Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 11 February 2002

69 articles found

Refugees begin to go home as floods recede

Refugees begin to go home as floods recede The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Floods that devastated Central Java's northern coastal areas in Kudus, Pati and Demak regencies began to recede on Sunday, prompting many refugees, who had been stuck at several makeshift accommodation centers, to return home. The 12 kilometers of road leading to and from the Central Java capital of Semarang, which had earlier been cut off due to flooding, were reopened only to buses and trucks or other large vehicles.

Yamazaki grabs Kosaido Ladies title

Yamazaki grabs Kosaido Ladies title JAKARTA: Japanese Momoyo Yamazaki won the 2002 Kosaido Indonesian Ladies Open after carding four-under par 140 at the Bali Handara Kosaido Country Club in Bedugul, Bali on Friday. Yamazaki past Thursday's leader Michelle Fuller who could only score a disappointing three-over-par 75 on Friday for an aggregate of three-under-par 141. Fuller shared the joint-second position with United States compatriot Kirsty S. Taylor and Japanese Kaori Suzuki.

Floods spoil Chinese 'Imlek' celebration

Floods spoil Chinese 'Imlek' celebration The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The ethnic Chinese population no longer faces political restrictions in celebrating Imlek (Chinese New Year), which falls on Feb. 12. However, plans for spectacular celebrations have this year been shelved due to the severe flooding that has hit Jakarta over the past two weeks. Ernawati Sugondo of the Chinese Society acknowledged on Saturday that organizers has been forced to postpone celebrations scheduled for Feb.

2. Wall (2 x 24)

2. Wall (2 x 24) Enron fallout fears weigh heavily on Wall Street 3. Indian (1 x 40) RI-Indiana Alliance to help small businesses 4. VW (1 x 45) Volkswagen AG upbeat on Indonesian market

Dimyati discloses plan to resign from DPR, PDI-P

Dimyati discloses plan to resign from DPR, PDI-P Yogita Tahilramani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Legislator Dimyati Hartono has disclosed that he plans to tender his resignation from the House of Representatives (DPR) and the Indonesian Democratic Party for Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) faction, indicating worsening rifts and internal rivalry within the party. "I have been preparing to resign, and have been considering some technical and non-technical issues," Dimyati said on Sunday.

It takes a village

It takes a village They say that the worst tragedy brings out the best in people. We saw this happen in New York City in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terror attacks, and we witnessed it here again in Jakarta this past week, following the worst flood disaster ever to hit the capital city of Indonesia. Just like New Yorkers in September, many Jakartans came out in full force this past week, mostly acting in their own volition, to lend a helping hand to flood victims.

Malino: A place of history, peace

Malino: A place of history, peace Arifuddin Saeni, The Jakarta Post, Makassar Less than two months ago few had heard of the quiet hamlet of Malino in Gowa regency, South Sulawesi. Suddenly this small town, located some 80 kilometers from Makassar, is making headlines.

Row heats up over U.S. role in Philippines

Row heats up over U.S. role in Philippines Reuters Manila A political storm over the role of U.S. forces in the Philippines' war against Muslim extremists intensified on Sunday after President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo slammed those opposing American help as "lovers of terrorists". Leaders from both sides of politics expressed outrage on Sunday at Arroyo's remarks and said late dictator Ferdinand Marcos seemed more measured than the current president.

RI-Indiana Alliance to help small businesses

RI-Indiana Alliance to help small businesses The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The United States Committee of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) and the Indonesia-Indiana Alliance signed a cooperation agreement in Washington on Thursday to develop small enterprises, notably in agribusiness, and to promote exports and tourism.

Two RI maids jailed for baby's death

Two RI maids jailed for baby's death SINGAPORE: Two Indonesian maids who regularly force-fed an infant in their care were each jailed for nine months after pleading guilty to causing the death of the child, who choked on food, a report said on Sunday. One of the maids would pinch the 21-month-old baby's nose to force him to open his mouth while the other shoved in the food, the Straits Times reported. They had been doing this for eight months, but in December the infant choked.

U.S. drops plan for RI military strike: The United States has

U.S. drops plan for RI military strike: The United States has dropped its plan to launch a military operation against Indonesia to destroy the terrorist networks it believed had been operating in the country, Nahdlatul Ulama Chairman Hasyim Muzadi has said. "I heard it directly from (Deputy Defense Secretary) Paul Wolfowitz that the U.S. is no longer planning to launch military operations against Indonesia.

