Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 6 September 2001

72 articles found

Social workers undervalued

Social workers undervalued By Lea Jellinek JAKARTA (JP): Social workers have been undervalued in Indonesia. Under Soeharto the ministry of social affairs was viewed as incompetent and unimportant. Social workers were given "Band-Aid" work -- they nursed the symptoms of poverty rather than treating its causes.

House code of ethics ready for approval next week

House code of ethics ready for approval next week JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives is scheduled to approve its long-awaited code of ethics next week, which is aimed at helping repair its badly-tarnished image, Yahya Zaini of the House's legislative body in charge of the draft said on Wednesday. Yahya, the deputy chairman of the body, said that deliberation of the code's draft was nearly complete and was expected to be recommended to the House's plenary session for approval next week.

Tourism trade expo to open next week

Tourism trade expo to open next week JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Tourism Promotion Board (BPPI) will hold it's annual Tourism Indonesia Mart and Expo (TIME) from Sept. 11 to 15. Considering Indonesia's maritime potential, the committee selected "Adventure Tourism: Uniquely Indonesian" as this year's theme, featuring the country's various marine locations and water sport activities.

House, govt meet quietly over BII

House, govt meet quietly over BII JAKARTA (JP): The government held a closed-door meeting with members of the House of Representatives (DPR) late on Wednesday over their plan to issue bonds to Bank Internasional Indonesia (BII). The decision to hold the closed-door meeting was made after Minister of Finance Boediono and State Minister of State Enterprises Laksamana Sukardi "failed" to convince legislators of the move during an open meeting earlier in the day.

Rupiah Rates Sept.5

Rupiah Rates Sept.5 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Court adjourns a bribery trial

Court adjourns a bribery trial JAKARTA (JP): The Central Jakarta District Court postponed on Wednesday the first trial of a judge implicated in a bribery case, which is alleged to have involved some Rp 550 million (US$64,705). Fauzatullo Zendrato, a Jakarta High Court judge, said that he objected to facing trial without the presence of his lawyer, Deny Kailimang. According to Fauzatullo, 51, he had informed Denny to be present at the court, however he failed to appear.

Syafii declares stance on Islamic law

Syafii declares stance on Islamic law YOGYAKARTA (JP): Chairman of the second largest Muslim organization Muhammadiyah, Syafii Ma'arif, opposed some Muslim organizations' demand for the inclusion of the Jakarta Charter in the 1945 Constitution, which means full implementation of Islamic law for Muslims in the country. Syafii said that inserting the Jakarta Charter into the Constitution would only provoke disharmony among people in this diverse country.

Mega's visit expected to pave way for peace in Aceh

Mega's visit expected to pave way for peace in Aceh By Syahruddin Hamzah BANDA ACEH, Aceh (Antara): President Megawati Soekarnoputri's planned visit here this week has long been awaited by leaders from different spectrums of Acehnese society, including the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) rebels. The visit is expected to pave the way for a new policy that will bring peace to Aceh after years of armed conflict involving the military and GAM.

Niki finds her home among Bali's waves

Niki finds her home among Bali's waves By Alpha Savitri KUTA, Bali (JP): Being a surfer never crossed her mind. She was the graduate of the Japanese department at a prestigious university in Jakarta and a member of the national basketball team. But a fling with Bali's waves changed everything. Her most memorable holiday in Bali entirely changed her destiny. Now, the tall and slim woman, Theresia Herlani, who is better known as Niki, is one of the most talented female surfers in the country.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Exhibitions * Painting Dua Sama Sisi by I Made Mahendra Mangku and I Made Galung Wiratmaja, Galeri Sembilan, Jl Anak Agung Gede Rai, Lodtunduh, Ubud, Sept. 8 to Oct. 8. * Tantric Symbol by Peter Dittmar, Ganesha Gallery, Four Seasons Resort, Jimbaran (Phone: 0361 701010), 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., until Sept. 20. * Kebiar Seni VII Taksu, Museum Puri Lukisan, Jl. Raya Ubud, Gianyar (Phone: 0361 975136), until Oct. 2. Museums and Galleries * Museum Puri Lukisan, Jl.

