Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 14 March 2002

79 articles found

House approves tax tribunal bill; new system to settle tax disputes

House approves tax tribunal bill; new system to settle tax disputes Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta All ten factions of the House of Representatives approved a draft law providing for the establishment of a new tax tribunal on Wednesday during a plenary session, sparking hopes of a better and more equitable system for the settlement of tax disputes.

Santos named in Japan squad

Santos named in Japan squad TOKYO: Brazilian-born midfielder Alessandro Santos has been included in Japan's squad for World Cup warm-up matches against Ukraine and Poland later this month, it was announced Wednesday. The 24-year-old Shimizu S-Pulse player, who is better known as "Alex", obtained Japanese nationality in November and had already been training with the national squad. His inclusion puts him firmly in line for a place in coach Philippe Troussier's final World Cup squad. --AFP

Djaling's art is full of surprises and passionate realism

Djaling's art is full of surprises and passionate realism Pavan Kapoor, Contributor, Jakarta The word "Alila" means "surprise" and that is just what artist Ronald Djaling wants to give his collectors and admirers. Only when the spanking new hotel Alila on Jl. Pecenongan was chosen as the venue for the unveiling of his personal "Alila" it seemed as if destiny congenially mixed a perfect palette of paints itself. Entitled Beauty amidst the Storm, the exhibition opened on Feb. 28.

Thai woman gets death penalty for drug smuggling

Thai woman gets death penalty for drug smuggling Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang A 21-year-old Thai masseuse was sentenced to death for smuggling 600 grams of heroin from Thailand into the country last September. Presiding Judge Prim Haryadi said that the defendant, Nonthanam M. Saichon, a resident of the small town of Kalasin in the northern part of Thailand, had been proven guilty of smuggling the drugs through Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

Autonomy law stays, but needs revision: Megawati

Autonomy law stays, but needs revision: Megawati Asip Agus Hasani, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri said here on Wednesday that the government had no intention of rescinding the one-year-old regional autonomy law, but insisted that Law No. 22, 1999 on regional autonomy needed revisions to maintain the country's unity.

Paris Club talks slated for next week

Paris Club talks slated for next week JAKARTA: Indonesia will attend a preliminary round of talks with the Paris Club of official creditors next week ahead of a vital meeting in April where the government will seek to reschedule around $6 billion of debt, an official said on Wednesday. Indonesia has said it was optimistic it would secure the debt relief, crucial for helping bring down the budget deficit, targeted at 2.5 percent of gross domestic product in 2002.

1. SOMBA: 2 lines, 25 counts

1. SOMBA: 2 lines, 25 counts Historical Somba Opu Fort, a story of sheer neglect

Asian monies down on yen, HK$ peg anxieties

Asian monies down on yen, HK$ peg anxieties Netty Ismail, Dow Jones, Singapore The wobbly yen and persistent anxieties over the fate of the Hong Kong dollar peg pulled the rug from under Asian currencies late Wednesday, dealers said. The risk premium on holding one-year Hong Kong dollar forwards shot up to 297-312 to the spot rate late in the day, compared with 215-240 late Tuesday. This fueled "moderate buying" in the U.S.

Businessman Hashim detained: Former chief commissioner of the now

Businessman Hashim detained: Former chief commissioner of the now defunct Bank Industri Hashim Djohohadikusumo and the bank's former president director, Umar Yudi, began on Wednesday March 13, 20 days in detention at Salemba Penitentiary, pending their trial on charges of exceeding the lending limit without giving prior notice to Bank Indonesia. The document relating to their detention was signed by the general crimes assistant to the Jakarta Prosecutors' Office, Antasari Azhar. --JP

Experts urge Sjahril to resign

Experts urge Sjahril to resign The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Experts urged Bank Indonesia Governor Sjahril Sabirin to resign from his post after a court sentenced him on Wednesday to three years in jail over the 1999 Bank Bali scandal. But Sjahril, who has appealed the verdict, vowed to stay in office. According to the Bank Indonesia law, the central bank governor, or a deputy governor, must resign if he or she has been found guilty by a court of having committed a crime.

