Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 12 March 2002

75 articles found

Irene takes the lead with 6.5 MPs

Irene takes the lead with 6.5 MPs The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Irene Kharisma, who is representing South Sumatra, became the only player with a clear lead on the third day of the finals of the Rp 6 million (US$600) Rider-Enerpac National Junior Chess tournament in Bekasi, West Java. Competing in the girls' under-14 division, nine-year-old Irene collected 6.5 Match Points (MPs) from seven matches, while her nearest contender Stefani Diancery of West Java was 1.5 MPs behind.

U.S. Dollar Rates March 11

U.S. Dollar Rates March 11 Latest %Change Yen 128.93-97 +0.34 Euro* 0.8738-43 +0.03 Sterling* 1.4202-07 -0.09 Swiss franc 1.6837-43 -0.09 Canadian dollar 1.5864-69 +0.04 Aust.

PWI discharges 15 members in Palu

PWI discharges 15 members in Palu PALU, Central Sulawesi: The provincial branch of the Indonesian Journalists' Association (PWI) has dismissed 15 of its members for allegedly blackmailing local officials and businessmen. "They have been scratched from the membership list of the PWI for violating its code of ethics," South Sulawesi's PWI Chairman Darwies Sijaya said here on Monday. He declined to reveal the names of the expelled members.

PPP Reform agrees to change name

PPP Reform agrees to change name A'an Suryana The Jakarta Post Jakarta The newly established United Development Party Reform (PPP Reform) will comply with its rival group's request for it to change its name. PPP Reform chairman Zainuddin MZ told supporters on Monday that changing his party's name was no big deal.

1,000 traders refuse to relocate

1,000 traders refuse to relocate PURWOKERTO, Central Java: About 1,000 traders in the regency of Purwokerto in Central Java reiterated their refusal on Monday to relocate to another area adjacent to the current traditional market. They continued operating stalls at the Wage traditional market, the biggest in the regency, in protest of a planned relocation to another site on Jl. Jendral Soedirman.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in Rupiah) on March 11, 2002 Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,125 -25 26,000 Adindo Foresta 65 0 65,500 AGIS 120 -5 271,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 230 0 0 Alakasa 175 -40 1,000 Alfa Retailindo 750 0 599,000 Alter Abadi 45 5 15,000 Alumindo Light 600 0 0 Andhi Chandra 320 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 500 0 0 Aneka Tambang 1,050 -25 1,211,500 Anta Express Tour 425 -10...

Bulog suspects fooling the public: Amien

Bulog suspects fooling the public: Amien Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Amien Rais said the returning of Bulog funds to state investigators showed that the money was never spent for food distribution as originally claimed, which meant that the suspects had fooled the public. "We are suddenly given such a funny story.

Paris Club meeting set for April

Paris Club meeting set for April JAKARTA: The Paris Club meeting, where the Indonesian government seeks to reschedule the payment of its debts maturing this year and next, is slated to run from April 8 to April 12, Minister of Finance Boediono said. "The schedule is set for between April 8 to April 12. From what I've heard, it should be finished by April 11, since the meeting usually takes one or two days," Boediono said on Monday.

PPP of Reform set to alter name, win more votes

PPP of Reform set to alter name, win more votes A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The newly established United Development Party Reform (PPP Reform) will comply with its rival group's request for it to change its name. PPP Reform chairman Zainuddin MZ told supporters on Monday that changing his party's name was no big deal.

Megawati expedites visit to China

Megawati expedites visit to China Fabiola Desy Unidjaja The Jakarta Post Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri has moved forward her official visit to China by one day due to the change of schedule from Chinese President Zhiang Jemin, Indonesian Ambassador to China A.A. Kustia said on Monday. Megawati was initially scheduled to leave for Beijing on March 25, as part of a 10-day overseas trip which will also take her to North Korea, South Korea and India.

