Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 12 October 2002

73 articles found

Greater electoral chance sought for new leaders in 2004

Greater electoral chance sought for new leaders in 2004 Muhammad Nafik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia's restrictive political system should be changed to allow new figures from outside the circle of the disappointing political elite to rise to power, in a bid to cope with the nation's leadership crisis, analysts say.

GAM should become political party, join elections

GAM should become political party, join elections How strong is the support of Acehnese people for the Free Aceh Movement (GAM)? It depends. GAM claims it enjoys widespread support from eventually all Acehnese people, while the Indonesian military (TNI) plays it down, saying that GAM fighters and their supporters account for a few thousand only. The crux of the matter is nobody knows for sure.

Some 38,000 families may experience floods next year

Some 38,000 families may experience floods next year The city social welfare agency announced on Thursday that some 38,000 families would likely be affected by floods early next year. The agency's social protection division head Nandi Tjaspandi revealed that the agency had proposed a fund of Rp 2 billion from the current budget to help flood victims. "But the fund will only be enough to assist 10,000 of the most severely affected families," Nandi told reporters.

National Monument

National Monument and Cipinang The Jakarta administration plans to put a fence around the National Monument (Monas) park for the sake of security and order. This has led to debate over the pros and cons of the fencing plan. Hundreds of protesters are ready to stand as a living fence in their attempt to peacefully oppose this plan. (Rakyat Merdeka of Sept. 29). The case is different with Cipinang.

TV Today: Saturday, October 12, 2002

TV Today: Saturday, October 12, 2002 TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:30 Talk Show 9:00 Music 11:00 News 11:30 Music 1:00 p.m. Talk Show 2:30 Music 3:00 Religious Teachings 3:30 Cartoon 4:00 Music 6:00 News 7:00 Variety Show 8:00 Quiz 9:00 News 9:30 Music 11:00 TV Drama TPI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 7:00 Cartoon 8:00 Talk Show 8:30 Cooking Program 9:00 Comedy Film 11:00 Sports 12:00 p.m.

President's rights

President's rights The Jakarta Post on Oct. 8 published an article with the headline President urges attorney general to resign: Source If this is correct I find it strange that the President would urge the attorney general to resign, while the President, according to the law, has the power to appoint and dismiss ministers and Cabinet-level officials. If that news item is correct, then this means that the President is shifting the responsibility to the attorney general.

Flores island a potential hot spot: ICG

Flores island a potential hot spot: ICG Agencies, Jakarta Brussels-based International Crisis Group (ICG) warned here on Friday that communal conflicts, military-police rivalry and corruption could turn Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara into another hot spot in the Indonesian archipelago, "Aceh, Papua, Maluku, and Poso may be the hot spots now, but some of the factors fueling those conflicts have the potential to cause violence elsewhere in Indonesia," Sidney Jones, director of ICG's...

Special 'hotel' ready to pamper and freshen up tired traveling cows

Special 'hotel' ready to pamper and freshen up tired traveling cows Kartika Bagus C., The Jakarta Post, Batang, Central Java Does it ever cross your mind that like human beings, cows also need to rest when traveling a long distance? They do, and somewhere in Tulis village, Batang regency in Central Java, there is a special place ready to pamper and freshen them up.

More on migrant workers

More on migrant workers The news on the Nunukan tragedy, once the hottest headlines in the Indonesian media, has slowly receded from the public eye.

President's

President's rights The Jakarta Post on Oct. 8 published an article with the headline President urges attorney general to resign: Source If this is correct I find it strange that the President would urge the attorney general to resign, while the President, according to the law, has the power to appoint and dismiss ministers and Cabinet-level officials. If that news item is correct, then this means that the President is shifting the responsibility to the attorney general.

Illegal parking

Illegal parking fees at Senayan From Kompas I have been to Istora Senayan, Central Jakarta, several times to watch badminton matches or exhibitions. Every time I wanted to park my car someone always came over to ask for Rp 3,000 (which I consider too much) in an impolite manner.

