Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 3 January 2002

74 articles found

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX .rm .pl Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan.2, 2002: -------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,125 0 2,500 Adindo Foresta 70 0 0 AGIS 115 0 220,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 255 -5 12,000 Alakasa 175 25 500 Alfa Retailindo 700 0 0 Alter Abadi 65 0 0 Alumindo Light 495 0 0 Andhi Chandra 1,875 0 20,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 550...

Motorcycle sales to exceed precrisis level in 2002

Motorcycle sales to exceed precrisis level in 2002 The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Looking at the improved economic situation, the Indonesian Motorcycle Industry Association (AISI) predicts that motorcycle sales will surpass the two million mark this year, Association chairman Ridwan Gunawan predicted that sales would increase by 10 percent to about 2.1 million motorcycles this year, surpassing the precrisis sales level of 1.85 million units.

Asian currencies mostly down late

Asian currencies mostly down late Netty Ismail, Dow Jones, Singapore Most Asian currencies resumed their descent late Wednesday - following a repose on New Year's Eve - as the wobbly Japanese yen maintained its hold on the market on the first trading day of 2002. An exception was the Indonesian currency, which was firmer at Rp 10,400 to the dollar, compared with Rp 10,450 Friday, the last trading day of 2001.

'It's time to act on corruptors'

'It's time to act on corruptors' Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta It was high time that President Megawati Soekarnoputri stopped making promises and started taking action to combat corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN), critics said on Wednesday. The lack of action on high profile cases involving retired and serving bureaucrats, businesspeople and the military only eroded people's trust in the government's commitment to combat KKN, they said.

Euro money hard to find in local market

Euro money hard to find in local market The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After a second day as Europe's legal tender, euro banknotes and coins had yet to gain a foothold in the local market, with only a few banks and money changers stocking the new currency. Local banks, Bank Danamon, Bank Niaga, Bank Mandiri and Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI), said the euro was not available at the banks and could not say when it would be.

Blast victim escapes from hospital

Blast victim escapes from hospital MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: One of the three persons injured in a bomb blast during the second Muslim congress in the South Sulawesi capital of Makassar on Dec. 30 has escaped from the hospital. Makassar Police chief Comr. Sr. Amin Saleh said on Wednesday his station had been notified about the escape of Bahar from the city's Islamic Faisal Hospital on Monday, and it had continued to search for him. The motive for his escape remains unclear.

Akbar's lawyers throw Bulog ball into Habibie's court

Akbar's lawyers throw Bulog ball into Habibie's court Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Rp 40 billion (US$4 million) scandal allegedly involving House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung has taken a new turn with his lawyers implicating former president B.J. Habibie.

State universities to hold entrance test twice a year

State universities to hold entrance test twice a year Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In a bid to offer the public greater opportunities to enter state universities, the Ministry of Education is planning to issue a decree allowing entrance exams to be taken twice a year, while scrapping age limits for admission.

Seven feared dead in Kebumen beach tragedy

Seven feared dead in Kebumen beach tragedy Agus Maryono, The Jakarta Post, Kebumen Two domestic tourists were drowned and five others were still missing after they were swept away by a large wave at South Beach, Logending in the Central Java town of Kebumen on Tuesday, a rescue team said on Wednesday. Two of the seven victims, identified as Fitra and Eno Hidayat, were found on Tuesday. One of the bodies was found five kilometers from the accident scene.

Ministers lead by example in thrift campaign

Ministers lead by example in thrift campaign The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Following a government directive asking state officials to observe a more modest lifestyle, several Cabinet ministers went about their official duties on Wednesday in a relatively modest manner, at least judging from appearances. Most of the ministers opted to leave their suits at home and wore long-sleeved shirts or traditional batik shirts on their first day in office in 2002.

Indonesia plans observation workout for contract bridge in Winter Games

Indonesia plans observation workout for contract bridge in Winter Games Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian bridge team for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games plans a reconnaissance workout in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in an attempt "to adjust the players to the freezing climate", an official said. The workout is scheduled for Jan. 17-27, during which the team will be taking part in a six-day regional tournament starting on Jan. 22.

