Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 15 February 2002

83 articles found

Losing shine amid drop in overseas demand

Losing shine amid drop in overseas demand Still in difficult position Hendarsyah Tarmizi The Jakarta Post Jakarta The textile industry, once considered the economy's most promising sector, is losing its shine. Low demand, internal financial problems and a lack of efficiency have left the industry in a difficult position. The industry has been a major engine of Indonesia's economic growth for the past several years.

Protests greet Maluku negotiators

Protests greet Maluku negotiators Jupriadi and Annastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Makassar The peace accord for Maluku signed in Malino, Central Sulawesi on Feb. 12, 2001 was tested once again as protesters greeted the delegates upon their return in Ambon, the Maluku provincial capital, on Thursday. In their protest against peace, a vocal group of Muslims condemned the peace delegations as they were on their way from Pattimura airport to the Maluku governor's office in the city.

People are more burdensome

People are more burdensome From Warta Kota "Clever people are subsidized, our children are malnourished," sings singer Iwan Fals in one of his songs. This line aptly reflects the social conditions prevailing in this country at present. The skyrocketing prices of fuel and basic necessities as well as the hike in electricity rates are causing great concern. The economic burden of the people is getting heavier.

Indosat to sell stakes in MGTI

Indosat to sell stakes in MGTI The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Following the annulment of a cross ownership deal with state- owned PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (PT Telkom), PT Indosat, also a state-owned enterprise, is seeking to sell its 30.6 percent stake in the joint venture which operates a fixed-line service in Central Java. In a statement made available to Jakarta Stock Exchange Thursday, the international phone operator said that it would bring more fresh cash to develop its fixed line business.

Old and new maximum air ticket prices

Old and new maximum air ticket prices Selected Routes Distance INACA Rates Govt Rates %Change Celing, 6/2001 Ceiling, 2002 (km) (in Rupiah) (in Rupiah) Denpasar - Jakarta 1,079 - 971,000 - Jakarta - Yogyakarta 509 550,000 560,000 1.82 Jakarta - Pangkalpinang 504 544,000 554,000 1.84 Jakarta - Solo 547 591,000 602,000 1.86 Jakarta - Semarang 473 510,000 528,000 3.53 Jakarta - Tanjung Pandan 456 492,000 523,000 6.30 Jakarta - Jambi 667 - 700,000 - Jakarta - Jayapura 4,414 - 3,752,000 - Jakarta -...

Telkom and Pramindo seal $425m buyout deal

Telkom and Pramindo seal $425m buyout deal The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After more than ten months of negotiations, state-owned telecommunications company PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom) said it had struck a buyout deal with its Sumatra joint operation scheme (KSO) partner PT Pramindo Ikat Nusantara. "The buyout deal is valued at $425 million, including an $85 million debt takeover from Pramindo Ikat," Mursyid Amal told The Jakarta Post on Thursday.

'Claudia' causes heavy downpour in Bali

'Claudia' causes heavy downpour in Bali Rita A. Widiadana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar Following the recent Cyclone Chris, a new tropical cyclone now called Claudia has started to appear in Northern Australia since Monday causing heavy rains as its negative impacts in East Java, Bali, West and East Nusa Tenggara.

Short but sweet

Short but sweet When a government recalls an ambassador from an overseas posting, there can be only two possibilities for that occasion. Either the ambassador is considered not to be implementing the instructions of superiors, or that he or she is slated to occupy a higher position. Fortunately, in the case of Japan's ambassador to Indonesia, Yukio Takeuchi, the latter case is true.

The Jakarta Post

The Jakarta Post Jakarta Following the annulment of a cross ownership deal with state- owned PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (PT Telkom), PT Indosat, also a state-owned enterprise, is seeking to sell its 30.6 percent stake in the joint venture which operates a fixed-line service in Central Java. In a statement made available to Jakarta Stock Exchange Thursday, the international phone operator said that it would bring more fresh cash to develop its fixed line business.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in Rupiah) on Feb.

15 East Timorese refugees die from diseases in Kupang

15 East Timorese refugees die from diseases in Kupang Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Thousands of East Timorese refugees are suffering from various diseases, such as diarrhea, malaria, skin irritations and respiratory problems at their makeshift camps in East Nusa Tenggara, which have left at least 15 of them dead.

