Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 30 March 2002

62 articles found

RI asks KL to annul trade barriers on steel pipes

RI asks KL to annul trade barriers on steel pipes The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government said it had demanded that Malaysia revoke non- tariff barriers against Indonesian steel pipes as compensation for Malaysia delaying opening up its automotive market under the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) agreement this year.

Towards better understanding

Towards better understanding The Islam and the West Working Together for a Peaceful World dialog, which was held by the central board of the Muhammadiyah two days ago, reflected the wishes of both parties, foreign representatives in Indonesia and Muslim figures, to better understand each other's position. The forum was attended by Indonesian Muslim intellectuals and envoys from Western and Arab countries.

Motorcycle thief killed in shootout

Motorcycle thief killed in shootout TANGERANG: Tangerang police detectives shot dead on Thursday morning a suspect in a series of motorcycle thefts a shootout on. Jl Raya Serang, Cikupa. The suspect was identified as Kosim bin Pisan, a 32-year-old resident of Rawa Boni village in Pakuhaji district of Tangerang, west of Jakarta. Police detective deputy Insp. Kustanto said the suspect had long been the target of an investigation into a series of motorcycle thefts.

'Sutiyoso's accountability speech feeble'

'Sutiyoso's accountability speech feeble' Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta City councillors viewed Governor Sutiyoso's accountability speech for the 2001 City Budget, which was delivered on Thursday, to be weak and an attempt to hide his failures. As predicted, Sutiyoso neglected to mention his administration's failure to prevent the massive floods which hit the city recently, or the garbage management issue.

E-Gateway launches e-Learning business

E-Gateway launches e-Learning business A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta E-Gateway Incorporation introduced an internet-based electronic learning business dubbed e-Learning to the Indonesian public on Friday. Through the virtual product, which can be accessed at www.egateway250.com, people can improve their work skills, and they can do business as well.

KPC divestment program extended until end-June

KPC divestment program extended until end-June Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The central government and East Kalimantan-based coal mining giant Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC) have agreed to extend by three months to June 30 a deadline for KPC's shareholders to sell a 51 percent stake in the business.

* Headlines: Sutiyoso's accountability speech 'weak' 2

* Headlines: Sutiyoso's accountability speech 'weak' 2 * Opinion: Maternal deaths continue despite the vows 4 * City: Bald tires give city new garbage quandary6 * Archipelago: Nine killed as flooding sweeps Nias7 * National: Akbar allowed to retain his position 8 * World: World reacts with alarm to Mideast violence10 * Business: Govt wants Indosat raise stakes in Satelindo 11 * Features: Tracing Yogyakarta's legendary path 15 * Sports: Five-star France leads charge to W. Cup 20

Tajudin's plea on TRI case rejected

Tajudin's plea on TRI case rejected Reuters, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia's High Court on Friday rejected tycoon Tajudin Ramli's bid to block the sale of his shares in cellular firm Technology Resources Industries, held as collateral by the nation's state asset manager. Pengurusan Danaharta Nasional holds a large chunk of Tajudin's 24 percent stake in TRI, which is a potential takeover target for state-controlled Telekom Malaysia, as collateral for debts racked up during the Asian crisis.

Huge trade center would be harmful, critics say

Huge trade center would be harmful, critics say Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon A private consortium plans to build a huge business center worth Rp 500 billion in the West Java city of Cirebon, but the scheme has been criticized by local legislators, religious leaders and traditional traders. The Cirebon Trade Center (CTC), planned for a 12,000-square meter block in the city's crowded Gunung Sari area, could trigger new social and environmental problems, critics said.

Rendi A. Witular

Rendi A. Witular and Tiarma Siboro The Jakarta Post Jakarta Seven members of the Betawi Brotherhood Forum (FBR) were in police custody on Friday in connection with the attack an Wardah Havidz, chairwoman of the Urban Poverty Consortium (UPC) and dozens of eviction victims at the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) here on Thursday. The attack seriously injured 10 people, including a four-year- old boy, and left 37 others slightly injured.

