Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 21 October 2002

62 articles found

New antiterrorism regulations a strong deterrence: Expert

New antiterrorism regulations a strong deterrence: Expert Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite controversy surrounding their issuance, the two new government regulations in lieu of any laws on antiterrorism will live up to their purposes, a criminologist says.

Senseless act can't help radical Islam

Senseless act can't help radical Islam The Statesman, Asia News Network, Calcutta Acts of violence are often referred to as senseless, and for the most part that is what they are. Last weekend's bomb attacks at Kuta beach on the largely Hindu island of Bali are senseless specifically because their consequences can and will only help those that radical Islamic groups count as their enemies.

New panel takes Malaysia closer to becoming Islamic banking hub

New panel takes Malaysia closer to becoming Islamic banking hub Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia takes a step closer to realising its aim of becoming a regional Islamic financial hub next month with the launch of an international panel to set benchmarks for Islamic banking.

Thousands in Australian day of mourning for Bali victims

Thousands in Australian day of mourning for Bali victims David Millikin, Agence France-Presse, Sydney, Australia Australians gathered in heartbreak on Sunday on a national day of mourning for more than 100 of their friends, relatives and compatriots killed in last week's bombing in Bali, a tragedy being lived here as Australia's Sept. 11.

Police place Ba'asyir under detention

Police place Ba'asyir under detention The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Police placed Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Ba'asyir, a suspect for his alleged role in a string of bomb attacks across the country, under their custody on Sunday following his arrest overnight Saturday. Surakarta police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Bambang Hermanu said more officers were deployed to guard Ba'asyir at the Muhammadiyah Hospital where he is being treated for heart and respiratory ailments.

Young volunteers deal with bomb victims

Young volunteers deal with bomb victims Martin Abbugao, Agence France-Press, Kuta, Bali Children in school uniforms and many tourists are among the scores of volunteers helping Bali's stretched medical staff with the grim task of handling badly-charred corpses and treating injured victims of the bomb attack.

Stock market still in recovery mood: Analyst

Stock market still in recovery mood: Analyst A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The local stock market is likely to continue its recovery from the Oct. 12 terrorist attack in Bali, with low share prices and a new antiterrorism decree likely to improve market sentiment this week, an analyst said. Climbing from a four-year low in the first week of trading after the Oct. 12 bombings, the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) Composite Index ended last week up 23.43 points at 360.90.

How to put Indonesia back on the right track

How to put Indonesia back on the right track James Kallman, PT Grant Thornton Indonesia, Management Consultancy, Jakarta A recent piece in The Jakarta Post reminded me of how far we are from making the tough decisions that must be made if this nation is to get back on track. It's bad enough that the State Minister of Administrative Reforms Feisal Tamin should be forced to admit that only 40 percent of the nation's four million civil servants are professional and perform their jobs well.

Yanuar Nugroho

Yanuar Nugroho Director, The Business Watch Indonesia Lecturer, Sahid Univ. Surakarta Researcher, Unisosdem Jakarta yanuar-n@unisosdem.org The world is shocked. Bali and Manado, two areas known as the "calm-and-peace" places were brutally disrupted by deadly explosions. Hundreds are dead and badly wounded. Most of them, unfortunately, are foreigners. The shocking world turns into the angry one.

Asia economies ahead of world's: Report

Asia economies ahead of world's: Report Agence France-Presse, Singapore Asia-Pacific economies are set to grow faster than the rest of the world over the next few years but worries over a US-led attack on Iraq and a patchy recovery in industrial nations may hold the region back, according to a study.

Fight against terrorism is far from over

Fight against terrorism is far from over Dmitry Kosyrev, Political Analyst, RIA Novosti, Moscow If the situation in the so-called international counter-terror coalition were normal, the explosions on the Indonesian resort island of Bali could have become a subject of serious discussion by the allies, who drafted plans of restoring order in Afghanistan a year ago. But is the coalition alive yet or have the U.S. plans of launching an all-out war against Iraq have torn it to smithereens?