1. Duit (3 x 18)

1. Duit (3 x 18) Most Asian monies down late, rupiah the lone gainer 2. Yuan (2 x 16) China's central bank boss upbeat on yuan 3. Fund (2 x 24) Korean funds rise to top as HK sinks to bottom 4. Gold (2 x 20) Platinum hits record highs on optimism

Lore Lindu's rare butterflies face extinction

Lore Lindu's rare butterflies face extinction Badri Jawara, The Jakarta Post, Palu, Central Sulawesi Yellow, orange, white, brown, red, black and black and white- spotted butterflies are flying freely in groups everywhere. Once in a while these butterflies perch on twigs, bushes, stones but mostly flowers before taking off again, their beautiful colors attracting people's attention. Unfortunately, this sight could only be seen 10 years ago.

Govt urged to take legal action against bad debtors

Govt urged to take legal action against bad debtors Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government should no longer negotiate with uncooperative debtors of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) and should take legal action by bringing them to court, according to the chairman of the National Economic Recovery Committee (KPEN), Sofjan Wanandi.

Logging blitz threatens N. Sumatra Leuser forest

Logging blitz threatens N. Sumatra Leuser forest Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan Mount Leuser National Park (TNGL) in North Sumatra province is facing further degradation, as illegal logging and occupation of land in this protected forest by Acehnese refugees has continued unchecked. At least 3,000 hectares of land inside the forest are currently occupied by around 700 families from the neighboring restive province of Aceh, who are using it as a resettlement area and for agriculture.

New neighbor East Timor and triangular peace issues

New neighbor East Timor and triangular peace issues Bantarto Bandoro, Editor, 'The Indonesian Quarterly', Centre for Strategic and International Studies, Jakarta The relationship between Indonesia and Australia has always been unstable. Indonesia and East Timor have just tried to start over in search of reconciliation, but many outstanding issues have yet to be settled.

Govt urged to take legal action against bad debtors

Govt urged to take legal action against bad debtors Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government is considering boosting its tax collection costs to 2 percent of the state budget, in a bid to increase tax revenue, according to Minister of Finance Boediono. He said on Monday that, on average, the tax collection cost amounted to 0.3 percent of the state budget, which was very low compared to other countries in the region.

Clamor over detention of House Speaker Akbar

Clamor over detention of House Speaker Akbar Todung Mulya Lubis, Lawyer, Jakarta Why was Akbar Tandjung, the legislature Speaker, detained by the Attorney General in relation to the Bulog scandal? It was argued that Akbar's respected position would lead him to be cooperative in the entire investigation process, and indeed, he repeatedly stated that he would submit to the legal process, and was ready to go to the Attorney General's office when needed.

House endorses 10 bills on 22 new regencies

House endorses 10 bills on 22 new regencies Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives (DPR) passed on Monday 10 bills endorsing the establishment of 22 regencies in 10 provinces throughout the country. In a plenary meeting delayed twice because of poor attendance, the legislators warned the Ministry of Home Affairs and regional administrations of violating territorial borders among autonomous regencies.

Increase in property tax shocks many people

Increase in property tax shocks many people Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The increase in land and building tax has shocked many people in Greater Jakarta since the directorate general of tax under the Ministry of Finance introduced the tax earlier this year. Agus Dharmono, who lives in Puri Kembangan housing estate in West Jakarta, told The Jakarta Post on Monday at the West and Central Jakarta tax office on Jl. K.S.

Robbed in Pasar Raya

Robbed in Pasar Raya Robbed again! On two separate occasions I have been robbed in Pasar Raya department store. Both times I lost camera equipment. Some friends have suggested that people in Blok M, South Jakarta, are familiar with my routines such as drinking coffee in a particular Cafe and taking photographs in the Blok M area. This may be true and now that I have no camera equipment left to steal, I probably will change my routine.

Korean funds rise to top as HK sinks to bottom

Korean funds rise to top as HK sinks to bottom Nick Edwards, Reuters, Hong Kong South Korean mutual funds were back on top in February, delivering the best month-on-month returns for investors in Asia of 9.6 percent and outpacing funds focused on Thailand and India, according to new industry data.

Umar Kayam in hospital

Umar Kayam in hospital JAKARTA: Prominent scholar Umar Kayam is in stable condition after undergoing an operation to fix his broken thigh bone at the Metropolitan Medical Center in South Jakarta. Kayam, 69, who is also a noted writer, broke the upper femur as he collapsed in his residence in Cipinang, East Jakarta, on March 1. The operation was successful, but there was a lot of internal bleeding due a ruptured blood vessel, which was exacerbated by the fact that he suffers from diabetes.