RI workers 'can't compete' overseas

RI workers 'can't compete' overseas JAKARTA: Indonesia is unable to compete with neighboring countries, including the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, to fill about 6,000 job opportunities, mostly domestic helpers and other positions, abroad annually, an official said. Secretary-general of the Ministry of Manpower and Transmigration Joko Sidik Pramono said on Wednesday the inability to compete was ironic as at the same time the number of employed at home reached at least 38 million.

WFP gives food assistance

WFP gives food assistance JAKARTA: The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) will provide free food assistance to 22,024 flood victims and 1,391 children in Situbondo, East Java, through its local implementing partner, Spektra. A letter of agreement was signed by WFP representative and country director Mohamed Saleheen and Roni Sya'roni, director of Spektra, in Situbondo on Wednesday.

IMF warns of new bank regulator

IMF warns of new bank regulator Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Creating a new financial regulator is by no means a simple task. And a new entity in the making shows the potential for dragging the banking sector through a detour in its road to recovery, according to one study by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Rupiah Rates March. 13

Rupiah Rates March. 13 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

ASEAN leaders advised to back campaigns for Malay

ASEAN leaders advised to back campaigns for Malay Jupriadi, The Jakarta Post, Makassar Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders have been urged to show a more proactive stance in response to a campaign by Malay linguists and experts for Malay to be accepted as an official language in their countries alongside English.

'VP' guards beaten for stealing

'VP' guards beaten for stealing BOGOR: Two men claiming to be guards of Vice President Hamzah Haz were beaten by local residents in Leuwiliang market, Bogor, for stealing rambutan (lychee-like fruit). The incident happened on Monday night at about 10 p.m. as the two, Eko, 30, and Candra, 40, former members of the now-defunct Kamra (civilian security force) forced a vendor to give them the fruit, Antara reported. "We are guards of Vice President Hamzah Haz," one of them said.

Bekasi-Kota train always late

Bekasi-Kota train always late From Warta Kota The services of state-owned railway company PT KAI, particularly those for ordinary people, still await improvement. Take, for example, the departure time of the Bekasi-Kota economy- class electric train. It's late almost every day. This train is sometimes over 30 minutes late, as on Feb. 26, 2002. The train was scheduled to depart at 3:42 p.m. but it left at 4:30 p.m. Meanwhile, the fast electric train left the station as scheduled.

Javanese New Year rituals start Thursday

Javanese New Year rituals start Thursday Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As the Islamic New Year, also known as the Javanese New Year, is coming tomorrow, many Javanese people start performing their tradition to celebrate the holiday with certain rituals that might surprise "modern" people. Not only do they fast and pray. Washing weapons, especially the heirlooms, is a must.

Ba'ath leader visits Hamzah

Ba'ath leader visits Hamzah JAKARTA: The chairman of the Ba'ath Iraqi socialist party paid a courtesy call on Vice President Hamzah Haz on Wednesday to disclose the sufferings of Iraqis in the war on terrorism, which is targeting the country and its surroundings. During his visit to Indonesia, Comrade Latief Nsaif Jasim will also meet with leaders of political parties in the country to convey the same message.

BI chief convicted

BI chief convicted Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After 14 months of prolonged trials, Governor of Bank Indonesia Sjahril Sabirin was finally sentenced to three years in jail on Wednesday for his involvement in the disbursement of Rp 904 billion (US$90.4 million) of Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) funds to privately run Bank Bali in 1999. Central Jakarta District Court also fined the defendant Rp 15 million or a further three months in jail.

SBI rate stays at 16.83%

SBI rate stays at 16.83% JAKARTA: The weighted average interest rate on one-month Bank Indonesia SBI promissory notes was unchanged at 16.83 percent during the weekly auction on Wednesday, Bank Indonesia said. The central bank said that it had accepted Rp 19.75 trillion (US$1.98 billion) in bids at the auction, or 86.54 percent of the total bids received.

'Time' magazine apologises to Malaysian government

'Time' magazine apologises to Malaysian government Agencies, Kuala Lumpur Time magazine apologized to Malaysia for an issue picturing the nation's flag and Osama bin Laden on the front cover and a tourism promotion for the country on the back, officials said on Wednesday. But a Time spokeswoman said the magazine had only apologized for running the tourism advertisement in the Feb. 11 issue and not for the cover story.

