Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 31 October 2002

78 articles found

Garuda slashes flights in wake of Bali blast

Garuda slashes flights in wake of Bali blast Associated Press, Sydney Indonesia's national carrier Garuda announced Wednesday it will cut flights to countries around the world while inbound tourism dries up in the wake of the Bali bomb attack earlier this month. Garuda Indonesia said it would reduce flights to Australia, the United Kingdom, Japan and South Korea, and cease flights to the cities of Frankfurt in Germany, Fukuoka in Japan and Adelaide in Australia. The changes will begin Nov. 15.

BI keeps SBI rate unchanged at 13.10%

BI keeps SBI rate unchanged at 13.10% JAKARTA: The weighted average interest rate on one-month SBI promissory notes was unchanged at 13.10 percent, as expected, in a weekly auction Wednesday, the central bank said. Bank Indonesia also said it accepted Rp 14 trillion (US$1.5 billion) of bids at the auction, or 92 percent of total bids. Indonesia had been cutting rates this year to boost economic growth. The benchmark one-month SBI was almost 18 percent in the third quarter of last year.

JP/14/brief

JP/14/brief Govt moves to attract investment JAKARTA: Indonesia's government has invited foreign investors to meet in Bali Nov. 4-5 in a bid to restore confidence after the deadly bombing on the holiday island. The "Indonesian Investor Forum 2002" will take place in Bali only three weeks after a bomb ripped through a nightclub packed with Western tourists, killing more than 180 people.

'A 7 percent pay hike? It should be 70 percent'

'A 7 percent pay hike? It should be 70 percent' The decision to increase the minimum wage by 7 percent next January, which has been agreed upon by the tripartite commission of the city administration, employers and labor unions, has already sparked various responses from employees. The following are some of the workers who told The Jakarta Post that they were accustomed to receiving salaries that were far below the minimum wage.

Tempest in a teacup?

Tempest in a teacup? The forcible removal by police of Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Ba'asyir from his hospital bed in Surakarta (Solo) triggered an immediate uproar among his most devoted followers in that Central Java city -- as well as on the part of the media there and in Jakarta. Four days later, the situation that is emerging appears to justify the belief that fears of a Muslim backlash in the wake of the incident have been much exaggerated.

Prices of staple food increase by 40 percent

Prices of staple food increase by 40 percent The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The price of most staple foods continues to increase by up to 40 percent as the fasting month, expected to start on Wednesday, approaches. Vendors at Kramat Jati market, East Jakarta; Pasar Minggu market, South Jakarta as well as Petojo market, Central Jakarta, confirmed on Wednesday that the price of basic ingredients such as flour, eggs and sugar, as well as of vegetables, had started to rise since the previous week.

1. Wenda: 24 x 1 line

1. Wenda: 24 x 1 line Police launch manhunt in Papua 2. Perang: 30 x 1 line Two killed, one injured in Lampung attacks 3. Solo: 24 x 2 lines Ba'asyir's devotees stage angry protest in Yogyakarta

Indonesian shadow puppets struggle for encore

Indonesian shadow puppets struggle for encore Dean Yates, Reuters, Kaliwinonglor, Indonesia Timbul Hadiprayitno sits behind a white cotton screen, manipulating the limbs of an array of leather puppets and altering his voice to match the characters playing out a centuries-old story. With lungs that belie his waif-like size, Hadiprayitno chants in ancient Javanese as cigarette smoke drifts over rows of mesmerised faces in a village in the heart of Java, Indonesia's main island and cultural centre.

Dana extends lead with 10-under

Dana extends lead with 10-under JAKARTA (JP): Dana Mahmud from Pantai Indah Kapuk Golf Club, North Jakarta, retained the lead with a 10-under 134 (66, 68) after two days of play in the Pemuda Pancasila Cup IV at the Matoa Nasional Golf Club, Ciganjur, South Jakarta, on Wednesday. Opening the day with a 6-under 66, Dana carded 35 in the front nine with a birdie in the par-5 3rd and 8 more pars. He went home with four birdies and a bogey to better his score to 33, to make it 4-under 68.

