Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 18 November 2002

54 articles found

YLKI sees possible bus fare war

YLKI sees possible bus fare war JAKARTA: The Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI) said it saw the possibility of a fare war breaking out among bus companies during the peak travel season, following a government plan to introduce a set increase and reduction on fares to replace the existing pricing mechanism.

Govt urged to review Maluku situation

Govt urged to review Maluku situation Oktavianus Pinontoan, The Jakarta Post, Ambon Ambon Mayor Jopie Papilaja has asked the central government to review the state of civil emergency that has been in place there for two years, saying the emergency status had failed to remedy the situation. However, Maluku Governor Saleh Latuconsina signaled that he would not recommend the central government cancel the emergency status for the time being.

Reviving tourism on Bali

Reviving tourism on Bali From Koran Tempo The Island of the Gods appears to have lost its luster after the bomb blast in Legian, Kuta, Bali. Luckily, there are reports that Bali will host the 19th Summit Conference of ASEAN on Oct. 7 and Oct. 8, 2003. This should be warmly welcomed by all Indonesians. The bomb blast that claimed more than 180 lives has greatly reduced tourist arrivals in Bali, the gateway to a number of other tourist destinations across the country.

'Purified' Bali looks ahead to recovery

'Purified' Bali looks ahead to recovery Damaso Reyes, Contributor, Jimbaran, Bali The ritual purification on Friday has marked new ground for Bali to recover, putting the deadly blast behind it. Despite President Megawati Soekarnoputri's absence from the elaborate ceremony, the mood and determination of all parties concerned about Bali's restoration were evident.

Mortar rounds fired as siege continues

Mortar rounds fired as siege continues Agencies, Jakarta Residents of troubled Aceh province reported gun and mortar fire Sunday as government forces ignored a separatist deadline to the military to pull back from their siege of rebel positions. Instead, the military said it was tightening the siege.

List of civilian militias based on political, ideological affiliations

List of civilian militias based on political, ideological affiliations Affiliated with the Indonesian Military (TNI): Organisasi Pagar Desa: Founded in the 1950s by A.H. Nasution to help TNI eliminate Darul Islam/Tentara Islam Indonesia (DI/TII) separatist rebels; militaristic, co-opted by the government.

Bali tourist agent gets int'l award

Bali tourist agent gets int'l award DENPASAR, Bali: Spain-based SKALS, which promotes ecotourism, has awarded Bali tourist agent Agung Prana for his meritorious conservation efforts in mangrove forests. "The award was presented in Cairns, Australia, recently when SKALS held a meeting with its all representatives worldwide," Agung said on Saturday. He added the international organization made the award for serious attention to environmental conservation and development anywhere in the world.

Sutiyoso tells public to brace itself for next flood

Sutiyoso tells public to brace itself for next flood Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta City Governor Sutiyoso called on Jakartans to be prepared for the next floods as the city administration's efforts to prevent flooding would not significantly reduce inundation during the upcoming rainy season in the city. Sutiyoso's statement was made during a call for flood readiness at National Monument (Monas) park, Central Jakarta, on Saturday.

ADVERTORIAL : Sleman Regency

ADVERTORIAL : Sleman Regency PUBLISHING DATE: Saturday, Nov. 16 Adventurous tours in Sleman regency Sleman, one of the regencies of Yogyakarta Province, is famous for its scenic beauty, unique traditions and friendly people. One of its natural attractions is Mount Merapi. One of the world's most active volcanos and located 2,968 meters above sea level, Merapi's peak is continuously covered with clouds. Shrouded in mist, its mystique invites the bold and adventurous to uncover its hidden secrets.

Many divorce in Cilacap, Banyumas

Many divorce in Cilacap, Banyumas SEMARANG: Banyumas and Cilacap had the highest divorce rate of all Central Java regencies in 2001, said a local official. Marsudi Sukarno, chief of Islamic affairs at the local religious affairs office, said here on Saturday that of a total of 8,183 divorce cases in the province in 2001, 1,412 had occurred in Cilacap and 1,067 in Banyumas.