1. VENDOR: 28 pt, 1 cols, 3 x 11

1. VENDOR: 28 pt, 1 cols, 3 x 11 1,000 vendors evicted from Pulogadung 2. EXPO: 50 pt, 4 cols, 2 x 24 Despite dwindling farming land, agriculture feasible in the city 3. OJEK: 36 pt, 5 cols, 1 x 44 Life is tough for motorcycle taxi drivers 4. SPEAKER: 28 pt, 3 cols, 1 x 40 'Why limitation confined to fasting month only?'

Vendors evicted from Pulogadung

Vendors evicted from Pulogadung The Jakarta Post, Jakarta About 1,000 street vendors were forcibly evicted from in and around the Pulo Gadung bus terminal in an operation involving around 2,200 officers from the East Jakarta public order agency, the police and the district military command on Sunday. "The officers have evicted about 1,000 street vendors in and around the bus terminal," said City transportation agency chief, Rustam Effendy, who witnessed the operation on Sunday morning.

Service unites interfaith communities in prayer for peace

Service unites interfaith communities in prayer for peace I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Kuta, Bali Hundreds of Hindu, Islam, Christian and Buddhism followers gathered at the famous Kuta Beach on Sunday evening to take part in an interfaith service, a Mahashanti Puja (prayer for peace), to ask God to bestow peace on the souls of 184 victims of the Oct. 12 bombing.

Prosecutors admit failure in pursuing graft cases

Prosecutors admit failure in pursuing graft cases Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan The head of the North Sumatra Prosecutor's Office, Chairuman Harahap, admitted on Saturday that the sluggish investigation into graft cases in the province had been partly caused by the inability of his prosecutors to handle corruption cases. Chairuman said most prosecutors were not equipped with enough knowledge and skills to handle corruption cases, which often were highly complex.

Govt-GAM dialog should have no deadline: HDC

Govt-GAM dialog should have no deadline: HDC Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh A visiting director of the Geneva-based Henry Dunant Center (HDC), a mediator of peace talks between the Indonesian government and the secessionist Free Aceh Movement (GAM), criticized the government's decision to set a deadline for a dialog with the movement.

Foreign businesses ask for review of customs law

Foreign businesses ask for review of customs law Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Foreign business groups have said a revised customs law is a necessary part of the government's efforts to reform the country's customs service.

Australians want 'sensitive' foreign policy in fear of reprisal

Australians want 'sensitive' foreign policy in fear of reprisal Prapti Widinugraheni Contributor Perth, Australia Many Australians believe their government's unwavering support for the United States in the war on terrorism was a factor that led terrorists to target Bali, a popular tourist destination for Australians. The public is still trying to come to terms with the devastating number of Australian casualties in the bombings over the weekend.

Australia says committed to global war on terror

Australia says committed to global war on terror Agencies, Sydney, Australia Australia said on Sunday it had to stay committed to the global fight against terror as the country marked a day of mourning for the estimated 100 Australian victims of the Bali bomb attack. "We must remain committed to the broad war on terrorism because this (the Bali bombings) is part of it," Prime Minister John Howard told Nine Network television.

Police receive greater powers to fight terrorism

Police receive greater powers to fight terrorism Fabiola Desy Unidjaja The Jakarta Post Jakarta The two newly-signed government regulations in lieu of laws on antiterrorism confer wider powers on the security forces, especially the police, to conduct investigations into alleged terrorists.

Muslim organizations back antiterrorism regulations

Muslim organizations back antiterrorism regulations Muhammad Nafik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The country's two largest Muslim organizations have thrown their weight behind the new antiterrorism regulations, but have also urged the nation to be watchful to prevent the rules from being abused. The support of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah could help dampen any backlash from radical groups who suspect the regulations are directed against them.

