Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 17 December 2002

68 articles found

MPA Singapore on oil spill

MPA Singapore on oil spill I refer to your article Oil spill threatens Batam published in The Jakarta Post on Dec. 10. The Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) of Singapore informed the relevant Indonesian authorities promptly after the incident occurred on Dec. 5. The owner of the tanker Agate expeditiously engaged oil response companies to clean up the spill and carried out aerial recces to assess the extent of the oil spill.

Int'l money laundering conference opens in Bali

Int'l money laundering conference opens in Bali Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A two-day international conference on money laundering and terrorist financing opens in Bali on Tuesday, with participating countries expected to issue a statement expressing political intent to strengthen their ability to prevent money laundering activities.

Germany provides $30m fund for RI

Germany provides $30m fund for RI The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The German government has agreed to provide Indonesia with US$30 million worth of funds to help finance various development programs, according to a press statement from the German Embassy in Jakarta. Some $28.5 million would be directed towards development programs in the areas of economic reform, health, transport and decentralization, and the remaining $1.5 million has been allocated towards a poverty reduction program.

Stock prices at The Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec.16,2002

Stock prices at The Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec.16,2002 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Close Change Trading Volume ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 5 1,000 Ades Alfindo Tbk 725 0 4,500 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 65 0 361,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 215 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 75 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 750 0 10,000 Alter Abadi Tbk 10 0 0 Alumindo Light 145 0 0 Andhi...

Rupiah ends up at 3-month high on Indosat share sale

Rupiah ends up at 3-month high on Indosat share sale Dow Jones, Jakarta The Indonesian rupiah ended at a fresh three-month high versus the U.S. dollar Monday after Singapore Technologies Telemedia reached a deal to buy a controlling interest in the country's second-largest telecommunications company. The dollar ended at Rp 8,810, much lower than Rp 8,875 at Friday's close.

RP steps up security over letter bombs

RP steps up security over letter bombs PHILIPPINES: The Philippines said on Monday it had tightened security at Manila airport and other entry points after Japanese intelligence reports showed militants were sending letter bombs to Myanmar's embassies in the region. Myanmar authorities have blamed dissident groups of exiles living outside the military-ruled state for a series of parcel bombs sent to its missions in Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines.

Certificates for street kids

Certificates for street kids KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Some 200 street children and poor people will receive certificates from the local education office after participating in educational classes. Yoseph Ahryanto Ludoni, director of Purnama Kasih Foundation, which organized the classes, said the certificates would state that their education was on a par with that obtained at formal schools.

MANILA: The Philippines' unemployment rate rose to 10.2

MANILA: The Philippines' unemployment rate rose to 10.2 percent in October, the National Statistics Office said Monday. Of the 33.675 million-strong work force, 10.2 percent are without jobs and a further 15.3 percent are only partially employed, or working less than 40 hours a week, it said in a statement.

(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).

Frequent absence of water supply

Frequent absence of water supply From Media Indonesia I have lived in Slipi, West Jakarta, since July 2002 and have found that the service from the city water company is very poor. At first I thought it was caused by the S. Parman road expansion project but was wrong, as even after completion of the project, the service was still very bad. I often cannot obtain water supply. I tried to contact the call center, but to no avail. Then, on Dec.

Importers criticize new registration requirement

Importers criticize new registration requirement Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Importers Association (Ginsi) has appealed to the government to revoke a government decree requiring importers to apply for new licenses at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise. Ginsi chairman Amiruddin Saud said that the new requirement would only increase bureaucracy and costs for the importers.

Goh silent on extradition, sand smuggling

Goh silent on extradition, sand smuggling Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Visiting Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong and Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri met for two hours to discuss terrorism in the region, but apparently avoided thorny bilateral issues such as extradition and sand mining. During the meeting, Goh expressed Singapore's support for Indonesia in dealing with terrorism, especially after the Oct.