Iran dominates Japan to retain Futsal title

Iran dominates Japan to retain Futsal title Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Reigning champion Iran emerged as the dominant force in the final match of the Asian Futsal Championship to hand Japan a 6-0 loss and retain the title for the fourth consecutive time here on Wednesday. Iran, with the backing of the majority of the spectators packing the Bung Karno Sports Hall, scored three goals in each half.

Transparent process

Transparent process Abu Bakar Ba'asyir's case is very complicated. The clash between his supporters and police officers when he was taken out of the hospital in Surakarta and brought to Jakarta could be cited as an example. The legal proceedings involving the senior Muslim cleric must be transparent, clear and conducted in a humane way. Wisdom and awareness are needed to deal with the complex case that may have political overtones.

No conflict among senior security officials: BIN

No conflict among senior security officials: BIN The Jakarta Post, Jakarta An official dismissed fear of possible competition among intelligence and security institutions that could make the current war against terrorism in the country counterproductive.

Rupiah Rates Oct.30

Rupiah Rates Oct.30 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp Australian dollar 1 5,400.43 4,840.07 5,148.00 5,092.27 Brunei dollar 1 5,484.47 4,917.04 5,228.12 5,173.25 Canadian dollar 1 6,212.34 5,569.19 5,921.97 5,859.38 Swiss franc 1 6,516.17 5,843.34 6,211.59 6,147.81 Danish krone 1 1,283.92 1,151.22 1,223.91 1,211.20 Euro 1 9,543.99 8,557.04 9,097.89 9,002.91 Poundsterling 1 15,117.31 13,553.94 14,410.71 14,260.19 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,245.42 1,117.05 1,187.20 1,175.

The Bali tragedy

The Bali tragedy The Bali tragedy did not only shock Bali as the country's most famous tourist destination, but also the whole world. A strong effort must be undertaken to bring back the image of Bali as a safe and peaceful tourist haven before the tourism sector and its related services collapse, and Bali becomes a paradise lost. A campaign involving travel agents, airlines, hotels etc.

1. Market - 4x 12

1. Market - 4x 12 Prices of staple food increase by 40 percent 2. Night - 1x 20 Clubs close for Ramadhan 3. Land - 2x 25 BPN chided for asking fees in providing public service 4. Speak - 2x 20 'A 7 percent pay hike? It should be 70 percent'

Caning vs human rights

Caning vs human rights Caning is to be introduced as punishment and that caning is to be carried out in open places for public viewing in Aceh for those who do not carry out their religious obligations. Abubakar -- head of Aceh's sharia office -- has stated that "sharia will not disturb people's privacy or human rights". Obviously he doesn't subscribe to the modern internationally accepted definition, but prefers the Middle Ages' concept; Theocratism and its inquisition was just and tolerant.

Australians want peace, not war

Australians want peace, not war The assumptions and speculation that Australians might become an easy target of terrorist attacks due to Australian involvement in the Afghanistan war and planned war against Iraq, had been in the public domain long before the tragic events at Sari Club and Paddy's. The ASIO Report released in April contained the same warning. The Bali bombing has not changed this public attitude. Despite a media blackout on Oct.

Talks on ASEAN-China free trade area to start next year

Talks on ASEAN-China free trade area to start next year Agence France-Presse, Jakarta Negotiations for a Southeast Asia-China free trade area with a potential combined market of 1.7 billion people will start next year, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) said Wednesday. ASEAN secretary general Rodolfo Severino said Southeast Asian leaders will sign an agreement on comprehensive economic cooperation between ASEAN and China during the grouping's summit in Cambodia on Nov. 4.

Balinese need time for trauma healing

Balinese need time for trauma healing I Wayan Juniartha The Jakarta Post Kuta, Bali Dewa Darnesta ha never been able to sleep well since that terrible night of Oct. 12, when a powerful explosion destroyed the crowded Sari Club on Jl. Legian, Kuta. In fact, he had four sleepless days after the explosion. "An extreme feeling of fear overpowered me for days after the blast.

