Archive: 19 December 2002
Showing 1-50 of 77 articles
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
Essential services in 2003: Who owns (and thus, trades) our life?
Essential services in 2003: Who owns (and thus, trades) our life? Yanuar Nugroho Director The Business Watch Indonesia Life is a game of power. The powerful rulers have their power not because others want it, but because the former use the latter for their own benefit. Despite its bright side, globalization, in one or many ways, has been creating the imbalances between the powerful, who benefit from the increasing share of our world economy, and the powerless, who suffer from it.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
North Sumatra council rejects possible reopening of sawmill
North Sumatra council rejects possible reopening of sawmill Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan, North Sumatra The North Sumatra provincial council (DPRD) has openly opposed the central government's plan to allow PT Toba Pulp Lestari (TPL) to resume its operations in Porsea, and urged police to release 16 residents detained for protesting the reopening.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
Nine soldiers sent to prison over deadly Binjai clash
Nine soldiers sent to prison over deadly Binjai clash Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan A military tribunal here sentenced on Wednesday nine soldiers to between five months and two and a half years in prison for their roles in a deadly attack against two police offices in Binjai, North Sumatra, on Sept. 29 and 30 which killed 12 people, three of whom were civilians.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
Prosecutors demand death sentence for drug suspect
Prosecutors demand death sentence for drug suspect Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang Prosecutors have demanded the death penalty for a Dutch citizen accused of producing and trafficking millions of ecstasy pills between September 1999 and March 2002. Prosecutors Martha P. Berliana, Roskandi and Vidianto, who alternately read out the sentence demand, also asked the court to fine defendant Ang Kiem Soei, 50, alias Kim Ho, alias Ance Tahir, alias Tommy Wijaya, Rp 100 million.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
House rejects eight govt ambassadorial candidates
House rejects eight govt ambassadorial candidates Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives (DPR) has turned down eight out of 27 ambassadorial candidates proposed by the government due to different selection criteria.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
On religious pluralism
On religious pluralism We refer to the article of Muhammad Ali titled Promoting religious pluralism in The Jakarta Post on Dec. 5, 2002. Muhammad Ali addressed his article exclusively to Muslims, while the fact is that religious radicalism erupted in all religions and faiths worldwide.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
The private capture of common good
The private capture of common good B. Herry-Priyono Driyarkara School of Philosophy Jakarta The year 2002 began with torrential floods battering Jakarta and many other cities. Nature cares nothing for our logic; she has her own, which we do not acknowledge until we are crushed under her wheel. By the end of 2002, it is clear that the way we were crushed has less to do with nature than with our disregard for how nature needs nurture. The attempt to conquer Mother Nature began long before 2002.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
Malaysia, Thailand ready to deal with China
Malaysia, Thailand ready to deal with China Deutsche Presse-Agentur, Singapore South Korea, Malaysia and Thailand look well placed to deal with the economic threat from China, but Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam raise the most concern, a research report said on Wednesday. The problems are not insurmountable for the three in the final category, provided the countries act fast, said Steve Brice, Standard Chartered Bank's chief economist for Southeast Asia.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
Challenges in public services delivery
Challenges in public services delivery Yanuar Nugroho Director, The Business Watch Indonesia Lecturer, Sahid University in Surakarta Researcher, Uni Sosial Demokrat Jakarta Clean water, health care and access to energy are the three most essential of basic human needs, with education perhaps the fourth. All people are entitled to these things. Yet the reality is completely different, with people around the world having less and less access to what are basic human needs.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
Link between democracy and economic growth?
