Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 28 December 2002

101 articles found

New secretary general at crucial point for ASEAN

New secretary general at crucial point for ASEAN Chin Kin Wah Senior Fellow Institute of Southeast Asian Studies The Straits Times Asian News Network Singapore The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will have a new man in Jakarta next month when Ong Keng Yong, press secretary to Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, succeeds Rodolfo Severino of the Philippines as ASEAN secretary-general.

Laksamana files a police complaint against Amien

Laksamana files a police complaint against Amien Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The political conflict between State Minister of State Enterprises Laksamana Sukardi and People's Consultative Assembly Speaker Amien Rais reached new heights on Friday when Laksamana reported Amien to the police charging him with defamation.

Constitutional amendments

Constitutional amendments Satya Arinanto Lecture and Vice Dean School of Law University of Indonesia Jakarta arinanto@cbn.net.id One of the biggest legal issues during 2002 -- and the years immediately preceding it -- was the question of further amending the 1945 Constitution. According to S.E.

Photo A:

Photo A: Djisman Simanjuntak: Executive director of the Prasetia Mulya Management Institute, Jakarta. Photo B: Bantarto Bandoro: Editor of the Indonesian Quarterly published by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Jakarta Photo C: M. Chatib Basri: Deputy head of the Institute for Economic and Social Research (LPEM) at the School of Economy, University of Indonesia, Jakarta.

Merrill Lynch allegations proven false

Merrill Lynch allegations proven false The Capital Market Supervisory Agency (Bapepam) said on Friday that U.S. investment firm Merrill Lynch had been cleared of all insider trading allegations in the sale of shares in state-owned telecommunications firm PT Indosat. A press release said that Bapepam's decision followed a six- month investigation that involved extensive coordination with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Securities and Futures Commission of the UK.

Landslides cause more deaths in Lampung

Landslides cause more deaths in Lampung The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Landslides triggered by two days of heavy rainfall in Lampung province in the south of Sumatra island killed at least 10 people, injured dozens of others and buried five houses on Friday, police said. However, data from the scene of the disaster revealed that at least 17 bodies were discovered. The death toll is likely to rise as scores of other villagers are still missing and feared dead.

Don't lose

Don't lose more islands From Media Indonesia My heart broke to learn that, whatever the reasons, Indonesia had lost East Timor. And I found it strange that Abdurrahman Wahid -- when he was president -- changed the name of Irian Jaya to Papua, a phenomenon that I believe has the potential to cause disintegration as Papua is the name of a state on the eastern part of the island where Irian Jaya is located.

Lack of new athletes costs Indonesian sports dearly

Lack of new athletes costs Indonesian sports dearly Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Richard Sam Bera and Jonathan Sianturi come from different sports. The former is a swimmer, while the latter is a gymnast. But both have something in common as regards their roles in national sport. Both 31, they were the backbones and appeared to be the sole fighters in their respective sports at the recent 2002 Asian Games in Busan, South Korea.

Crush GAM if

Crush GAM if they betray The public was shocked to learn from the army chief of staff Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu that the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) had shot Acehnese and members of the Indonesian military. According to the Indonesian military, since the signing of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement between the Indonesian government and GAM in Geneva, Switzerland, on Dec. 9, GAM has violated the agreement 24 times.

[b]Foreign investment not

Foreign investment not panacea for better welfare Siwage Dharma Negara Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) Jakarta 2. Japan -- Japan tense as early polls loom 2 X 21 Japan tense as early polls loom in New Year Takeshi Uemura The Daily Yomiuri Asia News Network Tokyo 3. ASEAN -- New secretary general at crucial point for ASEAN 1 X 42 New secretary-general at crucial time for ASEAN Chin Kin Wah Senior Fellow Institute of Southeast Asian Studies The Straits Times Asian News Network Singapore

Message from the Ambassador

Message from the Ambassador On this auspicious occasion of the 55th anniversary of the Independence Day of the Union of Myanmar, I have great pleasure to convey warmest greetings and best wishes of the Government and the people of the Union of Myanmar to the Government and people of the Republic of Indonesia as well as to the Myanmar community residing in this beautiful country.

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, December 28, 2002

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, December 28, 2002 Exhibitions * Fine Arts Grid by Tiong Ang, Fendry Ekel, Remy Jungerman, Mella Jaarsma, Cemeti Art House, Jl. D.I. Panjaitan 41 (Tel. 0274- 371015), 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., until Jan. 5. Performance * Ramayana Dance (episodes) every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, Open Air Stage, Prambanan Temple, Jl. Raya Yogya-Solo Km 16 Prambanan (Tel. 0274-496408), 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Museums * Sono Budoyo state provincial museum, Jl. Trikora 6 (Tel.

