Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 7 March 2002

84 articles found

Privatization vs nationalism

Privatization vs nationalism Investors are predictably confused about the contentious debates over Indonesia's privatization program. While the government is making final preparations to sell a portion of its stakes or controlling ownership in 24 state companies this year, several groups have been trumpeting nationalism as a tool of social engineering to oppose the program.

Crooked importers are customs service stooges

Crooked importers are customs service stooges The Indonesian Importers Association (Ginsi), which claims around 3,300 members across the country, is the most vocal critic of the customs service for its miserable failure to curb smuggling. Ginsi chairman Amirudin Saud shared his views about the government's decision to set up an interministerial antismuggling team and about customs service problems in an interview with The Jakarta Post's Vincent Lingga.

Political parties eying governorship

Political parties eying governorship The election of the next governor of Jakarta began to attract attention last week. The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) faction, which controls the largest number of seats in the city council, is eying the governorship while the United Development Party (PPP) faction is after the position of deputy governor.

People insist Puncak to remain resort for Jakartans

People insist Puncak to remain resort for Jakartans Damar Harsanto The Jakarta Post Jakarta Though there is growing concern over the continued loss of green areas to encroaching villas in Puncak, West Java, many Jakartans still view the area as an idyllic resort where they can escape day-to-day life in the crowded capital.

JP/Biz/13

JP/Biz/13 Photo caption JIHA NEW OFFICERS: Members of the Jakarta International Hotels Association (JIHA) have elected George Benney (left), the general manager of the Mandarin Oriental Jakarta as the association's new chairman, replacing Kevin M. O'Hagan (right). During an annual general meeting, which was held at Hotel Menara Peninsula, Jakarta on Feb. 28, the association also elected Michael Price, the general manager of the Kempinski Jakarta as vice chairman.

House gives no impunity to rights criminals

House gives no impunity to rights criminals The Jakarta Post, Jakarta House of Representatives speaker Akbar Tandjung said on Wednesday that the legislative body would not allow any suspected perpetrators of crimes against humanity to escape prosecution. "We have proven our stance by recommending the establishment of a human rights tribunal for the East Timor cases in 1999 and the Tanjung Priok incident in 1984," Akbar said during the opening speech of a discussion here.

RI plans seminar on policies

RI plans seminar on policies JAKARTA: Indonesia plans to hold an international seminar in April to explain government policies in economics, politics, security, finance, law and investment, as well as its privatization programs. "The seminar aims to boost confidence in the country and its economy," organizing committee spokesman Johanes L. Sitanggang said recently. He said the seminar would be attended by both national and international businesspeople.

Cracks in PDI-P

Cracks in PDI-P Serious cracks are now showing in almost all the leading political parties but the most glaring ones come from the winner of the recent general election (which collected 35 per cent of all votes), the nationalist Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) thereby eventually allowing its chairwoman, Megawati Soekarnoputri, to grab the position of president of the country.

Rp 6.6t for merger, BII's rights issue: IBRA

Rp 6.6t for merger, BII's rights issue: IBRA The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) has set aside Rp 6.6 trillion (some US$660 million) worth of bonds to finance the planned merger of five banks and a Bank Internasional Indonesia (BII) rights issue.

Guards of illegal villas 'will kill if necessary'

Guards of illegal villas 'will kill if necessary' The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Like security men whom we frequently see in mafia movies, the security guards of illegal villas and other properties at the Puncak tourist resort also have a typically rough attitude. For example, they think that they must adopt a stern expression at all times. If necessary, they will not hesitate to intimidate anyone violating the rules as they see them.

RI maid detained in Malaysia

RI maid detained in Malaysia KUALA LUMPUR: An Indonesian maid was arrested in Kemaman in the eastern Malaysian state of Terengganu, some 300 kilometers from here on Monday in connection with the alleged abuse of a marine police officer's four-year-old son. A Kemaman district police spokesman said the 35-year-old inspector had installed a hidden camera in the living room of his house at about 8 a.m. last Sunday after suspecting his son was being abused by the maid.

