Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 29 September 2001

98 articles found

House to go ahead with oil bill

House to go ahead with oil bill JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives will go ahead with its plan next month to enact the oil and gas bill proposed by the government, despite protests from oil-rich regencies, several legislators said.

U.S. companies in Indonesia remain clam despite threats

U.S. companies in Indonesia remain clam despite threats JAKARTA (JP): Major U.S. companies operating in Indonesia are remaining calm despite the growing threats made against Americans in the country. Two oil and gas companies, ExxonMobil Oil Indonesia Inc., and PT Caltex Pacific Indonesia, and mining company PT Freeport Indonesia, said that they would continue to monitor the security situation seriously, but they had not yet considered evacuating their employees.

Guns offered at police expo

Guns offered at police expo JAKARTA (JP): An exhibition of police and security equipment opened here on Thursday amid growing concerns over poor security enforcement and widespread ownership of illegal firearms in the capital. Some 60 exhibitors take part in the three-day Police Expo 2001 at Istora Senayan sports center, Central Jakarta, and among them, at least five companies exhibiting are offering discount firearms for the duration of the event.

Police image tarnished

Police image tarnished From Media Indonesia I really appreciate the police offices who have performed their daily duties and responsibilities to protect society. Unfortunately, some members of the Mobile Brigade residing in Kedaung village, Ciputat district, Tangerang, have caused unrest among Ciputat residents as they have often taken the law into their own hands. On the afternoon on Sept. 25, for example, one of them, without any reason, hit some youngsters playing guitar somewhere on Jl.

Militant activists stage largest anti-U.S. demo

Militant activists stage largest anti-U.S. demo JAKARTA (JP): Militant Muslim activists staged the biggest anti-US rally here to date since the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States as the government promised to get tough on unruly protests on Friday. Smaller scale demonstrations also took place in Yogyakarta, Central Java and West Java -- all condemning the U.S. plan to attack Afghanistan.

Where to go in Yogyakarta:

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Exhibitions * Painting by Bambang Toko Wicaksono, Cemeti Art House, Jl. D.I. Panjaitan 41 (phone: 0274-371015, e- mail:cemetiah@indosat.net.id), until Sept. 30. * Damar Murup Lamps, Bentara Budaya Yogyakarta, Jl. Suroto 2 (phone: 0274-560404), Sept. 29. * Painting by the students of 1994 of Yogyakarta Indonesian Institute of the Art's School of Painting, Taman Budaya Yogyakarta, Bulaksumur (phone: 0274-561914), Sept. 3o to Oct. 5.

RP passes money laundering bill

RP passes money laundering bill MANILA (AFP): The Philippine Senate on Friday passed a bill outlawing money laundering in an effort to help the country escape sanctions from industrialized nations. Senators, working all through the night, passed their version of an anti-money laundering bill shortly after midnight. The vote was passed just hours after the House of Representatives approved their version of the anti-money laundering bill.

Is Kwik dreaming?

Is Kwik dreaming? (National Planning Board chairman) Kwik Kian Gie remains faithful to his idea regarding the rupiah's exchange rate. He had proposed that Indonesia adopt a fixed rate system for the national currency even before he became a Cabinet minister. Such a fixed rate system would be effective provided that the government and the central bank can control a number of indicators, such as the inflation rate, which is tied to the amount of money in circulation.

Police ready to rescue foreigners

Police ready to rescue foreigners JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Police have prepared contingency plans to rescue foreigners in the capital should the situation take a turn for the worse amid the increasing anti-American sentiment in the country. Speaking to reporters after receiving 20 diplomats at his office, Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Sofjan Jacoeb promised that the police would take all necessary action to safeguard foreigners in Jakarta, especially foreign diplomats.

BI to move into defense against rupiah weakening

BI to move into defense against rupiah weakening JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia said on Friday it would attempt to defend the rupiah against rising selling pressure amid fears of growing anti-foreign sentiment here. Bank Indonesia Governor Sjahril Sabirin said a surge in anti U.S. demonstrations had added to the negative sentiments against the rupiah.

1. Kiki --

1. Kiki -- Reform agenda halted? 1 x 26 48pt NCSB Autonomy and the reform agenda By Hermawan Sulistyo JAKARTA (JP): The initial "reform agenda" proposed by concerned scholars and college students in the early stages of the Indonesian transition in 1998 was not only intended to include the eradication of corruption, collusion and nepotism. 2.

Hero or devil?

Hero or devil? From Bisnis Indonesia The Chinese government recently passed the death sentence on state officials proven guilty of corruption. Here in Indonesia, efforts to eradicate corruption are just bluff and empty promises. Corruptors are simply released and have virtually never been properly brought to court. Some recipients of huge, unknown grants are still at large.