Artist Dittmar seeks tranquility through tantric symbols

Artist Dittmar seeks tranquility through tantric symbols Text by Putu Wirata JIMBARAN, Bali (JP): Most foreign artists living in Bali tend to portray local rituals and daily Balinese activities on their canvasses. But German artist Peter Dittmar, in his never-ending intellectual search, is capable of representing the philosophy and culture of Balinese people through his admiring creations. Dittmar was born in Munich, Germany in l945.

Ancient Hindu manuscript teaches harmonious living

Ancient Hindu manuscript teaches harmonious living By I Wayan Juniartha DENPASAR, Bali (JP): The Sutasoma shadow puppet performance at the Natya Mandala auditorium on Aug. 31 was no ordinary one. Not because it was staged by the high-profile Institute For Syriac Christian Studies (ISCS), the State College of Hindu Studies, Denpasar College of Arts and the spiritual Hindu learning center Gandhi Puri Ashram, nor because it featured an unpopular topic among Balinese wayang kulit lovers.

Six refugees die of diarrhea

Six refugees die of diarrhea PONTIANAK, West Kalimantan: An outbreak of diarrhea in Madurese refugees camps in Wajok Hulu, Pontianak, West Kalimantan has killed six people since early August. The diarrhea was the result of a shortage of clean water in the province, also caused 117 refugees to seek medical treatment at their respective camps, located some nine kilometers from Pontianak.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sept.

Lee warns SE Asia of growing 'anti-Zion' Islamic crusade

Lee warns SE Asia of growing 'anti-Zion' Islamic crusade KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Southeast Asia's elder statesman Lee Kuan Yew wrapped up a four-day visit here Wednesday warning the region to be on alert for growing "anti-Zion" Islamic crusade spawned by fighting in Aghanistan. The Singapore Senior Minister said there had been "a kind of Islamic globalization" in the past 20 years, with many Muslim volunteers taking up arms in Afghanistan and training to be mujahideens.

Military action for Aceh

Military action for Aceh High hopes are pinned on the planned visit of President Megawati to Aceh, a province that has experienced political problems since the proclamation of Aceh's independence by a small group of separatists in 1976. But the postponement and announcement of the duration of the visit has dampened the optimistic spirit linked with the planned visit.

JAKARTA (JP): Social workers have been undervalued in

JAKARTA (JP): Social workers have been undervalued in Indonesia. Under Soeharto the ministry of social affairs was viewed as incompetent and unimportant. Social workers were given "Band-Aid" work -- they nursed the symptoms of poverty rather than treating its causes. 2.

South Korea to push North policy despite Kim setback

South Korea to push North policy despite Kim setback SEOUL (Agencies): South Korea will forge ahead with its policy of engaging North Korea despite the opposition's ouster of Seoul's minister in charge of relations with Pyongyang, Foreign Minister Han Seung-soo said on Wednesday.

Merrill wins SingTel auction

Merrill wins SingTel auction HONG KONG (Reuters): Merrill Lynch has won an auction, beating five other investment banks, to sell US$440 million of Singapore Telecommunications Ltd bonds, sources close to the deal said on Wednesday. "Basically, Merrill had to bid in an auction along with five other houses and bought them from Cable & Wireless and then we sold it out," a source at Merrill Lynch told Reuters.

No proof pilot crashed plane: SilkAir lawyers

No proof pilot crashed plane: SilkAir lawyers SINGAPORE (Agencies): A Singapore court hearing into the 1997 crash of a SilkAir plane which killed 104 people resumed on Wednesday with the airline's lawyers maintaining there was no evidence to show that the pilot crashed the plane either intentionally or as a result of recklessness.