* Headlines: Analysts say RI-U.S. ties improving2

* Headlines: Analysts say RI-U.S. ties improving2 * National:'Antiterrorism bill protects human rights'4 * Archipelago:Papuan separatist leader breaks out of jail 5 * Opinion: Globalization must benefit rich and poor7 * City:Prices of staple food up by 40 percent8 * Sports:Els to maintain Wentworth form9 * World:U.S. softens stance in resolution on Iraq11 * Business: Budget needs at least Rp10t extra loans13 * Features: Lula: From factory worker to president 20

Govt says antiterrorism bill protects human rights

Govt says antiterrorism bill protects human rights Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak and Debbie A. Lubis, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra brushed aside on Wednesday fears of potential human rights abuse as a consequence of the government regulations in lieu of law on terrorism and the antiterrorism bill.

Let's be more confident

Let's be more confident With its new antiterrorism regulations, Indonesia has vowed to be tougher against all kinds of terror. President Megawati Soekarnoputri confirmed Indonesia's stance against terrorism at the APEC meeting in Mexico last week. At home Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is in charge of coordinating the effort to deal with terror-related affairs.

The Bali tragedy

The Bali tragedy The Bali tragedy did not only shock Bali as the country's most famous tourist destination, but also the whole world. A strong effort must be undertaken to bring back the image of Bali as a safe and peaceful tourist haven before the tourism sector and its related services collapse, and Bali becomes a paradise lost. A campaign involving travel agents, airlines, hotels etc.

1. TIME: 1 line, 38 COUNTS

1. TIME: 1 line, 38 COUNTS Balinese need time to recover from trauma 2. COOKIN: 1 LINE, 4 COUNTS Learn to cook at Ubud's scenic culinary temple

FORD JAKARTA PUSAT SUPERSTORE LAUNCH: For the launch of the third

FORD JAKARTA PUSAT SUPERSTORE LAUNCH: For the launch of the third Ford Superstore in Indonesia, located in Central Jakarta, PT Ford Motor Indonesia staged a "Family Fun Day." The event was also used to showcase Ford's newest product - the rugged yet sophisticated Ford Escape, a compact SUV. The new Superstore is fitted with children's play areas, coffee bars, comfortable seating and the latest interactive merchandise displays.

United Nations climate conference gears up and `get serious'

United Nations climate conference gears up and `get serious' Stevie Emilia, The Jakarta Post, New Delhi India said on Wednesday that poor countries battling to feed their starving populace should not be set the same targets as rich nations for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Papuan separatist leader breaks out of jail

Papuan separatist leader breaks out of jail Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura The Police have deployed hundreds of personnel to Indonesia's border area with Papua New Guinea (PNG) to prevent Papua's most wanted man, Benny Wenda, from escaping to the neighboring country after he escaped from jail on Sunday.

AGO to check Soeharto's health

AGO to check Soeharto's health JAKARTA: The Attorney General's Office said on Wednesday it would consult with its team of doctors to clarify whether former strongman Soeharto was fit to stand trial for corruption after he traveled to Central Java and Yogyakarta. In a surprise move, Soeharto visited the grave of his wife and mother in Karanganyar, Central Java, and the tomb of his father in Bantul, Yogyakarta on Tuesday.

Loggers fight, one dies

Loggers fight, one dies KOTABARU, South Kalimantan: Two local residents of Timur Laut island fought over a log near Kemasan forest here on Wednesday, with one of them losing his life. Andud, 30, was found dead with severe stab wounds after the clash with Saiful, 25, who remains unconscious at a local hospital. The police were forced to tighten security at the hospital as Andud's family threatened to kill Saiful out of revenge.

Australian agents raid RI Muslim homes

Australian agents raid RI Muslim homes Agencies, Sydney/Jakarta Heavily-armed Australian federal agents raided homes of Indonesian Muslims on Wednesday in a nationwide hunt for members of an Islamic radical group held responsible for the Oct. 12 bombing in Bali, AFP reported. Police and intelligence agents armed with submachine guns and wearing helmets, flak-jackets and masks smashed their way into two homes in pre-dawn raids in the Perth suburb of Thornlie in Western Australia.

