Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 2 March 2002

77 articles found

JP/12/BEJ

JP/12/BEJ .pl .rm Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in Rupiah) on March.

Asia's top aerospace show nets almost $3.2 billion in deals

Asia's top aerospace show nets almost $3.2 billion in deals Agence France-Presse, Singapore Nearly US$3.2 billion in deals were announced during this week's Asian Aerospace 2002 exhibition, pointing to a recovery in the battered aviation industry, organisers here said Friday. The figure topped the $3 billion spent during the last aerospace event in 2000 and defied projections the economic downturn and the September terrorist attacks could depress interest. Deals totalled $1.3 billion in 1998.

4 x 8

4 x 8 Starving refugees denied food aid preman 1 x 28 Hoodlums fight for control in Yogya bea 2 x 16 Pressure mounts to solve smuggling of containers

Asian oil firms to resist giants

Asian oil firms to resist giants Lawrence Yong, Reuters, Singapore National oil companies in Southeast Asia are turning to each other for support to protect themselves from the financial clout of global super-majors competing in their increasingly liberalized domestic markets. State firms are collaborating on everything from oil exploration to power and downstream petrochemical projects. But regional industry experts said alliances will only go so far.

* Headlines: Illegal immigrants unsure of their destiny 2

* Headlines: Illegal immigrants unsure of their destiny 2 * Opinion: Problems of debt standstill and capital controls 4 * City: Megawati supports divisive policy 6 * Archipelago: Starving refugees denied food aid 7 * National: East Timor legislators asked to quit 8 * World: Israel turns up deadly heat on West Bank camp 9 * Business: Pertamina to suffer heavy losses from gas blowout 12 * Features: 'Collateral Damage' a real 'bomb' 15 * Sports: Valencia to meet Inter Milan 20

Threats to the BCA sale

Threats to the BCA sale Bank Central Asia (BCA), Indonesia's largest retail bank, is certainly the most controversial of the US$ 65 billion-worth of assets that were taken over by the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) amid the country's worst-ever banking crisis in 1997-1999. BCA's initial public offering of 22.50 percent of its shares was postponed several times before it was finally launched in May, 2000. Its secondary issue last July left behind allegations of price manipulation.

The Bank Indonesia Liquidity Support Trials

The Bank Indonesia Liquidity Support Trials ========================================================================= Defendants Charge Legal Status ========================================================================== 1. Hendrawan Harjono Corruption of Rp 583.4 billion Acquitted of (Bank Aspac) corruption charges(*) convicted of violating banking law, sentenced to one year in prison and fined Rp 500 million 2. Setiawan Harjono as above currently on trial (Bank Aspac) 3.

Gang brawl injures 10

Gang brawl injures 10 JAKARTA: Tension lingers in Cakung district, East Jakarta after two gangs were involved in a brawl. The brawl was triggered when a young Madurese man tried to seduce a Betawi woman on Thursday. Soon, young men from both ethnic groups began to fight, leaving 10 injured. Ujung Menteng subdistrict chief Marsono tried to calm the situation down, but to no avail. Marsono was scheduled to discuss the problem with religious and community leaders in the subdistrict.

Where's my TV?

Where's my TV? On March 26, 1998 I purchased an RCA big screen television (Model RP 46 IJ) from Bali Makmur Elektronics in Denpasar, Bali. I was impressed with the picture quality, the manual was in English and printed in the USA and as an extra bonus it offered a two-year guarantee. I thought this was proof that RCA trusted the quality of its appliances so much that it was confident to offer double the warranty offered by other brands. The price was just under US$2,000.

Surrender of weapons begins in Ambon

Surrender of weapons begins in Ambon Novi Pinontoan, The Jakarta Post, Ambon Muslims and Christians have begun surrendering their weapons in the country's eastern city of Ambon, where thousands of people from both factions poured into the streets for the third consecutive day on Friday in gleeful celebration of a peace deal. Christians voluntarily handed over at least 19 homemade firearms, 25 bullets, a homemade bomb, six machetes, and three spears to local security personnel on Friday.

Fighting fat can be dangerous

Fighting fat can be dangerous Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Some people will do anything to become thin. Unfortunately, some companies may resort to questionable products which can be harmful to your health. Consumers, mostly women, are attracted to the incessant bombardment of advertisements claiming to offer products that can produce the perfect body.