RI car sales top 26,000 units

RI car sales top 26,000 units JAKARTA: Domestic vehicle sales reached 26,056 units in January, according to the Association of Indonesian Automotive Industries (Gaikindo). The association said in a statement that of the total sales, 22,822 units were sold on the domestic market, while 3,234 units were sold on the export market. PT Astra International accounted for more than fifty percent of the total sales in the month with domestic and overseas sales of 14,445 units.

U.S. sees RI making progress in curbing piracy

U.S. sees RI making progress in curbing piracy Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The U.S. government acknowledges that Indonesia has been making significant progress in the protection of intellectual property rights although the country remains on a watch list, according to Minister of Industry and Trade Rini M. Soewandi. "The U.S. sees that we (Indonesia) have made several improvements," Rini told reporters on Wednesday.

Many small lakes ignored, erased from city maps

Many small lakes ignored, erased from city maps Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta There are about 200 small lakes that function as water catchment areas in Greater Jakarta, but most of them have been damaged and some disappeared. Data from the Ministry of Resettlement and Regional Infrastructure shows that most of the lakes are located outside Jakarta, with 122 in Bogor, West Java; 45 in Tangerang, Banten; 17 in Bekasi, West Java, and 15 in Jakarta.

Compensation funds 'miss the target'

Compensation funds 'miss the target' Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A coalition of nongovernmental organizations has found that 75 percent of the state funds saved from lowering fuel subsidies last year missed the target.

1. School : 4x12

1. School : 4x12 Students take lessons hungry, no shoes, uniforms, books 2. Situ - 2x24 Many small lakes ignored, erased from city maps 3. Funds - 2x20 Aid for flood victims to decrease: Sutiyoso 3. Bopunjur - 1x 30 Uncontrolled erosion deplored

Megawati urges military to respect laws, human rights

Megawati urges military to respect laws, human rights Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri told leaders of the Indonesian Military (TNI) on Thursday to obey the prevailing law in order to restore TNI's tarnished image. Speaking at the closing ceremony of TNI's two-day leaders meeting, Megawati said that the good image and dignity of soldiers relied on their determination to uphold the law and respect for human rights.

* Headlines: Railway employees threaten to strike 2

* Headlines: Railway employees threaten to strike 2 * Opinion: Press faces growing threats to its freedom 4 * City: Students go to class hungry 6 * Archipelago: 15 East Timor refugees die in Kupang 7 * National: Activists demand revision of citizen laws 8 * World: Asians show disapproval of Valentine's Day 9 * Business: Debt extension plan may be scrapped 11 * Features: 'Ca-bau-kan', a new movie based on a book 14 * Sports: Group of Death trio prove to be a big draw 18

Papua urges stay in Gag nickel mines

Papua urges stay in Gag nickel mines Irian Jaya or Papua has urged Australia's BHP Billiton to stay in a nickel mine project on the province's Gag Island and asked the government to allow the project, provincial governor Jacob Soloussa said on Thursday. Soloussa also said he asked Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri to give special treatment to the province by allowing it to export logs.

'Ca-Bau-Kan', a promising director's debut

'Ca-Bau-Kan', a promising director's debut Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta When a book is adapted into a movie, one naturally raises the question: Will the film stay true to the book? And the movie Ca-Bau-Kan, which is based on Remy Sylado's novel of the same title, stays true to the original version, only that it should have been titled "The Life of Tan Peng Liang".

Test on BCA bidders to be completed next week: BI

Test on BCA bidders to be completed next week: BI The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bank Indonesia Governor Sjahril Sabirin said on Thursday that the fit and proper test on the four bidders of the government's 51 percent stake in the giant Bank Central Asia (BCA) would be completed next week. Sjahril said that the result would be submitted to the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA), which controls the BCA shares, at the end of the week.

300 workers ask for severance pay

300 workers ask for severance pay TANGERANG: Some 300 workers, who were dismissed by PT Koinus Jaya Garment last December, held a rally to protest against their dismissal and ask for severance pay at the Tangerang municipal administration office on Thursday. The workers said that they had no money to purchase food and asked for donation from the municipality.

Pertamina finds oil in West Java

Pertamina finds oil in West Java JAKARTA :State oil and gas firm Pertamina announced on Thursday the discovery of an oil and gas reserve in Subang regency, West Java province. Pertamina said in a statement that the reserve was found after the company's exploratory drilling at the Tunggul Maung No.2 exploration well from Nov. 2 to Dec.16 last year.