Protest rallies should not disrupt BCA services

Protest rallies should not disrupt BCA services Protest rallies involving thousands of employees of the country's largest retail bank, Bank Central Asia (BCA), took place in Jakarta on Monday and Tuesday, March 11 and March 12. They took to the streets, unfurling banners and posters essentially rejecting the sale of the government's stake in BCA to a foreign party.

Lamak, a collaborative work by two artists

Lamak, a collaborative work by two artists Pariama Hutasoit, Contributor, Ubud, Bali This is the first time for sculptor Pintor Sirait to collaborate with famous tropical garden designer Made Wijaya, aka Michael White. The result is astonishing interior and exterior designs of Lamak restaurant in Ubud, some 20 kilometers north of Denpasar. The main concept of the restaurant's architectural style is a blend of simple, traditional and elaborate contemporary Balinese housing styles.

1. Maj. Gen. Adam Damiri, former commander of Udayana Military

1. Maj. Gen. Adam Damiri, former commander of Udayana Military command which oversees East Timor 2. Brig. Gen. F.X. Tono Suratman, former East Timor military commander 3. Col. M. Noer Muis, former East Timor military commander 4. Brig. Gen. Timbul Silaen, former East Timor police chief 5. Lt. Col. Hulman Gultom, former Dili police chief 6. Lt Col. Soejarwo, former Dili military commander 7. Lt. Col. Asep Kuswandi, former Liquica military commander 8. Leonito Martins, former Liquica regent 9. Lt.

Spotlight

Spotlight Photo: HSBC COURTESY CALL: The chief executive of the London-based HSBC Group, Keith Whitson (center), and the chief executive of the bank's Indonesian office, Brian Fredrick, pay a courtesy call on President Megawati Sukarnoputri. Whitson briefed the President about the bank's operations in the country during the visit, which took place recently.

Dili commission clarifies

Dili commission clarifies I am writing in response to an article that was printed in The Jakarta Post on Feb. 27, regarding the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation in East Timor (Xanana, East Timor leaders face human rights questioning). I would like to express my serious concerns over the inaccuracy of some of the information contained in the article.

Govt to declare winning bidder of BCA stake in days

Govt to declare winning bidder of BCA stake in days Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has already picked the winning bidder for a controlling stake in Bank Central Asia (BCA), the country's largest retail bank, and will announce it within a couple of days, according to State Minister of State Enterprises Laksamana Sukardi.

Serious efforts needed to improve human capital in Indonesia

Serious efforts needed to improve human capital in Indonesia Siwage Dharma Negara, Economic Researcher, Institute of Indonesian Sciences (LIPI), Jakarta The recent calamity following the worst flood disaster in modern history here has raised concerns on the current and future quality of human capital in this country. Widespread malnutrition, disease and school dropouts are very distressing. Those problems may adversely affect the condition of our human resources.

Sutiyoso's supporters chase away flood victims

Sutiyoso's supporters chase away flood victims Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Wielding sticks and swords, hundreds of supporters of City Governor Sutiyoso threatened and chased away dozens of flood victims who staged a protest in front of City Hall on Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday.

RI opens historic: East Timor tribunal

RI opens historic: East Timor tribunal The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Two and a half years after violence swept East Timor, Indonesia will convene on Thursday its first ever human rights trial as it attempts to bring those allegedly responsible to justice. Barring unforeseen delays, the ad hoc tribunal will begin to hear the case against former East Timor police chief Maj. Gen. Timbul Silaen and former governor Abilio Soares who are both charged with omission.

Hardi's tiger paintings roar with color

Hardi's tiger paintings roar with color Yusuf Susilo Hartono, Contributor, Jakarta A white tiger with yellow and blue spots stalks on full alert. Its eyes stare straight ahead, as if not wanting to let go of its prey. It walks through a million fireflies in the green foliage of the forest. Right on the back of the tiger, there is a circle resembling a red moon.

Kahlon leads locals in Indian Open

Kahlon leads locals in Indian Open India's Harmeet Kahlon is confident a local player can win the Asian PGA Tour's Indian Open which starts at Delhi Golf Club on Thursday. Kahlon, who won last month's Indian Masters at Gurgaon, is the top Indian professional at this week's event in the absence of European Tour regulars Jeev Milkha Singh and Arjun Atwal, and multiple Asian Tour winner Jyoti Randhawa. "There is every chance an Indian could win this tournament," Kahlon said on Wednesday.

