Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 9 November 2002

Showing 1-50 of 88 articles

Bekasi dump annoys neighbors

Bekasi dump annoys neighbors Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Bekasi Jakarta has paid out Rp 14 billion in compensation for the use of the Bantar Gebang dump site, but locals living close to the dump have complained that they have received little or no benefit from the fund. The work to develop asphalt roads near the Bantar Gebang dump site in Bekasi was completed just a few months ago, but the roads are already in poor condition, the locals said.

pl

pl .rm Stock price at The Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov.8 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Abdi Bangsa Tbk 270 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 700 0 0 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 70 0 8,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 220 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 95 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 825 25 89,000 Alter Abadi Tbk 10 0 0 Alumindo Light 210 0 53,500...

Two generals to sue media for slander

Two generals to sue media for slander Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Two active Army Generals are filing lawsuits against a number of local, national, and even international media for defamation, claiming what they call libelous news reporting. Gen. Endriartono Sutarto and Lt. Gen. Djadja Suparman vowed Friday to bring to court several media establishments for suggesting that they were behind a number of crimes in the country. Four-star Army Gen.

Role awareness is quite necessary in any organizations

Role awareness is quite necessary in any organizations A.B. Susanto, The Jakarta Consulting Group, Jakarta One of the keys to allow a member of an organization to contribute significantly to the organization is to understand his role and then play it the best way he can. We know that in carrying out an activity, an organization is based on a process that links one part and the other in a well-arranged system.

Breaking cycle of violence in Indonesia

Breaking cycle of violence in Indonesia 1 X 38 Part 1 of 2 Annabel McGoldrick Reporting the World London annabelmcg@aol.com Aya Muchtar Contributor Jakarta aya@cbn.net.id 2. Inquire -- RP tourism: Warnings unnecessary? 1 X 30 Unnecessary warning Philippine Daily Inquirer 3. Pro11 -- U.S. accounting: Serving two masters Conflicts of interest and eradicating corruption 1 X 45 Joseph E. Stiglitz Professor of Economics and Finance Columbia University Project Syndicate

Officials ordered to return markup money

Officials ordered to return markup money TANGERANG: Tangerang municipal administration secretary Wahidin Halim said on Friday he had ordered the Margasari subdistrict chief and the Karawaci district chief to return the money they allegedly obtained by marking up a land purchase. The order was issued in response to complaints filed by the subdistrict residents during a rally at the municipal council office on Monday.

GAM held at gunpoint, told to sign agreement

GAM held at gunpoint, told to sign agreement Team, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government and the military upped the pressure on the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) to sign a peace agreement as soon as possible as scores of rebels, including GAM leaders, are still under siege in North Aceh. Meanwhile the Henry Dunant Centre (HDC) which has facilitated dialogs for the two conflicting factions, reiterated that the signing of the peace agreement would be conducted after the fasting month of Ramadhan.

SIA trims flight to Bali

SIA trims flight to Bali Singapore Airlines (SIA) has reduced its daily flights to the Indonesian resort island of Bali due to weak demand in the aftermath of a deadly carbomb attack, the carrier said Friday. "We have reduced flights to Bali from four to three times a day to match capacity with demand," a SIA spokesman told AFP. "When demand picks up, we will respond accordingly," the spokesman said. The number of travelers to Bali has dwindled following the Oct.

Unemployed graduates

Unemployed graduates 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.

New bank loans jump 11.6% in September

New bank loans jump 11.6% in September Dow Jones, Jakarta The Indonesian central bank said Friday that falling domestic interest rates continued to spur new bank loans in September. New bank loans jumped 11.6 percent to Rp 10.6 trillion (US$1.15 billion) in September from Rp 9.5 trillion in August. Outstanding bank loans rose to Rp 387.7 trillion from Rp 377 trillion a month earlier, as a result. Most of the new loans were provided to small businesses, the central bank said.