2 x 22 48 pt

2 x 22 48 pt Questioning impunity in human rights abuses Imanuddin Staff Writer The Jakarta Post Jakarta 2. Chaedar -- Developing life skills 2x 32 36 pt Vocational education must provide students with life skills A. Chaedar Alwasilah Dean, Faculty of Language and Arts Education Indonesian University of Education (UPI) Bandung

Phinisi struggles to beat Patriot

Phinisi struggles to beat Patriot Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Star-studded Jakarta Phinisi was stretched to five sets to overcome fellow Jakartans Patriot in a Proliga professional volleyball league match here on Sunday. Phinisi, which lined up a number of former national players in Loudry Maspaitella, Robby Meliala, Teddy Hidayat and Iman Agus Faisal, struggled to a 3-2 win.

Sand export suspension effective Feb. 15

Sand export suspension effective Feb. 15 Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A ban on sand exports from Riau to Singapore, aimed at curbing illegal sand quarrying that has seriously damaged the province's marine environment, will come into effect on Feb. 15, a senior official at the Ministry of Industry and Trade said on Saturday. Director General of Foreign Trade Sudar SA, said the Ministry would issue a decree this week stipulating the ban.

Utut foresees bright chess future for Susanto

Utut foresees bright chess future for Susanto Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Chess Grand Master (GM) Utut Adianto has tipped Susanto Megaranto, a surprise winner at the recently concluded Pusam Open chess tournament, as having a successful future chess career. Susanto, 15 years old, scored eight points out of a possible nine at the seven-day tournament, which concluded last Friday in Samarinda, East Kalimantan.

Presidential spokesperson needed

Presidential spokesperson needed The need for a presidential spokesman is quite urgent. This issue has become a concern not only of the legislature, but also of various circles in society. The proposal is based on a number of reasons. First, Cabinet ministers tend to differ with each other in their statements. Consequently, this may harm the image of Megawati's administration.

Testing times

Testing times Relations between Australia and Indonesia did not improve with Prime Minister John Howard's visit to Jakarta this week. Mr Howard deserves plaudits for making the effort to reach out to the Indonesians, even though he did not succeed. It is going to take a while for emotions in Jakarta to cool down ... What is crucial is that the bilateral problems are kept manageable. Which means Australians had better be mindful of the sensitivities when dealing with their ASEAN neighbours.

Rejections grow against autonomy law revision

Rejections grow against autonomy law revision Kurniawan Hari and Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government's move to revise Law No. 22/1999 on Regional Administration suffered a severe setback after Golkar, the second biggest faction in the House of Representatives (DPR), joined the opposition to the plan, arguing that it was too early to modify the law, which went into effect on Jan. 1, 2001.

'Now is the time for local firms to expand'

'Now is the time for local firms to expand' Warren J. Keegan, an international expert in marketing and global business strategies, predicts that international companies will shun Indonesia for some time as a consequence of the Sept. 11 terrorists attack on New York and the Pentagon. However, this low interest from multinational corporations may provide better opportunities for local companies to expand and tap the domestic market. Keegen, founder of Warren Keegan Associates, Inc.

Volkswagen AG upbeat on Indonesia market

Volkswagen AG upbeat on Indonesia market Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Singapore Despite a modest sales performance last year, German car-maker Volkswagen AG expects a better showing this year in Indonesia, provided that the government is able to improve the business climate in the country, the company said. Compared to other Asia-Pacific countries, sales of Volkswagen products in Indonesia have been lagging far behind.

UKI hospital charges flood victim

UKI hospital charges flood victim JAKARTA: The UKI private hospital in East Jakarta was criticized on Sunday for charging a flood victim, whose child was treated for diarrhea in the hospital, despite a government instruction to give them free treatment.

Women robbed in Kemang area

Women robbed in Kemang area JAKARTA: A gang of handbag snatchers may be operating in Kemang, an area famous as a cafe paradise for expatriates. Two men riding a black Yamaha RX King motorcycle snatched a handbag from Atin, 26, an employee of a private company in Palmerah area, Central Jakarta, as she rode inside a bajaj (three-wheel pedicab) on Jl. Kemang on Friday evening.

Malaysia slams S'pore govt's ban on Islamic headscarves

Malaysia slams S'pore govt's ban on Islamic headscarves Sean Young, Associated Press, Kuala Lumpur Criticism widened in predominantly Muslim Malaysia on Sunday over a decision by the government of neighboring Singapore to suspend two girls for wearing Islamic headscarves to school.

