Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 23 November 2002

84 articles found

Surveillance, tipoffs, phone tapping aid in Samudra's arrest

Surveillance, tipoffs, phone tapping aid in Samudra's arrest The Jakarta Post, Agencies Surveillance, tipoffs and cellular phone monitoring by the joint international police team led to the arrest on Thursday of Imam Samudra, one of the main suspects of the Oct. 12 Bali bombing, which killed over 190 people. According to police, Samudra was arrested at 5:30 p.m., on board a Kurnia Line bus that was about to go aboard a ferry to Sumatra from Merak port in Banten province.

Peace in Aceh good for Southeast Asia

Peace in Aceh good for Southeast Asia Kavi Chongkittavorn, The Nation, Asia News Network, Bangkok The expected peace agreement between Indonesia and the separatist rebels of Aceh successfully caps years of effort to end the conflict that has threatened to destabilize the Southeast Asian region.

U.S. terror warning ignores cooperation: Malaysia

U.S. terror warning ignores cooperation: Malaysia Pauline Jasudason, Associated Press, Kuala Lumpur Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has upbraided Washington for issuing a terrorism warning about Malaysia, which he said will hurt the economy and is a poor reward for his cooperation in the war against terror. Mahathir said that there was no evidence to support the U.S.

Local industries should be prepared for FTA: Experts

Local industries should be prepared for FTA: Experts Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Experts called on the government on Friday to take measures to help boost the competitiveness of local industries before going ahead with its plan to sign a free trade agreement (FTA) with the United States. Sri Adiningsih, an economist at Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta, said an FTA with the U.S.

IFRC extends US$20m for Bali's recovery

IFRC extends US$20m for Bali's recovery JAKARTA: The Federation of the International Red Cross (IFRC) has extended US$20 million in aid to help the Balinese overcome the impact of the Oct. 12 bomb blasts, which killed more than 190 people, mostly foreign tourists. "The assistance was distributed through several international organizations, the Australian Red Cross, Singaporean Red Cross and the Indonesian Red Cross," IFRC secretary-general Didier Cherpitel said here on Friday.

Efficient police work

Efficient police work From Media Indonesia The editorial of this newspaper in its Nov. 9, 2002 issue praised the National Police for being able to quickly arrest Amrozi, one of the main suspects in the Bali bomb blast case. As a retired police officer, I'm very proud to learn of this achievement. It is my hope and also the hope of the international community that the National Police will be able to nab all perpetrators in this case, uncover their network, and bring them to court.

Megawati, Downer applaud police

Megawati, Downer applaud police Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Words of appreciation and praise were showered on the joint team investigating the Bali bombing after the arrest of Imam Samudra, a key suspect in the deadly Bali bombing, but some have cast doubt on the swift progress the team has made thus far. President Megawati Soekarnoputri joined Australian Prime Minister John Howard in paying tribute to the work of the investigative team on Friday.

;JP;dan;

;JP;dan; ANPAf..r.. Rupiah-conversion-rates Rupiah Rates Nov. 22 JP/13/Conver Rupiah Rates Nov.

Bill to ensure teachers' protection

Bill to ensure teachers' protection JAKARTA: Teachers throughout the country, especially those in remote areas and strife-torn places, will soon have legal protection as the government is finalizing a bill that will ensure their security.

Family says Samudra innocent

Family says Samudra innocent The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A family member of suspected Bali bomb mastermind Imam Samudra confirmed that the police had arrested him, but maintained that Samudra was innocent. Samudra's younger brother Lulu Jamaluddin made the statement on Friday when he arrived at Cilegon Police station in Banten to ensure that the man in custody was his brother. Samudra was shown for 20 seconds to a throng of journalists who swarmed the police station.

Lake Djonge cleansing ritual brings farmers together

Lake Djonge cleansing ritual brings farmers together It was a hot and sweltering noon of a Legi Friday according to the Javanese calendar. Yet villagers living in the vicinity of Lake Djonge in Pacarejo village, Semanu, Wonosari, some 50 kilometers southeast of here, seemed oblivious to the searing heat.