Legacy of debts

Legacy of debts From Kompas We all stand against the policies drafted by the New Order regime. Unfortunately, most university students and some others have missed the point of the New Order's products, for example, subsidies that have deceived us all. We know that subsidies given to the people form a large part of foreign debts as these funds were not grants, as the New Order ruler once said. Today's government has been burdened with debts, the New Order's legacy, which have to be paid.

Activists pay tribute to Princen

Activists pay tribute to Princen JAKARTA: Human rights activists paid tribute to one of their modern day heroes, the late Johanes Cornelis Princen, for his lifetime's work, by naming the library of the Indonesian Legal Aid Institution Foundation (YLBHI) after him on Friday. The library was built in 1969 by Princen, a former Dutch soldier who deserted and changed his nationality to Indonesian.

STILL IN FLOOD: An overloaded wooden canoe carries passengers

STILL IN FLOOD: An overloaded wooden canoe carries passengers across the Bengawan Solo river in the Pasar Besar area of Bojonegoro regency, East Java. The river was still in flood on Friday after continuing rain in the area. Some parts of the regency also remained under floodwater.

Problems of debt standstill and capital controls

Problems of debt standstill and capital controls D.A. Simarmata, School of Economics, University of Indonesia, Jakarta Something surprising came out of the IMF headquarters in Washington last November. The new number two at the International Monetary Fund, Ann Krueger, proposed a temporary suspension of debt payments for indebted countries, accompanied by momentary capital controls. It was startling, because such an idea had until then been unthinkable.

Asian currencies up under protection of resilient yen

Asian currencies up under protection of resilient yen Dow Jones, Singapore Asian currencies continued to strengthen against the dollar Friday under the protection of a resilient yen. A number of local factors also supported the regional currencies, all of which either finished the week either stronger or even with the dollar. The Indonesian rupiah was the standout performer, closing the week with its strongest showing against the dollar in more than two months.

Pressure mounts to solve smuggling of 14 containers

Pressure mounts to solve smuggling of 14 containers Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon Prosecutors, police, and customs and excise officials in the West Java city of Cirebon are under fire for what is seen as their lax investigation into a smuggling case involving 14 containers filled with at least four luxury cars and hundreds of electronic goods.

Rights trial to start on March 14

Rights trial to start on March 14 JAKARTA: The first hearing of an ad hoc human rights trial will commence on March 14, despite the absence of regulations on witness protection, rehabilitation, and compensation for the victims of human rights abuses, a judge said on Friday. The trial was previously feared to be facing a delay, pending the issuance of the regulations.

Asia-Europe connections, in a nut(meg) shell

Asia-Europe connections, in a nut(meg) shell Joseph Yap, Asia Europe Foundation, Singapore At the end of the 16th Century, nutmeg from Indonesia was worth over 60,000 times more in Europe than the value at its source. Some claimed that it was a cure-all for anything from coughs and fevers, to flatulence and even impotence. Battles were fought and lives were lost -- all over a simple spice which today does little more than make your coffee smell good.

Floods push inflation higher, BPS reveals

Floods push inflation higher, BPS reveals The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Inflation in February increased 1.5 percent from the previous month due to a combination of severe flood problems and the continuing effect of fuel price increases in January, the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) reported on Friday. BPS said that, compared to the same month last year, inflation was 15.13 percent.

Boediono unsure of Paris Club full support

Boediono unsure of Paris Club full support Berni K. Moestafa and Anastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister of Finance Boediono appeared unsure as to whether Indonesia had secured the full support of its creditors for the upcoming Paris Club meeting, raising doubts over the crucial rescheduling of foreign debt payment. Boediono said on Friday there had been early signs of support for the rescheduling of parts of Indonesia's foreign debt payment.

Exploring readiness for the Ad Hoc human rights court

Exploring readiness for the Ad Hoc human rights court Agung Yudhawiranata Institute for Policy Research and Advocacy (ELSAM) Jakarta The ad hoc human rights court is now official. Presidential decree no. 96/2001 mandates the establishment of the court to try charges of human rights violations in the Tanjung Priok shootings and post-referendum East Timor cases. The establishment of the ad hoc court reinforces the implementation of Act No. 26/2000 (the initial basis for the court's creation).