Two killed, one injured in attacks on Lampung villages

Two killed, one injured in attacks on Lampung villages Oyos Saroso H.N., The Jakarta Post, Menggala, Lampung Two men were killed and one man was seriously injured when gunmen launched a three-day attack on the inhabitants of almost a dozen villages in Lampung. Mindi, 34, died instantly on Tuesday while Made Warse, 45, died several hours after arriving for treatment at Abdul Muluk General Hospital in Bandar Lampung. Both were residents of Wirabangun village in Tulangbawang.

PDI-P legislators free on Akbar

PDI-P legislators free on Akbar JAKARTA: President Megawati Soekarnoputri's Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) said on Wednesday it would allow its legislators to make up their own minds about the fate of convicted fraudster Akbar Tandjung, the House of Representatives speaker. "The (PDI Perjuangan) faction in the House will not intervene in the issue of Akbar Tandjung. We support the process, not the substance," PDI Perjuangan faction chairman Roy B. B.

Learn to cook at Ubud's scenic culinary temple

Learn to cook at Ubud's scenic culinary temple Judy Chapman, Contributor, Ubud, Bali The air is thick with the scent of perfectly ripe mangoes. Its luxuriant and velvety syrup tumbles into my glass as if spilling down from Epicurean gods. Banana leaves are reverently wrapped around tenggiri fish like shrouds concealing sacred objects. Spicy aromas rise from a chili lime sambel like smoke from ceremonial incense.

Internet players to set up Internet body

Internet players to set up Internet body Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Several business associations and local universities are preparing to set up an independent Internet body to help develop and improve the system within the local Internet industry. Named the Indonesian Internet Agency (LII), the body is expected to work with various sectors, including non-governmental organizations and the government, to create regulations and policies on the Internet industry.

Sutiyoso plans to close city to migrants

Sutiyoso plans to close city to migrants Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Undeterred by fierce criticism of his policy, Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso reiterated on Wednesday his intention to close the city to migrants who do not have sufficient money to live on, job offers or a house to stay in. "We have certain requirements; not all migrants can enter the city," Sutiyoso told reporters after opening a seminar on population at Sari Pan Pacific Hotel here.

Govt to deploy 1,800 officers to guard Xanana's visit

Govt to deploy 1,800 officers to guard Xanana's visit Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang Indonesia will deploy more than 1,800 security personnel from the military and police to enhance security during East Timor President Jose Alexandre "Xanana" Gusmao's visit to West Timor from Nov. 1 through Nov. 4. Deputy chief of the East Nusa Tenggara Provincial Police Sr. Comr.

TV Program: Thursday, October 31, 2002

TV Program: Thursday, October 31, 2002 TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:30 Health Program 9:00 TV Drama 9:30 Music 10:30 Quiz 11:30 Music 12:00 p.m. News 1:00 Talk Show 2:00 News 3:00 Documentary 4:00 TV Drama 5:00 Documentary 6:00 News 7:00 Talk Show 9:00 News 9:30 Music: Country Road 11:00 TV Drama 12:00 News TPI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 7:00 Quiz 8:00 Music 9:00 Indian Film 12:00 p.m.

Resolution of protracted conflict in Aceh

Resolution of protracted conflict in Aceh Azhari Idris, Aceh Coordinator, Indonesian Conflict Study Network (ICSN), Banda Aceh, az_idris@fastmail.fm Internal conflict in Aceh is complex and dynamic, rooted in the specifics of the society in question. The conflict in Aceh must be approached as a specific socio-political situation, with a balance between a structured human security approach and attention to specific sectors of importance that have driven people to violence.

UKI cancels classes after bomb hoax

UKI cancels classes after bomb hoax JAKARTA: The Indonesian Christian University (UKI) suspended all activities on Thursday following the finding of a package suspected to be a live bomb after receiving a bomb threat by telephone. The university received a call at about 11 a.m. claiming there were three bombs placed in the campus. The police bomb squad, who was immediately called to the campus, found a package containing spray-paint, a medicine box and a clock.