Legal uncertainty puts off investors

Legal uncertainty puts off investors Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Aside from prolonged domestic, social and political turmoil, legal uncertainties -- highlighted by dubious settlement of corporate disputes in the commercial court -- also share the blame for discouraging foreign investment.

Gulf Indonesia: Giving the best for mutual interdependence

Gulf Indonesia: Giving the best for mutual interdependence Having been one of the few multinational firms which have established transparent win-win relationships with local communities and governments in its operation areas and surroundings, Gulf Indonesia Resources pledge to continue attempts to share success to locals, "We see our community development programs in two.

Kutai locals demand own regency

Kutai locals demand own regency SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: Leaders of community members living in coastal areas in Kutai Kartanegara district threatened on Wednesday to mobilize people to occupy vital oil and gas companies in their four subdistricts if their demand for a separate regency was rejected by the local authorities.

KKN still a common practice

KKN still a common practice As reported by The Jakarta Post on Dec. 29, 2001 , the appointment of Taufik Kiemas as a special envoy for a ministerial visit to China is a classic conflict of interest given his role as the president's husband, a legislator and a businessman. Using stronger words, we might say that by appointing her husband as a special envoy, the president has committed the New Order practice of corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN).

Police to file 'Tommy' dossier soon

Police to file 'Tommy' dossier soon JAKARTA: City Police will soon hand over the dossier on Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra's alleged involvement in the murder last July of a Supreme Court justice to the Jakarta Prosecutor's office. According to detective chief Sr. Comr. Bambang Hendarso, the police will submit the dossier next week. Tommy is accused of being the mastermind behind the murder of Supreme Court Justice M.

The year of political disputes

The year of political disputes Kurniawan Hari and Bambang Nurbianto The Jakarta Post Jakarta When the nation entered a reform era following the downfall of autocratic president Soeharto in 1998 and his protege B.J. Habibie in Oct.1999, there had been high expectation of the whole nation for a more humane society. This year, three years after the beginning of the reform era, the signs of improvement do not appear.

The weighted average interest rate on one-month [b]Sertifikat Bank

The weighted average interest rate on one-month Sertifikat Bank Indonesia notes Wednesday fell slightly from last week, the central bank said.The one-month SBI notes stood at 17.5 percent at the weekly auction, down from 17.62 percent from at last week's auction, Bank Indonesia said.--Dow Jones Mexico on Tuesday welcomed OPEC's decision to cut oil output and reaffirmed it would join the effort to bolster world prices by reducing its own exports by 100,000 barrels per day (bpd) in the first half...

Australia drops dumping charges against RI's paper products

Australia drops dumping charges against RI's paper products The Jakarta Post Jakarta The Australian government has dropped its dumping allegations against two Indonesian export paper products, according to an Indonesian envoy. Trade and industry attache at the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra Sutriono Edi was quoted Sunday by Antara as saying that the decision was made after the Australian Customs Service completed an investigation process.

S. Asian foreign ministers gather under Indo-Pakistan war clouds

S. Asian foreign ministers gather under Indo-Pakistan war clouds Agence France-Presse, Kathmandu South Asian foreign ministers gathered in Kathmandu on Wednesday, ahead of a regional summit that will be dominated by the escalation of military tensions between the region's two major powers -- India and Pakistan. The foreign ministers from seven countries which account for one fifth of humanity will hold two days of talks prior to the leadership summit that begins on Friday.

Belt tightening: Rhetoric?

Belt tightening: Rhetoric? Only a few days after the proclamation of new instructions requiring government officials to work more efficiently and adopt a simpler lifestyle, President Megawati Soekarnoputri last week boarded a special plane bound for Bali, where she celebrated both the New Year holidays and husband Taufik Kiemas' birthday on Dec. 31.

Inconsistency rife in Mega's government

Inconsistency rife in Mega's government Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Two powerful politicians have joined the bandwagon of rising criticism against the government of President Megawati Soekarnoputri, saying that the current administration lacks consistency.