DJ Asian Currencies Mostly Up Late On Yen, Stock Mkt Gains

DJ Asian Currencies Mostly Up Late On Yen, Stock Mkt Gains Dow Jones Singapore Most Asian currencies basked in the glow of the yen's bounce and Wall Street-inspired gains in the region's stock markets, dealers said. The yen found support from talk of Japanese investors repatriating offshore assets before the end of the fiscal year on March 31 and hopes that the Japanese government is about to unveil a package of anti-deflationary measures to coincide with U.S. President George W.

Wastebasket

Wastebasket The dictionary defines a waste basket as a basket or other container for discarded waste materials. But it can also mean a place where you can express your complaints, criticisms, protests, grudges and accusations. When President Megawati Soekarnoputri on Feb. 12 described her government as a wastebasket she was of course not referring to the first meaning, that is, as a waste disposal container.

Dance party to blow cobwebs from National Museum

Dance party to blow cobwebs from National Museum Cameron Bates, Contributor, Jakarta Worn Borobodur statuettes and Batak buffalo-horn modeled house replicas crowding Indonesia's National Museum will tonight (Friday) make way for 45,000 watts of the latest in live dance music from England -- and the best of local DJs.

Textile and garment exports (US$ million)

Textile and garment exports (US$ million) 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001* Textiles 2,713 2,834 2,257 2,360 3,020 3,504 1,914 Garments 3,376 3,591 2,903 2,630 3,857 4,734 2,860 Total 6,089 6,425 5,160 4,990 6,877 8,238 4,774 *Jan-July period Source: BPS

U.S. military to launch war on terrorism in RP

U.S. military to launch war on terrorism in RP Agencies, Zamboanga, Philippines The commander in chief of U.S. special forces met his troops in the southern Philippines on Thursday, 72 hours before the United States opens a second front in its global war on terror. U.S. Air Force Gen.

Uncontrolled erosion deplored

Uncontrolled erosion deplored The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Last year nearly 200 tons of land per hectare was washed away in the Bogor and Cianjur regencies, which serve as water catchment areas for Jakarta. Legal Aid institute (LBH) Cianjur chapter special division head Iwan Permana said the figures meant that every year, about 501,800 tons of mud entered the Ciliwung river and Cisadane river, which made the rivers shallow.

Diana continues to oust seeds in Cigna Open

Diana continues to oust seeds in Cigna Open Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Giant-killer Diana Julianto continued her winning form by beating Mudarwati at the Rp 60 million (US$5,890) Cigna Open on Thursday, as threats of rain disrupting the tournament prompted organizers to turn to Kemayoran Indoors as a contingency measure. Diana edged out fifth-seed Mudarwati 6-1, 6-3 at the Hilton Executive Club Hardcourts in Central Jakarta. She upset top- seeded Wukirasih Sawondari the day before.

Disarm militias, flush out military, says Maluku expert

Disarm militias, flush out military, says Maluku expert Yogita Tahilramani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Flushing out military and police deserters while disarming warring militant groups in strife-torn Maluku should be the first steps in bringing an end to the three-year-old sectarian conflict in the area, an expert says.

PLN shuts down 154 substations

PLN shuts down 154 substations JAKARTA: The state-owned electricity company PT PLN's Jakarta and Tangerang Distribution Unit has switched off 154 electrical substations following flooding over the last two days. On Monday, PLN announced that 97 substations had been shut down. By Wednesday, that number had grown to 154. A total of 129 substations in Central Jakarta's Gambir subdistrict, Kota in West Jakarta and Priok subdistrict in North Jakarta had to be shut down.

Asian currencies up late on yen

Asian currencies up late on yen Dow Jones, Singapore Most Asian currencies basked in the glow of the yen's bounce and Wall Street-inspired gains in the region's stock markets, dealers said. The yen found support from talk of Japanese investors repatriating offshore assets before the end of the fiscal year on March 31 and hopes that the Japanese government is about to unveil a package of anti-deflationary measures to coincide with U.S. President George W. Bush's visit this weekend.

