Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 20 March 2002

72 articles found

VOC a sore memory 400 years after

VOC a sore memory 400 years after Leo Wahyudi S, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Wednesday marks the 400th anniversary of the Dutch East India Company or VOC (Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie). In the Netherlands extensive commemorations, to be attended by the Dutch Queen and other dignitaries, will be held to celebrate the institution which heralded the tiny European state's golden era. But sentiments here could not be more contrasting.

Corruption: An obstacle to regional security

Corruption: An obstacle to regional security Bantarto Bandoro, Editor, 'The Indonesian Quarterly', Centre for Strategic and International Studies, Jakarta The statement by Singapore's Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew that terrorist leaders are still at large in Indonesia was a big blow to us. Now, another big blow has hit the country. The Hong Kong- based Political and Economic Risk Consultancy (PERC) recently reported that Indonesia remains Asia's most corrupt country.

Detectives to visit Manila over terrorism allegations

Detectives to visit Manila over terrorism allegations The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The National Police plans to send detectives and intelligence operatives to the Philippines this week to explore possible links between three Indonesians recently arrested there and al-Qaeda affiliated groups. "The police need to speak with the three ... it is our hope that Philippine Police will allow our officers to question these men," National Police deputy spokesman Brig. Gen. Edward Aritonang said on Tuesday.

Owners to get priority in bank sale

Owners to get priority in bank sale Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A senior central bank official said that shareholders of recapitalized banks had the initial right to purchase stakes in their banks before the government sold them off to strategic investors. Bank Indonesia director for banking supervision Siti Fadjriah said on Tuesday the divestment program of recapitalized banks should aim at selling to shareholders first.

Walhi blames destruction of Medan forests on six firms

Walhi blames destruction of Medan forests on six firms Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan A leading environmental watchdog based in North Sumatra blamed on Tuesday at least six plantation companies for the destruction of around 300,000 hectares of forest in Mandailing Natal regency.

JP/12/BEJ

JP/12/BEJ .pl .rm Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in Rupiah) on March 19, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------ Shares Close Change Volume ------------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 1,125 0 58,000 Adindo Foresta 65 0 0 AGIS 120 0 1,018,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 225 0 0 Alakasa 175 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 725 0 6,500 Alter Abadi 50 5 37,500 Alumindo Light 650 0 10,000 Andhi Chandra 335 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 500 0 0 Aneka...

Ford to export cars from Philippine plant

Ford to export cars from Philippine plant MANILA:US auto maker Ford Motor Co. will begin exporting completely built-up vehicles (CBU) from its Philippine plant to at least two countries in the region beginning this month, company officials said Tuesday. The Ford export program was firmed up during a visit by Philippine trade secretary Manuel Roxas to Washington, during which he signed a memorandum of agreement with Ford Motor Co. vice chairman Wayne Booker.

Villa construction

Villa construction in Puncak area From Kompas As reported in this newspaper on Feb. 8, Vice President Hamzah Haz has called for a halt to construction in Puncak, West Java. This is heartening news for the public. The construction of houses in Puncak benefits only tycoons and a small group of people. It is disadvantageous to the public.

Sony sets out to boost market share

Sony sets out to boost market share JAKARTA: PT Sony Indonesia Vice President Ken Morisawa said on Tuesday that the company had targeted 35 percent of the country's flat TV market this year, up from 20 percent last year. Morisawa explained that the company had abandoned the production of round-tube TVs and was now concentrating on producing flat TVs.

Singapore loosens dollar lending policy

Singapore loosens dollar lending policy SINGAPORE: The government said Tuesday it would liberalize its Singapore dollar lending policy to allow international investors to participate more in the city-state's capital markets. The new policy will allow individuals and companies from March 20 to borrow Singapore dollars for use overseas, said Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who is also finance minister and head of the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

Islam compatible to democracy: Scholars

Islam compatible to democracy: Scholars A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The small number of Muslim countries practicing democracy has nothing to do with the values of Islam, international scholars say. Instead, the crisis of democracy in predominantly Muslim countries was more due to cultural backwardness and structural deficiencies, they agreed at a conference here on Tuesday.