Unity for all Indonesian people

Unity for all Indonesian people The tragic blast that killed more than 100 people in Kuta, Bali, is the tip of the iceberg. It can trigger very basic matters, or even old matters, like religion to rise to the surface or can even cause war between countries that in turn can cause death and suffering. Some people have taken advantage of this kind of situation, and others will suffer because of that.

Understanding, dialog may counter terrorism

Understanding, dialog may counter terrorism Abdul Mu'ti, Chairman, National Board, Muhammadiyah Youth Movement, Jakarta Terrorism has become an alarming issue in Indonesia. A terrorist network in Indonesia began to be uncovered following a report in Time magazine on Umar al-Faruq al Kuwaity, or Mahmud bin Ahmad Assegaf, who said he was among the al-Qaeda leaders in Southeast Asia.

Mahatir says Muslims should use oil for influence

Mahatir says Muslims should use oil for influence ISLAMABAD: Malaysian Prime Minister Mahatir Mohamad said on Friday Muslim nations should use their control of oil supplies as a weapon to give them more influence on the world stage. "They have in oil, the production of oil, a weapon that can be very effective if they combine with each other," he told a news conference while on a visit to Pakistan.

Bali blast tests Indonesia-Australia ties

Bali blast tests Indonesia-Australia ties Endy M. Bayuni, Deputy Editor, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Relations between Indonesia and Australia have never been as good or as warm as what we have seen over this past week. For those who have closely watched the often turbulent ties, it simply seems too good to be true. It therefore begs the questions of whether it will last, and what will it take to make it last.

New terrorism decrees a risky business

New terrorism decrees a risky business Debbie A. Lubis, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Constitutionally, the issuance of government regulations in lieu of law is a risky move as a president's credibility is at stake. The move will prove that a president has the courage to take a high-profile decision, but it could cost the head of state dear if the regulation failed to gain House of Representatives approval to become law.

Any assignment is a religious duty: General

Any assignment is a religious duty: General I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Kuta, Bali Papua Police chief Insp. Gen. I Made Mangku Pastika was giving a speech at the Papua Peace Conference in Jayapura last Wednesday afternoon when his adjutant leaned in and whispered that he had an important call on his cellular phone. "There are only two people I fear in this world: the National Police chief and my wife. I will always answer any call made by either of them.

190 residents demand dam repair

190 residents demand dam repair TANGERANG: Some 190 family heads in Tanjung Anom village, Mauk district, Tangerang regency, have demanded the maritime and fisheries agency repair an 800-meter dam along the coast near where they live as it not in conformity with the original proposal. Village chief M. Ali told The Jakarta Post on Friday that the dam had originally been planned to be constructed to a length of 1,500 meters and a height of 8 meters, using large mountain boulders.

b]* National:PDI-P mulls reviving posts to fight terrorism4

b]* National:PDI-P mulls reviving posts to fight terrorism4 * City: Agriculture still feasible in the city5 * Opinion:How to put RI back on the right track7 * Sports:Agassi wins Madrid Masters in walkover 8 * World:KL plans background checks on expats11 * Business:Business groups ask for review of customs law13 * Features: Any assignment is a religious duty: General20

Key points in decree on terrorism

Key points in decree on terrorism The two newly-signed government regulations in lieu of laws on antiterrorism confer wider powers on the security forces, especially the police, to conduct investigations into alleged terrorists.

'Why closures only in Ramadhan?'

'Why closures only in Ramadhan?' The fasting month of Ramadhan will be observed by Muslims around the world beginning in early November. During the fasting month, the city administration has decided to close down or reduce the opening hours of nightspots, particularly those normally associated with "vice". The administration has said the decision was made out of "respect for the holy month". Residents gave The Jakarta Post their opinions on the issue.

Experts warn of underground extremist movement

Experts warn of underground extremist movement Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Experts underscore the need for other hard-line groups to follow in the footsteps of Laskar Jihad, which has dissolved itself, but warn that it could by no means result in the end of violence. Noted sociologist Satjipto Rahardjo said Laskar Jihad's initiative should set the trend for other groups in the wake of the Bali bombing, which killed nearly 200 people on Oct. 12.