Sukarno Center in the pipeline

Sukarno Center in the pipeline JAKARTA: The family of former president Sukarno plans to establish the Sukarno Center to itemize and preserve his belongings and legacy. Guruh Soekarnoputra, the youngest son of Sukarno, said on Monday the legacy of Sukarno belonged to all of the people of Indonesia. "Unfortunately, many of Sukarno's properties have been misused by other people ... hopefully the center will rectify this," Guruh was quoted by Antara as saying.

BPS to deliver health data

BPS to deliver health data JAKARTA: The Ministry of Health signed on Monday an agreement with the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) to help speed up the delivery of regional health data. The agreement was signed by Minister of Health Sujudi and BPS chief Soedarti Surbakti. Sujudi said the agreement was necessary because the delivery of health data had deteriorated since the implementation of regional autonomy in January 2001.

1. Bali: 10 x 4 lines

1. Bali: 10 x 4 lines Police seize one ton of chemicals in Lamongan 2. Ferry: 20 x 2 lines Foreign cruise ship with casino to start service from Belawan 3. Newyear: 24 x 2 lines West Java Police heighten security as Christmas and New Year near 4. Pantura: 16 x 2 lines 20 killed in W. Java during Idul Fitri

Do something about radicals, Gus

Do something about radicals, Gus Mafoot Simon, The Straits Times, Asia News Network, Singapore If not for the gravity of the situation, Gus Dur's recent remarks about Islamic radicals in Indonesia would have been amusing. While trying to downplay Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew's comments about the extent of Islamic radicalism in Indonesia, former Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid gave a figure probably closer to the real situation.

KL to slash import duties on Southeast Asian cars

KL to slash import duties on Southeast Asian cars Associated Press, Kuala Lumpur The Malaysian government will cut tariffs on imported cars from Southeast Asian countries beginning in 2003, the trade minister was quoting as saying Monday. Rafidah Aziz told reporters that automobile import duties would eventually fall to 20 percent by 2005 from current levels between 42 percent and 300 percent, the national news agency Bernama reported.

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.

Government to set up special team to assess IMF role in Indonesia

Government to set up special team to assess IMF role in Indonesia Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Finance minister Boediono said on Monday the government plans to set up a special team soon to review the results of reform programs the government has carried out under the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The team will be tasked to explore the possibility of whether Indonesia is financially competent without support from the international community, Boediono said.

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.

Sutiyoso inaugurates Rp 8.7 billion Monas fence amid heavy criticism

Sutiyoso inaugurates Rp 8.7 billion Monas fence amid heavy criticism Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso inaugurated on Monday the Rp 8.7 billion (US$965,000) fence surrounding the National Monument (Monas) by symbolically opening one of four entrance gates to the eight- hectare park.

JP/ /

JP/ / Caption/ AP/Murizal Hamzah LONG ROAD TO PEACE IN ACEH: Soldiers on patrol in Banda Aceh one day ahead of President Megawati Soekarnoputri's visit to the region. The President will attend a thanksgiving prayer on Tuesday with the Acehnese, following the signing of a truce between the government and the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) on Dec. 9.

Police seize one ton of chemicals in Lamongan

Police seize one ton of chemicals in Lamongan Fidelito Achmad, The Jakarta Post, Lamongan The team investigating the Oct. 12 Bali blasts seized one ton of chemicals believed to belong to Amrozi, a main suspect in the case, from the house of his business partner, Ashuri, in Lamongan, East Java, on Monday. The team also arrested Ashuri's wife Murni, their son Badri Ikhtiar Apang, their daughter Arifah, 24, and son-in-law Tahubi, 29. The four are being questioned at the Lamongan Police station.

W. Java Police heighten security as Christmas, New Year near

W. Java Police heighten security as Christmas, New Year near Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung, West Java West Java Police have heightened security at public places, especially churches and places where Christians are to hold Christmas gatherings in anticipation of disturbances during Christmas and New Year. Bandung Police chief Sr. Comr.

Belo fails to testify in rights trial

Belo fails to testify in rights trial Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite the use of teleconferencing in the human rights tribunal for the East Timor case, state prosecutors failed to present key witness former Dili Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo on Monday and only heard weak testimonies against a military officer from two witnesses. The court is trying former East Timor military chief Brig. Gen. M.