Former aide says Rachman intended to hide wealth

Former aide says Rachman intended to hide wealth Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A former aide revealed on Friday alleged efforts by Attorney General M.A. Rachman to conceal some of his assets before he submitted his wealth declaration to the Public Servants' Wealth Audit Commission (KPKPN) last year.

Critics reacted negatively to Indonesian Bank Restructuring

Critics reacted negatively to Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency's (IBRA) instruction to PT Holdiko Perkasa last week to sell by year's end 17 equity assets, with most considering it an irrational move that could result in a fire sale at a great loss to taxpayers.

An eye

An eye Correction: Some words are missing in the fourth paragraph of the letter published in The Jakarta Post on Thursday Oct. 10, An eye for an eye: "... In essence, states everywhere must assure citizens protection of the basic and inalienable liberties of speech (guaranteeing not just freedom of speech, but freedom after speech, too), assembly, religion and property. The last four words should be inserted. We regret the error. --Editor

Golkar warns dissenting members

Golkar warns dissenting members JAKARTA: Golkar Party chairman Akbar Tandjung says he will give second chances to party executives Marwah Daud Ibrahim, Fahmi Idris, and Agung Laksono to retain their positions in the party despite their calls for him to step down. Akbar, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, said on Friday that Golkar would not sack them although demands from other members to dismiss them were mounting, except if they repeated their calls.

Quake kills three in Manokwari

Quake kills three in Manokwari Agencies Jakarta A powerful earthquake in the Papua district of Manokwari killed at least three people, injuring more than 170 others and damaged over 120 buildings, officials said on Friday. The temblor, measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale, jolted the district and the surrounding area at about 7:50 p.m. local time on Thursday, meteorology officials said.

Anti-Americanism in East Asia

Anti-Americanism in East Asia Jusuf Wanandi Member, Board of Trustees Centre for Strategic and International Studies Jakarta At a Conference in Wye River, Maryland, a few days before Sept. 11, 2002, someone asked why anti-American sentiment is on the rise. It has indeed been on the rise since the end of the Cold War, not just since Sept. 11, 2001. To put this question in perspective, I pointed out that in general, goodwill toward the U.S. is still very high, especially in East Asia.

Boy on train roof electrocuted

Boy on train roof electrocuted JAKARTA: A boy who rode on the roof of an overcrowded electric train died of electrocution on Thursday morning at Jatinegara railway station in East Jakarta. The victim was about 10 years old, and the body was immediately taken to Cipto Mangunkusumo general hospital in Central Jakarta, but by late afternoon no one had come to claim the body, according to an employee of the hospital's morgue.

Education expo at Hilton

Education expo at Hilton JAKARTA: The International Student Network, Inc. is bringing a group of U.S. educational institutions here for the American Education Expo Asia 2002, which will take place on Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Hilton Hotel in Central Jakarta. The expo will feature representatives from leading universities, colleges, community colleges, English language schools and organizations engaged in American study abroad programs.

Vendor arrested for throwing stones

Vendor arrested for throwing stones TANGERANG: A street vendor was arrested by police following a brawl between dozens of Tangerang public order officers and hundreds of vendors on Thursday evening at Pasar Anyar. Five public order officers were injured in the brawl and taken to Tangerang General Hospital as vendors pelted them with stones. One officer was still in hospital as of Friday, while the street vendor, Anton, remains in police custody.

First-class direction service

First-class direction service BUSAN, South Korea: Finding the Busan 2002 Asian Games venues can become an ordeal because the venues are scattered all over Busan Metropolitan City and some are even located in the neighboring cities of Changwon, Masan Ulsan and Yangsan. Two Indonesian reporters, trying to get to the Yangsan College Gymnasium in the neighboring city of Yangsan to catch a karate match involving Indonesian karateka Jeanny Zeannet Lolong, ended up at the wrong venue.

