Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 1 April 2002

77 articles found

Govt develops fast track privatization

Govt develops fast track privatization Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has developed a fast-track privatization plan in a bid to meet this year's crucial privatization proceeds target, a document from the Office of the State Minister of State Enterprises says. The document was issued during its meeting with the House of Representatives Commission IX on the state budget and financial affairs last week.

Observers split on success of Megawati's trip

Observers split on success of Megawati's trip Kurniawan Hari and A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite all the fanfare, international affairs observers have reservations about the effectiveness of President Megawati Soekarnoputri's ongoing visit to four Asian countries, namely China, North Korea, South Korea and India. International affairs observer Juwono Sudarsono has hailed the visit, saying it would improve the image of Indonesia internationally.

Two die in botched police heroin bust

Two die in botched police heroin bust JAKARTA: Two alleged international drug traffickers were killed and a police officer wounded in a shootout during a botched police operation in Jakarta on Friday night. The dead, shot and killed in the Taman Rasuna Apartment compound in South Jakarta, were identified as Hunter Jackson, from South Africa, and Pakistani Muhammad Sabir Nizami, who had the aliases Sunny al-Sani and Nizami Khan. Sr. Comr.

U.S. lets Israel terrorize Palestine: Official

U.S. lets Israel terrorize Palestine: Official Agencies, Kuala Lumpur The head of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation's political office, Farouq al-Kaddoumi, on Sunday accused the United States of giving Israel freedom to carry out atrocities and terrorism against his people, Malaysian state news agency Bernama reported.

PKP to merge with other parties ahead of 2004 election

PKP to merge with other parties ahead of 2004 election Rita A. Widiadana, The Jakarta Post, Karang Asem, East Bali The Justice and Unity Party (PKP) is planning to merge with other parties in a bid to create a powerful coalition before general elections get underway in 2004, its chairman Gen. (ret) Edy Sudrajat, announced on Saturday.

Tracing Hizbut Tahrir in Indonesia

Tracing Hizbut Tahrir in Indonesia Solahudin Observer Islamic Movements Jakarta Since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 in the U.S., all Islamic groups considered militant have been in the spotlight. Ahmed Rasyid, the author of Taliban, recently launched his latest book titled Jihad: The Rise of Militant Islam in Central Asia.

Indonesia's diplomacy

Indonesia's diplomacy President Megawati Soekarnoputri made a rare and surprising display of her acumen in international diplomacy this weekend when she acted as a go-between for the leaders of North Korea and South Korea. The occasion was presented as Megawati visited Pyongyang and Seoul, which form part of her tour of Asia that also includes China and India.

Mobs signal return of political thuggery

Mobs signal return of political thuggery Ahmad Junaidi and Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Actions speak louder than words, but sadly some equate this as wanton violence and are proud of it even if their actions are nothing more than thuggery.

Military ties with U.S. still a long way to go

Military ties with U.S. still a long way to go A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta It is premature to expect the restoration of military ties between Indonesia and the United States to take place in the near future as the plan is likely to meet strong objections from the U.S Congress and the State Department, a political observer said.

How inter-faith dialog can promote a plural society

How inter-faith dialog can promote a plural society Th. Sumartana, Institute for Inter-Faith, Dialog in Indonesia, Yogyakarta Since its establishment in 1999, the Institute for Inter-Faith Dialog in Indonesia (Interfidei) has been fully engaged in popularizing inter-faith dialog, particularly during the unstable late 1990s. Because of its nature, Interfidei has greater freedom to develop its vision and mission.

Locals complain about unclear Canal project

Locals complain about unclear Canal project Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Residents whose land and buildings will be affected by the 23- kilometer East Flood Canal have complained about the sluggish and uncertain process of the project. While the residents were advised not to construct any buildings on their land or to renovate their houses, it is not clear when the land will be acquired for the project, said residents of the Pulo Gebang subdistrict in North Jakarta.

Workers occupy manpower office in Palu

Workers occupy manpower office in Palu PALU, Central Sulawesi: Hundreds of workers from foreign-owned PT Leang Yang continued to occupy the Central Sulawesi Manpower and Transmigration Office in Palu on Saturday. The occupation began on March 18 after the office's labor dispute settlement committee failed to address the protesters' grievances. The workers are demanding the company raise their salaries and provide them with a food allowance.

1. Poor

1. Poor Post-flood assistance still out of reach 2. Tiris - 2x 24 The trucks, the fuel, the boys and the criminal gangs 3. Traffic - 1x 40 Road closures results in traffic congestion 4. Canal - 2x20 Locals complain about unclear Canal project

Lampung doctors continue striking

Lampung doctors continue striking Oyos Saroso, The Jakarta Post, Bandarlampung More than 300 temporarily employed doctors in Lampung would continue striking this week to push their demand for a clear status and better payment, strike leaders said on Saturday. The protesters pledged they would not stop their strike until their demands, including the revocation of a ruling on temporary doctors, were heeded by the relevant authorities.