* Headlines: Clamor over detention of House Speaker Akbar 3

* Headlines: Clamor over detention of House Speaker Akbar 3 * Opinion: East Timor and triangular peace issues 4 * City: Hotel Indonesia traffic circle renovation start 6 * Archipelago: Hunger strike goes on in protest of NTT budget 7 * National: Indonesia prepared to face haze problems 8 * World: Zimbabwe polls repen but Mugabe defies court 9 * Business: Action against bad debtors urged 11 * Features: Photography turns fashion into art 16 * Sports: Arsenal scents glory, Juve keeps dream alive 20

Megawati expedites visit to China

Megawati expedites visit to China Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri has moved forward her official visit to China by one day due to the change of schedule from Chinese President Zhiang Jemin, Indonesian Ambassador to China A.A. Kustia said on Monday. Megawati was initially scheduled to leave for Beijing on March 25, as part of a 10-day overseas trip which will also take her to North Korea, South Korea and India.

France's best actress award goes to Dian Sastrowardoyo

France's best actress award goes to Dian Sastrowardoyo Agence France-Presse, Deauville, France Indonesia's Dian Sastrowardoyo, the young heroine of the Indonesian film Pasir Berbisik (Whispering Sands), has secured the Lotus best actress award at a festival dedicated to Asian cinema in the French resort of Deauville. The University of Indonesia's student majoring in philosophy, finally proved that she's not just another urban teenager-turn-a- movie-star.

Minister criticizes war against rats

Minister criticizes war against rats Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister of Health Achmad Sujudi criticized the city administration's policy in curbing the spread of postflood leptospirosis disease by killing rats, saying that the most important thing is to clean up the former flooded areas. He told journalists on Monday that rats, which carry the disease, was one carrier of the disease, while the major cause was garbage.

On dual position

On dual position From Republika In his article published in Republika on March 1, titled "Paradox of dual functions", Jack Yanda Z Ishak seems to be worried about the dual functions of senior political figures in this country. He fears not only the emergence of conflicts of interest but also the abuse of power.

Malaysia's king condemns religious extremists

Malaysia's king condemns religious extremists Agence-France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia's new king condemned violent religious extremists and distortions of Islamic teachings in his first address to parliament on Monday. Firm action was being taken to "trace and eliminate" extremist groups posing a threat to national security, said King Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin, who was sworn in last December.

Buloggate II turns bizarre

Buloggate II turns bizarre The return to state investigators of Rp 32.5 billion of a total of Rp 40 billion in public money allegedly misused by top figures of the Golkar Party in the run-up to the 1999 general election has given the case a turn that can only be regarded as bizarre in the extreme.

Police officers reshuffled

Police officers reshuffled JAKARTA: The National Police conducted a reshuffle of 59 middle-ranking officers on Monday, the first to take place this year. Sr. Comr. Prasetyo, an official of the National Police information center, said the officers affected by the reshuffle comprised six senior commissioners, 20 adjutant senior commissioners, 25 commissioners and eight adjutant commissioners.

Hunger strike continues in protest of NTT budget

Hunger strike continues in protest of NTT budget Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang Students on a hunger strike in the province of East Nusa Tenggara threatened on Monday to encourage locals not to pay taxes if the province's budget was not revised to ensure that public interests were placed above all others.

2 x 22 48 pt

2 x 22 48 pt New neighbor East Timor and triangular peace issues PROBLEMATIc TRINGULAR PEACE Bantarto Bandoro Editor, 'The Indonesian Quarterly' Centre for Strategic and International Studies Jakarta 2. Saudi -- Saudi peace plan 1 x 32 36pt Bodoni Saudi peace plan, a quietly great event? David Hirst in Beirut =

Parents demand Wiranto comply with summons

Parents demand Wiranto comply with summons Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak and Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Medan The parents of dozens of students killed in several incidents that took place in 1998 and 1999 gathered at the residence of former Armed Forces chief Gen. (ret) Wiranto on Monday to mount pressure on him to comply with a summons for an inquiry scheduled later in the day. They assembled at Wiranto's house at Jl.