841 foreigners deported in 2000

841 foreigners deported in 2000 JAKARTA: Indonesia deported 841 foreign citizens in 2001 for violations of immigration regulations, an immigration official said here on Wednesday. Muhammad Indra, director for immigration control of foreign nationals, at the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, said the violations ranged from overstaying, stay permit abuses, illegal entry and the use of fake visas.

Six named as suspects in Palu church blasts

Six named as suspects in Palu church blasts Erik W., The Jakarta Post, Palu Six out of the ten people arrested by Central Police over the new year church explosions in the provincial capital of Palu in Central Sulawesi have been named suspects, according to Palu Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Jasman Baso Opu.

Landslides, flooding kill at least five in S. Sulawesi

Landslides, flooding kill at least five in S. Sulawesi Jupriadi, The Jakarta Post, Makassar A series of landslides and severe flooding killed at least five people and forced hundreds of residents to flee their homes in the South Sulawesi district of Gowa, residents said on Wednesday. The flood and landslides were triggered by two days of heavy rain, which began on Tuesday, causing Jeneberang River to overflow.

Rizal gets serious about reforestation program

Rizal gets serious about reforestation program Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan North Sumatra Governor T. Rizal Nurdin has instructed all regents and mayors to speed up reforestation programs in their areas, using the Rp 28 billion in reforestation funds allocated by the central government last month, according to the head of the provincial Forestry Ministry Office Darori.

The privatization drive: Appeasing animal spirits

The privatization drive: Appeasing animal spirits Edward Mariyani-Squire, Associate Lecturer, School of Economics and Finance, College of Law and Business, University of Western Sydney, Sydney The government's deliberation over the privatization of publicly owned businesses is an interesting case of microeconomics meeting macroeconomics. As the Senior Deputy Governor of the Bank of Indonesia Anwar Nasution wrote in this daily on Dec.

Reducing capital flight

Reducing capital flight Coordinating Minister for the Economy Dorodjatun Kuntjoro- Jakti has requested that the local business community make efforts in 2002 to return their capital deposited abroad. It's not a new appeal, but who knows, it might be effective this time. Indeed, the capital flight has also occurred in crisis-hit countries such as Thailand, the Philippines, South Korea and Malaysia. However, the biggest capital flight has occured from Indonesia.

Plan for cheap drugs faces strong criticism

Plan for cheap drugs faces strong criticism Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government's plan to launch branded medicines at cheaper prices in March does not constitute a solution to the skyrocketing prices of drugs, critics say.

Telkom must give

Telkom must give better service From Republika The plan for a telephone rate increase of 21.67 percent in 2002 using a flat-rate system and in the following year using a "rebalancing formula" should be reviewed. As a consumer, I expect PT Telkom to give its attention to the following: 1. Law no. 8/1999 as well as Regulation no. 68/1999 on protection of consumers' rights to be implemented correctly, honestly and fairly; 2. The decree of the People's Consultative Assembly (TAP MPR) no.

Rupiah Rates Jan. 2

Rupiah Rates Jan. 2 Bank notes rates TT Rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp USD 1.00 10,900.00 9,900.00 10,525.0010,421.00 AUD 1.00 5,567.72 5,051.97 5,364.59 5,306.37 ATS 1.00 700.17 635.36 681.59 674.32 BEF 1.00 238.83 216.73 232.50 230.02 BND 1.00 5,893.48 5,348.46 5,693.19 5,633.89 CAD 1.00 6,860.52 6,227.20 6,611.18 6,541.75 CHF 1.00 6,508.24 5,908.33 6,336.16 6,270.53 DEM 1.00 4,926.12 4,470.13 4,795.39 4,744.28 DKK 1.00 1,295.46 1,175.91 1,261.08 1,247.87 FRF 1.00 1,468.76...

Natural flooding chaos predicted for Jakarta

Natural flooding chaos predicted for Jakarta Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Huge floods have been predicted to hit Jakarta in about two weeks with the city administration admitting Wednesday that it would not be able to save residents from a natural disaster. Head of the City Public Works Agency IGK Suena said the flood, the result of the so-called five-year cycle, would be caused by heavy rainfall in Jakarta and its surrounds and higher than normal sea levels.