Razaly's trip postponed due to coup attempt

Razaly's trip postponed due to coup attempt Agence France-Presse, Yangon Myanmar's military regime admitted on Tuesday they asked United Nations special envoy Razali Ismail to postpone his planned visit to Yangon this week because of a recent coup attempt. "The Myanmar authorities concerned are quite preoccupied with issues that need immediate attention after the recent coup attempt," a government spokesman said. "The UN envoy Mr.

Dozens of ex-prostitutes ready to work

Dozens of ex-prostitutes ready to work PALU, Central Sulawesi: Simon Pangalo, chairman of Kejora Charitable Agency, said here on Tuesday that at least 40 former sex workers had undergone training and had obtained skills to fill vacancies both in the formal and informal sectors in the regency. Simon said the prostitutes were rounded up during a raid in the city of Palu and Donggala regency, had received three months training in cooking, table laying, sewing and makeup, and moral teaching.

Activists march against officials over smuggling

Activists march against officials over smuggling Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon Hundreds of students and young people from a number of universities and non-governmental organizations rallied on Tuesday to demand that all officials implicated in a prominent smuggling case in Cirebon resign. The incident involved 19 shipping containers, which contained luxury cars and electronic equipment.

More talks with workers on privatization plan suggested

More talks with workers on privatization plan suggested Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Labor experts warned that the government's privatization program would face serious challenges from workers' unions unless the government intensified its awareness campaign on the crucial policy.

* Headlines: Rahardi 1st defendant tried in Buloggate II case 2

* Headlines: Rahardi 1st defendant tried in Buloggate II case 2 * Opinion: Enter 'ghost lawyers' and 'barefoot lawyers'4 * City: Sutiyoso reports activist over bribe allegation 6 * Archipelago: 6 firms blamed for Medan forests destruction 7 * National: Detectives to visit RP over terrorism allegations 8 * World: Arafat can leave if truce implemented: Sharon 10 * Business: Shareholders get 1st chance in recap bank sale: BI11 * Features: Malnutrition takes its toll on children15 * Sports:...

Sidoarjo inmates contract AIDs.

Sidoarjo inmates contract AIDs. SIDOARJO, East Java: The head of local health office, Faisol Ama, said here on Monday that dozens of inmates in Sidoarjo had tested positive for the deadly HIV and AIDS. Without mentioning the names of the inmates, Faisol said his office would closely monitor them and coordinate with related authorities to prevent the disease from spreading.

JP/12/BEJ

JP/12/BEJ .pl .rm Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in Rupiah) on March 19, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------ Shares Close Change Volume ------------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 1,125 0 58,000 Adindo Foresta 65 0 0 AGIS 120 0 1,018,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 225 0 0 Alakasa 175 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 725 0 6,500 Alter Abadi 50 5 37,500 Alumindo Light 650 0 10,000 Andhi Chandra 335 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 500 0 0 Aneka...

Retaired colonel gets one year verdict

Retaired colonel gets one year verdict TANGERANG: The Tangerang District Court sentenced on Tuesday a retired Army colonel to one year imprisonment for falsifying documents of land and building ownership in 2000. Presiding Judge Joseph Ziraluo said the 50-year old defendant, Col. (ret.) H. Margono Rejowikromo, a resident of Kampung Melayu Barat, Bukit Duri subdistrict of Tebet, South Jakarta, was proven guilty of violating Article 263 of the Criminal Code on forgery.

House continues talks on broadcasting bill

House continues talks on broadcasting bill Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government reached an agreement with the House of Representatives (DPR) on Tuesday to resume deliberation on the broadcasting bill which hit a snag after former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid's ouster in July 2001.

Sasha too strong for Andrean

Sasha too strong for Andrean Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Alexandra Kosteniuk doubled her lead over Indonesia's dream team squad in the Japfa Chess Match after beating Andrean Susilodinata in the second game at the VOC Cafe and Gallery in North Jakarta on Tuesday. The Russian women's grand master also beat her 12-year-old opponent in the first game the day before.

Dimsum at reasonable prices all day long in Pluit

Dimsum at reasonable prices all day long in Pluit Kim Griffiths, Contributor, The Jakarta Post In tearooms in China, dimsum is an inseparable part of yum cha (tea drinking). Dimsum are little dough dumplings, filled with vegetables, many different kinds of meat or shrimps, and there are other small dishes, which can be salty or sweet. The dishes are usually served in bamboo baskets the size of a dessert plate.