Dian Sastrowardoyo, the young heroine of the Indonesian film

Dian Sastrowardoyo, the young heroine of the Indonesian film Pasir Berbisik (Whispering Sands), has secured the Lotus best actress award at a festival dedicated to Asian cinema in the French resort of Deauville. The University of Indonesia's student majoring in philosophy, finally proved that she's not just another urban teenager-turn-a-movie-star. Page 3

Ex-bank chief gets one-year in jail for graft

Ex-bank chief gets one-year in jail for graft Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The former president of the now-defunct Bank Umum Servitia was found guilty of corruption on Monday for the misuse of the Bank Indonesian Liquidity Support (BLBI) that led to Rp 1.27 trillion in losses for the state. David Nusa Wijaya was ordered to pay back the money. But the defendant was only sentenced to one year in jail -- even though the charge carried a maximum sentence of 20 years.

S'pore, KL talk over list of disputes

S'pore, KL talk over list of disputes MALAYSIA: KL leaders met Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Monday for talks focusing on a list of disputes, ranging from water supplies to transport links. The latest row erupted over land reclamation plans, which Malaysia fears could reduce access for ships heading for one of its ports on the narrow strait separating the Malay Peninsula and the island of Singapore.

Where to go in Bandung:

Where to go in Bandung: Performances * Sundanese Traditional Drama, Nyai Arum Tresnamalati, Gedung Kesenian Rumentang Siang, Jl. Baranang Siang 1, Kosambi (Tel. 022 4233562), 2 p.m., 8 p.m., March 16-17. * Dance Drama Lenggang Kencana, Gedung Kesenian Rumentang Siang, 8 p.m., March 23-24. Talk Pre Conference Workshop on Academic Presentations at ITB, Jl. Ganesha 10, March 11. Workshop leader: John Holmes, University of Leeds. Contact Astuti on 2524115 ext. 211 for more information.

Ten KL students held in Yemen

Ten KL students held in Yemen MALAYSIA: Ten Malaysian religious students have been detained by security forces in Yemen in what is believed to be part of an antiterror campaign, local media reported on Monday. The students, aged between 23 and 36, were picked up last week at the Yemen-Saudi Arabia border while returning from their pilgrimage to Mecca, the New Straits Times daily said.

Experts lift estimates of S'pore growth

Experts lift estimates of S'pore growth SINGAPORE: Private sector economists have raised their growth expectations for the Singapore economy this year to an average 3.3 percent, according to a survey. The survey, carried out by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) last month and released over the weekend, showed economists were more optimistic about prospects for the city-state than in a December poll when the average projection was for 1.7 percent growth.

BCA sale to go on despite protest

BCA sale to go on despite protest The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In a show of force to oppose the sale of Bank Central Asia (BCA) to foreign investors, thousands of employees of the country's largest retail bank staged a mass protest in several major cities on Monday. But the government insisted that it would not back down from the sale plan, with Vice President Hamzah Haz saying the government was likely to announce the winning bidder of a 51 percent stake in the bank on Tuesday.

Muhammadiyah, NU to foster peace in Maluku

Muhammadiyah, NU to foster peace in Maluku Tiarma Siboro and Muhammad Nafik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With the shaky implementation of the Malino peace accord for Maluku, the country's two largest Muslim organizations plan to foster ever-lasting peace for the region, which has been racked by inter-religious conflict for the past three years.

All England results mediocre, Budi may join Thomas Cup squad

All England results mediocre, Budi may join Thomas Cup squad Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) lamented the failure of its men's shuttlers to grab any title from the US$125,000 All England tournament, which ended last Sunday in Birmingham, England. Indonesia's best performance in the prestigious four-star event was through men's singles finalist, Budi Santoso, although he was no match for the eventual champion, Chen Hong of China.

E. Timor, RI plan joint border survey

E. Timor, RI plan joint border survey EAST TIMOR: East Timor and Indonesia are planning a joint project to mark their land border, the United Nations said on Monday. The survey will look for old border markers and study geographical features that could serve for a natural demarcation, East Timor's UN spokeswomen Barbara Reis said. Reis initially announced the project would start on Monday, but later said it had been postponed until an unknown date. No reason for the delay was given.