Fitri Wulandari

Fitri Wulandari The Jakarta Post Jakarta Samsung has seen rosy days in Indonesia, despite the economic woes that have plagued many electronics producers here in recent years. While many players in the electronics industry struggled to cope with a variety of problems, including weakening demand, unfavorable fiscal policies, labor disputes and corruption, PT Samsung Electronics Indonesia (SEI), the subsidiary of South Korean's giant firm, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.

Thailand calls terror alert as jamboree begins

Thailand calls terror alert as jamboree begins Associated Press, Bangkok Thailand's National Security Council has ordered a nationwide terrorist alert over the New Year's holiday and will offer special protection to some 20,000 boy and girl scouts from 80 countries gathering for a world jamboree, a spokesman said Friday.

Thai delays privatization program

Thai delays privatization program BANGKOK: Thailand's state-owned Telephone Organization of Thailand (TOT) has delayed its plans for an initial public offering until some time next year, a report said Thursday. Information and Communications Technology Minister Surapong Suebwonglee was quoted by the Nation newspaper as saying the offering would be delayed until the Excise Department completes a new telecoms tax scheme.

Habib Rizieq Shihab, as chief of the paramilitary group,

Habib Rizieq Shihab, as chief of the paramilitary group, should reconsider his plan to revive the Islam Defenders Front (FPI), which he promised to disband two months ago. The people and the authorities should also take the plan into careful consideration. Much like (the apparently dissolved) Laskar Jihad, the FPI is known as an unauthorized Islamic civilian militia.

Politics of corruption to worsen in 2003: Sjahrir

Politics of corruption to worsen in 2003: Sjahrir Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With the 2004 general election looming, noted economist turned politician, Sjahrir, warned on Friday of worsening corruption and illegal fund-raising in 2003 as political parties scrambled for campaign funds and a positive start to campaigning.

City asked to deal with Africans

City asked to deal with Africans JAKARTA: Residents in the Central Jakarta areas of Tanah Abang and Pejompongan urged the city administration to take legal action against foreigners of African nationality who were allegedly involved in criminal action. The residents suspected that the Africans were involved in drug trafficking, using garment and cargo businesses as a cover for their criminal operations.

Rogue soldiers may have staged Papua ambush: Minister

Rogue soldiers may have staged Papua ambush: Minister Tiarma Siboro and Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Jayapura Rogue Indonesian soldiers might have staged an ambush on Aug. 31 which killed two American teachers and an Indonesian when they, along with a dozen other employees of the PT Freeport mine in Timika, Papua, were traveling along the street leading to the company complex, the country's top security minister said on Friday. "The government sees three possibilities.

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.

Telkom using technology from Korea

Telkom using technology from Korea JAKARTA: State telecommunications company PT Telkom has started operating the code division multiple access (CDMA) facilities supplied by South Korean electronics giant Samsung Electronics, a press release said Friday. Samsung said the equipment, called the "base station system" (BSS), which it had installed in Surabaya, began commercial operation this Monday.

Stock market performs much better this year

Stock market performs much better this year Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta Stock Exchange fared better this year with market capitalization -- the total value of stocks traded in the bourse -- increased by 10.5 percent compared to last year, due largely to a steady improvement in the key areas of the domestic economy.

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.

Prospect for law enforcement in 2003

Prospect for law enforcement in 2003 Satya Arinanto Lecturer and Deputy Dean School of Law University of Indonesia Jakarta arinanto@cbn.net.id The discourse on law enforcement usually starts from the issue of the legal system. According to Lawrence M. Friedman of Stanford University, in one of his influential books, American Law, in modern American society the legal system is everywhere and surrounds everyone.

The Jakarta Post

The Jakarta Post Jakarta Consumer confidence in the country significantly dropped in November following the Bali bombing, but the terrorist attack failed to impact consumers' shopping plans, according to a survey. According to the survey by the Danareksa Research Institute, the Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) dropped by 4.8 percent to 94.1 in response to the bombings in Bali and Manado on Oct.

PR as strategy for global understanding

PR as strategy for global understanding Irawan Abidin, Advisor, Association of Public Relation Practitioners (Perhumas), Jakarta There is today a crying need for greater mutual understanding between nations -- not only between governments but also between people of these nations.