1. Situmo -- Strikes in state firms and foreign investors

1. Situmo -- Strikes in state firms and foreign investors 2 x 22 48 pt Strikes in state firms and foreign investors Suhunan M. Situmorang Corporate Lawyer Jakarta 2. Tom -- Drawing back from the brink of war 1 x 32 36pt Bodoni Drawing back from the brink of war Tom Plate Asia Pacific Media Network Los Angeles, USA 3 China -- Giving the media a greater voice 1 x 32 36pt Bodoni China's media needs larger voice Yan Xizao China Daily Asia News Network Beijing

Floods increase number of poor

Floods increase number of poor JAKARTA: The recent floods that hit the capital have led to a sharp increase in the number of people living below the poverty line, particularly in North Jakarta. There are currently 37,886 poor families in North Jakarta, compared to 29,350 families before the flooding, according to Setiawan Hadi Prayitno of the mayoralty's Bureau of Statistics.

Post-flood assistance still out of reach

Post-flood assistance still out of reach Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta It has been more than a month since floodwaters subsided from the homes of Jakarta residents, but many damaged homes still remain unrepaired as most flood victims have no money to fix them. "I can't bear any longer to stay under this severely-cracked roof and broken wall. The rains just pour into my home," said Nurhayati, a resident of Kampung Pulo in Kampung Melayu, East Jakarta.

RP eyes new currency swap agreements

RP eyes new currency swap agreements MANILA: The Philippine government is eyeing a currency swap agreement with China and South Korea to boost its dollar reserves as a precautionary measure against potential financial market shocks. "The trend is to have bilateral talks with as many countries as we can...That's slowly being worked on," central bank Governor Rafael Buenaventura told reporters when asked about media reports of such negotiations.

JP/Mulkan Salmona

JP/Mulkan Salmona A computer exhibition is regularly held in Jakarta displaying the latest trend in the computer technology.

Latest trend: No significant changes but much faster

Latest trend: No significant changes but much faster Zatni Arbi Contributor Jakarta In the last few years, there have not been too many fundamental changes in the ways PCs are built. The processors may be running much faster -- the latest speed record from Intel is 2.2 GHz, but the architecture remains basically the same.

JP/4/C04

JP/4/C04 COMPANY: Borobudur Hotel Klub Borobudur: The right place to keep you fit and healthy Most people have their own theories about what makes a gym or fitness center special, and most of the theories are correct; It's the pampering, the exercise, the facilities and the equipment. At Klub Borobudur, the staff establish good relationships with members.

Indonesia backs OIC meeting on terrorism

Indonesia backs OIC meeting on terrorism Fabiola Desy Unidjaja The Jakarta Post Jakarta Indonesian fully supports the agenda to address the improper perception which links Islam with terrorism due to be addressed in a meeting of Islamic ministers in Kuala Lumpur on Monday. Foreign Ministry spokesman Marty Natalegawa said the agenda to be discussed in the ministerial meeting of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) member countries is of central concern to Indonesia.

HK embarks on massive tourist campaign

HK embarks on massive tourist campaign Akmal Syams, The Jakarta Post, Hong Kong Cosmopolitan Hong Kong has embarked on a massive tourist campaign in an effort to maintain its position as the main tourist destination in Asia in the years to come. While many cities or countries in Asia are struggling hard to overcome the economic crisis, Hong Kong continues to enjoy robust growth, even after its return to China from Britain in July 1997.

U.S. let Israel terrorize Palestine -official

U.S. let Israel terrorize Palestine -official Agencies Kuala Lumpur The head of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation's political office, Farouq al-Kaddoumi, on Sunday accused the United States of giving Israel freedom to carry out atrocities and terrorism against his people, Malaysian state news agency Bernama reported.

The trucks, the fuel, the boys and the criminal gangs

The trucks, the fuel, the boys and the criminal gangs Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A truck carrying a load of diesel fuel was trapped in traffic on Jl. Yos Sudarso in North Jakarta, when a teenager with a plastic bag in his hand crept toward it and slowly opened the fuel tap. In his side mirror, Sujono, the driver, could see the teenager stealing fuel from the tank, but he just ignored it.

Jamsostek funds

Jamsostek funds From Kompas I worked at Dunkin' Donuts Jakarta as a store manager for about ten years, with employee number 1992062901. Owing to my own mistakes, I was forced to resign from my position without getting any severance pay or service pay. I only obtained a letter certifying that I worked well at Dunkin' Donuts Jakarta during that particular period.