AP/Chik Rini

AP/Chik Rini ATTENTION, PLEASE: People walk under a sign stating that wearing Muslim dress is obligatory in the provincial capital of Banda Aceh, Aceh province. A form of Islamic syariah law is being implemented in the restive province, including the requirement that women have to cover their heads, arms and legs, as a move to dampen calls for separatism in the staunchly Muslim region.

JP/12/BEJ

JP/12/BEJ .pl .rm Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in Rupiah) on March 6, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------ Shares Close Change Volume ------------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 1,150 0 4,500 Adindo Foresta 65 0 328,000 AGIS 120 -5 30,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 230 -5 22,500 Alakasa 215 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 750 0 15,500 Alter Abadi 40 0 0 Alumindo Light 600 25 3,500 Andhi Chandra 320 -30 500 Aneka Kimia Raya 500 0...

Many legislators have yet to submit wealth report

Many legislators have yet to submit wealth report Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After several delays, the Public Servants' Wealth Audit Commission (KPKPN) announced on Wednesday the names of legislators who had not submitted a list of their assets. Topping the list were legislators from President Megawati Soekarnoputri's Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), with almost half of the total 168 defiant lawmakers coming from the ruling party.

New decree issued to curb smuggling

New decree issued to curb smuggling Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister of Industry and Trade Rini Soewandi announced on Wednesday the issuance of a decree ordering importers of textiles, electronics, footwear, rice, sugar, corn, soybeans and toys to possess a special identification number as part of the efforts to curb smuggling of the commodities. Rini said the decree was aimed at protecting local businesses from rampant smuggling.

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.

Weak law enforcement unable to deal with illegal villas

Weak law enforcement unable to deal with illegal villas The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The dismantling of Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso's villa last month will likely be the only action taken to remove hundreds of illegal buildings in Puncak as authorities have given no hint they will take any action in the near future.

RI strategic to three neighbors

RI strategic to three neighbors The above title complements a news story titled Strategic Singapore, Malaysia and Australia, which means that the three countries are strategic for Indonesia. As a complement to that story we point out that Indonesia is also strategic for those three neighbors. The recent working conference of Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirajuda and House of Representatives Commission I for defense, foreign and political affairs was not a mere routine meeting.

Megawati shocks palace employees

Megawati shocks palace employees JAKARTA: President Megawati Soekarnoputri broke with tradition on Tuesday with an impromtu visit to the Merdeka Palace, and the State Palace next door, causing a stir among officials working in the two vital buildings.

Pests threaten rice in Bengkulu

Pests threaten rice in Bengkulu The Jakarta Post Jakarta Pests threaten thousands of hectares of rice in South Bengkulu, while food aid continues flowing in to 12 villages facing starvation in Rejang lebong regency. Muklis Ibrahim, chief of the agriculture office in South Bengkulu, warned local people of the possible spread of the pests to other regencies in the province.

Leptospirosis outbreak threatens Jakarta

Leptospirosis outbreak threatens Jakarta Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Health officials have sounded a warning over the rise in Jakarta residents who have tested positive for leptospirosis- causing bacterium in flood-hit areas, which have so far claimed the lives of eight people.

Leptospirosis outbreak threatens capital

Leptospirosis outbreak threatens capital Rendi A. Witular The Jakarta Post Jakarta Some residents living in flood-hit areas of Jakarta have tested positive for leptospirosis-causing bacteria, sparking concern among health officials that an outbreak could threaten the 300,000 people residing there. Twenty-one people have been diagnosed with leptospirosis, and eight have died from the disease.

JP/1/24HOUR

JP/1/24HOUR Indonesia beats Chinese Taipei 2-1: Indonesia's tennis players booked a 2-1 victory over Chinese Taipei at the women's team Federation Cup Asia/Oceania group in Guangzhou, China on Tuesday. The victory was sealed in the doubles event when Angelique Widjaja and Wynne Prakusya defeated Janet Lee and Weng Tzu Ting 6-2, 6-4. Angelique set up a 1-0 lead defeating Chan Chin Wei 6-3 6-0 but Chinese Taipei leveled the score when Wynne fell victim to Janet Lee 7-6 (7-4), 3-6, 0-6.

