Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 14 October 2002

63 articles found

Plane carrying ministers lands safely in thick haze

Plane carrying ministers lands safely in thick haze The Jakarta Post, Jakarta An Air Force plane carrying Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Jusuf Kalla and several other ministers landed safely on Saturday in the Central Kalimantan capital of Palangkaraya despite the thick haze caused by forest fires. The Hercules was the first plane to land at the Tjilik Riwut Airport since it was closed on Aug. 26 due to the thick smoke blanketing the city and neighboring areas.

25 brands of herbal medicines withdrawn from market: BPOM

25 brands of herbal medicines withdrawn from market: BPOM Agus Maryono, The Jakarta Post, Purwokerto, Central Java The government has decided to withdraw 25 brands of jamu (traditional herbal medicine) containing dangerous chemicals and revoke their production licenses because of chemical contents, a senior government official said over the weekend.

Firms chided over labor violations

Firms chided over labor violations JEMBER, East Java: The Jember manpower office has reprimanded 44 companies for violating labor laws this year. Hendro Budi Jatmiko, head of the labor supervision division of the office, said on Saturday that the firms had mostly failed to pay their workers the minimum basic wage and social security (Jamsostek) dues.

Bali attack puts fragile economy at risk

Bali attack puts fragile economy at risk Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Economists feared an overall weakening of the economy following the deadliest terrorist strike this country has ever seen. They warned of bearish markets in a reaction that could stoke inflation and capital flight as the country braced for new instability.

Akbar ready to lead Golkar from behind bars

Akbar ready to lead Golkar from behind bars The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Golkar Party chairman Akbar Tandjung has been anticipating the worst in his appeal of the Central Jakarta District Court's verdict wherein he was sentenced to three years for corruption. During his trip to Balikpapan for party business, Akbar, who is also the House of Representatives speaker, said he was ready to lead the party from his prison cell if his appeal failed.

Dark could hang over RI tourism after Bali bomb blasts

Dark could hang over RI tourism after Bali bomb blasts Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Dark clouds are hanging over the country's tourist industry following bomb blasts in Bali over the weekend that killed more than 180 people, mostly foreign tourists. Shocked by the incident, tourist industry officials and experts see a bleak future for the industry, which has been one of the key drivers of economic growth in the country during the lingering economic crisis.

Chinese firm buy stake in Daewoo

Chinese firm buy stake in Daewoo SEOUL : South Korea's bankrupt Daewoo Motor Co. said Sunday that Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. would acquire a 10 percent stake in a new Daewoo company to be set up by U.S. giant General Motors Corp (GM). The leading Chinese firm will buy the stake for US$59.7 million, Daewoo said. The acquisition means Shanghai Automotive will be the first Chinese carmaker to invest in a foreign firm.

Monash College opens in Jakarta

Monash College opens in Jakarta JAKARTA: Monash College of Australia, in cooperation with the Jakarta International College, has opened a branch in Jakarta and is scheduled to hold its first classes on Oct. 28. The Jakarta branch will offer diploma programs in business and information technology. Graduates will be able to continue their studies at Monash University in Melbourne. Located at Bumi Daya Plaza on Jl.

In Memoriam: 'Ibu' Sulami, advocate of women's rights

In Memoriam: 'Ibu' Sulami, advocate of women's rights Saskia E. Wieringa, Author, The Politization of Gender Relations in Indonesia, Women's Movement and Gerwani, Until the New Order State Ibu Sulami passed away on Oct. 9. Born in Sragen, Central Java on Aug. 15, 1926, she was one of the most prominent leaders of the controversial Indonesian women's movement (Gerwani) and founder of the Foundation to Support the Victims of 1965/1966. The following letter is dedicated to her.

Aussie patrol boat collides with trawler

Aussie patrol boat collides with trawler AUSTRALIA: An Indonesian fishing vessel sank after a collision with an Australian Navy patrol boat, defense ministry officials said. The HMAS Geralton approached the 12 to 15-meter wooden boat before dawn on suspicion that it was fishing illegally in Australian waters, 360 kilometers northwest of Darwin, when the collision happened. "The Indonesian vessel was abandoned by its crew and subsequently sunk," spokesman Bill Overton told Reuters.

