Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 6 November 2002

82 articles found

Local efforts needed to fight global terror

Local efforts needed to fight global terror B. Raman, Former Head Counter-Terrorism Division Research and Analysis Wing, The Straits Times, Asia News Network, Singapore From Bali to Moscow, in South and West Asia, bushfires of jihadi terrorism have flared up across the world after Sept. 11. One year after the start of U.S. Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.

Speeding up Bali's recovery

Speeding up Bali's recovery Almost a month since a terrorist bomb demolished a section of what was once Bali's thriving entertainment center at Kuta, leaving more than 180 people dead and injuring hundreds, Indonesia, with the help of a sympathetic international community, is making determined efforts to revive the island's shattered image as a haven of peace and tolerance.

Ramadhan time for Jakarta

Ramadhan time for Jakarta Wednesday Maghrib 5.50 p.m. Thursday Imsak 3:56 a.m. Subuh 4:06 a.m.

India and SE Asian nations focus on economic ties

India and SE Asian nations focus on economic ties Luke Hunt, Agence France-Presse, Phnom Penh Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee ended an historic meeting with Southeast Asian leaders Tuesday with hopes of establishing a free trade agreement with Southeast Asian nations within a decade.

FPI chairman placed under house arrest: Chairman of the Islam

FPI chairman placed under house arrest: Chairman of the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) Habib Rizieq Shihab left the Metro Jaya police detention center last night after he was placed under house arrest. Briefing the press after his release at 10:10 p.m., Rizieq said that he would evaluate his organization thoroughly. "What is important is that I'm out of the detention center now. We will evaluate (the organization) over Ramadhan, including its members," a clearly relieved Rizieq said.

'Direct election in 2004 at all costs'

'Direct election in 2004 at all costs' Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Pnom Penh The 2004 presidential and vice presidential election will have to take place regardless of the financial burden it places on the state budget, President Megawati Soekarnoputri has asserted.

Govt tells House bond 'reprofiling' plan best option

Govt tells House bond 'reprofiling' plan best option The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government told skeptical legislators on Tuesday that paying banks higher interest rates to defer payments on some US$18 billion worth of maturing bonds was the best way to prevent a budget blowout over the next years. Reprofiling, which pushes back bond maturity dates, emerged as the better option against five others, said Finance Minister Boediono.

Eggs tossed at Aussie embassy

Eggs tossed at Aussie embassy JAKARTA: At least 300 students tossed rotten eggs at the Australian Embassy Tuesday in a noisy demonstration to protest police raids on Indonesians living in Australia in the wake of the deadly Oct. 12 bombings on Bali island. Australian security officers armed with submachine guns and pistols have smashed down doors and broken windows getting into the homes of Indonesians living in Australian cities in the past two weeks.

Markup in subdistrict's land purchased

Markup in subdistrict's land purchased TANGERANG: Some 150 residents of Margasari subdistrict, Karawaci district of Tangerang staged a rally at the municipal council office on Monday to demand an investigation be conducted over an alleged markup in the purchase of land that will be used for the subdistrict's new office. "Several district and subdistrict officials had marked up the price of the plot," said Partono, who led the protesting residents.

Bomb hoax at UN office

Bomb hoax at UN office JAKARTA: An eight-member team of the police bomb squad checked the UN office on Jl. MH Thamrin, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday in a futile search for explosives following a bomb threat. At 11:30 a.m., after a one-hour check, the police declared the office safe and left. "We did not find any bomb as claimed through a phone call to the UN office," Comr. Syajar Diantono of the Menteng Police was quoted by detik.com as saying. An anonymous caller phoned the office at 9:05 a.m.

The public confusion over all those 'intelligence reports'

The public confusion over all those 'intelligence reports' Conrado de Quiros, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Asia News Network, Manila An intelligence report says that al-Qaeda, with the aid of the Jamaah Islamiyah, is set to sow terror in Southeast Asia. Their next targets are Taiwan and Cambodia, and Vietnam, and soon to follow are Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore. They will be doing this as part of the first anniversary of 9/11. The region would do well to prepare for this new wave of terror.