Canberra, Jakarta to rebuild defense ties

Canberra, Jakarta to rebuild defense ties Visiting Australian Defense Minister Robert Hill said on Wednesday that Australia was sounding out possibilities to rebuild military ties with Indonesia, with possible near-term cooperation on efforts to combat international terrorism. "We are looking for an opportunity to a possible training or intelligence information exchange related to international terrorism, and ...

Golkar slams PDI Perjuangan, PKB for legal intervention

Golkar slams PDI Perjuangan, PKB for legal intervention A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A senior Golkar Party official lashed out on Wednesday at several politicians who demanded the detention of party chairman Akbar Tandjung, a suspect in a high profile financial scandal involving the State Logistics Agency (Bulog).

* Headlines: Trial of central bank governor adjourned 2

* Headlines: Trial of central bank governor adjourned 2 * Opinion: Developing sophisticated public opinion 4 * City: July 27 victims oppose renomination of Sutiyoso 6 * Archipelago: RI, E.

1. debt --- 2 x 18

1. debt --- 2 x 18 Govt mulls 60 percent cut for IBRA debtors 2. rice --- 4 x 10 Indonesia to import 3 million tons of rice 3. pansus --- 1 x 28 Threats rife ahead of DPR probe talks 4. drugs --- 2 x 16 Govt stops free medical treatment '

Leptospirosis outbreak threatens capital

Leptospirosis outbreak threatens capital Rendi A. Witular The Jakarta Post Jakarta Health officials have sounded a warning over the rise in Jakarta residents who have tested positive for leptospirosis- causing bacterium in flood-hit areas, which have so far claimed the lives of eight people.

Intimidation and threats rife ahead of plan to set up inquiry

Intimidation and threats rife ahead of plan to set up inquiry Kurniawan Hari and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja The Jakarta Post Jakarta The Golkar Party is employing a strategy of intimidation and threats to block a plan on Thursday to establish an inquiry into a Rp 40 billion (US$4 million) corruption scandal, popularly known as Bulogate II, that implicates its chairman Akbar Tandjung.

Obituary

Obituary Former Air Force chief of staff Air Marshal (ret) Siboen Dipoatmodjo died at his residence in Yogyakarta at about 3:20 a.m. on Wednesday. He was 65 years old. The body of Siboen, who held the Air Force's top post between 1990 and 1993, was flown to Jakarta later in the day for burial at the Kalibata Heroes Cemetery. He is survived by his wife Suharti and four children. Current Air Force chief of staff Air Marshal Hanafie Asnan presided over the funeral.

KONI defends policy on Olympic Solidarity

KONI defends policy on Olympic Solidarity Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The National Sports Council (KONI) defended on Wednesday its policy on the Olympic Solidarity program, in which it has decided the names of athletes to fill the seven slots provided by the International Olympic Council. Each is entitled to US$10,000 (Rp 100 million), which KONI said should be used to support the athletes' preparation for the upcoming Asian Games in Busan, South Korea.

Faction Number

Faction Number 1. The Indonesian Democratic Party 73 of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) 2. Golkar Party 36 3. The United Development Party (PPP) 18 4. Reform Party 16 5. National Awakening Party (PKB) 9 6. Crescent Star Party (PBB) 2 7. Muslim People Sovereign Party (PDU) 2 8. Indonesian Unity and Nationhood 1 9. Love the Nation Democratic Party (PDKB) 1

Refugees to receive emergency food aid

Refugees to receive emergency food aid Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang Starving East Timorese refugees currently languishing in East Nusa Tenggara will be able to hang on a little bit longer after the provincial government, citing humanitarian reasons, finally decided to resume providing them with food assistance. The cash-strapped government had stopped the supply of relief aid for the 128,000 refugees on Jan. 1, forcing many of them to go hungry or seek out food in the forest.