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, November 23, 2002

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, November 23, 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.

Amri Yahya, a batik trailblazer

Amri Yahya, a batik trailblazer Ridlo Aryanto, Contributor, Yogyakarta Of the countless letters that Amri Yahya has received, the most memorable was the one from Fuad Hassan, then Indonesia's ambassador to Egypt. In his very poetic letter dated June 1976, Fuad offered generous praise for Amri's batik works exhibited at the embassy's gallery in Cairo.

The rains are coming

The rains are coming As the wet season is upon us, it is rather comforting to see that some good may have come from the huge deluge that earlier this year devastated parts of this city and inflicted losses that ran into billions of rupiah on businesses, the administration and the citizenry alike. Some lessons seem to have been learned.

Oil extends rally on Iraq threats, Mideast strife

Oil extends rally on Iraq threats, Mideast strife Reuters, London Oil prices extended a week-long rally on Thursday as Britain and the United States reiterated threats to use force on Middle Eastern exporter Iraq, and violence flared in Israel. Dealers said the bullish impact of escalating conflict in the Middle East, which pumps a third of world oil, was dampened by rampant quota busting by the OPEC cartel, which has lifted exports recently. International benchmark Brent crude oil rose 31 U.S.

Drilling permit hampered by law

Drilling permit hampered by law TANGERANG: Illegal underground drilling is rampant in the absence of effective bylaws in the Tangerang muncipality. Chief of the municipal environmental agency, M. Akip, admitted Thursday that hundred of industrial firms had illegally drilled deep wells. He said that though the agency could issue permits for underground drilling, there were no bylaws that stipulated the drilling permit application process.

Tarmidi must go, says party

Tarmidi must go, says party The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) faction at the City Council urged its councillor Tarmidi Suhardjo on Friday to resign from his post as the council's deputy chairman. "We urged Tarmidi to resign," the faction's deputy chairman Lambertus Gainadara told reporters after attending a council plenary session.

Hopes for lasting peace rise in Aceh

Hopes for lasting peace rise in Aceh The Straits Times, Asia News Network, Singapore Hopes for peace in violence-wracked Aceh, Indonesia's north Sumatran province, have been revived with a new ceasefire deal in the making. The Indonesian government and the separatist Free Aceh Movement are to sign a pact on Dec. 9 to end the 26-year conflict that has claimed some 10,000 lives, mostly civilians. Making peace with the Acehnese rebels will be a major triumph for President Megawati Soekarnoputri.

Governor implicated in graft

Governor implicated in graft BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: The South Kalimantan prosecutors office is investigating Governor Sjachriel Darham's alleged possession of a luxury house following a confession by the governor's wife. Media reports claimed the house in Malang, East Java, was a gift to Sjachriel from a provincial official. Prosecutor Muis Gassing said in Banjarmasin on Friday that it was now investigating, including the indications of graft.

Garuda's nonsmoking policy

Garuda's nonsmoking policy I have read with interest the letter of Andrew Charles published in The Jakarta Post on Nov. 19, criticizing Garuda Airlines for making things difficult for potential tourists to Bali. I couldn't agree more with Charles's view after our recent trip to Bali with Garuda Airlines from Frankfurt, Germany.

Ex Shangri-La employees told to tone it down

Ex Shangri-La employees told to tone it down Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The management of Shangri-La Hotel has urged its former employees not to stage rowdy rallies that bother hotel patrons while waiting for a Supreme Court ruling on their reemployment at the hotel. "The former employees' action of staging rallies not only disrupt public order but also discourage guests from staying at our hotel," senior manager Wastu Widanto said on Friday.

Judicial review urged for broadcast bill

Judicial review urged for broadcast bill Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Press and Broadcasting Society (MPPI) is planning to file for a Supreme Court judicial review of the broadcasting bill on the grounds that it contains articles that run contrary to the 1945 Constitution. The bill, which was approved by the special House of Representatives committee charged with its deliberation on Thursday, is scheduled for endorsement on Nov. 25 during a House plenary session.