Conflicting paths to peace in troubled Aceh

Conflicting paths to peace in troubled Aceh Otto Syamsuddin Ishak, Sociologist, Civil Society Alliance for Democracy (Yappika), Jakarta Militaristic politics will destroy the egalitarian values of the Acehnese. War will lead to their character assassination -- the Acehnese may be branded with a stereotype in connection with their acquaintance with fundamentalist Muslims.

1. Ott2 -- The contrary path to peace in Aceh

1. Ott2 -- The contrary path to peace in Aceh 2 X 22 Part 2 of 2 Conflicting paths to peace in Aceh Otto Syamsuddin Ishak Sociologist Civil Society Alliance for Democracy (Yappika) Jakarta 2. Iqbal1 -- A tale of two presidents 2 X 30 Part 2 of 2 A tale of two blessed presidents: George Bush and Megawati Iqbal Widastomo

Signal problem disrupts train service

Signal problem disrupts train service JAKARTA: Train service between the Gambir and Manggarai stations was disrupted on Friday due to problems with train signals, causing long delays for commuters and long distance travelers alike. "The problem was caused by a break in the tracks between Gambir and the nearby Gondangdia station," the spokesman of PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) Greater Jakarta division, Zainal Abidin, told The Jakarta Post.

President awards national heroes

President awards national heroes President Megawati Soekarnoputri gestures to a woman (not pictured), while State Minister for Women's Empowerment Sri Redjeki Soemaryoto (right) and former minister of social affairs Sulasikin Murpratomo (left) looks on during a ceremony honoring national heroes at the State Palace. The President posthumously awarded the title of National Hero to Grand Gen. A.H. Nasution, Gen. Jatikusumo, Andi Djemma, Ong Tiku and Prof. Iwa Kusuma Sumantri on Friday.

JP/6/PURBA

JP/6/PURBA ASEAN needs collective leadership for existence Kornelius Purba Staff Writer Jakarta korpur@yahoo.com For many people, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is more like a remnant of its past glory, especially after the regional financial crisis of 1997, as a result of which its strongest advocate, Indonesian president Soeharto, fell from power in 1998.

A newly found temple to enrich Borobudur complex

A newly found temple to enrich Borobudur complex Berchman Heroe, Contributor, Magelang, Central Java All of a sudden, attention is focused on Borobudur Temple in Magelang. It turns out a new temple has been found close to Borobudur. This new historical object, in the form of a base of a temple, was found some 5 kilometers to the north of Borobudur Temple, or to be exact, in Samberan hamlet, Ringin Anom village, Tempuran, Magelang regency, Central Java.

'Migrants have more potential'

'Migrants have more potential' The city administration has partly blamed the capital's large population for the high unemployment and social disturbances. As a control measure, Governor Sutiyoso intends to close the city to unskilled and poor migrants. The Jakarta Post interviewed several residents about the plan. Oki Savitri is an employee at an international organization in Ragunan, South Jakarta. She was born in Surakarta, Central Java, and has been living in the city for four years.

Govt told to get tougher with paramilitary groups

Govt told to get tougher with paramilitary groups Muhammad Nafik and Emmy Fitri, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government needs a law enabling it to take action against military-style groups that have the potential to harm democracy and spark conflict, analysts and activists say. Speaking to The Jakarta Post separately on Friday, they agreed that every organization should be banned from appearing in military uniform.

JP/8/BEKASI

JP/8/BEKASI Bekasi The Jakarta Post The Bekasi city administration has been criticized for its decision to dismantle a newly completed water pipeline in front of the Bekasi City Hall. The 800-meter pipeline was installed for Rp 150 million (US$16,300) and was then dismantled by the Bekasi City Public Works Agency for an additional Rp 480 million.

Eliminating terrorism

Eliminating terrorism From Koran Tempo Indonesians are suffering from a multidimensional crisis. While they are still gripped by the protracted economic and political crisis, the bomb blast in Bali on Oct. 12 has added to their plight. The image of Indonesia has been really tarnished in the international community as the bomb blast claimed hundreds of lives, mostly foreigners'. Unfortunately, government officials and politicians differ in opinion about terrorism in Indonesia.