Locals on outside looking in at villa residents

Locals on outside looking in at villa residents The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Although the rich have built thousands of villas in the Puncak tourist resort in West Java, local residents have failed to benefit. In fact, the villas have impoverished them. The presence of the villas and the rich has encouraged local residents to sell their lands. Partly, because they could not resist the lure of the lucre.

Palm oil market still on edge

Palm oil market still on edge Lewa Pardomuan, Reuters, Kuala Lumpur China will eventually use its palm oil import quotas for this year, but the timing of its purchases and how much the country is going to buy remain a mystery, traders said on Wednesday. "There are talks that two-third of the quota will go to private sector and the rest to state enterprises," said one trader in Malaysia.

Minoza looking to cheer up home fans

Minoza looking to cheer up home fans Agence France-Presse, Manila Frankie Minoza, the Philippines leading golfer, will be looking to give the home fans something to cheer about when the US$175,000 Philippine Open tees off here on Thursday. Minoza is one of four previous champions in the field for the 87th edition of Asia's oldest national open.

Muncan, a promising tourist spot in Bali

Muncan, a promising tourist spot in Bali Tri Vivi Suryani, Contributor, Karang Asem, East Bali Muncan might sound strange to many visitors coming to Bali who are more familiar with resort names like Kuta, Sanur, Bedugul or Kintamani. Located some 70 km east of Denpasar, Muncan might become an alternative location for those wanting a different holiday site.

PT Dirgantara Indonesia workers agree to end strike

PT Dirgantara Indonesia workers agree to end strike The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Striking workers at state-owned aircraft industry PT Dirgantara Indonesia are likely to return to work on Thursday following the government's assurance that the company's management would be reshuffled.

Foreign countries donate contraceptives

Foreign countries donate contraceptives MATARAM: Several foreign countries such as Japan, the Netherlands and Australia have pledged to donate contraceptives to Indonesia, National Family Planning Coordinating Board (BKKBN) head Yaumil Agus Achir says. The contraceptives, including intrauterine device and implants, will be distributed free to the poorer participants of family planning programs, she said. She did not reveal the value of the contraceptives or when they would be delivered.

Rawa Kucing residents complain Indah Kiat's waste

Rawa Kucing residents complain Indah Kiat's waste Multa Fidrus The Jakarta Post Tangerang Residents who live close to the Rawa Kucing dumping site in the Neglasari subdistrict of Tangerang expressed serious concern on Thursday about the effects of polluted air from the solid waste being disposed there by the Tangerang regency's sanitation agency.

BPKP uncovers budget abuses of Rp 9.5t

BPKP uncovers budget abuses of Rp 9.5t The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Development Finance Comptroller (BPKP) said it had found 14,541 cases of irregularities in the implementation of the 2000 and 2001 national budgets by state institutions, causing some Rp 9.5 trillion (US$9.5 billion) in losses to the country. Of the total, some Rp 2.5 trillion of state funds had been misused in 2001 alone, according to comptroller chairman Arie Soelendro on Wednesday.

Jakarta stops free medical treatment

Jakarta stops free medical treatment Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The City Health Agency will suspend on Friday the free-of- charge medical treatment for flood victims although some victims are still suffering from post-flood diseases, including diarrhea and parasite-related illnesses. It will also close its 24-hour-service in over 250 community health centers in subdistricts around the city.

Encourage public dialog

Encourage public dialog Tuong Vu, Ph.D. Candidate in Politics, University of California, Berkeley, USA The recent outburst of protests against Lee Kwan Yew's comments in Jakarta quickly brought back to mind the massive anti-U.S. demonstrations last October. The similarity between the two events is striking. When the U.S.