Thousands of refugees return home to East Timor ahead of election

Thousands of refugees return home to East Timor ahead of election Associated Press, Dili, East Timor Thousands of East Timorese refugees are returning home ahead of next month's election to choose the soon-to-be-independent nation's first president, a UN official claimed on Friday.

The Jakarta Post

The Jakarta Post Madiun Commander of the Iswahyudi air force base in Madiun, Rear Marshall Djoko Purwoko, maintained that a crash involving two Hawk MK-53 and killing all four people on board on Thursday was a pure accident, ruling out the possibilities of human and mechanical errors. "The crash was pure accident, as all the pilots have acted according to procedures," Purwoko told a press conference in Madiun on Thursday afternoon.

Most traditional markets unable to turn a profit

Most traditional markets unable to turn a profit Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Most of the 151 traditional Jakarta markets managed by PD Pasar Jaya were incapable of making a profit, the city-owned company's spokesman Ivo Edwin Haryanto said Thursday. Massive maintenance costs on the aging buildings were eating up most of the markets' revenue, he said. Ivo said 55 percent of the markets were more than 20 years old.

Gold miner falls into 25-meter pit

Gold miner falls into 25-meter pit MUARA TEWEH, Central Kalimantan: An illegal miner is in a serious condition in hospital suffering from multiple fractures after falling into a 25-meter-deep pit in Central Kalimantan on Wednesday. Sources said Ayat, 23, slipped and fell into the pit in Murung subdistrict, North Barito regency when he was trying to get a lump of gold from the pit abandoned by PT. Indo Muro Kencana. The victim was retrieved by his friends and rushed to Puruk Cahu hospital.

Speculation on misuse of President's 'donation' brushed aside

Speculation on misuse of President's 'donation' brushed aside Annastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Vice President Hamzah Haz brushed aside on Thursday speculation of a misuse of Rp 30 billion in state funds which President Megawati Soekarnoputri promised to the military and police, claiming that the "donation" could be accounted for in the revised 2002 state budget. "There is no problem whatsoever with the disbursement.

Evidence on Bulog case incomplete: Marzuki

Evidence on Bulog case incomplete: Marzuki Yogita Tahilramani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Former attorney general Marzuki Darusman suggested that the House of Representatives gather all necessary evidence in connection with the alleged misuse of funds from the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) to enable a formal investigation.

Soge lagoon ducks produce healthier eggs

Soge lagoon ducks produce healthier eggs Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta A stream of ducks exiting from their bamboo pens and walking noisily toward a lagoon to look for their breakfast brighten up the morning. Once the ducks are out of their pens, the breeders hastily jump in, harvesting the hundreds of eggs laying on the floors of the pens. Later in the afternoon, the ducks will be called out to the pens again, waiting for the morning to come.

Tracing Yogyakarta's legendary path

Tracing Yogyakarta's legendary path Tarko Sudiarno, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta With bamboo torches in their hands, the figures pass one by one through the imposing stone gates of the Thousand Hills. Even in the dim pre-dawn light, it is a stunning sight. These hardy tourists have risen from their campground at 3am to trek up Mount Tugel and witness a spectacular sunrise over the ancient palaces and temples of Yogyakarta.

RI-France cultural cooperation

RI-France cultural cooperation JAKARTA: In a bid to boost bilateral ties between Indonesia and France, the French Embassy will launch a French music program in cooperation with a local radio station here. French Ambassador to Indonesia Herve Ladsous said on Thursday that the program would introduce several leading French musicians.

Tattoo artists ply trade on Yogyakarta streets

Tattoo artists ply trade on Yogyakarta streets Asip A. Hasani, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Under a leafy banyan tree in front of the Yogyakarta State Palace on Jl. Malioboro, Angger, a street tattoo artist, started to outline a bracelet-like pattern on a young girl's shoulder. "Fine, Rp 60,000 for two tattoo on your right and left shoulders. I'll give you a Rp 10,000 discount this time as your birthday present," Angger told the girl, who had just turned 16.