Link between democracy and economic growth? Akhmad Rizal Shidiq, Institute for Economic and Social Research, Faculty of Economics, University of Indonesia, Jakarta Democracy is desirable because it widens individual freedom and capabilities, argues Satish Mishra (The Jakarta Post, Nov. 5). It makes sense as a means of development and economic growth; and to enhance economic stability.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
City Council summons a developer
City Council summons a developer JAKARTA: The city council failed to meet with developer Mitra Prima Sejahtera to seek clarification over an alleged violation that it began constructions for an apartment building in Puri Kembangan, West Jakarta, without the necessary documents. Ali Imran, deputy chairman of the council's commission D on development, revealed on Wednesday that the developer had built the foundation for the apartment, although the company did not have any permits to the land.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
POST-IDUL FITRI DROP: Several farmers weigh carrots they have
POST-IDUL FITRI DROP: Several farmers weigh carrots they have just harvested at Gondosuli village in Karang Anyar, Central Java. The prices of vegetables, such as carrots and string beans, continued to decline sharply on Wednesday, one week after the Idul Fitri holiday. For example, string beans were being sold at Rp 1,300 per kilogram, a decrease from Rp 2,000 per kilogram during Idul Fitri.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
Security lessons from the Kuta tragedy
Security lessons from the Kuta tragedy I Gde Pitana, Contributor, Denpasar The peaceful atmosphere of Bali was shattered on Oct. 12, 2002 by the bombs that claimed more than 184 lives in Kuta. It was one of the worst tragedies the island has suffered. The blast impacted on the economy of the island, which is highly dependent on tourism. The image of Bali as a safe tourist destination was left in ruin.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
Gajah Tunggal clarifies
Gajah Tunggal clarifies Your article published on Dec. 2 titled Sjamsul Nursalim, profile of a bad debtors was unfair, tendentious and injurious. It did not reflect the balanced reporting deserving of The Jakarta Post. Your reporter made no attempt to solicit input from the primary party even though our channels have always been open. Nor were there objective efforts made to investigate the underlying documents yourselves to report the truth. Proof that Mr.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
Floods threaten to cut off food supplies to Riau
Floods threaten to cut off food supplies to Riau Haidir Anwar Tanjung and Kasparman, The Jakarta Post, Riau/Jambi Floodwaters spread to other areas in Riau, threatening to cut off food supplies to the province from neighboring West Sumatra as the flooding was likely to submerge the only alternative road connecting the two regions.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah Rates Dec.18
Rupiah Rates Dec.18 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp Australian dollar 1 5,343.03 4,771.92 5,085.09 5,029.63 Brunei dollar 1 5,391.88 4,817.04 5,131.58 5,077.19 Canadian dollar 1 6,086.14 5,436.89 5,792.33 5,730.51 Swiss franc 1 6,604.30 5,901.51 6,285.47 6,220.23 Danish krone 1 1,304.39 1,165.49 1,241.42 1,228.44 Euro 1 9,688.90 8,656.69 9,221.16 9,124.20 Poundsterling 1 15,052.67 13,451.36 14,325.99 14,177.81 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,208.57 1,080.29 1,150.22 1,138.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
Terrorism hits Asia in 2002, but China's economy gives region hope
Terrorism hits Asia in 2002, but China's economy gives region hope Karl Malakunas, Agence France-Presse, Hong Kong Islamic extremists extended their reign of fear deep into Asia in 2002, a year that was otherwise dominated by China defying regional economic gloom and stepping up its march onto the international stage. Undoubtedly the biggest single event during 2002 was the Oct.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
Asian Tour set for record prize money in 2003
Asian Tour set for record prize money in 2003 Agencies, Kuala Lumpur Record prize money of US$11.85 million will be on offer for the 2003 Asian PGA Tour, officials announced on Tuesday. The season begins with this week's $833,000 Okinawa Open, the first Asian event to be joint-sanctioned with the Japan Tour, and ends almost 12 months later with the $500,000 Volvo Masters of Asia in Thailand from December 11-14.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
Int'l help needed to fight money laundering
Int'l help needed to fight money laundering Rita A.Widiadana, The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, Bali Indonesian Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra said on Wednesday the country needed help from its neighboring countries as well as international organizations to fight money laundering and terrorist financing.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