Yuli Tri Suwarni

Yuli Tri Suwarni The Jakarta Post Bandung It is feared that an increasing number of illegal immigrants sheltered in the West Java towns of Bogor and Cianjur could cause resentment among local people because of the special treatment the immigrants receive, an immigration official said.

Beware of

Beware of Golkar's strategy From Rakyat Merdeka The Golkar party, in its politicking moves, is known to be loaded with an array of strategies, among others, by sending its members to their home towns to grab the position of governor in their regions, as can be seen from Abdullah Puteh in Aceh to start off, followed by Abdul Gafur as the governor of North Maluku province and Fadel Muhammad for Gorontalo province. It's anybody's guess as to who's next.

Comfort women demand government attention

Comfort women demand government attention JAKARTA (JP): A group of elderly women forced by Japanese soldiers to be comfort women in the period between 1942 and 1945 reiterated their demand on Thursday that the government pay attention to their fate. "I was raped by three Japanese soldiers when I was 15. My father and brother were sent away to work as romusha (forced laborers) for protecting me and my mother," said 74-year-old Suratmi.

Most Asian currencies lower, following weaker yen

Most Asian currencies lower, following weaker yen SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Most Asian currencies were lower late Friday in line with a decline in the yen, after the Bank of Japan intervened once again in global currency markets to weaken the Japanese currency.

Religious leaders urged to keep peace

Religious leaders urged to keep peace JAKARTA (JP): The country's top religious leaders on Friday called on all religious and community leaders not to create the impression that an interreligious conflict had taken place in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the United States. The Indonesian Conference on Religion and Peace (ICRP) made the call amid growing anti-U.S. sentiment following the country's threat to attack Afghanistan in pursuit of Saudi dissident Osama bin Laden.

Police prepare 'safe refuges' for foreigners

Police prepare 'safe refuges' for foreigners JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Police have prepared contingency plans to rescue foreigners in the capital should the situation take a turn for the worse amid the increasing anti-American sentiment in the country. Speaking to reporters after receiving 20 diplomats at his office, Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Sofjan Jacoeb promised that the police would take all necessary action to safeguard foreigners in Jakarta, especially foreign diplomats.

Asian currencies down,

Asian currencies down, tracking yen Dow Jones Singapore Most Asian currencies were lower late Friday in line with a decline in the yen, after the Bank of Japan intervened once again in global currency markets to weaken the Japanese currency.

Holdiko sells stakes in SRC for Rp 204b

Holdiko sells stakes in SRC for Rp 204b JAKARTA (JP): PT Holdiko Perkasa, a unit of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) in charge of overseeing the sale of Salim Group assets, announced on Friday that it had sold a 60 percent stake in PT Salim Rengo Containers (SRC) for Rp 204 billion (around US$21 million). SRC was sold to Holdiko's joint venture partner, Rengo Co. of Japan.

Agribusiness, a long bumpy road for Yogyakarta

Agribusiness, a long bumpy road for Yogyakarta By Sri Wahyuni YOGYAKARTA (JP): Hoping that agribusiness would some day become the number one source of income for Yogyakarta seems to be too optimistic, regardless of the fact that the tiny province is a location for fertile soil. Limited land, and to some extent, local farmers' attitudes, seem to be the main problems.

New bus routes scheduled

New bus routes scheduled JAKARTA (JP): Thirty-five bus routes using the Blok M bus terminal in South Jakarta will be rerouted starting Monday in an effort to alleviate the traffic on Jl. Trunojoyo. Arfan, the head of Blok M bus terminal, said on Friday that the changes would be made to avoid the heavy traffic congestion on the street outside the terminal, which is mostly caused by the long line of buses waiting for passengers.

Computing away from the desktop

Computing away from the desktop By Zatni Arbi JAKARTA (JP): In the 1970s, when personal computers began appearing (think Radio Shack's TRS-80, Commodore's PET or Apple II), no one would have thought that we would be able to compute anywhere, at any time. How could they have? Those were the days that were considered to be the real McCoy, when computers filled an entire room, from floor to ceiling.

Ethno-religious clashes need to be addressed

Ethno-religious clashes need to be addressed YOGYAKARTA (JP): Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries need concerted efforts to deal with ethnic and religious conflicts in the region, experts have said. Ethno-religious conflicts are becoming a transnational problem because people from other countries involve themselves for sectarian sentiment, said Kamarul Zaman Askandar from Malaysian University Sain.

Immigrant treatment 'causes resentment'

Immigrant treatment 'causes resentment' BANDUNG (JP): It is feared that an increasing number of illegal immigrants sheltered in the West Java towns of Bogor and Cianjur could cause resentment among local people because of the special treatment the immigrants receive, an immigration official said.