Limitation on land ownership

Limitation on land ownership From Suara Karya By virtue of Decree No. 6/1998 of June 26, 1998 issued by State Minister for Agrarian Affairs/Head of the National Land Agency on the awarding of the right of proprietorship on land used for housing purposes, one purchasing a plot of land is required to sign a statement acknowledging that with this land purchase one's right of proprietorship over the land for one's own residence will cover not more than five plots of land, measuring not more than...

PDI-P continues moves to unseat Bambang

PDI-P continues moves to unseat Bambang Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) continued its campaign against State/Cabinet Secretary Bambang Kesowo for reportedly having too many differences of opinion with the President's husband, Taufik Kiemas, a legislator from the party said on Sunday. After advocating a separation of the two positions currently held by Bambang, the party's deputy chairman, Roy B.B.

Victims cry for help

Victims cry for help Muninggar Sri Saraswati and Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The recent massive floods that paralyzed the capital for more than a week, have resulted in severe destruction on several fronts, including economic conditions for small traders and vendors. Those employed in the informal sector have suffered the worst impact of the flood, causing them to lose everything except the clothes on their back.

Questioning impunity in human rights abuses

Questioning impunity in human rights abuses Imanuddin, Staff Writer, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The country's legal supremacy is at stake following the defiance by the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the National Police on behalf of the military and police officers allegedly implicated in the 1998 and 1999 Trisakti, Semanggi I and Semanggi II shooting incidents, to a summons from the human rights commission. The latest no-shows were three police generals -- former National Police chief Gen.

IBRA appoints Andersen to advise bank merger

IBRA appoints Andersen to advise bank merger The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) said it had appointed consulting firm Arthur Andersen as its financial advisor for the merger of five banks, among them Bank Bali and Bank Universal. The agency said the appointment followed a bidding process. Andersen will manage the project in tandem with the Center for Investment and Business Advice (CIBA), under the name CIBA/Andersen.

Megawati told to talk more to the press

Megawati told to talk more to the press Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia's National Press Day on Friday offered President Megawati Soekarnoputri an occasion to both criticize the media, and to learn how to deal with it. A former presidential spokesman suggested that Megawati improve her relationship with the press in order to allow the public better access to information.

Akbar Tandjung

Akbar Tandjung should resign From Sinar Pagi The calls for Akbar Tandjung's resignation from his position as Speaker of the House of Representative (DPR) have been strengthened by the decision to appoint him as a suspect in a corruption case wherein he is charged with abusing Rp 40 billion in non-budgetary funds of the State Logistics Agency (Bulog).

Prison boss suspect in drug case

Prison boss suspect in drug case YOGYAKARTA: Yogyakarta Police have detained Wiragunan Penitentiary Chief Djati Setiawan and declared his a suspect for the possession of psychotropic drugs. The police arrested Djati after allegedly finding 180 Lexothan (sedative) pills in his office at the penitentiary. Police have also arrested warden Slamet W. for his involvement in the case, and declared him a suspect.

Neighbors should be friends

Neighbors should be friends If trouble is brewing between two neighboring countries they should immediately look for ways to settle the dispute in a mature and responsible way. Indonesia is presently facing a dispute with neighbor Malaysia on the issue of Indonesian guest workers who have been accused by the Malaysian government of causing trouble by rioting against the police because they are treated inhumanely.

Trouble shooting with a PC; Things to look for

Trouble shooting with a PC; Things to look for Vishnu K. Mahmud, Contributor, Jakarta You've just purchased a new program or piece of hardware to run on your PC but after you installed it the entire system slows down or hangs occasionally. Or, your computer now tends to crash sporadically yet you've done nothing that would have destabilized the operating system. What's going on? Computers are actually dumb machines.

IndoTrade

IndoTrade Assisting investors to go global With its proven track record, IndoTrade, a corporate and foreign business investment consultant, is now offering one-stop services for businesses and investors planning on expanding their activities overseas. According to managing director Johan Bukit, IndoTrade has been expanding its expertise to help firms settle new ventures internationally.

Floodwaters trigger fear of widespread poverty crisis

Floodwaters trigger fear of widespread poverty crisis Damar Harsanto and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Many flood victims have been left homeless, jobless, sick and penniless as a result of the recent floods. Some have returned home, while others are still staying in inadequate makeshift shelters. Kuswanto, a resident of Kampung Melayu, has left the evacuation camp.