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;REUTERS;KOD; ANPAu..r.. ATW-INDIA-HINDUS Indian police arrest Hindu leaders, foil march JP/12/ATW Police nab Hindu leaders, foil march INDIA: Indian police arrested two leaders of a hardline Hindu group on Sunday to prevent them leading a march in Gujarat state, scene of the worst violence between Hindus and Muslims in a decade earlier this year.

Experts disagree on how to disband militia groups

Experts disagree on how to disband militia groups Sri Wahyuni and Emmy Fitri, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Experts are at one over the idea to disband paramilitary groups in the country but are at odds on the mechanism that should be used to dissolve these groups, which often assume the roles of defense and security forces.

CAHB's payment for Bank Niaga due next week

CAHB's payment for Bank Niaga due next week The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Malaysia's Commerce Asset Holding Berhad (CAHB) is slated to pay the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) Rp 1.05 trillion (about US$116 million) by Monday next week following a deal to purchase a 51 percent stake in Bank Niaga from IBRA. IBRA spokesperson Rohan Hafis said the due date for the Bank Niaga transaction was Nov. 25, when CAHB was to settle the payment in full.

Govt sets up body to monitor forest auditors

Govt sets up body to monitor forest auditors Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Ministry of Forestry has set up a supervisory body to monitor the independence of auditors whose work will decide the extension of forest concessionaires' operation permits. An advisory council was also set up to settle concessionaires' complaints of unfair treatment by the auditors, a member of the supervisory body, Agus Setyarso, said.

Council tells governor to revise city's strategic plan

Council tells governor to revise city's strategic plan Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta City Council factions told Governor Sutiyoso on Saturday to revise his five-year Strategic Plan (Renstra), which they regard as "unclear and absurd". During a plenary session in response to Sutiyoso's plan, they asked Sutiyoso to come up with concrete programs, because the plan only mentioned the goals without elaborating on the methods to achieve them.

Garuda eyes Shanghai for boost after Bali

Garuda eyes Shanghai for boost after Bali A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta National carrier Garuda Indonesia opened a Jakarta-Shanghai route last week, with hopes the lucrative Chinese market will offset a plunge in passenger numbers from Australia and Europe following last month's deadly blasts in Bali. Garuda began serving the twice weekly Shanghai route last Monday. The flight, with a stopover in Singapore, takes about 7.5 hours.

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;JP; ANPAc..r.. Furniture-beds-sleep checked Latex mattress or spring bed ... which one is better? Rikza Abdullah Contributor Jakarta As adequate sleep is essential to health and wellbeing, mattress manufacturers compete with each other by designing new products and claiming their goods are the best to sleep on.

Mt. Papandayan victims face disease, lack of food

Mt. Papandayan victims face disease, lack of food The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Persons displaced from the slopes of Mount Papandayan in Garut, West Java, are facing various problems, including a lack of food and water, and stomach problems. Antara reported on Sunday that some 40 displaced persons were receiving medical treatment everyday in the emergency units of command posts in Cisurupan and Bayongbong subdistricts.

Govt urged to review emergency status in Maluku

Govt urged to review emergency status in Maluku Oktavianus Pinontoan The Jakarta Post Ambon Ambon Mayor Jopie Papilaja has asked the central government to review the state of civil emergency that has been in place there for two years, saying the emergency status had failed to remedy the situation. However, Maluku Governor Saleh Latuconsina signaled that he would not recommend the central government cancel the emergency status for the time being.

Hunger-striking students hospitalized

Hunger-striking students hospitalized JAKARTA: Two students from the Jakarta Theology School (STT Jakarta) in Central Jakarta who have been on hunger strike since last week were rushed to the hospital last Saturday. Fasting student Hazel was brought to the privately owned Cikini Hospital in Central Jakarta, while her colleague Willi was being treated in the privately owned Pertamina Hospital in South Jakarta. Hazel was released from the hospital late in the evening.

Image of 'pesantren'

Image of 'pesantren' Religious leaders in the country expressed concern that the ongoing investigation in the Oct. 12 Bali bombing would tarnish the image of the Islamic boarding schools (pesantren).

