Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 24 January 2002

83 articles found

1. BCA - 32 x 1 line

1. BCA - 32 x 1 line Salim still trying to get BCA back 2. Workers - 27 x 2 lines Manpower officials fly to Malaysia over rioting workers 3. Terror - 14 x 3 lines Fathur studied at Ba'asyir's Islamic school 4. Jihad - 30 x 1 line Laskar Jihad differs with al-Qaeda

Japan donates Rp 20b to RI

Japan donates Rp 20b to RI MAGELANG, Central Java: The Japanese government donated a total of Rp 20 billion to numerous grass-roots organizations in rural areas across the country as a gesture to demonstrate the two countries's good ties. Japanese Ambassador Yukio Takeuchi made the statement at the opening of the Pabelan Islamic boarding school in Magelang, Central Java, on Monday.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in Rupiah) on Jan.

MSAA doesn't have any legal teeth: Ex-minister

MSAA doesn't have any legal teeth: Ex-minister The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Former finance minister Bambang Sudibyo told legislators on Wednesday that the out-of-court debt settlement agreement signed in 1998 between former bankers and the government was legally flawed and there was no reason for the government to proceed with the policy to soften the debt repayment terms.

802 hospitals below standard

802 hospitals below standard CIREBON, West Java: 802 of 1,112 hospitals in the country have not fulfilled the primary accreditation standards set by the health ministry. "Only 310 hospitals or less than 30 percent have met the standards, indicating the low quality of medical services given to the public," said Muhammad Sulaiman, director of the medical care directorate at the ministry, on Tuesday.

MIGA to set up Singapore office

MIGA to set up Singapore office SINGAPORE: The World Bank's Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) will open an office in Singapore later this year or early 2003, officials said Wednesday, amid a rising demand for political risk insurance following the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

Blast terrorizes chief legislator in Indramayu

Blast terrorizes chief legislator in Indramayu Nana Rukmana The Jakarta Post Indramayu Homemade explosives hurled by at least two unidentified persons exploded at the official residence of a local chief legislator in the West Java town of Indramayu early on Thursday. No fatalities or injuries were reported in the blast that took place at around 3 a.m., nor was there any serious damage to the house located on Jalan Olahraga.

Malaysia slaps temporary ban on intake of Indonesian workers

Malaysia slaps temporary ban on intake of Indonesian workers Agencies, Kuala Lumpur/Jakarta Malaysia will temporarily halt the intake of Indonesian workers following recent riots and consider labor from Cambodia and Vietnam, Deputy Premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Wednesday. The cabinet had also agreed to set up a team of coastguards to prevent illegal entry through the country's long shoreline, Abdullah said.

Asia power plant growth seen steadier than U.S.

Asia power plant growth seen steadier than U.S. Cameron Dueck, Reuters, Singapore The pace of power plant construction in Asia could slow in some areas in 2002 as the economic slowdown hits electricity demand, but activity should remain steadier than in the U.S. market, industry experts say. Any fall in new plants being built will not be as sharp as in the United States and parts of Europe, which are stepping back from a period of explosive growth in the late 1990s, they said.

Garbage in Jakarta

Garbage in Jakarta As a regular overseas traveler, I am always impressed by the cleanliness of cities abroad, be it in Europe, America and even in some Asian countries. If other countries can solve their garbage problems, surely Indonesia, as one of the richest countries in natural resources, is also in the position to do so. Incinerators are usually used abroad to get rid of garbage. Couldn't Jakarta also buy such an incinerator, no matter how expensive it is?

Syafei's death no threat to peace efforts in Aceh

Syafei's death no threat to peace efforts in Aceh Antara, Jakarta The killing of the military commander of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) Tengku Abdullah Syafei will have no significant impact on the efforts to bring about peace in the troubled province, an Acehnese legislator says. "The resolution to the Aceh question is in the hands of Hasan Tiro, who is now living in self-imposed exile in Sweden.