SBI rate falls this week

SBI rate falls this week JAKARTA: The weighted average interest rate on one-month Sertifikat Bank Indonesia notes Wednesday fell slightly from last week, the central bank said. The one-month SBI notes stood at 17.5 percent at the weekly auction, down from 17.62 percent from at last week's auction, Bank Indonesia said. Bank Indonesia said it accepted Rp 13.99 trillion (US$1.3 billion) in bids, or 39.4 percent of total bids. In the past two auctions the rate was steady at 17.62 percent.

Will identity card raids solve city migration?

Will identity card raids solve city migration? Emmy Fitri and Annastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city administration plans to launch identity card (KTP) raids soon as a way to control incoming migrants. The measure was taken following Governor Sutiyoso's plan to issue a gubernatorial decree that would make Jakarta a closed city for people coming from elsewhere.

Minimum wage hikes to go ahead

Minimum wage hikes to go ahead JAKARTA: The government will put into effect this month the planned minimum wage hikes throughout the country. At the provincial level wages will be increased by an average of 28.44 percent, with minimum wages in regencies rising by an average of 28.37 percent, an official said on Wednesday.

Inflation reaches 12.55% in 2001, exports fall in November: BPS

Inflation reaches 12.55% in 2001, exports fall in November: BPS The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The 2001 inflation rate reached 12.55 percent, surpassing the government's initial target of between 9 percent and 11 percent, and higher than last year's rate of 9.35 percent, the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) said on Friday. The inflation level however improved with 1.62 percent in December, as against 1.71 percent in November, BPS chief Soedarti Surbakti said.

Bali warmly welcomes New Year in pouring rain

Bali warmly welcomes New Year in pouring rain I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar Parties involving thousands of people, both young and old, residents and visitors alike, dominated the New Year celebrations in Bali. Bali has always been a special venue for many people, including the first family of President Megawati Soekarnoputri, who opted to celebrate the arrival of the new year at the Tampaksiring Palace.

Minister orders probe on allegedly tainted verdict

Minister orders probe on allegedly tainted verdict Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang Acting on complaints from the victim's widow, Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra has ordered an investigation into a sentence, reportedly tainted by corruption, handed down at a murder trial in Tangerang District court last week. A source at the ministry, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that on Dec.

Govt, IMF to discuss debt restructuring extension

Govt, IMF to discuss debt restructuring extension Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are preparing to discuss the extension of a debt restructuring program for former bank owners under the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA), a senior government official said on Wednesday.

National flag

National flag From Media Indonesia All citizens, including the press, certainly know that our national flag of red and white is a symbol of unity and integrity. Whether people realize it or not, this state symbol is currently demonstrating the community's disintegration in Maluku and Poso as on the one side there is a 'red' group and on the other a 'white' group. It is not unity and integrity they demonstrate but fighting, burning and shooting each other.

Rupiah Rates Jan. 2

Rupiah Rates Jan. 2 Bank notes rates TT Rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Govt strives to improve national health system

Govt strives to improve national health system Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government is determined to revamp the national health system in a bid to help provide better and more affordable health services for all levels of society, Minister of Health Achmad Suyudi says.

Elza now witness in Tommy case

Elza now witness in Tommy case JAKARTA: Elza Syarief, the lawyer of Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra, was summoned by police as a witness in an extortion case involving Tommy, which caused him a total Rp 20 billion in losses. "The investigators, thus far, have only questioned me over my acquaintance with the suspects," Elza told reporters after she was questioned by police.

Islamic law in Aceh imposed

Islamic law in Aceh imposed Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Aceh or Nanggroe Aceh Darusallam administration has officially put the special autonomy law and syariah (Islamic law) into effect. The implementation of the special autonomy law in the troubled province would be followed with the formulation of Qanun (bylaws) on how the law is to be enacted.

Deviant sect banned in Irian Jaya

Deviant sect banned in Irian Jaya BIAK, Irian Jaya: The religious authorities in the country's easternmost province of Irian Jaya said here on Wednesday they had banned a deviant sect that ordered its followers to strip naked while performing rituals. The sect has been operated for several months on Undi Island in Biak Numfor district.

