Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 16 December 2002

56 articles found

Forgive, but forget not

Forgive, but forget not As long as we are in a reconciliation mood in Aceh following last week's signing of an agreement for a cessation of hostilities, sooner or later the question will arise as to whether or not we should bury all the hatchets, forget the past completely and look solely to the future. That seems to be the ideal way of going about the peace process now that the government of Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) have pledged to stop their senseless three decades-long war.

Forgive, but forget not

Forgive, but forget not As long as we are in a reconciliation mood in Aceh following last week's signing of an agreement for a cessation of hostilities, sooner or later the question will arise as to whether or not we should bury all the hatchets, forget the past completely and look solely to the future. That seems to be the ideal way of going about the peace process now that the government of Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) have pledged to stop their senseless three decades-long war.

Corruption eradication

Corruption eradication President Megawati once stated that the Indonesian bureaucracy was like a waste basket. What she meant was that the bureaucracy is not capable of carrying out public policy and lacks coordination. I think the President also realizes that the bureaucracy lacks more than just professionalism. It is a public secret that all branches of the government, the executive, legislative and judiciary, are corrupt. Tempo of Nov. 25 and Dec.

Bottled drinking water business thriving

Bottled drinking water business thriving A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The country's bottled drinking water business is projected to grow by 20 percent next year on the back of strong consumer demand and a relatively stable exchange rate of the rupiah against the U.S. dollar, according to an industry executive.

City plans ID sweep, but migrants not afraid

City plans ID sweep, but migrants not afraid Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Housemaid Narti and construction worker Widodo, who arrived at Jakarta's Senen railway station last Saturday, were not aware, or were perhaps even afraid, of a possible Identity Cards (KTP) check by the city administration. They are not alone.

STT beats out Telecom Malaysia for Indosat stake

STT beats out Telecom Malaysia for Indosat stake Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Singapore Technologies Telemedia (STT) was named the winning bidder for the government's 41.9 percent stake in state-owned telecommunications firm PT Indosat, with the Rp 5.6 trillion (about US$610 million) sale price representing the largest sale to date in the government's privatization drive.

Just how far do you draw the line?

Just how far do you draw the line? The Jakarta Post, Jakarta When the International Court of Justice announces its decision in the row over the ownership of Pulau Sipadan and Pulau Ligitan on Tuesday, their lengthy legal opinions could be boiled down to one simple question: "How far do you draw the line?".

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. Global Indo-Asia school: An international school for children of expatriates residing in Batam.

Sipadan/Ligitan Row: A matter of national pride

Sipadan/Ligitan Row: A matter of national pride Endy M. Bayuni, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta What is the worth of two small islands to Indonesia, when it already has more than 17,000 of them? A lot, apparently. Indonesia has gone to great lengths -- bar waging war -- in its battle with Malaysia to settle a row over the ownership of Pulau Sipadan and Pulau Ligitan, two small islands off the northern coast of East Kalimantan.

PM Goh starts his working visit to Jakarta

PM Goh starts his working visit to Jakarta The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong is slated to arrive here today (Monday) for his two-day working visit to discuss and settle many impending issues between the two countries. Goh will meet President Megawati Soekarnoputri at the Bogor Presidential Palace in West Java. His visit, the first since Megawati took office in July last year, is being made by invitation of the Indonesian president.

(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 write their desired presents on the "Wishing Ketupat" for Idul Fitri and the "Wishing Leaf" for Christmas. The first lucky draw was held on Nov.29,2002 (photo above).

Fictitious projects

Fictitious projects From Bisnis Indonesia State 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 the dignity of the relevant ministers. They should launch various strategies in order to prevent and eliminate the corrupt practice that inflicts considerable losses on the state.

ICG urges Indonesian government to do more to uncover JI operations

ICG urges Indonesian government to do more to uncover JI operations Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia should reopen investigations into previous bombings across the country and strengthen its intelligence resources to uncover the operations of the regional Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) terror network, the International Crisis Group (ICG) says.

