Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 13 December 2002

77 articles found

Greater, effective investment in health for the poor, please

Greater, effective investment in health for the poor, pleaseSanti W.E. Soekanto Journalist Bandung santi_soekanto2001@yahoo.com Last Saturday, the second day of the Idul Fitri holidays, when millions of people were in festive mood and celebrating, 14-month-old Nisa drew her last breath on the floor...

BMW's sales in RI exceed target

BMW's sales in RI exceed targetThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta PT BMW Indonesia, the subsidiary of giant global car maker BMW AG German, has sold 2,122 BMW cars in the country until November, a figure that exceeded the company's whole year's target, the company's president director Jesus Cordoba said on...

Navy keeps patrolling in Sipadan-Ligitan

Navy keeps patrolling in Sipadan-Ligitan JAKARTA: Indonesian Navy spokesman Commodore Sugeng Waluyo said the Navy would continue patrolling the disputed Sipadan and Ligitan islands off East Kalimantan province.He revealed that his vessels often met Malaysian naval ships while patrolling there.

Thai to open 1st national Islamic bank next month

Thai to open 1st national Islamic bank next monthAgence France-Presse, Bangkok Thailand's first national Islamic bank will open next month, initially in the capital of Bangkok and then with branches across the country, its chairman said Thursday.

A nation's productivity

A nation's productivity Although the Idul Fitri holiday is over, government offices have yet to resume services.The government's decision to extend the holiday seems to have resulted in laziness among some government employees.

Govt faces uphill battle to rebuild battered Aceh

Govt faces uphill battle to rebuild battered AcehThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta With more than half of its population living in poverty and an economy barely functioning after years of war, the government is facing an uphill battle to rebuild Aceh, observers and government officials say.

Saving 'detikcom' from the storm

Saving 'detikcom' from the stormFitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta This year's Idul Fitri holiday season gave workaholics, such as Budiono Darsono, a rare break.Budiono deserved the extended rest from Dec. 5 to Dec.

KAI to sue truck driver for Rp 10b compensation

KAI to sue truck driver for Rp 10b compensationThe Jakarta Post Kebumen/JakartaState-owned railway company PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) said on Thursday that it would sue the driver of a box truck blamed for Monday's train derailment which killed six people and wounded 30 others near the Central...

Addressing state

Addressing state functionariesFrom Bali Post The country's reform drive has brought about significant improvement in the way of societal life in Indonesia. In fact our reform has not deviated from its original ideals as some people have suggested.

Asian monies up, rupiah 3-month high

Asian monies up, rupiah 3-month highDow Jones, Singapore Most Asian currencies were on a firmer footing Thursday, riding on the coattails of the yen as the dollar surrendered its early gains against the Japanese unit.

JP/5/caption

JP/5/captionAntaraEASY RIDING: Motorcyclists head toward Jakarta on the Indramayu highway along the northern coast of West Java. Motorcycles have become a popular alternative for those traveling to and from their hometowns for Idul Fitri, when the roads are jammed with millions of holidaymakers.

4 x 10

4 x 10 Businessman elected West Kalimantan governor pangga2 x 26 KAI to sue truck driver for Rp 10 billion compensation 2 x 26 Influx of foreign sex workers sets Batam leaders in a tizzy

4 x 10

4 x 10 Businessman elected West Kalimantan governor pangga2 x 26 KAI to sue truck driver for Rp 10 billion compensation 2 x 26 Influx of foreign sex workers sets Batam leaders in a tizzy

Towards the enforcement of Free Trade Zone in Batam

Towards the enforcement of Free Trade Zone in BatamBatam, a comfortable place for investment and settlement Batam is known not only as an industrial estate but also as an attractive tourist resort. The region can also attract investors with its qualified human resources.

Fictitious projects

Fictitious projects should shame ministersFrom Bisnis IndonesiaState Minister of National Development Planning and Chairman of the National Development Planning Board (Bappenas), Kwik Kian Gie, has said that the implementation of marked-up or fictitious projects in various ministries, should offend...

Moving towards the Free Trade Zone era in Batam

Moving towards the Free Trade Zone era in BatamLegal certainty for investors An industrial zone with international scope such as Batam absolutely requires sufficient area for further expansion in the future.