Two turning points in 2002

Two turning points in 2002 The year 2002 will, unfortunately, be remembered by many for the bombs in Bali, and tragic as that incident was, it could also be viewed as the horrendous event that turned the scales on terrorism. On a far brighter note, eyes turn towards the province of Aceh where, at long last, a peace has been formulated that appears to have a very good chance of succeeding. Two opposite sentiments, both of which have their own tragic story to tell, but turning points nonetheless.

JP/7/DHARMA

JP/7/DHARMA For better living standards, foreign investment is not the answer Siwage Dharma Negara Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) Jakarta The continuing decline of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Indonesia has led to a drop in total FDI approvals by 11 percent for the first nine months of this year, compared to the same period last year. Domestic investment approvals also plunged by about 70 percent during the same period.

Agricultural production to remain strong next year

Agricultural production to remain strong next year Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister of Agriculture Bungaran Saragih said on Friday that the country's agricultural production would continue to grow at a "high" rate next year on the back of favorable climatic conditions and a higher budget to support farming activities.

b]* Headlines: Rouge soldiers 'may stage Papua ambush'2

b]* Headlines: Rouge soldiers 'may stage Papua ambush'2 * National:Civil emergency to stay in Maluku: Official3 * City:City told to prioritize flood projects 4 * Sports: England rocked as Aussies go for win 5 * Opinion: PR as strategy for global understanding7 * Features: Yogyakarta gets into New Year spirit 8 * Business: NGOs reject power price hike plan11 * World: N. Korea threatens to expel UN inspectors12 * Year-enders:Features Scene and Sports Scene 13-20

Sutiyoso's one achievement

Sutiyoso's one achievement Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso again made a controversial move when he ordered the area under the Pasar Pagi flyover in West Jakarta to be developed into a shopping complex. The construction of 88 semi-permanent kiosks under the flyover linking Jl. Perniagaan and Jl. Asemka Jembatan Batu has drawn criticism.

Waterless toilet

Waterless toilet at TIM 21 From Suara Karya As one of the regular visitors to Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM), I feel reluctant to use the women's toilets in the building. Although the toilets are relatively clean and seem to be well- maintained, they have no water nor toilet paper. Through this letter, I would like to appeal to the Cinema 21 management at TIM or the management of Cinema 21 in general to pay special attention to the needs and comfort of customers. MAHA PRASTIKA DEWI Jakarta

Living with another lean year

Living with another lean year Indonesia is going to add another pale year to its post-Soeharto era. Its already tarnished image as a state was severely damaged again after the Bali bombing, which demonstrated undeniably how vulnerable Indonesia had become to acts of terrorism. The bombing, however tragic, is not the only humiliation that the government was forced to swallow.

Arab-RI relationship

Arab-RI relationship In reference to what was quoted by Antara and published in The Jakarta Post (Dec. 20, 2002, page 4) concerning Ahmed Syafii Ma'arif's views about diplomats from Middle Eastern countries, on behalf of the Arab ambassadors and heads of missions, I would like to note the following: We highly respect Syafii as an honest scholar and great leader who contributes positively in enhancing Indonesian/Arab relations, especially the cultural aspects.

This year's performing arts ended on sour note

This year's performing arts ended on sour note Yusuf Susilo Hartono, Contributor, Jakarta Staging a performance, especially of international caliber in Indonesia in 2002, proved difficult and expensive. The reasons include the difficulty in obtaining funds and sponsors since many companies have gone bankrupt or are in financial trouble due to the economic crisis. In the meantime, raising ticket prices is not an option as even at normal prices, only a few can afford to buy them.

JP/6/WINAHYO

JP/6/WINAHYO Indosat, good governance and paper companies Winahyo Soekanto Lawyer Consumer Care Foundation Jakarta winahyo@yahoo.com At least on paper, the controversial sale of 41.9 percent of government shares of Indosat to Singapore telecommunications firm Singapore Technologies Telemedia (STT) will ease budget deficits, despite criticism that it could have been sold at higher prices.

Vagaries in investment

Vagaries in investment Bahtiar Arif, Center for Indonesian Reform, Lecturer at the University of Pancasila, Jakarta, bahtiararif@yahoo.com As investments in Indonesia have currently been reported lower than last year and undermined by the Bali tragedy, a renowned Japanese company, Sony, decided to close its branch in Indonesia. Regarding the closure, its branch in Malaysia will take over the Indonesian production.

Art world still enjoyable, despite tension

Art world still enjoyable, despite tension Carla Bianpoen, Contributor, Jakarta For the ignorant art lover, the year 2002 was as enjoyable as ever, with many exhibitions, both local and international. But underneath all this lay the tension that the issue of goreng menggoreng had evoked. The term, which literally means frying, refers to the practice of collectors cum art traders raising market prices by buying large numbers of paintings by certain young up-and-coming artists.