Govt told to seek peaceful, non-military settlement for Aceh

Govt told to seek peaceful, non-military settlement for Aceh Tiarma Siboro and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Aceh politician Gazhali Abbas condemned on Friday the government's double standards in handling the prolonged Aceh conflict, saying that the military should end its attack on rebels in Cot Trieng, North Aceh, if the government was committed to signing the proposed peace accord. He said the government should comply with MPR Decree No.

Samudra's journey until the Bali bombing

Samudra's journey until the Bali bombing 1970: Samudra is born in Lopang Gede village, Serang, Banten. 1990: He leaves Serang for Malaysia after graduating from a local Islamic high school. In the same year, he goes to Pakistan and then Afghanistan, where he lives for two and a half years and learns how to assemble bombs and use other weapons. 1994: He returns to Malaysia and lives in the state of Johor for six and a half years.

Government decides not to tackle Australia over raids

Government decides not to tackle Australia over raids The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has refused a request from the House of Representatives to send a team to conduct further probes into possible human rights abuses against Indonesians in Australia, saying the case was an internal affair of the neighboring country.

Ariel Heryanto

Ariel Heryanto Sociologist University of Melbourne Australia The Australian public is rightfully outraged by the interview between Indonesia's Police Chief Da'i Bachtiar and Bali bombing suspect Amrozi. At issue was the series of smiles, laughter, and handshakes between them, and a few other attending law enforcers. The whole event has been taken as a gross offense, incredibly insensitive to the sufferings of the victims, and their families.

City to crack down on illegal timber

City to crack down on illegal timber Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city administration hopes to crack down on illegal timber and plywood, which are mostly shipped from Kalimantan and Sumatra to Jakarta. "Between one and two million cubic meters of forestry products are shipped here from 16 provinces. About 70 percent of it is illegal," the City Economic Office's Sukri Bey said on Friday.

Clarifying and also confusing

Clarifying and also confusing Our opinions are understandably influenced by the media, that image created by the newspapers and the television that plays a major role in formulating what we perceive to be as truth. The problem is, the more you read the more confused you can become, and with that confusion comes speculation that is often not worth very much.

Shedding a militaristic culture

Shedding a militaristic culture Mohamad Surya Chairman Central Board Indonesian Teachers' Association (PGRI) Jakarta Paramilitary groups are nonmilitary groups set up by particular individuals, organizations, institutions or groups that adopt patterns resembling military behavior in all their activities to pursue certain needs and goals.

200 pedicab drivers invade camp

200 pedicab drivers invade camp TANGERANG: Two professional boxers who beat a pedicab driver were forced to flee for their lives after 200 less-than-happy friends of the victim invaded a boxing training camp in Tangerang on Thursday. Samin, a becak (three-wheeled pedicab driver), said his pedicab collided with a motorcycle driven by the boxers near the Tangerang Benteng Sport stadium on Jl. TMP Taruna at 11 p.m. on Wednesday.

Bill talks adjourned over quota for women

Bill talks adjourned over quota for women Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Deliberation on a political party bill was adjourned until Monday after some members of a House special committee in charge of the draft protested a decision made during closed-door meetings to drop articles that ensure women fill 30 percent of the seats in legislative bodies.

Aceh flood claims five, displaces thousands

Aceh flood claims five, displaces thousands The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh/Medan/Cirebon While the rain that has been falling across Sumatra and Java islands over the past week may provide relief for residents in areas suffered from prolonged drought, they now face other major threats as the rainy season gets underway.

1. Rain - 1x27

1. Rain - 1x27 Rain falls, roads blocked 2.LOGGING: 2 x 20 City to crack down illegal timber 3. Court - 2x 30 Sutiyoso net contributor to annual floods: Public 4. Tarmidi- 1x 30 Tarmidi must go, says party 5. Hotel - 2x20 Ex Shangri-La employees told to tone it down 6. Miras - 1x40 No lessons learned from booze busting raids 7. SPEAK: 'I have to struggle hard to sell'

Foreign suspects to stand trial in Aceh

Foreign suspects to stand trial in Aceh BANDA ACEH: A court on Monday will begin trying two foreign women who have been detained in Indonesia's Aceh province for more than two months, a judge said Friday. Briton Lesley McCulloch and her American travelling companion Joy Ernestine-Sadler are accused of misusing their visas in violation of Indonesian immigration law, said judge Arsil Marwan.

