Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 22 October 2002

86 articles found

'I have to go along with the regulation'

'I have to go along with the regulation' The Muslim fasting month of Ramadhan will begin in early November, and in order to protect the sanctity of the holy month the city administration will issue a regulation requiring entertainment centers and nightspots to either close down or to reduce their operating hours. A number of people whose earnings depend on these nightspots shared their views with The Jakarta Post. Firman, 25, a room attendant at a massage parlor in Mayestik, South Jakarta.

Dow Jones

Dow Jones Sydney The Madrid-based World Tourism Organization said Monday that the recent terrorist bombing on the Indonesian holiday island of Bali has dealt a severe blow to regional tourism. Bali and other Indonesian islands had been popular destinations for Australians until the Oct. 12 bombing of the Sari nightclub that killed an estimated 92 Australians.

2. Toha -- After Bali: Has Mr. Bush succeeded in his war on

2. Toha -- After Bali: Has Mr. Bush succeeded in his war on terrorism? 2 X 30 After Bali: Has Bush succeeded in war obsession against terrorism?

Rupiah Rates Oct.21

Rupiah Rates Oct.21 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp Australian dollar 1 5,375.32 4,817.27 5,123.94 5,068.42 Brunei dollar 1 5,444.76 4,881.17 5,190.13 5,135.65 Canadian dollar 1 6,172.82 5,533.46 5,884.15 5,821.95 Swiss franc 1 6,420.21 5,755.83 6,119.97 6,055.92 Danish krone 1 1,269.95 1,138.63 1,210.56 1,197.99 Euro 1 9,436.18 8,461.56 8,994.89 8,902.72 Poundsterling 1 15,034.78 13,481.73 14,331.67 14,184.61 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,244.76 1,116.50 1,186.55 1,174.

Dow Jones

Dow Jones Sydney The Madrid-based World Tourism Organization said Monday that the recent terrorist bombing on the Indonesian holiday island of Bali has dealt a severe blow to regional tourism. Bali and other Indonesian islands had been popular destinations for Australians until the Oct. 12 bombing of the Sari nightclub. An estimated 92 Australians were killed in the blast, with 30 so far confirmed dead.

Ima, 26, the manger of a batik gallery in Bintaro, South

Ima, 26, the manger of a batik gallery in Bintaro, South Jakarta: Closing and cutting the opening hours of nightspots is fine with me. We must reduce such activities during the holy month. But the owners and employers must take care of their employees during the fasting month, because the employees still have to support themselves. The order to close and limit nightspots has become routine for the city administration every year.

KL says it's safe despite travel warnings

KL says it's safe despite travel warnings Reuters, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia said on Monday the country was peaceful and security remained good, despite travel warnings issued by the Australian and British governments in the wake of this month's bomb blasts in neighboring Bali.

Ulemas soften stance on nightspots

Ulemas soften stance on nightspots Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city chapter of the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) softened its stance on Monday by agreeing that certain entertainment centers here had the right to operate during the fasting month of Ramadhan. "Actually, we want all the entertainment centers to close during the fasting month.

After Bali, Australia hit by deadly shooting rampage

After Bali, Australia hit by deadly shooting rampage Agence France-Presse, Melbourne, Australia A student opened fire without warning in a university classroom here on Monday, killing two fellow students and wounding five others before he was wrestled to the ground by people around him, police said. With nerves on edge across Australia following the Oct. 12 bombing in Bali that left up to 92 Australians dead, officials quickly said they did not believe Monday's shooting had any terrorist links.

Dow Jones

Dow Jones Sydney The Madrid-based World Tourism Organization said Monday that the recent terrorist bombing on the Indonesian holiday island of Bali has dealt a severe blow to regional tourism. Bali and other Indonesian islands had been popular destinations for Australians until the Oct. 12 bombing of the Sari nightclub that killed an estimated 92 Australians.