Muslim organizations back antiterrorism regulations

Muslim organizations back antiterrorism regulations Muhammad Nafik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The country's two largest Muslim organizations have thrown their weight behind the new antiterrorism regulations, but have also urged the nation to be watchful to prevent the rules from being abused. The support of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah could help dampen any backlash from radical groups who suspect the regulations are directed against them.

Business after the tragedy

Business after the tragedy Yanuar Nugroho, Director, The Business Watch Indonesia, Lecturer, Sahid University, Surakarta, Researcher, Unisosdem Jakarta, yanuar-n@unisosdem.org The world is shocked. Bali and Manado, two areas known for their calmness and peacefulness, were brutally disrupted by deadly explosions. Hundreds are dead and badly wounded. Most of them were overseas tourists -- and a shocked world is now an angry world.

Air pollution crisis set to claim lives in choked Asian cities

Air pollution crisis set to claim lives in choked Asian cities Richard Ingham, Agence France-Presse, Paris Asia's air pollution, already singled out this year for its effect on the environment, is set to reap a bitter harvest in human lives in decades to come, experts say.

Problem-solving ability here still poor

Problem-solving ability here still poor Simon Marcus Gower, Principal, Harapan Bangsa High School, Banten, Tangerang An Indonesian living and studying in California, U.S. recently sent an email to a friend in Jakarta. He expressed his sorrow about the news that he was hearing about Indonesia. His list of complaints was familiar and quite long. It was easy, however, to see how some of his complaints had obviously been unrealistically added to by the sources of his news.

Concern over Rachman's case

Concern over Rachman's case From Republika Observing the recent news on Attorney General MA Rachman in both print and the electronic media with regard to the acts of the Public Servants' Wealth Audit Agency (KPKPN), we would like to express our concerns as follows: 1. KPKPN was established to provide the institution with the authority to examine the wealth of public servants. 2.

Whistle-blowers needed

Whistle-blowers needed I would like to comment on B. Herry-Priyono's article titled The DPR whistle-blowers (The Jakarta Post, Oct. 8, 2002). The appearance of these whistle-blowers amid rampant corruption in all the pillars of the state, be it in the legislature, judiciary as well as the executive, is worth appreciating. I do agree with you that more whistle-blowers are welcomed as their role in revealing "dirty practices" will help significantly to uncover a great number of corrupt practices.

Tangerang has no flood funds

Tangerang has no flood funds TANGERANG: The Tangerang mayoralty has said that it has no funds to deal with the floods that are expected during the coming rainy season. The deputy chairman of the mayoralty's legislative body, Burhanuddin, said here last Saturday that flood prevention along the Cisadane River alone would cost some Rp 1.2 trillion. He said flood prevention programs in Tangerang had to involve the central government, Banten province and the Tangerang mayoralty.

Life is tough for motorcycle taxi drivers

Life is tough for motorcycle taxi drivers Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As a crowded bus stops to let off passengers a number of motorcycle taxi drivers begin waving their hands to offer their services. That is an everyday sight along many of Jakarta's main thoroughfares. "Ojek (motorcycle taxi) is the best way for people to reach their offices quickly because of a lack of buses and too much traffic," said Senen, 40, a motorcycle taxi driver on Jl. Sudirman in Central Jakarta.

JP/ /

JP/ / Done More companies turn to rental cars to reduce operational costs Sudibyo M. Wiradji In parallel with the corporate strategy of focusing more on core businesses, many companies have turned to rental cars for their transportation-related needs rather than purchasing new vehicles, partly to cut operational costs. Clients of car rental companies share the view that buying new cars for company use requires an unnecessary investment.