Rupiah Rates Feb. 14

Rupiah Rates Feb. 14 Banknote Rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying U.S dollar 1 10,753.00 9,753.00 10,304.00 10,202.00 Australian dollar 1 5,525.97 5,007.19 5,295.23 5,237.71 Brunei dollar 1 5,880.78 5,330.96 5,635.22 5,576.39 Canadian dollar 1 6,767.15 6,133.96 6,484.58 6,416.35 Switzerland franc 1 6,327.16 5,735.37 6,062.96 5,999.41 Danish krone 1 1,263.28 1,144.72 1,210.53 1,197.42 Poundsterling 1 15,381.09 13,940.94 14,738.84 14,582.74 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,379.01 1,250.45 1,321.43...

Royal Doulton to shift jobs to Indonesia

Royal Doulton to shift jobs to Indonesia Associated Press, London Royal Doulton PLC will shift more production from Britain to Indonesia and cut its global work force by one-fifth, the china and glassware company said Wednesday. The group plans to close one of its four factories at Stoke-on-Trent and transfer the production of its Royal Albert china brand to the group factory in Indonesia, the company said.

Students go to class hungry no books and uniforms

Students go to class hungry no books and uniforms Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Many students are being forced to study in appalling conditions due to the recent floods that inundated their schools, while many others have been prevented from attending classes because their schools are still flooded or are being used as shelters for the flood victims.

Aid for flood victims to decreases: Sutiyoso

Aid for flood victims to decreases: Sutiyoso Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The return of the floods have made flood victims increasingly worried specially as they are still in desperate need of food, medicine and clothing. Unfortunately, Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso revealed on Thursday that the stock of these three items had began to decrease following the inundation.

[b]

U.S. sees RI making progress in curbing piracy

Disaster after disaster

Disaster after disaster Let us contemplate the flood calamities that have happened due to lack of consideration and foresight. All of these cases could have been avoided if people would plan ahead: 1. Catastrophic floods caused by the absence of water catchment areas and dwelling in unsuitable locations. 2.

Japanese artist experiments with maestro's finest works

Japanese artist experiments with maestro's finest works Susi Andrini, Contributor, Ubud, Bali For many Indonesian art lovers, the name Yasumasa Morimura is not a familiar name. But in Japan, the artist has carved out a reputation as one of the most talented contemporary artists, expressing his art through photography instead of canvas and oil. Looking into Morimura's 21 works recently on display at Gaya Fusion of Senses Gallery in Ubud, one may easily recognize the object of his works.

Moral recovery should begin from the top

Moral recovery should begin from the top A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Ethics expert Sonny Keraf said on Thursday that the nation's efforts to emerge from the prevailing moral crisis should start with the leaders in society. Sonny said in his speech at Atma Jaya University here that people in the country remained in need of role models to make changes. Leaders, Sony added, always set the standard for the way common people behave.

3,700 troops, police get psychiatric tests in Poso

3,700 troops, police get psychiatric tests in Poso Erick W., The Jakarta Poso, Palu Some 3,700 security personnel deployed to keep the peace in the former strife-torn Central Sulawesi regency of Poso have been undergoing examinations since December 2001 to ascertain their psychiatric state of health. Adj. Sr. Comr.

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.

Floods victims worried of more wet days

Floods victims worried of more wet days The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jakarta's floodwaters started to recede on Thursday, but the cloudy and rainy day brought with it weariness and gloom for the thousands of its victims. Several areas in the city, however, were still hit by flooding with water levels of between 30 centimeters and 100 centimeters.

IITELMIT scheduled for May

IITELMIT scheduled for May JAKARTA: An international exhibition on telecommunications called the International Telecommunications, Media and Information Technology and Exhibition (IITELMIT) will be held from May 7 to May 10 this year in Jakarta, the organizer said. PT Rantai Expo International (REI) event manager Baki Lee said on Wednesday that more than 300 participants from 40 countries were expected to take part in the event.

KAI employees threaten to hold strike

KAI employees threaten to hold strike Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung The labor union for the state-owned railway company PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) demanded on Thursday that the company's newly appointed board of directors immediately step down or the employees would hold a general strike and halt train operations in Java and Sumatra.

JP;

JP; ANPAf..r.. Rupiah-rate Rupiah Rates Feb. 14 JP/ / Rupiah Rates Feb. 14 Banknote Rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying U.S dollar 1.00 10,753.00 9,753.00 10,304.00 10,202.00 Australian dollar 1.00 5,525.97 5,007.19 5,295.23 5,237.71 Brunei dollar 1.00 5,880.78 5,330.96 5,635.22 5,576.39 Canadian dollar 1.00 6,767.15 6,133.96 6,484.58 6,416.35 Switzerland franc 1.00 6,327.16 5,735.37 6,062.96 5,999.41 Danish krone 1.00 1,263.28 1,144.72 1,210.53 1,197.42 Poundsterling 1.00 15,381.09...