Water shortage

Water shortage The residents of Bekasi hijack trucks to get water while in Jakarta residents use water to hose down roads and chase leaves into the gutter. Universities say uncontrolled building is to blame for water shortages but in Kemang, the government does nothing while banana trees and green grass are replaced by huge palatial homes, crowding lots and contributing to flooding.

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.

JAKARTA : Indonesia's cigarette producer Hanjaya Mandala

JAKARTA : Indonesia's cigarette producer Hanjaya Mandala Sampoerna said Monday its sales of cigarettes in the third quarter rose 17.4 percent to Rp 3.871 trillion from Rp 3.297 trillion during the same period last year. The company attributed the increase in sales revenue to higher cigarette prices. It didn't offer details. Sampoerna said its sales volume during the period ended Sept. 30, however, fell 2.2 percent to 10.73 billion sticks of cigarettes from 10.97 billion last year.

Megawati flies to Mexico on Tuesday

Megawati flies to Mexico on Tuesday Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In the aftermath of the Bali bombing, President Megawati Soekarnoputri is slated to leave on Tuesday to attend the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Mexico. Officials from the President's office said on Monday that Megawati would leave on Tuesday at midnight, making a stop in Greece for around nine hours before continuing the journey to Mexico. "The President will return to Indonesia on Oct.

Fitri Wulandari

Fitri Wulandari The Jakarta Post Jakarta The surge in the amount of Internet users in this country has been slowing this year after doubling each year since 1998, as its market, limited to the middle class and students, has reached a saturation level. Heru Nugroho, the secretary-general of the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association (APJII), said on Monday that the number of Internet users this year would only top 5 million, a slight increase from 4.2 million in 2001.

Fitri Wulandari

Fitri Wulandari The Jakarta Post Jakarta The surge in the amount of Internet users in this country has been slowing this year after doubling each year since 1998, as its market, limited to the middle class and students, has reached a saturation level. Heru Nugroho, the secretary-general of the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association (APJII), said on Monday that the number of Internet users this year would only top 5 million, a slight increase from 4.2 million in 2001.

Laskar Jihad will leave Poso

Laskar Jihad will leave Poso PALU, Central Sulawesi: Former chairman of the Central Sulawesi branch of the "Ahlussunah wal Jamaah" Communication Forum, which oversees the Laskar Jihad Muslim militia group, Zabir, disclosed here on Monday that all members of the militia would leave the Poso conflict area by the end of next month. "All 200 members of the militia (mainly deployed to Poso) will leave Central Sulawesi province by the end of next month at the latest," Zabir told Antara.

Bali occupancy rates worst since 1998

Bali occupancy rates worst since 1998 A'an Suryana and I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali Balinese hotels have registered thousands of cancellations one week after a powerful bomb blast ripped through Kuta nightclubs and claimed almost 200 lives, sending the hotels' occupancy rates to their lowest levels in four years.

Terrorism is a fact of life in Indonesia

Terrorism is a fact of life in Indonesia Wimar Witoelar, Columnist, Guardian News Service, Jakarta, wimar@witoelar.com Osama bin laden's al-Qaeda network has been blamed for the Bali bomb attacks by the United States, Australia and surprisingly even Indonesia itself. President Bush said he assumed the attack was the work of al-Qaeda, while Australia's foreign minister, Alexander Downer, said it was likely the Islamist group Jemaah Islamiyah was responsible.

Growth of Internet users slowing down

Growth of Internet users slowing down Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The surge in the amount of Internet users in this country has been slowing this year after doubling each year since 1998, as its market, limited to the middle class and students, has reached a saturation level.

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.

ASIO to open liaison office in Jakarta

ASIO to open liaison office in Jakarta Agencies, Sydney, Australia Australia's top intelligence body is setting up a permanent office in Jakarta as part of moves to step up regional counter- terrorism efforts following the Bali bombing, officials said on Monday. Attorney-General Daryl Williams told parliament the Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO) liaison office would be opened with immediate effect.