1. SOCCER: 12 x 4 lines

1. SOCCER: 12 x 4 lines Dortmund ends year with a bang; Bayern stays on top 2. SWIM: 12 x 3 lines Priloukov scores European record, Risztov wins treble 3. TIGER: 18 x 2 lines Indonesia fails to roar over Myanmar 4. BOX: 16 x 2 lines Byrd beats Holyfield in hands-down win 5. NHL: 36 x 1 line Naslund scores four as Canucks thump Oilers 6. NBA: 36 x 1 line Hamilton leads Pistons to SuperSonics' defeat

Population conference yet to agree on Plan of Action

Population conference yet to agree on Plan of Action Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Bangkok, Thailand Senior officials at the Fifth Asian and Pacific Population Conference (APPC), hosted by Bangkok this year, have failed to agree on the final draft of the Plan of Action on population and poverty eradication due to reservations from the United States.

'I'am afraid of ID checks'

'I'am afraid of ID checks' The city administration has planned to conduct a sweep against people, especially new migrants, who do not have identity cards (KTP), jobs or a place to stay in the city. It has been estimated that about 250,000 new migrants enter the city every year after the Islamic holiday of Idul Fitri. The Jakarta Post talked to several holidaymakers after Idul Fitri, which is known locally as Lebaran. Jabar, 29, is a seasonal worker who comes from East Java.

Writer finds inspiration on Merapi

Writer finds inspiration on Merapi Tarko Sudiarno, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta For Sindhunata, a writer, cultural observer and Catholic priest, there is nothing new about being labeled Chinese. The Jesuit priest made a name for himself with his famous fiction Anak Bajang Menggiring Angin (The Dwarf Who Directs the Wind). He is also known as a soccer commentator for the Kompas daily newspaper. Sindhunata, whose father was Chinese and mother Javanese, is never bothered by racist remarks.

APPC senior officials fail to agree on Plan of Action

APPC senior officials fail to agree on Plan of Action ============ Tantri Yuliandini The Jakarta Post Bangkok, Thailand ----------------------- Senior officials at the Fifth Asian and Pacific Population Conference (APPC), hosted by Bangkok this year, have failed to agree on the final draft of the Plan of Action on population and poverty eradication due to reservations from the United States.

TMII launches 'Lebaran' festivities

TMII launches 'Lebaran' festivities JAKARTA: Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) will hold a series of cultural events to celebrate Idul Fitri and the New Year, a park official said last Saturday. Spokesman Purnawidjaja Ali Basah told Antara that the events, to take place from Dec. 15 to Dec. 31, would include a bazaar, art performances, a dance parade, Islamic musical performances, and a reog Ponorogo dance performance from East Java.

Balinese tourism damaged, not yet dead

Balinese tourism damaged, not yet dead M.Ali, MBA student, Nottingham University, United Kingdom News regarding the twin trades of tourism and travel has been very bleak recently. Just over a year ago, the terrorist attacks in the U.S. caused aftershocks throughout the world from which it is slowly recovering. This year, the series of terrorist attacks on Bali have caused a similar damaging effect and have delivered among the worst damaging blows to tourism and travel.

Bus accident victims face hard times

Bus accident victims face hard times Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang An accident involving a Sri Kertabumi-owned bus on Jl. Daan Mogot in Batu Ceper, Tangerang, last Thursday left five passengers dead and 34 others injured. For many of those injured in the crash live still has not returned to normal, and they have been left pondering an increasingly worrisome future.

Police arrest three over separatist street parade

Police arrest three over separatist street parade Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura, Papua Police here dispersed a separatist street parade at the Cendrawasih University compound, arrested three people and confiscated two flags representing the so-called state of Western Melanesia. The detained separatists have been identified as Edison Waromi, 39, Yordan Ick, 46, and Herman Wanggai, 27, who presided over the parade attended by some 50 other separatists.

Islamic boarding schools against terrorism

Islamic boarding schools against terrorism A. Chaedar Alwasilah, Lecturer, Indonesian University of Education (UPI), Bandung, West Java In Indonesian history, Islamic boarding schools, known as pesantren, surau, dayah or pondok, have played a significant role not only in education but also in preparing the social and political leaders of this country.