Reinventing globalization
Reinventing globalization Yanuar Nugroho Director The Business Watch Indonesia If there is one word that has been the most frequently mentioned by people around the world over the past three to five years, it has been globalization. Leaders would have less confidence if they did not include or address globalization in any of their speeches. Newspapers and magazines would have less pride if they did not denote globalization in their articles.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
IBRA signs APP debt pact but foreign creditors abstain
IBRA signs APP debt pact but foreign creditors abstain Dow Jones, Jakarta The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency, or IBRA, signed an outline US$6.5 billion debt workout with Asia Pulp & Paper Co. (PAP) Wednesday, but the refusal of many foreign creditors to agree to the plan means that reaching a final restructuring is unlikely in the near future. In a ceremony in Jakarta, IBRA, local banks and bondholders signed the agreement, which covers debt held by APP's four Indonesian units.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
Non-Jakarta IDs preferred for maids
Non-Jakarta IDs preferred for maids Bambang Nurbianto and Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Employment agencies supplying maids and nannies welcome the city administration's plan to conduct Jakarta identity card sweeps of their companies, although they say they prefer to place domestics with non-Jakarta ID cards.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
RI islands world's richest reefs
RI islands world's richest reefs JAKARTA: Some of the world's most experienced tropical marine scientists have confirmed that the Indonesian islands of Raja Ampat, West of Sorong, Papua, contain the coral reefs with the richest biodiversity in the world. The conclusion was made recently after the scientists completed a three-week expedition, led by the Nature Conservancy, to the Raja Ampat islands.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
Economic integration in Southeast Asia: Making AFTA work
Economic integration in Southeast Asia: Making AFTA work Puspa Delima Amri Centre fore Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Jakarta The year 2002 marked an important era for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members, as they embarked on the long evolving plan to realize the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA). However, the event did not arrive in the arms of the most enthusiastic audience, at least not for Indonesian spectators.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
4 x 12
4 x 12 Samudra to face trial in Batam for Xmas blasts Banjir 2 x 24 Floods threaten to cut off food supplies to Riau 2 x 28 North Sumatra council rejects possible reopening of sawmill
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
VP to open GMNI congress
VP to open GMNI congress JAKARTA: Vice President Hamzah Haz is slated to open the national congress of the 14th Indonesian Nationalist Student Movement (GMNI) from Dec. 20 to Dec. 24 in Manado, North Sulawesi. GMNI congress organizing committee head Donny Luminggas told Antara that the confirmation was indicated by the presence of the Vice President's special force to check the location of the congress.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
This article is provided by the Japanese embassy
This article is provided by the Japanese embassy The Ambassador's View on Bilateral Relations Question: What impression have you gained when you look back at the period of four months after your arrival in Indonesia to take up your assignment? Answer : After taking up my duty here, I held a series of talks with high ranking figures of the Indonesian Government, including President Megawati. I heard about the efforts made by the Megawati Government toward the reform and democratization.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
Taiwan threatens to cut economic ties with RI
Taiwan threatens to cut economic ties with RI Agencies, Jakarta Taiwanese parliamentarians angrily urged the Taipei government on Wednesday to halt all investment in Indonesia in response to Jakarta's decision to refuse a visit by President Chen Shui-bian. "If the Indonesian government does not atone for itself properly, we should immediately stop our economic aid and procurement programs," opposition People First Party MP Sun Ta- chien was quoted by AFP as saying.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
JSC co-chairman arrives in Aceh to begin peace monitoring work
JSC co-chairman arrives in Aceh to begin peace monitoring work Jakarta, Agencies A Thai two-star general, who will be in charge of monitoring the truce in Aceh, arrived in the provincial capital of Banda Aceh on Wednesday. Maj. Gen. Thanungsak Tuvinan will co-chair the Joint Security Committee (JSC), set up to monitor the truce between the Indonesian government and the rebel Free Aceh Movement (GAM).