Duria now hard to find

Duria now hard to find BUSAN, South Korea: The Busan 2002 Asian Games mascot, Duria the seagull, is now missing from the memorabilia counters at the Busan Expo and Convention Center (BEXCO) after weeks of being sought after. Athletes who won medals are sure to get their own catch of the day, but not losing athletes or journalists. "Yesterday they said I would have to wait for two days but they just couldn't provide the mascot anymore," a fellow journalist said.

Poor performance by Indonesia's martial artists

Poor performance by Indonesia's martial artists Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Busan, South Korea Indonesian martial artists failed to fulfill their target at the Busan 2002 Asian Games, securing only one bronze medal from five events on Friday at the Gudeok Gymnasium in the Gudeok Sports Complex. Senior tae kwon doin Juana Wangsa Putri contributed Indonesia's only medal on the 13th day of the quadrennial sporting event from the women's under-51-kilogram flyweight division.

Refugees demand food as ministers arrive

Refugees demand food as ministers arrive Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang Hundreds of East Timorese refugees demonstrated here on Friday to demand food as Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Jusuf Kalla visited the East Nusa Tenggara capital of Kupang along with two fellow ministers.

38,000 families to suffer from floods

38,000 families to suffer from floods The city social welfare agency announced on Thursday that some 38,000 families would likely be affected by floods early next year. The agency's social protection division head Nandi Tjaspandi revealed that the agency had proposed a fund of Rp 2 billion from the current budget to help flood victims. "But the fund will only be enough to assist 10,000 of the most severely affected families," Nandi told reporters.

UN-Habitat warns Asia of urban slum problem

UN-Habitat warns Asia of urban slum problem P. Parameswaran, Agence France-Presse, Manila The United Nations warned Asian governments on Friday to swiftly control the growth of urban slums as mega cities continue to mushroom in the region. "Unless you do something about this situation, it will get worse," said Anna Tibaijuka, the executive director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).

Indonesia adopts evacuation plan for its citizen in Iraq

Indonesia adopts evacuation plan for its citizen in Iraq The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Anticipating a possible United States attack against Iraq in the near future, the government has prepared a contingency plan to evacuate all Indonesian citizens from the country. Indonesian foreign ministry spokesman Marty Natalegawa said on Friday that the ministry had intensified contacts with the embassy in Baghdad in order to monitor the situation.

Being positive when faced with polio

Being positive when faced with polio Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Everyone wants their children to be born healthy and normal with all parts of the body functioning well. But, for Elly Sunarlia, who cannot move her legs due to polio, such normalcy no longer matters so much as she has been living out her life in a "more than merely normal way." "I do all my activities myself.

1. PDIP: 50 pt, 2 cols, 4 x 12

1. PDIP: 50 pt, 2 cols, 4 x 12 PDIP punishes councillors for not choosing Sutiyoso 2. PAM: 40 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 25 Garbage reduces water supply to thirsty Jakarta 3. ELLY: 36 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 40 Staying positive when faced with polio 4. SPEAK: 30 pt, 3 cols, 1 x 26 'I don't have any other choice'

A report card: Dispelling numerous myths

A report card: Dispelling numerous myths The following is the author's farewell speech at the Australian Indonesian Business Council lunch on Oct. 7. The Ambassador has been recalled by Canberra to serve as secretary in the Ministry of Defense. Does Australia really understand Indonesia, and are we helping?

Association blasts export tax plan for cacao

Association blasts export tax plan for cacao Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Cacao Association (Askindo) blasted on Friday the Ministry of Industry and Trade's proposal to impose export tax on cacao beans, saying the policy would only serve the interests of local cacao bean mills at the expense of farmers. "This is policy is suicide. It will prompt farmers to stop planting the crop," association executive director Zulhefy Sikumbang told The Jakarta Post.

Ritual preserves place's leather puppets

Ritual preserves place's leather puppets Kartika Bagus C., The Jakarta Post, Surakarta, Central Java Shadow puppets constitute an important part of Surakarta Palace tradition as they are believed to be another form which has lineage of the past, the origin that separates people into nobility, the knights and the commoners. The art of shadow puppetry itself underwent a development when the palace moved from Kartasura to Sala village, now Surakarta.