Prefabricated houses to be donated by Taiwan

Prefabricated houses to be donated by Taiwan The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The International Buddhism Organization of Taiwan will donate 1,000 prefabricated houses for flood victims living along riverbanks whose houses were badly damaged during three weeks of flooding in late January and early February. "The organization will provide the houses for free. They have conducted a similar project in Nepal," said Governor Sutiyoso on Tuesday at City Hall after meeting executives of the organization.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in Rupiah) on March 19, 2002 Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,125 0 58,000 Adindo Foresta 65 0 0 AGIS 120 0 1,018,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 225 0 0 Alakasa 175 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 725 0 6,500 Alter Abadi 50 5 37,500 Alumindo Light 650 0 10,000 Andhi Chandra 335 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 500 0 0 Aneka Tambang 1,050 0 1,351,500 Anta Express Tour 425 0 4,235,500 Apac...

TNI top brass give moral support to officers tried

TNI top brass give moral support to officers tried Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In a show of solidarity, a number of Indonesian Military (TNI) top brass turned up in force at the human rights tribunal on Tuesday to give moral support to their soldiers as they were being tried for crimes against humanity. Despite the fact that TNI Chief Adm. Widodo A.S., Army Chief of Staff Gen.

New York-based CPJ asks RI to encourage press freedom

New York-based CPJ asks RI to encourage press freedom The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has been asked to revive its commitment to press freedom following its decision to reject an Australian journalist's application for renewal of his visa. The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), in a letter to President Megawati Soekarnoputri dated March 18, said the decision was effectively banning Lindsay Murdoch from working as a correspondent in Jakarta.

East Kalimantan drops lawsuit against KPC

East Kalimantan drops lawsuit against KPC The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The East Kalimantan provincial administration has lifted a lawsuit against coal mining firm PT Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC), a move that would pave the way for the long-stalled divestment of KPC's 51 percent stake to local players, a senior government official said on Tuesday. Director General of Geology and Mineral Resources Wimpy S. Tjetjep said that the East Kalimantan administration had ordered its lawyer to drop the case.

Muhammad "Bob" Hasan corruption and causes state imprisoned in Nusa

Muhammad "Bob" Hasan corruption and causes state imprisoned in Nusa (former minister of trade loss of US$243,741 Kambangan for six and industry) years Rachmadi BS corruption, causing state under investigation, (former minister of public loss of Rp 126 billion case unclear works) Ali Wardhana corruption, causing state suspect, remains (former minister of finance) loss of Rp 1.1 trillion free and case unclear Ginandjar Kartasasmita corruption, causes state convicted guilty by (former coordinating...

Pertamina should pay compensation to Karaha: Experts

Pertamina should pay compensation to Karaha: Experts Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned oil and gas firm Pertamina should honor an international arbitration body order that it pay US$261 million in compensation to independent power producer Karaha Bodas Co. LLC. for the suspension of its power project in 1998, legal experts said on Tuesday.

Fire guts garment factory

Fire guts garment factory BOGOR: A garment factory caught fire on Monday, allegedly due to an electrical short circuit. Fire destroyed the building, owned by CV Mulya Utama, located in Sindangsari village in Bogor regency, causing losses of hundreds of millions of rupiah. An employee said that the fire started at 9 a.m., originating from the employers' boarding rooms on the second floor of the factory.

RP police defuse bombs in Manila

RP police defuse bombs in Manila Reuters, Manila Philippine police have defused two explosives planted in the Makati financial district of the capital Manila by a group demanding separate federal states for the country's Christians and Muslims, officials said on Tuesday. The previously unheard of group, styling itself as the "Indigenous People's Federal Army," appears to have no connection with foreign extremist networks, such as Osama bin Laden's al- Qaeda, Makati police chief Col.

Enter the 'ghost lawyers' and 'barefoot lawyers'

Enter the 'ghost lawyers' and 'barefoot lawyers' Winahyo Soekanto, Lawyer, Jakarta The current buzzword in campaigns for the protection of consumers rights -- be they consumers of products and services or consumers of arbitrary public policies -- is class action. The term is fast gaining popularity, especially since the recent suit filed by Jakarta-based NGOs representing flood victims against Governor Sutiyoso over poor disaster preparedness in the capital.