Thailand admits Hambali entered kingdom

Thailand admits Hambali entered kingdom THAILAND: Thailand's foreign ministry admitted on Thursday that al-Qaeda's top Southeast Asian operative, Riduan Isamuddin, entered the kingdom briefly but said he had not established cells here.

JP/5/caption

JP/5/captionAntaraEASY RIDING: Motorcyclists head toward Jakarta on the Indramayu highway along the northern coast of West Java. Motorcycles have become a popular alternative for those traveling to and from their hometowns for Idul Fitri, when the roads are jammed with millions of holidaymakers.

Arroyo to ask HK not to tax maids

Arroyo to ask HK not to tax maids HONG KONG: Philippine President Gloria Arroyo will send a leading diplomat to Hong Kong next week to lobby against the a new tax on foreign maids, a report said on Thursday.

Pelindo II to discuss debt restructuring

Pelindo II to discuss debt restructuring JAKARTA: Port operator PT Pelabuhan Indonesia II, or Pelindo II, will meet with creditors again next week to discuss a proposal to extend the maturity of its dollar-denominated debt, the company said Thursday."We will meet again on Dec.

Oh deer, can deer survive in Monas park?

Oh deer, can deer survive in Monas park?Novan Iman Santosa and Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Bogor Governor Sutiyoso's plan to release deer from the grounds of Bogor Palace into the National Monument (Monas) park in Central Jakarta could be a fatal blunder unless additional facilities...

Four more bomb suspects arrested

Four more bomb suspects arrestedJupriadi, The Jakarta Post, Makassar, South Sulawesi Police in the South Sulawesi capital of Makassar said on Thursday they had arrested four people as possible suspects in last week's bombings, including the father and a younger brother of Agung Hamid, the alleged...

Sharia has 'little chance in the country'

Sharia has 'little chance in the country'Tarko Sudiarno and Debbie A. Lubis, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta/Jakarta Sharia, or Islamic law, has little chance of being adopted in Indonesia, politicians and a Muslim figure said.

IBRA raises Rp33t as of October

IBRA raises Rp33t as of October JAKARTA: The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) said it had collected around Rp 33 trillion (US$3.7 billion) in proceeds from its assets sales as of October, with Rp 28.9 of which having been deposited to the government's coffers.

Former bank owners not to be subject to criminal charges

Former bank owners not to be subject to criminal chargesThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta Ignoring widespread criticism, the government is pushing ahead with its plan to drop criminal charges against former bank owners accused of abusing state funds.

Sultan to relaunch Yogya's tourism

Sultan to relaunch Yogya's tourism YOGYAKARTA: Governor Sultan Hamengku Buwono X is planning to launch a tourism rescue program for the province, which took a dive after the deadly Bali bombing."The number of foreign tourists visiting Yogya has decreased drastically," said Budi Sulistyo, head of...

Combating terrorism: A shared responsibility

Combating terrorism: A shared responsibilityA'an Suryana, Journalist, The Jakarta Post Police investigation into the terrorist attacks in Indonesia, whether those in Bali or Makassar, have yet to unfold, but preliminary investigation has suggested that the perpetrators were Indonesians with radical...

60 people feared dead in hot spring mud slide

60 people feared dead in hot spring mud slideAinur R. Sophiaan, The Jakarta Post, Mojokerto, East Java Rescue teams combed through rivers and streams on Thursday to search for survivors of Wednesday's mudslide that killed at least 31 people at the Pacet hot spring resort in Mojokerto, East Java.

Indonesia unlikely to question Malaysian linked to Bali blasts

Indonesia unlikely to question Malaysian linked to Bali blastsJasbant Singh, Associated Press, Kuala Lumpur Indonesian authorities will not question a detained Malaysian terror suspect accused of delivering funds to Indonesian militants for the Bali bombings, police said on Thursday.Malaysia's Insp.

Terror suspect worried about children

Terror suspect worried about children DENPASAR, Bali: Ali Gufron alias Mukhlas, the main suspect in the terrorist bomb attacks in Legian, wants all his children to be brought to Solokuro village in Lamongan, East Java.M.