Malaysia arrests 16 Indonesians accused of Islamic cult teachings

Malaysia arrests 16 Indonesians accused of Islamic cult teachings Associated Press, Kuala Lumpur Malaysian religious officials have arrested 16 Indonesians suspected of spreading deviant Islamic teachings that emphasize a local form of martial arts, authorities said on Wednesday. But there was no immediate evidence linking the detainees to any violent activities or other Indonesians recently arrested in Malaysia on suspicion of plotting terror attacks.

Malaysia arrests 16 Indonesians accused of Islamic cult teachings

Malaysia arrests 16 Indonesians accused of Islamic cult teachings Associated Press Kuala Lumpur Malaysian religious officials have arrested 16 Indonesians suspected of spreading deviant Islamic teachings that emphasize a local form of martial arts, authorities said on Wednesday. But there was no immediate evidence linking the detainees to any violent activities or other Indonesians recently arrested in Malaysia on suspicion of plotting terror attacks.

11 grilled for court document forgery

11 grilled for court document forgery JAKARTA: The police are interrogating 11 officials allegedly linked with the forgery of court papers which allowed two Nigerians convicted of drug trafficking last year to escape from prison. Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Anton Bachrul Alam said Wednesday that the 11 officials were from the Cipinang penitentiary, Jakarta Prosecutor's Office, and East Jakarta District Court.

Jakartans call Puncak just perfect

Jakartans call Puncak just perfect Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Though there is growing concern over the continued loss of green areas to encroaching villas in Puncak, West Java, many Jakartans still view the area as an idyllic resort where they can escape day-to-day life in the crowded capital. That many areas in Puncak are meant to be water catchment areas and an environmental buffer zone for Jakarta seems to be beyond the consideration of many of these happy holidaymakers.

[i]Devastating floods hit Greater Jakarta recently, paralyzing most

Devastating floods hit Greater Jakarta recently, paralyzing most of the capital for three weeks from late January to mid-February. At least 22 people died and 300,000 were displaced across the city. Many people, particularly environmentalists, blamed uncontrolled, illegal construction in several designated "green areas" in and around the capital as the major causes of the Great Flood of 2002.

Indonesia, East Timor to begin border talks on March 11

Indonesia, East Timor to begin border talks on March 11 I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar Joint efforts between Indonesia and the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) to determine mutually accepted border lines between the two countries are expected to begin on March 11 and be completed by June, 2003, says a senior UN military official. Lt. Gen.

Political rivalry divulges bribery scandals in Yogya

Political rivalry divulges bribery scandals in Yogya Asip A. Hasani The Jakarta Post Yogyakarta Herman Abdurrahman, chairman of the United Development Party (PPP) faction in the Yogyakarta provincial legislative council, is probably the most unlucky local legislator implicated in a corruption scandal.

Importers doubt efficacy of antismuggling body

Importers doubt efficacy of antismuggling body The Indonesian Importers Association (Ginsi), which claims around 3,300 members across the country, is the most vocal critic of the customs service for its miserable failure to curb smuggling. Ginsi chairman Amirudin Saud shared his views about the government's decision to set up an interministerial antismuggling team and about customs service problems in an interview with The Jakarta Post's Vincent Lingga.

1.DEMO: 48pt, 2 cols, 4x10

1.DEMO: 48pt, 2 cols, 4x10 July 27 victims oppose Sutiyoso 2. JASA (27cm) -- 36pt 3/2 (2x22) City threatens to demolish Jasa Marga building 3. GARBAGE (37) -- 36pt 2x22 No improvement seen by Bantar Gebang residents 4. LEPTO (32) -- 28pt 4/1 1x42 Leptospirosis outbreak threatens Jakarta 5. WASTE 34cm -- 28pt 1x32 Indah Kiat waste a sour note for public

Malino-like peace action sought to settle problems in Aceh

Malino-like peace action sought to settle problems in Aceh The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government is exploring the possibility of holding peace talks in the country to end the long-standing separatist conflict in the province of Aceh if the dialog overseas proves fruitless, a senior minister said on Wednesday.