KAI workers want Berto axed

KAI workers want Berto axed Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung More than 500 workers of PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) marched to the state railway company's headquarters in the West Java capital of Bandung in yet another move to pressure the newly installed president director to resign.

British Moslem politicians to visit RI

British Moslem politicians to visit RI JAKARTA: A delegation of five senior British Moslem politicians will visit Indonesia from March 20 through March 23. The delegation, to be led by House of Lords member Lord Patel of Blackburn, will meet with a number of government officials and leaders of Moslem groups.

Subiakto grilled for nine hours for Rp 10b graft

Subiakto grilled for nine hours for Rp 10b graft Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Former State Minister of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises Subiakto Tjakrawerdaya was questioned for more than nine hours on Tuesday during his first day in City Police custody. The questioning of Subiakto, wearing detainee uniform number 033 with black trousers, began at 10:35 a.m., and finished at 7:50 p.m.

Working women could be answer to economic woes in Asia

Working women could be answer to economic woes in Asia Jennifer Chen, Reuters, Singapore Singapore's economic planners should be happy to know that Prapaporn Rojanarowan is contemplating returning to the city- state's workforce after spending nearly 2 + years at home taking care of her children. "I chose to take the time off to take care of my kids.

Where to go in Surabaya

Where to go in Surabaya Exhibitions * Photo, Jalan-Jalan Keliling Jakarta, CCCL - French Cultural Center, Jl. Darmokali 10 (Tel.

Sutiyoso reports activist over bribe allegation

Sutiyoso reports activist over bribe allegation Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta City Governor Sutiyoso reported to police on Tuesday that the chairman of the Jakarta Residents Forum (Fakta), Azas Tigor Nainggolan, had slandered him by accusing the governor of bribing city councillors. Tigor, he said, "has often slandered me ... I could not stand it any longer, so I decided to report him to the police today," Sutiyoso told reporters at the City Hall.

Thai deputy PM resigns from AMLO

Thai deputy PM resigns from AMLO THAILAND: Deputy premier Chavalit Yongchaiyudh stepped down on Tuesday from his role overseeing the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to take responsibility for an asset probes scandal. "I have informed the prime minister that I wish to resign from overseeing AMLO, as well as the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), because I have to take responsibility (for the probes)," he told reporters.

Train collision injures eight

Train collision injures eight A commuter train hit two cars and three motorcycles at a railway crossing on Jl. Hasyim Ashari in Roxy, West Jakarta, injuring eight people on Tuesday at about 5 p.m. The gate arm at the railway crossing had not been closed completely when the train passed. A gate keeper at the railway crossing, told the police he was late in closing the gate as the signal did not function well.

Singaporean jailed for maid abuse

Singaporean jailed for maid abuse SINGAPORE: A Singaporean woman who bit her Indonesian maid's breast until her nipple fell off was jailed for five years in what is believed to be the stiffest sentence handed down for maid abuse in the city state, newspapers reported on Tuesday. Jennicia Chow was found guilty of all 10 charges of abusing her maid over an eight-month period, the Today newspaper said.

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.

Police defuse bombs in Manila financial center

Police defuse bombs in Manila financial center Reuters Manila Philippine police have defused two explosives planted in the Makati financial district of the capital Manila by a group demanding separate federal states for the country's Christians and Muslims, officials said on Tuesday. The previously unheard of group, styling itself as the "Indigenous People's Federal Army," appears to have no connection with foreign extremist networks, such as Osama bin Laden's al- Qaeda, Makati police chief Col.

Rupiah Rates March. 19

Rupiah Rates March. 19 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

DHL resumes Afghanistan service

DHL resumes Afghanistan service JAKARTA: Air delivery company DHL Worldwide Express said it would resume its operations in Afghanistan, which have been frozen for 15 years, starting on Wednesday. "The initial objective is for us to take part in distributing the global humanitarian aid currently being provided to this country in the aftermath of war and destruction," DHL chairman and chief executive Uwe Dorken said in a statement.

Malnutrition takes its toll on children

Malnutrition takes its toll on children Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The hall is noisy, filled with the chatter of concerned mothers and the crying of small children. Pediatrician Alinda Rubiati tries to make herself heard so that the mother she is speaking to could understand her. "Your child is too small for his age, go to that table there, they will help. Meanwhile I will give a prescription for his fever," she said to the young mother.