Akbar says he has been fooled in Bulog scandal

Akbar says he has been fooled in Bulog scandal Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Akbar Tandjung, the high-profile key suspect in a Rp 40 billion scandal, said on Monday that he had been made a fool by a recent turn of events in the case. "It's clear (that I've been fooled), because I know absolutely nothing about the funds being returned," House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung, who is now in detention, was quoted as saying by Agung Laksono on Monday.

Police grill father of Fathur

Police grill father of Fathur SURABAYA: East Java Police detectives grilled on Monday an East Java councillor, M. Zainuri, in connection with his alleged links to self-confessed bomber Abas alias Edi Sutiono, a prime suspect of the Atrium Plaza bombings in 2001. Zainuri is the father of Fathur Rohman al-Ghozi, who is currently detained in the Philippines on terrorism charges. East Java Police chief of detectives Sr. Comr.

Music concert degenerates into riot

Music concert degenerates into riot CIREBON, Jawa Barat: Police shot and wounded at least three teenagers while more than 10 others, mostly girls, fainted during a stampede at an unruly music concert in Cirebon, West Java. At least one policeman also suffered serious injuries after being beaten during a clash with spectators, mostly teenagers, on Saturday evening. The riot began after thousands of people outside the city's Bima sports stadium pressed into the venue, despite not having tickets.

Sukadana to display works

Sukadana to display works JAKARTA: Balinese painter I Made Sukadana will exhibit around 50 of his pieces at the National Museum on Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat, Central Jakarta, from Tuesday to Thursday. A book about him entitled Made Sukadana, Coping with Shock and Turmoil, written by arts critic Suwarno Wisetrotomo, will also be launched during the exhibition. The 3,000-page book contains Sukadana's 200 paintings and will be sold for Rp 500,000 (US$50).

Drug possession leads to five-year sentence

Drug possession leads to five-year sentence YOGYAKARTA: The Yogyakarta District Court sentenced a 32-year man to five years in prison and fined him Rp 100 million on Monday, after declaring him guilty of illegally possessing three packs of marijuana. The sentence for Udirman Simarmata, a resident from Umbulharjo subdistrict, was more lenient that what was demanded by prosecutor Nur Kumalaningdyah, who had sought 10 years in jail.

Bank told to provide Rp 20t for SMEs

Bank told to provide Rp 20t for SMEs The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In an another bid to empower the country's small and medium enterprises, the government has launched a program to provide a total of Rp 20 trillion in bank loans per year for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Pasar Raya, a den of thieves

Pasar Raya, a den of thieves Sitting in the food court of the Pasar Raya department store (Blok M), drinking a coffee and filling in The Jakarta Post crossword, is one way to enjoy a lazy Saturday or Sunday. Unfortunately, it's not that simple. Recently, I sat in the Cafe de France, ordered a cup of coffee and did the crossword. A friend of mine joined me as planned and we chatted for a while.

Don't let PT Dirgantara Indonesia Collapse

Don't let PT Dirgantara Indonesia Collapse Ironic and tragic are perhaps the most appropriate adjectives to portray the condition of Indonesia's aircraft-making company PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI). In the first half of this week this week or last week?, PTDI was rocked by protest rallies and mass strikes by thousands of its own employees. Therefore, the government must immediately find the best solution to this problem to prevent it from dragging on and aggravating the company's situation.

Councillor beats journalist

Councillor beats journalist TEGAL, Central Java: Hardjo Rasdi, a senior legislator in the Central Java town of Tegal, has come under fire for attacking a local journalist who covered his alleged love affair with a university student. Nur Ikhsan, a 27-year-old reporter for the Kriminal (crime) weekly tabloid, was treated at a local hospital for injuries caused by the beating, which took place on Friday.

Vendors on sidewalk in Slipi

Vendors on sidewalk in Slipi From Warta Kota Sidewalk vendors selling used books, VCDs, magazines, newspapers, etc., close to the Slipi traffic lights were removed from the area as they were a nuisance for pedestrians. Unfortunately, many vendors of new or used garments have returned in great numbers to sell their wares near the traffic lights. Their presence has obviously disturbed pedestrians. A sidewalk constitutes the right for pedestrians to use it and must be kept free of any obstructions.