TNI working on reshuffle

TNI working on reshuffle Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Adm. Widodo AS admitted on Thursday that the institution was in the midst of a major reshuffle, while adding that replacements in the level of top brass remained undecided.

Takeuchi to become Japanese deputy FM

Takeuchi to become Japanese deputy FM Kornelius Purba, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The promotion of the Japanese ambassador to Indonesia, Yukio Takeuchi, to the second-highest position in Japan's Foreign Ministry would provide strong benefits for relations between the two countries, a Japanese diplomat said on Thursday.

Britain, RI to hold joint seminars

Britain, RI to hold joint seminars JAKARTA: The defense ministry and the British Embassy in Jakarta are organizing a number of seminars aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between Indonesia and the United Kingdom. A press statement issued by the Ministry of Defense said that the seminars would be held on Feb. 19, with the theme: The Deployment Procedure of Military and Police Personnel in Military Operations; and on Feb. 26 and Feb. 27 on Conflict Resolution.

Papua urges stay in Gag nickel mines

Papua urges stay in Gag nickel mines Irian Jaya or Papua has urged Australia's BHP Billiton to stay in a nickel mine project on the province's Gag Island and asked the government to allow the project, provincial governor Jacob Soloussa said on Thursday. "We need the Gag island nickel project to be established, because that will give benefits and contributions to the province," Soloussa told reporters after meeting President Megawati Soekarnoputri.

Desperate Mercantile Club

Desperate Mercantile Club Despite protests, the Mercantile Club of Jakarta, located on the 18th Floor of Wisma BCA building and managed by Hong Kong- based CCA International, has decided, starting from Jan. 1, 2002, to impose a minimum food-and-beverage charge of Rp 350,000 per month for life members, who are not to pay any monthly dues by agreement and as stated in its bylaws, according to Article 8 on life members and Article 10 on monthly dues.

Akbar leaves Jakarta on haj pilgrimage

Akbar leaves Jakarta on haj pilgrimage JAKARTA: House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung, who is also a suspect in a Rp 40 billion corruption case, left on a haj pilgrimage on Thursday.

IBRA restructures batik firm's debt

IBRA restructures batik firm's debt JAKARTA: The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) said Thursday it has completed the restructuring of the debt worth US$23.2 million owed by batik textile manufacturer PT Dan Liris Industrial & Trading Company.

Indonesia could be used as 'hotbed for terrorists'

Indonesia could be used as 'hotbed for terrorists' Tiarma Siboro and Yogita Tahilramani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Military (TNI) Chief Adm. Widodo AS has warned that the armed forces were taking serious precautions against the possibility that Indonesia could become a "hotbed" for terrorists.

Economists doubt stimulus plan will work

Economists doubt stimulus plan will work The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Economists raised doubts about a government plan for an economic stimulus package aimed at revitalizing the private sector, but welcomed the setting up of a crisis center, which, they said, should enable the government to respond to economic problems more quickly. Senior economist at the Danareksa Research Institute Raden Pardede said he was surprised at hearing the government planned an economic stimulus package.

Losing shine as demand sinks

Losing shine as demand sinks Hendarsyah Tarmizi and I. Christianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The textile industry, once considered the economy's most promising sector, is losing its shine. Low demand, internal financial problems and a lack of efficiency have left the industry in a difficult position. The industry has been a major engine of Indonesia's economic growth for the past several years.

Intro

Intro In West Java alone, some 100,000 people working at textile manufacturing plants have lost their jobs. Other areas face similar mass job cuts. And the already alarming number of layoffs is set to increase this year. Industrialists blame it on the sluggish world economy and the increasing amount of smuggled Chinese products flooding the domestic market. Is the textile industry in that bad a state?

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), Feb. 15.

Govt debt ratio target unrealistic: CSIS

Govt debt ratio target unrealistic: CSIS The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Government plans to cut its debt level to around 60 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2004 is an unrealistic target, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) say. The prestigious private think tank said that achieving the target required an average economic growth of 6 percent per year and a relatively low inflation level of also around 6 percent.