HK students enliven Bebarungan festival

HK students enliven Bebarungan festival Rita A.Widiadana, The Jakarta Post, Blah Batu, Gianyar In Bali, there is no day that goes by without some kind of ritual, music and dance; three things that spiritually enrich the island and touch every aspect of the lives of the Balinese. And regular music and dance festivals in Bali do not only involve local artists, but also foreigners.

Petronas to sign gas pact by year-end

Petronas to sign gas pact by year-end Associated Press, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia's national oil and gas company aims to sign an agreement by the end of this year develop gas reserves in Indonesia's East Natuna Sea, an official said Wednesday. "A general memorandum to agree to develop East Natuna will probably be signed by the end of the year," said Muri Muhammad, vice president for gas business of Petroliam Nasional Bhd., or Petronas.

Legislators may suffer from political backtrack

Legislators may suffer from political backtrack A'an Suryana and Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Legislators from PDI-Perjuangan may backtrack on the political party's previous stance concerning the establishment of a special committee to probe the Rp 40 billion Bulog scam implicating House Speaker and Golkar Party chairman Akbar Tandjung.

Solution to prevent

Solution to prevent floods in Jakarta From Investor Indonesia The comments by some Jakarta administration officials on recent floods in the city were extremely amusing. They said that flooding was all part and parcel of the seasonal cycle. What irritates me is why they never take any preventative measures to anticipate this problem, which blights the city, year after year. The governor's visits to disaster sites are, in effect, meaningless gestures.

KL, Thailand to start pipeline project

KL, Thailand to start pipeline project KUALA LUMPUR: A stalled gas pipeline joint venture between Malaysia and Thailand is expected to finally take off in April, a senior executive of Malaysia's state energy firm Petronas said Wednesday. "They (the Thai authorities) are expected to give the green light by the end of March. We are confident of getting that," Muri Muhammad, Petronas's vice-president was quoted as saying by Bernama news agency.

1. Standard Chartered Bank Plc.

1. Standard Chartered Bank Plc. 2. Newbridge Capital 3. Farallon Capital 4. Bank Mega Consortium 5. Dynamic Choice 6. Indonesia Recovery Fund Limited 7. Berca Consortium 8. Consortium of Bank Panin shareholders led by PT Trimegah Securities. 9. Consortium of three investors, including Indonesia's Setdco Group.

JITF to restructure $5b debt in 2002

JITF to restructure $5b debt in 2002 The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta Initiative Task Force (JITF) aims to finalize the restructuring by as much as US$5 billion in corporate debt in 2002, before its mandate ends at the end of the year, according to its chairman Becelius Ruru. Ruru said on Wednesday that achieving the target would depend on the development in economic, political, and monetary fronts. "But we'll try to achieve the target," he told reporters during a gathering.

Thailand finds a way out, what about us?

Thailand finds a way out, what about us? The topics of the talks by Thailand's Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during his two-day visit to Indonesia were focused on trade cooperation and the terrorism issue. Indonesia and Thailand are still struggling to escape from the crisis. But Thailand has begun to show bright prospects. Thailand has chosen the development of the popular economy. But Indonesia is still unsure about the way to escape from the crisis.

'RCTI' sole local TV channel for 2002 World Cup soccer matches

'RCTI' sole local TV channel for 2002 World Cup soccer matches Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta RCTI, the privately run television station, announced on Wednesday that it would broadcast live 45 of the 64 soccer matches at World Cup 2002, which will be jointly hosted by South Korea and Japan. "The other 19 fixtures will be aired in a delayed program format," said Wisnu Hadi, the station's director, at a press conference. The delayed programs will be aired at 1 a.m.

Thailand to host ASEAN meeting

Thailand to host ASEAN meeting BANGKOK: Thailand will next week host a meeting of senior economic officials from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), officials said Wednesday. The two-day meeting will focus on drawing up an action plan for the group's "Vision 2020" goal to create free trade and investment agreements within the 10-nation group, the Department of Business Economics said.