GG fails to get OK to buy plant

GG fails to get OK to buy plant JAKARTA: Clove cigarette maker PT Gudang Garam said it failed Friday to obtain its independent shareholders' approval for its acquisition plans. Gudang Garam last month revealed plans to buy a plant, which will produce low-tar and low-nicotine cigarettes, for Rp784.15 billion (US$78.4 million). It said the acquisition is part of a move to push into the fast-growing low-tar and low-nicotine cigarette market.

'Akbar no longer fit and proper to lead the House'

'Akbar no longer fit and proper to lead the House' Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Members of the House of Representatives perceive their speaker Akbar Tandjung to be a liability and suggest that he quit his post because he is no longer "fit and proper" to lead the legislative body due to his alleged involvement in the misuse of Rp 40 billion funds belonging to the State Logistics Agency (Bulog).

Activists rally at Tangerang court

Activists rally at Tangerang court TANGERANG: Some 200 members of the Community Forum for Justice (Permata Keadilan) staged a rally at the Tangerang District court on Monday, demanding a serious trial be conducted for Satmojo, former chief of the National Land Agency (BPN) Tangerang branch, who is facing charges in a Rp 1.4 billion (US$140,000) corruption case.

4 x 10

4 x 10 Hunger strike continues in protest of NTT budget leuser 2 x 19 Logging blitz threatens N. Sumatra Leuser forest Journalist 1 x 20 Councillor beats journalist

Bill on right to info up for debate

Bill on right to info up for debate Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives (DPR) will soon deliberate a bill defining the degree to which Indonesians can access information. The move is hoped to enforce the transparency needed to bring a clean and healthy governance.

Dian Sastrowardoyo gets Lotus best actress award

Dian Sastrowardoyo gets Lotus best actress award Agence France-Presse Deauville, France Indonesia's Dian Sastrowardoyo, the young heroine of the Indonesian film Pasir Berbisik (Whispering Sands), has secured the Lotus best actress award at a festival dedicated to Asian cinema in the French resort of Deauville. The University of Indonesia's student majoring in philosophy, finally proved that she's not just another urban teenager-turn-a- movie-star.

Linguists drum up support for Malay

Linguists drum up support for Malay Jupriadi, The Jakarta Post, Makassar Linguists from Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei began an annual two-day Malay congress here on Monday with a pledge to struggle for Malay to be recognized as an official language in ASEAN, alongside English. The forum, held in the South Sulawesi capital of Makassar, is being attended by 196 participants from Indonesia, 30 from Malaysia, 13 from Brunei and two observers from Singapore.

Photography turns fashion into art

Photography turns fashion into art Mehru Jaffer, Contributor, Jakarta Visions 01 is not just an exhibition, but a heady cocktail of beautiful faces, amazing outfits and some of the most bewildering of backgrounds. All this and more can be found in different exhibits composed by creative photographers, whose work brings to life a new dimension of the concept of art.

Gus Dur inaugurates foundation

Gus Dur inaugurates foundation JAKARTA: Former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid declared on Monday the establishment of the Free People Foundation (YMM). Foundation chairman, Arbi Sanit, told Antara the non-partisan organization was set to promote the process of democratization in the country. "To date, there has been no common platform for democratization.

Sutiyoso rejects UK diplomat's request

Sutiyoso rejects UK diplomat's request JAKARTA: Governor Sutiyoso declined to close down a section of Jl. Prof. Moch. Yamin in Central Jakarta -- which radiates from the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle and runs adjacent to the British Embassy -- as requested by British Ambassador to Indonesia Richard Gozney on Monday. Gozney conveyed the request in response to the great number of protesters and rallies near the embassy. The occurrence of so many demonstrations often disrupts embassy activities.

Tight security planned for Tommy's trial on March 20

Tight security planned for Tommy's trial on March 20 Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The murder trial of former president Soeharto's youngest son, Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra, is scheduled to begin on March 20 at the Central Jakarta District Court amid tight security. Court spokesman Judge Andi Samsan Nganro said that the trial would be handled by a panel of judges chaired by Amiruddin Zakaria, with the members being I Ketut Gede and Andi himself.