Police detain 3 drivers for extorting of migrants

Police detain 3 drivers for extorting of migrants TANGERANG (JP): Tangerang Police detained on Tuesday evening three private minivan drivers for extorting money from eight Indonesian female migrant workers (TKW) employed in Saudi Arabia, who were on their way back to their hometowns in Central Java. Police chief of detectives Insp.

U.S. auto giant to buy Daewoo plants for US$782m: Report

U.S. auto giant to buy Daewoo plants for US$782m: Report SEOUL (Reuters): U.S. auto giant General Motors (GM) is ready to pay nearly US$782 million to buy two plants from South Korea's bankrupt Daewoo Motors, the Korea Economic Daily reported on Wednesday, citing no sources. GM and Daewoo's main creditor, state-run Korea Development Bank (KDB), declined to comment on the report.

AIPO members call for anticrime measures

AIPO members call for anticrime measures BANGKOK (AFP): Southeast Asian parliamentarians wrapped up a meeting in the Thai capital with a call for ASEAN countries to fight transnational crime and introduce reforms to boost economic growth. Some 250 lawmakers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) outlined problems facing the region in a joint statement after this week's general assembly of the ASEAN Inter- Parliamentary Organization (AIPO).

Spotlight

Spotlight Photo A: Unilever CLEAN BRANTAS FORUM: Chairman of Unilever Global Antony Burgmans (second left-second row) and East Java Governor Imam Utomo Suparno (center wearing cap) join a group of elementary school students after the launch of the Clean Brantas Forum in Jambangan village, Surabaya. The forum, which is sponsored by Unilever, is an environmental program aimed at improving the water quality of the Brantas River. The launching of the forum on Aug.

Lawyers argue over civil, military court for police

Lawyers argue over civil, military court for police JAKARTA (JP): Lawyers of the eight middle-ranking officers who sued the National Police Chief Gen. Surojo Bimantoro vowed on Wednesday to present members of the highest law-making body to the South Jakarta District Court on Thursday. Lawyer Johnson Panjaitan said that they expected members of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) to explain MPR decree No.

Dialog on amendement of Constitution urged

Dialog on amendement of Constitution urged JAKARTA (JP): Non-governmental organizations' activists called on the highest law-making body to open dialog with members of society who support the establishment of a constitutional commission. "We are ready to meet with the MPR to further discuss the establishment of a constitutional commission," Smita Notosusanto of the Center for Electoral Reform (Cetro) told The Jakarta Post by phone on Wednesday evening.

Maluku conflict has claimed about 9,000 lives: Group

Maluku conflict has claimed about 9,000 lives: Group JAKARTA (JP): The sectarian conflict in Maluku which broke out in January 1999 has claimed about 9,000 lives, according to Pokja Maluku, a volunteer group aiding in the effort to end the civil strife.

Thailand, RI and Malaysia mull rubber export quota

Thailand, RI and Malaysia mull rubber export quota KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): The world's top three rubber producers -- Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia -- may adopt a joint export quota to control supply to boost sagging prices, a report said Wednesday. A Malaysian official said apart from export quotas, a supply rationalization and stockpile scheme was also being considered.

Man accused of kidnaping teen

Man accused of kidnaping teen JAKARTA (JP): A businessman accused of kidnaping a teenage model has been forced to seek protection from the military police following threats by the teenager's mother. Siddi Sidarma Moersid said here on Wednesday that the teenage girl's mother had asked some military police officers to threaten him. Due to the woman's report that he had kidnapped her daughter, his house in Bogor was searched by the local police.

House asks BPK to audit bank guarantee fund

House asks BPK to audit bank guarantee fund JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives (DPR) will ask the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) to run an audit of the use of the bank blanket guarantee fund amid allegations of misuse, a top legislator has said. Head of House Commission IX for financial and development affairs Benny Pasaribu said on Wednesday that the audit should start immediately next week.