Council wastes public's money on meeting in resort hotel

Council wastes public's money on meeting in resort hotel Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta City councillors are again spending millions of rupiah of public money by conducting a two-day meeting with city officials at the Horison Hotel in North Jakarta to discuss the proposed 2002 budget. At least 15 councillors grouped under the council's special budgetary team and dozens of city officials attended the meeting which started on Wednesday.

Fathur graduate of Ba'asyir's school

Fathur graduate of Ba'asyir's school Kartika Bagus C and Yogita Tahilramani, The Jakarta Post, Surakarta/Jakarta An Indonesian, arrested for suspected links to Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda terrorist network in the Philippines, received his education at an Islamic boarding school founded and run by Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Ba'asyir, in Ngruki village, Sukoharjo, east of Surakarta, Central Java. "Fathur Rohman studied and graduated from our school.

Data on people with AIDS in Batam varies

Data on people with AIDS in Batam varies BATAM, Riau: Spokesman for Mitra Keluarga Foundation Efrizal said here on Tuesday that Batam's Health Center did not have accurate data on the numbers of people with AIDS or those infected by HIV virus on the island. Efrizal said the increasing promiscuity and numbers of brothels had made it difficult for the city health centers to keep accurate records.

ID card raids ineffective and ridiculous, critics say

ID card raids ineffective and ridiculous, critics say Primastuti Handayani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Critics condemned the Jakarta administration for continuing its controversial door-to-door ID card raids Wednesday, saying the policy violated human rights, and was also ineffective and ridiculous. Dadan Umar Daihani, director of the research department of Trisakti University, said he did not see the point of the raids and claimed they would be ineffective in solving current problems.

Lawyer terrorized by client's husband

Lawyer terrorized by client's husband The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A lawyer who is handling the divorce case of a battered women has complained about being terrorized by the angry husband, the police and the military.

Funds for cheap rice could be better spent

Funds for cheap rice could be better spent Alexander Irwan, Sociologist, Jakarta How did the government come to the conclusion that the previous Special Market Operation Program (OPK) should be followed by the newly introduced Rp 4.67 trillion (US$ 449 million) "rice for the poor program?" Did the government do a representative sampling research or a nationwide survey to find out the needs of the urban and rural poor?

Dozens of Thai fishermen roam Nias

Dozens of Thai fishermen roam Nias MEDAN, North Sumatra: The presence of dozens of Thai fishermen on Nias island has caused unrest among the islanders as locals feared they would spread AIDS. The Thai fishermen have been employed on a fishing vessel belonging to PT Universal Mina Jaya after they were arrested last December for fishing illegally in Indonesian waters.

Hospital criticized for rejecting patient

Hospital criticized for rejecting patient JAKARTA: The Indonesian Legal Aid Institute (LBH) criticized Harapan Bunda hospital for rejecting an unemployed man who had suffered severe burns due to an explosion of a butane gas cylinder in a cigarette kiosk. Warhadi, the victim, was rushed to the hospital located on Jl. Raya Bogor, Cijantung, East Jakarta, on Sunday. The hospital, however, reportedly rejected Warhadi because it was a private hospital.

ICRC to hold workshop in Riau

ICRC to hold workshop in Riau JAKARTA: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is scheduled to hold a workshop in Pekanbaru, Riau, with the aim of empowering organizational institutions throughout Sumatra. "The workshop will be held in February or March," said a staff member of the Indonesian Red Cross headquarters identified only as Marlina in Pekanbaru, Riau on Wednesday.

AGO undecided on Akbar pilgrimage

AGO undecided on Akbar pilgrimage Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As controversy continues to rage around House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung's planned haj pilgrimage, despite his status as a suspect in an alleged Rp 40 billion scam, Attorney General MA Rachman says he had not decided whether to let Akbar travel to Mecca or not. "We've just read the request of Akbar Tandjung for a haj pilgrimage.

151 street criminals arrested

151 street criminals arrested JAKARTA: A total of 151 criminals involved in at least 94 street crimes since Jan. 1 were arrested by Jakarta police. City police detective chief Sr. Supt. Bambang Hendarso Danuri, told reporters Wednesday that the criminals were arrested during raids conducted from Jan. 1 to Jan. 22. The police also managed to seized three guns, 37 knives, nine bullets, seven cars, nine cellular phones, 115 grams of gold, Rp 3.4 million (US$327) in cash and a package of heroine.