RI man charged with lying in U.S.

RI man charged with lying in U.S. PHILADELPHIA: An Indonesian citizen detained after police saw him taking photographs of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge on the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks has been charged with lying about where he lived.

Mob-induced church closure drama drags on

Mob-induced church closure drama drags on Budianto, The Jakarta Post, Bandung The police in Bandung, capital of West Java, have sealed off the premises of the Christian HKBP church which was forcibly closed down by a gang of Muslim extremists on Wednesday, in order to prevent more problems. Cibabat Police Precinct Chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Edward Pernong said on Friday the police took the action to prevent any more offenses that could trigger a sectarian conflict.

Free trade with ASEAN, China's safety cushion

Free trade with ASEAN, China's safety cushion Sheng Lijun, The Straits Times, Asia News Network, Singapore China's commitment to create a free-trade area (FTA) with ASEAN countries has attracted much interest among scholars and businessmen. Leaving aside the economic rationale, how is one to read the strategic motivations behind the move? It was China which first proposed the FTA.

Megawati urged to replace Attorney General

Megawati urged to replace Attorney General The Jakarta Post, A'an Suryana The prolonged graft investigation implicating Attorney General M.A. Rachman has caused Megawati Soekarnoputri's administration to lose credibility in fighting graft, and therefore, the President should remove him from government. Noted anticorruption activist Teten Masduki warned Megawati that the investigation against Rachman would drag on, and that it would cost her credibility.

I'm puzzled by govt attitude

I'm puzzled by govt attitude I sometimes am puzzled by the attitude of my government, which is trying to get information about a national issue from foreigners, as if leading Indonesians are not bonafide. An example is the effort of the government to get information from the Henry Dunant Center as to why the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) in Indonesia has refused to sign a peace agreement before the month of Ramadhan, instead preferring to wait until after Idul Fitri.

'Channel NewsAsia' broadens RI reach

'Channel NewsAsia' broadens RI reach SINGAPORE: Singapore-based Asian broadcaster Channel NewsAsia said Friday it has broadened its reach in Indonesia with the signing of an agreement with Metro TV for an exchange of news and programs. The agreement signed earlier this week will allow Channel NewsAsia to be seen by audiences in Jakarta and 29 other large cities in Indonesia through Metro TV's free-to-air channel.

Senayan saga

Senayan saga The Jakarta administration's ambition to control and manage city assets formerly controlled and managed by the central government may materialize with a stronger legal basis behind it. Law No. 34/2000 says that all assets controlled by the central government shall be handed over to the regional (provincial) administration, based on the regional autonomy law.

RI, a nation of

RI, a nation of incredible people From Koran Tempo When the bombs exploded in Bali thunderously, I was imagining a gang of people laughing heartily or at least smiling proudly because they had succeeded in sending thousands of people into a state of panic. The explosion too had made hundreds of people busy and dozens others nervous because they were afraid of losing their post. Whoever the perpetrators may be, whatever their race, tribe, ethnicity or religion, these people are really incredible.

New bank loans up 11.6% in September: BI

New bank loans up 11.6% in September: BI Dow Jones, Jakarta The Indonesian central bank said Friday that falling domestic interest rates continued to spur new bank loans in September. New bank loans jumped 11.6 percent to Rp 10.6 trillion (US$1.15 billion) in September from Rp 9.5 trillion in August. Outstanding bank loans rose to Rp 387.7 trillion from Rp 377 trillion a month earlier, as a result. Most of the new loans were provided to small businesses, the central bank said.

Telkom to launch new satellite with Arianespace

Telkom to launch new satellite with Arianespace The Jakarta Post Jakarta State telecommunication company PT Telkom will launch TELKOM- 2, its latest satellite, with a launch vehicle from French company Arianespace under a deal worth US$62.9 million, which was signed on Friday. The rocket Ariane 5 will launch TELKOM-2 in the second half of 2004 from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, Arianespace said in a statement.