Flood victims rally at Bappenas

Flood victims rally at Bappenas JAKARTA: Dozens of flood victims rallied in front of the National Development Planning Board (Bappenas) office on Jl. Taman Suropati in Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday. They victims demanded the planning board provide transparent information on the Rp 20 trillion (US$2 billion) to be handed over to the city administration by the central government to fund a 10-year flood prevention program.

July 27 victims oppose Sutiyoso

July 27 victims oppose Sutiyoso Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Dozens of members of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) rallied in front of City Hall on Wednesday to demand that Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso not be elected for a second term. The protesters, who burned an effigy of the governor during the action, said Sutiyoso should be barred from a second term because of his alleged role in the bloody attack on the party headquarters on Jl.

Most people may only know the mountainous Puncak area as a

Most people may only know the mountainous Puncak area as a popular resort destination for Jakartans, but it is also an important water catchment area for the low-lying capital. According to experts, unchecked development in Puncak has contributed to worsening floods in Jakarta. A special report on this issue is presented on Pages 14 and 15. Let's save Jakarta's backyard.

Court fails to hand down verdict for Sjahril Sabirin

Court fails to hand down verdict for Sjahril Sabirin Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A headache and a cough led a judge to postpone on Wednesday the verdict in the case of Central Bank governor Sjahril Sabirin, who is charged with corruption. "My condition is not good. I couldn't stand even sitting for half an hour because of a headache and a cough," said Central Jakarta District Court judge Soebardi, who presided over the trial. The trial was adjourned for a week.

Maintaining livelihood

Maintaining livelihood What happens if there is no harmony in the relationship between a company and its employees. "The economic life of the nation will be in confusion," President Megawati Soekarnoputri said before thousands of workers and representatives from 30 provincial chapters of the Indonesian Labor Union (SPSI) recently. Demonstrations by employees demanding raises were rare during the New Order era because of the low bargaining position of workers. They were practically unprotected.

Balinese dogs need looking after

Balinese dogs need looking after Yudha Bantono, Contributor, Denpasar, Bali Visit any village in Bali and you may notice hundreds of dogs roaming everywhere, be it in a market, home or alley. It seems hard to separate dogs from the lives of the Balinese. Bali has probably the largest dog population in Indonesia. Some dogs are lucky to have masters who take good care of them, while the rest have to rely on leftovers thrown away in the markets or temples.

City threatens to demolish Jasa Marga building

City threatens to demolish Jasa Marga building Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso threatened toll operator PT Jasa Marga that the city administration would demolish Wisma Singalaga, a commercial building owned by the company, located beside former Kebon Jeruk toll gate in West Jakarta, because the building was built without a building permit. "We have sent a warning letter to PT Jasa Marga about the building.

No improvement seen by Bantar Gebang residents

No improvement seen by Bantar Gebang residents Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta It has been over a month since the city administration and the Bekasi mayoralty renewed an agreement on Jakarta's use of the dump in Bantar Gebang, Bekasi, but for residents living near the site, the situation has not changed. "I do not feel that there have been any changes here.

DPR, wake up!

DPR, wake up! From Kompas The government is inconsistent and has disappointed the people when dealing with the debts incurred by business magnates. It's time for the House of Representatives (DPR) to act sternly when dealing with this case. Summon the debtors immediately wherever they are. Give them three days. If they refuse to come, give them a strong ultimatum along with legal sanctions. Priority must be given to cases involving business magnates whose loans amount to over Rp 1 trillion.

10 largest offending institutions

10 largest offending institutions ----------------------------------------------------------------- Ministry/ State Agency Number Unexplained losses of cases (in billion Rp) ----------------------------------------------------------------- 1. State Logistics Agency 243 4,429 2. Pertamina 878 2,976 3. Finance Ministry 891 1,197 4. Agency for Assessment and 14 1,182 Application of Technology 5. State Enterprises Ministry 1,711 235 6. Forestry Ministry 104 173 7. Home Affair Ministry 3,775 110 8.