Asian monies strengthen, including peso and rupiah

Asian monies strengthen, including peso and rupiah Alan Yonan Jr., Dow Jones, Singapore Asian currencies strengthened Monday, including the peso, which shrugged off investor concerns over a spate of bombings in the Philippines to post a late-session rally. The peso had fallen to a fresh 14-month low early in the day on the heels of a bomb blast Sunday at an open-air Christian shrine in the southern city of Zamboanga. It was the country's third bomb blast in four days.

Police nab women-traffickers

Police nab women-traffickers INDRAMAYU, West Java: A police special team here have arrested two suspects in connection with a women-trafficking syndicate, officers said on Monday. Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Eko Hadi Sutedjo told reporters here that suspected trafficker Dulaman bin Mad Ngarip, 46, of Kedungdawa, Indramayu, and buyer Tumari, 38, of Sawahan, Surabaya, were apprehended while they tried to smuggle seven women from the Indramayu village of Cipedang.

Dow Jones

Dow Jones Sydney The Madrid-based World Tourism Organization said Monday that the recent terrorist bombing on the Indonesian holiday island of Bali has dealt a severe blow to regional tourism. Bali and other Indonesian islands had been popular destinations for Australians until the Oct. 12 bombing of the Sari nightclub that killed an estimated 92 Australians.

Radio, TV signals disrupt flights

Radio, TV signals disrupt flights PEKANBARU, Riau: The high number of frequencies used for radio and television stations have affected flights and other telecommunications signals, a minister has said. State Minister of Communications and Information Syamsul Mu'arif added the number of radio and TV stations had risen after provincial administrations had issued permits for people to use radio frequencies.

C. Kalimantan awaits rain to drive away haze

C. Kalimantan awaits rain to drive away haze Musthofid and Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Palangka Raya, C. Kalimantan Seeing commuters travel through downtown Palangka Raya with masks covering their face has been a common sight over the past three months. Vehicles crawl along the streets, some with their headlights turned on to help the drivers see in front of them.

PL

PL .RM Stock prices on The Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Oct.21,2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Abdi Bangsa Tbk 270 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 600 25 11,000 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 70 5 109,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 260 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 90 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 775 0 0 Alter Abadi Tbk 10 0 0 Alumindo Light 225 0 0 Andhi...

The courts must be prepared to try terrorist cases

The courts must be prepared to try terrorist cases The government has just issued two antiterrorism regulations (Perpu) in response to the Oct. 12 tragedy in Bali. Many support the government's move, but many have also expressed worry that the regulations will be abused by the authorities as the New Order regime treated the antisuberversion law in the past. Constitutional law expert Dimyati Hartono shares his view with The Jakarta Post's Soeryo Winoto on the issue.

ASEAN region's rising energy demand may draw big investment

ASEAN region's rising energy demand may draw big investment Dow Jones, Bangkok Increasing demand for energy in Association of Southeast Asian Nations member countries over the next two decades should create a number of big investment opportunities in the sector, according to energy experts.

Choreographer blends Indian, local dances

Choreographer blends Indian, local dances Cameron Bates, Jakarta Post, Jakarta The nationwide Festival of India continues on Wednesday night with Sangam, an original dance piece featuring a collaboration of the linked Indian, Sundanese and Balinese classical dancing styles. Indian Embassy cultural attache Nandini Sinha, a choreographer, dancer and teacher, said the piece would visualize the story of Mahabrarata, a famous Hindu epic known to both Indonesians and Indians.

Cannibalism 'common practice' for Manggarai train workshop

Cannibalism 'common practice' for Manggarai train workshop Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Most people hearing the word cannibalism will certainly think of horrifying scenes: A man eats another man or an animal eats another animal. But it is not for people working with the Manggarai Coach Train workshop in Central Jakarta. Cannibalism there is a common practice and necessary for them.