Motorcycle sales to surpass precrisis level in 2002

Motorcycle sales to surpass precrisis level in 2002 The Jakarta Post Jakarta Looking at the improved economic situation, the Indonesian Motorcycle Industry Association (AISI) predicts that motorcycle sales will surpass the two million mark this year, Association chairman Ridwan Gunawan predicted that sales would increase by 10 percent to about 2.1 million motorcycles this year, surpassing the precrisis sales level of 1.85 million units.

Grenade explosion targets Blok M Plaza: Police

Grenade explosion targets Blok M Plaza: Police Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The grenade which exploded on Jl. Bulungan, South Jakarta and claimed one life in the early hours of 2002 was, in fact, meant to go off several meters away, amid hundreds of revelers as they celebrated the New Year at the Plaza Blok M shopping mall, police now believe. Police officials declined speculate as to who might have been behind the failed attack, which took place at 3:30 a.m. Tuesday.

JP//TNI

JP//TNI Tiarma Siboro The Jakarta Post Jakarta Although it has formally abandoned its much criticized dual function (Dwifungsi) doctrine, the Indonesian Military (TNI) is yet to shed its image as a "troublemaker". Normally, the military's presence in an area of conflict will raise hopes that peace and order will be restored. But that is not always the case. Look at the heavy military presence in areas of conflict in Maluku, North Maluku, Poso, Aceh, Kalimantan and Irian Jaya.

Things haven't changed much

Things haven't changed much Since former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid was dismissed on the grounds that he might be involved in two corruption cases, President Megawati Soekarnoputri has seen under her leadership: 1. The Supreme Court's exoneration of Tommy followed by his surrender. 2. A downturn in the Indonesian economy as a whole, including the exchange rate of the rupiah. 3. No improvement in the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency's (IBRA's) recollection of funds. 4.

Thieves executive-class trains

Thieves executive-class trains From Suara Karya All home-coming travelers need to be careful when traveling on executive-class trains that thieves are always eyeing their prey. These thieves resemble magicians who are able to empty all the contents of bags, even those that have been locked. They also steal from under train seats and, apparently, have a habit of only taking expensive items. The problem of lighting in train carriages also seems to be advantageous to these thieves.

Jl. Thamrin fountain renovated

Jl. Thamrin fountain renovated JAKARTA: Residents here can expect the Hotel Indonesia roundabout on Jl.M.H. Thamrin to become a little more aesthetically pleasing after the city administration announced plans to renovate the fountain in the center of the roundabout, at a cost of Rp 14 billion (US$ 1.4 million).

CHECKED BY CHECK DESK

CHECKED BY CHECK DESK Gulf Indonesia Giving its best for mutual interdependence Having been one of the few multinational firms to establish transparent win-win relationships with local communities and governments in its operational areas and surrounds, Gulf Indonesia Resources has pledged to continue efforts to share its success with locals. "We look at our community development programs in two ways.

No action for Bantar Gebang dump

No action for Bantar Gebang dump Muninggar Sri Saraswati and Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta JAKARTA: As the Jan. 31 deadline nears for the Bekasi administration to decide whether or not to continue to keep the Bantar Gebang dump open, there were no serious preparations seen on Wednesday at alternative dump sites.

Four days of exhaustive search of Megawati in Bali

Four days of exhaustive search of Megawati in Bali I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar When the plane carrying President Megawati Soekarnoputri and her entourage took off from Bali's international airport for Jakarta on Tuesday evening, the reporters on the ground breathed a sigh of relief. "Now we can take a long rest -- a very long one perhaps," a reporter for a national daily paper said, adding that she had already filed for a year's leave from the newsroom.