Becak drivers

Becak drivers stage violent rally JAKARTA (JP): Dozens of becak (pedicab) drivers staged a violent protest at the office of the head of Pademangan Timur subdistrict on early Wednesday following official raids conducted against the operation of their vehicles in Penjaringan and Pademangan areas several hours earlier.

Fretilin takes commanding lead in first election

Fretilin takes commanding lead in first election DILI, East Timor (Agencies): East Timor's independence heroes, Fretilin, appear to have taken a commanding lead on Wednesday as counting in the territory's first democratic election nears an end. UN chief electoral officer Carlos Valenzuela told reporters Fretilin had already won 11 of the 13 district seats in the 88- member constituent assembly. The assembly will prepare the UN-run territory for independence, most likely early next year.

3 Indonesians nabbed for drugs

3 Indonesians nabbed for drugs HONG KONG (AFP): Three Indonesians were arrested at Hong Kong's international airport after trying to smuggle the designer drug "ice" and cocaine out of the territory, a customs and excise spokesman said on Wednesday. The trio, aged between 24 and 38, were held at Chep Lap Kok airport on Tuesday, after four kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as "ice", and 15 grams of cocaine were discovered wrapped around their bodies, he said.

We've got a problem

We've got a problem Indonesia's official attitude in the wake of the of the Norwegian freighter Tampa episode has been very dismissive. In refusing permission for the ship to offload the Afghan asylum seekers, Jakarta maintained its conviction that this was an Australian problem.

Ads group quits food and drug control agency

Ads group quits food and drug control agency JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Advertising Agencies Association (PPPI) has resigned from the review team at the Ministry of Health's Food and Drugs Agency (BPOM) after seven years working alongside BPOM to stop unlawful and misleading advertisements on food and drugs. "Our recommendations (to the head of BPOM) always ended up unheard.

Police reopening old cases against Gus Dur

Police reopening old cases against Gus Dur JAKARTA (JP): After long being on the back burner, the National Police have recently decided to revive the investigation of a number of old cases against former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid. "We have studied all the cases and we think that the public are entitled to legal certainty with regard to the complaints they made to us," National Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Didi Widayadi told reporters last week.

Gas discovered in Pakistan

Gas discovered in Pakistan KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's national oil company Petronas said Wednesday it had made its first gas discovery in Pakistan in a joint venture with two local entities. Petroliam Nasional Bhd. (Petronas) in a statement said gas was discovered on August 7 in the Rehmat-1 well in the Mubarak block in the Sindh province. Petronas' unit, PETRONAS Carigali (Pakistan) Ltd., is the operator of the Mubarak block with 57 percent equity, Lasmo Oil Pakistan Ltd.

Low demand may hurt KL, RI palm oil

Low demand may hurt KL, RI palm oil KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Palm oil freight rates from Malaysia and Indonesia, the world's top producers, are likely to slide further over the coming months in the absence of fresh demand from major buyers, brokers said on Wednesday.

Govt to finalize Chandra Asri debt today: Rini

Govt to finalize Chandra Asri debt today: Rini JAKARTA (JP): The government plans to finalize the long- awaited debt restructuring of petrochemical giant PT Chandra Asri late on Thursday, Minister of Industry and Trade Rini Soewandi said on Wednesday. Rini said that the decision was expected to be made at a meeting of the Financial Sector Policy Committee (FSPC), which groups several senior economic ministers.

Agency finds Toxoplasma bacteria in goat meat

Agency finds Toxoplasma bacteria in goat meat JAKARTA (JP): Are you planning to have goat satay for lunch? You'd better order it well-done. Otherwise, you might be infected by a disease carried by animals and infectious to humans, the city's husbandry agency warns. The agency found out that goat meat that was not well-cooked may contain toxoplasma bacteria.