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.

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.

UMY gives credit to Amien

UMY gives credit to Amien YOGYAKARTA: The rector of Yogyakarta Muhammadiyah University (UMY), Khoirudin Bashori, conferred on Saturday the 2002 UMY Award to People's Consultative Assembly Speaker Amien Rais for his role in reforming the Indonesian political system. Khoirudin said a significant political change had taken place in the country, as indicated by the amendment of the 1945 Constitution. "Amending the Constitution, which was seen as impossible in the past, materialized.

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.

German election: Seeking best candidate

German election: Seeking best candidate 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 years.

Australia wants action, Bush offers sympathy

Australia wants action, Bush offers sympathy Agencies, Sydney, Australia Australia said on Sunday bomb attacks which killed nearly 200 people in the resort island of Bali were proof that the war on terror must go on and called on Indonesia to clamp down on its "terrorist problem". Two blasts, including one huge car bomb, killed at least 182 people and injured scores more in one of the world's most devastating attacks against tourists.

Intelligence surveillance upped after bomb threats

Intelligence surveillance upped after bomb threats The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Pattimura Military Commander Maj. Gen. Djoko Santoso said on Saturday that he would intensify intelligence surveillance in Maluku province in a bid to solve the recent spate of bomb scares in its capital city, Ambon. He said he had discussed the plan with the provincial government and local police so that measures could be taken to tackle the problem.

35% of Aceh's women uneducated

35% of Aceh's women uneducated BANDA ACEH: The local women's empowerment office head, Lailisma Sofyati, said on Saturday that 35 percent of the two million Acehnese women living in remote villages were uneducated and prone to violence. She said that being uneducated hindered the women in planning their future. "They don't know whether they have any potential skills. They don't even know about their basic rights and obligations," she said.

Fallout from Bali blast also felt in Jakarta

Fallout from Bali blast also felt in Jakarta Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Entertainment centers in the city are on the alert and increasing their security measures following the bombings in Bali on Saturday night which left more than 180 people dead, an industry official said on Sunday.

National tragedy

National tragedy The writing had been on the wall this past year or so that international terrorist groups were planning to attack Indonesia, targeting not only Indonesians, but also foreigners. Warnings had come from governments in Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Australia and the U.S. about Indonesia being a hotbed for terrorist groups to operate, and consequently a potential target after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York and Washington.

City closes 15 entertainment centers

City closes 15 entertainment centers JAKARTA: The City Administration had closed 15 entertainment centers, most of which were used as prostitution and gambling centers, between January and July this year for violating regulations, an official said on Friday. City Public Order Office head Firman Hutajulu said besides the 15 centers, about 100 other clubs were given warning letters for violating regulations.

* National: Akbar ready to lead Golkar from behind bars4

* National: Akbar ready to lead Golkar from behind bars4 * Archipelago: 25 brands of herbal medicines banned5 * Opinion: German election: Seeking best candidate7 * City: Sutiyoso urged to reveal five-year plan immediately8 * World: U.S. rejects latest Iraqi moves as 'word games'9 * Sports: Duval hits the front in Las Vegas11 * Business: JITF unlikely to clear $29b debt load 14 * Features: Carter to keep working for peace20

Japan aims to sign FTAs with Korea, ASEAN, China

Japan aims to sign FTAs with Korea, ASEAN, China Dow Jones, Tokyo Japan's Foreign Ministry plans to sign free trade agreements (FTA) aimed at removing international trade barriers and liberalizing transnational investment, starting with South Korea and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) then China, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun reports in its Sunday edition.

RI shuttlers maintain hopes in Asian Games

RI shuttlers maintain hopes in Asian Games Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Busan, South Korea Indonesia's badminton players maintained a firm determination to do better than in their male counterparts had done in the team event on Saturday, with an exception of the men's doubles event.