Govt hikes income tax on bonds to 20%

Govt hikes income tax on bonds to 20% The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has raised the income tax rate on bond trading to 20 percent from 15 percent, but scrapped another controversial tax regulation on bond trading after only one year. Capital gains on bond trading will no longer be taxed at 0.03 per cent, following widespread criticism that the measure smacked of double taxing.

Sutiyoso's accountability weak: Councillors

Sutiyoso's accountability weak: Councillors Ahmad Junaidi The Jakarta Post Jakarta City councillors viewed Governor Sutiyoso's accountability speech for the 2001 City Budget, which was delivered on Thursday, to be weak and an attempt to hide his failures. As predicted, Sutiyoso neglected to mention his administration's failure to prevent the massive floods which hit the city in January and February this year, or the garbage management issue.

Wiranto, Damiri, Noer Muis to testify at human rights trial

Wiranto, Damiri, Noer Muis to testify at human rights trial Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Former Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. (ret) Wiranto is expected to make a much-anticipated appearance at the human rights tribunal on April 4 to testify in the trial of a former Indonesian official accused of committing crimes against humanity in East Timor in 1999.

Call for airport's closure on Nyepi

Call for airport's closure on Nyepi BESAKIH, BALI: The chairman of the Hindu Religion Forum, N. Suwandha, said he hoped the Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, Bali, would be closed on Nyepi (the Hindu Day of Silence), which falls on April 13. He said shutting down the airport would help the Balinese solemnly celebrate Nyepi, which is the last day of the Balinese calendar. During the day, the Balinese are not allowed to work, to use fire or lamps or to travel.

Islamic ministers to meet on terrorism

Islamic ministers to meet on terrorism Agencies Kuala Lumpur Ministers of Islamic nations meet here next week to discuss ways of dispelling perceptions in the West that Muslims are chiefly responsible for global terror. The discussions by foreign ministers of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) will lead, ultimately, to a broader conference by the United Nations. A key goal will be to seek a definition of what constitutes terrorism and a terrorist.

Government wants Indosat to increase stake in Satelindo

Government wants Indosat to increase stake in Satelindo The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government plans to have state-owned international call operator PT Indosat raise its stake in its cellular operator unit, as part of an effort to make Indosat more attractive ahead of its divestment later this year. State Minister of State Enterprises Laksamana Sukardi said that acquiring the Satelindo stake would wet the appetite of potential Indosat investors.

Mahathir hints at retaliation against S'pore

Mahathir hints at retaliation against S'pore Associated Press, Kuala Lumpur Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad hinted on Friday that Malaysia could retaliate if Singapore did not address its concerns about land reclamation projects in the narrow waters separating the two countries. "If they do as they wish, we too can do as we wish," Mahathir was quoted as saying by the national news agency, Bernama. Mahathir did not elaborate about what Malaysia might do.

Residents reject Padang mayor's sacking

Residents reject Padang mayor's sacking PADANG, West Sumatra: Hundreds of Payakumbuh, West Java residents on Thursday rallied at the governor's office, locally known as " the House of Bagonjong", to protest against the home minister's decision to suspend their mayor, Darlis Ilyas. Public figures, representatives from various local institutions and NGOs handed over a petition to the governor stating their objection to the suspension of the mayor through the Ministerial Decree No.

11 killed, three missing as flooding sweeps Nias

11 killed, three missing as flooding sweeps Nias Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan At least eleven people are dead and three others still missing in floods that have swept through several areas of Nias regency, North Sumatra province, local officials said on Friday. The flooding triggered by day-long heavy rain on Tuesday also swept away or damaged at least 43 houses and forced more than 156 families to flee their villages in two subdistricts, Amandraya and Gomo.