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
Churches told to be proactive about security
Churches told to be proactive about security BOGOR: In an effort to provide security during Christmas masses celebrated in churches throughout the country, the police are encouraging church officials, parking attendants and security guards to be more alert to suspicious looking visitors and to search them if necessary. Bogor Police chief Snr. Comr. Anton Bachrul Alam told reporters on Wednesday that the police would meet church officials on Friday to discuss security for the Christmas masses.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
Asian island decision unlikely to herald breakthroughs for other claimants
Asian island decision unlikely to herald breakthroughs for other claimants Jane Macartney, Reuters, Singapore An Indonesian warship prowling the horizon off the disputed Malaysian diving paradise isle of Sipadan can steam home because of a landmark court decision half a world away. But it is unlikely that other claimants in the several territorial disputes simmering in Asia will follow Indonesia and Malaysia by seeking a ruling from an outside body such as the International Court of Justice.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
Clerics report intellectual to police
Clerics report intellectual to police JAKARTA: A group of clerics on Wednesday formally asked police to investigate a prominent Islamic intellectual for writing an article urging a reinterpretation of sharia. The Forum of Indonesian Clerics and Islam Adherents said the article by Ulil Abshar-Abdalla violated the law by inciting hatred toward Muslims. The column, titled: Renewing the understanding of Islam, appeared in the Nov. 18 edition of Kompas daily newspaper.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
Another muddling through scenario
Another muddling through scenario Muhammad Chatib Basri How do we mark the economic performance in 2002 and what is the prospect for 2003? The average real GDP growth (y-o-y) up to the third quarter of 2002 was recorded at 3.4 percent. It is true that the Bali blast is predicted to have impacted on the overall Indonesian economy. Our sensitivity analysis shows the 15 percent decline in the number of tourists will reduce the GDP growth by 0.15 percent.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta:Thursday, December 19, 2002
Where to go in Jakarta:Thursday, December 19, 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.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
FOR COUNTRY PROFILE
FOR COUNTRY PROFILE This article is provided by the Japanese embassy "Walk together, advance together" Indonesia is not only has a close historic relationship with Japan but also maintains close relations in trade and investment. Below is an interview with Japanese Ambassador Yutoko Iimura about the Japanese government's committment to further assist Indonesia in achieving stability.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
Astra issues new shares to raise US$158m
Astra issues new shares to raise US$158m Dow Jones, Jakarta Indonesia's largest automaker PT Astra International said Wednesday it hopes to raise US$158 million, or Rp 1.4 trillion rupiah, through a rights issue in January, which is part of a debt restructuring agreed with creditors last week. Astra will issue 1.429 billion new shares through the rights issue at Rp 1,000 per share. Astra said that under the rights issue shareholders could buy seven new shares for every 13 shares held.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
KL turns to other disputed island: Heartened by a recent World
KL turns to other disputed island: Heartened by a recent World Court decision awarding Malaysia two tiny islands also claimed by Indonesia, the government will now try to win a territorial tussle with neighboring Singapore, Malaysia's deputy leader said on Wednesday. Malaysia and Singapore decided in 1998 to submit their competing claims to the islet of Pulau Batu Puteh to the court, formally known as the International Court of Justice, in the Hague.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
Myanmar, Vietnam look to put pressure on Indonesia
Myanmar, Vietnam look to put pressure on Indonesia Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Myanmar and Vietnam are looking to put more pressure on Indonesia in Group A matches of the Tiger Cup when they take to the pitch against lowly opponents on Thursday. Myanmar will face Cambodia, which has conceded 13 goals in two matches, while Vietnam is paired against the Philippines, which allowed six goals against one in their opening match of the biennial Southeast Asian soccer tournament.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
Documents detail terrorist activities in the country
Documents detail terrorist activities in the country The Jakarta Post, Denpasar Police have sized dozens of documents detailing terrorist activities in the country during a recent raid of a house rented by suspected terrorist Ali Ghufron alias Muklas in Surakarta, Central Java.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
Budiono leads detikcom out of the storm
Budiono leads detikcom out of the storm Fitri 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. 10, as it was the first time he has taken a break since the birth of detikcom, the online media he co-founded in 1998 and which survived the worldwide dotcom business crash last year.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