Security boosted for foreign energy and mining firms

Security boosted for foreign energy and mining firms The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has stepped up security measures to guard the facilities of multinational energy and mining firms across the country over fears of terrorist attacks after the bomb blasts on the tourist island of Bali. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said security had been increased at the liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant in Arun, Aceh, which is partly owned by U.S.

364 workers in Mideast need legal aid

364 workers in Mideast need legal aid JAKARTA: At least 364 Indonesian workers in Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, require legal protection and aid, the director of the Legal Aid Agency for Migrant Workers (BPHTKLN), Yunus Yamani, said on Sunday. However, he estimated that there were hundreds more workers, women in particular, facing legal problems but remained undetected because they were employed in many small towns in the two Middle Eastern countries.

Monas and Cipinang

Monas 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.

Tourists evacuate Bali following bomb blasts

Tourists evacuate Bali following bomb blasts Agence France-Presse, Denpasar, Bali Many foreigners waited anxiously at Bali international airport on Sunday for a flight home following a horrendous car bomb attack on two tourist-packed bars while others arrived to search for missing relatives and friends. But a mass exodus from the Indonesian resort island feared earlier Sunday failed to materialize.

Expats advised to avoid public places

Expats advised to avoid public places Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta All foreigners staying in Indonesia have been urged to stay on alert and avoid public places across the country following the devastating bomb attack in Bali on Saturday night. A number of embassies of major countries, including the U.S., had issued a travel warning to their respective citizens here.

Analysts say stocks, rupiah to plummet after Bali terror

Analysts say stocks, rupiah to plummet after Bali terror A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta stock market and the rupiah were expected to fall steeply this week, following devastating bomb blasts on the tourist island of Bali over the weekend, which killed nearly 200 people, mostly Australian tourists, stock and currency analysts said on Sunday. "The news is a terrible shock. It was the world's second largest terrorist (bomb) attack on civilians after the Sept.

JP/Murdani Usman

JP/Murdani Usman HANDICRAFT CENTER: A foreign tourist takes a look at a handicraft on display at a department store in Denpasar, Bali, which has become a one-stop shopping center for handicrafts from around the country. The Jakarta Post CREATIVE WORK: A man works on a handicraft in a village in Bantul regency, one of Yogyakarta's growing handicraft centers.

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.

Govt told to ratify UN resolution on antiterrorism

Govt told to ratify UN resolution on antiterrorism Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has no other choice but to ratify UN Security Council Resolution No. 1373/2001 on a variety of action to fight international terrorism, in order to effectively combat terrorism at home, a discussion concluded on Saturday.

Acehnese youths want to choose their own leaders

Acehnese youths want to choose their own leaders Kanis Dursin The Jakarta Post Tamiang, East Aceh It was only 7 a.m., but hundreds of students had already gathered on the Tamiang Islamic University campus, a two-hectare compound from where King Tengku Arifin ruled in the 19th century. By 8 a.m., over 500 students had assembled on the campus, each clutching a registration form, to take part in a simulated election.

Economic growth to reach 4 percent

Economic growth to reach 4 percent JAKARTA: The city will likely see more than 4 percent economic growth this year, a councillor said. Sumiyati Soekarno, deputy chairwoman of Commission B on economic affairs at the City Council, said on Wednesday that the sectors that enjoyed significant growth were trade, hotels and restaurants; transportation and communication; finance and company services, beritajakarta.com reported.

Government ups security for public, vital facilities

Government ups security for public, vital facilities Budianto Hananto, The Jakarta Post, Bandung In anticipation of further terrorist attacks, the government has tightened security in all vital and public facilities across the country while encouraging the public to be vigilant and inform the police of suspicious behavior.

Buying directly from producers, why not...

Buying directly from producers, why not... Sri Wahyuni The Jakarta Post Yogyakarta If you feel confused about which handicrafts to bring home from your visit to Yogyakarta, don't be ashamed. You have all the reason to feel that way. The large assortment of charming handicrafts that this ancient city offers, the numerous showrooms and the shops that offer them, not to mention the relatively good prices, are simply staggering and, frankly, hard to resist.