Shangri-La appeals to Supreme Court

Shangri-La appeals to Supreme Court JAKARTA: The management of the Shangri-La hotel has appealed against a court ruling forcing it to reinstate 79 employees dismissed last year. Shangri-La's senior manager Wastu Widianto on Thursday called on all parties involved in the dispute to wait for the decision of the Supreme Court to which it had appealed.

Students protest dormitory fee

Students protest dormitory fee BOGOR: The Student Executive Board (BEM) of the Bogor Agriculture Institute (IPB) has lodged a formal protest with the rectorate's plan to charge a monthly dormitory fee of Rp 125,000 for each of the 3,000 new students. BEM chairman Atang Trismanto told The Jakarta Post that the board urged the rectorate to reduce the fee, or at least provide cross subsidies to the poor students. So far, each student pays Rp 75,000 per month.

Stop speculation over Manila arrests, Susilo says

Stop speculation over Manila arrests, Susilo says Annastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono rejected on Thursday suggestions that the arrest of three Indonesians in Manila, the Philippines, had been orchestrated by Jakarta, saying it was inconceivable that the government would jeopardize the safety of its citizens.

Madiun jetfighter crash an accident

Madiun jetfighter crash an accident The Jakarta Post, Madiun Commander of the Iswahyudi air force base in Madiun, Rear Marshall Djoko Purwoko, maintains that a crash involving two Hawk MK-53s that killed all four people on board on Thursday was an accident, ruling out the possibility of human error or mechanical failure. The two Air Force fighter planes crashed on Thursday while performing training exercises in the East Java town of Madium, killing all four pilots.

AIDS awareness campaign planned

AIDS awareness campaign planned JAKARTA: The government will cooperate with non-governmental organizations to launch a nationwide campaign against HIV/AIDS as the number of people with the deadly virus has reached an alarming level, health minister Achmad Suyudi said on Thursday. According to ministry data, 1,904 Indonesians have tested positive for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), while 671 people have tested positive for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), half of whom have died.

Rupiah Rates March. 28

Rupiah Rates March. 28 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Farallon completes first payment for BCA shares

Farallon completes first payment for BCA shares Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A consortium led by U.S. investment firm Farallon Capital Management completed on Thursday the first stage of payment for acquiring the government's 51 percent stake in Bank Central Asia (BCA). Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) deputy chairman Soebowo Musa said that Farallon paid US$320.7 million for the first 30 percent stake in BCA, the country's largest retail bank.

'ANteve' prepares new programs in place of 'MTV'

'ANteve' prepares new programs in place of 'MTV' Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Losing a popular music television program, MTV, is quite a challenge for local station ANteve. Not only will it have to replace the 32.5 hours worth of programs a week, but also to retain the approximately 16 million viewers MTV has brought to the channel. First aired in 1995, MTV has become the most popular music channel in Indonesia according to a survey by AC Nielsen.

Mega nudges North Korea to resume dialog with South

Mega nudges North Korea to resume dialog with South Susanto Pudjomartono, The Jakarta Post, Pyongyang President Megawati Soekarnoputri used the extraordinarily warm reception she has received in North Korea to rekindle old ties with Kim Jong-il and to nudge the reclusive state to reengage in dialog with South Korea. Megawati, who will leave for Seoul on Saturday morning after a two-day stay in Pyongyang, also subtly hinted at Jakarta's readiness to lend a friendly mediating hand if needed.

Highlights of Sutiyoso's accountability speech of 2001 Budget:

Highlights of Sutiyoso's accountability speech of 2001 Budget: * Economic growth The economic growth was 3.64 percent, lower than 2000's figure (3.98 percent) because of political and security conditions. But it was much better than 1999, when it was negative 1.29 percent. * Gross Regional Domestic Product per capita: The regional GDP increased from Rp 22.43 million in 2000 to Rp 25.87 million in 2001.