Security still shaky a week after peace deal

Security still shaky a week after peace deal The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The security situation in Aceh remains shaky the first week after the signing of a peace accord by the government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), with an independent monitoring team still absent, GAM reporting three more deaths and Indonesia unable to respond to such claims. Skirmishes between GAM and government troops continued in East Aceh on Sunday, AFP reported. The local Indonesian Military (TNI) spokesman Lt. Col.

Fewer people traveled during Idul Fitri holiday

Fewer people traveled during Idul Fitri holiday Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The number of Idul Fitri travelers nationwide decreased from 14.6 million in 2001 to 13.7 million or 6.3 percent this year, while the number of holidaymakers taking airplanes and private cars increased.

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.

Army chief rules out disarming, withdrawing troops from Aceh

Army chief rules out disarming, withdrawing troops from Aceh Lela E. Madjiah, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu dismissed on Monday the possibility of Army troops in Aceh laying down their arms following last week's signing of a cessation of hostilities agreement by the government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) in Geneva, Switzerland.

RI-U.S. ties improving after Bali bombing, say ambassadors

RI-U.S. ties improving after Bali bombing, say ambassadors Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The bombings in Bali showed Indonesians that there are terrorists here, and the government's tough response to the attack has helped improve relations with the United States, said Indonesia's ambassador to the U.S. on Monday. Ambassador Soemadi D.M. Brotodiningrat said the threat of terrorism had taken center stage in the relationship between the two countries since the Sept.

20 killed in West Java highway during Idul Fitri

20 killed in West Java highway during Idul Fitri Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon, West Java At least 20 people were killed and 45 seriously injured in car accidents during the Idul Fitri holiday along the coastal road in Indramayu, Majalengka, Kuningan, and Cirebon regencies in West Java.

China Merchants seeking Fujian LNG shipping deal

China Merchants seeking Fujian LNG shipping deal Dow Jones, Singapore Hong Kong-based China Merchants Transportation Holding Co. is keen to secure a contract for shipping liquefied natural gas from Indonesia to southeastern China's Fujian province, a China-based industry official told Dow Jones Newswires Monday. He said the company has approached China National Offshore Oil Corp.

RP steps up security over letter bombs

RP steps up security over letter bombs PHILIPPINES: The Philippines said on Monday it had tightened security at Manila airport and other entry points after Japanese intelligence reports showed militants were sending letter bombs to Myanmar's embassies in the region. Myanmar authorities have blamed dissident groups of exiles living outside the military-ruled state for a series of parcel bombs sent to its missions in Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines.

Dealing with sidewalk vendors

Dealing with sidewalk vendors From Warta Kota Recently a raid was carried out to ensure that sidewalk vendors would no longer use part of the highway and cause traffic jams. Unfortunately, in general, these vendors refuse to move to the places that the city administration has allocated. They argue that in their old locations they already have regular customers. In such a situation, city officials usually resort to coercion, sometimes accompanied by violence.

Indosat's strategic partner

Indosat's strategic partner The significance of Singapore Technologies Telemedia Pte Ltd's acquisition of almost 42 percent of PT Indonesia Satellite Corporation (Indosat) at Rp 5.6 trillion (S$630 million) is far larger and wide-ranging than the hefty 51 percent premium price paid by the Singapore company.

`RI to be top performing market in Asia in 2003'

`RI to be top performing market in Asia in 2003' Agence France-Presse, Hong Kong Indonesia is expected to be the top performing equity market in Asia for 2003, followed by Malaysia, Thailand and Hong Kong, ING Financial Markets said Monday. Indonesia was ING's top performing equity market for 2003 with a 12-month target of 500 points, up 29 percent in U.S. dollar terms, followed by Malaysia and Thailand, both up 23 percent to 765 points and 450 points respectively.