2. Duit (2 x 20

2. Duit (2 x 20 Asian currencies down late on yen 3. Cell 1 X 30 Cell phone operators raise rates 4. Pulp 2 x 20 Consortium to build US$1.2b pulp factory

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Exhibition * Painting Opposite Attraction by Charles Cham, Ganesha Gallery, Four Seasons Resort, Jimbaran Bay, Nusa Dua, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., (Tel.

Tax offices claim property tax hike a result of calculating errors

Tax offices claim property tax hike a result of calculating errors Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Rocketing property tax in Jakarta, which has recently upset many taxpayers, has been called a "miscalculation or wrong data given by tax officials" at the mayoralty tax offices. Director of property tax at the Ministry of Finance, Suharno, told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday that the Directorate General of Tax had only imposed an increase of 5 percent of property tax since Jan. 1.

Smuggling attempt failed at airport

Smuggling attempt failed at airport TANGERANG: The Custom and Excise officers arrested four suspects and foiled the smuggling attempt of 4.5 kilograms of shabu-shabu (crystal methamphetamine) from China in PT DHL Cargo warehouse at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Wednesday. The four suspects were identified as Rejo Juan Linggam alias Herman, his girlfriend Jennifer Chang Vui Li, Aripin and his wife Ngatirah binti Minto. They are now detained at the National Police headquarters on Jl.

1. LAMAK: 2 lines, 20 counts

1. LAMAK: 2 lines, 20 counts Lamak, a collaborative work by two artists 2. GLOBAL: 1 LINE, 24 counts Bedugul's executive center promises world class training

Akbar pressured to surrender his DPR post on moral grounds

Akbar pressured to surrender his DPR post on moral grounds The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Due to the absence of specific legal grounds to force detained House of Representatives (DPR) Speaker Akbar Tandjung to relinquish his top legislative post, several lawmakers on Wednesday called for Akbar to declare himself non-active on moral grounds. The legislators said Akbar's willingness to declare himself non-active as regards his duties in the House would help the legislature improve its battered image.

Medco sells US$100m seven-year bond

Medco sells US$100m seven-year bond Jill Wong, Reuters, Hong Kong Indonesia's oil and gas company PT Medco Energi Internasional sold US$100 million of seven-year bonds, only the second dollar bond issue from the country since the regional financial crisis of 1997/98. The bonds, carrying a coupon of 10 percent, were priced at 98.093 late on Tuesday to give a yield of 10.5 percent and a spread of 585 bps over five-year U.S. Treasuries.

Leptospirosis death toll up to 13, denied by agency

Leptospirosis death toll up to 13, denied by agency The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Three more people succumbed to the fatal post-flood disease leptospirosis, bringing the death toll to 13, even though the City Health Agency claimed that the figure was lower. Staff at the city-run Tarakan Hospital on Jl. Kyai Caringin, Central Jakarta, said that the three people died since Monday. "One of them died just last night," one staff member, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said on Wednesday.

Bedugul's executive center promises world class training

Bedugul's executive center promises world class training Rita A.Widiadana, The Jakarta Post, Tabanan, Bali Bedugul, a holiday resort area some 50 kilometers north of Denpasar in the mountains, is now offering more than just its gorgeous panoramic views and its cool weather. The area is now the center of activities that can hone ones intellectual agility. Located between Tabanan and Buleleng regencies, Bedugul has been regarded by the local administration as one of Bali's top tourist sites.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in Rupiah) on March 13, 2002 Shares Close Change Trading Volume ---------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,125 0 67,500 Adindo Foresta 65 0 3,000 AGIS 125 0 707,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 230 0 32,000 Alakasa 175 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 750 0 166,500 Alter Abadi 45 0 0 Alumindo Light 625 25 2,000 Andhi Chandra 320 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 500 0 0 Aneka Tambang 1,075 25 2,062,500 Anta Express Tour 430 5 3,368,000 Apac...