Tourism show held to counter protests

Tourism show held to counter protests JAKARTA (JP): Amid the wave of anti-America protests in the country, the city administration and the Jakarta Tourism Board are hosting an exhibition on tourism in an effort to show the world that the country is still conducive for tourism. The three-day Jakarta Tourism Show 2001 which opened on Friday is being held at the Jakarta Convention Center in Central Jakarta.

BPK calls for concrete action to fight corruption

BPK calls for concrete action to fight corruption JAKARTA (JP): The Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) has called on the government to take concrete action in preventing future financial irregularities in state finances. BPK's chief, Satrio B. Judono, said on Friday, "What we are waiting for is concrete actions, not self-defense." He said that the first step toward the eradication of corruption was acknowledgement that the irregularities had happened.

Seven killed in clashes in Aceh

Seven killed in clashes in Aceh BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): Seven people were killed as Army troops and police personnel clashed with members of the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) in separate incidents on Thursday. Both the Indonesian Military and GAM acknowledged the clash on Friday. Chief of the security and order operation Adj. Comr. Agus Dwiyanto said on Friday that Army troops raided a GAM base in the village of Keude Dua in Idi district, East Aceh.

Palm oil shipments to Pakistan disrupted

Palm oil shipments to Pakistan disrupted KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian palmoil prices were likely to fall further due to fears possible United States military action against Afghanistan would hit exports to Pakistan, a report said Friday. The Business Times quoted Primary Industries Minister Lim Keng Yaik as saying many shippers were reluctant to go to the area unless insurance companies provided war coverage.

U.S. Dollar Rates Sept. 28

U.S. Dollar Rates Sept. 28 Latest Previous %Change Yen 119.33-37 119.66-72 -0.28 Euro* 0.9143-48 0.9180-85 -0.40 Sterling 1.4687-92 1.4734-40 -0.32 Swiss franc 1.6154-60 1.6121-27 +0.20 Canadian dollar* 1.5772-78 1.5786-92 -0.09 Australian dollar* 0.4948-53 0.4874-79 +1.52 New Zealand dollar 0.4067-72 0.4011-18 +1.40 Deutsche mark 2.1375-87 2.1294-05 +0.38 Czech koruna 37.075-21 36.901-22 +0.47 Hungary forint 281.19-94 280.89-56 +0.11 Danish krone 8.1285-35 8.0960-10 +0.40 Norwegian krone...

Police in Medan, North Sumatra, have arrested two people in

Police in Medan, North Sumatra, have arrested two people in Bukit Sentul housing complex for swindling people with claims that were able to multiply their U.S. dollar bills by spiritual means. Police Intelligence chief Cmr. Edi S. Tambunan said here on Friday that Tolvana, 60, from Mali, and Usman, 45, from Jakarta, were arrested last Saturday.

Jihad calls

Jihad calls Muhammadiyah and NU against calls for jihad. Page 2 Bombing Police criticized for Atrium bombing investigation. Page 3 Reform Autonomy and the reform agenda. Page 4 Soccer Villa humbled on bad night for UEFA Cup minnows. Page 7 HFMD Hand-foot-mouth sufferers (HFMD) need more rest and nutrition. Page 8 China China's economy to slow this year and next: WB Page 10 Currencies Most Asian currencies lower, following the weaker yen.

Hanif and Agus Maryono

Hanif and Agus Maryono The Jakarta Post Jakarta Militant Muslim activists staged the biggest anti-US rally here to date since the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States as the government promised to get tough on unruly protests on Friday. Smaller scale demonstrations also took place in Yogyakarta, Central Java and West Java -- all condemning the U.S. plan to attack Afghanistan.

2. Market (1X35)

2. Market (1X35) Asian markets rise, but awaits worse 3. OIL (1 X 35) Oil up as Saudi vows to defend price 4. Gold ( 2 X 24) Europe gold rangebound, PGMs down on demand worries 5. Palm (2 X 16) Palm oil shipments to Pakistan disrupted

University campus hazing

University campus hazing From Neraca To reaffirm the Decree of the Minister of Education No.125/1979, Soenardi Dwijisusastro, the head of the legal and public relations department of the Ministry of National Education issued Decree No.38/DIKTI/Kep/2000 dated March 26, 2000, which prohibits hazing. After deeming the action and behavior of university military members (Menwa) on campuses too militaristic and repressive, the public demanded that Menwa be disbanded.

Maan surges ahead at Epson Cup by three shots

Maan surges ahead at Epson Cup by three shots JAKARTA (JP): Maan Nasim extended his lead by three strokes after two rounds as 46 players survived the cut for the remaining two rounds fight for a total of Rp 370 million (US$38,900) in cash prizes at the sixth JJGF Golf Championship at the Jagorawi Golf & Country Club near Bogor, West Java, on Friday. Maan carded a three-under 69 on the day for a five-under 139. Tied in second place were M.