RI-China relations

RI-China relations Many foreign investors have distanced themselves from Indonesia, though their presence is required to keep the wheels of the national economy turning. One of the reasons is that the economic situation in Indonesia is no longer conducive. It is still a big question as to when they will invest in Indonesia again because, according to estimates, Indonesia will still not have recovered from the crisis in 2002.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan.2, 2002: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ----------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,125 0 2,500 Adindo Foresta 70 0 0 AGIS 115 0 220,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 255 -5 12,000 Alakasa 175 25 500 Alfa Retailindo 700 0 0 Alter Abadi 65 0 0 Alumindo Light 495 0 0 Andhi Chandra 1,875 0 20,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 550 -75 27,500 Aneka Tambang 775 -25 527,000 Apac Citra 200 0 30,000 Aqua Golden 35,000...

Bali enjoys peaceful, harmonious religious life

Bali enjoys peaceful, harmonious religious life Rita A. Widiadana and I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar As parts of Indonesia remain locked in bitter ethnic and religious conflict, the Hindu-dominated island of Bali witnesses religious harmony among followers of different faiths. During Idul Fitri, for instance, thousands of Muslim residents flocked to several places in Puputan park, Lumintang soccer field, Dalung in Denpasar to pray.

1. MARUNDA: 50 pt, 5 cols, 1 x 38

1. MARUNDA: 50 pt, 5 cols, 1 x 38 No action as Bantar Gebang deadline looms 2. KTP: 40 pt, 5 cols, 1 x 42 Will identity card raids solve city migration? 3. COURT: 36 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 45 Minister orders probe of allegedly tainted verdict

Pertamina, Riau to sign oil JV

Pertamina, Riau to sign oil JV CPP joint venture to go ahead The Jakarta Post Jakarta After years of negotiations, state oil and gas Pertamina and the Riau provincial administration have finally agreed to set up a joint venture to develop the Coastal Plains Pekanbaru (CPP) block in Riau, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro announced on Wednesday. Both parties would officially sign the joint venture agreement on Thursday, he said.

JETRO sees 3.8% growth for RI economy in 2002

JETRO sees 3.8% growth for RI economy in 2002 Berni K. Moestafa The Jakarta Post Jakarta The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) estimated Indonesia's economy to grow by 3.8 percent next year, on the back of continued solid domestic consumption and better export sales, as developed economies were likely to swing back to growth.

Four days of exhaustive search of Megawati in Bali

Four days of exhaustive search of Megawati in Bali I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar When the plane carrying President Megawati Soekarnoputri and her entourage took off from Bali's international airport for Jakarta on Tuesday evening, the reporters on the ground breathed a sigh of relief. "Now we can take a long rest -- a very long one perhaps," a reporter for a national daily paper said, adding that she had already filed for a year's leave from the newsroom.

IDC sees strong growth in Asia's telecom, IT markets

IDC sees strong growth in Asia's telecom, IT markets Associated Press, Singapore The Asia-Pacific region's telecommunications services market will grow by 20.6 percent this year to US$161 billion despite the worldwide economic slowdown, a U.S. market research firm said Wednesday. Asia's telecom sector will "blossom" as people around the region - including the massive populations of China and India - continue to buy and use mobile phones at a rapidly growing pace, International Data Corp.

Air force plane crashes in sea

Air force plane crashes in sea MALAYSIA: An air force training plane crashed off peninsular Malaysia's east coast on Wednesday, a defense ministry official in Kuala Lumpur said. The plane's sole occupant was believed to be its pilot, said Tengku Sariffuddin Tengku Ahmad, an aide to the defense minister. The cause of the crash had not yet been determined. Tengku Sariffuddin said that the pilot had been rushed to a hospital in the eastern state of Pahang.

Armed robberies rife in Langkat

Armed robberies rife in Langkat MEDAN, North Sumatra: Armed robberies and abductions are rife in waters off Sicangang subdistrict in the North Sumatra district of Langkat, causing anxiety among thousands of local fishermen. Head of the North Sumatra branch of the Indonesian Fishermens Association (HNSI) H. Nurdin said he had asked local sea security authorities to take firm action against the crimes.