4 x 10

4 x 10 Walhi blames destruction of Medan forests on 6 companies CONTAINER 2 x 20 Activists march against officials over smuggling kai 1 x 20 KAI workers want Berto axed NELAYAN 1 x 22 4 fishermen shot dead in Sumba

Arifin replaces Sophan in PDI Perjuangan

Arifin replaces Sophan in PDI Perjuangan Annastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Arifin Panigoro has returned to the inner circle of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) following his appointment as chairman of the party's faction at the People's Consultative Assembly, replacing Sophan Sophiaan, who resigned.

PDI-P defends decision to delay inquiry on Akbar

PDI-P defends decision to delay inquiry on Akbar Annastashya Emmanuelle and Fabiola Desi Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) has defended the delay in deciding whether or not to set up an inquiry committee to probe the Bulog scandal allegedly involving House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung. PDI Perjuangan deputy chairman Roy B.

Forgetful people

Forgetful people From Neraca The corruption case involving nonbudgetary funds of the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) allegedly misused by Akbar Tanjung, general chairman of the Golkar Party and House of Representatives speaker, is now becoming murky as those involved seem to be forgetful people.

Councillors to seek clear roles in autonomous regions

Councillors to seek clear roles in autonomous regions Asip A. Hasani The Jakarta Post Yogyakarta Leaders of the country's provincial legislative councils are to convene a two-day congress in Yogyakarta on Friday, with the main demand being for an affirmation of their role in autonomous regions.

Astra returned to the black in 2001

Astra returned to the black in 2001 The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Leading car maker PT Astra International Tbk returned to the black last year after suffering a net loss of Rp 293 billion (about US$29 million) in the previous year.

PDI-P members must take drug test

PDI-P members must take drug test JAKARTA: Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri instructed party members on Tuesday to undergo a drug test as part of the party's campaign to combat narcotics. "As part of our effort to combat drugs we should start with ourselves," Megawati was quoted by PDI Perjuangan deputy secretary-general Pramono Anung as saying during the party's weekly meeting. Megawati chaired the meeting.

Doubs loom as Tomy's trial begins

Doubs loom as Tomy's trial begins The Jakarta Post, Jakarta One of the biggest trials in Indonesia's history is commencing. Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra, the youngest son of former president Soeharto, is scheduled to appear at the Central Jakarta District Court today (Wednesday) on a murder charge. Tommy is accused of masterminding the murder of Supreme Court justice Syafiuddin M. Kartasasmita, who sentenced him to 18 months jail for corruption.

Waste processing to be completed in 2003

Waste processing to be completed in 2003 Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The development of two waste processing plants in Tegal Alur, West Jakarta, and Marunda, North Jakarta, is expected to be completed next year. Each plant is expected to employ some 500 scavengers to separate organic and inorganic waste.

Realization of 20 megaprojects

Realization of 20 megaprojects Coordinating Minister for the Economy Dorodjatun Kuntjoro Jakti has reportedly disclosed that 20 national megaprojects worth US$300 billion will be implemented between now and 2005. This positive news has emerged amid an increasing number of corruption cases. At least three megaprojects will be undertaken with the support of Japanese assistance in 2002.

UK Muslim politicians due here

UK Muslim politicians due here JAKARTA: A delegation of five senior British Muslim politicians will visit Indonesia from March 20 through March 23. The delegation, to be led by House of Lords member Lord Patel of Blackburn, will meet with a number of government officials and leaders of Muslim groups.

David Napitupulu

David Napitupulu Correction: We inadvertently published the wrong photo of former student movement figure David Napitupulu, who died in Jakarta on Monday at the age of 67, in our Tuesday's edition. The photograph is not David Napitupulu, but Washington P. Napitupulu, the former director general of out-of-school education, youth and sports of the Ministry of Education and Culture from 1974 to 1991.

The Jakarta Post

The Jakarta Post Jakarta Leading car maker PT Astra International Tbk returned to the black last year after suffering a net loss of Rp 293 billion (about US$29 million) in the previous year. The company, which is also involved in agribusiness, financial services, the timber industry, information technology, and heavy equipment, said in a statement on Tuesday that its unaudited profit reached Rp 853 million last year on the back of strong sales in its automotive division.