Rupiah Rates Sept.28

Rupiah Rates Sept.28 JP/11/Conversion Rupiah Rates Sept.28 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Persija downs PSM 1-0

Persija downs PSM 1-0 MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): With only 10 players, Jakarta- based Persija humiliated host PSM before its own crowd with a 1-0 win at the second match of the Indonesian Soccer League's Eastern division quarterfinals at Mattoangin Stadium here on Thursday. Both teams failed to net any goals in the first half despite several golden chances. It looked like the end for Persija when Joko Puspito tackled PSM's Miro Baldo Bento in the 57th minute. Joko got a red card.

Megawati offers 'housewife management system'

Megawati offers 'housewife management system' Kornelius Purba Fabiola Desy Unidjaja Tokyo President Megawati Soekarnoputri had a secret to tell 200 Indonesian community members here on Friday. She said she believes in a "housewife management system" to manage the state economy. The President said she chose the system because experience proves that housewives know the best way to manage their family budget, even though their husband's income was barely enough to make ends meet.

Satelindo, ANZ Panin team up

Satelindo, ANZ Panin team up JAKARTA (JP): ANZ Panin Bank and PT Satelindo, a leading cellular operator in the country, have agreed to establish a strategic partnership with the aim of providing better services for the customers of both companies. Representatives of the two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Friday, a press release stated.

Expert suggests commercial debt haircut for Indonesia

Expert suggests commercial debt haircut for Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): Despite constant refusal by foreign creditors, a reduction of Indonesia's huge debts is still possible if structured in commercial terms, according to an economist. A senior economist at the Institute for the Development of Economics and Finance (INDEF), Dradjad Wibowo, said on Friday that Indonesia should consider asking for a "commercial debt haircut".

Muhammadiyah, NU against jihad call

Muhammadiyah, NU against jihad call Riyadi Suparno The Jakarta Post Yogyakarta The two largest Muslim organizations in the country, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah, have said they do not agree with any plan to send Muslims to Afghanistan should the U.S. attack it. Hasyim Muzhadi, the chairman of the NU, said in Jakarta on Friday that the organization would not arrange the recruitment of its members as volunteers for a jihad in Afghanistan.

State-owned railway company PT KAI Purwokerto office has

State-owned railway company PT KAI Purwokerto office has confiscated 1,060 fake tickets from middlemen operating at Kutoardjo station, about 100 kilometers east of here. KAI spokesman, Supriyadi, said on Thursday that besides uncovering the counterfeit tickets, KAI also arrested three people suspected of being involved in the fraud. He said the fraud was discovered after counterfeit tickets were given by passengers to the ticketing staff.

Rupiah Rates Sept.28

Rupiah Rates Sept.28 JP/11/Conversion Rupiah Rates Sept.28 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Poultry business gets nice and crispy

Poultry business gets nice and crispy By Israr Ardiansyah YOGYAKARTA (JP): Chicken breeders in Yogyakarta have been hit badly by the economic crisis, with only a few of them able to survive the bad times. Tujo Hadisuparno, a resident of Sidokarto village in Godean district, Sleman, some 15 km west of Yogyakarta, is one of the survivors. Witnessing other chicken breeders, who are also his neighbors, going bankrupt one after the other was not easy for Tujo.

Trafficking victims sent home

Trafficking victims sent home JAKARTA (JP): Sixteen of 17 victims of forced prostitution returned to their respective hometowns late on Thursday after they received some transportation money from a number of members of the House of Representatives, an officer at the Penjaringan Police subprecinct in North Jakarta said. The legislators visited the young women, who were staying at the police station, and asked them about their plans.

Trade in women must stop

Trade in women must stop Trafficking in women and children has not only occurred in Western Europe since the fall of the Soviet Union but also right here under our very own noses. The police raids on a housemaid recruitment agency and a bar located near a red-light district in Jakarta this week show that serious violations of human rights, including the victimizing of under-age girls, have gone on inside the city.

Kontras' double standard

Kontras' double standard From Media Indonesia I used to be proud of the National Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) as a non-governmental organization pioneering advocacy relating to acts of coercion. The commission was entrusted with enlightening the struggle for human rights (HAM) in Indonesia and always spoke out against violations of human rights.

House to go ahead with oil and gas bill

House to go ahead with oil and gas bill JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives will go ahead with its plan next month to enact the oil and gas bill proposed by the government, despite protests from oil-rich regencies, several legislators said.

Ismuhadi's

Ismuhadi's lawyer blasts police Sima Gunawan The Jakarta Post Jakarta A lawyer denounced the police investigation of Sunday's blast at the Atrium Plaza Senen, saying several things were amiss. Johnson Panjaitan of the Indonesian Legal Aid and Human Rights Association (PBHI) said it was strange that one of the key witnesses, Ramli, the owner of the Ford Laser sedan in which the explosives were planted, was a friend of the police. "The police know Ramli.