Jakarta not friendly for disabled: Survey

Jakarta not friendly for disabled: Survey The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A survey has proven the obvious, that Jakarta is not a friendly place for the disabled as a majority of buildings and public places in the city do not provide adequate facilities for them.

Opportunity abounds for local mushrooming production houses

Opportunity abounds for local mushrooming production houses Luas Samudera, Contributor, Jakarta Television production houses are set to boom with the advent of several new TV stations running local and national services -- and post-production companies will also cash in. With an average local programming content of about 65 percent, a station broadcasting for 21 hours daily needs 13.65 hours of local programs a day, says Sandra Louise, president and director of production house Avicom.

Govt revises SME debt restructuring plan

Govt revises SME debt restructuring plan The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government said it had revised a debt restructuring plan for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), combining debt reduction and refinancing offers under one scheme to recoup some Rp 39 trillion (about US$3.9 billion) from small debtors.

Commemorating VOC

Commemorating VOC The Dutch have commemorated the 400th year anniversary of the Vereenigde Oost-Indies Company (VOC) or (Dutch) East Indies Company, they had set up in the 17th century with pride and fanfare in The Hague just a few weeks ago. The Indonesian ambassador to The Netherlands, on the other hand, boycotted the festivities.

State budget under threat as BoA blocks funds

State budget under threat as BoA blocks funds Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The state budget is once again under serious threat after the Bank of America (BoA) froze more than US$130 million worth of funds assumed to belong to state-owned oil and gas firm Pertamina.

Seven detained for attack on Komnas HAM office

Seven detained for attack on Komnas HAM office Rendi A. Witular and Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Seven members of the Betawi Brotherhood Forum (FBR) were in police custody on Friday in connection with the attack an Wardah Havidz, chairwoman of the Urban Poverty Consortium (UPC) and dozens of eviction victims at the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) here on Thursday.

JP/12/Merpati

JP/12/Merpati Overmanning drags Merpati down Debbie Lubis The Jakarta Post Jakarta Carrying excess baggage of 1,500 employees, PT Merpati Nusantara Airlines has trouble lifting off from its current low of unresolved debt problems, tight competition and soaring costs, but its chief executive said layoffs were not the answer. Merpati president director Wahyu Hidayat said Merpati had been suffering from overmanning since before he became chief there in 1999.

Legislators allow Akbar to retain his position

Legislators allow Akbar to retain his position A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Corruption suspect Akbar Tandjung will remain speaker of the House of Representatives until at least May, after House leaders on Thursday defied persistent public calls for his removal. Deputies and faction members will perform Akbar's duties while he stands trial, DPR leaders decided.

Rupiah Rates March. 28

Rupiah Rates March. 28 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

JP/12/BEJ

JP/12/BEJ .pl .rm Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in Rupiah) on March 28, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------ Shares Close Change Volume ------------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,150 0 6,500 Adindo Foresta 65 0 40,500 AGIS Tbk 130 0 559,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 250 15 42,500 Alakasa 175 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 750 0 100,000 Alter Abadi Tbk 50 5 12,500 Alumindo Light 625 0 19,000 Andhi Chandra 330 0 0 Aneka...

Bald tires give city new garbage quandary

Bald tires give city new garbage quandary Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Garbage has always been a headache for Jakartans. After the tension between Jakarta and Bekasi over the Bantar Gebang garbage dump late last year and the piling up of garbage due to the floods earlier this year, people now have to deal a new problem: garbage trucks running on bald tires.

Prejudice toward soldiers

Prejudice toward soldiers From Suara Karya Some people frequently view the armed forces, particularly the Army, with prejudice. For example, when the Army's Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad) held exercises in Ciemas district in Sukabumi, West Java, on March 21, it was rumored that the exercises were aimed at dealing with terrorist activities. It was even said the exercises were in preparation of forging military cooperation with the U.S. army.

The House still enable to take action against absentee members

The House still enable to take action against absentee members A'an Suryana and Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Members of the House of Representatives (DPR) went into recess on Thursday despite much unfinished business and unmet targets, mainly due to a worrying lack of discipline and political rivalry.