Supermarkets stocks up for Ramadhan, Idul Fitri onslaught

Supermarkets stocks up for Ramadhan, Idul Fitri onslaught Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Supermarkets in the city are starting to pile their stocks welcoming the Ramadhan fasting month when Muslim residents increase their consumption during the next month. Interviewed separately, Ripto Rahardi of Gelael Supermarket on Jl.

Survey paints picture of fear, worry following Bali blast

Survey paints picture of fear, worry following Bali blast Muhammad Nafik and Emmy Fitri, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Most Indonesians believe the devastating Bali bombings will spark a new round of political fighting in the country and that the fragile nation will suffer further bomb attacks in the future, according to a survey. The survey, conducted by the New Indonesian Alliance Party (PIB), shows that more than 76 percent of the 800 respondents from across the country believe that the Oct.

India and SE Asia focus on economic ties at historic summit

India and SE Asia focus on economic ties at historic summit Luke Hunt Agence France-Presse Phnom Penh Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee ended an historic meeting with Southeast Asian leaders Tuesday with hopes of establishing a free trade agreement with Southeast Asian nations within a decade.

Angelique/Tamarine overcome first hurdle

Angelique/Tamarine overcome first hurdle Agencies, Jakarta The Indonesia-Thailand pairing of Angelique Widjaja and Tamarine Tanasugarn cruised to the second round of the US$110,000 Volvo Open in Pattaya, Thailand, after they beat top seeds Rossana Neva-De Los Rios/Tatiana Poutchek (Paraguay/Belarus) 7-5, 6-1 on Tuesday.

Govt has no intention to resume talks with Paris Club

Govt has no intention to resume talks with Paris Club The Jakarta Post Jakarta Despite the devastating impact of the Bali bombing on the economy, the government said it would maintain its commitment not to seek further debt restructuring facilities through the Paris Club of creditor nations.

The Ramadhan spirit

The Ramadhan spirit Ramadhan, which begins in Indonesia today (Wednesday), could not have come at a more opportune time. Being the Islamic holy month, and given that Islam is the dominant religion in Indonesia, Ramadhan is always a good time for our nation to contemplate its future. The Oct. 12 bomb attacks in Bali has shocked us as a nation. It has shaken our long held belief that ours is, by and large, a peaceful country shielded from terrorist attacks.

1. Kapolda: 10 x 4 lines

1. Kapolda: 10 x 4 lines Budi Utomo takes up duty as new Papua Police chief 2. Ferry: 22 x 2 lines Rescuers try to pry open ferry's roof in search of bodies 3. Turis: 22 x 2 lines Bali tour agent blasts Britain for travel advisory 4. Quake: 24 x 2 lines Aceh seeks more aid to help earthquake victims in Simeulue

EU, Thailand to join Philippines in WTO meeting with Australia

EU, Thailand to join Philippines in WTO meeting with Australia Dow Jones, Manila The European Union (EU) and Thailand will join the Philippines in its formal consultations with Australia on fruit trade scheduled to commence Nov. 15 before the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Department of Agriculture said Tuesday.

What's up with the clashes?

What's up with the clashes? From Pos Kota In the middle of last August, some National Police Mobile Brigade members based in Kedunghalang clashed with some Army members based in Cibinong, Bogor. The clash claimed a number of lives. Then a similar clash happened in Binjai. It is ironic that the security forces, instead of bringing about peace and security among the public, are involved in clashes. Have our security agencies lost touch with what the public needs?

IBRA says Bank Niaga deal to be clinched this Friday

IBRA says Bank Niaga deal to be clinched this Friday Fitri Wulandari and I Wayan Juniartha The Jakarta Post Denpasar, Bali The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) said it was expecting to sign an agreement this Friday with Malaysia's Commerce Asset Holding Bhd for the sale of a 51 percent stake in Bank Niaga. IBRA chairman Syafruddin Temenggung said on Tuesday that the agency and Commerce had cleared the remaining obstacles to Bank Niaga's sale.