Legislators' salaries

Legislators' salaries From Kompas To avoid any criticism that members of the House of Representatives receive salaries for doing nothing, allow me to suggest that the system of remuneration be changed as follows: 1. The monthly take-home pay of a House member will be made up of their monthly remuneration (fixed), the fee for attending a meeting, the transportation fee for attending a meeting and a health allowance (with a ceiling). 2.

Bambang testifies before City Police

Bambang testifies before City Police JAKARTA: Bambang Trihatmodjo, son of former president Soeharto, gave three hours of testimony at the City Police Headquarters on Jl. Jend. Sudirman, South Jakarta, on Wednesday, accompanied by his lawyer, Juan Felix Tampubolon. Bambang declined to speak to reporters about his testimony on the corruption case involving the Ministry of Cooperation's cooperative, along with two main suspects, Bustanil Arifin and Subijakto Tjakrawardaja.

Consortium to build US$1.2b pulp factory

Consortium to build US$1.2b pulp factory Antara, Jakarta A private consortium owned by eight countries will soon build a US$1.2 billion pulp factory in Batu Licin subdistrict in Indonesia's South Kalimantan province, Governor Sjachriel Darham announced on Wednesday. "The pulp factory, with an annual production capacity of 600,000 tons, will be built in the next two to three months," Sjachriel said after his meeting with Vice President Hamzah Haz at the Hamzah's office here.

'Time' magazine apologizes to Malaysia

'Time' magazine apologizes to Malaysia MALAYSIA: Time magazine apologized to Malaysia for an issue picturing the nation's flag and Osama bin Laden on the front cover and a tourism promotion for the country on the back, officials said on Wednesday. But a Time spokeswoman said the magazine had only apologized for running the tourism advertisement in the Feb. 11 issue and not for the cover story.

EU seeks to spur Myanmar talks after coup plot

EU seeks to spur Myanmar talks after coup plot Agencies, Yangon Just days after Myanmar's junta said it foiled a coup plot, European officials begin a short visit on Wednesday in a bid to encourage democratic reforms and end the impoverished nation's long isolation.

Support grows for naming E. Sumatra

Support grows for naming E. Sumatra Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan Demands are growing for the establishment of an East Sumatra province that would cover at least 11 regencies in North Sumatra, including Medan, Karo, Langkat and Simalungun. Around 750 people from Karo, Simalungun and Langkat demonstrated on Wednesday at the North Sumatra provincial legislative council on Jl. Imam Bonjol in Medan to support the demand.

Thai policemen slain in ambushes

Thai policemen slain in ambushes THAILAND: Gunmen shot dead five policemen in a fresh outbreak of violence in southern Thailand, but authorities on Wednesday were quick to distance themselves from speculation separatists were to blame. Regional Police Commander Tawatchai Julsukon said police did not know who was behind the Tuesday night shootings in Muslim- dominated Yala and Pattani provinces bordering Malaysia.

S'pore banks to rotate audit firms under new rules

S'pore banks to rotate audit firms under new rules Agencies, Singapore All banks incorporated in Singapore will be required to change their audit firms every five years under new rules announced Wednesday aimed at reducing the risk of auditors compromising their objectivity. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) said the requirement was part of an ongoing effort to "enhance the independence and effectiveness" of external auditors.

Kompas/Johnny Tg

Kompas/Johnny Tg TIMBUL SILAEN JP/Arief Suhardiman ADAM DAMIRI Kompas/Danu Kusworo NOER MUIS JP/Mulkan Salmona ABILIO SOARES JP/Lela E. Madjiah TONO SURATMAN

RI awards medal to Geertz

RI awards medal to Geertz JAKARTA: Anthropologist Clifford Geertz from Princeton University was awarded with an honorary medal from the Indonesian government for the research he has done in Indonesia since 1952. The medal was presented by Indonesian Ambassador to the United Nations Makmur Widodo at Princeton's Institute of Advanced Studies in New Jersey on Tuesday.

Thick haze blamed for boat collision off Belawan

Thick haze blamed for boat collision off Belawan Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan The haze from forest fires, which is blanketing several parts of North Sumatra, has claimed a victim in the province's seaport of Belawan. A cargo boat carrying containers from Singapore lost its way in Medan and ran aground on the Belawan coast after hitting a dredger, the Flores, amid the thick haze covering the city. No casualties were reported after the accident took place on Tuesday evening.