Bills to preserve, popularize Sundanese culture
Bills to preserve, popularize Sundanese culture Yuli Tri Suwarni The Jakarta Post Bandung, West Java The West Java legislative council and provincial administration are deliberating three bills to prevent Sundanese culture and literature from becoming extinct in the future amid the rapid drive of modern development. If endorsed, the bills will include the Sundanese language as a mandatory subject in the curricula of elementary, junior and senior high schools in West Java.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia's security OK for investment, says China
Indonesia's security OK for investment, says China Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A visiting Chinese government delegation said the country had no qualms about investing in Indonesia despite the simmering threat of terrorism here, according to a senior Indonesian government official on Wednesday. The foreign ministry's director general for Asia Pacific and African Affairs, Makarim Wibisono, said China was planing to increase the value of its investment in Indonesia.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
Once shady Jl. Barito
Once shady Jl. Barito becoming barren From Kompas The South Jakarta administration is building an office for the city parks agency in a green area of Jl. Barito II, Kramat Pela subdistrict, formerly known as Barito park. An artesian well is also under construction as part of the building.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
A DAY OF PRAYER: President Megawati Soekarnoputri (right) prays
A DAY OF PRAYER: President Megawati Soekarnoputri (right) prays with chief security minister Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (center) and Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Jusuf Kalla during a meeting with community leaders in Banda Aceh, Aceh. Megawati ended her unprecedented two-day visit to the restive province on Wednesday following the Dec. 9 peace deal between the government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM).
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
Govt to launch river observation
Govt to launch river observation JAKARTA: The government has proposed that each province in the country should closely monitor the quality of at least one river in 2003 to help monitor pollution and avert ecological disaster. Masnellyarti, a deputy of state minister for the environment said on Wednesday that the monitoring would include parameters like pH level, salinity, temperature, biological oxygen demand, and chemical oxygen demand.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
Government approves phone charges hike plan
Government approves phone charges hike plan Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite strong public protests, the government has approved an average 15 percent rise in phone charges under a new tariff structure proposed by state-owned telecommunications firm PT Telkom to take effect on Jan. 1, next year. The increase is part of a three-year Telkom plan to raise charges by a total of 45.49 percent, or 15 percent every year, which started in 2002.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
Hotels implement tight security
Hotels implement tight security Rita A. Widiadana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali Only a few months ago, Bali was considered one of the safest tourist resorts in Indonesia and the world. But the Oct. 12 blasts, which claimed nearly 190 lives in the Kuta area, changed everything. Since the tragic incident, Bali has lost its tranquil image. Foreign tourists fled the resort island and people have become overly wary of newcomers.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
Kaimoeddin rejected as acting governor
Kaimoeddin rejected as acting governor KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: The legislature (DPRD) in Southeast Sulawesi has expressed opposition to government plans to appoint La Ode Kaimoeddin as acting governor after the governor and vice governor were accused of money politics. Deputy DPRD speaker Andrey Djufri said on Wednesday the caretaker should be someone from the home affairs ministry office.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
Bulog to import 800,000 tons of rice next year
Bulog to import 800,000 tons of rice next year The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The State Logistics Agency (Bulog) said on Wednesday it would import some 800,000 tons of rice next year from several countries to meet domestic demand. "Of the 800,000 tons, some 200,000 tons are a carryover (from last year's contracts) while another 600,000 tons will be imported, based on new contracts," Bulog chairman Widjanarko Puspoyo told reporters.
Thu, 19 Dec 2002, 00:00 WIB
FOR COUNTRY PROFILE: JAPAN - DECEMBER 23
FOR COUNTRY PROFILE: JAPAN - DECEMBER 23 Promoting friendship through cultural exchange programs The Japan Foundation, more popularly known in Indonesia as Pusat Kebudayaan Jepang, or the Japan Culture Center, is a semi- governmental, nonprofit organization that carries out the task of promoting friendship and mutual understanding through cultural and intellectual exchange activities.