HIV/AIDS cases on the rise in West Java

HIV/AIDS cases on the rise in West Java The number of people with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has increased drastically by 340 percent to 359 in June, 2002 from 51 in 1999 due to the approach used to handle HIV/AIDS cases, according to a local foundation. The Sidikara Foundation, which assists people with HIV/AIDS in Bandung, the capital of West Java, revealed that of the total figure, 326 were HIV positive and the remaining 33 had AIDS.

4,800 officers deployed to watch over nightspots

4,800 officers deployed to watch over nightspots Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city administration is deploying 4,800 officers to enforce the gubernatorial decree on the closure of entertainment centers during the fasting month of Ramadhan. The officers, including 4,000 public order officers and dozens of police and military officers, were sworn in by Vice Governor Fauzi Bowo during a ceremony at the National Monument park in Central Jakarta on Tuesday.

Malaysia to help RI combat haze

Malaysia to help RI combat haze KUCHING, Malaysia: Malaysia will help Indonesia draw up a suitable land rehabilitation and management system in West Kalimantan to control the forest fires that have created a major pollution problem in the region. Science, Technology and Environment Minister Law Hieng Ding said the two countries would form a joint committee to devise the system based on the massive Malaysian land scheme for settlers.

China-ASEAN free trade a threat to RI: Experts

China-ASEAN free trade a threat to RI: Experts Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With Indonesia's industries unprepared to face open competition, the Free Trade Area (FTA) signed on Monday by China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will do more harm than good to local industries, experts warned on Wednesday. H.S.

Sihanouk sweeps Megawati and Arroyo off their feet

Sihanouk sweeps Megawati and Arroyo off their feet Cambodia's revered monarch King Norodom Sihanouk swept the presidents of Indonesia and the Philippines off their feet as he danced, sang and entertained ASEAN leaders at a palace banquet.

Ruling coalition party deregistered

Ruling coalition party deregistered MALAYSIA: A crisis-ridden political party in Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's ruling coalition was deregistered on Tuesday for failing to resolve a protracted leadership feud. The decision does not jeopardize the capacity of Mahathir's 15-member National Front to govern, but could extinguish the career of one of the country's longest-serving politicians, James Wong, 81, who has led the Sarawak National Party for 21 years.

Police chief says Ba'asyir has lost RI citizenship

Police chief says Ba'asyir has lost RI citizenship Damar Harsanto and Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Amid public doubts over the legal grounds for Abu Bakar Ba'asyir's detention, the police revealed on Tuesday that the Muslim cleric was technically stateless as he had failed to report to the Indonesian embassy in Kuala Lumpur during his self- imposed exile in Malaysia from 1985 through 1999. National Police chief Gen.

Breaking the fast the Mideastern way

Breaking the fast the Mideastern way Maria Endah Hulupi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesian Muslims start observing the Holy Month of Ramadhan on Wednesday. The month of fasting is always special because of its religious meaning but it is also a time that allows friends and relatives to get together more often as well as extending a helping hand to the poor.

Rescuers pry open ferry's roof in search of bodies

Rescuers pry open ferry's roof in search of bodies Associated Press, Jakarta Recovery crews Tuesday tried to pry open the roof of a ferry lying in 100 meters of water, searching for victims that went down with the vessel when it sank near Ambon in Maluku on Sunday. Only five bodies have been recovered so far, but officials believe the death toll could rise much higher as searchers find bodies trapped inside the ferry.

Indonesia sports at major crossroad

Indonesia sports at major crossroad The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia trounced Lebanon 3.5-0.5 in the ninth round of the Chess Olympiad in Bled, Slovenia, on Monday, while Hungary upset pacesetter Russia to reduce the gap between the two to only half a point, it was reported on Tuesday. Ivan Situru was the only Indonesian team member to fail to register a full point against Lebanon, being held to a draw by Fadi Eid in 48 moves. The matches can be viewed live at www.35chessolympiad.com.