Language and

Language and disintegration From Kompas Kompas published a report on Nov. 20 referring to the need to be Sundanese as one criterion for the selection of public officials. The news attributed as its source a proposal of the Justice Mandate (ABDI) faction, which was responding to a West Java regional conference on this matter. If this proposal genuinely came from people's representatives, who should have a broad horizon of thinking, I must express deep concern.

Major roads to close on New Year's Eve

Major roads to close on New Year's Eve The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Police will close Jakarta's main thoroughfares including Jl. Jenderal Sudirman and M.H. Thamrin during New Year's Eve, which will fall on Tuesday evening and go into early Wednesday morning, in order to make way for pedestrian revelers. "The closure of the main thoroughfares will be made to provide greater space for the people to celebrate the New Year," said City Police Chief Insp. Gen. Makbul Padmanagara.

City asked to prioritize Eastern Flood Canal project

City asked to prioritize Eastern Flood Canal project Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Disappointed with the city administration's policy for dealing with flooding, the City Council urged the administration on Friday to allocate 10 percent of the Rp 11 trillion city budget in 2003, or about Rp 1.1 trillion, to construction of the East Flood Canal. "The administration should not rely on the central government to construct the canal.

Living with another lean year

Living with another lean year Indonesia is going to add another pale year into its post- Soeharto era. Its already tarnished image as a state was damaged again severely following the Bali Bombing, which demonstrated undeniably how vulnerable Indonesia has become to acts of terrorism. The bombing, however tragic, is not the only humiliation that the government is forced to swallow.

1. RAIN: 28 PT, 1 COLS, 3 X 11

1. RAIN: 28 PT, 1 COLS, 3 X 11 City told to brace for floods 2. FLOOD: 50 PT, 4 COLS, 2 X 25 City asked to prioritize East Flood Canal project 3. ROAD: 28 pt, 3 cols, 1 x 32 Major roads to close on New Year's Eve 4. BECAK: 30 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 45 Becak' drivers pedal through life's hardships 5. SPEAKUP: 30 pt, 3 cols, 1 x 'Busway might worsen traffic flow'

Absurdity of our

Absurdity of our legislators From Koran Tempo Some members of the House of Representatives are attempting to interpellate President Megawati Soekarnoputri regarding two matters. The Reform faction of the House wants to exercise its right to interpellation regarding the sale of assets of state- owned enterprises in connection with the government's release and discharge policy. And Commission I of the House will interpellate the President regarding the loss of Sipadan and Ligitan islands.

Bambang fires RI to final of Tiger Cup

Bambang fires RI to final of Tiger Cup Musthofid and Arya Abhiseka, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A late header from Bambang Pamungkas in the second half earned Indonesia a 1-0 victory over Malaysia here on Friday and a place in the final of the Tiger Cup for the second consecutive time. Playing before a home crowd of 70,000 inside the Bung Karno Stadium, Indonesia, which reached the semifinal stage as the runner-up of Group A behind Vietnam, had to be content with a goalless first half.

Constitutional amendments

Constitutional amendments Satya Arinanto Lecture and Vice Dean School of Law University of Indonesia Jakarta arinanto@cbn.net.id One of the biggest legal issues during 2002 -- and the years immediately preceding it -- was the question of further amending the 1945 Constitution. According to S.E.

'Sabili' names Ba'asyir Man of the Year

'Sabili' names Ba'asyir Man of the Year JAKARTA: Abu Bakar Ba'asyir, the alleged spiritual leader of the regional militant Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) group, has been named Man of the Year by an Islamic magazine. Ba'asyir's "charisma and "stance against the United States" were the main reasons why Sabili magazine honored him in its December edition, its editor Yogi Utomo said on Friday.

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.

As was the case in 2001, this year we are happy to provide our

As was the case in 2001, this year we are happy to provide our loyal readers with a wide variety of yearend articles covering the main issues that have been dominating the life of the country for the past 12 months. The Jakarta Post hosted a two-day seminar involving 14 scholars from several fields of expertise at the Santika Hotel, Jakarta on Nov. 21 and 22, 2002, for advice on topics which should be presented.

`Becak' drivers pedal through life's hardships

`Becak' drivers pedal through life's hardships Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Life for Salmun, 43, is more often than not quite difficult. The father of three has been pedaling a becak (three-wheeled pedicab) since 1982 and has no legitimate chance to change his profession, even after he moved from the city in 1990, one year after the administration imposed, for the first time, a ban against the pedicabs. "I have no other skills.