Long delays expected along Java-Sumatra ferry route

Long delays expected along Java-Sumatra ferry route Oyos Saroso H.N., The Jakarta Post, Bandarlampung The Merak-Bakauheni ferry route connecting Java with Sumatra is still facing natural and technical hurdles, and authorities anticipate heavy congestion during Idul Fitri and Christmas. Local authorities conceded that the natural, technical and security factors were expected to slow down millions of motorists and holidaymakers to and from Sumatra.

TANGERANG: Two professional boxers who beat a pedicab driver

TANGERANG: Two professional boxers who beat a pedicab driver were forced to flee for their lives after 200 less-than-happy friends of the victim invaded a boxing training camp in Tangerang on Thursday. Samin, a becak (three-wheeled pedicab driver), said his pedicab collided with a motorcycle driven by the boxers near the Tangerang Benteng Sport stadium on Jl. TMP Taruna at 11 p.m. on Wednesday. "The boxers asked for money from me as compensation for the damage to their motorcycle.

TV Today: Saturday, November 23, 2002

TV Today: Saturday, November 23, 2002 TVRI 6:00 a.m. News 8:30 Talk Show 9:00 Music 11:00 News 11:30 Music 1:00 p.m. Talk Show 2:00 News 3:00 Religious Teachings 3:30 Documentary 5:30 Quiz 5:45 Religious Teachings 6:00 News 7:00 Variety Show 8:00 Quiz 9:00 News 9:30 Music 11:00 TV Drama 12:00 a.m News 2:30 Religious Teachings 3:30 Variety Show Celah-Celah Ramadhan 4:30 Documentary 5:30 Koran Recital TPI 6:00 a.m.

New reform package

New reform package The government, after more than two months of delay, has finally drawn its new reform agenda for implementation under the International Monetary Fund's three-year extended facility to help the country cope with its economic crisis.

Downpour leads to blocked road

Downpour leads to blocked road Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The rain that fell for about two hours on Friday flooded sections of a number of roads across the city, causing heavy traffic congestion in several areas downtown. Flood levels ranged from five centimeters to 15 cm high. In the late afternoon, pools of water had formed along Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur, Central Jakarta, close to the Gambir railway station, causing traffic jams not only along the road, but also on Jl.

Three ExxonMobil workers abducted in Aceh

Three ExxonMobil workers abducted in Aceh Agence France-Presse, Banda Aceh Three ExxonMobil workers have been kidnapped by unknown gunmen in Indonesia's Aceh province, the military said Friday. The three were driving home Thursday afternoon when the kidnapping occurred in the Blang Geudong area of North Aceh, an armed forces spokesman, Navy Major Edi Fernandi, said.

Arrest of terrorists may get RI off war-risk list

Arrest of terrorists may get RI off war-risk list Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government expressed on Friday optimism that the encouraging progress in the investigation into the Oct. 12 Bali bombing would move the international reinsurance industry to remove Indonesia from the list of war-risk countries.

Things need to change here

Things need to change here The article Indonesia mentally ill (Nov. 16) was the best article I ever read in The Jakarta Post It pinpoints very clearly the enormous immoral and lawless state this country is in. Although I wholeheartedly agree with D. Chandramouli (the Post, Nov. 20) that most Indonesians are friendly, kindhearted and gracious, my experience is that underneath this pleasant exterior, controversial behavior has its way.

No lessons learned from booze busting raids

No lessons learned from booze busting raids Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Nov. 7 was not a good day for Muniroh. Police raided her kiosk in front of the Taman Ismail Marzuki art center on Jl. Cikini Raya in Central Jakarta, and confiscated 80 bottles of alcoholic drinks that she claimed were worth Rp 1 million (US$111).