Indonesian sports at a major crossroads

Indonesian sports at a major crossroads Budi A. Sanusi, Contributor, Jakarta If the performance of the Indonesian athletes at the Busan Asian Games is anything to go by, the future of the national sports is very bleak indeed. With a meager collection of four gold, seven silver, and 12 bronze medals, Indonesia ended up in the 14th spot far below the three Asian powerhouses: China, South Korea and Japan.

Danamon net profit up to Rp 725.2b

Danamon net profit up to Rp 725.2b JAKARTA: PT Bank Danamon Indonesia said Tuesday consolidated net profit rose to Rp 725.26 billion in the first nine months of the year from Rp 576.82 billion a year earlier. The bank, which is 99.35 percent owned by the government, said net profit was boosted by miscellaneous operating income, which rose to Rp 456.12 billion from Rp 250.69 billion a year earlier. This income includes fee-based income, commissions and foreign exchange gains.

SE Asian free trade plan just talk for time being: Analysts

SE Asian free trade plan just talk for time being: Analysts Dirk Beveridge, Associated Press, Phnom Penh Southeast Asian nations have pledged to establish a free trade zone with China and they're talking about something similar with Japan and South Korea, but analysts cautioned Tuesday their interests are so divergent that any deals won't come easily.

Govt tells House bond 'reprofiling' plan best option

Govt tells House bond 'reprofiling' plan best option The Jakarta Post Jakarta The government told skeptical legislators on Tuesday that paying banks higher interest rates to defer payments on some US$18 billion worth of maturing bonds was the best way to prevent a budget blowout over the next years. Reprofiling, which pushes back bond maturity dates, emerged as the better option against five others, said Finance Minister Boediono.

Salim to buy 31% of coal mining company KPC

Salim to buy 31% of coal mining company KPC The Jakarta Post, Jakarta David Salim, a relative of troubled tycoon Liem Sioe Liong, reportedly has been appointed by the East Kalimantan provincial and East Kutai regency administrations to buy 31 percent of coal mining company PT Kaltim Prima Coal.

Rupiah Rates Nov.5

Rupiah Rates Nov.5 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp Australian dollar 1 5,449.55 4,884.20 5,194.86 5,138.66 Brunei dollar 1 5,531.58 4,959.31 5,273.05 5,217.69 Canadian dollar 1 6,242.93 5,596.66 5,951.16 5,888.25 Swiss franc 1 6,628.45 5,944.07 6,318.66 6,253.75 Danish krone 1 1,304.96 1,170.12 1,243.97 1,231.08 Euro 1 9,701.37 8,700.06 9,247.96 9,153.33 Poundsterling 1 15,128.58 13,567.70 14,421.52 14,274.58 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,245.58 1,117.21 1,187.36...

1. PUASA: 50 pt, 2 cols, 4 x 12

1. PUASA: 50 pt, 2 cols, 4 x 12 4,800 officers deployed to watch over nightspots 2. FOOD: 36 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 26 Supermarkets prepare stock for Ramadhan, Idul Fitri onslaught or Supermarkets stock up for Ramadhan, Idul Fitri onslaught 3. DEMO: 28 pt, 3 cols, 1 x 32 Flood victims demand promised aid 4. FPI: 28 pt, 2 cols, 1 x 24 FPI leader withdraws suit 5. BURUH: 28 pt, 3 cols, 1 x 34 Company denies responsibility for workers or Company closes, leaves workers in limbo 6.

300,000 graduates

300,000 graduates unemployed From Rakyat Merdeka The level of disguised unemployment in Indonesia is quite high. Last year, some 300,000 university graduates holding a diploma for a particular study program worked part-time in a field unrelated to their educational background. This year the number must have risen. The reason is that the qualifications of university graduates in Indonesia are not in keeping with market demand.

National song, not anthem

National song, not anthem I would like to thank you for printing the article Night to remember singing in Children of the World Choir (The Jakarta Post, Nov. 3). However, I would like to inform you that I had given that our school depicted the Indian culture and sang our country's national song not our national anthem. ANSHU AGARWAL Jakarta Note: Thank you for your correction. --Editor

Soeharto abused 'Javanese culture to maintain power'

Soeharto abused 'Javanese culture to maintain power' The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Javanese traditions were deliberately misused by politicians in the corrupt New Order regime to maintain their power for over 30 years, prompting a nationwide antipathy against the Javanese culture and community, Yogyakarta Sultan Hamengkubuwono X said on Tuesday.