The buying of IBRA's credit

The buying of IBRA's credit The banking crisis in 1997 was followed by the transfer of non-performing loans worth hundreds of trillions of rupiahs to the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA), in the hope that the bad credits would be restructured first by the agency before they are returned to concerned banks. IBRA has since last year sold its already-restructured credit assets through some programs of the Corporate Core Asset Sales. Some of the credit assets had been bought by banks.

Where to go in Semarang: Saturday, October 12, 2002

Where to go in Semarang: Saturday, October 12, 2002 Tour and Travel Services * Antara Travel Service, Puri Anjasmoro, Ruko E1/9 (Tel. 024- 7605341, fax: 024-7605779). * Electra Duta Wisata Tour and Travel, Jl. Gajah Mada 1 (Tel. 024-3518444, 3511112, fax: 3511114). * Fortuna Tours and Travel, Jl. Dr. Cipto 286-288 (Tel. 024- 8313382, 8445457). * Gema Mahardika Tours and Travel, Jl. Dr. Setiabudi 53A (Tel. 7473245). * Giantra Wisata, Jl. Letjen M.T. Haryono517B (Tel. 024- 8443333, fax: 8447374).

HMI calls for investigation of Fatwa

HMI calls for investigation of Fatwa JAKARTA: Leaders from the Islamic Student Organization (HMI) called on the House of Representatives on Friday to investigate bribery accusations leveled against House deputy speaker A.M. Fatwa. "Although Fatwa has clarified and denied the allegation, the case must be further examined," HMI chairman Kholis Malik told reporters.

RI-based firms teach valuable lessons on crisis management

RI-based firms teach valuable lessons on crisis management Endy Bayuni, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta What do Ramayana Lestari Sentosa, Bank Central Asia (BCA), Citibank in Indonesia, and Astra International have in common? They all provide valuable lessons in managing a company in times of financial crisis, lessons that have found practical usefulness for companies in Japan, Germany and as far away as Argentina.

OPEC leaders to meet in Doha on oil market

OPEC leaders to meet in Doha on oil market VIENNA: The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is to hold "informal" meetings in Doha this weekend on oil prices and production levels, an OPEC source said at the organization's headquarters in Vienna.

Citizenship certificates

Citizenship certificates In your article titled Stateless Chinese dream of basic rights on Oct. 6, 2002, it was heartening to see the Post challenge the stereotypes and discrimination faced by many ordinary Chinese- Indonesians. This is extremely important because a more just and pluralistic society is a necessary precondition for a stable, strong and prosperous Indonesia.

More creativity needed

More creativity needed From Kompas Indonesians are falling behind other nations in some respects, but they cannot blame other people for this condition. Indonesians need to change themselves to become a creative nation. On TV, famous singers unashamedly perform other people's songs without bothering about a copyright (particularly in respect to songs from the West) and they even receive applause. When the U.S.

* Headlines: Greater electoral chances sought for new leaders2

* Headlines: Greater electoral chances sought for new leaders2 * National: Experts still critical of antiterrorism bill4 * Archipelago: Strong quake kills five in Manokwari5 * Opinion: Interreligious dialog, a force for good7 * City: PDIP punishes councillors for not choosing Sutiyoso8 * World: No party wins majority in Pakistan polls9 * Sports: OneWorld wins again, Oracle's unbeaten run ends 11 * Business: Bank of Japan urges govt action over banks 16 * Features: Study suggests Ecstasy can...

Sutra Airlines not yet registered

Sutra Airlines not yet registered Apriadi Gunawan and Debbie A. Lubis, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Medan Minister of Transportation Agum Gumelar said on Friday he had never authorized Sutra Airlines, owned by the province of North Sumatra, to commence operations as it had yet to obtain a license. Agum, however, supported the province's bid to set up an air service as it would accelerate economic growth in remote areas that faced transportation problems.