JP/5/

JP/5/ Caption/ Antara IN THE NAME OF MY HUSBAND: Dyah Sujirah alias Sipon, the wife of disappeared poet Wiji Thukul, sits in the living room of her house in Solo, Central Java. Sipon will represent her husband on Tuesday to receive the human rights Yap Thiam Hien Award 2002. Thukul went missing in 1999 after voicing the common people's aspirations through his poems.

U.S. wants stronger wall to protect embassy

U.S. wants stronger wall to protect embassy Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso has rejected a personally delivered request from U.S. Ambassador Ralph L. Boyce for permission to build a new security fence at the embassy, saying the design was illegal and would set a bad precedent. However, council bylaws do allow discretion and the precedent already exists, with the U.S. Embassy fences on Jl.

Rupiah Rates Dec.16

Rupiah Rates Dec.16 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp Australian dollar 1 5,270.43 4,701.30 5,012.42 4,959.12 Brunei dollar 1 5,327.73 4,753.06 5,066.92 5,013.72 Canadian dollar 1 5,968.09 5,324.67 5,675.94 5,616.68 Swiss franc 1 6,436.57 5,743.59 6,121.48 6,058.58 Danish krone 1 1,280.31 1,142.37 1,217.63 1,205.02 Euro 1 9,508.75 8,483.79 9,043.27 8,949.05 Poundsterling 1 14,795.95 13,205.88 14,071.64 13,930.10 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,194.49 1,066.19 1,136.02 1,124.

* Headlines: Police find NII documents at bombers' homes2

* Headlines: Police find NII documents at bombers' homes2 * National: Belo fails to testify in rights trial 4 * Archipelago: Police seize one ton of chemical in Lamongan 5 * Opinion: Papua: A zone of peace 6 * City: U.S. wants stronger wall to protect embassy8 * Sports:All gloom, no glamour for Barcelona and PSG 10 * World: Gujarat's Muslims see peace after BJP win 11 * Business: Rupiah ends up at 3-month high on Indosat sale 16 * Features: Hilda's groundbreaking ceramics in retrospect 19

Thieves rob house in daylight

Thieves rob house in daylight BOGOR: Burglars broke into a house and stole valuables worth some Rp 231 million while the owners were out shopping. Aris Subardi and his wife left the house located on Jl. Dewi Ambika 8 of the Indraprasta housing estate here unattended on Sunday at about noon. When they returned home at about 7 p.m., the house was in a mess. They said they lost diamond-studded jewelry worth Rp 40 million, gold jewelry, a video camera, two still cameras and Rp 9 million in cash.

Train station slogan

Train station slogan From Warta Kota I found it funny to read a slogan at Depok Baru station reading: "Discipline reflects a cultured society." Below is a description characterizing a train passenger showing discipline. Unfortunately, many passengers do not buy a ticket. Also, the conductor is always willing to accept payment for tickets on board the train. It would be better for the railway station management to put up something reading like this: "Every train passenger must buy a ticket.

A new dimension to the war against terrorism

A new dimension to the war against terrorism Hilman Adil, Political Analysts, Jakarta Australian Prime Minister John Howard again drew the ire and contempt of a few of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries in an off-the-cuff remark recently revealed that he was prepared to act against terrorists in neighboring Asian countries and that he hoped international law and the UN Charter could be changed to empower nations to strike preemptively against the terrorist groups...

Train station slogan

Train station slogan From Warta Kota I found it funny to read a slogan at Depok Baru station reading: "Discipline reflects a cultured society." Below is a description characterizing a train passenger showing discipline. Unfortunately, many passengers do not buy a ticket. Also, the conductor is always willing to accept payment for tickets on board the train. It would be better for the railway station management to put up something reading like this: "Every train passenger must buy a ticket.

Rp 625 billion put aside to repair damaged schools

Rp 625 billion put aside to repair damaged schools Debbie A. Lubis, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government said on Monday that it would allocate special funds totaling Rp 625 billion next year to restore dilapidated and damaged elementary school buildings in regencies and towns across the country. Minister of National Education A.