1. Proper (2 x 20)

1. Proper (2 x 20) Jakarta property market shows no growth: PwC 2. Duit (4 x 15) Asian currencies mixed late, outperform yen's decline 3. Oil (1 x 30) Russia might resist further oil cuts in Q2 JP/12/Oil 4. Gold (1 x 25) Gold lower in Europe

One dead as floods hit towns in Java

One dead as floods hit towns in Java The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Floods triggered by two days of heavy rains have swept through several cities across Java since Tuesday, leaving at least one person dead and thousands of others homeless. The towns most affected by the relentless flooding included Subang and Karawang in West Java, Semarang in Central Java, and Mojokerto in East Java.

Asian monies mixed late, outperform yen's decline

Asian monies mixed late, outperform yen's decline Netty Ismail, Dow Jones, Singapore Asian currencies were mixed late Wednesday after clambering off their intraday lows, as the dollar remained well-bid against the yen even as it took a breather from its runup to new 39-month highs Tuesday.

Response to shipping saga

Response to shipping saga On behalf of the management of PT Freight Lini Express Indonesia we would like to thank Mr. Paul Hamel for bringing the problem of his shipment from Canada to Surabaya (The Jakarta Post, Jan. 18, 2002: Shipping saga). We would like to inform the public that our company is a clean, professional company and has a competent, reliable worldwide network geared toward serving our customers satisfactorily. Referring to our letter sent to Mr. Paul Hamel by Aryana Sari on Sept.

Bali's cockfighting tradition lives on

Bali's cockfighting tradition lives on Tri Vivi Suryani, Contributor, Denpasar Dozens of young and old men gather near a temple in Denpasar, while women busy themselves selling lawar (mixed vegetables and meat), grilled pork, chicken satay, snacks and colorful homemade syrups. But the center of attention are some male guests rushing in with their handsome roosters.

KONI to assess Asiad medal chance

KONI to assess Asiad medal chance JAKARTA: The National Sports Council (KONI) will hold a "Strategic Planning Session" to look into Indonesia's medal prospects at the upcoming 2002 Asian Games in Busan, South Korea. The one day session will take place on Thursday at KONI's office in Central Jakarta. The discussion will focus on the team's strengths, threats from competitors and medal prospects. The discussion panel will include officials from KONI and affiliated organizations and journalists.

UNHCHR steps up pressure on Indonesia

UNHCHR steps up pressure on Indonesia Annastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The United Nations High Commission for Human Rights (UNHCHR) stepped up its pressure on Wednesday for Indonesia to act swiftly against militiamen and others connected to human rights abuses in East Timor in 1999, promising to send international observers to monitor an upcoming rights tribunal.

Exams at elementary schools

Exams at elementary schools JAKARTA: Beginning next month the government will publicize a program, which entrusts each elementary school to run its own exams after it eliminated the national exams for the schools (Ebtanas), an official said. "We will start getting the word out on the new exam structure next month. We are now preparing various related regulations with regard to the government's decision to drop Ebtanas, including autonomy for each school to do its own exams.

ID card raids continue despite protests

ID card raids continue despite protests Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite the outcry from city residents, the public order agency continued on Wednesday its controversial door-to-door identity card (KTP) raids in Penjaringan district, North Jakarta, arbitrarily arresting some 98 people, mostly low-income workers. The 98 residents, including maids, baby-sitters, gardeners and restaurant employees, were all taken to the district office, where they were tried by Judge A.S.

BI gives green light to IBRA bank merger plan

BI gives green light to IBRA bank merger plan The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bank Indonesia will clear the status of Bank Prima Express and Bank Patriot in one or two days, to pave the way for the planned merger of five banks under the supervision of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA). Central bank Governor Sjahril Sabirin confirmed that the two banks would be allowed to join the merger scheme, along with Bank Bali, Bank Universal and Bank Artha Media.