200 prostitutes sent to Cirebon rehab

200 prostitutes sent to Cirebon rehab CIREBON, West Java: Some 200 sex workers apprehended by Jakarta Police have been transported to Cirebon Budi Dharma Rehabilitation Center, Palimanan district, some 20 kilometers west of town. The prostitutes, who were transported by four buses and heavily guarded by security personnel, arrived at the center early Wednesday so that local people did not notice their arrival.

Caution greets plan to expose tax dodgers

Caution greets plan to expose tax dodgers Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta While hailing the government's move to name and shame delinquent taxpayers, a businessman and an expert warned separately that the move could turn into a new corruption tool for tax officials. Luhut Pangaribuan, a legal expert said the move would increase transparency in taxation, but would not end collusion between tax officials and tax dodgers.

Indonesia and war

Indonesia and war on terror 1 & 2 In this strange post-Sept. 11 world, it is interesting to observe the reactions across the world to proposed U.S. military initiatives, in particular the different reactions to the lead-up to the attacks on the al-Qaeda-backed Taliban regime in Afghanistan last year and the strong likelihood of a proposed American-led attack on the regime of Saddam Hussein in Iraq this year.

The German general election 2002:

The German general election 2002: Question of candidates Ignas Kleden Director Center for East Indonesian Affairs Jakarta ceia@centrin.net.id There is a belief among German political analysts that in 1998 Gerhard Schroeder from the Social-Democratic Party (SPD) won the general election not because he was the strongest candidate, but rather because most of the German people no longer wanted to see Helmut Kohl from Christian-Democratic Union (CDU) head the government he had already ruled for 16...

Journalism during conflict: Peace journalism

Journalism during conflict: Peace journalism Soeryo Winoto Staff Writer The Jakarta Post Bandung, West Java It is not easy for a reporter to cover conflicts and report on them in a neutral manner that is capable of pleasing and satisfying both warring groups, without the insertion of personal opinions based on the reporter's religion and ethnicity.

Rupiah Rates Oct.11

Rupiah Rates Oct.11 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp Australian dollar 1 5,207.68 4,655.82 4,958.52 4,904.75 Brunei dollar 1 5,301.89 4,741.74 5,048.22 4,995.26 Canadian dollar 1 5,983.01 5,350.52 5,696.76 5,636.59 Swiss franc 1 6,407.92 5,732.18 6,101.34 6,038.66 Danish krone 1 1,262.08 1,128.86 1,201.69 1,189.21 Euro 1 9,377.81 8,387.46 8,929.14 8,835.90 Poundsterling 1 14,881.25 13,312.19 14,169.26 14,023.95 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,219.34 1,091.05 1,161.00 1,149.

The poor contribute Rp 16.7m for books

The poor contribute Rp 16.7m for books YOGYAKARTA: Dozens of poor families in Duwet, Gunungkidul regency, have collected some Rp 16.7 million since 1999 to provide reference books for the students of a state elementary school. These families, mostly farmers and vegetable vendors along with Global Education Partnership (GEP) -- an American-based non- governmental organization -- will also help the school provide chairs, desks, blackboards, stationery and other educational facilities.

Peace jounalism a model for reporting on conflicts

Peace jounalism a model for reporting on conflicts Soeryo Winoto, Staff Writer, The Jakarta Post, Bandung, West Java It is not easy for a reporter to cover conflicts and report on them in a neutral manner that is capable of pleasing and satisfying both warring groups, without the insertion of personal opinions based on the reporter's religion and ethnicity.

Choreographer touched by the blind

Choreographer touched by the blind JAKARTA: His experience as a backing dancer for Madonna and years of dancing in the U.S. did not prepare Eko Supriyanto for the stark realities in his own country. Appointed to choreograph Aida Swenson's Children of the World Choir, the 32-year-old dancer was unable to hide his tears when he directed six blind children from Medan, North Sumatra.

'I don't have any other choice to survive'

'I don't have any other choice to survive' City councillors have told Governor Sutiyoso to pay serious attention to the plight of some 500,000 street vendors operating here. A number of the vendors took the time to share their views on the matter with The Jakarta Post.