Security guards arrested for stealing

Security guards arrested for stealing BOGOR: Two security guards and another employee of garment factory PT Tritunggal, on Jl. Raya Mayor Oking, Cibinong, were arrested for allegedly masterminding the theft of hundreds of pieces of clothing which were set to be exported to the United States. Cibinong Police chief Adj. Comr. Ogiyanto said on Monday that security guards Yadi, 24, and Budiman, 24, as well as another employee, Deri, 20, were arrested in their respective homes on Saturday.

`Alia' cancellation an obstruction of freedom

`Alia' cancellation an obstruction of freedom Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned television stations' ban of a play highlighting injustices in Aceh was an obstruction of freedom of expression, activists say. Noted lawyer and human rights campaigner Todung Mulya Lubis said TVRI's decision not to air Alia, Luka Serambi Mekah (Alia, Wound on Veranda of Mecca) was repeating the censorship pattern imposed under the authoritarian rule of former president Soeharto.

Foreign ship with casino to start service from Belawan

Foreign ship with casino to start service from Belawan Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan, North Sumatra A foreign cruise ship with an onboard casino will start operating immediately between Malaysia, Singapore, North Sumatra and Riau, in a bid to lure tourists to the two provinces, according to an official at the Ministry of Tourism.

UN team arrives on humanitarian mission to assess needs in Aceh

UN team arrives on humanitarian mission to assess needs in Aceh Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh A team from the United Nations arrived in Aceh on Monday to assess the humanitarian needs of the Acehnese following last week's landmark peace agreement, marking the first UN mission to the war-torn province since fighting began in 1976.

AIDS, finding

AIDS, finding a scapegoat From Kompas Only myths and scapegoats were featured in a report published by Kompas on Nov. 18 on HIV/AIDS in Asmat. Thai fishermen used to be blamed for "carrying" HIV to Merauke but now the blame has been placed on eaglewood merchants and sex workers. The report stated that HIV/AIDS cases were first detected in Merauke in 1992 along with the arrival of Thai fishermen and sex workers.

VCD vendors demand right to operate

VCD vendors demand right to operate Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Dozens of street vendors evicted from the front of the Harco shopping center in Glodok, West Jakarta, staged a rally on Monday, demanding they be allowed to reopen their businesses in the area or be given an appropriate solution to their problems. Robert Nainggolan, head of the vendors' association, led the protest at the center which spans the road between Harco and the Glodok electronic center.

Police find NII documents at bombers' homes

Police find NII documents at bombers' homes Jupriadi, The Jakarta Post, Makassar Police investigating the McDonald's restaurant bombing in Makassar have discovered documents outlining plans to declare an Islamic state at the suspects' homes. The police, however, have yet to conclude that the bombers, allegedly led by Agung Abdul Hamid, had planned to declare the Indonesian Islamic State (NII). "We have found documents on an Islamic state.

`Monas fence will limit access'

`Monas fence will limit access' The city administration unveiled on Monday the new look of the National Monument (Monas) park with its high fences, worth almost Rp 9 billion. Even though there is no charge for entering the park, people are afraid that they will eventually have to pay an admission. Some city residents gave different responses when The Jakarta Post asked them about the issue.

YLKI mulls Pertamina boycott

YLKI mulls Pertamina boycott A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Consumer Foundation (YLKI) strongly condemned on Monday a decision by state-owned oil and gas company Pertamina to raise the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), saying that it would impose more burdens upon the public. YLKI demanded the company to revoke the latest policy, and should they ignore the demand, the consumer rights group would mobilize the public to boycott Pertamina products.

Jakarta 'back to normal'

Jakarta 'back to normal' Driving on Jakarta roads one week after Idul Fitri was enjoyable. Offices and shops were still closed, and trips from one place to another were smooth and fast, while the air was also clean due to reduced vehicular emissions. Things changed on Monday. Myriad cars and motorcycles are back on the roads from morning until night. Vehicles continue to congregate around the schools, shops and offices.

RI, China sign population accord

RI, China sign population accord BANGKOK: Indonesia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the government of China here on Monday to cooperate in the field of population and reproductive health/family planning. The MoU was signed by the chairwoman of Indonesia's National Family Planning Board, Yaumil Agoes Achir, and China's minister of the State Family Planning Commission (SFPC), Zhang Weiqing.