An important lesson of the 2002 Busan Asian Games

An important lesson of the 2002 Busan Asian Games Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia's poor performance at the 2002 Asian Games in Busan, South Korea, proved once again that there is something wrong with Indonesia's sports policy. Indonesia only managed 14th place, collecting a humble four gold medals, seven silver and 12 bronze.

Suthichai Yoon

Suthichai Yoon The Nation Asia News Network Bangkok 2. Irawan -- The bridge to global understanding, an Asian perspective 2 X 21 PR as strategy for global understanding Irawan Abidin Advisor, Indonesian Association of Public Relations Officers (Perhumas) Jakarta 3. A TERRORIST'S BINARY DREAM 1 x 30 A long road to chemical safety Andrei KISLYAKOV RIA Novosti Moscow 4.

Artistic and cultural moments

Artistic and cultural moments As the year draws to a close, the time has come to remember the year as it was, with both bright and dark moments. The arts scene this year was enjoyable as ever, with many performances and exhibitions, both local and international.

Workmen unearth bones of early reptile

Workmen unearth bones of early reptile TANGERANG: Several workmen digging near a beach in Ketapang subdistrict in Tangerang came across an assortment of bones, which at first sight, looked like they belonged to a large reptile that existed in prehistoric times, an expert has said. One of the workmen, Maksum, said that the bones were discovered when he and the others had dug down some 15 meters on Wednesday.

Foundation to send E. Timorese children home

Foundation to send E. Timorese children home The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Harapan Timor (Timor's Hope), otherwise known as the HATI foundation, has pledged to return five East Timorese children from schools and orphanages in Java to their families in refugees camps following demands from the East Timorese refugees. HATI chairwoman Natercia M. J. O Soares said on Friday those children would be returned to their parents because the refugees did not trust the foundation anymore.

As was the case in 2001, this year we are happy to provide our

As was the case in 2001, this year we are happy to provide our loyal readers with a wide variety of yearend articles covering the main issues that have been dominating the life of the country for the past 12 months. The Jakarta Post hosted a two-day seminar involving 14 scholars from several fields of expertise at the Santika Hotel, Jakarta on Nov. 21 and 22, 2002, for advice on topics which should be presented.

intro to fitri's story on samsung:

intro to fitri's story on samsung: --------------------------------------------------------------------- Amid reports of companies pondering on moving operations elsewhere and the decision to close the local plant of Sony Corp., the story of Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd as written by The Jakarta Post reporter Fitri Wulandari offers a different view in the economic uncertainty. ---------------------------------------------------------------------

BMG warns city of flooding

BMG warns city of flooding The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Meteorologists warned the city administration and residents to brace for possible flooding with high levels of rainfall predicted for January. The city already has witnessed heavy rain in the past several days. "Both the Jakarta administration and residents have to prepare for high precipitation levels in January.

Taiwan replies

Taiwan replies This is in response to Jusuf Wanandi's article Indonesia still respects the one China policy which appeared in The Jakarta Post on Dec. 23, 2002. President Chen's planned visit to Bali and Yogyakarta was a response to your government's call for international help after the terrorist attack in Bali, and was aimed at helping Indonesia revitalize her battered tourist industry and dwindling foreign direct investment.

Gov't dismisses demand to annul Indosat sale

Gov't dismisses demand to annul Indosat sale Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government said on Friday it would not annul the recent sale of its 41.9 percent stake in state-owned telecommunications company PT Indosat despite heavy protests from thousands of employees and politicians nationwide. "The divestment will not be annulled," deputy of the Office of State Minister of State Enterprises Mahmuddin Yasin said.

Debit card transactions up 400%

Debit card transactions up 400% JAKARTA: Debit card company Kartuku announced on Friday that transactions using its cards grew by 400 percent in six months until October this year. The company, however, did not reveal the number of transactions involved. It said in a statement that based on its performance through October, it was optimistic it could reach its target of two million Kartuku cardholders and 6,500 electronic data capture (EDC) machines by the end of June 2003.

Year-end

Year-end special edition For the last 12 months, the country's arts and entertainment scene as well as the environment has had its ups and downs, due in part to influences from the prolonged economic crisis, political upheavals and most recently, the Bali bombing. As the year draws to a close, it is time to look back and examine its high and low points and hope for a better year ahead. This is the third edition of Review 2002.