Weapons offered at Police Expo 2001

Weapons offered at Police Expo 2001 JAKARTA (JP): An exhibition of police and security equipment opened here on Thursday amid growing concerns over poor security enforcement and widespread ownership of illegal firearms in the capital. Some 60 exhibitors are participating in the three-day Police Expo 2001 at Istora Senayan sports center, Central Jakarta. Exhibitors include police units, weapons supply companies and security consultants.

BI vows to mount defense against rupiah weakening

BI vows to mount defense against rupiah weakening JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia said on Friday it would attempt to defend the rupiah against rising selling pressure amid fears of growing antiforeigner sentiment here. Bank Indonesia Governor Sjahril Sabirin said the surge in anti-U.S. demonstrations had added to the negative sentiment weighing against the rupiah.

ANZ Panin Bank and PT Satelindo, a leading cellular operator in

ANZ Panin Bank and PT Satelindo, a leading cellular operator in the country, have agreed to establish a strategic partnership with the aim of providing better services for the customers of both companies. Oris, a Swiss-based mechanical watch manufacturer, has launched its latest products, which will be exhibited for three days at Plaza Senayan starting Friday, a release said.

BI to move into defense against rupiah weakening

BI to move into defense against rupiah weakening JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia said on Friday it would attempt to defend the rupiah against rising selling pressure amid fears of growing anti-foreign sentiment here. Bank Indonesia Governor Sjahril Sabirin said a surge in anti U.S. demonstrations had added to the negative sentiments against the rupiah.

Muhammadiyah and NU against plan calls for jihad

Muhammadiyah and NU against plan calls for jihad JAKARTA (JP): The two largest Muslim organizations in the country, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah, have said they do not agree with any plan to send Muslims to Afghanistan should the U.S. attack it. Hasyim Muzhadi, the chairman of the NU, said in Jakarta on Friday that the organization would not arrange the recruitment of its members as volunteers for a jihad in Afghanistan. "A jihad, or holy war, doesn't always mean a battle.

Hand-foot-mouth sufferers need more rest and nutrition

Hand-foot-mouth sufferers need more rest and nutrition By Ida Indawati Khouw JAKARTA (JP): Some kindergartens and elementary schools in Jakarta closed down temporarily last week after some of their students became infected by a disease that causes ulcers around the hands, feet and mouth. The closure has definitely caused panic among Jakartans, especially those who have children.

KAI seizes 1,060 fake rail tickets

KAI seizes 1,060 fake rail tickets PURWOKERTO, Central Java: State-owned railway company PT KAI has confiscated 1,060 fake tickets from middlemen operating at Kutoardjo station, about 100 kilometers east of here. KAI's Purwokerto office spokesman, Supriyadi, said on Thursday that besides uncovering the counterfeit tickets, KAI also arrested three people suspected of being involved in the fraud.

Pramuka bird market normal after brawls

Pramuka bird market normal after brawls JAKARTA (JP): Despite relatively small number of visitors, the Pramuka bird market in East Jakarta returned to normal on Friday following a clash between Madurese people and native Jakartans on Thursday. Almost all of the bird vendors there opened their stalls, while dozens of police officers guarded the market to prevent any further conflict.

Angelique continues Bali winning streak

Angelique continues Bali winning streak NUSA DUA, Bali (Agencies): Indonesia's Angelique Widjaja smashed her way to the semifinals of the US$170,000 Wismilak International tennis tournament Friday, sending second-seeded Tamarine Tanasugarn of Thailand packing. The 16-year-old Wimbledon junior champion Widjaja came from behind to eliminate Tamarine 2-6, 7-5, 6-2 through a grueling 90- minute match. "I'm happy with this victory.

'U.S. attacks to affect Korea'

'U.S. attacks to affect Korea' TAEJON, South Korea (Reuters): South Korean President Kim Dae- jung said on Friday the country's economy would suffer serious adverse effects from this month's air attacks in the United States. The government has lowered its forecast for 2001 GDP growth to 2 to 3 percent in the aftermath of the air attacks. The economy grew a provisional 8.8 percent last year.

Foreign crossers in Medan

Foreign crossers in Medan MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): New Zealand's Peter Broxholme heads a foreign assault on the third leg of the Gudang Garam Supercross Asia at Maryland Paya Pasir, near here this weekend. Riding a Honda, Broxholme, who won the second leg to top the standings, is expecting yet another stiff challenge from Japan's Yuya Ozaki, winner of the opening leg.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * World Press Photo, Erasmus Huis, Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said, Kav S-3, Kuningan, South Jakarta (Phone: 5241069) until Oct. 7. * Sukarno's collections; paintings, batik, statues, Chinese ceramics, kris, photos, Gedung Pola, Jl. Proklamasi 56, Central Jakarta, until Oct. 15. * Painting Back to Basic by Randhy Bugis, Mini Gallery, the Japan Foundation, Summitmas I, Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 61-62 South Jakarta (Phone: 5201266), Sept.