Govt issues decree to limit steel imports

Govt issues decree to limit steel imports Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Ministry of Industry and Trade has issued a decree to limit the importation of steel products in a bid to help protect the local steel industry against mass imports of cheaper products. Ministerial Decree No.751/2002, dated Nov. 7, stipulates that only local steel producers will be allowed to import hot-rolled and cold-rolled coils as raw materials or as supplements for production purposes.

Eliminate corruptors

Eliminate corruptors and communists From Sinar Pagi A Jakarta-based newspaper in its Sept. 30 edition carried a report about a number of clever and wise people feeling worried about the possibility of a new brand of communism emerging. Strangely, these people did not touch on corruptors, who are more dangerous than communists. Like true communists, corruptors impair the state's financial order and resilience. They destroy people's finances and make the nation move backward in all areas.

1. Bantar1 -- More than a democratic flop

1. Bantar1 -- More than a democratic flop 2. Korpur -- ASEAN needs collective leadership 3. Times -- Malaysia's crisis and opportunity

Apriadi Gunawan

Apriadi Gunawan The Jakarta Post Medan Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu made clear on Friday that he would revive the Airborne 100/PS Battalion in Binjai, some 30 kilometers north of Medan. The Army unit has been suspended since an attack by a number of its members on a police station and the headquarters of the police's Mobile Brigade in Binjai at the end of September. The attack claimed the lives of at least four people, including two civilians.

Police hunt for Bali suspect's accomplices

Police hunt for Bali suspect's accomplices The Jakarta Post, Kuta/Jakarta Police investigators intensified their search on Friday for the accomplices of a man who has admitted to helping build the Bali bomb in a bid to kill as many Americans as possible. A spokesman for a joint inquiry team investigating the Oct. 12 terrorist attack in Bali, Brig. Gen. Edward Aritonang, said that an intensive manhunt was going on in several regions where the culprits were believed to be hiding.

PPP to hold congress in 2003

PPP to hold congress in 2003 JAKARTA: The Muslim-based United Development Party (PPP) has decided to convene its next national congress in June 2003 to elect a new party chairman. "The congress in June has become a certainty," PPP secretary general Ali Marwan Hanan said here on Friday.

Jiang urges Taiwan to restart talks

Jiang urges Taiwan to restart talks Tamora Vidaillet and Alice Hung, Reuters, Beijing/Taipei Chinese Communist Party chief Jiang Zemin said on Friday that China and Taiwan should put aside political differences to resume talks, an offer swiftly welcomed by Taiwan as long as there are no pre-conditions.

Pirates attack ships off Bintan island

Pirates attack ships off Bintan island SINGAPORE: Pirates wielding long knifes attacked three container ships in Indonesian waters close to Singapore, injuring two crew members and stealing more than US$8,000, maritime officials said on Friday. The attacks occurred close to the Indonesian island of Bintan earlier this week, said Noel Choong, head of the International Maritime Bureau's piracy reporting center in Kuala Lumpur. Bintan lies a short ferry ride southeast of Singapore.

Rupiah Rates Nov.8

Rupiah Rates Nov.8 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp Australian dollar 1 5,501.52 4,930.47 5,244.24 5,187.52 Brunei dollar 1 5,512.78 4,942.11 5,254.97 5,199.77 Canadian dollar 1 6,244.29 5,600.00 5,952.27 5,891.96 Swiss franc 1 6,688.25 5,997.25 6,375.47 6,309.92 Danish krone 1 1,318.13 1,181.55 1,256.48 1,243.15 Euro 1 9,791.49 8,780.28 9,333.58 9,238.04 Poundsterling 1 15,328.93 13,745.58 14,612.07 14,462.22 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,244.73 1,116.47 1,186.52...