Television industry still belongs to oldtimers

Television industry still belongs to oldtimers Luas Samudera, Contributor, Jakarta The introduction of several new private TV stations -- Trans-TV, Lativi, TV7 and Global-TV -- earlier this year has changed the map of local TV. The top three are still in the hands of the oldtimers: Indosiar, RCTI and SCTV, although the new Trans-TV has taken a small portion of the viewership, endangering the position of fourth ranked TPI.

Corruption of the Republic

Corruption of the Republic B. Herry-Priyono Driyarkara School of Philosophy Jakarta The herd of that social vice called corruption rumbles on unabated. The year 2002 has seen a rapid escalation of this contagion, even though the chorus of criticism grows louder. As the vicious herd and virtuous criticism take their opposing course, most of us may expect that they would soon collide in a most dramatic manner. If only life were a Hollywood film, of course!

Renomination of Lt. Gen.(ret) Sutiyoso, Approved Sutiyoso's,

Renomination of Lt. Gen.(ret) Sutiyoso, Approved Sutiyoso's, a suspect in the bloody takeover of renomination, sacked Megawati-led PDI's headquarters in 1996, dissident Tarmidi as Jakarta governor Suharjo Corruption involving House of Representative Allowed legal Speaker Akbar Tandjung process against Akbar, but rejects his dismissal as House speaker Attempt to conceal wealth allegedly Rejects demands committed by Attorney General M.A.

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, December 28, 2002

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, December 28, 2002 Exhibitions * 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. * Photo Nyanyian Periferal by Oscar Motuloh, CCF - French Cultural Center, Jl. Wijaya 48, South Jakarta (Tel. 7208133), Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., until Jan. 4.

Bantarto Bandoro

Bantarto Bandoro Editor The Indonesian Quarterly CSIS bandoro@csis.or.id Are bilateral relations important for a country beset by multidimensional national problems, like Indonesia? The answer is definitely yes; they are as important as any other form of international cooperation. But why do bilateral relations matter so much for Indonesia?

RI badminton glorious, but needs to work harder

RI badminton glorious, but needs to work harder Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesian badminton had its ups and downs in 2002 as there were several good or even glorious achievements, but not without sad stories of defeat. The most glorious achievement was when the Indonesian team achieved a historic feat by winning the men's team Thomas Cup for the fifth time in a row at the May 9 to May 16 tournament in Guangzhou, China, after defeating Malaysia 3-2 in the final.

NGOs reject govt power price hike plan

NGOs reject govt power price hike plan A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A coalition of non governmental organizations (NGOs) urged the government on Friday to drop a plan to raise electricity prices starting in January next year, arguing that the hike would create heavy burdens on the people already suffering from years of economic difficulties.

Imam Samudra gets surprise visit from estranged father

Imam Samudra gets surprise visit from estranged father I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali There were no tears in his eyes, but everybody could see the 63- year-old man was deeply touched by his brief meeting on Friday with his son, Imam Samudra, the alleged mastermind of the Bali bombing that killed over 190 people. "I am so happy to see him. The people can consider him as a very cruel guy or whatever they like, but he is my son.

;JP;dan;

;JP;dan; ANPAf..r.. Rupiah-conversion-rates Rupiah Rates Dec. 27 JP/10/Conver Rupiah Rates Dec.

Sardono to showcase `Nobody's Body'

Sardono to showcase `Nobody's Body' Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta "December in the year 2002; the number two begins it, and the number two ends it. Nothing changes, we are still in a milieu of terror and horror," said noted Indonesian dancer Sardono W. Kusumo in a media conference here.

Local music scene lacks creativity, variety

Local music scene lacks creativity, variety Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Many consider the 1980s the best period for the local contemporary music scene. Come to think of it, the opinion is quite valid as among the best collections of Indonesian popular music emerged during that particular decade.

Govt delays lifting civil emergency in Maluku

Govt delays lifting civil emergency in Maluku The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Violence in the province of Maluku has abated since warring sides signed a peace accord early this year and Islamic militants left the province, officials said, adding, however, that the civil emergency was still necessary for now. The leader of a government team evaluating security in Maluku, Maj. Gen. (ret.) I Wayan Karya said that security in both provinces of Maluku and North Maluku had been improving.

Expanding horizons is a lifetime process

Expanding horizons is a lifetime process Pri Notowidigdo, The Amrop Hever Group, Global Executive Search, (e-mail:jakarta@amrophever.com) I had the privilege of spending time with Aki Ucup recently. He stayed with my family in our home for about a week and rekindled those things in life that bring meaning and fulfillment. Born in West Java as Yusuf Kartadikusuma 78 years ago, he is a brother of my wife's grandmother. His warm smile and kind eyes prompted us to call him Aki Ucup.

