering interest rates

BI mulls lowering interest rates by Tantri Yuliandini JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia (BI) will allow its benchmark interest rate to decline if pressure on prices and the rupiah continue to lessen over the next couple of weeks, central bank deputy governor Miranda Goeltom said on Thursday. Miranda said that although Bank Indonesia would retain its tight money policy for the moment it was possible that reign over the policy would be considerably lessened in the near future.

AFC hails success of age limit ruling

AFC hails success of age limit ruling KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said on Wednesday the decision to enforce an age limit on regional tournaments had been vindicated after the success of the South East Asian Games. Thailand won the soccer gold by defeating host Malaysia in the final of the event, the first to be played in the competition's 21-year history by teams made up entirely of players under the age of 23.

ADB president re-elected

ADB president re-elected MANILA (AFX-ASIA): Asian Development Bank said Tadao Chino has been re-elected as president of the bank for a new five-year term. Chino, 67, was gratified by the bank's board of governors' trust in him and pledged to "maximize ADB's contribution to freeing the Asia and Pacific region of poverty," ADB said in a statement. The bank said that under Chino's leadership, the ADB evolved a poverty reduction strategy that became its overarching goal.

World Bank urges RI to do more on tax revenue

World Bank urges RI to do more on tax revenue JAKARTA (JP): The World Bank urged the government on Thursday to step up its efforts in raising tax revenue to improve its debt repayment capacity and finance the development of public services. World Bank senior economist Bert Hoffman stressed the importance for Indonesia to secure internal funding for its budget.

Buoyed Monsanto says cotton project to continues

Buoyed Monsanto says cotton project to continues JAKARTA (JP): Buoyed by impressive initial results of its project in Indonesia, the local unit of Monsanto announced on Wednesday that it is continuing with controversial transgenic cotton farming in South Sulawesi. Hans Bijlmer, country director of the St. Louis-based transgenic-seed giant, said the company was forging ahead with the project, confident of continued government support.

Madiun Police chief discharged over clash

Madiun Police chief discharged over clash By Tarko Sudiarno MADIUN, East Java (JP): Madiun Police precinct chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Eddy Hariyanto was discharged on Thursday in a brief and modest ceremony, following last week's deadly clash which claimed three lives. The ceremony was led by the police chief of Madiun and its surrounding regencies, Sr. Comr. Saputro Satriyo, who appointed Adj. Sr. Comr. Ketut Argawa as acting chief of Madiun Police precinct. Sr. Comr.

Legislators admit to accepting gifts and cash

Legislators admit to accepting gifts and cash JAKARTA (JP): Members of the House of Representatives seemed adamant, when confronted with an alleged bribery case, that accepting gifts, cash and facilities from their colleagues was commonplace. Legislators interviewed by The Jakarta Post on Thursday said that the practice was considered acceptable because "practically everybody did it" and they knew they were beyond the reach of the law.

JAKARTA (JP): Observers have called for the prompt issuance of

JAKARTA (JP): Observers have called for the prompt issuance of regulations to clearly define the respective functions of the military and police so as to avoid the kind of overlapping that has frequently sparked conflicts between the two organizations.

Terrorism

Terrorism Amien calls for combined effort against terrorism. Page 2 Councillors Councillors demand Rp 4b life assurance. Page 3 IBRA Give IBRA chief enough time. Page 5 Soccer Zoff's off after latest Lazio failure. Page 7 Malay arts Preserving Malay arts through annual gathering. Page 8 Revenue WB urges RI to do more on tax revenue. Page 12

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Art Summit III * Dance, choreographer Boi G. Sakti (Indonesian), Graha Bhakti Budaya, Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jl. Cikini Raya 73, Central Jakarta, 8 p.m., Sept. 21 - 22. * Theater Mutiara dari Mesir by Elwarsha (Egyptian), Graha Bhakti Budaya, Taman Ismail Marzuki, 8 p.m., Sept. 23 - 24. * Theater N Riantiarno (Indonesian), Gedung Kesenian Jakarta, Jl. Gedung Kesenian No. 1, Central Jakarta (Phone: 3808283), 8 p.m., Sept. 25 - 26.

Mayor's wealth report questioned

Mayor's wealth report questioned TANGERANG (JP): A local legislator questioned the veracity of the wealth report submitted by the Tangerang mayor to the Wealth Audit Commission of State Officials. Ahmad Zailani, a legislator from the National Awakening Party (PKB) told Antara that mayor Moch Thamrin had houses and land at many locations, which are worth more than the Rp 3.2 billion (US$355,555) reported by the mayor to the commission. "Even my wealth is more than that.

Battalion not to go to Aceh

Battalion not to go to Aceh KARAWANG, West Java (JP): The Army's Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad) chief, Lt. Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu, said on Thursday that he would cancel the deployment of its Airborne Infantry Battalion 501 to Aceh following the deadly clash with police officers in Madiun, East Java.

Indonesia to the rescue against radicalism

Indonesia to the rescue against radicalism By Karim Raslan KUALA LUMPUR: Indonesia, the world's largest Islamic nation is a bastion of moderate Islam. In the rush to categorize and comprehend the causes behind the terrible loss of life in New York and Washington D.C., few have stopped to consider the republic's potential role for countering extremism. President Megawati Soekarnoputri's visit to the U.S.