KAI to sue truck driver for Rp 10 billion compensation

KAI to sue truck driver for Rp 10 billion compensationThe Jakarta Post, Kebumen/Jakarta State-owned railway company PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) said on Thursday that it would sue the driver of a box truck blamed for Monday's train derailment which killed six people and wounded 30 others near the...

Dial 112, for fast, effective aid, hopefully

Dial 112, for fast, effective aid, hopefullyTertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta "Metro 112, good morning," an operator from the Jakarta Police's toll-free emergency call center said over the phone.

Refugees hamper reforestation

Refugees hamper reforestation ATAMBUA, East Nusa Tenggara: The forestry office in Belu regency said on Thursday that it could not start a reforestation program in Malaka Tengah district because the place was occupied by refugees.

AEKI to launch five-year coffee promotional

AEKI to launch five-year coffee promotionalThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta Adi Eka Putra, a 30-year-old Jakarta-based radio broadcaster, is not a coffee lover. He prefers tea.He only drinks coffee when he has to stay awake to work overtime at the office."I don't enjoy drinking coffee.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSXStock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec.12, 2002:-------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Abdi Bangsa Tbk 270 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 725...

8,000 East Timor families opt to stay

8,000 East Timor families opt to stayYemris Fointuna The Jakarta Post KupangAt least 8,000 East Timorese families seeking refuge in West Timor had decided to stay in Indonesia, a local military commander said Thursday.

Bus plunges into river, three dead

Bus plunges into river, three dead TANGERANG: A bus owned by Sri Kertabumi plunged into Mokevart River in Batusari subdistrict, Tangerang, Banten, on Thursday, leaving three people dead and another 40 injured.Tangerang Police chief Adj. Sr. Cmr.

'The most qualified for Pelti head is a woman'

'The most qualified for Pelti head is a woman'Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Martina Wijaya has received the endorsement of one of the leading tennis personalities in the country in her bid to be elected chairperson of the Indonesian Tennis Association (Pelti), which will be decided during...

Losing one's mind

Losing one's mind All Muslims should be aware that their beliefs have consequences. They must be ready to be tested by Allah, including how to handle pressure, such as the pressure that recently came from Singaporean statesman Lee Kuan Yew.

Police name suspects of BLK attack

Police name suspects of BLK attack TANGERANG: The Tangerang Police have named four people who are suspected in an attack on a job training center (BLK) of PT Adi Santa Kencana Mas, a supplier of migrant workers on Jl. Iskandar Muda in Neglasari district of Tangerang.

Mahathir arrives in Japan

Mahathir arrives in Japan JAPAN: Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad arrived on Thursday morning for a five-day state visit, Japan's Foreign Ministry said.The prime minister met with Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko and was to meet Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi later in the day.

Java has a multi-faceted image, which is already quite

Java has a multi-faceted image, which is already quite familiar to the international community -- comprising its ageless traditions, culture and arts, to mention a few. Sleman is an area located in the northern outskirts of Yogyakarta, a city which is renowned as one of Java's oldest cultural...

JP/5/caption

JP/5/captionAntaraEASY RIDING: Motorcyclists head toward Jakarta on the Indramayu highway along the northern coast of West Java. Motorcycles have become a popular alternative for those traveling to and from their hometowns for Idul Fitri, when the roads are jammed with millions of holidaymakers.

Businessman elected West Kalimantan governor

Businessman elected West Kalimantan governorBambang Bider, The Jakarta Post, Pontianak Businessman Usman Djafar and running mate Laurentius Hermanus Kadir were elected governor and vice governor respectively of West Kalimantan for the 2003 to 2008 period in a tightly guarded plenary meeting at the...

Govt, GAM must show commitment to peace

Govt, GAM must show commitment to peaceAboeprijadi Santoso, Contributor, Geneva "Take the guns out of the politics and let us together build a peaceful, democratic and peaceful Aceh within the framework of the Republic of Indonesia," said Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs...