Police emergency call expands focus beyond security issue

Police emergency call expands focus beyond security issue Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Since its establishment in July, the Metro Jaya 911 Emergency Assistance system has expanded its focus from crime and security to public order and traffic-related situations in the capital. Nanang, who drives to his office in Kuningan, South Jakarta, from his home in Bekasi, east of Jakarta, always tunes in to radio station FM 91.1 Suara Metro for the latest traffic information.

Govt to revoke licenses of bad forest concessionaires

Govt to revoke licenses of bad forest concessionaires Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government will soon revoke the licenses of more than a dozen forest concession companies that have failed to sustain their operations. Minister of Forestry Mohamad Prakosa said on Friday a preliminary audit by an independent team showed that more than 50 percent of the 27 companies being audited failed to meet the requirements for sustainable operations of their natural forest estates.

AT EASE: A soldier takes a picture of his comrades from the

AT EASE: A soldier takes a picture of his comrades from the Army's Strategic Reserve Command (Kostrad) after a ceremony to celebrate Kostrad's anniversary in Banda Aceh, Aceh. The province's Iskandar Muda military command said on Sunday it will deploy 2,000 troops to guard President Megawati Soekarnoputri during her visit to Aceh on Tuesday.

Tourism, a spoiled child

Tourism, a spoiled child From Bali Post One day while my family and I were waiting for a bus at the Ubung terminal in Denpasar, Bali, to take us home, I was hit by a foreign tourist. Of course, I was taken by surprise and was about to hit back, but the crowd stopped me. They advised me "not to retaliate as a tourist deserves to be respected so as not to hurt tourism in Bali".

Bali hosts meeting to combat terror financing

Bali hosts meeting to combat terror financing Agence France-Presse, Jakarta A regional conference on fighting money laundering and terrorist financing starts Tuesday in Bali, some two months after the bombing which killed more than 190 people and devastated the Indonesian island's tourist trade. The venue for the two-day meeting was decided before the blast but keeping it unchanged is an act of defiance, Indonesian officials have said.

* Headlines:Police protect against bombs 2

* Headlines:Police protect against bombs 2 * National: Three arrested over separatist parade 4 * Special Report:Sipadan/Ligitan Row 5 * Opinion:The summit of Mega and Goh 6 * City: People afraid of ID checks 8 * Sports:Byrd beats Holyfield in hands-down win 10 * World:Arafat warns bin Laden 12 * Business:Local industries not ready for AFTA 13 * Features: Impotence still a taboo subject 19

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.

Rupiah, stocks to get firmer: Analyst

Rupiah, stocks to get firmer: Analyst Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The rupiah is expected to move stronger against the U.S. dollar this week amid lingering positive news both from home and abroad, with the completion of the sale of Indosat being the latest impetus for a continued strong rupiah, analysts said.

Experts say local industries not yet ready for AFTA

Experts say local industries not yet ready for AFTA Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The full implementation of the ASEAN free trade area (AFTA) on Jan. 1, 2003 will further hurt already weak local industries as they remain unprepared to face open competition, experts warn, blaming Indonesia's worsening investment climate.

The summit of Mega and Goh

The summit of Mega and Goh Kornelius Purba, Staff Writer, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta, korpur@yahoo.com When Singapore's Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong meets with President Megawati Soekarnoputri at the Bogor Presidential Palace on Monday, he just might say to the Muslim President, "Selamat Idul Fitri" (Happy Idul Fitri).

Weekend sees peak of inbound passengers

Weekend sees peak of inbound passengers Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Most Jakartans had returned home by Sunday morning and prepared to get back into routine on Monday, marking the end of the Idul Fitri holiday. The Pulogadung bus terminal in East Jakarta was still relatively busy on Sunday afternoon, while the Gambir railway station in Central Jakarta was quiet.

Cracks show within Lampung's PDI Perjuangan

Cracks show within Lampung's PDI Perjuangan Oyos Saroso H.N., The Jakarta Post, Bandar Lampung Another political rebellion has emerged from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), with several party officials in Lampung defying orders from the party's executive branch regarding the province's gubernatorial candidates.