Threats rife ahead of DPR probe talks

Threats rife ahead of DPR probe talks Kurniawan Hari and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Golkar Party is employing a strategy of intimidation and threats to block a plan on Thursday to establish an inquiry into a Rp 40 billion (US$4 million) corruption scandal, popularly known as Bulogate II, that implicates its chairman Akbar Tandjung.

Man held for firearms possession

Man held for firearms possession TANGERANG: Three policemen arrested on Wednesday morning a discotheque owner in the possession of three firearms and 283 bullets on the Jakarta-Merak toll road near the Bitung toll gate, west of the Tomang intersection. Ali Basuki Sani Lumbun, who owns a discotheque on Jl. Gajah Mada in West Jakarta, had pulled his Daihatsu jeep over into the emergency lane when the officers approached him.

Yogyakarta plans to use rental cars

Yogyakarta plans to use rental cars YOGYAKARTA: As a way of promoting efficiency in the new era of regional autonomy, the Yogyakarta provincial administration plans to use rental cars, Governor Sultan Hamengku Buwono X said.

4 x 8

4 x 8 Refugees to receive emergency food aid UNPKF 3 x 27 Indonesia, East Timor to begin border talks on March 11 drug 1 x 20 16-year term sought for drug suspect

Environmental damage unabated

Environmental damage unabated Bambang Nurbianto and Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor Devastating floods hit Greater Jakarta recently, paralyzing most of the capital for three weeks from late January to mid-February. At least 22 people died and 300,000 were displaced across the city. Many people, particularly environmentalists, blamed uncontrolled, illegal construction in several designated "green areas" in and around the capital as the major causes of the Great Flood of 2002.

Government to issue Inpres to regulate sand quarrying

Government to issue Inpres to regulate sand quarrying Leo Wahyudi S, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government is close to issuing a presidential instruction to regulate rampant sand quarrying, which would prevent further environmental degradation and bring to a halt annual estimated losses of over Rp 2 trillion in illegal sand exports. The new presidential instruction, which is expected to be issued this week, is primarily aimed at curbing sand mining in Riau province.

Rupiah Rates March. 6

Rupiah Rates March. 6 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Where to go in Bali: Thursday, March 7, 2002

Where to go in Bali: Thursday, March 7, 2002 Exhibition * Painting Opposite Attraction by Charles Cham, Ganesha Gallery, Four Seasons Resort, Jimbaran Bay, Nusa Dua, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., (Tel.

Uniforms are necessary

Uniforms are necessary I refer to a letter from Carol Hodgkiss published in The Jakarta Post on March 5, concerning the wearing of school uniforms uniforms in Indonesia. I can understand she is surprised to see all school students in Indonesia wearing uniforms to school. She compared the situation to that in Britain, where school students are not obliged to wear uniforms.

Indonesia lacks statesman, says political observer

Indonesia lacks statesman, says political observer A'an Suryana and Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The stubborn resistance by party leaders holding public offices to hang up one of their hats was a clear sign that too many of the country's leaders were selfish and uninterested in the well- being of the country as a whole, according to one academic.

16-year term sought for drug suspect in Bali

16-year term sought for drug suspect in Bali I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar Prosecutors demanded on Wednesday that a 48-year-old former prisoner, Ishak Tayeb -- one of Bali's biggest drug dealers -- be sentenced to 16 years in jail and fined Rp 100 million. Chief prosecutor Banjar Nahor told the Denpasar District Court that the defendant had been shown to have numerous kinds of illegal drugs in his possession.

Improve policy management

Improve policy management Public dialogs should be encouraged Tuong Vu Ph.D. Candidate in Politics University of California Berkeley, USA 2. Jus2 -- Indonesia and Singapore: Understanding and being understood 1 x 32 36pt Bodoni Understanding and being understood Part 1 of 2 See text of article for corrections Jusuf Wanandi Centre for Strategic and International Studies Jakarta Simon SC Tay Singapore Institute of International Affairs Singapore 3.