Rupiah Rates Dec.12

Rupiah Rates Dec.12 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp Australian dollar 1 5,259.57 4,693.89 5,003.53 4,949.70Brunei dollar 1 5,315.82 4,745.62 5,057.03 5,004.25Canadian dollar 1 6,019.92 5,373.80 5,726.86 5,666.67Swiss franc 1 6,410.48 5,724.16 6,098.41 6,036.

4 x 10

4 x 10 Businessman elected West Kalimantan governor pangga2 x 26 KAI to sue truck driver for Rp 10 billion compensation 2 x 26 Influx of foreign sex workers sets Batam leaders in a tizzy

Batam Center Grand Mosque: A Rp 15 billion mosque with gorgeous

Batam Center Grand Mosque: A Rp 15 billion mosque with gorgeous architecture to create a dynamic religious atmosphere.Novotel Batam: One of Batam's star-rated international-standard hotels that is a favorite among expatriates.

DHL replies

DHL replies Johanes Hartono sent a letter to The Jakarta Post, a copy of which was sent to DHL for comment. In his letter, Hartono made an accusation that DHL falsely demanded duties for a shipment imported on his behalf.

We wish to express our deepest

We wish to express our deepest condolences on the passing ofTatjih Suwarsih (59 years of age)mother of Penti Septi Sekarasih, one of our HRD staff members, on Dec. 12, 2002 in Rawamangun, East JakartaBurial will be at Sodong Cemetery in Rawamangun on Dec.

Dead woman found on the beach

Dead woman found on the beach TANGERANG: Visitors who were enjoying their Idul Fitri holiday at Tanjung Pasir beach in Teluk Naga district of Tangerang were surprised on Wednesday afternoon by the grisly discovery of a body of an unidentified young woman.

PM Goh Chok Tong to visit Indonesia

PM Goh Chok Tong to visit IndonesiaFabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong is scheduled to visit Indonesia on Dec. 16 and Dec. 17, his first since President Megawati Soekarnoputri came to office in July, 2001.

8,000 E. Timor families opt to stay in Indonesia

8,000 E. Timor families opt to stay in IndonesiaYemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang At least 8,000 East Timorese families seeking refuge in West Timor had decided to stay in Indonesia, a local military commander said Thursday.

IMF disburses loan

IMF disburses loan The government should not let the high commendations of the International Monetary Fund Executive Board in its seventh review of Indonesia's policy performance last week go to its head, let alone feel complacent and relaxed with regards to its reform implementation.

(Caption for Spotlight column. Approved by client: Metro

(Caption for Spotlight column. Approved by client: Metro Department Store) WISHES COME TRUE AT METRO DEPARTMENT STORE: To celebrate Idul Fitri and Christmas, METRO Department Store is giving its customers the opportunity to win various prizes through its "Wishes Come True" lucky draw, which they...

S'pore, China inks pact to boost air services

S'pore, China inks pact to boost air services SINGAPORE: Singapore has signed a pact with China to boost air traffic and civil aviation ties between the two countries, the government said Thursday.The agreement was signed in Singapore between Transport Minister Yeo Cheow Tong and China's Aviation...

DHL refuses delivery

DHL refuses delivery On Nov. 21, 2002, I received a call from a counter service staff member from DHL (PT Birotika Semesta) advising me that a laptop had been delivered from the United Kingdom for me. They immediately rang me as I had been waiting for the arrival of the package from my company in...

Many employees still in Idul Fitri holiday mood

Many employees still in Idul Fitri holiday mood Thursday was the second working day after the extended Idul Fitri holiday. In some places, it was business as usual, but many parts of the city were still influenced by the holiday atmosphere, and people were reluctant to work.

Furniture exporters face another bad year

Furniture exporters face another bad yearRendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta It is estimated that Indonesia's furniture exports this year will plunge to US$1.04 billion from $1.8 billion last year.The chairman of the Indonesian Furniture Club, Yos S.

KL utges SIngapore to sign antiterror pact

KL utges SIngapore to sign antiterror pactAgence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia on Thursday pressed neighboring Singapore to participate in a regional security pact to fight terrorism.Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said at present Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and...

Import tariff on plastics, chemicals to be cut

Import tariff on plastics, chemicals to be cutAdianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government will slash import tariffs on chemical and plastic products to between 0 percent and 5 percent in early January next year in line with ASEAN free trade area (AFTA) requirements, the Ministry...