Are uniforms

Are uniforms such a necessity? I have lived in Indonesia for three years now, but it was not long after I arrived that the importance of a uniform here was obvious. Everywhere I go in Jakarta, uniforms are proudly worn by various groups of people. Whilst working as a volunteer both with a school sponsorship program in South Jakarta and overseeing a feeding program at a school in North Jakarta, I realized that this emphasis begins at an early age.

Is the ASEAN

Is the ASEAN spirit dead? The lofty ideals of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), founded more than thirty years ago with such high hopes and big fanfare, and which has now grown from five nations to the 10 it is today, may be perceived by the peoples of ASEAN as seemingly dead in spirit. They fail to understand why Indonesian workers are unwelcome in Malaysia.

Malaysia begins deporting illegal RI immigrants

Malaysia begins deporting illegal RI immigrants Agencies, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia has begun deporting Indonesians seized in the roundup of thousands of people under a crackdown targeting illegal immigrants and any armed militants hiding among them, a senior government official said on Friday.

Governor's policy

Governor's policy From Warta Kota As a citizen of Jakarta, I am very much concerned about and disappointed at the statements and comments of Jakarta governor Sutiyoso and his policies as reflected in his attitude in anticipating floods in Jakarta and in overcoming problems created by the floods.

E. Timor legislators asked to quit

E. Timor legislators asked to quit Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Four legislators representing East Timor have been asked to quit the House of Representatives (DPR) as the fledgling country is no longer part of Indonesia. Endin A.J. Soefihara, secretary of the United Development Party (PPP) faction, urged the legislators to withdraw from the House, while A.M. Luthfi of the Reform faction called for a review of their membership in the House.

'Imlek' celebrated in Peranakan Chinese Way

'Imlek' celebrated in Peranakan Chinese Way Ida Indawati Khouw Contributor The Jakarta Post It was a silent midnight. The orchestral chirps of crickets, cicadas and frogs were suddenly broken by the deafening sounds of a drum, cymbals and a small gong from a tiny Tjo Su Bio temple located close to a Chinese graveyard. Welcome to Kampung Sewan Kebon, a Chinese village in Tangerang, just west of Jakarta, where the community still tightly embraces its ancestral way of life.

Dossiers on July 27 case complete

Dossiers on July 27 case complete Yogita Tahilramani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta National Police investigating the July 27, 1996 attack on the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) Headquarters in Jakarta, are expected to hand completed files to state prosecutors next week. National Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Saleh Saaf said on Friday that police officials and state prosecutors were still arguing over the completeness of the dossiers.

Gas eruption hits Mahakam field

Gas eruption hits Mahakam field The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A gas blowout hit the Meara well in the Tunu field in the Mahakam delta of East Kalimantan on Friday afternoon, forcing TotalFinaElf E&P Indonesia, a subsidiary of French oil and gas giant TotalFinaElf, to evacuate all its workers. "No one was injured during the incident and all personnel on the Maera drilling barge were immediately evacuated to safety," A.

Mahathir says Abdullah his successor

Mahathir says Abdullah his successor MALAYSIA: Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has affirmed his deputy Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as his successor and praised Abdullah for a "good job" in running the country while he was away. "He has done very well. He conducted cabinet meetings, those of UMNO (United Malays National Organization) and everything else... never consulted me, did not bother me...

No need to detain Akbar, AGO confirms

No need to detain Akbar, AGO confirms Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak and Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta House of Representatives speaker Akbar Tandjung, a suspect in a case of misappropriation of State Logistics Agency (Bulog) funds, was able to breathe a sigh of relief when he arrived home on Friday as the Attorney General's Office saw no need to detain him.

1. James--

1. James-- 2 x 22 48 pt Singapore's press freedom haunted by monopoly James Gomez Bangkok 2. Calpers -- Putting a price on ethics 1 X 32 36pt Bodoni Putting a price on value of ethics Lim Shu Ling BBC, Asia Bureau Singapore

Gas eruption hits Mahakam field

Gas eruption hits Mahakam field The Jakarta Post Jakarta A gas blowout hit the Meara well in the Tunu field in the Mahakam delta of East Kalimantan on Friday afternoon, forcing TotalFinaElf E&P Indonesia, a subsidiary of French oil and gas giant TotalFinaElf, to evacuate all its workers. "No one was injured during the incident and all personnel on the Maera drilling barge were immediately evacuated to safety," A.