Burial costs in Jakarta

Burial costs in Jakarta From Neraca Since there have been so many questions relating to procedure and burial costs in the capital city posed by Jakartans, we feel it necessary to inform the public of costs incurred: 1. Lease of a grave: a. Tariffs must be in line with Regional Regulation No.3/1999 on Regional Levies (for information please refer to Public Burial Offices in the city). b. Payment of levies can be made at the nearest Regional Treasury Office. c.

Myanmar beats Laos 4-0 in SEA Games soccer

Myanmar beats Laos 4-0 in SEA Games soccer KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP): Myanmar beat Laos 4-0 Wednesday for its first win in the Southeast Asian Games men's soccer competition. Striker Nay Thu Hlaing opened the floodgates in the 21st minute, slamming the ball home from close range after receiving a pass. Myanmar, which drew 0-0 with Cambodia in its first match, mounted raids on both flanks and doubled its lead six minutes after its first goal with a shot from Aung Tun Naing.

Group attacks shop-house building in N. Jakarta

Group attacks shop-house building in N. Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): A nearly completed shop-house building was attacked by a group of youths on Jl. R.E. Martadinata in North Jakarta on Wednesday following a land dispute but no arrests were made following the incident. North Jakarta Police chief Sr. Comr. Andi Chaeruddin said that when police arrived at the scene the rioters had already fled. "But we are still studying the case right now.

2. IMF ( 2 x 21)

2. IMF ( 2 x 21) IMF says making fewer conditions on lending 3. NAM ( 2 x 15 ) U.S. economy sees signs of recovery 4. Rubber ( 2 x 24 ) Thai, Indonesia, Malaysia mull rubber export quota 5. RP ( 2 x 24 ) Manila central bank sees more flexibility in rates 6. Window ( 2 x 21 ) Daum files legal action against Microsoft 7. Auto ( 2 x 24 ) U.S. auto giant to buy Daewoo plants for US$782m: Report

House again delays decision over BCA

House again delays decision over BCA JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives (DPR) deferred again making a decision on whether to approve the government plan to divest a 51 percent stake in the publicly listed Bank Central Asia (BCA).

Don't pollute Jakarta's rivers

Don't pollute Jakarta's rivers From Sinar Pagi As a Jakartan and nature lover, I am very concerned about the abundance of garbage in Jakarta's rivers. No one should carelessly throw garbage into the rivers of our beloved capital city because it increases the level of pollution, as can be seen, for example, in Kali Malang (Malang river). Today, plastic garbage and other non-organic waste in particular, clogs the water gates and disturbs the flow of the rivers.

Yayuk, Sanches-Vicario to play dobles in Bali

Yayuk, Sanches-Vicario to play dobles in Bali JAKARTA (JP): Former three-time French Open winner Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario has been confirmed to take part in the US$170,000 Sanex WTA championship, at which she will also team up with Indonesian Yayuk Basuki in the doubles. The three-tier tournament, which will be her comeback after a three year absence, will be held in Bali from Sept. 23 to Sept. 30.

RP's central bank sees more flexibility in rates

RP's central bank sees more flexibility in rates MANILA (Reuters): Philippine central bank governor Rafael Buenaventura said on Wednesday lower-than-expected inflation in August would give the bank more flexibility in interest rate policy. Buenaventura said although the bank had signaled it could lower interest rates or commercial bank liquidity reserve requirements in the face of favorable inflation, it need not do so immediately.

Sasya's watercolors swirl around the globe

Sasya's watercolors swirl around the globe By Pavan Kapoor JAKARTA (JP): To a connoisseur of watercolor paintings the languid flow of dried colored-water captured on paper holds a kind of reverential magic. The crucial highlights created by pert strokes of the brush in precise abandonment leaving snatches of white paper exposed is what watercolor lovers rave about. Indonesia's watercolorist Sasya Tranggono kicks off her world tour from Sept. 6 to Sept.