Post opens for complaints about police

Post opens for complaints about police YOGYAKARTA: Yogyakarta's Legal Aid Institute (LBH) opened on Wednesday a post to accommodate complaints from local motorcyclists over alleged mistreatment by police following the introduction of the "standard helmet". The LBH is concerned about the overly strict interpretation of the forthcoming regulation on the use of helmets by the city police. Though the regulation will take effect in June, the police have started to inform city motorcyclists about it.

Human rights activists targeted in terror attacks

Human rights activists targeted in terror attacks Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Human rights activists were cautioned on Wednesday of what they called an escalation of terror against them after dozens of people attacked the office building of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) on Jl. Mendut in Central Jakarta.

Timah's president to be replaced: Govt

Timah's president to be replaced: Govt JAKARTA: The government plans to replace the president of publicly listed tin mining company PT Timah Erry Riyana Hardjapamekas to help improve the ailing company's performance, State Minister of State Enterprises Laksamana Sukardi said on Wednesday.

UN, Vietnam fail to revive repatriation

UN, Vietnam fail to revive repatriation VIETNAM: The UN refugee agency said on Wednesday it had been unable to get assurances from Vietnam that would allow it to resume efforts to repatriate more than 1,000 ethnic minority asylum seekers from Cambodia.

FBI chief to arrive for terror talks

FBI chief to arrive for terror talks Director of the United States' Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Robert S. Mueller is scheduled to visit Bali this week for two days of talks with senior government officials on the war against terror, the U.S. Embassy said in a statement released on Wednesday. Mueller is due to arrive on Friday and will hold talks with Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and National Police chief Gen.

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.

Banjarmasin inmate commits suicide

Banjarmasin inmate commits suicide BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: Turadi, a 20-year-old inmate serving an 18-month jail term, committed suicide by hanging himself in his cell at Palaihari Penitentiary in Tanah Laut regency, 65 kilometers from Banjarmasin. Chief prison warden Sudarto confirmed the death of Turadi, who was convicted of violent theft in Banjarmasin. He said the dead prisoner would have served out his jail sentence next month.

1 x 40 48 pt

1 x 40 48 pt Kofi Annan's plea to Palestinians, Israelis 2. Dharma -- Serious efforts needed to improve human capital in Indonesia 1 x 60 48 pt Serious effort needed to improve human capital in Indonesia Siwage Dharma Negara Economic Researcher Institute of Indonesian Sciences (LIPI) Jakarta

Public accountability expected of business

Public accountability expected of business B. Herry Priyono, Researcher, Alumnus, London School of Economics, Jakarta The ambiguous character of business has put us in an awkward position to demand its social accountability.

Revisiting Baligate

Revisiting Baligate The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Before Buloggates I and II made their way into the headlines, there was Baligate. The political scandal erupting at Bank Bali was the first and by far the most devastating one to have shocked Indonesia's political landscape. Baligate occupied local news reports for over a year and along the way helped drowned B.J. Habibie's presidency.

Cellphone operators increase rates

Cellphone operators increase rates The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Several cellular phone operators in the country have increased their charges following the increase in the fixed telephone rate, even though the government has yet to issue a decree permitting them to carry out such a move.

Time magazine apologises to Malaysia

Time magazine apologises to Malaysia Agencies Kuala Lumpur Time magazine apologized to Malaysia for an issue picturing the nation's flag and Osama bin Laden on the front cover and a tourism promotion for the country on the back, officials said on Wednesday. But a Time spokeswoman said the magazine had only apologized for running the tourism advertisement in the Feb. 11 issue and not for the cover story.

Rights trial begins amid strong public skepticism

Rights trial begins amid strong public skepticism The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The country's long-delayed human rights trial commences on Thursday amid public skepticism that justice will be done to those responsible for gross human rights violations in East Timor in 1999. One police general and a senior official are to stand trial on Thursday for their role in a massacre at a church in Suai where at least 26 people were killed, including three Catholic priests, in September 1999.