Police release sketches of Bali bomb suspects

Police release sketches of Bali bomb suspects The Jakarta Post, Bali/Jakarta The police on Wednesday released simultaneously in Jakarta and Bali composite sketches of three people believed to be the suspects in the Oct. 12 deadly bomb explosion that has claimed over 190 lives, mostly foreigners. The release of the sketches on Wednesday is a result of the joint inquiry team's two-week investigation into the tragedy. At a news conference near the bomb blast site, Insp. Gen.

Minister issues decree to limit textile imports

Minister issues decree to limit textile imports Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Ministry of Industry and Trade has issued a decree to limit textile imports in a bid to help the local industry, which has been severely hurt by massive quantities of cheap imports. Decree No. 732/2002, which was signed by minister Rini MS Soewandi on Tuesday, stipulates that the importation of textile products can only be done by local textile producers.

Separatist weapons confiscated

Separatist weapons confiscated MANOKWARI, Papua: National Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) troops here confiscated two weapons from a separatist movement in Ambumi village, Manokwari regency, following a gunfight. Manokwari Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Yohanis Prapto Wirahadi said on Wednesday the weapons seized were SP and SS1 types, with 29 bullets. No casualties were reported in the clash. Yohanis said the rebels, still possessing three SS1s, fled to the nearby forest.

Rp 400m stolen in robbery

Rp 400m stolen in robbery BOGOR: Four armed-criminals forced a doctor and his family to hand over more than Rp 400 million worth of cash, diamonds, laptops and cellular phones during a violent robbery in Bogor early Tuesday. Dr Adi Teruna Efendi's wife Yekti Hartati said the pair and their son and daughter-in-law were awoken by the robbers in their home in Villa Duta III, Baranangsiang, east Bogor at 3.30 a.m.

Taxi drivers suffer economic fallout from Bali blasts

Taxi drivers suffer economic fallout from Bali blasts Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The bombing in Bali has reverberated all the way back to Jakarta, where taxi drivers are feeling the effects of the attack. The blast, which killed almost 200 people, many of them foreign tourists, shook the image that parts of Indonesia at least were safe for foreigners.

Government under fire for ineptitude, lack of leadership

Government under fire for ineptitude, lack of leadership Muhammad Nafik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Experts and religious leaders expressed grave concerns on Wednesday over the government's ability and seriousness in dealing with the country's problems. The current national leaders, they said, had lost their credibility to run the country, and should therefore not run in the 2004 general election. "The people are currently living in a condition where it seems there is no government at all.

Ba'asyir's devotees stage protest

Ba'asyir's devotees stage protest Sri Wahyuni and Tarko Sudiarno, The Jakarta Post, Surakarta/Yogyakarta Hundreds of alumni from Al-Mukmin Islamic Boarding School went on strike in Yogyakarta on Wednesday to protest the police arrest of their headmaster and terror suspect Abu Bakar Ba'asyir. Calling the methods used by police to forcibly remove the suspect an "abduction", the protesters gathered at the state-run radio station RRI in the city.

Security tightened for ASEAN summit

Security tightened for ASEAN summit CAMBODIA: Cambodian officials assert that there are no terrorists in the country. But they are not taking any chances, and have prepared an unprecedented security blanket for next week's Southeast Asian summit. Intelligence agents supported by 2,000 police and soldiers will patrol the streets during the Nov. 3-5 summit to ensure the safety of more than 1,000 delegates from 14 countries, Phnom Penh Gov. Chea Sophara said.

Tangerang clubs close for Ramadhan

Tangerang clubs close for Ramadhan All entertainment spots in Tangerang regency must be closed during the fasting month of Ramadhan, following pressure from ulemas and local public figures, regent Agus Djunara said on Wednesday. "In order to respect Muslims who are observing the fasting ritual, the regency government has ordered the Public Order Agency to close all entertainment spots (during the month)," Agus was quoted by Antara as saying.

JP/14/brief

JP/14/brief Govt moves to attract investment JAKARTA: Indonesia's government has invited foreign investors to meet in Bali Nov. 4-5 in a bid to restore confidence after the deadly bombing on the holiday island. The "Indonesian Investor Forum 2002" will take place in Bali only three weeks after a bomb ripped through a nightclub packed with Western tourists, killing more than 180 people.