Irwanto wins, RI team draws with Zambia

Irwanto wins, RI team draws with Zambia Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Irwanto Sadikin bounced back from his defeat in the previous round to beat Nase Lungu of Zambia in the twelfth round of the Chess Olympiad in Bled, Slovenia, on Thursday, however the team could only manage a draw with the Africans, reports said.

'Country Road take me home' -- to Jakarta

'Country Road take me home' -- to Jakarta Jerry Norton, Reuters, Jakarta It's prime time on a Thursday night in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation, and millions are tuning in to state- owned TVRI to watch -- good old boys in cowboy hats belting out country and western tunes. The programme is Country Road and for two hours a week it features a parade of Indonesian groups and singers who play mostly old U.S.

Transmigrants lose their chance to earn a living

Transmigrants lose their chance to earn a living Bonifasius Gunung, Indonesian Advocacy Service for Justice and Peace (PADMA), Jakarta Transmigration, a program that promotes public welfare, has come back into the spotlight.

Angelique Widjaja advances to Volvo Open semis

Angelique Widjaja advances to Volvo Open semis Agence France-Presse, Pattaya, Thailand Indonesia's Angelique Widjaja advances to the semifinals of the US$110,000 Volvo Open after defeating Shinobu Asogoe of Japan in the first leg of the quarterfinals matches here on Friday. Angie, as the 17-year-old Indonesian is nicknamed, outlasted the Japanese player 3-6, 7-5, 6-4 to set up a match in the semifinals against Tatiana Panova of Russia.

HIV/AIDS cases among young people on the rise

HIV/AIDS cases among young people on the rise Debbie A. Lubis, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The number of young people with HIV/AIDS has soared in the past three years due to increasing intravenous drug use (IDU), activists say.

Foreign detainees seek release pending charges

Foreign detainees seek release pending charges Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh Lawyers acting for two Western women detained in Aceh for alleged links to separatist rebels, have requested the women be released pending a decision as to whether the pair will be charged. The government prosecutor's office in Banda Aceh says it is considering the request to temporarily free Lesley McCulloch, 42, from Scotland and American Joy Lee Sadler, 57.

Quake victims 'discriminated against'

Quake victims 'discriminated against' MANOKWARI, Papua: Thousands of people affected by an earthquake in Ransiki, Oransbari and Anggi districts in Manokwari regency, Papua, have been living in poor conditions for a month without assistance. Ransiki district administration secretary Yosep Insyir said that the locals in the three districts seriously needed various assistance including food, home appliances and moral support.

Arianespace to launch TELKOM-2

Arianespace to launch TELKOM-2 The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State telecommunication company PT Telkom will launch TELKOM- 2, its latest satellite, with a launch vehicle from French company Arianespace under a deal worth US$62.9 million, which was signed on Friday. The rocket Ariane 5 will launch TELKOM-2 in the second half of 2004 from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, Arianespace said in a statement.

Govt offers bonus to refugees

Govt offers bonus to refugees KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: The government has agreed to provide Idul Fitri, Christmas, and New Year financial packages to East Timorese wishing to return by the end of this year. East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Governor Piet A. Tallo said on Friday that Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Yusuf Kalla had already conveyed news of the special plan to a task force in charge of East Timorese refugees in West Timor.

Weak vs strong

Weak vs strong intelligence The Bali blasts have been followed by much criticism of Indonesia's intelligence capabilities. Recently, The Jakarta Post published a number of articles, e.g. Controlling our intelligence (Oct. 29, p. 6), which establish the tragedy as proof of the country's weak intelligence agency. When reading enough of these condemnations, one would think the security officials do so little, they probably operate food stalls on the side because they are so bored.

RI demands answers on phone taps

RI demands answers on phone taps The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wants an explanation over reports of telephone tapping imposed on Indonesians living in Australia by federal security and intelligence officers. "We are still gathering information over the reported phone taps which are targeting Indonesian nationals there," the ministry spokesman, Marty Natalegawa, told reporters on Friday.