Local firms threatened by overseas insurers

Local firms threatened by overseas insurers JAKARTA (JP): Foreign investors have gained a foothold in the country's insurance market over the past several years, threatening local firms, a survey revealed on Wednesday. The survey, conducted by Infobank financial magazine, said that foreign insurance firms -- which have been allowed to hold a 100 percent stake in domestic insurance operations -- have recorded a significant growth in total gross premiums, especially in the life insurance sector.

Indonesia's debt

Indonesia's debt Regarding Hadi Soesastro's interview on the Indonesian debt situation (The Jakarta Post, Aug. 30, 2001: Demand for debt cuts will raise new problems), I would like to make a few comments. First, it is not correct that the Paris Club does not provide partial debt cancellation to countries that are as indebted and in the same income category as Indonesia.

Police accused of abusing students

Police accused of abusing students JAKARTA (JP): The police physically abused two student activists arrested during a demonstration protesting the recent fuel price hike, their lawyer told a court here on Wednesday. Heppy Sebayang, the lawyer, said during the trial of the two students that several police officers had violated the students' human rights during their arrest, questioning and detention.

Australian teachers in Flores

Australian teachers in Flores MAUMERE, East Nusa Tenggara: Australian Volunteers International will soon send English language teachers to several junior and senior high schools on the island of Flores. The head of Australian Volunteers International's representative office in East Nusa Tenggara, Leon Jones told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday that the project was the realization of an agreement made by his organization with the provincial office of the Ministry of National Education.

Mega to unveil budget draft on Friday

Mega to unveil budget draft on Friday By Kanis Dursin JAKARTA (JP): President Megawati Soekarnoputri is expected to unveil the 2002 state budget draft on Friday, which is likely to have little impact in stimulating economic growth. Economists said that a relatively large amount of the budget would be allocated for servicing public debts, and little to financing development programs.

Rupiah Rates Sept.5

Rupiah Rates Sept.5 JP/11/Conversion Rupiah Rates Sept.5 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Yogyakarta to host EATOF meet

Yogyakarta to host EATOF meet YOGYAKARTA: Seven out of nine founding provinces of the East Asia Inter-Regional Forum (EATOF) have confirmed their attendance at the EATOF annual meeting to be held in Yogyakarta from Sept.9 to 12, 2001.

No proof pilot crashed plane: SilkAir lawyers

No proof pilot crashed plane: SilkAir lawyers SINGAPORE (Reuters): A Singapore court hearing into the 1997 crash of a SilkAir plane which killed 104 people resumed on Wednesday with the airline's lawyers maintaining there was no evidence to show that the pilot crashed the plane either intentionally or as a result of recklessness.

Askes' service unsatisfactory

Askes' service unsatisfactory From Pikiran Rakyat My relative and his wife are both civil servants and holders of state health insurance scheme (Askes) cards. He is on the fourth wage scale and his wife is on the third. His wife underwent medical treatment as an in-patient at Al- Islam hospital on Jl.Soekarno-Hatta, Bandung, from Aug. 15, 2001, to Aug. 20, 2001. As members of Askes they at first hoped that the scheme would provide special assistance or services.

Youth attack shop-house site

Youth attack shop-house site JAKARTA (JP): A nearly completed shop-house building was attacked by a group of youths on Jl. R.E. Martadinata in North Jakarta on Wednesday following a land dispute but no arrests were made following the incident. North Jakarta Police chief Sr. Comr. Andi Chaeruddin said that when police arrived at the scene the rioters had already fled. "But we are still studying the case right now.

Local rights body proposed

Local rights body proposed SURABAYA (JP): The East Java chapter of the National Awakening Party (PKB) proposed on Wednesday the establishment of a regional commission on human rights to uphold human rights in the province. "The establishment of such a regional commission is expected to help improve the upholding of the human rights, thereby convincing foreign investors intending to enter the province," Fathorrasyid, head of the PKB faction in the East Java legislative assembly, said.