Pressure up to adopt open-list poll

Pressure up to adopt open-list poll Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Observers have put pressure on the House of Representatives (DPR) to adopt a combination of a proportional electoral system with an open-list of candidates for the election of legislative bodies, saying that it would ensure a more accountable representative system. They are aware, however, of persistent challenges at the House due to the fact that the conservative group remains influential in the legislative body.

Samsung eyes world's top spot but sees RI sales slowing

Samsung eyes world's top spot but sees RI sales slowing Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Singapore South Korean electronics maker Samsung seeks to overtake its Japanese competitors and lead the world market within a few years, but sales in Indonesia, one of its promising markets, have been waning due to a weaker demand for electronics. Samsung Indonesia revised downwards this year's growth target to 15 percent from 25 percent. Growth was 80 percent last year.

Airbus, Boeing ride on Asia-Pacific market to weather worst slump

Airbus, Boeing ride on Asia-Pacific market to weather worst slump P. Parameswaran, Agence France-Presse, Cebu, Philippines Hit by poor sales in the United States and Europe, aircraft makers Airbus and Boeing want to ride on the rapid traffic growth in the Asia-Pacific region, where more than 315 aircraft are expected to be delivered over the next five years, officials say. A dramatic recovery in passenger and cargo traffic in the Asia-Pacific region after the Sept.

Legislator wants probe into raids in Australia

Legislator wants probe into raids in Australia Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta An Indonesian legislator visiting victims of raids in Australia urged the government on Sunday to request Australia to allow a thorough investigation into possible human rights violations against Indonesians living there by Australian authorities. Speaking to The Jakarta Post upon arrival from Australia, legislator Roy B.B.

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done ;JP;HEN; ANPAv..r.. Photo-funiture-expo JP/IGGP Bayu Ismoyo TRY BEFORE BUYING: A visitor tries out an arm chair on display at an exhibition in Jakarta. Although the furniture business has yet to fully recover from the recession, demand for foreign brands in the upper-income market remains stable.

New import policies to protect industries fruitless, experts say

New import policies to protect industries fruitless, experts say Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta New measures to protect local industries with tighter import policies have won praise from industry players, but experts doubt their effectiveness and said the government should instead help industries reduce their inefficiencies.

Raids do little to restore order: Activists

Raids do little to restore order: Activists Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Intensive crackdowns on beggars and other people living on the street during Ramadhan has done little to restore order in the city. Instead, the raids are apparently worsening the administration's fading credibility, activists said.

Educators must recognize their social, psychological obligations

Educators must recognize their social, psychological obligations Simon Marcus Gower, Principal, Harapan Bangsa High School, Tangerang, Banten The following is the complaint of one teacher with over ten years of experience teaching in Jakarta high school. "I'm a teacher. I teach the material in the book, that's all I can do really. I don't have time to do anything more. I know this is not good for my students, but what can I do? At the end of the school day, I go home and then go to my other job.

Military condemned for treatment of street vendors

Military condemned for treatment of street vendors The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) condemned the military in Cianjur, West Java, for getting involved in the street vendor problem in the regency. Kontras coordinator Ori Rahman said in a press release on Saturday that the military's interference had led to violence against the vendors.

Obituary

Obituary Former Army deputy chief of staff Lt. Gen. A. Sahala Rajagukguk died on Saturday in a road accident after his car fell into a 300-meter-deep ravine at Tele village in Tobasa district, North Sumatra. He was 63 years old. His wife, Katharina Nainggolan, who was accompanying him on the trip to Samosir, North Tapanuli, also died in the accident. Only the driver survived, but he was badly injured.

Rupiah likely to remain steady after last week rally: Analysts

Rupiah likely to remain steady after last week rally: Analysts The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After a sturdy rally that saw the rupiah almost break through the Rp 9,000 level against the dollar last week, the local unit will likely remain at present levels in the absence of central bank intervention and on stronger dollar demand, analysts said.