Japan, China sign US$3 billion yen-yuan swap agreement

Japan, China sign US$3 billion yen-yuan swap agreement Yoko Nishikawa, Reuters, Tokyo Japan and China on Thursday signed a yen-yuan swap agreement as part of an Asian-wide currency safety net designed to boost regional cooperation and ward off future financial crises. The Japan-China scheme, however, will be primarily symbolic because neither Japan nor China are likely to face liquidity or balance of payment crises in short term.

'Perez will not come to RI'

'Perez will not come to RI' JAKARTA: Former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid said on Friday that Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Shimon Perez would not come to Indonesia because of the security situation in the Middle East. "It is impossible for Shimon Perez to come here because of the unfavorable situation there (Israel)," Abdurrahman said in Jakarta. Abdurrahman is a member of the Shimon Perez Foundation, which promotes peace across the world.

Maternal deaths continue despite all the pledges

Maternal deaths continue despite all the pledges Meiwita Budiharsana, Program Officer, Ford Foundation, Jakarta Office In two years, Indonesia must report the results of a decade of the implementation of an action program agreed upon at the 1994 Conference on Population and Development in Cairo. Do the current health programs reflect the government's seriousness in realizing its international commitment?

Malaysia seeks RI doctors

Malaysia seeks RI doctors JAKARTA: The Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak are seeking 555 doctors to meet the growing demand for better health services in Malaysian hospitals, an Indonesian official said on Friday. Head of the Medical Workers and Professionals Empowerment department at the Ministry of Health, Ronald Hutapea, said the vacancies in Malaysia were offered to 380 general practitioners, 100 specialists and 75 dentists.

MUI: Not enough proof for case against Al Zaitun

MUI: Not enough proof for case against Al Zaitun Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung West Java's Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) said on Thursday that it lacks the evidence to declare that the Al-Zaitun Boarding School in Indramayu has breached the Islamic principles and wanted to set up an Islamic state despite widespread claims.

Highlights of Sutiyoso's accountability speech of 2001 Budget:

Highlights of Sutiyoso's accountability speech of 2001 Budget: * The economic growth was 3.64 percent, lower than 2000's figure (3.98 percent) because of political and security conditions. * The Gross Regional Domestic Product per capita increased from Rp 22.43 million in 2000 to Rp 25.87 million in 2001. * The inflation rate in 2001 reached 11.52 percent, higher than 2000 (10.29 percent).

Nuriana's accountability report under fire

Nuriana's accountability report under fire BANDUNG: West Java's Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) faction chairman Rudy Harsa Tanaya said that West Java Governor Nuriana's accountability report submitted to the Legislative Council revealed many setbacks in West Java during 2001. Citing an increase in unemployment and the weakening purchasing power of the people in West Java, Rudi said that his faction had set up a special team to study the report's contents.

Rini shuffles industry and trade officials

Rini shuffles industry and trade officials The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has replaced 11 senior officials at the Ministry of Industry and Trade, although most have taken up new positions within the office, while fresh faces have succeeded them in their old posts. Minister of Industry and Trade Rini Soewandi said that the reshuffle would invigorate the organization, and that the new leadership would improve its efficiency.

Legalized vote-buying?

Legalized vote-buying? With the debate about Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso's annual budget speech due to enter the voting stage later next month, some perennial issues such as vote-buying, graft, bribery and corruption are once again becoming hot topics of public debate and speculation among Jakarta's citizenry.

Two youths sentenced to death on murder

Two youths sentenced to death on murder Kasparman, The Jakarta Post, Padang A West Sumatra court has ordered the first executions in the province's history, sentencing to death two young men convicted of murder. Prosecutors had asked the Lubuk Basung District Court to order the executions of defendants Irwan Sadawa Hia and Taroni Hia, both from Nias regency in North Sumatra province.