Aceh seeks aid to help earthquake victims

Aceh seeks aid to help earthquake victims The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh Aceh Governor Abdullah Puteh said he would propose that the central government declare the recent earthquake that rocked Simeulue a national disaster, in an attempt to seek financial aid for the victims and to rehabilitate damaged buildings. "I have met with the coordinating minister for people's welfare to discuss the proposal," he said while touring Meugang market in Banda Aceh on Tuesday.

Flood victims demand promised aid

Flood victims demand promised aid The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Dozens of flood victims staged a rally in front of City Hall, Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday, demanding the city administration disburse aid that was earlier promised to them. The victims of Jatinegara and Cipinang districts in East Jakarta, severely hit by massive floods in February this year, revealed that they had been promised the aid by non-governmental organization (NGO) ICE on Indonesia.

Policemen arrested over shootings

Policemen arrested over shootings PASURUAN, East Java: Four police mobile brigade (Brimob) officers were arrested by the Malang Brimob force on Tuesday after shooting at people over the weekend in the red-light district area of Gempol, Porong, Pasuruan, East Java. Two people were injured on Saturday's incident, when the four police officers armed with M-16 rifles shot without warning at a number of locals who were gambling in the red-light district.

Hydropower plant for South Sulawesi

Hydropower plant for South Sulawesi MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Enrekang regency administration, South Sulawesi, said on Tuesday it would build a 100-megawatt hydropower plant to help address the power crisis in the regency and in the province. Enrekang Regent M. Iqbal Mustafa said that the hydropower plant would be built in Anggareja village in cooperation with a Chinese firm, at an investment cost of US$150 million.

Debate on AKbar's fate delayed

Debate on AKbar's fate delayed JAKARTA: Leaders of the House of Representatives (DPR) failed Tuesday to discuss a proposal submitted by nearly 100 legislators to suspend Speaker Akbar Tandjung for his role in a financial scandal involving the State Logistics Agency (Bulog). Akbar, who chaired a meeting of House leaders on Tuesday, told reporters that House leaders needed more time to study the case. "Maybe we can take it up in the next House leaders meeting.

Govt will not seek fourth Paris Club deal

Govt will not seek fourth Paris Club deal The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite the devastating impact of the Bali bombing on the economy, the government said it would maintain its commitment not to seek further debt restructuring facilities through the Paris Club of creditor nations.

Where to go in Surabaya, for Wednesday, November 6, 2001

Where to go in Surabaya, for Wednesday, November 6, 2001 Exhibitions * Photo, by Indonesian photo journalists, CCCL - French Cultural Center, Jl. Darmokali 10 (Tel. 031 5678639), Nov. 9 to Nov. 18. * Photo, by French photographer Nicolas Cornet, CCCL - French Cultural Center, Nov. 20 to Nov. 27. Performance * Music by Jet Set group band, at Desperados Bar and Cafe, Shangri-La Hotel, Jl. May. Jend. Sungkono 120 (Tel. 031 5661550), every Monday to Saturday, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

HIV/AIDS cases on the rise in West Java

HIV/AIDS cases on the rise in West Java The number of people with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has increased drastically by 340 percent to 359 in June, 2002 from 51 in 1999 due to the approach used to handle HIV/AIDS cases, according to a local foundation. The Sidikara Foundation, which assists people with HIV/AIDS in Bandung, the capital of West Java, revealed that of the total figure, 326 were HIV positive and the remaining 33 had AIDS.

Max Lane responds

Max Lane responds When I saw a letter by Geoffrey Gold, a well-known advisor to Australian business and mining interests, in The Jakarta Post on Nov. 5 responding to my articles on Australia-Indonesia relations, I was quite excited. However, I was disappointed that none of the issues being raised were discussed. Instead, there was a series of data, not always correct in detail but generally flattering, about my own political and human rights activities.