Forgery gangs serving migrant workers busted

Forgery gangs serving migrant workers busted Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Police investigators have announced the break-up of a crime syndicate that sold forged documents to migrant workers seeking to travel abroad. The fraud also implicated Jakarta city immigration officials. "We have managed to arrest members of three organized-crime syndicates which have been sending the migrant workers abroad with illegal documents," City Police's Detective Chief, Sr. Comr.

South Jakarta District Court considers reopening Soeharto case

South Jakarta District Court considers reopening Soeharto case A'an Suryana and Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The South Jakarta District Court is now studying the possibility of reopening a corruption case against former president Soeharto, and is expected to announce its decision next week, South Jakarta District Court Head Lalu Mariyun said.

Govt to raise teachers' allowance

Govt to raise teachers' allowance JAKARTA: The government has kept its word to improve the welfare of the country's teachers by announcing on Friday a plan to raise the state employees' monthly allowance by 50 percent in May. Minister of National Education Malik Fajar said after a meeting with President Megawati Soekarnoputri that the increase would be a special gift for teachers when they celebrate the National Education Day on May 2.

Hoodlums fight for control in Yogya

Hoodlums fight for control in Yogya Asip A. Hasani, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta While Yogyakarta is a popular tourist destination, it also houses the headquarters of several extremist organizations, such as Laskar Jihad and Majelis Mujahidin. Their presence could tarnish the city's efforts to promote tourism. If that was not enough, violence has frequently erupted between supporters of rival political parties in the city, who sometimes wear Ninja-style outfits when attacking.

Ad spending to grow by 20%, says expert

Ad spending to grow by 20%, says expert Debbie A. Lubis, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The advertising industry will continue to grow robustly this year despite the country's economic hardships with spending on advertising projected to grow by around 20 percent, according to an expert. Technical advisor of advertising firm LOWE, Eleanor Modesto, said on Friday that strong domestic consumption would continue to drive ad spending, particularly in consumer goods.

Karawang farmers refuse to repay loans

Karawang farmers refuse to repay loans TASIKMALAYA, West Java: Farmers in Karawang, West Jawa, have refused to repay their loans to the local cooperative office, citing a speech last year by then-president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid who said that they did not have to repay their borrowings. Karawang's cooperatives office head Asep Ahmad Jaelani said on Thursday that they have had a hard time getting the loans back, as the farmers said that Gus Dur promised to write off the loans.

Police reluctant to arrest Ba'asyir

Police reluctant to arrest Ba'asyir Tiarma Siboro The Jakarta Post Jakarta Despite suspected Indonesian terrorists detained in Malaysia saying that Indonesian Mujahidin Council (MMI) Chief Abu Bakar Ba'asyir once led an organization believed to have links to international terrorist networks, police here are likely to maintain their soft stance on the Muslim cleric. "We had once questioned Ba'asyir over the issues.

IBOX

IBOX Some New Directors at Foreign Ministry Dir. Gen. Asia Pacific and Africa - Primo Alui Joelianto Dir. East Asia and the Pacific. Dir. Gen. Europe and the Americas - Sunten Z. Manurung Dir. West Europe - Retno L. Priansari Dir. Intra Regional Coop. Dir. Gen. for ASEAN Cooperation - Gary R. Makmun Jusuf Dir. Political Security ASEAN - F.X. Bambang Guritno Dir. Economic Coop. ASEAN - Immanuel Robert Inkiriwang Dir. Functional Coop. ASEAN - Sugeng Rahardjo Dir. Dialog Partners Dir. Gen.

Lunar New Year celebrated in Peranakan Chinese Way

Lunar New Year celebrated in Peranakan Chinese Way Ida Indawati Khouw, Contributor, The Jakarta Post It was a silent midnight. The orchestral chirps of crickets, cicadas and frogs were suddenly broken by the deafening sounds of a drum, cymbals and a small gong from a tiny Tjo Su Bio temple located close to a Chinese graveyard. Welcome to Kampung Sewan Kebon, a Chinese village in Tangerang, just west of Jakarta, where the community still tightly embraces its ancestral way of life.

Illegal immigrants still unsure of their destiny

Illegal immigrants still unsure of their destiny Ahmad Junaidi and Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Bogor Many of the 1,200 illegal immigrants stranded in the country still face a dark fate with no certainty about their status and when they will be able to leave for their dream country. The International Organization for Migration (IOM), however, promised on Friday that they would help the migrants to return home or find a third country for them.