House divided over retirement age for police

House divided over retirement age for police JAKARTA (JP): Major factions in the House of Representatives special committee in charge of deliberating the bill on the National Police were divided over a proposal to raise the mandatory retirement age for police officers from 55 to 60 years old.

Scholars call for extensive change to system of govt

Scholars call for extensive change to system of govt JAKARTA (JP): Political analysts say that the current debate on constitutional reform will be fruitless unless it is accompanied by an exploration of an entirely new system of government. "We should put an end to the current MPR system as it can be used to restrict the people's sovereignty.

On refugee crisis

On refugee crisis Reference is made to Robin Goodfellow's article in The Jakarta Post on Sept 4, 2001 titled Howard fails to consult Indonesia on refugee crisis. While I disagree with many of the comments made by Mr.

Myanmar intelligence chief wraps up Thailand visit

Myanmar intelligence chief wraps up Thailand visit BANGKOK (AFP): Myanmar's powerful chief of military intelligence, Lt. Gen. Khin Nyunt, left Thailand Wednesday after a three-day trip aimed at smoothing over a row centered on border issues and the drugs trade. Thai authorities clamped a heavy security presence around the junta number-three during the visit, fearful that exiled dissidents would embarrass the government by staging disruptive protests.

We are tired of searching for Tommy: Police

We are tired of searching for Tommy: Police JAKARTA (JP): The chief of detectives of Jakarta Police confessed on Wednesday of being "very tired" of searching for fugitive Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra, as it had used all its resources during an unsuccessful manhunt, which had lasted for more than 10 months. "The exhaustion is not only physical, it is more than that. We never thought that this would drag on for so long," Sr. Comr. Adang Rochana said.

Suwardi revives dead 'gentha' gamelan sounds

Suwardi revives dead 'gentha' gamelan sounds By Riyadi Suparno JAKARTA (JP): After more than a century of silence, the beautiful and haunting sounds of the officially extinct Javanese gentha (bell) gamelan traditional orchestra reverberated through the Gedung Kesenian Jakarta (Jakarta Playhouse) on Wednesday evening. To Javanese ears, however, the sound of gentha gamelan performed by A.L.

Five nations to fight HIV migrants

Five nations to fight HIV migrants PHNOM PENH (DPA): Representatives from four countries neighboring Cambodia gathered in the capital on Wednesday to sign an agreement to curb HIV transmission among the increasing number of migrants in the region, especially workers, officials said.

Becak drivers stage violent rally

Becak drivers stage violent rally JAKARTA (JP): Dozens of becak (pedicab) drivers staged a violent protest at the office of the head of Pademangan Timur subdistrict on early Wednesday following official raids conducted against the operation of their vehicles in Penjaringan and Pademangan areas several hours earlier.

New schedule set for Megawati's visit to Aceh

New schedule set for Megawati's visit to Aceh JAKARTA (JP): Although President Megawati Soekarnoputri does not have a clear plan to meet with members of the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) in her visit to Aceh on Saturday, GAM insists that a dialog between her and its top leader be held in Sweden to initiate further dialogs between the two sides.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific nations meet to battle global gloom JP/ Asia-Pacific nations meet to battle global gloom SUZHOU, China (Reuters): Asia-Pacific finance ministers, grappling with a global slowdown and wide divisions over how to deal with it, gather this week in one of the few countries managing to thrive despite the slump -- China.

Punish judges who fail to declare their assets: NGO

Punish judges who fail to declare their assets: NGO JAKARTA (JP): A non-governmental organization involved in the effort to create a just, fair, and independent judicial process has urged the Public Servants' Wealth Audit Commission (KPKPN) to take resolute action against judges who fail to declare assets. A.

Basketball hall must be integrated with mall: Sutiyoso

Basketball hall must be integrated with mall: Sutiyoso JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso threatened on Wednesday to demolish the Senayan Sport and Trade Center (STC), now under construction, if the developer failed to abide by its promise to build an indoor basketball hall inside the center.