Rupiah Rates Sept.20

Rupiah Rates Sept.20 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

RP troops clash with MNLF, 12 killed

RP troops clash with MNLF, 12 killed ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (AFP): Twelve people were killed Thursday during a gunfight between soldiers and former Moro separatist rebels in the southern Philippines city of Marawi, the military said. Ten of the dead were civilians and the two others were former members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), army Col. Antonio Seville said. The gunmen claimed six soldiers were also killed but this could not be independently confirmed.

2 bodies found from boat crash

2 bodies found from boat crash BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: Two of six passengers missing from a boat collision on the Barito river on Tuesday have been found dead, police said on Thursday. Deputy chief of South Kalimantan Marine Police Adj. Comr. Kasmolan said that the two bodies found on Thursday morning were of Manahan and Herry. He said that three of the nine people on board the motorized boat were rescued when the boat struck an anchored tug boat on Tuesday night.

KDEI aids export to Taiwan

KDEI aids export to Taiwan JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Commerce and Economy Body (KDEI) has launched various programs to help boost Indonesian exports to Taiwan, KDEI said in a statement on Thursday. The programs include promotion of Indonesian products in Taiwan, providing greater information and expanding export commodities. KDEI said there was plenty of room to improve trade relations between the two countries.

No international terrorist link in Indonesia: MUI

No international terrorist link in Indonesia: MUI JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) denied on Thursday international media reports that various Islamic organizations in Indonesia had become part of global terrorist networks. "The media reports are slanderous and I know they have no evidence to back their allegations," MUI chairman Nazri Adlani said in Canberra, as quoted by Antara.

Can cycle of violence end?

Can cycle of violence end? By Omar Halim JAKARTA (JP): The awful and tragic scenes of billowing smoke, huge balls of orange flames, falling people and the ultimate crumbling of the structures of what used to be the World Trade Center manifested once more how violent the human race can be. Thousands of innocent people were killed.

Suwandi not fit, slimming RI Davis Cup chances

Suwandi not fit, slimming RI Davis Cup chances JAKARTA (JP): With doubts hanging over main singles player Suwandi's fitness, the Indonesian tennis team's chances in the Asia-Oceania relegation play-off match against China look slim. The tie, to be played at the Kemayoran tennis complex, begins on Friday, with Peter Handoyo drawn to take on Yu Zhang in the first singles. Suwandi will be up against Zu Beng Qiang. The visiting team is led by Ma Ke-Qin.

Two bombs found at Bitung port

Two bombs found at Bitung port MANADO, North Sulawesi: Two homemade bombs were found by a longshoreman in front of the terminal gate of Samudera Bitung seaport on Thursday. Riton Jafar said he was surprised to find the homemade bombs, and quickly reported the finding to the Port Police. Chief of the Port Police Adj. Comr. Milke Mukuan arrived on the scene with members of the bomb squad. An officer told The Jakarta Post that the bombs were ready to explode.

Rupiah Rates Sept.20

Rupiah Rates Sept.20 JP/11/Conversion Rupiah Rates Sept.20 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Councillors demand insurance of Rp 4 billion

Councillors demand insurance of Rp 4 billion JAKARTA (JP): After courting controversy for recent trips abroad, the City Council has now asked the city administration to provide councillors, for the first time ever, with life insurance. "It's such a headache. The councillors have now demanded Rp 4.25 billion (US$472,222) for life insurance for the council's 85 members," a senior city official, who asked not to be named, told reporters here on Thursday.

Killing continues in Aceh

Killing continues in Aceh BANDA ACEH, Aceh: A member of the Dewantara Subdistrict Military Command, Sgt. Maj. Muhammad Jai, and his wife were found dead in Blang Panjang village in Muara Dua subdistrict, North Aceh regency, on Thursday. Military spokesman in Lhokseumawe Lt. Col. CHB Firdaus confirmed the two deaths, saying that the bodies had gunshot wounds and bruises, Antara reported.

Foreign investors eye Chandra Asri, official says

Foreign investors eye Chandra Asri, official says JAKARTA (JP): Two foreign investors have expressed interest in acquiring government stakes in the financially ailing PT Chandra Asri Petrochemical Center, which could end the petrochemical giant's long and complicated debt restructuring effort. Secretary of the Financial Sector Policy Committee (FSPC), Syafruddin A.

Buoyed Monsanto says cotton project continues

Buoyed Monsanto says cotton project continues JAKARTA (JP): Buoyed by impressive initial results of its project in Indonesia, the local unit of Monsanto announced on Wednesday that it is continuing with controversial transgenic cotton farming in South Sulawesi. Hans Bijlmer, country director of the St. Louis-based transgenic-seed giant, said the company was forging ahead with the project, confident of continued government support.

Buoyed Monsanto says cotton project continues

Buoyed Monsanto says cotton project continues JAKARTA (JP): Buoyed by impressive initial results of its project in Indonesia, the local unit of Monsanto announced on Wednesday that it is continuing with controversial transgenic cotton farming in South Sulawesi. Hans Bijlmer, country director of the St. Louis-based transgenic-seed giant, said the company was forging ahead with the project, confident of continued government support.