Take your own projector to the meeting

Take your own projector to the meeting Zatni Arbi, Contributor, Jakarta First of all, those of you who think that you need faster Internet access and e-mail on your cell phones now have more choice. In addition to the IM3 GPRS service, which has been around for some time, Telkomsel -- which claims to have by far the largest cell phone customer base in Indonesia -- has just launched its own GPRS and multimedia message service (MMS) in four major places: Jakarta, Surabaya, Bali and Batam.

Acehnese youths want to choose their own leaders

Acehnese youths want to choose their own leaders Kanis Dursin, The Jakarta Post, Tamiang, East Aceh It was only 7 a.m., but hundreds of students had already gathered on the Tamiang Islamic University campus, a two-hectare compound from where King Tengku Arifin ruled in the 19th century. By 8 a.m., over 500 students had assembled on the campus, each clutching a registration form, to take part in a simulated election.

Economy at risk after Bali horror

Economy at risk after Bali horror Berni K. Moestafa The Jakarta Post Jakarta Economists feared a panic sell-off of rupiah and stocks and an overall weakening of the economy following the deadliest terrorist strike this country has ever seen, in a reaction that could stoke inflation and capital flight as the economy braces for new instability.

Nation unites in condemning bombing

Nation unites in condemning bombing The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Condemnation poured in from around the country on Sunday against the worst bombing in Indonesia's history, which killed nearly 200 people on the resort island of Bali. Many of those denouncing Saturday's bombing also said the "savage attack" posed the biggest challenge the administration of President Megawati Soekarnoputri has faced.

Asian Games medal tally

Asian Games medal tally BUSAN, South Korea (JP): Medal tally after day 15 on Sunday.

Asian Games medal tally

Asian Games medal tally BUSAN, South Korea (JP): Medal tally after Day 14 of the 14th Asian Games on Saturday.

Asian Games medal tally

Asian Games medal tally BUSAN, South Korea (JP): Medal tally after day 15 on Sunday.

It's Indonesia vs S. Korea again in men's singles final

It's Indonesia vs S. Korea again in men's singles final Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Busan, South Korea Men's singles shuttler Taufik Hidayat became the last Indonesian hope to grab the fourth gold medal at the Busan 2002 Asian Games after he accomplished a personal vendetta against host Shon Seung-mo in the semifinal match on Sunday.

Sutiyoso urged to reveal five-year plan immediately

Sutiyoso urged to reveal five-year plan immediately Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A week after his inauguration, Governor Sutiyoso has not announced his plans for the city, prompting urban analysts to urge the city's chief executive to immediately announce the program for his second five-year term.

Security men involved in illicit businesses

Security men involved in illicit businesses Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang It is no longer a secret that many police and military officers are involved in illicit businesses in many cities and towns across the country, and that would apparently include Tangerang. The "businesses" are thriving thanks to the "protection" of corrupt officers even though the activities are against the law, they are sworn to uphold.

Nurses cry foul over low pay

Nurses cry foul over low pay BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: Hundreds of nurses in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, criticized the management of Ulin General Hospital for paying below the set basic wage for the province. "Our monthly salary is only Rp 150,000. It's difficult for us to make ends meet, especially those who are married," said one nurse, who refused to be identified, on Saturday. The minimum wage for South Kalimantan province is Rp 377,000.

Police vow to get bombers in one month

Police vow to get bombers in one month I Wayan Juniartha and Rita A. Wididana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali Bali Police chief Brig. Gen. Budi Setyawan promised here on Sunday morning that he would arrest the perpetrators of the deadly car bombing that killed over 182 people within one month or he would step down.

Philippines on alert, condemns Indonesian bomb blasts

Philippines on alert, condemns Indonesian bomb blasts Agencies, Zamboanga/Manila The Philippines on Sunday condemned as a terrorist act the bomb attack that killed at least 182 people on the Indonesian island resort of Bali and stepped up security at key installations. "We condemn this despicable act of terrorism. This is really brutal and right in the heartland of tourism in Indonesia," National Security Adviser Roilo Golez said.