Medco pays $570,000 for Papua Block

Medco pays $570,000 for Papua Block JAKARTA: Indonesia's PT Medco Energi International said Tuesday it has signed an agreement to pay US$570,000 for Continental Energy Yapan Ltd.'s 90 percent working interest in an exploration block in West Papua province. Medco said in a statement it has agreed to spend $5 million over the next three years to explore the 9,500-square-kilometer Yapen PSC block, which the company believes could have considerable gas reserves.

Tour agent blasts Britain for travel advisory

Tour agent blasts Britain for travel advisory The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Twenty British tourists were reportedly tearful at being ordered by their government to leave Bali after the Oct. 12, 2002, deadly bomb blast. Jro Gede Karang T. Suarshana, a tour agent on the island, said here on Tuesday the 20 British tourists would petition British Prime Minister Tony Blair to instruct Britons to consider not visiting Bali, rather that banning them to do so.

Flaws in draft electoral law sustain rampant corruption

Flaws in draft electoral law sustain rampant corruption Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Activists slammed the government and the House of Representatives on Tuesday for their failure to set clear-cut and thorough rules on contributions for political party campaigns, which they claimed to have helped sustain rampant corruption practices.

Coordination lax in explosives' supervision

Coordination lax in explosives' supervision Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Ministry of Defense, which is authorized to issue licenses for local companies to import, manufacture and sell explosives, said on Tuesday that it could not fully exercise its supervisory role over the business due to a lack of coordination with the police. Under Presidential Decree No.

PLN plans bonds early next year

PLN plans bonds early next year Dow Jones, Jakarta Indonesia's state-owned electricity company PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara, or PLN, said Tuesday it plans to issue bonds early next year to fund an expansion of its electricity network after large parts of the country suffered blackouts this year. PLN will issue up to Rp 900 billion in bonds in the first quarter of 2003, Jusuf Hamdani, a senior PLN official told Dow Jones Newswires.

Tax revenue targets for 2003 lowered

Tax revenue targets for 2003 lowered The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has lowered next year's tax revenue targets by Rp 7 trillion (about US$760 million) to Rp 212.2 trillion, citing a more difficult economic condition after the Oct. 12, Bali bombing. Director General for Taxation Hadi Purnomo said on Tuesday the new tax targets excluded revenues from excise and import duties.

;JP;

;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.

Respiratory problems hit City Hall

Respiratory problems hit City Hall JAKARTA: The most common ailment suffered among the city administration employees is respiratory problems, according to data from the City Hall health clinic. Head of the health clinic, Dr. Wardini Surijit, said during a health seminar on Monday that respiratory problems topped the list of illnesses suffered by employees at 38.9 percent.

No tourism beneficiaries of Bali blasts

No tourism beneficiaries of Bali blasts Helen Ubels, Dow Jones, Sydney In the immediate aftermath of the Bali bombings, it seemed as though other Southeast Asian destinations would be the beneficiaries of redirected tourist traffic, but three weeks on, the picture is very different. The tragedy has created a climate of fear across the region, hurting airlines, hotel operators and the broader tourism sector.

* Headlines: Ba'asyir has lost RI citizenship: Police chief2

* Headlines: Ba'asyir has lost RI citizenship: Police chief2 * National: 'Direct election in 2004 at all costs'4 * Archipelago: Budi Utomo takes up duty as Papua Police chief5 * Opinion: Local efforts needed to fight global terror7 * City: 4,800 officers deployed to watch over nightspots8 * Sports: Raptors grab overtime victory over Bulls9 * World: Sharon calls snap polls, offers rival post11 * Business: 120,000 workers strike in South Korea 16 * Features: Ruihuan, comeback or climbdown20

Airline executives to meet in Manila

Airline executives to meet in Manila MANILA: Asia's top airline executives will address security concerns and uncertainty due to terrorism at a regional aviation meeting in the Philippines next week, the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) said Tuesday. AAPA director Richard Stirland said the meeting, to be held in the central city of Cebu, will include discussions on the sector's recovery following the terror attacks.