Police identify six more suspects

Police identify six more suspects I Wayan Juniartha and Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Kuta, Bali The joint investigation team into the Bali bombing identified on Sunday six more suspects, a development that provided a clearer picture of the perpetrators of the deadly blasts. Chief of the joint team Insp. Gen. Made Mangku Pastika told a press conference here that the suspects were believed to be still be in Indonesia. "We assume that they, including Imam Samodra, are still in Indonesia.

Health workers contribute discrimination against HIV/AIDS

Health workers contribute discrimination against HIV/AIDS Debbie A. Lubis, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite massive media campaigns, people living with HIV/AIDS continue to receive discriminative treatment from hospitals and health workers, according to activists.

We may have to trust police in Bali inquiry

We may have to trust police in Bali inquiry Kornelius Purba, Staff Writer, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta, korpur@yahoo.com Over the weekend a number of Jakartans received a surprising short message service (SMS): "The police have announced that Amrozi, who has been declared the prime suspect in the Bali blast, has also been found responsible for last week's eruption of Mount Papandayan in Garut, West Java." Of course, this was just a sarcastic joke. But it reflects the public distrust of the police.

Corruption, lawlessness: The root of all problems

Corruption, lawlessness: The root of all problems The Indonesian society is mentally ill as it has lost its sense of humanity. An good illustration of this was seen last week in photographs splashed across the country with Bali bombing suspect Amrozi and National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar, shaking hands, laughing and posing for photographers.

Credibility at stake

Credibility at stake The stubborn skepticism that is evident in certain sectors of our society regarding the progress that investigators are making in Bali illustrates the difficult path that our National Police have to walk toward unraveling the questions that are still hanging over the horrendous Oct. 12 bombing.

Where to go in Jakarta: Monday, November 18, 2002

Where to go in Jakarta: Monday, November 18, 2002 Exhibitions * The Art of Poster by Jan Lavies, Erasmus Huis, Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said, Kav S-3, South Jakarta (Tel. 5241069), until Dec. 5. * Jukung-Boats from the Barito Basin, Maritime Museum, Jl. Pasar Ikan No. 1, North Jakarta (Tel. 6693406, 6602476), Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., until Dec. 23. * Photo Nyanyian Periferal by Oscar Motuloh, CCF - French Cultural Center, Jl. Salemba Raya 25, Central Jakarta (Tel.

Unseeded Sony is new Asian badminton champ

Unseeded Sony is new Asian badminton champ Associated Press, Bangkok Unseeded Indonesian teenager Sony Dwi Kuncoro stunned compatriot Taufik Hidayat 15-12, 15-5 on Sunday to win the men's singles crown at the JVC Asian Badminton Championships. China's Zhou Mi defeated defending champion Zhang Ning, also of China, 6-11, 11-3, 11-8 to take the women's title at the Nimibutr Gymnasium. The 18-year-old Kuncoro, who toppled World No.

Sweet and sensuous chocolate soothes weary soul

Sweet and sensuous chocolate soothes weary soul Maria Endah Hulupi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Chocolate is always associated with good things and special occasions, while for chocolate lovers, its delicate taste never fails to revive pleasant memories. Now, chocolate is not just a delicate treat for the palate but also part of a new body treatment. Chocolate is believed good for the skin, body and mind.

Amrozi brings notoriety to Al-Islam school in Lamongan

Amrozi brings notoriety to Al-Islam school in Lamongan Ainur R. Sophiaan, The Jakarta Post, Lamongan The modest Al-Islam pesantren, an Islamic boarding school located seven kilometers from Lamongan, East Java, has achieved instant recognition. The humble school has been thrust into the public eye through the arrest of Amrozi, the main suspect in the deadly Bali bombing that claimed almost 200 lives and wounded more than 320 others on Oct 12, 2002. The school is simple, if not poor.

TV Program: Monday, November 18, 2002

TV Program: Monday, November 18, 2002 TVRI 6:00 a.m. 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 3:30 a.m. Variety Show Celah-Celah Ramadhan 4:30 Documentary 5:30 Koran Reading TPI 6:00 a.m. News 7:00 Quiz 8:00 Music 9:00 Indonesian Film 11:00 TV Drama 12:00 p.m.