1. Papua - 14 x 3 lines

1. Papua - 14 x 3 lines Nonpartisan team on Theys' death suggested 2. BBM - 24 x 2 lines Fuel prices hike won't hurt the poor: Government 3. PDI - 21 x 2 lines Legislators may suffer from political backtrack 5. Leandro - 28 x 1 line UNHCR steps up pressure on RI

SBI rate falls again this week

SBI rate falls again this week JAKARTA: The weighted average interest rate on one-month Bank Indonesia promissory notes (SBI) fell in a central bank auction Wednesday. The one-month SBI notes stood at 17.09 percent at the weekly auction, down from 17.21 percent at last week's auction, Bank Indonesia said. The central bank also said it accepted Rp 20.00 trillion (US$1.9 billion) of bids at the auction, or 83.0 percent of total bids.

City to provide 50 cars for the police

City to provide 50 cars for the police JAKARTA: The city administration plans to provide 50 police cars for the Jakarta Police worth Rp 7.5 billion (US$721,154). Governor Sutiyoso announced on Wednesday that the cost would be included in the city budget. He also revealed that the administration would help build a new police detention center. However, Sutiyoso has yet to mention the exact amount that the administration will contribute for this project.

Suspect in Tommy extortion case arrested: Jakarta Police arrested

Suspect in Tommy extortion case arrested: Jakarta Police arrested Raden Dodi Sumadi on Wednesday night, a suspect in a Rp 20 billion extortion scandal involving former president Soeharto's son, Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra. Dodi, who was arrested in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta, allegedly arranged a meeting between Tommy and former president Abdurrahman Wahid to discuss a pardon.

* Headlines: Intricate bank sale racing against time 3

* Headlines: Intricate bank sale racing against time 3 * Opinion: Do the poor need a cheap rice program? 4 * City: Jakarta's Council waste public money 6 * Archipelago: One dies as floods hit Java 7 * National: Probe into Akbar's case gets tougher 8 * World: Australia's immigration adviser quits 9 * Business: BI gives a nod to IBRA bank merger plan 11 * Features: Hong Kong students brighten Bali festival 15 * Sports: Late Liverpool goal stuns Manchester United 19

Migrant workers' woes

Migrant workers' woes First of all, let us say that we must deplore the recent rioting by Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia, just as we would deplore violence at home. Moreover, as Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda said, Indonesians working abroad must respect the laws of the country in which they are guests -- quite fittingly adding that he hoped that the authorities in Malaysia would not generalize the issue by treating all Indonesian workers alike.

1,400 soldiers sent to Aceh, Maluku

1,400 soldiers sent to Aceh, Maluku CIREBON, West Java: Maj. Gen. Dharsono, chief of the Siliwangi Military Command overseeing West Java said on Tuesday he would send 1,400 personnel for rotation duties in restive Aceh and Maluku. "The planned dispatch of two combat battalions is based on an order from the Indonesian Military commander," he said here on Tuesday.

Number of people with HIV/AIDS up

Number of people with HIV/AIDS up JAKARTA: The number of people infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in Indonesia jumped by 262 over the last three months of last year alone, an official said on Wednesday. Director General of Communicable Disease Control and Environmental Health Umar Fahmi Achmadi said that out of the 262 people, 226 were HIV positive and 36 had developed AIDS.

Lampung's draft budget under fire

Lampung's draft budget under fire Oyos Saroso HN, The Jakarta Post, Bandarlampung Activists and the Lampung provincial legislative council clashed on Wednesday after the activists said the province's 2002 draft budget allocated more for the bureaucracy that it did for the poor.

Clergymen suggest nonpartisan team on Theys' death

Clergymen suggest nonpartisan team on Theys' death The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Religious leaders in Irian Jaya have nominated a number of activists and experts to be included in the planned national commission to carry out an independent investigation into the murder of proindepedence Papua Presidium Council (PDP) Chairman Dortheys "Theys" Hiyo Eluay.