ASEAN countries to help promote Bali

ASEAN countries to help promote Bali Tiarma Siboro and I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar Following the terror attacks in Bali, which have severely crippled tourism there, ambassadors from Southeast Asian countries vowed on Wednesday to join efforts to promote Bali as a tourist destination. ASEAN ambassadors to Indonesia told Bali Governor Dewa Made Bharata on Wednesday that their countries would not issue travel advisories on Indonesia, moreover Bali, to their citizens.

Australia raids Indonesians' homes in anti-terrorist crackdown

Australia raids Indonesians' homes in anti-terrorist crackdown Agencies Sydney/Jakarta Heavily-armed Australian federal agents raided homes of Indonesian Muslims on Wednesday in a nationwide hunt for members of an Islamic radical group held responsible for the Oct. 12 bombing in Bali, AFP reported. Indonesia quickly expressed its concern over the raid, which was part of a crackdown on possible Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) members operating in Australia.

Canberra warns of danger in E. Timor

Canberra warns of danger in E. Timor AUSTRALIA: Canberra warned on Wednesday about an increased threat of terrorist attacks in East Timor targeting Australian, U.S. and Portuguese interests. The foreign ministry said security had been stepped up at its embassy in Dili and it told Australian nationals to "exercise extreme caution" in the country in light of "terrorist threats".

Exploiter and exploited -- Australia and Indonesia

Exploiter and exploited -- Australia and Indonesia 2. Iqbal -- Globalization: 21st-century imperialism 1 X 30 Imperialism for the 21st century Dr. Iqbal Widastomo, (Research Associate, R&D Unit - School of Politics, London School of Economics)

Balinese need time to recover from trauma

Balinese need time to recover from trauma I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Kuta, Bali Dewa Darnesta has not been able to sleep well since that terrible night of Oct. 12, when a powerful explosion destroyed the crowded Sari Club on Jl. Legian in Kuta. In fact, he had four sleepless nights after the explosion. "An extreme feeling of fear overpowered me for days after the blast.

HONORED GUEST: Hotel Borobudur Jakarta had the pleasure of

HONORED GUEST: Hotel Borobudur Jakarta had the pleasure of hosting the visit of Minister of Information Industry of the People's Republic of China, Wu Jichuan, during his recent visit to participate in the ASEAN - CHINA ICT meeting. Pictured above: Wu Jichuan (center) escorted by the hotel's Resident Manager I Wayan Astawa (right) and Director of Sales and Marketing Jasmina Janik.

S'pore begins imposing standards on maid agencies after surge in complaints

S'pore begins imposing standards on maid agencies after surge in complaints Alexa Olesen, Associated Press, Singapore The government of Singapore began accrediting maid agencies Wednesday following a surge in complaints over unethical and unprofessional behavior. The Labor Ministry accredited 19 of the city-state's 700 maid agencies as a first step toward bringing a "greater level of professionalism" to the industry, said Ng Eng Hen, a minister of state for education and manpower.

([i]Caption checked and approved by client for HOTEL BOROBUDUR

(Caption checked and approved by client for HOTEL BOROBUDUR JAKARTA Spotlight Oct. 31, 2002) ============================================================== HONORED GUEST: Hotel Borobudur Jakarta had the pleasure of hosting the visit of Minister of Information Industry of the People's Republic of China, Wu Jichuan, during his recent visit to participate in the ASEAN - CHINA ICT meeting.

No longer cool in Bukit Sentul

No longer cool in Bukit Sentul From Media Indonesia With regard to a special feature on the Bukit Sentul residential area (Media Indonesia, Sept. 30, 2002), we, too, would like to address our complaints to the developer. Our relative had a disappointing experience with the developer when he bought a house at Bukit Sentul because: * He could make the payment of the house in Jakarta but had to settle all the necessary papers/documents in Sentul.

Singapore Embassy clarifies

Singapore Embassy clarifies JAKARTA: The Singaporean Embassy in Jakarta confirmed on Thursday that an embassy car was involved in an accident on Wednesday evening but emphasized that there was no diplomat involved. "According to the driver who was alone when the incident occurred, a motorcyclist had hit the car," First Secretary William Tan told The Jakarta Post in a written statement. "As the driver regarded it to be a minor incident, he continued with his journey.