Bengkalis residents haunted by stranger

Bengkalis residents haunted by stranger PEKANBARU, Riau: Residents of Senggoro village in Bengkalis regency have said that they have been gripped by fear as a strange "visitor" often comes out and greets them at night. Asnah, a local resident confirmed the rumor on Monday, saying that residents of the village were scared to death when they met it at night.

Workers demand dismissal

Workers demand dismissal TANGERANG: Some 250 workers of PT Sandang Indo Pratama staged a protest rally at the Municipal Manpower Agency's offices on Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan I on Tuesday, demanding the dismissal of the company's production supervisor. "The supervisor, Zakaria, has frequently harassed workers with his insulting words. I was once ordered to give him sexual favors at work," said a female worker.

The DPR's priorities

The DPR's priorities As may have been expected, the House of Representatives (DPR) has once again failed to decide on the seemingly simple question of whether or not to form a special committee of inquiry (Pansus) to look into the corruption charges that have been filed against its speaker, Golkar Party chairman Akbar Tandjung.

When will good news on TB arrive?

When will good news on TB arrive? Chris W. Green, Contributor, Jakarta To commemorate the anniversary of the identification of the bacteria that causes tuberculosis (TB) by Alfred Koch in 1882, March 24 is designated as World TB Day. As this day comes around again, let's look back at the progress being made to control this terrible disease in Indonesia. The news is at best mixed.

Leading from a detention cell

Leading from a detention cell He must be an extraordinary person to be able to lead a political party from a detention cell. The speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR), Akbar Tandjung, is not an ordinary person for he is also the general chairman of the country's second largest political party, the Golkar Party, as well as having once served as secretary of state under former president Habibie.

What is pornography?

What is pornography? JAKARTA: The absence of a clear-cut legal definition of pornography has made it difficult for police authorities to fight pornography, a high ranking police officer says. Deputy chief of the Indonesian Police public relations division Brig Gen.

Upholding the rule of law

Upholding the rule of law In Indonesia we follow and honor the legal principles of equality before the law and the presumption of innocence. As those are accepted principles, we should honor them, irrespective of who is the target. The first democratically elected President was a member of the National Awakening Party (PKB).

UK Muslim politicians due here

UK Muslim politicians due here JAKARTA: A delegation of five senior British Muslim politicians will visit Indonesia from March 20 through March 23. The delegation, to be led by House of Lords member Lord Patel of Blackburn, will meet with a number of government officials and leaders of Muslim groups.

Haze of smoke, forest fires

Haze of smoke, forest fires Although some regions struggled through floods and landslides, several areas in Indonesia suffered forest fires, which have become routine during incidents during long spells of the dry season. In some areas of Sumatra, such as North Sumatra, West Sumatra, Riau, Jambi and South Sumatra, hundreds of hot spots have been spotted. Riau is the area most adversely effected: early last week, it was monitoring some 870 hot spots in the region.

Rahardi the first defendant tried in Buloggate II case

Rahardi the first defendant tried in Buloggate II case Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The first defendant in the Bulogate scandal, former acting chief of the State Logistics Agency (Bulog), Rahardi Ramelan, was sent to the South Jakarta District Court on Tuesday for corruption charges. The high-profile case also implicates the House speaker Akbar Tandjung, who is currently in the custody of the Attorney General's Office.

Fishermen shot dead in Sumba

Fishermen shot dead in Sumba Yacob Herin, The Jakarta Post, Maumere, Flores Police officers from East Sumba in East Nusa Tenggara shot dead four fishermen from Ende island who were using explosives when fishing in Sumba waters. Ende district police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Mamboyng confirmed on Tuesday the incident, saying five other fishermen were arrested. They are being interrogated by local police, he told The Jakarta Post. East Nusa Tenggara Provincial Police chief Brig. Gen.

Rupiah Rates March. 19

Rupiah Rates March. 19 JP/11/Conversion Rupiah Rates March. 19 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Awaiting a better BCA

Awaiting a better BCA On Thursday, March 14, in the context of BCA divestment, the government, which controls 51 percent of BCA shares, decided to sell all its shares to the consortium led by Farallon Capital Management. As the new management of BCA, Farallon should be able to answer the challenge to make BCA a bank that can revive the real sector, and not simply one that lives on the proceeds from the interest on bonds and Bank Indonesia promissory notes.