To Minister Boediono

To Minister Boediono Dear Mr. Boediono, please read the news stories about the smuggling of various goods, ranging from second-hand bicycles to used helicopters, published in the mass media over the past two weeks (Feb. 14 to Feb. 26). In short, there is nothing that cannot be imported into our country. Second-hand garments from abroad, which are trash in their countries of origin, have glutted the country's garment markets in recent years. Mr.

Rindu Alam, the violator that inspired others

Rindu Alam, the violator that inspired others Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta When discussing the thousands of illegal villas and buildings in the West Java tourist resort of Puncak, it is necessary to mention Rindu Alam restaurant, the first prominent violator of the 1963 presidential decree on development in Puncak.

Police to quiz Fathur's father over blast

Police to quiz Fathur's father over blast Yogita Tahilramani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta East Java Police said on Wednesday it had evidence linking the alleged Atrium Plaza bomber, Abas, alias Edi Sutiono, to the father of alleged terrorist Fathur Rohman Al-Ghozi, an Indonesian detained by Philippine authorities on terrorism charges. East Java Police chief of detectives Wisnu Amat Sastro said police intended to question M.

Minister says BCA team legal, IBRA insists it's not

Minister says BCA team legal, IBRA insists it's not The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The controversy surrounding the sale of Bank Central Asia (BCA) continues, even in its final days, as the government claims the team that will name BCA's winning bidder is legally valid, while the agency in charge of the sale insists it is not. State Minister of State Enterprises Laksamana Sukardi ruled out the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency's (IBRA) charge that the setup of the team would violate regulations.

11 grilled for court document forgery

11 grilled for court document forgery JAKARTA: The police are interrogating 11 officials allegedly linked with the forgery of court papers which allowed two Nigerians convicted of drug trafficking last year to escape from prison. Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Anton Bachrul Alam said Wednesday that the 11 officials were from the Cipinang penitentiary, Jakarta Prosecutor's Office, and East Jakarta District Court.

Frenchman nabbed with drugs

Frenchman nabbed with drugs DENPASAR, Bali: The police here have detained 31-year-old Guy Sebastien, a French national, for the possession of a banned substance. "We are still questioning the suspect to determine whether he is a dealer or just a user," Sr. Comr. Adhitya Wiratama, the chief of detectives with the Bali Police, said here on Tuesday. The suspect was arrested in the possession of drugs in the Muding Indah Housing Compound in Kerobokan, some 15 kilometers east of Denpasar, on Monday.

Govt mulls 60 percent cut for IBRA debtors

Govt mulls 60 percent cut for IBRA debtors The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Nearly two months in the making, the alternative to the controversial debt extension plan is set to be presented before a Cabinet meeting today, in a scheme that may include offering debtors a flat 60 percent debt reduction. Chances have grown slim for the government to go ahead with the much-criticized debt extension plan, which reportedly gained little support from ministers.

Asian monies up, rupiah strengthens

Asian monies up, rupiah strengthens Netty Ismail, Dow Jones, Singapore Continuing foreign equity inflows into local stock markets and the yen's gains bolstered most Asian currencies late Wednesday, dealers said. The Indonesian rupiah's new found strength provided additional support to its Southeast Asian peers, although fears of intervention by the central banks in Singapore and Thailand stymied their currencies' rise.

Page 14: Special Report: Saving Puncak

Page 14: Special Report: Saving Puncak 1. Damage - 1x45 Environmental damage continues in Puncak 2. Villa - 2x 25 Weak law enforcement unable to deal with illegal villas 3. Rindu - 1x40 Rindu Alam, the violator that inspired others Page 15: Special Report: Saving Puncak 1. Puncak - 1x 45 Some Jakartans think Puncak just perfect 2. Miskin - 1x 58 Local residents on outside looking in at villa residents 3. Guard - 1x 50 Guards of illegal villas 'will kill if necessary'