Akbar case a pebble in Golkar's shoe ahead of 2004 general elections

Akbar case a pebble in Golkar's shoe ahead of 2004 general elections A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Even against a background of other political parties with noisy internal disputes, Golkar still manages to stand out in the face of the 2004 general elections, thanks to chairman Akbar Tandjung's success in obtaining unanimous support from party officials.

Money-laundering pact could outlaw EU businesses in RI, elsewhere

Money-laundering pact could outlaw EU businesses in RI, elsewhere Emmanuel Georges-Picot, Associated Press, Paris Lawmakers from across Europe have approved a plan to clamp down on money laundering, pledging to isolate tax havens and make financial transactions more easy to track. If adopted by national governments, the 30-point plan adopted Friday would severely restrict business with countries appearing on an international financial blacklist.

VP blames New Order for nationwide flooding

VP blames New Order for nationwide flooding Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon Vice President Hamzah Haz called on Sunday for a review of the current national development system following the devastating floods and landslides across the country, which have killed at least 150 people over the past two weeks. He blamed former president Soeharto's New Order government for the nationwide flooding and said the corrupt regime should be held the most responsible for the disaster.

Astrid Susanto dismissed from PDKB

Astrid Susanto dismissed from PDKB The Executive Board of the Love the Nation Democratic Party (PDKB) has fired legislator Astrid S. Susanto for joining the "rival" Indonesian National Unity Faction (FKKI) in the House of Representatives (DPR). "It is a betrayal of the party. An executive board meeting dismissed her on Saturday," PDKB chairman Manasse Malo told The Jakarta Post. Malo said that in connection with the dismissal the party's executive board had appointed M.C.

Buyers want quality products not low prices

Buyers want quality products not low prices Zatni Arbi, Contributor, Jakarta Oops, I did it again. I thought about rechecking what GIS exactly stood for when I was writing last week's article, but I never had the chance to do so as the final deadline for submitting the article had already arrived. So, I incorrectly wrote "Geological Information System". A reader, Mr.

Compromise sought in pursuit of democracy

Compromise sought in pursuit of democracy Miriam Budiardjo, Professor, Political Science, University of Indonesia, Jakarta The Sept. 11, 2001 incident has drastically changed the world. The war on terrorism and violence in Afghanistan waged by several Western countries once advocating human rights, has considerably weakened the moral strength that underlies the international campaign to promote human rights.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Painting by Dutch painter Walter van Oel, Cemara 6 Gallery, Jl. HOS Cokroaminoto, Central Jakarta, until March 8. * Painting, Sculpture: PEREK - "Womens' experiment" by members of the Yogyakarta-based art group, The British Council Gallery, S. Widjoyo Centre, Jl. Jendral Sudirman 71, South Jakarta, until Feb. 16. * Painting by Jeffrey, Elisha and Zaira, dgallerie, Jl. Barito I no 3, South Jakarta (Tel. 7399378), until Feb. 15.

Indonesian workers heading to Malaysia

Indonesian workers heading to Malaysia MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: Despite the Malaysian government's recent decision to repatriate Indonesian workers, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) would continue supplying labor to Malaysia. Mataram manpower and transmigration office labor placement chief Purnomo Raharjo said job seekers who already had their own passports and working visas were preparing to depart and would do so after gaining guarantees from their employers in Malaysia.

Housing market for expatriates continues revival

Housing market for expatriates continues revival Debbie A. Lubis, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jakarta's housing market for expatriates is expected to continue to revive further this year despite the economic slump and less favorable business environment in Indonesia, according to property consultant Koll IPAC in its latest report received by The Jakarta Post last week. "During the last two years, the overall housing market for expatriates has managed to revive after the crisis.

Rival Maluku factions begin peace talks

Rival Maluku factions begin peace talks Jupriadi, The Jakarta Post, Malino All the 70 delegates from the warring factions have arrived in the resort hill town of Malino in South Sulawesi to meet for peace talks aimed at halting three years of sectarian fighting in the troubled Maluku islands. The 35 Christian representatives arrived by plane in the province's capital of Makassar on Sunday afternoon, a day after the Muslim delegation led by Thamrin Ely arrived on board the same aircraft.

Donors distrust govt officials to deliver aid

Donors distrust govt officials to deliver aid Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The recent floods in the city have strengthened the indications of public distrust in government officials, as almost all people and non-governmental organizations avoided official channels in making donations for fear of corruption or unfair distribution.