Four arrested over Bali bomb, not yet suspects

Four arrested over Bali bomb, not yet suspects Team, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The National Police announced on Tuesday the arrest of four men in connection with the Bali bombing, but refrained from claiming to have made significant progress in their probe into the fatal blast. The arrests were made in the North Sumatra town of Binjai, Jakarta and unnamed towns in East Java, mostly based on their facial resemblance to sketches of three suspects wanted for the blast.

Megawati says Indonesia and Southeast Asia safe

Megawati says Indonesia and Southeast Asia safe Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Phnom Penh President Megawati Soekarnoputri brushed aside on Tuesday global fear of the safety of Indonesia and the rest of Southeast Asia following a series of recent bombings in the region. Speaking at a special press conference that wound up her attendance at the ASEAN summit here, Megawati called on foreign countries to lift travel warnings for Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries.

'U.S. ignoring democracy'

'U.S. ignoring democracy' JAKARTA: The United States' determined campaign against terrorism has not only upset militant groups here but also some pro- democracy activists. Smita Notosusanto of the Center for Electoral Reform (Cetro) expressed regret on Tuesday that the antiterrorism campaign had prompted the U.S. to cut its assistance for democratization in Indonesia. "We are only getting one-fourth of the total amount we were supposed to receive.

U.S. wants MILF on terror list

U.S. wants MILF on terror list PHILIPPINES: The United States wants the Philippines' largest Muslim separatist group placed on a blacklist of terrorist organizations despite a cease-fire and ongoing peace talks, an official said on Tuesday. Manila instead convinced the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to help the government's crackdown on suspected Jamaah Islamiyah and al-Qaeda operatives in the country, said Norberto Gonzales, a senior adviser to President Gloria Arroyo.

FPI chairman withdraws suit against police

FPI chairman withdraws suit against police JAKARTA: The chairman of the radical Islam Defenders Front (FPI), Al Habib Rizieq Shihab, withdrew on Tuesday his lawsuit against the city police over his detention. Rizieq's lawyer Mahendradatta told the South Jakarta District Court that his client had decided to withdraw the suit with good intentions ahead of the Ramadhan fasting month. "He said that if this legal process continues, it could have a bad impact during this Ramadhan.

India and SE Asia focus on economic ties at historic summit

India and SE Asia focus on economic ties at historic summit Luke Hunt Agence France-Presse Phnom Penh Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee ended an historic meeting with Southeast Asian leaders Tuesday with hopes of establishing a free trade agreement with Southeast Asian nations within a decade.

HIV/AIDS cases on the rise in West Java

HIV/AIDS cases on the rise in West Java Budianto The Jakarta Post Bandung The number of people with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has increased drastically by 340 percent to 359 in June, 2002 from 51 in 1999 due to the approach used to handle HIV/AIDS cases, according to a local foundation.

What's wrong with this nation?

What's wrong with this nation? From Media Indonesia In the aftermath of the Bali bomb blast, foreign victims were prioritized over local victims in terms of treatment. It is sad to realize that this treatment -- which suggests that foreigners are racially superior -- has been practiced by Indonesians. So, what has gone wrong with this nation? The bomb tragedy in Bali must make all Indonesians reflect upon themselves and seize this momentum to arouse their fighting spirit.

Government bows to pressure, revises antiterrorism bills

Government bows to pressure, revises antiterrorism bills A'an Suryana and Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Cirebon Bowing to internal pressure, the government has made changes on some contentious articles in two antiterrorism bills, especially in regard to intelligence information.

IBRA says Bank Niaga deal to be clinched this Friday

IBRA says Bank Niaga deal to be clinched this Friday Fitri Wulandari and I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) said it was expecting to sign an agreement this Friday with Malaysia's Commerce Asset Holding Bhd for the sale of a 51 percent stake in Bank Niaga. IBRA chairman Syafruddin Temenggung said on Tuesday that the agency and Commerce had cleared the remaining obstacles to Bank Niaga's sale.