Stock quotations on JSX

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

Hang Nadim Airport near bankruptcy

Hang Nadim Airport near bankruptcy BATAM, Riau: Hang Nadim Airport manager Imam Soelvan said that lack of airline traffic to the airport and its proximity to Singapore's Changi Airport has made the airport suffer losses of billions of rupiah since it was established in 1983. He said that the airport had never met its yearly revenue targets. In the last year alone the airport realized only some Rp 9 billion in revenue, far below its target of Rp 18 billion.

GAM executes PDI-P executive

GAM executes PDI-P executive Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh Deputy chairman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) in North Aceh, Said Rafiq Maulana, was shot dead at a checkpoint mounted by Free Aceh Movement (GAM) rebels, the military said on Friday. Local military spokesman Maj.

Corruption case, poor performance plague AGO

Corruption case, poor performance plague AGO Muhammad Nafik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri has been advised to immediately dismiss Attorney General M.A. Rachman not only because of allegations of corruption, but also for his poor performance in boosting the image of his office.

PDIP punishes councillors for not choosing Sutiyoso

PDIP punishes councillors for not choosing Sutiyoso Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The central board of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) has suspended its city chapter chairman, Tarmidi Suhardjo, for not following the party's instruction to reelect Governor Sutiyoso. Meanwhile, two councillors, Ugiek Sugihardjo and Dadang Hamdani, who also failed to follow the party's instruction to reelect Sutiyoso, were given warning letters.

The hunt for souvenirs

The hunt for souvenirs BUSAN, South Korea: The Busan 2002 Asian Games is already in its final stages, with the closing ceremony planned for Monday evening at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium. The usually hectic Main Press Center (MPC) at the Busan Expo and Convention Center (BEXCO) has become more spacious compared with the peak time of the Games as China once again secures its domination in the quadrennial event.

MILF deny link to deadly blast in RP

MILF deny link to deadly blast in RP PHILIPPINES: The largest Muslim separatist group in the country on Friday denied military allegations it was behind a deadly bombing in the troubled south which killed at least eight people. The military has accused the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) of being responsible for Thursday's blast in a bus terminal in the city of Kidapawan, some 940 kilometers south of Manila.

Military says police uncontrollable

Military says police uncontrollable JAKARTA: The National Police should not be under the supervision of the president but should be under the minister of home affairs or the attorney general, a former high ranking military officer said on Friday. Former Military Police chief May. Gen. (ret.) Syamsu Djalal said the current structure had made the police often uncontrollable and had thus created various irregularities. "Only in Indonesia, police are put under the president.

Differences set aside at Children of the World Concert

Differences set aside at Children of the World Concert Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Little Charles is clearly enjoying himself. His hands and arms keep on moving. Sometimes he raises his hands up high, sometimes he keeps them low. His head follows to the tune, nodding up, down and side to side. And his feet! Well, they have a rhythm of their own, vigorously jumping, constantly moving. But Charles, 6, was dancing alone.

Vehicle sales rise 0.7% in September

Vehicle sales rise 0.7% in September New vehicle sales in Indonesia in September rose 0.7 percent on the previous month to 27,421 units, car assemblers' association Gaikindo said Friday in Jakarta. Commercial vehicles accounted for 25,204 of the sales, up 1.7 percent from 24,785 vehicles in August, Gaikindo said. However, passenger car sales decreased to 2,217 units, compared to 2,444 sales in August, Dow Jones quoted the association's statement as saying.

Mega opens expo but not mouth

Mega opens expo but not mouth SURABAYA: President Megawati Soekarnoputri opened a jewelry exhibition in a hotel here on Friday. Accompanied by Industry and Trade Minister Rini Soewandi and East Java Governor Imam Oetomo, the President did not make any speech, only pressing a button to mark the official opening of the four-day exhibition, which features about 100 domestic and foreign participants.