AT EASE: A soldier takes a picture of his comrades from the

AT EASE: A soldier takes a picture of his comrades from the Army's Strategic Reserve Command (Kostrad) after a ceremony to celebrate Kostrad's anniversary in Banda Aceh, Aceh. The province's Iskandar Muda military command said on Sunday it will deploy 2,000 troops to guard President Megawati Soekarnoputri during her visit to Aceh on Tuesday.

1. ZATNI: 1 Line, 38 COUNTS

1. ZATNI: 1 Line, 38 COUNTS MyPal A600, a sleek PDA for your pocket 2. COMPU: 1 LINE, 3 COUNTS The computer that can read your writing 3. SECURE: 1 LINE, 32 COUNTS Software, know-how can help PC security 4. IT 1 LINE, 35 COUNTS What steps can we take to fight spam?

MyPal A600, a sleek PDA for your pocket

MyPal A600, a sleek PDA for your pocket Zatni Arbi Columnist Jakarta zatni@cbn.net.id Choosing the right PDA for yourself or for your loved one this Christmas has become quite a challenge. Almost all of today's PDAs boast a very sleek design, a complete set of features and a slew of add-ons. You can add a digital camera, a video camera, a cell phone, a GPS device or a host of others to complete the PDA of your choice. Which PDA is right for you?

Govt makes peace deal message to Acehnese

Govt makes peace deal message to Acehnese Nani Farida and Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh/Jakarta Indonesia's negotiation team in the peace agreement with the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) began disseminating details of the accord to the people of Aceh on Sunday, while government troops and GAM in South Aceh were spotted embracing each other.

Govt starts spreading peace deal message to Acehnese

Govt starts spreading peace deal message to Acehnese Nani Farida and Berni K. Moestafa The Jakarta Post Banda Aceh/Jakarta Indonesia's negotiation team in the peace agreement with the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) began disseminating details of the accord to the people of Aceh on Sunday, while government troops and GAM in South Aceh were spotted embracing each other.

TNI blamed for Aceh play ban

TNI blamed for Aceh play ban JAKARTA: Playwright Ratna Sarumpaet blamed the Indonesian Military (TNI) for the ban on her play that lampoons injustices in Aceh, which was scheduled to air on state-owned television station TVRI on Sunday. She alleged that TNI's information office had asked TVRI not to broadcast the play entitled Alia, Luka Serambi Mekah (Alia, Wound on Veranda of Mecca). Ratna did not elaborate on her accusation during a media conference addressing the cancellation on Saturday.

Police to question Ba'asyir Monday

Police to question Ba'asyir Monday JAKARTA: Police detectives are set to question Abu Bakar Ba'asyir at the National Police Headquarters on Monday after the suspect was transferred last Saturday from the Soekamto Police Hospital in Kramat Jati, East Jakarta. "Ba'asyir was transferred because his health is has improved and he is stable enough to be questioned," the National Police director of general crimes, Brig. Gen.

Taiwan president cancels visit to Indonesia

Taiwan president cancels visit to Indonesia Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Tarko Sudiarno, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Yogyakarta Taiwan President Chen Shu-bian has scrapped his planned visit to Indonesia following protests from China and rejection from Jakarta. Taiwan's state-funded Central News Agency said the decision to kill the planned trip to Yogyakarta had been made at a meeting late Saturday evening, which gathered high-level national security officials. "The planned trip is gone.

Security beefed up to prevent Christmas bombings

Security beefed up to prevent Christmas bombings Jupriadi, The Jakarta Post, Makassar, South Sulawesi A group of bombers led by Agung Abdul Hamid, who has been blamed for a McDonald's outlet blast in the South Sulawesi capital of Makassar, planned more attacks at Christmas and New Year's Eve, police said on Saturday. South Sulawesi Police chief Insp. Gen.

Tangerang prepares Rp 5b for floods

Tangerang prepares Rp 5b for floods TANGERANG: In an attempt to cope with flood problems, the Tangerang municipal administration has prepared Rp 5 billion in funds and has established a coordination forum for flood victim rescue teams over the weekend. The forum, comprising academics, NGO activists, administration officials and 60 volunteer rescuers, will conduct simulations on how to cope with flooding in each subdistrict next week.