Terror fight must include everyone, Sultan says

Terror fight must include everyone, Sultan says Sri Wahyuni and Haidir Anwar Tanjung, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta/Pekanbaru Yogyakarta Governor Sultan Hamengkubuwono X said on Monday that empowering people with security training would be the best way to deal with terrorism.

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.

National Police deputy chief post revived

National Police deputy chief post revived The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The National Police Headquarters revived on Monday the position of national police deputy chief and appointed Comr. Gen. Kadaryanto to the second top post. The revival of the post and the promotion of Kadaryanto, current deputy of police human resources, was made under a decree dated Oct. 21, 2002 and signed by National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar.

1. HAZE: 1 LINE, 40 COUNTS

1. HAZE: 1 LINE, 40 COUNTS C. Kalimantan awaits rains to get rid of haze It has been a common scene for the past three months here to see motorists riding through downtown Palangkaraya wearing masks. Vehicles slumber their way through the streets, some of them switching on the headlights to help improve visibility.

Refugees refuse repatriation due to unpaid Christmas bonus

Refugees refuse repatriation due to unpaid Christmas bonus Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara Hundreds of East Timorese refugees sheltering in Kupang and Belu regencies have refused to be repatriated, pending the disbursement of Christmas bonuses promised by the Indonesian government.

Lampung governor responsible for budget scam: Prosecutor

Lampung governor responsible for budget scam: Prosecutor Oyos Saroso, The Jakarta Post, Bandarlampung Lampung Governor Oemarsono cannot evade responsibility in a Rp 1.2 billion (US$131,800) case connected with a provincial school book project following the declaration of the former education office chief as a suspect, provincial prosecution authorities said on Monday.

Calls mount for President to lead Bali inquiry

Calls mount for President to lead Bali inquiry Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Amid growing pressure from the international community for a quick investigation into the Bali bombing, calls are mounting for President Megawati Soekarnoputri to take the lead in explaining the direction and target of government policies on the incident. Analysts say that the President should act clearly and decisively to investigate the bombing and bring those responsible to justice.

Muslims and Catholics relations in Indonesia

Muslims and Catholics relations in Indonesia Local Church effort in the context of dialogue. In collaboration with the Commission of Inter religious dialogue in almost every diocese or because of the local need, the parishes develop dialogues of different kinds with adherents of other religions. Almost in every Pastoral Letters in the last 5 years, the Bishops encourage dialogue among other religion.

Inmate with HIV dies in Tangerang

Inmate with HIV dies in Tangerang TANGERANG: An HIV-positive inmate at Tangerang Penitentiary for Youths and Adults died on Sunday from tuberculosis. Tangerang Police chief Insp. Sumanto said that the patient, a resident of Joglo subdistrict, West Jakarta, was serving a four- year jail term for drug abuse. "Based on medical reports, the inmate died on Sunday at about 10 a.m., from tuberculosis," Sumanto said on Monday.

VP denies govt interference in the arrest of Ba'asyir

VP denies govt interference in the arrest of Ba'asyir The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Hard-line Muslim groups lost their guardian angel in the government as Vice President Hamzah Haz threw in his support for the arrest by the National Police of terror suspect Abu Bakar Ba'asyir. Hamzah stressed on Monday that the current police effort to arrest Ba'asyir was based on the law and not to fulfill international community demands for his arrest.

Europe provides $44.6m in aid to East Timor

Europe provides $44.6m in aid to East Timor JAKARTA: The European Commission signed an agreement Monday with East Timor, the world's newest country, to provide 46 million euros (US$44.6 million) in aid over three years. The funds will be put towards a work program to support East Timor's long-term development, focused on health care, rural development and poverty-reduction targets, the EC said in a statement received here.

Fitri Wulandari

Fitri Wulandari The Jakarta Post Jakarta The surge in the amount of Internet users in this country has been slowing this year after doubling each year since 1998, as its market, limited to the middle class and students, has reached a saturation level. Heru Nugroho, the secretary-general of the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association (APJII), said on Monday that the number of Internet users this year would only top 5 million, a slight increase from 4.2 million in 2001.