Certificates for street kids

Certificates for street kids KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Some 200 street children and poor people will receive certificates from the local education office after participating in educational classes. Yoseph Ahryanto Ludoni, director of Purnama Kasih Foundation, which organized the classes, said the certificates would state that their education was on a par with that obtained at formal schools.

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.

Deutsche Bank optimistic about government bonds issue

Deutsche Bank optimistic about government bonds issue Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As the government began on Monday a road show for its plans to issue some Rp 2 trillion (US$224.72 million) worth of bonds later this week, Deutsche Securities Indonesia -- one of the three firms appointed as arrangers for the issue -- expressed optimism that the market would fully absorb the bonds. Suresh L.

'Tourist slump not due to Bali terror'

'Tourist slump not due to Bali terror' JAKARTA: A total of 91,506 foreign tourists visited Jakarta in October, or 7.59 percent less than the number in the previous month, which recorded more than 99,000 visitors, according to data at the City Statistics Office. However, the decrease had nothing to do with the Bali terrorist attacks, head of the office, Masni Rani claimed, explaining that October was the low season, beritajakarta.com reported on Monday.

STT commitment to develop fixed lines questioned

STT commitment to develop fixed lines questioned A'an Suryana and Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The purchase of a 41.9 percent stake in state-owned telecommunications company PT Indosat by Singapore Technologies Telemedia (STT) may not necessarily provide benefits to local customers, as the Singapore giant was likely to focus more on the lucrative cellular business here, an industry expert said.

Hilda's groundbreaking ceramics in retrospect

Hilda's groundbreaking ceramics in retrospect Carla Bianpoen, Contributor, Jakarta "The approach to ceramics should start from basic knowledge of the material and from making pottery. Only thereafter can a ceramist proceed toward another level." This is what Hilda Soemantri, Indonesia's foremost fine art ceramist, scholar, lecturer and founder of the ceramic section of IKJ used to tell her students.

Indonesia hopes to bounce back against Cambodia

Indonesia hopes to bounce back against Cambodia Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After its disappointing draw against Myanmar on Sunday, Indonesia will be looking to secure three points in its second match of the Tiger Cup soccer championship against Cambodia at the Bung Karno Stadium here on Tuesday.

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.

'Immaculate' conception unraveled

'Immaculate' conception unraveled Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang After sticking to her story of an immaculate conception for almost two months, the mystery of a 13-year-old girl who reportedly had a baby without having sexual relations with a man was finally disclosed on Saturday.

1. Neles -- Papua: A zone of peace

1. Neles -- Papua: A zone of peace 1 X 23 Papua: A zone of peace Neles Tebay Pontifical University of Urbaniana Rome 2. Simon -- Do something about radicals, Gus or Gus Dur must help stem radicalism 1 X 30 Do something about the radicals Gus Dur Gus Dur's help against radicalism Mafoot Simon The Straits Times Asia News Network Singapore 3. State -- Modified India? 1 X 32 Let's not insult Indian voters Modified India? The Statesman Asia News Network Calcutta

Goh told to pay attention to sand

Goh told to pay attention to sand JAKARTA: People's Consultative Assembly Speaker Amien Rais told Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong on Monday to stop pretending he was unaware of the smuggling of sand from Riau islands to his country. Amien said the sand smuggling had been taking place for 20 years, causing four islands in Riau to sink. "All the illegal sand is smuggled from Riau to reclaim land in Singapore.

Mudslide and precautions

Mudslide and precautions Pondering the merciless and disastrous mudslide that hit a hot spring resort at Pacet, Mojokerto, East Java, during the Idul Fitri holiday, causing death to innocent schoolchildren enjoying their vacation (The Jakarta Post, Dec. 12 and Dec. 13), I couldn't help wondering why the accidents couldn't have been averted. This could have been by virtue of an earlier warning, regarding the required precautionary measures to be taken, from the responsible authorities.