Indonesia fails to roar over Myanmar in Tiger Cup

Indonesia fails to roar over Myanmar in Tiger Cup Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia failed to secure the maximum three points following a disappointing performance in its opening match against Myanmar in Group A of the Tiger Cup at the Bung Karno Stadium here on Sunday. Playing before its home crowd, which filled the lower stand of the 100,000-capacity stadium, Indonesia, under Bulgarian coach Ivan Kolev, had to be content with a 0-0 draw in the Southeast Asian soccer cup.

Acting governor pledges to revamp Maluku administration

Acting governor pledges to revamp Maluku administration The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Acting Maluku Governor Sinyo Harry Sarundayang has said he was working hard to revamp the provincial administration, which had been badly hit by the three-year-old conflict in the province, so as to make it more professional in providing public services.

Papua: A Zone of Peace

Papua: A Zone of Peace Neles Tebay Pontifical University of Urbaniana Rome On Dec. 1, the Papuans made two fundamental decisions, namely to declare Papua as a zone of peace and to claim Dec.1 as the Papua's Day of Peace. The declaration was publicly announced on that day in a speech by the deputy chairman of the Papuan Presidium Council (DPD), Tom Beanal.

Moving towards the Free Trade Zone era in Batam

Moving towards the Free Trade Zone era in Batam Legal certainty for investors An industrial zone with international scope such as Batam absolutely requires sufficient area for further expansion in the future. The Batam Authority has anticipated this requirement by launching various efforts, such as diversifying land use and appropriating land allocation. All these efforts are related to legal certainty pertaining to investments in Batam.

Towards the enforcement of Free Trade Zone in Batam

Towards the enforcement of Free Trade Zone in Batam Batam, 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. For these reasons and more it is the correct place for the enforcement of the pending Free Trade Zone Law. Batam boasts modern and international-standard facilities, such as hotels and apartments.

PHILIPPINES: Two members of the Abu Sayyaf Muslim kidnapping

PHILIPPINES: Two members of the Abu Sayyaf Muslim kidnapping group were captured in separate incidents in the Philippines, military officials said on Sunday. Abdul Marayin, a founding member of the notorious group, was captured on Saturday in Lamitan on Basilan island after residents alerted authorities, Lt. Gen. Narciso Abaya said. Marayin helped found the Abu Sayyaf, which Washington and Manila have linked to the al-Qaeda terror network of Osama bin Laden.

4 x 12

4 x 12 Police arrest three over separatist street parade JP/4/women 2 x 24 Gender equality threatens men's positions: Activist JP/5/LAMPUNG 1 x 40 Cracks show within Lampung's PDI Perjuangan JP/5/Ambon 2 x 30 Acting governor vows to revamp Maluku administration

Gender equality threatens men's positions: Activist

Gender equality threatens men's positions: Activist Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Bangkok, Thailand The movement for gender equality and women's empowerment in Indonesia was restrained by fears that women would take over men in decision making positions, noted women's activist and sociologist Saparinah Sadli said over the weekend. "What men are concerned about is that there will be an overwhelming number of women taking over important positions.

Where to go in Jakarta: Monday, December 16, 2002

Where to go in Jakarta: Monday, December 16, 2002 Exhibitions * 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. Widjojo Center 1st floor, Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 71, South Jakarta (Tel. 2524115), until Dec. 31. * Painting, Mukaku + Mukamu = Muka kita kah?, by Helmi Y. Haska, Rumah Tanja, Jl.

TNI chief cautions against human rights trial for Aceh

TNI chief cautions against human rights trial for Aceh The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesian Military (TNI) Chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto cautioned against demands for a trial on past human rights abuses in Aceh, saying Sunday it should not be pressed upon if it threatened the nascent peace process in the troubled province. He said the TNI would agree to a human rights tribunal as long as it did not hamper the implementation of the recently signed peace accord with the Free Aceh Movement (GAM).

Many opportunities for scholarships in Europe

Many opportunities for scholarships in Europe Zora Rahman, Contributor, Jakarta Pesona Pingka is more than a nice riverside garden restaurant on the outskirts of Yogyakarta. It is a successful eco-farming project, the product of the sophisticated biotech knowledge and international experience of its Balinese owner.