Suspected rioters in Ambon arrested, 14 sent to jail

Suspected rioters in Ambon arrested, 14 sent to jail Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The police have arrested 13 suspected perpetrators of riots and violence in Maluku, as the Ambon District Court sentenced on Monday 14 men to serve between two years and five years in jail for raising four separatist flags. National Police spokesman Insp. Gen.

Manila says Indonesia commits to back-up oil

Manila says Indonesia commits to back-up oil Reuters, Manila The Philippines said it had won a commitment from Indonesia for additional oil supplies in case a war in Iraq squeezed its traditional crude sources from the Middle East. Pertamina, Indonesia's state oil firm, pledged the additional crude as back-up in the event of disruptions to the Philippines' Middle East sources, state-owned Philippine National Oil Co said at the weekend.

1. MUI - 4x10

1. MUI - 4x10 Ulemas soften stance on nightspots 2. Toll - 2x 16 'Toll road will not ease traffic jams' 3. AIDS - 4x 10 Inmate with HIV dies in Tangerang 3. Bengkel - 2x 25 Cannibalism 'common practice' for Manggarai train workshop 5. Speak - 1x 40 'I have to go along with the entertainment regulation'

Restoring Bali's tourism image

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.

Council gears up for gubernatorial election

Council gears up for gubernatorial election MEDAN, North Sumatra: In early preparations to hold the first ever gubernatorial election in June 2003, the council established on Monday a team to collect public input on the criteria for candidates and procedures for the election. The 19-member Special Committee for Internal Regulations chaired by councillor Maratua Simanjuntak, has 14 days to set a schedule for a series of public hearings.

'Toll road will not ease traffic jams'

'Toll road will not ease traffic jams' Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The construction of toll roads in the city will not solve traffic problems as it will encourage more people to buy cars instead of using public transport, a transportation expert has said. "The recommencement of toll road construction will only provide a better road network for owners of private cars.

Message from the Pope John Paul II on the 'terrible attack' in Bali

Message from the Pope John Paul II on the 'terrible attack' in Bali "His Holiness Pope John Paul II has been deeply shocked by news of the terrible attack in Bali, which has caused many deaths and injuries. He assures his prayers for the victims commending them to Almighty God and invoking divine strength and comfort on the injured and on all affected by this tragic event.

Goh happy about RI action on terrorism

Goh happy about RI action on terrorism Agence France-Presse, Singapore Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong said in remarks published on Monday he was "happy" Indonesia had begun cracking down on terror suspects in the country and stressed the region needed to work together to root out terrorist cells in Southeast Asia.

Mining policy may lead to lower grants

Mining policy may lead to lower grants Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The World Bank is warning that foreign donors may further reduce their environmental grants to Indonesia in response to the government's recent decision to allow several mining firms to operate in protected forests.

Donors postpone meeting

Donors postpone meeting The joint decision by the Indonesian government and its international donor community to postpone the 12th meeting of the Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI), originally scheduled for Oct. 28-29 in Yogyakarta, to early next year, is fully understandable in light of the horrifying Oct. 12 bomb attack in Bali.

RI maintains 5% economic growth target for next year

RI maintains 5% economic growth target for next year The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Defying skepticism over Indonesia's economic prospects post- Oct. 12, the government said it would maintain its 2003 economic growth target of 5 percent even though it was revising downward revenue targets for the year. Coordinating Minister for the Economy Dorodjatun Kuntjoro- Jakti dismissed economists' concern of lower than expected growth following the Bali terrorist attack.

Indigenous beliefs and state policies

Indigenous beliefs and state policies Muhamad Ali, Lecturer, State Islamic University (UIN) Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, muhamad@hawaii.edu Why have indigenous beliefs survived in some parts of Indonesia? Should state policies encourage their conversion to a world religion? Indigenous beliefs do not seem to show any sign of disappearing in Indonesia. Sometimes these are blended with a major religion, as with the Aceh and Islam, and the Batak and Christianity.