Portuguese Ambassador car thief arrested

Portuguese Ambassador car thief arrested JAKARTA: Police have arrested a 43-year-old man on suspicion of stealing a car belonging to the Portuguese ambassador to Indonesia on Jan. 16 this year, the city police detectives' chief said on Wednesday. The suspect, Soewandi, was arrested on Tuesday at his wife's home on Jl. Salak Putih, Jagakarsa, South Jakarta, Sr. Comr. Bambang Hendarso told reporters.

Heavy downpours still haunt Jakarta

Heavy downpours still haunt Jakarta Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Amid fears that Tuesday's torrential rains, which caused flooding in some parts of the capital, would recur, the Meteorology and Geophysics Agency (BMG) predicted that heavier downpours were imminent.

Young golfers for 2002 Matoa event

Young golfers for 2002 Matoa event JAKARTA: Around 130 juniors will participate in a one-day golf competition at the Matoa Golf Course in Ciganjur, South Jakarta on Sunday, a press release said here on Wednesday. The participants will come mostly from Bogor, Tangerang, Yogyakarta, Bandung and Jakarta. The competition, which is being organized by the Jakarta chapter of the Indonesian Amateur Golf Association (PGI), offers eight age categories for boys and girls, and uses a Gross Score System.

Caltex to keep investment steady

Caltex to keep investment steady SINGAPORE: PT Caltex Pacific Indonesia said Wednesday it is planning to keep this year's level of investment in Indonesia at less than US$1 billion, unchanged from 2001. In 2001, CPI, a unit of ChevonTexaco Corp., budgeted $400 million for capital expenditure and $400 million in operations expenses, said company spokesman Walt Maguire. He added that CPI "will maintain a strong level of investment in Indonesia," as it has over the past five years.

Peed off, mate!

Peed off, mate! As an Australian resident in Jakarta, I was shocked when my wife told me, after our two-hour wait at the embassy merely to submit her visa application, that she felt humiliated by the process nurtured by the Australian Embassy, and by, one must presume, the Australian government.

Security back on ASEAN agenda

Security back on ASEAN agenda The Nation, Asia News Network, Bangkok Trips by Thai leaders to Southeast Asian countries took on a certain predictability in the past decade. The objective was nearly always to improve trade and economic links, while a secondary importance was attached to issues such as border demarcation and territorial problems. Security and intelligence co-operation -- issues that were the glue for ASEAN during the Cold War years -- were rarely on the agenda.

Fuel prices hike won't hurt the poor, says government

Fuel prices hike won't hurt the poor, says government The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Amid mounting concern over the negative impact of its fuel price hike policy, the government said the poor should not be affected as it had allocated to them sufficient compensation funds of Rp 2.85 trillion (US$274 million) this year. Minister of Information Syamsul Muarif said on Wednesday the funds would be disbursed to some 55 million poor people in the country.

Rupiah Rates Jan.23

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

Jakarta's property market shows no growth: PwC

Jakarta's property market shows no growth: PwC Viva Goldner, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jakarta's depressed property market showed no immediate signs of improvement, with regional and global economic factors contributing to minimal growth last year, according to consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Property Group.

Samsung reopens factory

Samsung reopens factory Debbie A. Lubis, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta South Korean electronics manufacturer Samsung Electronics has reopened its local television factory following an improvement in domestic political and economic conditions. General manager of PT Samsung Electronics Indonesia Soo Nyoung Choi said on Wednesday that the company had invested around US$1 million in the reopening of the factory. The plant was closed in 1998 amid political uncertainty at the time.

Sutiyoso threatens to sue developer

Sutiyoso threatens to sue developer Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta City administration officials have threatened legal action against the developer of a North Jakarta housing complex to finance construction of a dam to prevent flooding in the area, which includes the vital toll road that leads to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

New investment bill to go to House next month: BKPM

New investment bill to go to House next month: BKPM Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Post The government said on Wednesday that it would submit a new investment bill to the House of Representatives next month to replace the existing laws on foreign and domestic investments. "We will submit the new bill to the House for deliberation in February," Chairman of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Theo F.