Religious leaders urged to maintain peace

Religious leaders urged to maintain peace Kurniawan The jakarta Post Jakarta The country's top religious leaders on Friday called on all religious and community leaders not to create the impression that an interreligious conflict had taken place in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the United States. The Indonesian Conference on Religion and Peace (ICRP) made the call amid growing anti-U.S.

Israr Ardiansyah

Israr Ardiansyah The Jakarta Post Yogyakarta The two largest Muslim organizations in the country, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah, have said in Yogyakarta they do not agree with any plan to send Muslims to Afghanistan should the U.S. attack it. Hasyim Muzhadi, the chairman of the NU, said in Jakarta on Friday that the organization would not arrange the recruitment of its members as volunteers for a jihad in Afghanistan. "A jihad, or holy war, doesn't always mean a battle.

Green tea view in Mt. Menoreh remains a dream

Green tea view in Mt. Menoreh remains a dream Text and photos by Tarko Sudiarno YOGYAKARTA (JP): Menoreh mountain range -- lying in the northern part of Kulon Progo regency, some 50 kilometers west of here -- is not known for a distinct characteristic apart from the danger of landslides that often hit the area. The fertile Menoreh, cherished by the people of Yogyakarta, is mainly recognized for its mining potential and horticultural products.

Megawati reveals 'housewife management system'

Megawati reveals 'housewife management system' TOKYO (JP): President Megawati Soekarnoputri had a secret to tell 200 Indonesian community members here on Friday. She said she believes in a "housewife management system" to manage the state economy. The President said she chose the system because experience proves that housewives know the best way to manage their family budget, even though their husband's income was barely enough to make ends meet.

Is Kwik dreaming?

Is Kwik dreaming? (National Planning Board Chairman) Kwik Kian Gie remains faithful to his idea regarding the rupiah's exchange rate. He had proposed that Indonesia adopt a fixed rate system for the national currency even before he became a cabinet minister. Such a fixed rate system would be effective provided that the government and the central bank can control a number of indicators, such as the inflation rate, which is tied to the amount of money in circulation.

Autonomy and the reform agenda

Autonomy and the reform agenda By Hermawan Sulistyo JAKARTA (JP): The initial "reform agenda" proposed by concerned scholars and college students in the early stages of the Indonesian transition in 1998 was not only intended to include the eradication of corruption, collusion and nepotism. The agenda was also to reform statecraft and state management, particularly as regards center-periphery relations and other fundamental issues, such as those related to security.

Holdiko sells stakes in SRC for Rp 204b

Holdiko sells stakes in SRC for Rp 204b JAKARTA (JP): PT Holdiko Perkasa, a unit of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) in charge of overseeing the sale of Salim Group assets, announced on Friday that it had sold a 60 percent stake in PT Salim Rengo Containers (SRC) for Rp 204 billion (around US$21 million). SRC was sold to Holdiko's joint venture partner, Rengo Co. of Japan.

ANTI-U.S. RALLY: About 3,000 Muslims from various universities

ANTI-U.S. RALLY: About 3,000 Muslims from various universities and organizations, including the Indonesian Islamic Youth Movement and Inter-University Muslim Association (Hammas), stage a rally at Hotel Indonesia traffic circle in the heart of the city. They burned an American flag and an effigy of U.S. President George W. Bush.

Woman

Woman killed in hit and run Emmy Fitri The Jakarta Post Jakarta A blonde woman in her twenties was killed in a hit-and-run accident on Jl. Dharmawangsa in South Jakarta in the early hours of Friday night. The 170-centimeter-tall woman, whose identity is still unknown, was pronounced dead at Fatmawati Hospital. Her body was later sent to Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital in Central Jakarta. From the body, police collected a black gown, a necklace and red underwear.

BPK calls for concrete action to fight graft

BPK calls for concrete action to fight graft JAKARTA (JP): The Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) has called on the government to take concrete action in preventing future financial irregularities in state finances. BPK's chief, Satrio B. Judono, said on Friday, "What we are waiting for is concrete actions, not self-defense." He said that the first step toward the eradication of corruption was acknowledgement that the irregularities had happened.

City councillors need a conscience

City councillors need a conscience From Warta Kota The Jakarta Council has become the subject of much criticism. The media have spotlighted various issues related to Jakarta's councillors, such as their high salaries, their studies financed by public funds, their proposal for an increase in their "special allowance" as well as payment for their life insurance. Do they only think of their own interests and take advantage of existing loopholes?