Britain-and U.S. expands travel warning for Indonesia

Britain-and U.S. expands travel warning for Indonesia Agencies, Washington/London The United States and Britain on Monday expanded their warning to their citizens about terrorist threats in Indonesia, saying that attacks may be imminent and adding resorts to a list of potential targets. The U.S. embassy in Jakarta said U.S.

Two men robbed in Bogor

Two men robbed in Bogor BOGOR: Four armed men robbed two gas station employees on their way to make a bank deposit, injuring one of the employees and making off with Rp 40 million. The robbery took place on Monday in Putat Nutug, Gunung Sindur subdistrict, Bogor, West Java. The injured employee, identified as Hambali, said one of the robbers shot him in the leg when he refused to hand over the money. After grabbing the cash the robbers fled on two motorcycles.

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.

1. HAZE: 1 LINE, 40 COUNTS

1. HAZE: 1 LINE, 40 COUNTS C. Kalimantan awaits rain to drive away haze 2. HOT: 1 LINE, 45 COUNTS Fires prompt call for conservation of peat forest 3. ZOO: 1 LINE, 35 COUNTS 'Banteng', 'anoa' cloned in U.S. frozen zoo

'Bali needs confidence not tax relief order'

'Bali needs confidence not tax relief order' Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Directorate General of Taxation has offered tax relief for the tourist industry in Bali as part of efforts to help the island recover from the devastating bombings of Oct. 12. However, tourist-related businesses on the island coolly greeted the offer, saying it was not what they needed at this difficult time and that there was nothing left of their businesses to tax.

American 'diplomacy' creating new terrorism

American 'diplomacy' creating new terrorism Iqbal Widastomo, Research Associate, London School of Economics Bali and, mostly, its tourist guests have become the latest victims in America's war on terrorism. Inevitably, though, we have to wonder whether Bali would have become a victim had American policies and diplomacy been different.

Regional, int'l cooperation to fight terrorism

Regional, int'l cooperation to fight terrorism Two things are top priorities for Indonesia now: (i) to arrest and expose the perpetrators and mastermind of the bomb blasts in Bali on Oct. 12, and (ii) to draw up a clear anti-terrorism policy. The second priority is also concerned with international cooperation against terrorism as called for by the Philippine president and the prime minister of Thailand. A regional conference must be held to mobilize a regional front against terrorism.

Fitri Wulandari

Fitri Wulandari The Jakarta Post Jakarta The surge in the amount of Internet users in this country has been slowing this year after doubling each year since 1998, as its market, limited to the middle class and students, has reached a saturation level. Heru Nugroho, the secretary-general of the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association (APJII), said on Monday that the number of Internet users this year would only top 5 million, a slight increase from 4.2 million in 2001.

Fitri Wulandari

Fitri Wulandari The Jakarta Post Jakarta The surge in the amount of Internet users in this country has been slowing this year after doubling each year since 1998, as its market, limited to the middle class and students, has reached a saturation level. Heru Nugroho, the secretary-general of the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association (APJII), said on Monday that the number of Internet users this year would only top 5 million, a slight increase from 4.2 million in 2001.

Captain suspect in boat capsize

Captain suspect in boat capsize Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon, West Java Police named on Monday the captain of the Bunga Muwarta motorized fishing boat a suspect in Sunday's accident in the waters of Cirebon that left 10 people, mostly children, dead. Cirebon Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Musyafak said the skipper, Udin Bin Dayim, 20, will be charged with negligence and violation of Article 359 of the Criminal Code. The article carries a maximum of 10 years imprisonment upon conviction.