Southeast Asian funds shine, Indonesia tops

Southeast Asian funds shine, Indonesia tops Sabyasachi Mitra, Reuters, Hong Kong Investors in Indonesian focused mutual funds emerged as Asia winners in January getting staggering returns of nearly 20 percent over the previous month.

Megawati seeks new TNI chief, says aide

Megawati seeks new TNI chief, says aide Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri is still exploring the possibility of naming a new Indonesian Military (TNI) chief to replace incumbent Adm. Widodo A.S., who is long past the mandatory retirement age of 55. Deputy chairman of President Megawati's Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) Roy B.B.

BCA fit-and-proper tests deadline Monday: BI

BCA fit-and-proper tests deadline Monday: BI Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The four final bidders for Bank Central Asia (BCA) have until today to complete all documents needed to pass Bank Indonesia's fit and proper tests, marking the first hurdle in the last stage of selling a 51 percent stake in BCA. Bank Indonesia said bidders who failed to submit all necessary documentation by Monday would be excluded from its fit and proper test.

TV Program: Monday, February 11, 2002

TV Program: Monday, February 11, 2002 TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:05 Environment 8:45 City News 10:00 Music 10:30 30 Minutes with Anita Rahman 11:00 News 11:30 Music 12:00 p.m. News 1:00 Talk Show 2:00 News 2:30 Debating 3:30 Talk Show 4:00 Quiz 5:00 TV Drama 6:00 News 7:00 Dialog 8:00 Quiz 9:00 News 9:30 Blues Night 11:00 TV Drama TPI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 7:00 Entertainment News 7:30 Cartoon 8:00 Music 9:00 Indian Film 12:00 p.m.

Floods in Jakarta

Floods in Jakarta From Rakyat Merdeka Metro TV screened at 8 p.m. on Jan. 27 an interview by phone with Kwik Kian Gie, who commented on the floods affecting Jakarta. He said the floods were inseparable from corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN) in the past. Jakarta's spatial layout has been encroached upon by developers' interests.

Chinese face modest 'Imlek' celebration

Chinese face modest 'Imlek' celebration The Jakarta Post Jakarta The ethnic Chinese population no longer faces political restrictions in celebrating Imlek (Chinese New Year), which falls on Feb. 12. However, plans for spectacular celebrations have this year been shelved due to the severe flooding that has hit Jakarta over the past two weeks. Ernawati Sugondo of the Chinese Society acknowledged on Saturday that organizers has been forced to postpone celebrations scheduled for Feb.

Riverbank squatters ignorant to environment destruction

Riverbank squatters ignorant to environment destruction Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Living by the riverbanks is not a very good idea. People who live by the river even said they have always felt their lives were in danger with the arrival of the rainy season, fearing the floods could sweep their houses away while they were asleep.

Tonton grabs Asian title of Langkawi

Tonton grabs Asian title of Langkawi The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesian cyclist Tonton Susanto grabbed the Asian division title of the 2002 Tour de Langkawi which ended in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur on Sunday. Tonton clocked a total of 30 hours 13 minutes and 40 seconds after 10 stages to earn him the blue Asian champion's jersey. This marks Tonton's second title after his first success in 1998 as reported by the race's official website www.tdl.com.my.

* Headlines: VP: Soeharto to blame for flooding 2

* Headlines: VP: Soeharto to blame for flooding 2 * Opinion: Questioning impunity in TNI rights abuses 4 * City: Floods trigger poverty crisis 6 * Archipelago: Workers go on strike for better pay 7 * National: Megawati should talk more to the press 8 * World: Row heats up over U.S. troops in Philippines 9 * Business: Sand export suspension effective Feb. 1511 * Features: Buyers want quality products not low prices15 * Sports: Europe gets more medals at Winter Olympics 20

No reason for GAM to exist: VP

No reason for GAM to exist: VP JAKARTA: Vice President Hamzah Haz said there was no reason for the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) to exist now as the government had paid special heed to the Nangroe Aceh Darussalam province. GAM was instead expected to develop Indonesia along with other Indonesian people, the vice president said at a function commemorating the 29th anniversary of the United Development Party (PPP) in Cirebon, West Java, on Sunday.

Insurers inundated with flood-related claims

Insurers inundated with flood-related claims Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Realizing the pains inflicted by the recent flooding, some insurance companies have vowed to settle claims quickly. However, at least one person was disappointed at the rejection of his claim by an insurance firm which insisted properties were not covered against flooding despite an "all risk" clause in his policy.