Intricate BCA sale racing against time

Intricate BCA sale racing against time Riyadi Suparno, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Salim Group is lurking behind the scenes, ready to grab its former jewel in the crown, Bank Central Asia. That's the warning given by various quarters to the government in the sale of its controlling shares in the bank. The government has announced that it has long banned the Salim Group from buying back the bank. Bank Indonesia, which supervises commercial banks, has also been murmuring the same tune.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Exhibitions * Painting by Yasumasa Morimura, Gaya Fusion of Senses, Jl. Raya Sayan, Ubud (Phone: 0361 979253), until Jan. 31. * Sculpture Contemplation by Ketut Muja, Galeri 9, Ubud, until Feb. 15. Congress The 2nd Indonesian Short Story, in Jembrana, West Bali, on Feb. 1 - 3. Speakers: Putu Wijaya, Budi Darma Afrizal Malna etc. Museums and Galleries * Blue Moon Gallery, Jl. Tirta Tawar, Banjar Kutuh Kaja, Ubud (Tel. 0361 976727), daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Bogor regency budget announced

Bogor regency budget announced BOGOR: Bogor regency Council established its 2002 budget at Rp 716.497 billion (US$68.9 million) at a plenary meeting in the council building on Tuesday. The amount was an increase of Rp 61.387 billion over last year's budget of Rp 655.020 billion. The budget is divided into routine expenditure of Rp 506.219 billion and development expenditure of Rp 210.187 billion.

One foreign troublemaker too many for Malaysia

One foreign troublemaker too many for Malaysia The Star, Asia News Network, Kuala Lumpur Attacking and wounding co-workers, employers, compatriots and policemen seem to be routine for some very desperate foreign laborers in this country. These crimes are not the exclusive preserve of any particular nationality among the foreign "guest" workforce, but Indonesians are somehow predominant.

Suspected terrorist Fathur graduate of Ba'asyir's school

Suspected terrorist Fathur graduate of Ba'asyir's school Kartika Bagus C and Yogita Tahilramani The Jakarta Post Surakarta/Jakarta An Indonesian, arrested for suspected links to Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda terrorist network in the Philippines, received his education at an Islamic boarding school founded and run by Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Ba'asyir, in Ngruki village, Sukoharjo, east of Surakarta, Central Java. "Fathur Rohman studied and graduated from our school.

Navy chief visits Japan

Navy chief visits Japan JAKARTA: Navy Chief Adm. Indroko Sastrowiryono is currently visiting Japan at the invitation of Japan's Maritime Self Defense Force. The visit is aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries, especially in the field of maritime defense and security.

Day of respite proposed for Indonesia's mistreated maids

Day of respite proposed for Indonesia's mistreated maids Yogita Tahil Ramani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Long working hours and working without a day's rest may soon be a thing of the past for Indonesia's housemaids, if campaigns demanding greater respect for their legal rights gain more ground.

Probe into Akbar's graft case together

Probe into Akbar's graft case together Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The investigation by the Attorney General's Office into the high profile graft scandal involving House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung may have to start from zero thanks to conflicting and sometimes groundless arguments during examination.

1. Irwan -- Do the poor need a cheap rice program?

1. Irwan -- Do the poor need a cheap rice program? 2 x 20 48 pt Funds for cheap rice could be better spent Alexander Irwan Sociologist Jakarta 2. Nation -- Security is back on the agenda 1x 30 36 pt Security back on ASEAN agenda The Nation Asia News Network Bangkok 3. Oleg -- The lesson of Indian-Pakistani conflict 1x 34 36 pt The lesson of India-Pakistan conflict Alexei Bogaturov Institute of U.S. and Canada Russian Academy of Sciences Russian Information Agency Novosti Moscow

Spotlight

Spotlight Photo: Japan Hotel Borobudur VIP GUEST: Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi (third from right) on his way to attend a media conference at the Club Lounge, Hotel Borobodur, Jakarta. The Japanese prime minister stayed at the hotel during his visit to Indonesia on Jan. 12 to Jan. 13. Room division manager Ade Suryanto (second from left), and general manager Poul E Bitsch (fourth from left), welcome the premier at the hotel's lobby.