City to submit 2003 budget to council this week

City to submit 2003 budget to council this weekAhmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city administration will soon submit the 2003 city budget, amounting to Rp 11 trillion (US$1.2 billion), to City Council, an official said on Thursday.

Batamindo Industrial Park: One of the huge industrial zones in

Batamindo Industrial Park: One of the huge industrial zones in Batam.Trans-Barelang bridge: A panoramic view of one of the six high- tech bridges that connect Batam and the surrounding islands.

British intelligence 'misjudged' Bali terror threat: Lawmakers

British intelligence 'misjudged' Bali terror threat: LawmakersBen Perry, Agence France-Presse, London Britain's domestic intelligence service, MI5, was guilty of "serious misjudgment" when warning of terror threats to British nationals in Indonesia ahead of the Bali bomb blasts, a report by British...

Greater, effective investment in health for the poor, please

Greater, effective investment in health for the poor, pleaseSanti W.E. Soekanto, Journalist, Bandung, santi_soekanto2001@yahoo.com Last Saturday, the second day of the Idul Fitri holidays, when millions of people were in festive mood and celebrating, 14-month-old Nisa drew her last breath on the...

Police claim strong case on Bali blasts

Police claim strong case on Bali blastsI Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali The police have refuted public skepticism about their investigation into the deadly Oct. 12 Bali blasts, saying they have strong evidence, sufficient to take all suspects in the incidents to court.Brig. Gen.

Astra gets debt reprieve from creditors

Astra gets debt reprieve from creditorsDow Jones, Singapore Indonesia's largest car and motor cycle maker PT Astra International won agreement from its creditors Thursday to restructure outstanding debt worth US$850 million.

Police question Carrefour manager

Police question Carrefour managerTertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Police detectives interviewed the manager of a branch of superstore Carrefour at Ratu Plaza shopping center in South Jakarta after Wednesday's gas poisoning incident that caused more than 20 employees to fall ill...

No peace in Aceh without rights tribunal, activists maintain

No peace in Aceh without rights tribunal, activists maintainThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Banda Aceh The Indonesian Military (TNI) wants to bury the hatchet following the Aceh peace agreement but human rights activists are seeking the trial of all past human rights abusers in Aceh.

Orchestra raise funds for its competitor

Orchestra raise funds for its competitorTantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Twilite Orchestra is going to perform on Monday for a noble cause: to raise funds to help revive its competitor, Orkes Simponi Nusantara (Nusantara Symphonic Orchestra).

Germany changes travel advisories

Germany changes travel advisories JAKARTA: Germany has lifted its general travel warning for Indonesia, but continues to advise special vigilance and caution for its citizens while staying in or visiting Indonesia.

Group complains of foul smell

Group complains of foul smell JAMBI: An environmental group in Jambi has complained about an unpleasant smell from untreated garbage due to the tardiness of the city administration in dealing with the problem.

Influx of foreign sex workers sets Batam leaders in a tizzy

Influx of foreign sex workers sets Batam leaders in a tizzyFadli, The Jakarta Post, Batam, Riau The Batam administration has been urged to take immediate action against around 150 foreign prostitutes operating freely on the industrial island in Riau province.

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, December 13, 2002

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, December 13, 2002Exhibitions * 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. * Mask by Gallis and Rakidi, The British Council, S.

Aceh peace deal needs competent JSC

Aceh peace deal needs competent JSCThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta With Aceh's peace accord now four days old, experts on Thursday called for the immediate set up of the Joint Security Committee (JSC) with completely objective members on the committee or else risk fresh violence and the undoing of the...

More families to get rice subsidy

More families to get rice subsidy BALIKPAPAN, East Kalimantan: Rice donations to poor families in the province will be increased from 22,000 tons in 2002 to 30,000 tons next year.Head of East Kalimantan logistic agency Syarief Abdullah said on Thursday the number of low-income people due to receive...

IBRA names JP Morgan for Danamon

IBRA names JP Morgan for Danamon JAKARTA: The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) has appointed consultant firm JP Morgan as the financial advisor for the planned sale of majority stake in Bank Danamon.