Rubber producers to meet in Yogyakarta

Rubber producers to meet in Yogyakarta The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Rubber producers grouped in the Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) will gather in Yogyakarta from Nov. 26 to Nov. 27 to discuss the current issues pertaining to industry and its future, a top official said. Herry Sutanto, director of multilateral cooperation at the Ministry of Industry and Trade, was quoted by Antara as saying on Friday that all ANRPC members would send delegations to the meeting.

Yogyakarta's goldsmiths turn dust into gold

Yogyakarta's goldsmiths turn dust into gold Bambang M., Contributor, Yogyakarta As more and more people depend on banks to keep their money safe, Yogyakarta's goldsmiths and silversmiths in Kotagede still keep their savings in the form of silver or gold dust. The craftsmen collect gold or silver dust produced whenever they create pieces of jewelry like rings or bracelets. The end result -- a few grams of gold. "A saving account in a bank?" said a goldsmith Soekarno, chuckling.

JP/5/FLOOD

JP/5/FLOOD Rainy season arrives, natural disasters threaten The Jakarta Post Banda Aceh/Medan/Cirebon While the rain that has been falling across Sumatra and Java islands over the past week may provide relief for residents in areas suffered from prolonged drought, they now face other major threats as the rainy season gets underway.

10,000 women demand equality

10,000 women demand equality SURABAYA, East Java: Kediri police doubled its presence on Friday at cigarette maker PT Gudang Garam in Kediri, East Java to monitor 10,000 female workers striking over holiday bonuses. Kediri Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Fatkhur Rahman said that there were some 750 security personnel deployed on Friday to maintain security and order during the strike, in its second day. "We increased the police and military presence to anticipate any trouble.

Garuda's nonsmoking policy

Garuda's nonsmoking policy I have read with interest the letter of Andrew Charles published in The Jakarta Post on Nov. 19, criticizing Garuda Airlines for making things difficult for potential tourists to Bali. I couldn't agree more with Charles's view after our recent trip to Bali with Garuda Airlines from Frankfurt, Germany.

Govt's double standards impedes peace process in Aceh

Govt's double standards impedes peace process in Aceh Tiarma Siboro and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja The Jakarta Post Jakarta Aceh politician Gazhali Abbas condemned on Friday the government's double standards in handling the prolonged Aceh conflict, saying that the military should end its attack on rebels in Cot Trieng, North Aceh, if the government was committed to signing the proposed peace accord. He said the government should comply with MPR Decree No.

Sutiyoso net contributor to annual floods: Public

Sutiyoso net contributor to annual floods: Public Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jakartans expressed disappointment on Friday over a lower court ruling against the flood victims in a class action lawsuit case, saying that the government's incompetence, in particular Governor Sutiyoso's, had contributed to the annual disasters. Jumadi, a bajaj (three-wheeled taxi) driver who lives in a house near Jl.

Samudra principal planner of Bali bombing: Police chief

Samudra principal planner of Bali bombing: Police chief The Jakarta Post, Denpasar/Jakarta Imam Samudra, the alleged mastermind of the deadly Bali bomb explosions, has confessed planning the Oct. 12 attacks that killed over 190 people and injured more than 300 others. National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar said after a closed- door encounter with Samudra on Friday that the suspect was the key planner of the weekend bombing.

Warden fired over jailbreak scandal

Warden fired over jailbreak scandal BANDARLAMPUNG, Lampung: The Lampung regional justice office has fired East Lampung's Sukadana penitentiary chief Heru Setiana for negligence leading to the mass breakout last week. At least 45 unguarded prisoners escaped through a series of unlocked doors as they were served pre-dawn meals. Four wardens have been declared suspects for letting the prisoners escape, while demotion was proposed for six others for leaving the main gate unlocked.

Floods in Jakarta

Floods in Jakarta Jakarta is still in danger of getting flooded this rainy season. Although it would not perhaps be as bad as last year's, utmost vigilance should nonetheless be maintained to anticipate the floods. It would be impossible to stop the viciousness of the flood. However, we could reduce its impact if all components of society are ready as early as possible. As floods frequently hit Jakarta, the people should automatically be prepared to face the rainy season.