Resolution of protracted conflict in Aceh

Resolution of protracted conflict in Aceh 2. Pro31 -- The diseases of globalization 1 X 36 Globalization must benefit rich and poor 3. Noor -- Demonisation of innocent Islamic groups 1 X 36 Islamophobia outlaws innocent groups Farish A. Noor New Straits Times Kuala Lumpur

Political parties should be limited

Political parties should be limited JAKARTA: The Indonesian Democratic of Struggle Party (PDI Perjuangan) said on Wednesday that the House of Representatives should limit the number of political parties in the country by tightening its criteria. Soetardjo Soerjogoeritno, a senior party leader and also the House deputy speaker, said a party should have the central board offices and branch offices in at least 50 percent of the provinces.

Civilian police sued over attack

Civilian police sued over attack PEKANBARU, Riau: Members of the Civilian Police (Satpol) with the Riau administration have been reported to the local police for attacking a public servant. Raja Sapeloras, the victim, had filed a report to the local police to allow them to follow up the case. A group of Satpol personnel attacked Raja as he insisted on entering his workplace at the governor's office, although he had failed to show his ID card. As his excuse Raja said he had forgotten to bring it.

Govt, CGI to meet on Friday

Govt, CGI to meet on Friday The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government and Indonesia's main creditor countries under the Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI) will meet on Friday to discuss additional loans to cope with an expected budget blowout next year in the wake of the Oct. 12 Bali bombing. The informal meeting sets the ground for CGI's annual meeting, which was delayed to early January from late October because of the terrorist strike.

Budget needs at least Rp 10t extra loans: Economists

Budget needs at least Rp 10t extra loans: Economists The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Facing a plunge in state revenue after the Oct. 12 terrorist strike in Bali, the 2003 state budget needs additional loans of at least Rp 10 trillion (about US$1 billion) to plug a wider than expected budget deficit, economists said on Wednesday.

FORD JAKARTA PUSAT SUPERSTORE LAUNCH: For the launch of the third

FORD JAKARTA PUSAT SUPERSTORE LAUNCH: For the launch of the third Ford Superstore in Indonesia, located in Central Jakarta, PT Ford Motor Indonesia staged a "Family Fun Day." The event was also used to showcase Ford's newest product - the rugged yet sophisticated Ford Escape, a compact SUV. The new Superstore is fitted with children's play areas, coffee bars, comfortable seating and the latest interactive merchandise displays.

Police find marijuana field

Police find marijuana field PADANG, West Sumatra: Local police in Solok, West Sumatra, found on Tuesday a 400-square-meter marijuana plantation and 115 marijuana plants ready for harvest. The police detained two local men believed to be the plantation's owners. "Thanks to local people who reported the suspect field, we were able to discover the marijuana plantation," West Sumatra Police spokesman Comr. Heri Dwi Prantodo said on Tuesday.

Bali still to host Olympic qualifying matches

Bali still to host Olympic qualifying matches Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Qualifying matches for the Olympic beach volleyball competition will still be held in Bali in October next year, despite the terrorist attack, the Indonesian Volleyball Association (PBVSI) said on Wednesday. "The world volleyball body (FIVB) has confirmed the event will go ahead as planned," PBVSI chairwoman Rita Subowo said.

Australians want peace, not war

Australians want peace, not war The assumptions and speculation that Australians might become an easy target of terrorist attacks due to Australian involvement in the Afghanistan war and planned war against Iraq, had been in the public domain long before the tragic events at Sari Club and Paddy's. The ASIO Report released in April contained the same warning. The Bali bombing has not changed this public attitude. Despite a media blackout on Oct.

East Java wins education contest

East Java wins education contest BOGOR, West Java: A team from East Java was declared on Wednesday the winner of this year's national education contest held here from Nov. 26 until Nov. 30. It won three golds, four silvers and three bronzes, defeating 29 other teams from other provinces across the country taking part in a range of categories. The runner up of the contest involving around 600 students and teachers was from Jakarta, while third place went to Central Java.