Most Asian monies hit multi-week highs

Most Asian monies hit multi-week highs Nirmala Menon, Dow Jones, Singapore Most Asian currencies hit multi-week highs as the U.S. dollar fell to a fresh one-month trough against the yen Tuesday, ahead of a widely expected rate cut by the U.S. Federal Reserve. The Singapore dollar, Thai baht, South Korean won and New Taiwan dollar all rose to levels not seen since mid-to-late September. The Philippine peso chalked up gains for the third consecutive session, while the Indonesian rupiah was steady.

Mandung people refuse weste facilities

Mandung people refuse weste facilities DENPASAR, Bali: Mandung people in Kerambitan subdistrict, Tabanan, Bali, voiced their opposition on Tuesday against a plan by the Tabanan administration to build a waste treatment facility in their area as it was too close to their dwellings. "We're worried that the waste facility, which would be built to too close to us, would affect our health," said I Nyoman Kardi, representing the protesters.

Budi Utomo assumes duty as new Papua Police chief

Budi Utomo assumes duty as new Papua Police chief Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura Inspector General Budi Utomo began his tenure as Papua Police chief by calling on local residents to cooperate with the authorities to ensure peace in the resource-rich but restive province. Budi, who has been assigned in the province several times in the past, received the ceremonial Papua Police leadership baton from his predecessor, Insp. Gen.

'Banning migrants may increase crime rate'

'Banning migrants may increase crime rate' Jakarta is a magnet for many people from outside the city who come to try their luck in the capital. Overwhelmed with the influx of migrants, which could reach almost 250,000 a year, Governor Sutiyoso announced his plan last month to curb the flow by closing the city to poor, unskilled migrants. City residents shared their view with The Jakarta Post: Aris, 22, is looking for a job, and is staying temporarily at a mosque in South Jakarta.

Company denies responsibility for workers

Company denies responsibility for workers The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Director of textile company PT Kawan Kita Sejahtera, Jimmy Sitaniapessy, said on Tuesday he shared no responsibility for the fate of 500 workers who had lost their jobs and had not received their salaries. In a statement made available to The Jakarta Post, Jimmy explained that the one of the company's assets located in Klapanunggal village, Bogor, had been sold to Korean businessman Chong Ok Park from Park and Kwon in 2000.

Italy offers biotech collaboration

Italy offers biotech collaboration JAKARTA: A delegation of Italian biotechnology experts is currently visiting Indonesia from Nov. 3 through Nov. 8 to discuss possible exchanges of the latest technologies in the fields of environmental conservation, agriculture and biotechnology.

Widodo elected chief commissioner

Widodo elected chief commissioner SURABAYA: Former Military (TNI) chief Marshal (retired) Widodo A.S. has been elected chief commissioner of PT Pelabuhan Indonesia III replacing Suntoro. During an acquaintance ceremony in Surabaya, East Java, on Tuesday, Widodo A.S., who retired from military service early this year, was briefed on the company's financial situation, performance and future plans.

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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.

Japan signs pact with ASEAN, lays groundwork for free trade area

Japan signs pact with ASEAN, lays groundwork for free trade area Karl Malakunas, Agence France-Presse, Phnom Penh A free trade area (FTA) between Southeast Asia and Japan could be a reality within 10 years, around the same time when the region links up with China for the world's largest free market, following a pact signed by the nations' leaders Tuesday.

Japan signs pact with ASEAN

Japan signs pact with ASEAN Karl Malakunas, Agence France-Presse, Phnom Penh A free trade area (FTA) between Southeast Asia and Japan could be a reality within 10 years, around the same time when the region links up with China for the world's largest free market, following a pact signed by the nations' leaders Tuesday.

War on terror needs more UN seats for Islam: Juwono

War on terror needs more UN seats for Islam: Juwono A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A major restructuring of the United Nations Security Council, to include more Muslim countries, would be beneficial in the global war against terrorism, international relations professor Juwono Sudarsono said on Tuesday.