Punish corruptors or Indonesia will collapse: Muhaddiyah Muslim

Punish corruptors or Indonesia will collapse: Muhaddiyah Muslim organization chairman Syafii Ma'arif said that Indonesia must act swiftly against corruption. "It is an undeniable fact that corruption has been going on for too long in Indonesia. This situation is marked by the lack of moral standards. Therefore, the choice for us now is to quickly act against corruptors or Indonesia will eventually collapse," he said in Yogyakarta on Monday.

1. HI: 4x10

1. HI: 4x10 Rp 14 billion renovation of HI traffic circle starts 2. DAM - 2x23 Five new dams planned to deal with floods 3. Disease - 1x32 Minister criticizes war against rats or Minister criticizes killing rats 4. NJOP - 2x22 Hike in land, building tax shock many people

Bringing the past to heel

Bringing the past to heel Presidential elections in Indonesia may be more than two years away, but the campaigning has apparently already begun. Within a matter of hours on Thursday, President Megawati Soekarnoputri took reformist political steps that are being interpreted as the most significant the country has seen since the overthrow of strongman Soeharto in 1998.

City administration plans five new dams to deal with floods

City administration plans five new dams to deal with floods The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In an effort to anticipate future floods, the city administration will build five new dams worth billions of rupiah this year to comply with the East Flood Canal megaproject. Head of the City Public Works Department, IGKG Suena, said on Monday after a hearing with the City Council Commission D for development affairs that building the dams and the canal was the administration's plan to anticipate future floods.

Clarification on

Clarification on Falun Dafa In order to rebut the negative news that has been circulating these past few days and which has completely misled people, as Falun Gong practitioners, we would like to enlighten your readers with the information below. 1. The Himpunan Falun Gong Indonesia is an association legally registered under the Ministry of Justice, North Jakarta, No.110/Leg/2000, dated Nov. 29, 2000.

Rp 14b renovation of HI traffic circle start

Rp 14b renovation of HI traffic circle start Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city administration has begun renovation of the Hotel Indonesia (HI) traffic circle in Central Jakarta, at an estimated cost of Rp 14 billion (US$1.4 million). It is also believed that the effort, which began on Monday, will have the added benefit for authorities of hampering rallies at the popular spot on Jl. MH Thamrin.

Most Asian monies down late, rupiah the lone gainer

Most Asian monies down late, rupiah the lone gainer Dow Jones, Singapore Most Asian currencies weakened against the dollar Monday, except the Indonesian rupiah, which continued to enjoy support from the impending sale of the government's stake in the country's largest bank. The dollar's rebound against the yen helped carry it marginally higher against the Singapore dollar, Thai baht, Philippine peso and South Korean won.

Impostors caught in action on train

Impostors caught in action on train BOGOR: Two phony train ticket collectors were caught red handed onboard the Pakuan Jabotabek train heading to Jakarta from Bogor after suspicion was raised when they asked for money from passengers on Saturday evening. The suspects are 45-year-old Ismat, a resident of Ciampea subdistrict and 42-year-old Odih, who lives in Parung subdistrict. Both are from Bogor regency. They admitted that they had been posing as ticket collectors for the past three months.

Suggestions for 'Metro TV'

Suggestions for 'Metro TV' From Koran Tempo By my record, quite a few TV programs have English titles, particularly in Metro TV. I wish to suggest Metro TV and other TV stations to use the Indonesian language for the names of their programs. There are good Indonesian equivalents for, for example, Headline News or Today's Dialogue.

Rupiah Rates March. 11

Rupiah Rates March. 11 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

NU, Muhammadiyah to help foster peace in Maluku

NU, Muhammadiyah to help foster peace in Maluku Tiarma Siboro and Muhammad Nafik The Jakarta Post Jakarta With the shaky implementation of the Malino peace accord for Maluku, the country's two largest Muslim organizations plan to foster ever-lasting peace for the region, which has been racked by inter-religious conflict for the past three years.