Experts still critical of antiterrorism legislation

Experts still critical of antiterrorism legislation Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The antiterrorism bill needs to provide a clear definition of a terrorist act, valid information to arrest terrorists and fair treatment of suspected terrorists, experts said on Friday. The government must also prepare rulings as a guidance for antiterrorism law and implement them not long after the endorsement of the bill to meet public demands not accommodated in the law, they said.

RI expects gold from tennis, badminton

RI expects gold from tennis, badminton Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Busan, South Korea Indonesia's gold medal prospects in the 14th Asian Games remain open after its women's doubles tennis pair of Angelique Widjaja and Wynne Adiati Prakusya on Friday booked their berth in the final. Seeded first here, the Indonesians had to work very hard before defeating Japan's Saori Obata and Akiko Morigami 6-3, 3-6, 9-7.

Garbage reduces water supply to thirsty Jakarta

Garbage reduces water supply to thirsty Jakarta Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Garbage dumped along the West Tarum Canal affects water supply in the city as it not only decreases water quality, but also reduces the volume of water available for treatment, officials have said.

Public entitled to the best water management

Public entitled to the best water management Henry Heyneardhi, Indonesian Forum on Globalization (INFOG), The Business Watch Indonesia, Solo, Central Java, heyneardhi@watchbusiness.org The government's service to the public as regards drinking water management and supplies in Jakarta is very poor.

Illogical fiscal tax

Illogical fiscal tax Although I always think positively and have tried to understand the government's financial position by imagining myself in the shoes of the Director General of Taxes, I still regard the requirement to pay fiscal tax by people traveling abroad to be illogical and silly.

Boyce holds meetings amid 'worsening security'

Boyce holds meetings amid 'worsening security' Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Amid reports of escalating threats against United States diplomats in Indonesia, Ambassador Ralph L. Boyce has held a series of meetings with high-ranking Indonesian officials, apparently to highlight U.S. security concerns. After meeting with Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Indonesian Military (TNI) Chief Gen.

BI limits bank purchase of IBRA assets

BI limits bank purchase of IBRA assets The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bank Indonesia is restricting the amount of loans banks may purchase from the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) under a new ruling protecting them against bad debts. However, the restrictions could slow IBRA's asset disposal program. Bank Indonesia regulation No. 4/7/2002 on the principle of frugality in purchasing IBRA credits, restricts IBRA asset purchases to 50 percent of a bank's core capital.

Hamzah calls for diplomatic solution on Buyung expulsion

Hamzah calls for diplomatic solution on Buyung expulsion Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesian Vice President Hamzah Haz and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs appear to be at odds over Malaysia's expulsion and ban of a prominent Indonesian lawyer. Hamzah called on Friday for the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur to seek clarification from the Malaysian government and to seek a diplomatic solution to the controversy surrounding Adnan Buyung Nasution's eviction from Malaysia.

Powerful quake kills five in Manokwari

Powerful quake kills five in Manokwari Agencies, Jakarta A powerful earthquake in the Papua district of Manokwari killed at least five people, injuring more than 170 others and damaged over 120 buildings, officials said on Friday. The temblor, measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale, jolted the district and the surrounding area at about 7:50 p.m. local time on Thursday, meteorology officials said.

The Story of Ramayana

The Story of Ramayana The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The story of publicly listed Ramayana Lestari Sentosa is not quite the stuff that made the Hindu epic from which the giant Indonesian retail chain has taken its name, but its success story in coping with 1997-98 Asian crisis is legendary nevertheless. These are just some of the things that Ramayana did, according to Dangerous Markets: Managing in Financial Crisis.

Acehnese participate in 'direct election' for local leaders

Acehnese participate in 'direct election' for local leaders Kanis Dursin, The Jakarta Post, Aceh Tamiang, Aceh Neiti Sumiarti could not hide her joy when asked about her feelings after participating in a public debate before an audience of some 300 people at the Rencong Assembly Hall in Tamiang, East Aceh on Monday. "I'm very glad to have participated in this activity. I strongly support a direct election for heads of local administrations," said Neiti, a civil servant with two children.