Fuel hoarder arrested in Tegal

Fuel hoarder arrested in Tegal TEGAL, Central Java: Police arrested a businessman for illegally selling fuel in the Central Java town of Tegal and confiscated at least 15 drums of diesel fuel and two drums of kerosene from him on Saturday. Tegal Police detectives chief Adj. Comr. Budi Samekto said that the businessman, 32-year old Darno, had been detained for questioning. He said Farno was arrested at his shop on Jl. Hanoman in Tegal for failing to show a business permit to sell fuel.

Govt policies remain unclear

Govt policies remain unclear From Media Indonesia Flood disasters can technically be caused by high levels of rainfall, the wrong use of land, corrupt policies on development, negligence toward environmental conservation, etc. Yet, spiritually, everything in this world happens because of the wishes of the Almighty God. Unfortunately, this truism is often made use of to justify the cause of a tragedy.

New Zealand no.1 Nielsen clinches Davis Cup victory over Indonesia

New Zealand no.1 Nielsen clinches Davis Cup victory over Indonesia Agence France-Presse, Invercargill, New Zealand New Zealand No.1 Mark Nielsen unleashed an inspiring but nerve- racking performance to clinch New Zealand's 3-2 Davis Cup tennis tie win over Indonesia here Sunday. Nielsen beat the higher world ranked Indonesian No.1 Suwandi 6-1, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in the first reverse singles to seal the Asia- Oceania group one tie.

Banten urged to submit draft budget

Banten urged to submit draft budget SERANG, Banten: The Banten legislative body called on the provincial administration to submit its draft budget to enable the new province to begin functioning. Banten's governor Djoko Munandar is scheduled in the near future to submit the proposed regional budget to the legislative council's plenary meeting for approval. Djoko said the rejection of the first Rp 800 billion draft budget by the minister of home affairs related to the induction of a new governor.

Ruling on GMO-based product labeling urged

Ruling on GMO-based product labeling urged Annastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI) expressed concern on Sunday over the government's tardy progress in issuing a regulation on the labeling of GMO-based products, even though such products were widely distributed and consumed in Indonesia.

Discovery of terror cells a blow to ASEAN's investment chances

Discovery of terror cells a blow to ASEAN's investment chances Bernice Han, Agence France-Presse, Singapore The discovery of alleged terrorist cells in Southeast Asia with links to Saudi militant Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda network could damage regional efforts to recapture foreign investors' confidence, analysts say.

Workers go on strike for better pay in Palu

Workers go on strike for better pay in Palu Maxi Wolor, The Jakarta Post, Palu More than 300 workers of the furniture manufacturing company PT Leang Yang in the Central Sulawesi capital of Pulu went on strike on Saturday, demanding higher wages and better working conditions. The protesters threatened to continue striking until management for the factory, located in Pantoloan, agreed to pay better monthly salaries.

RP in 'never-say-die' bid to host Tyson-Lewis fight

RP in 'never-say-die' bid to host Tyson-Lewis fight Agencies, Manila The Philippine government has launched a "never-say-die" bid to host a title match between controversial challenger Mike Tyson and reigning world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis, Manila's tourism secretary said Sunday. The fight was due to take place in Las Vegas on April 6 but was postponed after Tyson was refused a license for instigating a brawl in a pre-fight news conference.

Jakarta stock market may turn bearish, analysts say

Jakarta stock market may turn bearish, analysts say The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A technical correction, coupled with the absence of market incentives, will likely continue to drag the Composite Index down this week, signaling the end of the index's earlier upward trend. After closing lower last week at 436.98 points, compared to 454.28 points the week before, the Jakarta stock market is expected to remain bearish throughout the week, analysts predict.

Salient features

Salient features * Joint venture with no limit on investment and shareholding * Proper employment regulations * 15 years of tax exemption * Foreign investments up to any ratio (of capital investment) * Investment guarantee from any viewpoint * National and international banking facilities * Offshore banking and non banking credit practices * No currency restrictions * 100% repatriation of capital and profit * Abundant sources of energy * Vast pool of manpower at all levels of skills and various...

Vocational education must provide students with life skills

Vocational education must provide students with life skills A. Chaedar Alwasilah, Dean, Faculty of Language and Arts Education, Indonesian University of Education (UPI), Bandung, West Java The issue of teaching life skills has recently drawn the attention of educators. The Kompas daily (Jan.

False flood reports filed

False flood reports filed Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang Dozens of companies in the Periuk district of Tangerang have filed false reports on the recent flooding, claiming that their operations were severely affected in order to get tax compensation from the government, authorities said.