TV Program: Monday, October 21, 2002

TV Program: Monday, October 21, 2002 TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Environment 8:30 Music 9:00 Film 10:00 Documentary 11:00 News 11:30 Music 12:00 p.m. News 1:00 Talk Show 2:30 Documentary 3:00 Children's Program 3:30 Cartoon 4:00 Music 6:00 News 7:00 Dialog 8:00 Quiz 9:00 News 9:30 Music 11:00 News TPI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 7:00 Quiz 8:00 Music 9:00 Indonesian Film 11:00 TV Drama 12:00 p.m.

On the Bali bombing

On the Bali bombing The Indonesian government's caution in pronouncing on the nature of the Bali Bomb attack is understandable as the country, alone among the Southeast Asian core nations, has consistently downplayed the reach of the al-Qaeda terror network from its Middle Eastern base. Question: Will Indonesia now be prodded to live up to its duty of handling the menace?

City to publicize busway project

City to publicize busway project JAKARTA: Although the city administration has postponed the busway project for at least eight months, the transportation agency said that it would still publicize the project and planned to install dividers along the roads it would use. "We'll start to publicize the project in November because it's ready to be implemented," City Transportation Agency chief Rustam Effendi said here on Sunday.

Middlemen arrested at police station

Middlemen arrested at police station TANGERANG: A total of 42 people, including three police officers, have been arrested for acting as middlemen for driver's license applicants at Tangerang Police Station, a policeman said on Saturday. "The middlemen had caused disturbance among the applicants," Tangerang chief of detectives, Adj.Comr. Kustanto was quoted by Antara as saying.

Despite dwindling land, agriculture still feasible

Despite dwindling land, agriculture still feasible Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Amid dwindling farming land, Jakarta could still develop agribusiness, growing certain plants that do not need much land to grow in or take a long time to harvest.

130,000 workers in Bali may lose jobs

130,000 workers in Bali may lose jobs The Jakarta Post, Kuta, Bali Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Jacob Nuwawea said here on Sunday the Bali bombings could cost about 130,000 workers on the island their jobs if tourists continue to shun Bali. The government also pledged Rp 480 billion (about US$52.14 million) to help locals rebuild the area of Kuta where a powerful bomb killed nearly 200 people on Oct. 12.

Evergreen switches from S'pore to Malaysia

Evergreen switches from S'pore to Malaysia Agence France-Presse, Johar Baharu, Malaysia Taiwan's Evergreen Marine, one of the world's largest container shipping groups, officially switched its regional hub from Singapore to Malaysia's Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) at the weekend. The move has been hailed as a victory in Malaysia's aggressive campaign to compete with Singapore port operator PSA Group, which handles about 25 percent of the world's total container transshipment throughput.

P3M condemns Bali blast

P3M condemns Bali blast From Koran Tempo Barbaric! Perhaps this is the most common word uttered to describe the act of terrorism when we heard Bali was bombed. We feel our human feelings were deeply wounded because hundreds of lives have perished tragically by the hands of barbaric and cruel people. What makes it more tragic is that the victims are not only Indonesian citizens but also other citizens of the world who were enjoying their vacation on the island of Gods.

Strict enforcement, not just regulations that count: Observer

Strict enforcement, not just regulations that count: Observer Kornelius Purba The Jakarta Post Jakarta Indonesia will not restore its international credibility for as long as the government does not change its indecisive stance against those commit violence and spread terror in the country, a senior Japanese scholar has warned.

Extra powers for Mega

Extra powers for Mega President Megawati Soekarnoputri's move to sign two unprecedented government regulations designed to fight terrorism following the Bali carnage of Oct. 12 is, by and large, a welcome decision. At least it shows the serious -- albeit belated -- resolution of the government to take action and do something that demonstrates that Indonesia, too, regards terrorism as an extremely heinous act that threatens the fundamental fabric of society.

Restoring Bali's

Restoring Bali's tourism image From Bali Post One can easily guess that following the bomb blasts in Legian, Kuta, Bali will have a hard time to recover any of its peaceful image. The repercussion of this bombing has threatened Indonesia's tourism. Therefore, the central government, the Bali provincial administration and all relevant parties need to do the following: * Thoroughly probe the bombing incident to find out the perpetrators and improve security in Bali and other areas.