Kapuk Muara still deluged

Kapuk Muara still deluged JAKARTA: Hundreds of people in Kapuk Muara subdistrict in North Jakarta are still affected by the floods, which first hit the area more than a month ago. Kapuk Muara, located next to the exclusive Pantai Indah Kapuk housing complex, was among the worst hit areas. Several sections of roads were still under water on Friday. Some sections are only passable using four-wheel-drive vehicles and trucks.

Taking governor to task

Taking governor to task From Bisnis Indonesia The following ideas were conveyed by Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso in comments he made on separate occasions: 1. Violating city bylaws by building a villa without a building permit was just "for fun" (Kompas of Feb. 20, 2002). If a leader can do something for fun, will the people also be allowed to have fun? 2. "It is hard to organize aid for flood victims, so it is also difficult to gather together rubber dinghies".

Corruption kills

Corruption kills Corruption reared its ugly head in Indonesia once again this week. And sadly, the reaction, both from the public and government, was one of indifference, even if it caused deaths. The Indonesian Health Consumer Empowerment Foundation said in a report that up to half of all subsidized medicines, including donations from foreign governments intended for the poor, had found their way onto the black market, earning hefty profits, needless to say.

Malaysian govt raises stake in Proton

Malaysian govt raises stake in Proton Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur The Malaysian government has emerged as the controlling shareholder in national carmaker Proton after acquiring a 15.6 percent stake in a move seen as a precursor to consolidation in the automotive industry. In a statement late Thursday, national oil company Petronas announced a share swap which would lift the stake of the government's investment arm Khazanah Nasional Bhd. in Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Bhd.

Rupiah Rates March. 1

Rupiah Rates March. 1 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Dance company makes its way to the Netherlands

Dance company makes its way to the Netherlands Yusuf Susilo Hartono, Contributor, Jakarta When Deddy Luthan's Dance Company (DDC) left Jakarta for the Netherlands on Thursday, Feb. 28, to perform a contemporary Javanese dance piece titled Kunti Pinilih (Kunti, the Chosen One) at the prestigious Het Muziektheater in Amsterdam on March 5 and March 6, they left with an uneasy feeling.

Police to question Al Ghozi's father: East Java police will

Police to question Al Ghozi's father: East Java police will summon Zainuri, father of Fathur Rahman Al-Ghozi, an Indonesian national who is now being detained by the Philippines' authorities on charges of links to the al-Qaeda terrorists' networks. Zainuri, a member of the Madiun Regional Legislature (DPRD), is expected to come to the East Java Police office for questioning on March 11. East Java Police spokesman Adj. Sr. Comr.

S'pore produces evidence of terrorism

S'pore produces evidence of terrorism Associated Press, Singapore Shaky, grainy, color video clips of embassies, warships and a naval base were released by the Singapore government on Friday as evidence against suspected terrorists accused of plotting to blow up Western interests in the city-state. The four video excerpts show some of the 13 suspected terrorists "casing" potential terror targets, the government said in a statement.

2. Chris -- Does a flood of AIDS await as flood recedes?

2. Chris -- Does a flood of AIDS await as flood recedes? 1 x 32 36pt Bodoni Does flood of AIDS await Indonesia? Amid ignorance, watch out for AIDS Christopher Purdy Director, DKT Indonesia Jakarta 3. Korea -- Japan's economic lesson 1 x 32 36pt Bodoni South Korea: Japan's economic lesson The Korea Herald Asia News Network Seoul

Choreographer's work dances toward perfection

Choreographer's work dances toward perfection Tarko Sudiarno, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Choosing the kind of life one wants to live and the inner struggle of the human soul. That is the theme, based on an epic ancient Javanese shadow play with leather puppets, chosen for a dance performance to be staged by Yogyakarta's famed choreographer, Martinus Miroto, at the World Music Theater Festival in the Netherlands for two weeks from the end of March until early April this year.

`234' belongs to Gudang Garam

`234' belongs to Gudang Garam The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The family which owns the giant cigarette maker PT Gudang Garam is the sole Indonesian entry in this year's Forbes list of the world's richest billionaires; ironically, it is ranked 234th, a number for which its main competitor PT Sampoerna is known. Forbes monthly in its latest edition published in the U.S.