Astra clarifies

Astra clarifies Since early January 2002 many of our business partners and associates have complained regarding frequent telephone calls made by some people claiming to be the committee in charge of a joint advertisement for the 45th anniversary of PT Astra International Tbk., which falls on Feb. 20, 2002. Apart from coercion, they also use a forged letterhead with the logo of Astra International. We have written to them requesting that they immediately discontinue such shameful acts.

Megawati to open annual Muhammadiyah meeting

Megawati to open annual Muhammadiyah meeting Rita A. Widiana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar President Megawati Soekarnoputri is confirmed to open the annual meeting of Muhammadiyah, named Tanwir Muhammadiyah, at the Grand Bali Beach Hotel in Sanur, Bali on Wednesday. The President is scheduled to address the meeting of Muhammadiyah, one of the biggest Islamic organizations in Indonesia, which will be attended by more than 300 regional representatives throughout Indonesia.

Wage in Kepri raised to Rp 510,000

Wage in Kepri raised to Rp 510,000 BATAM, Riau: The minimum wage in the Kepulauan Riau (Kepri) region was raised by 20 percent to Rp 510,000 from the previous Rp 421,000. The decision was stipulated in a decree issued by Riau Governor Saleh Djasit on Jan. 20, 2002.

Megawati celebrates birthday modestly

Megawati celebrates birthday modestly The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Sukarnoputri lived up to her status as the chairwoman of a political party that claims close ties to the poor whe she celebrated her birthday on Wednesday. Megawati celebrated her 55th birthday with street children and orphans at the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan)'s headquarters on Jl. Pecenongan, Central Jakarta.

Laskar Jihad differs with al-Qaeda

Laskar Jihad differs with al-Qaeda Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Laskar Jihad, or the Jihad Force of the Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaah Communication Forum to give it its full name, has claimed that it supports any government efforts to clamp down on the global al-Qaeda terrorist organization of Osama bin Laden. It argued that al-Qaeda terrorists had practiced bid'ah, something not recognized in Islamic teaching, by adopting terrorism as a means of achieving their goals.

ISSI will not seek Andry replacement

ISSI will not seek Andry replacement JAKARTA: The Indonesian Cycling Association (ISSI) would not be looking for another rider to replace Andry Sudrajat, who was excluded from the national training squad, an official said in Jakarta on Monday. ISSI had been grooming 15 riders to fight for inclusion in the Indonesian team for the 2002 Asian games in Busan, but Andry failed a fitness test administered by the National Sports Council (KONI). "We will not pick a replacement.

Military kills GAM chief in gun battle

Military kills GAM chief in gun battle Ibnu Mat Noor, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh The Indonesian Military has shot dead the commander of the armed wing of the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM), Tengku Abdullah Syafei, in a raid on his jungle headquarters, the military and rebels announced on Wednesday. Syafei, 46, was shot in the thigh and chest during a 30-minute firefight with Army soldiers in Cubo, Pidie regency some 135 kilometers east of Banda Aceh on Tuesday morning.

Grandmas fight burglars

Grandmas fight burglars BANDUNG, West Java: Three elderly women in the village of Mandalawangi, in Cipatat district, Bandung, apparently had no choice but to "take up arms" against three burglars who broke into their play station rental shop in the early hours of Tuesday. Piah, 70, Yayah, 65 and Enok, 61, were no match for the three thieves who canvassed them with wooden sticks. After they recovered, they reported the robbery to the local police and gave a description of the attackers.

Megawati celebrates birthday with street children

Megawati celebrates birthday with street children Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri celebrated her 55th birthday on Wednesday with a party for hundreds of street children and orphans at the headquarters of her Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle. During the party Megawati clapped along to music from young street singers, who make a living at traffic lights. She also distributed food (photo above) to a number of the children.