NU, Muhammadiyah to tackle extremism

NU, Muhammadiyah to tackle extremism Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia's two largest Muslim organizations -- Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadyah -- urged the country's Muslims on Wednesday to promote peace and brotherhood with people of other religions. Hasyim Muzadi and Syafi'i Ma'arif, chairmen of NU and Muhammadyah respectively, said that the Muslim people must place the country's integrity before all else and respect religious plurality.

Military told to stay away from logging

Military told to stay away from logging Leo Wahyudi S, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Illegal logging has reached an alarming level with government officials and environmentalists disoriented about what to do to save Indonesia's precious rainforests. Illegal logging has caused a loss of Rp 30 trillion annually to the state, not to mention the permanent damage rendered to the environment, the animals and plants in the forest and of course the consequences for future generations.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Exhibitions * Panting by Yasumasa Morimura, Gaya Fusion of Senses, Jl. Raya Sayan, Ubud (Phone: 0361 979253), until Jan. 31. * Panting Beyond the Art, by Made Arya Palguna, Nyoman Erawan, etc., Jezz Gallery, Jl. Imam Bonjol, Denpasar, until Jan. 21. * Sculpture Contemplation by Ketut Muja, Galeri 9, Ubud, Jan. 15 to Feb. 15. * Fine Arts Poem of Wounds, Borneo Art Studio, Ubud, until Jan. 8. * Panting Faight of Women by Made Sukadana, Paros Gallery, Jl.

Legislators plan trip to Hawaii

Legislators plan trip to Hawaii JAKARTA: A delegation of six legislators will depart for Hawaii to participate in the Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) meeting on terrorism from Jan. 6 to Jan. 9. They are Sabam Sirait, Batara Gowa, Burhan Djabir Magenda, Iris Indira Murti, Effendi Choirie, and Herman Datuk Rangkayo. Legislator Burhan D. Magenda told The Jakarta Post that the meeting would discuss efforts to combat global terrorism.

Malaysia's 3% growth forecast 'realistic'

Malaysia's 3% growth forecast 'realistic' Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's forecast of 3.0 percent growth for the Malaysian economy this year was realistic and achievable, economists said Wednesday. But concerns remained over the speed of implementation of projects tied to the government's stimulus package and over external factors like the recovery in the U.S. economy and the weak yen, they said.

[b]

Inflation reaches 12.55%, surpassing 9-11% target 2. MSAA (1 x 35 ) Govt, IMF to discuss IBRA debt scheme 3. CPP ( 2 x 24 ) Pertamina, Riau to set up joint venture in CPP block 4. MOTOR ( 2 x 27 ) Motorcycle sales to exceed precrisis level in 2002 5. BELUM ( 1 x 40 ) 'Thailand to reap rice export bonanza'

Susumu Saito

Susumu Saito Director of Trilateral Institute, Inc. (Sankyoku Keizai Kenkyusho) The Asahi Shimbun Tokyo 2. India -- India and Pakistan must remember all they share India and Pakistan have common culture 1 X 32 40 pt Bodoni Akbar Ahmed Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies at American University Amit Pandya Former official of the State and Defense departments Asia News Network Singapore 3.

Robbers get away with three cars

Robbers get away with three cars JAKARTA: At about 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning, a group of six men invaded the home of Benny Sediawan, 31 in a housing complex in Kembangan, West Jakarta, and stole three automobiles, Rp 4 million in cash and jewelry. The robbers entered the house by smashing the gate lock, breaking a window and then threatened the family with rifles and machetes.

Questioning of ill-fated train driver goes on

Questioning of ill-fated train driver goes on or Probe into deadly train crash presses on Nana Rukmana The Jakarta Post Brebes Police continued their questioning of the driver of the Empu Jaya train on Wednesday, after he was named as the possible culprit in last month's train crash that killed 30 people in Brebes, Central Java.

Latest version - Dec 27 - bsr

Latest version - Dec 27 - bsr Caltex Provides Free Harelip Surgery For Local Kids Rahmat was 12 and Juniati was 11. Like the other kids in their village of Aur Sati in the Tambang district of Bangkinang, Riau, the two could often be found playing cheerfully in their neighborhood. As could Kurniati, 7, who lives in the small town of Kuala Enok, Indragiri Hilir, Riau.