Integrated agency to deal with environmental crimes

Integrated agency to deal with environmental crimes Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The National Police, the Attorney General's Office and the Office of the State Minister for the Environment supported on Friday a call to establish an integrated agency to supervise, investigate, and prosecute cases of environment law violation. Sudarsono of the Office of the State Ministry for the Environment, Yuzyar Yahya of the Attorney General's Office, and Brig. Jen.

Telkom's rates

Telkom's rates From Koran Tempo The government has proposed an increase of 24 percent in electricity rates and 33.33 percent in local telephone rates in 2003. Reportedly, PT Telkom recorded a profit of Rp 7.57 trillion in the first, second and three quarters of this year, an increase of 107.76 percent over the figure registered in the same period in 2001. As for electricity company PLN, irregularities have been allegedly identified.

Embassies organize charity bazaar

Embassies organize charity bazaar JAKARTA: The embassies of Algeria, Russia and Turkey are organizing a joint charity bazaar at the residence of the Russian Ambassador on Jl. Karet Pedurenan, Kuningan, South Jakarta, on Nov. 28. The bazaar will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is open to the public without a cover charge, Antara reported. Handicrafts, porcelain, jewelry and other products from the three countries will be on sale during the charity event.--JP

Why is it so hard to make peace?

Why is it so hard to make peace? From Pelita Why is it so hard for the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) to respond to an offer of peace? Most Indonesians want to see a peaceful settlement to the bloody conflict in Aceh. Indonesian soldiers have been besieging a swampy area in Cot Trieng, North Aceh, which is believed to be a hideout for GAM members, to push them to the negotiating table.

'I have to struggle hard to make money'

'I have to struggle hard to make money' People are complaining of the increasing price of staple foods and other items since the beginning of the Ramadhan fasting month, which has affected their businesses. Some of them talked with The Jakarta Post about their strategies to cope with the problems. Simin, 52, a mobile vendor selling chicken noodle soup on Jl. Pluit Permai, North Jakarta.

Two RI soldiers indicted in E. Timor

Two RI soldiers indicted in E. Timor JAKARTA: Twelve people -- including two members of Kopassus (the Army's Special Force) -- have been indicted in East Timor for the 1999 murder of a village leader ahead of the country's vote for independence, the United Nations said on Friday. All 12 were charged with crimes against humanity for allegedly killing Verissimo Dias Quintas in the village of Lospalos on Aug. 27, 1999, U.N. spokesman Brennon Jones said.

Applying Ramadhan's values

Applying Ramadhan's values A.Chaedar Alwasilah, Dean, Faculty of Language and Arts, Indonesia University, of Education (UPI), Bandung, chaedar@bdg.centrin.net.id Once a year, all Muslims are obliged to fast for a whole month during Ramadhan, which means, literally, "extremely hot". The Arabic word for fasting is shaum or shiyam, meaning to restrain oneself, thus suggesting that during the month of Ramadhan all Muslims should control their desires, lust, and ambition for excessive worldly gains.

Investigation into Bali blasts

Investigation into Bali blasts From Suara Karya I would like to give two comments with regard to the many criticisms on the police investigation into the bomb case in Bali, particularly concerning the controversial arrest of Amrozi whom the police said as one of the suspects, but I would like to give two comments: The police have worked hard to collect hard evidence as a hypothetical proof.

Creating good diversity environment in workplace

Creating good diversity environment in workplace Eridani W. Sudiono, Accenture, Jakarta A diverse workplace, in the United States, for quite a long time, has been translated as a working environment accommodating more women and more other-than-white people. The fact is, people realize that it is not only the case of gender and skin color.

NGO against free rice distribution

NGO against free rice distribution PALU, Central Sulawesi: A non-governmental organization is refusing to disburse 600 tons of rice aid from the Italian government because it says doing so will make the recipients lazy. Sehati Foundation chairman Iskandar Lamuka rejected the plan from the Central Sulawesi Social Affairs Office to distribute the aid, earmarked for people in the conflict-ravaged province. He said doing so would make the people lazy and reliant on aid.