Megawati 'supports' divisive policy

Megawati 'supports' divisive policy The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri was quoted on Friday as giving support to the city administration's controversial policy of curbing the flow of migrants into the capital. "The President asked whether the city administration was going to continue to let migrants flood into the capital and whether it was not necessary to establish rules to curb the movement," Governor Sutiyoso told reporters after meeting with Megawati.

Govt won't demolish existing villas in Puncak

Govt won't demolish existing villas in Puncak Annastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government will not demolish villas in Puncak even though they have been blamed as being one of the causes of the disastrous floods in Greater Jakarta recently, a senior minister said on Friday. After a meeting with President Megawati Soekarnoputri, Minister of National Development and Planning Kwik Kian Gie told the press that such action was unnecessary.

Starving refugees denied food aid

Starving refugees denied food aid Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang Pleading financial difficulties, the provincial government in East Nusa Tenggara insisted on Friday it would not resume the supply of food assistance to some 128,000 East Timorese refugees currently facing starvation in camps across the province.

Police bust fake document scam targeting migrants

Police bust fake document scam targeting migrants Damar Harsanto The Jakarta Post Jakarta Police investigators have announced the break-up of a crime syndicate that sold forged documents to migrant workers seeking to travel abroad. The fraud, they added, also implicated Jakarta city immigration officials. "We have managed to arrest members of three organized-crime syndicates which have been sending the migrant workers abroad with illegal documents," City Police Chief, Det. Sr. Comr.

Lorena makes right decision

Lorena makes right decision The bus company Lorena has just made a decision. My previous letter to The Jakarta Post recounted how my husband and I abandoned a bus journey to Bali by disembarking in West Java. We got off the super executive bus because the clove cigarette puffing driver was maneuvering the machine like a drunken pre- teen. Mr.

Rawa Malang, new brothel complex in North Jakarta

Rawa Malang, new brothel complex in North Jakarta Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Prostitution has always been a problem in big cities, including Jakarta. Numerous measures taken by the city to curb the activity have done little to comprehensively resolve the prostitution issue and the problems that often accompany it. A new prostitution center crops up as soon as an old one is closed down.

The pros and cons of distance tertiary education

The pros and cons of distance tertiary education Vishnu K. Mahmud, Contributor, Jakarta The first few months of the year is usually a time when prospective students send in their applications for tertiary studies. With that in mind, I have been considering going back to school to pursue a Master's Degree to upgrade my skills and knowledge. But with the lack of time and money, the chances of going to school overseas are pretty low.

Complaint in order?

Complaint in order? I should have read the article Complaint in order? Time to speak up (The Jakarta Post, Feb. 17), before I left the house that morning. A few days before I was attracted by an advertisement in the Post for a prasmanan (buffet) of dim sum, several types of porridge, desserts and wedang ronde (small balls made of flour in hot sweet ginger tea). The place was a lobby lounge in a hotel near Sarinah Thamrin.

1. Mega - 4x8

1. Mega - 4x8 Megawati 'supports' divisive policy 2. Forgery - 2x 22 Forgery gangs serving migrant workers busted 3. Flood- 1x 40 Govt won't demolish Puncak villas: Minister 4. Rawa - 2x 20 Rawa Malang, new brothel complex in North Jakarta

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, March 2, 2002

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, March 2, 2002 Exhibitions * Photo by Jakarta Photographers Society, Galeri Foto Cahya, Wisma Surya Kemang, Jl. Kemang Raya no. 33, South Jakarta (Tel. 7193731), 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., until March 3. * Fine Art by IKJ lecturers, Bentara Budaya Jakarta, Jl. Palmerah Selatan no. 17, Central Jakarta (Tel. 5483008 ext. 7910/7911), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., until March 3. * Photo by Nihon Matsuri, Pusat Kebudayaan Jepang - The Japan Foundation, Summitmas I, Jl. Jend.

Does flood of AIDS await Indonesia?

Does flood of AIDS await Indonesia? Christopher Purdy, Director, DKT Indonesia, Jakarta In case you had not noticed, AIDS is here in Indonesia. In the last 12 months, the Ministry of Health released data indicating that 80,000 to 120,000 Indonesians were infected with HIV. The government stated that transmission rates of HIV among "high- risk" groups such as sex workers, transvestites, and intravenous drug users are higher (in some cases, much higher) than 5 percent.