Fiscal sustainability: How sustainable will it be?

Fiscal sustainability: How sustainable will it be? Muhammad Chatib Basri Looking at the prospects of the world economy in 2003 is like looking at a silhouette. You can see the big picture, but you cannot tell the details. In the big picture we can see that while there are continuing indications that a global recovery is well underway, the details show that the economic recovery is likely to be weaker than anticipated.

TV Today: Saturday, December 28, 2002

TV Today: Saturday, December 28, 2002 TVRI 6:00 a.m. News 8:00 Documentary 8:30 Talk Show 9:00 Music 11:00 News 11:30 Music 12:00 p.m. News 1:00 Talk Show 2:00 News 3:00 Religious Teachings 3:30 Cartoon 4:00 Variety Show 5:00 TV Drama 6:00 News 7:00 Entertainment News 8:00 Quiz 9:00 News 9:30 Music: Go Rock 11:00 TV Drama TPI 6:00 a.m. News 7:00 Children's Program 8:30 Cooking Program 9:00 Quiz 10:00 Indian Film 1:00 p.m.

City to crack down on tax evasion among foreigners

City to crack down on tax evasion among foreigners Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Amid reports on foreign investors leaving the city, the city administration vowed on Friday to take stern measures against foreigners who violate regulations, including tax evasion. "We will improve law enforcement against foreigners who evade taxes. Currently, law enforcement is very weak," Deputy Governor Fauzi Bowo told reporters on the sidelines of a seminar on population here.

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.

Golkar accepts Rahardi's resignation

Golkar accepts Rahardi's resignation JAKARTA: Golkar Party accepted on Friday former trade minister and State Logistics Agency (Bulog) chief Rahardi Ramelan's decision to leave the party. The party's announcement came a day after Rahardi, who is a member of Golkar's advisory board, said he would resign from the party as it did not support him during his corruption trial. Rahardi was found guilty and sentenced to two years in jail for misusing Bulog's funds.

Year of ups and downs for Jakarta pub scene

Year of ups and downs for Jakarta pub scene Bill Blade, Contributor, Jakarta There's no doubt about it, it's been one heck of a hard year, what with glugging down copious quantities of the amber nectar, endless elbow-bending, and trying to get reimbursed for my outstanding efforts -- often far above and beyond the call of duty -- by the denizens of The Jakarta Post's accounts department (a notoriously stingy and tight-fisted crew!). But it's all been in a good cause which is ... er...

New local films create stimulating phenomenon

New local films create stimulating phenomenon Joko E.H. Anwar, Contributor, Jakarta Local multiplexes this year experienced an unusual but inspiring phenomenon which has not been seen for more than a decade, with posters of locally-made movies displayed side by side at cinemas -- a thrilling sight for those wishing for the resurrection of Indonesian movie industry.

Sidewalk vendors in Glodok

Sidewalk vendors in Glodok From Warta Kota In the last few days, sidewalk vendors selling VCDs and other wares near Harco Shopping Center, Glodok, have disappeared. Still, the area remains messy, with fences made from iron sheeting here and there. Also, several public order officers from the Jakarta administration still keep guard there. Hopefully, the area will soon be really free from sidewalk vendors and neat again, without the need for public order officials to be present.

'Busway might worsen traffic flow'

'Busway might worsen traffic flow' The city administration plans to introduce the busway system, which is designed to alleviate traffic along the bus route from Blok M in South Jakarta to Kota in West Jakarta. The plan has drawn public skepticism, as critics say it is not an appropriate solution for the problem. The Jakarta Post talked to residents about the issue. Nelly, 30, is a staff member at a private English school in Central Jakarta.

Techno-ethics: Dealing with ambivalence of advancements

Techno-ethics: Dealing with ambivalence of advancements Yanuar Nugroho Member Board of ELSPPAT (Institute for Development Studies & Technological Assistance) Bogor, West Java In the field of science and technology, globalization will contribute significantly to mark 2003 as the year when technological advancements would explicitly bring about ethical problems regarding most aspects of humanity.

PAN official questioned over bombing

PAN official questioned over bombing MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: South Sulawesi Police questioned on Friday Tamsil Linrung, an official of the National Mandate Party (PAN), as a witness for Agung Abdul Hamid, the main suspect of the Dec. 4 bomb blast at a McDonald's outlet in Makassar. Tamsil had made a statement to the mass media that Agung contacted him the day after the bombing on Dec. 5. During cross-examination, Tamsil said that Agung phoned him to convey Idul Fitri greetings.