Bali: One-stop shopping center for handicrafts

Bali: One-stop shopping center for handicrafts Rita A. Widiadana The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali Like all aspects of Balinese life, the intricately carved wooden sculptures, bamboo basketwork, silver and gold jewelry, and textiles are linked to religious and traditional beliefs on the island. The Balinese use basketwork, finely crafted from bamboo, rattan or pandanus leaves, for every occasion. Silver and gold items are made especially for cultural ceremonies.

'Other officials are also corrupt'

'Other officials are also corrupt' Attorney General M.A. Rachman is under fire due to his failure to reveal some of his assets to the Public Servant's Wealth Audit Commission (KPKPN). This has sparked public controversy, especially as he holds the top position in the law enforcement field. Some Jakarta residents shared their views on the case with The Jakarta Post. Komeng, 21, a sidewalk vendor who has been selling electronic goods at Palmerah railway station for almost three years.

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

1. BOMB: 50 pt, 2 cols, 4 x 12 Fallout from Bali blast also felt in Jakarta 2. PROGRAM: 36 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 24 Sutiyoso urged to reveal five-year plan immediately 3. BACKING: 28 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 37 Security men involved in illicit businesses 4. SPEAKUP: 28 pt, 3 cols, 1 x 30 'Other officials are also corrupt'

Shantung mayor cancels visit

Shantung mayor cancels visit SURABAYA: The mayor of China's Shantung city has canceled a visit to the East Java capital of Surabaya due to security concerns, the chairman of the Chinese Community Association, Lim Oei Yen, said on Sunday. The cancellation was faxed to the Chinese Embassy here following the bombings on the tourist island of Bali on Saturday night, which killed 182 people and injured hundreds more, mostly foreigners.

Aussie patrol boat collides with trawler

Aussie patrol boat collides with trawler AUSTRALIA: An Indonesian fishing vessel sank after a collision with an Australian Navy patrol boat, defense ministry officials said. The HMAS Geralton approached the 12 to 15-meter wooden boat before dawn on suspicion that it was fishing illegally in Australian waters, 360 kilometers northwest of Darwin, when the collision happened. "The Indonesian vessel was abandoned by its crew and subsequently sunk," spokesman Bill Overton told Reuters.

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.

Provincial administrations attracted to prestigious airline industry

Provincial administrations attracted to prestigious airline industry A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Emboldened by the autonomy law, which has given provinces larger incomes and greater power to manage their own economic affairs, several rich administrations are trying their luck in a prestigious and risky business: airlines.

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.

Illegal parking fees at Senayan

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.

Preliminary list of people killed in Bali bomb blasts:

Preliminary list of people killed in Bali bomb blasts: ------------------------------------------------------ 1. Mugianto (M), Indonesia 2. Kadek Beri Prima (M), Indonesia 3. Anna Sesilia Aviles (F), Equador 4. Christhoper Bradford (M), Singapore 5. DJ Sari Club (M), Indonesia 6. Josua K. Daegan (M), Australia 7. Pascal M. Dolf (M), - 8. Faturraman (M), Indonesia 9. S. Foley (M), - 10. March Benny, Gajardo (M), UK 11. Nash Gary (M), Australia 12. Maria Johansson (F), Sweden 13. Chris J.

Bali blasts may reveal al-Qaeda fingerprints

Bali blasts may reveal al-Qaeda fingerprints Jane Macartney, Reuters, Singapore With hindsight, the warning signs of this weekend's devastating bomb blasts in Bali were clear for all to see. An American soldier killed in a Philippines bomb blast; a grenade outside the U.S. embassy in Jakarta; a suspected terror cell broken up in Italy; an attack on U.S. Marines in Kuwait.

JITF unlikely to clear $29b debt load

JITF unlikely to clear $29b debt load Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta Initiative Task Force (JITF) may not be able to settle all of the US$29 billion in debt it must help restructure, but analysts see progress as companies press their massive debts to more sustainable levels. JITF chief operating officer Samuel Tobing said the agency had finalized debt restructuring deals worth $17.4 billion, of which $3.4 billion was made over the last nine months.