Agribusiness, a long bumpy road ahead

Agribusiness, a long bumpy road ahead Text and photo by Sri Wahyuni YOGYAKARTA (JP): Hoping that agribusiness would some day become the number one source of income for Yogyakarta seems to be too optimistic, regardless of the fact that the tiny province is a location for fertile soil. Limited land, and to some extent, local farmers' attitudes, seem to be the main problems.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Cartoon 8:30 Mom and Me 9:00 Music 10:30 Entertainment News 11:00 News 11:30 Music 12:00 p.m. News 1:00 Music 2:00 News 2:30 Technology 3:30 Religious Teachings 4:00 Forestry 4:30 Children's Program 5:00 Music 6:00 News 7:00 Documentary 7:30 Music 8:00 Comedy 8:30 Music 10:00 News 10:30 Sports 12:15 a.m. Religious Teachings Program 2 5:30 p.m. Music 6:30 City News 7:00 Music 7:30 News (in English) 8:30 Features TPI 5:30 a.m.

KL condemns movie with killer plot

KL condemns movie with killer plot KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia has condemned a newly released Hollywood movie as "insensitive and distasteful" due to its storyline of an assassination plot against a Malaysian leader, a report said on Friday. Deputy Home Minister Chor Chee Heung was quoted by the Star daily as saying the plot to kill the "president" of Malaysia in the movie Zoolander was distasteful in light of global efforts to fight terrorism.

Wide choices for mobile professionals

Wide choices for mobile professionals By Onno W. Purbo JAKARTA (JP): As civilization advances toward a knowledge- based society, old limitations and paradigms in space, time and bureaucracy could be diminished. Mobility and professionalism seem to be key characteristics of modern professionals.

Indonesia accepts the blame for SEAG doping case

Indonesia accepts the blame for SEAG doping case JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council (KONI) accepted the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games Federation's decision to withdraw a gold medal won by national lifter Gustar Junianto who had failed a doping test. Gustar won the gold medal in the men's 62-kilogram class at the just concluded Kuala Lumpur SEA Games. The test on a urine sample found traces of the anabolic steroid nandrolone.

High duty imposed on KS exports

High duty imposed on KS exports JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's PT Krakatau Steel has been slapped with a 47.86 percent countervailing duty for its hot-rolled carbon steel flats (HRC) exports to the United States, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has said. A statement from the ministry said on Friday that Indonesia was also fined 10.21 percent for subsidizing the commodity.

Police rapped for Atrium bombing investigation

Police rapped for Atrium bombing investigation JAKARTA (JP): A lawyer denounced the police investigation of Sunday's blast at the Atrium Plaza Senen, saying several things were amiss. Johnson Panjaitan of the Indonesian Legal Aid and Human Rights Association (PBHI) said it was strange that one of the key witnesses, Ramli, the owner of the Ford Laser sedan in which the explosives were planted, was a friend of the police. "The police know Ramli.

Worldwide terror probe developments

Worldwide terror probe developments Veeramalla Anjaia The Jakarta Post Washington United States authorities were analyzing a document they believe was written by one of the hijackers involved in the United States terror attacks on Sept. 11 as investigators probed indications that further attacks may be planned. U.S.

1. BI (3x15)

1. BI (3x15) BI vows to mount defense against rupiah weakening 2. BPK (2x18) BPK calls for concrete action to fight graft 3. House (2x18) House to go ahead with oil bill 4. Steel (1x8) High duty imposed on KS exports 5. Gates (2x18) Gates still America's richest person 6. Italy (2x22) Italy unveils bill on Berlusconi business ties 7. Micro Koreans protest Microsoft 8. Holdi (2x18) Holdiko sells stakes in SRC for Rp 204b 9. Debt (2x24) Expert suggests commercial debt haircut for RI

Regional officers' training in S'pore

Regional officers' training in S'pore BANDUNG: Public administration civil servants in regional offices throughout Indonesia will be sent to Singapore to get training on how to deal with the implementation of regional autonomy, an official has said. Indonesian Provincial Administrations Association Chairman Nuriana said on Thursday the training was expected to give the civil servants a broad perspective and experience.

Comfort women demand government attention

Comfort women demand government attention JAKARTA (JP): A group of elderly women forced by Japanese soldiers to be comfort women in the period between 1942 and 1945 reiterated their demand on Thursday that the government pay attention to their fate. "I was raped by three Japanese soldiers when I was 15. My father and brother were sent away to work as romusha (forced laborers) for protecting me and my mother," said 74-year-old Suratmi.

Managing ethics in your professional life

Managing ethics in your professional life By Pri Notowidigdo JAKARTA (JP): We frequently find ourselves facing ethical dilemmas -- situations concerning right and wrong where values are in conflict. As a student, you may have seen a friend cheating and wondered what to do. Which is the more important value -- being loyal to a friend, or reporting someone to the teacher because he was cheating?