Bali governor praise people for not seeking revenge

Bali governor praise people for not seeking revenge I Wayan Juniartha The Jakarta Post Denpasar, Bali Bali Governor I Dewa Made Beratha urged Balinese here on Monday not to drown themselves in the anguish and sorrow that had engulfed them since the Oct. 12 bombing in Legian, Kuta and praised their restraint in not seeking revenge. "Yes, the tragedy has inflicted sorrow and pain upon all of us. But we should not let ourselves be carried away by those emotions.

Turning to the domestic market

Turning to the domestic market In 1997 economic observers used to say that our big companies, enjoying protection and facilities from the government, were good only in the domestic market. When the economic crisis made Indonesia ask the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for help, it forced Indonesia to open its market to foreign products, a situation that still continues with some people believing Indonesia is far more liberal than the WTO agreement requires.

Shun the advice on terror from U.S.

Shun the advice on terror from U.S. Following the bomb blasts in Bali on Oct. 12, there has now been a call for the establishment of an anti-terrorism law or for the president to issue a government decree in lieu of the law. Is an emergency act really necessary? The Bali tragedy has harmed Indonesia more than any other country, such as the United States or Australia, which always say they are targeted by terrorists. Bali is a showcase and symbol for Indonesia in the international arena.

U.S. monitors blast probe for technology used

U.S. monitors blast probe for technology used Agencies, Bangkok The United States could review its trade in dual-use and military technology with troubled Indonesia as a result of the Bali bombing, a senior U.S. trade official said on Monday. U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce Kenneth Juster, who is touring Southeast Asia, told reporters Washington was keeping a close eye on the investigation of the Oct. 12 nightclub blast that killed more than 180 people, many of them foreign tourists.

Airport security tightened amid new terror threats

Airport security tightened amid new terror threats The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The authorities have tightened security at airports and other key facilities across the country following renewed threats of terror attacks in the wake of the Bali bombing tragedy, police said on Monday. More than 100 additional police officers, some of them plain- clothed personnel, were deployed at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport near Jakarta to tighten security there, said airport police chief Insp.

WTO says terror a short-term blow

WTO says terror a short-term blow Dow Jones, Sydney The Madrid-based World Tourism Organization said Monday that the recent terrorist bombing on the Indonesian holiday island of Bali has dealt a severe blow to regional tourism. Bali and other Indonesian islands had been popular destinations for Australians until the Oct. 12 bombing of the Sari nightclub that killed an estimated 92 Australians.

Rajek district wants high school

Rajek district wants high school TANGERANG: Hundreds of residents from Rajek district, Tangerang, threatened on Monday to stage a rally at the regency administration office in Tigaraksa because the administration had failed to build a senior high school in the district.

* National: Govt-GAM dialog should have no deadline: HDC 4

* National: Govt-GAM dialog should have no deadline: HDC 4 * Archipelago: Terror fight must include everyone: Sultan 5 * Opinion: Indigenous beliefs and state policies 7 * City: Ulemas soften stance on nightspots8 * Sports: Ernie Els too strong for wayward Sergio Garcia 9 * World: N. Korea ready to talk with U.S. on nuclear arms 12 * Business: Manila says Indonesia commits to back up oil 14 * Features: C. Kalimantan awaits rain to drive away haze 18

Fitri Wulandari

Fitri Wulandari The Jakarta Post Jakarta Growth of Internet users in the country has been slowing down this year, after it doubled every year since 1998, as its market, which limited to middle class and students, has reached saturation. Heru Nugroho, the secretary general of the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association (APJII) said Monday, this year the number of internet users would only top 5 million, a slight increase from 4.2 million in 2001.

Police raids net bullets and drugs

Police raids net bullets and drugs PALU, Central Sulawesi: In a search for explosive materials, the police raided on Monday two entertainment spots and found 26 bullets, 140 ecstasy pills and two packs of crystal methamphetamine. The police arrested 17 people suspected of possessing the ammunition and psychotropic substance. Chief of detectives Adj. Sr. Comr. Ricky F.