;JP;ARP;

;JP;ARP; ANPAa..r.. Across-jailbreak-warden Chief warden replaced after jailbreak JP/5/across Warden fired over jailbreak scandal BANDARLAMPUNG, Lampung: The Lampung regional justice office has fired East Lampung's Sukadana penitentiary chief Heru Setiana for negligence leading to the mass breakout last week. At least 45 unguarded prisoners escaped through a series of unlocked doors as they were served pre-dawn meals.

`AlQuran Seluler' offers different way of studying the Koran

`AlQuran Seluler' offers different way of studying the Koran Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Time or distance may no longer be an excuse for busy working Muslims to avoid studying the Koran or listening to the recital of the Koran, especially given that an innovative Koran preaching program is now available and accessible through both cellular and fixed telephone lines anywhere, anytime.

JP/13/CAHB

JP/13/CAHB CAHB completes payment for Niaga The Jakarta Post Jakarta Malaysian financial firm Commerce Asset-Holding Bhd. (CAHB) said it had deposited the full Rp 1.01 trillion (about US$114 million) payment to the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) account to close the Bank Niaga divestment deal.

Efficient Police

Efficient Police From Media Indonesia The editorial of this newspaper in its Nov. 9, 2002 issue praised the National Police for being able to quickly arrest Amrozi, one of the main suspects in the Bali bomb blast case. As a retired police officer, I'm very proud to learn of this achievement.

A.Chaedar Alwasilah

A.Chaedar Alwasilah Dean, Faculty of Language and Arts Indonesia University of Education (UPI) Bandung chaedar@bdg.centrin.net.id 2. Riza -- Implications of a U.S. attack on Iraq 1 x 30 Riza Sihbudi Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) Jakarta 3. Nation -- Crunch time for Thaksin on corruption 1 X 32 Crunch time for PM on corruption The Nation Asia News Network Bangkok

1. ARREST: 3 x 18

1. ARREST: 3 x 18 Surveillance, tip-offs and phone tapping aid in Samudra's arrest The Jakarta Post Agencies 2. MEGA: 36 Mega lives in house belonging to state bank 3. IBRA: 1 x 45 Amien joins call for action against IBRA debtors 4. QURAN: 1 x 50 'AlQuran Seluler' offers new way to study the Koran 5. ODD: 1 x 32 Parliament bans knitting by ministers

3,900 illegal migrants in S. Korea

3,900 illegal migrants in S. Korea JAKARTA: The government is coordinating with South Korean authorities to repatriate some 3,900 Indonesians working illegally in South Korea. Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda said after meeting his South Korean counterpart, Choi Sung Hong, here on Friday that the South Korean government had decided in March 2002 to return the illegal workers.

RI soccer league reverts to old format

RI soccer league reverts to old format The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian soccer governing body, the PSSI, has decided to revert to the old system of competition for the 2003 league season to pursue the revitalization of national soccer, PSSI chairman Agum Gumelar said here on Friday. Unlike the previous seasons, in which the participating clubs were divided into two divisions, the 2003 league will see the teams play their matches in a round-robin format.

Golkar councillors sent to Bali ahead of election

Golkar councillors sent to Bali ahead of election Jupriadi, The Jakarta Post, Makassar Just a week away from the Nov. 28 gubernatorial election, 34 legislators of the Golkar Party's South Sulawesi chapter left for Bali on Wednesday to avoid further division within the Golkar faction after rumors of money exchanging hands between candidates and councillors began to spread.

Mega lives in house belonging to state bank

Mega lives in house belonging to state bank Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta For almost three years, President Megawati Soekarnoputri has lived in a house that cannot be categorized as an official residence. A State Secretariat official confirmed on Friday that the house Megawati resides in on Jl. Teuku Umar No. 27 in the plush Central Jakarta area of Menteng belongs to state-owned Bank Mandiri.

Take firm action

Take firm action against GAM From Koran Tempo For many years the Acehnese have been suffering because of irresponsible acts by such secessionist groups as the Free Aceh Movement (GAM). The armed conflict in Aceh has inflicted untold suffering and claimed many lives on both sides -- the government and the rebel groups. Negotiations have been held and agreements reached but GAM has time and again violated them.