Debt extension plan may be scrapped

Debt extension plan may be scrapped Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Pounded by heavy public criticism, the government may decide to scrap a controversial debt extension plan worth billions of dollars, as a team reviewing the plan considers whether to stick with the original payment scheme. The team faced two options, said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) senior representative for Indonesia, David C. Nellor.

TV Program: Friday, Feb. 15, 2002

TV Program: Friday, Feb. 15, 2002 TVRI .tb .30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Environment 8:45 City News 10:00 Music 10:30 30 Minutes with Anita Rahman 11:00 Regional News 11:30 Music 12:00 p.m. News 1:00 Talk Show 2:30 Debating 3:30 Music 4:30 Children's Program 5:00 Religious Teachings 7:00 Talk Show 8:00 Music 9:00 News 9:30 Volleyball 10:00 Music 11:00 Puppet Show TPI 5:30 a.m.

Papuans suffer food price rises

Papuans suffer food price rises R.K. Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura The prices of basic foods in the Irian Jaya regency of Jayawijaya have risen sharply due the lack of regular aircraft transporting the essential commodities to the town's capital city of Wamena from Jayapura.

Mount Merapi erupts again, lava flows

Mount Merapi erupts again, lava flows Tarko Sudiarno, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Mount Merapi, an active volcano located on the border of Yogyakarta and Central Java, spewed forth lava and steam again on Wednesday night. But there were no fatalities or damage reported. The lava erupted from a recently formed crater and ended up in the Rivers Lamat and Senowo in Magelang Regency, Central Java. The eruption lasted for just over an hour from 9:51 p.m. local time to 10:54 p.m.

Pine forest to become tourist resort

Pine forest to become tourist resort MUARA TEWEH, Central Kalimantan: The pine forest located in Melayu village in North Barito regency will soon be turned into a tourist resort. Muhammad Wa'il, a spokesman for the city administration, said on Thursday that besides developing the area into an agricultural zone, the conversion was meant to protect the forest from illegal loggers.

Uluwatu temple struck by lightning

Uluwatu temple struck by lightning DENPASAR, Bali: Despite being equipped with a lightning amulet, a holy three-story structure in the Luhur Uluwatu temple in the southern peninsula of Bali Island was struck by lightning during recent heavy downpours. One of the nine pillars in the northeastern wing of the structure was charred in the incident. It was the second incident after lightning devastated a number of holy structures in the Luhur Uluwatu temple on October 24, 1996.

JP;

JP; ANPAf..r.. Rupiah-rate Rupiah Rates Feb. 14 JP/ / Rupiah Rates Feb. 14 Banknote Rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying U.S dollar 10,753.00 9,753.00 10,304.00 10,202.00 Australian dollar 5,525.97 5,007.19 5,295.23 5,237.71 Brunei dollar 5,880.78 5,330.96 5,635.22 5,576.39 Canadian dollar 6,767.15 6,133.96 6,484.58 6,416.35 Switzerland franc 6,327.16 5,735.37 6,062.96 5,999.41 Danish krone 1,263.28 1,144.72 1,210.53 1,197.42 Poundsterling 15,381.09 13,940.94 14,738.84 14,582.74 Hong...

CPI may close troubled oil field

CPI may close troubled oil field The Jakarta Post, Jakarta American oil company PT Caltex Pacific Indonesia (CPI) was considering closing its troubled oil field in Jorang, Rokan Hulu Regency, Riau if local residents continued to block the main access road to the field, according to a senior CPI executive. "We will first calculate the benefit and losses, before deciding to discontinue the field's operation," CPI spokeswoman Jeni Simandjuntak told the Jakarta Post by phone from Riau.

Apologies to Korean Airlines

Apologies to Korean Airlines In the Feb. 14 edition of The Jakarta Post, an outdated letter that I wrote regarding Korean Airlines was printed by mistake due to a communication error. This particular issue was settled in mid-January. The General Manager of Korean Airlines, Mr. Shin Dong Hyu, settled the problem professionally and graciously, making me feel very comfortable with the outcome, and leaving me with a very favorable impression of Korean Airlines. I would ask that Mr.

RP bank lending recovers in December

RP bank lending recovers in December MANILA: Lending activities in the Philippines banking system perked up in December as non-performing loan levels fell, the central bank said Thursday. A 3.7 percent loan growth from a month earlier to 1.625 billion pesos (US$31.7 million), along with a 25 basis-point cut in central bank overnight rates effective Friday, boosted hopes of improved economic activity for the remainder of the year.