Two hunger-striking students hospitalized

Two hunger-striking students hospitalized JAKARTA: Two students from the Jakarta Theology School (STT Jakarta) in Central Jakarta who have been on hunger strike since last week were rushed to the hospital last Saturday. Fasting student Hazel was brought to the privately owned Cikini Hospital in Central Jakarta, while her colleague Willi was being treated in the privately owned Pertamina Hospital in South Jakarta. Hazel was released from the hospital late in the evening.

Bomb found at church in Manado

Bomb found at church in Manado MANADO, North Sulawesi: A homemade bomb, placed inside a black plastic bag, was found next to a Protestant church in Manado, North Sulawesi, on Saturday. Witness Robby Pratasik said the bomb was found by a churchgoer at 7 a.m. and was then reported to the local police. The bomb squad took the bomb to the provincial police headquarters for further examination.

Experts welcome direct elections for heads of regional governments

Experts welcome direct elections for heads of regional governments Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Experts welcomed over the weekend the government's plan to hold direct elections for heads of regional governments, but expressed reservations about its move to revise the country's autonomy law.

'Life in the city is a hard reality'

'Life in the city is a hard reality' Many seasonal vendors, who usually enjoy an increase in demand during the fasting month of Ramadhan, have complained that business is abnormally sluggish. Compared to last year's fasting month, they said that only a few buyers had showed up to shop. The Jakarta Post talked to some of the vendors about the downturn in holiday business. Saukari, 41, is a sidewalk vendor selling Muslim clothing at Tanah Abang market in Central Jakarta.

Thai government lacks will to fight corruption

Thai government lacks will to fight corruption Suthichai Yoon, The Nation, Asia News Network, Bangkok Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra isn't going to let the opposition steal the thunder from him over the "fake" compost corruption scam. Neither will he tolerate the public perception that he is acting under pressure from ex-PM Anand Panyarachun over this issue.

Bachelor of brawling

Bachelor of brawling From Warta Kota I was very sad to learn that some students from my university, Tarumanagara University (Untar), were involved in a brawl on Oct. 31 and Nov. 4. A brawl like this is useless as it will only inflict losses, for example we will be late in completing our study programs and must therefore spend more money. Besides, there will be victims because of this brawl. I hope students from other campuses can refrain from becoming involved in brawling. ASTRI, Jakarta

A new ministry of male affairs?

A new ministry of male affairs? If you are a regular reader of The Jakarta Post, then you will find an article on page 4 of the Nov. 8 edition with the heading Women to take action against DPR. I am not a politician nor a lawyer, so what is written here, is more an expression of surprise than a protest or anything else.

Officials raid karaoke center

Officials raid karaoke center JAKARTA: City public order officers raided a karaoke center early on Saturday morning on the second floor of Hotel Olympic in Lokasari, West Jakarta, as it was violating the governor's decree on the operation of entertainment centers during Ramadhan. The decree bans many centers, while those that are allowed to operate may remain open only between 8:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m.

Migrant workers need bank services

Migrant workers need bank services JAKARTA: The Association of Labor Export Companies (Apjati) has suggested that migrant workers' salaries be disbursed through banks in a bid to protect them from extortion and illegal placement. Apjati secretary-general Anton Sihombing said that such a payment system required the workers to submit authentic documents, including ID card and passport. This requirement will also prevent the use of fake documents, he added.

Before the actual vote casting started, the presidential and

Before the actual vote casting started, the presidential and vice presidential candidates engaged in a public debate, during which they tried to sell their programs. CETRO executive director Smita Notosusanto said that similar mock elections would also be organized in the country's big cities including Medan in North Sumatra and Makassar in South Sulawesi.

Ramadhan time for Jakarta

Ramadhan time for Jakarta Monday Maghrib 5.53 p.m. Tuesday Imsak 3:55 a.m. Subuh 4:05 a.m.

Corruption, lawlessness: The root of all problems

Corruption, lawlessness: The root of all problems The Indonesian society is mentally ill as it has lost its sense of humanity. An good illustration of this was seen last week in photographs splashed across the country with Bali bombing suspect Amrozi and National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar, shaking hands, laughing and posing for photographers.