Belu police detain 17 Timorese

Belu police detain 17 Timorese KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Belu police have arrested at least 17 East Timor citizens since Tuesday for illegally entering Indonesia. East Nusa Tenggara Police spokesman Comr. I Wayan Dana said on Friday that most of the East Timorese came from Bobonaro district. "They entered Indonesian territory through the village of Tohe, Reinhat district in Belu regency without the proper immigration documents." Dana said.

Cilandak Town Square, `mall with an attitude'

Cilandak Town Square, `mall with an attitude' Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta There is Blok M with its Grande Pasaraya, Blok M Plaza, and the subterranean Blok M Mall -- popular hangout spots for Jakarta's youths, and there is Pondok Indah Mall for expatriate families and more affluent youngsters. As if South Jakarta does not already have enough malls and shopping centers to entertain the population, PT Graha Megaria Raya is ready to open a new one, the Cilandak Town Square.

Implications of a U.S. attack on Iraq

Implications of a U.S. attack on Iraq Riza Sihbudi, Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), Jakarta The question whether or not the U.S. will attack Iraq seems increasingly irrelevant, than when it will strike. Iraq has indeed declared its acceptance of the United Nations Security Council's Resolution No. 1441 and a UN team of arms inspectors has got down to work.

CAHB completes payment for Niaga

CAHB completes payment for Niaga The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Malaysian financial firm Commerce Asset-Holding Bhd. (CAHB) said it had deposited the full Rp 1.01 trillion (about US$114 million) payment to the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) account to close the Bank Niaga divestment deal.

Indonesian child chess champ defeats King Kuzubov

Indonesian child chess champ defeats King Kuzubov Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia's own Andrean Susilodinata is continuing his winning streak at the World Youth Chess Championships in Greece with his latest defeat of Yuriy Kuzubov of the Ukraine in the eighth round on Thursday.

Floods in Jakarta

Floods in Jakarta Jakarta is still in danger of getting flooded this rainy season. Although it would not perhaps be as bad as last year's, utmost vigilance should nonetheless be maintained to anticipate the floods. It would be impossible to stop the viciousness of the flood. However, we could reduce its impact if all components of society are ready as early as possible. As floods frequently hit Jakarta, the people should automatically be prepared to face the rainy season.

Govt mulls giving houses to Habibie and Gus Dur

Govt mulls giving houses to Habibie and Gus Dur Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government is currently arranging the granting of houses for former president Abdurrahman Wahid and his predecessor B.J. Habibie in accordance with Law No. 7/1978. The state secretary's administration deputy Rildo Ananda Anwar said on Friday that the state had the obligation to provide appropriate residences for all former presidents and vice presidents.

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, November 23, 2002

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, November 23, 2002 Exhibitions * Sculpture Masih Ada Ruang Kosong by Adi Gunawan and Pande Wayan Mataram, Bentara Budaya Yogyakarta, Jl. Suroto 2 (Tel. 0274- 560404), 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., until Nov. 27. * Fine Arts Dat Was Now Dis Then by Bunga Jeruk, Cemeti Art House, Jl. D.I. Panjaitan 41 (Tel. 0274-371015), 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., until Nov. 23. * Fine Arts Grid by Tiong Ang, Fendry Ekel, Remy Jungerman, Mella Jaarsma, Cemeti Art House, Jl. D.I.

1. Banjir: 10 x 4 lines

1. Banjir: 10 x 4 lines Aceh flood claims five, displaces thousands 2. Sulsel: 22 x 2 lines Golkar councillors sent to Bali ahead of election 3. Bakau: 40 x 1 line: Long delays expected along Java-Sumatra ferry route or Delays expected along Java-Sumatra ferry route 4. Exxon: 32 x 1 line Three ExxonMobil workers abducted in Aceh: Military

Amien joins call for action against IBRA debtors

Amien joins call for action against IBRA debtors The Jakarta Post, Jakarta People's Consultative Assembly Speaker Amien Rais on Friday urged officials to drop plans to revoke criminal charges against ex-bankers who have not repaid trillions of rupiah in state loans, after senior officials appeared reluctant to authorize such a move.