TV Today: Saturday, March 2, 2002

TV Today: Saturday, March 2, 2002 TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:30 Children's Program 9:00 Regional Program 10:00 News 11:30 Music 12:00 p.m. News 1:00 Talk Show 2:00 Documentary 3:30 Religious Teachings 4:00 TV Drama 5:00 Traditional Performance 6:00 News 7:00 Music 8:00 Quiz 9:00 News 9:30 Music 11:00 Theater 12:30 a.m. Film TPI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 7:00 Cartoon 8:30 Cooking Program 9:00 Quiz 10:00 Indian Film 2:00 p.m.

Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia To Set Up Rubber JV

Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia To Set Up Rubber JV BANGKOK:Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra announced late Friday Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand had agreed to set up a joint-venture company to manage trading of rubber, a major commodity in all three countries. "The company will ensure rubber prices that assure the livelihood of the farmers and won't hurt the industry," Thaksin told reporters.

Pertamina to suffer heavy losses from C. Java gas blowout

Pertamina to suffer heavy losses from C. Java gas blowout Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned oil and gas company Pertamina said on Thursday it could suffer losses totaling many millions of dollars from the gas blowout at its exploration well in Cepu, Central Java. Pertamina spokesman Ridwan Nyak Baik said damage to drilling equipment could cost the company about US$15 million alone. Other potential losses were still being calculated.

Bank-related scandals remain unresolved

Bank-related scandals remain unresolved Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The state has suffered more than Rp 137 trillion (US$13.3 billion) due to the manipulation of the Bank Indonesia Liquidity Support Fund (BLBI). Ironically, law enforcers have failed to properly address the issue. The fund misappropriation was first disclosed by the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) in May 1999.

Police to conduct major reshuffle

Police to conduct major reshuffle The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The National Police are moving to reshuffle its organizational structure, just as eight high-ranking police officers who hold vital posts, including two commissioner generals, are about to retire. National Police spokesman Insp. Gen.

Cockfight in Bali

Cockfight in Bali The article about Bali's cockfighting that appeared in The Jakarta Post on Jan. 24 made me remember an experience I had during the first time I visited Bali with my then still-small children plus a nephew, some 25 years ago. When we arrived at the airport it didn't take long to find a taxi. We were lucky when a USA-style car, a type of small limousine, approached us. Without hesitation we jumped in, the six of us.

RSF urges ASEAN to defend press freedoms

RSF urges ASEAN to defend press freedoms Agencies, Bangkok Reporters without Borders called on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) secretariat on Friday to act against "censorship and intimidation" of the press in its member countries. The international press watchdog said it was concerned over measures taken by the Thai and Malaysian governments recently against a number of foreign news magazines.

Foreign ministry conducts major reshuffle

Foreign ministry conducts major reshuffle Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Ministry of Foreign Affairs marked on Friday its first discernible steps in a major structural revamp by inaugurating 26 second echelon officials, including the appointment of the ministry's first ever official spokesman. In a modest ceremony, foreign minister Hassan Wirayuda introduced Marty Natalegawa, outgoing director for international organizations, as spokesman.

Police reluctant to arrest Ba'asyir

Police reluctant to arrest Ba'asyir Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite suspected Indonesian terrorists detained in Malaysia saying that Indonesian Mujahidin Council (MMI) Chief Abu Bakar Ba'asyir once led an organization believed to have links to international terrorist networks, police here are likely to maintain their soft stance on the Muslim cleric. "We had once questioned Ba'asyir over the issues.

More Tommy's file to go to prosecutors

More Tommy's file to go to prosecutors JAKARTA: Police revealed on Friday that they plan to submit more of the case file on the ex-fugitive Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra to the Jakarta Provincial Prosecutors' Office next week. Jakarta Police detectives chief Sr. Comr. Bambang Hendarso Danuri said the file dealt with Tommy's flight from justice and the people who aided and abetted Tommy, the youngest son of former president Soeharto, during his escape. "We hope to submit the file next week.

Where's my TV?

Where's my TV? On March 26, 1998 I purchased an RCA big screen television (Model RP 46 IJ) from Bali Makmur Elektronics in Denpasar, Bali. I was impressed with the picture quality, the manual was in English and printed in the USA and as an extra bonus it offered a two-year guarantee. I thought this was proof that RCA trusted the quality of its appliances so much that it was confident to offer double the warranty offered by other brands. The price was just under US$2,000.