No paper

No paper In observance of the Islamic New Year,The Jakarta Post will not be published on Friday March 15, but our website will run as normal. The Post will appear again on Saturday. -- Publisher

KL denies responsibility for RI haze

KL denies responsibility for RI haze MALAYSIA: KL on Wednesday denied responsibility for air pollution in Indonesia, and in turn accused its neighbor of contributing to "unhealthy" air quality in Malaysia. Indonesia's meteorology department said on Wednesday that fires from Malaysia had contributed to the haze covering several parts of Indonesia's North Sumatra province. A department official reportedly said winds in the past week had been blowing from the Malay peninsula toward North Sumatra.

Lenders critical of Hamzah plan, says economist

Lenders critical of Hamzah plan, says economist Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Foreign lenders have questioned Vice President Hamzah Haz's plan to announce an economic recovery program, fearing it could push aside reforms agreed on with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), an economist said. Hamzah told daily Tempo in an interview on Tuesday that his blueprint for economic recovery contained parts that contradicted those under the IMF's reform program.

asap

asap 4 X 10 Thick haze blamed for boat collision off Belawan malay 2 x 25 ASEAN leaders advised to back campaigns for Malay Scandal 1 x 30 Rivalry divulges bribery scandals karo 1 x 30 Support grows for naming East Sumatra

No restructuring facility for SME debts linked to huge groups

No restructuring facility for SME debts linked to huge groups Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government will not provide a restructuring facility for small-scale debts owed by companies that are linked to large business groups, according to the draft of a presidential decree on the restructuring of debts owed by small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

RI youths set to challenge chess queen Kosteniuk

RI youths set to challenge chess queen Kosteniuk Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After a year's absence, an international chess match is scheduled to be held in Indonesia next week with three junior stars taking on Women's Grand Master (WGM) Alexandra Kosteniuk of Russia, the runner-up at the recent World Championship.

Historical Somba Opu Fort, a story of sheer neglect

Historical Somba Opu Fort, a story of sheer neglect Hasanuddin Hamid, Contributor, Makassar, South Sulawesi Originally, the excavation of the Somba Opu fort, which began in 1986 and was completed in 1990, was intended to make this a historical legacy from the 16th century at Gowa Kingdom South Sulawesi in Miniature park. However, after the excavation was completed, the provincial administration of South Sulawesi used this fort as the venue for the region's cultural week only three times.

Rivalry divulges bribery scandals

Rivalry divulges bribery scandals Asip A. Hasani, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Herman Abdurrahman, chairman of the United Development Party (PPP) faction in the Yogyakarta provincial legislative council, is probably the most unlucky local legislator implicated in a corruption scandal. He was the only legislator named a suspect in an alleged bribery scandal surrounding the Rp 42.5 billion development project of the Jogja Expo Center (JEC), though the case has implicated many of his colleagues.

Government warns media over pornography

Government warns media over pornography Yogita Tahilramani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government pledged on Wednesday that it would take stiff measures against the broadcast or publication of sexually suggestive images, although immediate moves would be restricted to issuing a warning. "Law enforcers will take strict action (against media publishing or airing sexually suggestive material). The government is therefore issuing a warning in advance.

Conflicting bills may be discussed together

Conflicting bills may be discussed together Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Several members of the House of Representatives (DPR) proposed on Wednesday a simultaneous deliberation of two new bills on freedom of information and state secrecy in order to avoid conflicting provisions as between the two bills. House members underlined the importance of prioritizing the deliberation on public access to information.

Rustamadji exhibition in Ancol

Rustamadji exhibition in Ancol JAKARTA: The art of the late, great artist Rustamadji will be displayed at the Rustamadji Dalam Kenangan (Rustamadji in Memory) exhibition at the Galeri Pasar Seni (arts market) at Ancol Dreamland from March 14 to April 7. "The exhibition is a collaboration between PT Pembangungan Jaya Ancol, developer of the amusement center, and the Rustamadji Foundation.

Exorbitant parking fees

Exorbitant parking fees From Warta Kota A few days ago, this newspaper carried a news story about the high parking fees at the Metropolitan Mall and Hero Supermarket in Bekasi. Interestingly, the parking management in these two places raised the fee by Rp 500 per hour shortly after this news story was run, therefore making Bekasi the second most expensive place to park with only Soekarno-Hatta International Airport being more expensive.