Some 12 foreigners nabbed

Some 12 foreigners nabbed JAKARTA: The Immigration authorities nabbed 12 foreign nationals last Friday for misusing their visas. "We caught eight Chinese nationals and four Uzbekistan nationals for engaging in activities not in accordance with their visa description," spokesman of the Immigration Directorate General, Ade Endang Dahlan told reporters on Monday. Ade said the 12 foreigners were working as guides at karaoke parlors although they only had tourist and business visas.

Fires prompt call for the conservasion of peat forests

Fires prompt call for the conservasion of peat forests The Jakarta Post, Palangka Raya, C. Kalimantan As fires have been an annual problem in recent years in Central Kalimantan, the government needs to conserve the remaining peat swamp forests, according to the Center for International Cooperation in Management of Tropical Peatland (CIMTROP).

Retroactivity for terrorist regulations gains support

Retroactivity for terrorist regulations gains support Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A number of experts expressed on Monday their support for a retroactive principle in the government regulation in lieu of law No. 1/2002 on antiterrorism, saying it must be implemented to deal with other terror attacks prior to the carnage in Bali.

Indonesia enchants me

Indonesia enchants me I am an Australian, having just returned from a two-week (first time) holiday to Indonesia. I was humbled by Indonesia and its people. I arrived thinking that I may be able to imagine how people living with little may be doing it; considering I am a frequent traveller to Africa -- another third world destination. However, I had not countered the magnitude of what it means to live with the size of the population that Indonesia deals with. And how does it happen?

Police detain 11 Salemba inmates

Police detain 11 Salemba inmates JAKARTA: Police took into custody 11 inmates from the Salemba detention center in Central Jakarta on Monday following a mass brawl between inmates. The brawl was incited by an incident on Sunday when inmates from Block Q beat up an inmate from Block M, Margono who was passing Block Q. Inmates from Block M then attacked Block Q but guards at the detention center were able to prevent further clashes, detik.com reported.

Fitri Wulandari

Fitri Wulandari The Jakarta Post Jakarta The surge in the amount of Internet users in this country has been slowing this year after doubling each year since 1998, as its market, limited to the middle class and students, has reached a saturation level. Heru Nugroho, the secretary-general of the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association (APJII), said on Monday that the number of Internet users this year would only top 5 million, a slight increase from 4.2 million in 2001.

RI maintains 5% economic growth target for next year

RI maintains 5% economic growth target for next year The Jakarta Post Jakarta Defying skepticism over Indonesia's economic prospects post- Oct. 12, the government said it would maintain its 2003 economic growth target of 5 percent even though it was revising downward revenue targets for the year. Coordinating Minister for the Economy Dorodjatun Kuntjoro- Jakti dismissed economists' concern of lower than expected growth following the Bali terrorist attack.

After Bali: Has Bush succeeded in war obsession against terrorism?

After Bali: Has Bush succeeded in war obsession against terrorism? Abdillah Toha, Executive Director, Institute for Socio-Economic and Political Studies (In-SEP), Jakarta One year after the Sept. 11 attack we should ask ourselves honestly whether the world has become a safer place and whether Bush has succeeded in the "war against terror".

Fitri Wulandari

Fitri Wulandari The Jakarta Post Jakarta The surge in the amount of Internet users in this country has been slowing this year after doubling each year since 1998, as its market, limited to the middle class and students, has reached a saturation level. Heru Nugroho, the secretary-general of the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association (APJII), said on Monday that the number of Internet users this year would only top 5 million, a slight increase from 4.2 million in 2001.

Balinese hold prayer for bomb victims

Balinese hold prayer for bomb victims I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali About 2,000 Hindus, Muslims, Christians and Buddhists attended an interfaith service here on Monday to pray for the victims of the Bali bombings. The service was marked by a speech from Bali Governor Dewa Made Beratha, who urged the Balinese to begin rebuilding the shattered island. "The tragedy has inflicted sorrow and pain upon all of us. But we must not let ourselves be carried away by these emotions.