Over 250 women rescued

Over 250 women rescued TANGERANG: The Tangerang Police rescued on Friday some 259 women locked in a job training center belonging to PT Adi Santa Kencana Mas on Jl. Iskandar Muda 8, Neglasari, Tangerang. Muji Handoyo, an official of the Directorate of Overseas Manpower Placement and Development at the Ministry of Manpower and Transmigration, and several officials from the Tangerang Manpower Agency oversaw the rescue of the workers.

Companies hold

Companies hold women hostage Reading a Kompas' article of Dec. 21 , 2002 entitled Some 1000 migrant workers are illegally kept I can't help wondering why a Tumbu Saraswati, who is a lawyer and also member of House of Representatives, cannot do anything about a blatant legal violation right in front of her eyes. Some 1000 female migrant workers are being held in captivity by a company whose license has been revoked by the Department of Manpower and Transmigration.

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.

Enjoying Spas in Sleman Regency

Enjoying Spas in Sleman Regency It is every one's dream to become an appealing individual with a perfect shape both physically and mentally. Appearing fit and healthy is a necessity for all the people no matter who they are. Keeping up with tight schedules, more demanding life style and more hectic environment have made the people even look more tired, and more stressful then ever.

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.

Poll contestants should number below 10

Poll contestants should number below 10 SEMARANG, Central Java: State Minister of Communications and Information Syamsul Mu'arif said that ideally less than 10 political parties should contest the 2004 general election. Speaking at a discussion on the amended 1945 Constitution, the minister said that more than 225 political parties were registered at the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights.

JSC to start probing peace violations

JSC to start probing peace violations Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh The joint committee in charge of monitoring a cease-fire deal between the government and separatists in Aceh said on Friday that it would start probing violations of the agreement, starting with an ambush last week that killed two soldiers. The Joint Security Committee (JSC) will begin its probe with serious cases of violations to the peace agreement, said a member of the committee from the Henry Dunant Centre.

Living with another lean year

Living with another lean year Indonesia is going to add another pale year to its post-Soeharto era. Its already tarnished image as a state was severely damaged again after the Bali bombing, which demonstrated undeniably how vulnerable Indonesia had become to acts of terrorism. The bombing, however tragic, is not the only humiliation that the government was forced to swallow.

Fostering friendship

Fostering friendship Flipping through several programs on private television stations, I caught sight of a program titled Messages from American Muslims Institution for Friendship, which was probably intended to foster friendship among Muslims in America and Indonesia, or which, perhaps, depicts harmonious relationships and understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims in the U.S.

Power politics 2003

Power politics 2003 Chusnul Mar'iyah The years that followed the epochal students, civil society and political victory in 1998 were a lonely time for realists in Indonesia. The 1999 election, for instance, had a bad impact on Indonesian politics. The absence of effective coalitions in the building process of politics indirectly caused the fall of then president Soeharto. Ever since then, we have experienced several successions in national leadership, from Soeharto to B.J.

Govt policy on Bahasa Indonesia draws mixed reactions

Govt policy on Bahasa Indonesia draws mixed reactions Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Expatriates working in Indonesia have expressed mixed reactions to the government's planned policy requiring them to speak in Bahasa Indonesia, a national language in Indonesia with some supporting the move and many others calling it unwise. An Indian, R.

'Bajaj' cause

'Bajaj' cause traffic congestion From Warta Kota In my opinion, the traffic congestion around the Mayestic Market/Taman Puring in South Jakarta is attributable to the presence of bajaj (three-wheeled motorized vehicles). Many of these vehicles wait for passengers along the sidewalks, thus inconveniencing pedestrians. They also drive back and forth in front of the market, emitting a thick smoke and worsening pollution in the area.

M. Riefqi Muna

M. Riefqi Muna Member, Supervisory Group Global Facilitation Network for Security Sector Reform (GFN-SSR) riefqi@gmx.net Jakarta Indonesia is the largest maritime or archipelagic state in the world. The legal framework recognizing this status follows Indonesia's ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982. UNCLOS provided a legal foundation for Indonesia to exercise its sovereignty over its entire, internationally recognized territory.

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.

Court fails to send rights violator to jail

Court fails to send rights violator to jail Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The ad hoc human rights court failed on Friday to send to jail even though it found Lt. Col. Soedjarwo, the first military officer convicted guilty of crimes against humanity in East Timor after the 1999 vote for independence.