The Singapore government Friday abandoned plans for imminent

The Singapore government Friday abandoned plans for imminent commercial and residential land sales, a day after canceling the sale of an industrial site as the worsening recession bites. Laos signed a poverty-reduction agreement Thursday with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) that turns the taps on for up to US$300 million in aid over five years, the lender said here.

What to do if your kids get HFMD

What to do if your kids get HFMD JAKARTA (JP): Below is general information released by the city health agency regarding the hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD), which mainly affects children under 10 years of age, and tips on how to avoid the disease. The HFMD symptoms: Generally start with fever, loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing and a runny nose. After several days ulcers will appear on the palms, feet and probably on the gums and tongue. Patients usually recover within a week.

Rupiah Rates Sept.28

Rupiah Rates Sept.28 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

KL to upgrade air security

KL to upgrade air security KUALA LUMPUR (AP): The government is considering putting air marshals on commercial flights in Malaysia as part of security upgrades in the wake of the terrorist attacks in the United States, a top official said on Friday. Transport Minister Ling Liong Sik said other measures being considered included new cockpit features aimed at making it more difficult for anyone who was not the pilot to fly a plane, the national Bernama news agency reported.

Changes looming in Sarawak

Changes looming in Sarawak By Ranjit Singh KUALA LUMPUR: Politics in Sarawak appears to be entering a new phase as the election process undergoes fundamental shifts. The Sarawak Barisan Nasional is going to the polls from a position of strength and solidarity cast in the old mold. It is the Opposition, however, that is recasting the traditional pattern of politics in Sarawak.

Holdiko sells stakes in SRC for Rp 204b

Holdiko sells stakes in SRC for Rp 204b JAKARTA (JP): PT Holdiko Perkasa, a unit of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) in charge of overseeing the sale of Salim Group assets, announced on Friday that it had sold a 60 percent stake in PT Salim Rengo Containers (SRC) for Rp 204 billion (around US$21 million). SRC was sold to Holdiko's joint venture partner, Rengo Co. of Japan.

JP/ /

JP/ / Workers without an office, who cares? Onno W. Purbo JAKARTA (JP): There was a time when a person was respected by his/her physical appearance. Those who wore a suit and tie and went to their office in their Mercedes Benz were more respected than those dressed in a simple outfit or who had no office to go to. This was a paradigm which was common in our grandfather's days and, unfortunately, for some of our parents.

WHAT A PUBLIC TRANSPORT: A large number of students pack a

WHAT A PUBLIC TRANSPORT: A large number of students pack a minivan used as a public transport in the Central Java town of Purwokerto. The driver said on Tuesday he could not ask the students to get down as the students found it difficult to get public transport to their schools at rush hours. A student is charged only Rp 300 for a one-way trip.

The article titled Polysindo to complete restructuring published

The article titled Polysindo to complete restructuring published in the Sept.28 edition contained wrong figures in the fifth, seventh and eighth paragraphs. The correct figures are as follow: $245 million (not billion as stated in the fifth paragraph), $900 million (not billion as stated in the seventh) and $40 million (not billion as stated in the eighth). We apologize for the mistakes. Editor

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sept. 28, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,300 100 1,311,000 Adindo Foresta 100 0 0 AGIS 120 0 243,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 625 125 14,222,500 Alakasa 215 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 825 0 49,500 Alter Abadi 65 -10 20,000 Alumindo Light 550 -25 500 Andhi Chandra 2,025 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 230 0 675,000 Aneka Tambang 950 0 2,119,000 Apac Citra 275 0...

Expert suggests commercial debt haircut for RI

Expert suggests commercial debt haircut for RI JAKARTA (JP): Despite constant refusal by foreign creditors, a reduction of Indonesia's huge debts is still possible if structured in commercial terms, according to an economist. A senior economist at the Institute for the Development of Economics and Finance (INDEF), Dradjad Wibowo, said on Friday that Indonesia should consider asking for a "commercial debt haircut".

Oris exhibits latest watches

Oris exhibits latest watches JAKARTA (JP): Oris, a Swiss-based mechanical watch manufacturer, has launched its latest products, which will be exhibited for three days at Plaza Senayan starting Friday, a release said. Called Oris TT1 and Oris XXL, the new products are specially designed for those falling in love with automotive-related sports.

BPK calls for concrete action to fight corruption

BPK calls for concrete action to fight corruption JAKARTA (JP): The Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) has called on the government to take concrete action in preventing future financial irregularities in state finances. BPK's chief, Satrio B. Judono, said on Friday, "What we are waiting for is concrete actions, not self-defense." He said that the first step toward the eradication of corruption was acknowledgement that the irregularities had happened.