Unicef to send medical aid to Papua

Unicef to send medical aid to Papua JAYAPURA, Papua: The United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) will provide medical equipment for health clinics and public health centers in Papua, as well as organizing health seminars for locals. The aid comes after studies found that the health of mothers and children in the province is the worst in the country.

Bali blast caused by three bombs: Police

Bali blast caused by three bombs: Police Tiarma Siboro and A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Kuta, Bali The explosion that rocked Bali on Oct. 12 was caused by three bombs, one of them inside a nightclub and two outside another club, Indonesian Police said Sunday. Meanwhile investigators said although they had questioned 67 people, including two local fisherman and a female survivor, no arrests have been made. National Police spokesman Brig. Gen.

PDI-P mulls reviving posts to fight terrorism: Roy

PDI-P mulls reviving posts to fight terrorism: Roy Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) is giving consideration to reactivating posko (command posts), to help in the country's fight against terrorism, a senior party leader said on Sunday. Speaking on the sidelines of the party's national working meeting in Jakarta, PDI Perjuangan chairman Roy B.B.

Important guide to finding reliable car rental firm

Important guide to finding reliable car rental firm For business travelers, renting a vehicle is an indispensable part of their trips, especially when they visit a city or a country that they have never visited before. Almost all big cities, including Jakarta, offer a lot of choices for car rental companies. Although it may be easy to select the type of car you want to rent, finding a reliable and credible company is somehow more difficult.

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JP/ / Done More companies turn to rental cars to reduce operational costs Sudibyo M. Wiradji In parallel with the corporate strategy of focusing more on core businesses, many companies have turned to rental cars for their transportation-related needs rather than purchasing new vehicles, partly to cut operational costs. Clients of car rental companies share the view that buying new cars for company use requires an unnecessary investment.

Last days of paradise

Last days of paradise For centuries, the tourist island of Bali has attracted visitors from all over the world mainly due to the fact that it has been a teeming center of cultural activities in which all people of the island take part in endless dance parties, painting, sculpture exhibitions and religious festivities throughout the year. In short, the island has been bulging with cultural activities and international conventions of all kinds almost daily.

FOR FOCUS ISSUE -- CAR RENTAL

FOR FOCUS ISSUE -- CAR RENTAL ;JP; ANPAv..r.. Photo-car-rentals-tips Important guide to finding reliable car rental firm For business travelers, renting a vehicle is an indispensable part of their trips, especially when they visit a city or a country that they have never visited before. Almost all big cities, including Jakarta, offer a lot of choices for car rental companies.

Indorent

Indorent SERVING CUSTOMERS: Employees of PT CSM Corporatama, better known as Indorent, explain the company's car rental services to would- be customers. JP/Mulkan Salmona WAITING FOR PASSENGERS: A number of exclusive cars operated by car rental companies wait for their customers at the Soekarno- Hatta International Airport.

10 children drowned when boat capsizes off Cirebon

10 children drowned when boat capsizes off Cirebon Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon At least 10 children were drowned when an overloaded vessel capsized during a traditional good luck ceremony in waters off the West Java city of Cirebon on Sunday, police here said. They said the death toll could rise as authorities and local villagers were still searching for passengers. It was unclear how many people were aboard the ill-fated boat. Losari Police chief Adj. Comr.

China's research enriches computing experience

China's research enriches computing experience Zatni Arbi, Columnist, Beijing, zatni@cbn.net.id Anyone can record the one-hour Liputan Enam news report from SCTV, digitize it and store it on the hard disk. However, if you want to get to the precise segment that contains the report on the progress in identifying the party behind the cruel and devastating bombings in Bali, you will have to rely on the fast forward and reverse buttons on the screen and it will be a time- consuming process.