Analysts say RI-U.S. ties improving, U.S. told to give concrete support

Analysts say RI-U.S. ties improving, U.S. told to give concrete support Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bilateral relations between Indonesia and the U.S. government have been improving following Indonesia's commitment to combat terrorism, but suspicion between the two countries remain and could potentially upset ties, several international relations analysts said on Wednesday. Suspicion remains rife, especially among the people, that the U.S.

The devastating loss of a good buddy in Kuta

The devastating loss of a good buddy in Kuta John Aglionby, Guardian News Service, Bali When the first call came through last Saturday night about an explosion in Bali I was in a swimming pool with 11 friends celebrating one of their birthdays. The pool emptied immediately and we all grabbed our mobile phones, calling friends on the tourist island to get information. Nine or 10 hours and no sleep later I'd landed in Bali and went straight to the morgue at Sanglah hospital.

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, October 31, 2002

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, October 31, 2002 Exhibition Exhibition: Nehru and Soekarno: Prophets of Asian Resurgence, photos, letters, newspapers and film, in the exhibition hall of S.T.S.I. Mandala (Tel. 0361 227316, Fax. 0361 233100), Denpasar, Nov. 1 - 4. Museums and Galleries * Blue Moon Gallery, Jl. Tirta Tawar, Banjar Kutuh Kaja, Ubud (Tel. 0361 976727), daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. * Museum Puri Lukisan, Jl. Raya Ubud, Gianyar (Tel. 0361 975136), daily, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

BPN chided for asking fees in providing public service

BPN chided for asking fees in providing public service Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Aben, a 57-year-old retired elementary teacher, visited the South Jakarta office of the National Land Agency (BPN) on Monday to check the legality of a land certificate with the intention of buying a house on the land, located in Pasar Minggu area, South Jakarta. BPN, which manages land administration in the country, provides services related to land regulations for the public.

1. WAYANG: 1 LINE, 38 COUNTS

1. WAYANG: 1 LINE, 38 COUNTS Indonesian shadow puppets struggle for encore 2. CARLA: 1LINE, 35 COUNTS The Esplanade's 'hidden' visual arts 3. WTC: 2 LINE, 24 COUNTS Art focuses on change in NYC following Sept. 11

Australia raids Indonesians' homes in anti-terrorist crackdown

Australia raids Indonesians' homes in anti-terrorist crackdown Agencies Sydney/Jakarta Heavily-armed Australian federal agents raided homes of Indonesian Muslims on Wednesday in a nationwide hunt for members of an Islamic radical group held responsible for the Oct. 12 bombing in Bali, AFP reported. Indonesia quickly expressed its concern over the raid, which was part of a crackdown on possible Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) members operating in Australia.

Asian monies mixed late, Singapore dollar strengthen to 6-week

Asian monies mixed late, Singapore dollar strengthen to 6-week high Nirmala Menon Dow Jones Singapore Asian currencies were mixed within tight trading ranges Wednesday with bouts of profit-taking erasing gains from the yen's strength. Trading was mostly subdued, with limited reaction during the session to further easing of monetary policy by the Bank of Japan, traders said. Uncertainties about the U.S.

Maluku police search for bombers

Maluku police search for bombers AMBON, Maluku: Maluku Police are hunting for two suspects, identified as Berthy Loupaty and Hans Nanlohy, for their alleged involvement in a series of bomb attacks and manslaughter in Soya village early this year. Deputy Maluku Police chief Sr. Comr. A. Bambang S. said on Wednesday police had arrested 15 suspects in connection with the cases. "We are still hunting them down, including in East Java," he said.

Talks on ASEAN-China free trade area to start next year

Talks on ASEAN-China free trade area to start next year Agence France-Presse Jakarta Negotiations for a Southeast Asia-China free trade area with a potential combined market of 1.7 billion people will start next year, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) said Wednesday. ASEAN secretary general Rodolfo Severino said Southeast Asian leaders will sign an agreement on comprehensive economic cooperation between ASEAN and China during the grouping's summit in Cambodia on Nov. 4.