Two top officials grilled for graft

Two top officials grilled for graft MEDAN: North Sumatra: Local prosecutors have began questioning two civil servants in connection with an alleged scam involving a Rp 900 million fund for school examination programs in the province. The two suspects -- Bauddin Manik, 45, and Parlindungan Sinaga, 47, -- were both high ranking officials with the North Sumatra National Education office.

Losing shine as demand sinks

Losing shine as demand sinks Hendarsyah Tarmizi and Blontank Poer, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The textile industry, once considered the economy's most promising sector, is losing its shine. Low demand, internal financial problems and a lack of efficiency have left the industry in a difficult position. The industry has been a major engine of Indonesia's economic growth for the past several years.

Aid for flood victims decreases

Aid for flood victims decreases Ahmad Junaidi The Jakarta Post Jakarta The return of the floods have made flood victims increasingly worried specially as they are still in desperate need of food, medicine and clothing. Unfortunately, Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso revealed on Thursday that the stock of these three items had began to decrease following the inundation.

Airlines allowed to hike ticket prices by up to 20%

Airlines allowed to hike ticket prices by up to 20% Debbie A. Lubis, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Domestic airlines will be allowed to raise their economy class airfares on certain routes up to 20 percent starting March 1 under new governmental regulations, designed to increase competition for customers. However, the airlines could also cut prices by the same amount to attract customers.

Parahyangan train disappointing

Parahyangan train disappointing From Media Indonesia At 5 p.m. on Jan. 28, 2002, my wife and child traveled by Parahyangan train from Bandung to Jakarta. Racing against time, my family had only obtained tickets at the normal price without reserved seats. Unfortunately, they were treated inhumanely aboard, being chased by a train's stewardess as if they were illegal passengers. Standing in a passageway of the train, they were asked to transfer to another carriage.

[b]Press faces growing

Press faces growing threats to its freedom Ati Nurbaiti Chairperson Aliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) Jakarta 2. UK cannot ignore its part in the making of Milosevic 1x 30 36 pt UK shares blame for Milosevic Hugo Young London

3 x 10

3 x 10 3,700 troops, police get psychiatric tests in Poso menular 2 x 19 15 refugees die from disease in Kupang Merapi 2 x 20 Mount Merapi erupts again, lava flows crisis 1 x 36 Some Papuans suffer food price rises

In Central Java Many producers change profession

In Central Java Many producers change profession Blontank Poer, Correspondent, Semarang The world's economic slowdown and a further decline in overseas orders following the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11 last year have exacerbated the problems facing the country's textile industry. Textile producers in Central Java, one of the country's four major textile producers, the others being Jakarta, West Java and East Java, have not been immune to the downturn.

Aid for flood victims decreases

Aid for flood victims decreases Ahmad Junaidi The Jakarta Post Jakarta The return of the floods have made flood victims increasingly worried specially as they are still in desperate need of food, medicine and clothing. Unfortunately, Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso revealed on Thursday that the stock of these three items had began to decrease following the inundation.

Press faces growing threats to its freedom

Press faces growing threats to its freedom Ati Nurbaiti, Chairperson, Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI), Jakarta Over the past few months, the media community have become increasingly alarmed at the growing tendency, on the part of the government, to regain control of the media.

RI to host environmental summit

RI to host environmental summit JAKARTA: Indonesia will host an international environmental conference with the theme: Sustainable Development Summit in Denpasar, Bali from May 27 through June 7, Minister of Environment Nabiel Makarim said on Thursday. Nabiel refused to give any details about the summit as the minister and related institutions were still discussing preparations for the event.

E. Timorese may get 12-year prison term for killing peacekeeper

E. Timorese may get 12-year prison term for killing peacekeeper Muninggar Sri Saraswati and Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State prosecutors demanded on Thursday a 12-year jail term for an East Timorese pro-integration militiaman for the alleged killing of a New Zealand peacekeeper two years ago. Chief prosecutor Muhammad Syafei told the Central Jakarta District Court that defendant Yacobus Bere, 37, killed Pvt.

Activists propose revised law on citizenship

Activists propose revised law on citizenship Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A group of activists proposed on Thursday the implementation of the principle of jus soli (citizenship by birth) in the revision of existing laws on citizenship, regardless of the nationality of the parents.