East Timor still applies RI education system

East Timor still applies RI education system Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Dili East Timor still applies the Indonesian education system although it has been separated from the country since 1999 and will become an independent country in May. Except in its kindergartens, all schools there have maintained the Indonesian curricula which was designed by the Indonesian Ministry of National Education.

Foreign direct investment in ASEAN forecast to rise

Foreign direct investment in ASEAN forecast to rise Foreign direct investment (FDI) into Southeast Asia is likely to rise despite the recent cutback in the flow of capital, a U.S. investment bank said on Friday. "As ASEAN's cyclical upswing progresses, we would expect FDI to re-emerge in a more dominant role," Goldman Sachs said in its latest Asia-Pacific Economics Analyst report.

Yogya, Savannah forge ties

Yogya, Savannah forge ties YOGYAKARTA: Yogyakarta Mayor Herry Zudanto and the mayor of Savannah, Georgia, Michael Brown, signed an 18-month cooperation pact to develop the quality of public services in both cities. A memorandum of understanding on the cooperation was signed last Thursday by Herry and Brown in Yogyakarta during a ceremony attended by U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia Ralph L. Boyce.

Eleven suspected Aceh rebels killed

Eleven suspected Aceh rebels killed Eleven people suspected of being members of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) were killed in a gunfight with the Indonesian Military (TNI) in Keumala Lengau village, a subdistrict of East Aceh regency, on Saturday afternoon. Military spokesman Maj. Zaenal Mutaqin told the media in Lhokseumawe on Sunday that the military also confiscated eight firearms and 715 bullets during the military operation.

Akbar's trial moved to Jakarta Fairground

Akbar's trial moved to Jakarta Fairground Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The trial of House Speaker Akbar Tandjung resumes on Monday with court officials moving the hearing from the Central Jakarta District Court to the Jakarta Fairground in Kemayoran, also in Central Jakarta. "We have obtained permission from the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights to move the trial venue to the Jakarta Fairground," Central Jakarta District Court spokesman Andi Samsan Nganro said.

Firm hand needed with the Burmese

Firm hand needed with the Burmese The continuing cross-border shelling between the Wa drug army and Thai troops along the northern border is a slap in the face for the Thai government. Thai troops along the northern border have been slugging it out with soldiers belonging to the United Wa State Army (UWSA), a pro-Rangoon outfit dubbed the world's largest armed drug trafficking group. And once again, villagers are exposed to violence.

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.

* Headlines: Bribery in legal system not a fiction 2

* Headlines: Bribery in legal system not a fiction 2 * Opinion: Phenomenon of workers strikes in state firms 4 * City: Post-flood assistance still out of reach 6 * Archipelago: Lampung doctors continue striking 7 * National: Akbar's trial moved to Jakarta Fairground 8 * World: Jordan threatens Israel over attacks on Arafat 10 * Business: Govt issues decree on internet protocol operators 11 * Features: Taiwanese made notebook that turns heads 15 * Sports: Williams wins Miami title over Capriati...

Southeast Asia set for boom in IPOs as stocks markets rebound

Southeast Asia set for boom in IPOs as stocks markets rebound Muralikumar Anantharaman, Reuters, Singapore Southeast Asia is gearing up for a bounty of new equity offerings in 2002 following a stunning rebound in the region's stock markets, as the deep scars of last year's global economic and market woes begin to fade.

Asia Food & Properties to continue to sell assets

Asia Food & Properties to continue to sell assets Dow Jones, Singapore Asia Food & Properties Ltd., the debt-ridden Singapore-listed food and property arm of Indonesia's Sinar Mas group, said it will continue to sell assets to improve cash-flow after reporting a full-year loss amounting to S$309.4 million. The company's unit, Golden Agri-Resources Ltd. also reported a loss of US$49.1 million on revenue of $310.4 million for the year ended Dec. 31, the two companies said Saturday.

Statue to commemorate ethnic riots

Statue to commemorate ethnic riots SAMPIT, Central Kalimantan: In commemoration of the human tragedies of the February 2001 ethnic conflicts that swept through the town of Sampit and other areas in Central Kalimantan, the local administration will erect a pantar statue in East Kota Waringin regency. Fedlik Asser, one of the initiators of the project, said on Saturday the planned statue would be erected by the local administration and the Dayak Society Association.

Road closures results in traffic congestion

Road closures results in traffic congestion Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang The closure of several roads and the shift in traffic direction due to the construction of the Cikokol flyover here has resulted in traffic congestion and disorder that becomes a nightmare for the public. Employees, students, traders, public minivan drivers and other road users continued to complain due to difficulties they had encountered over the past few days.

RI-U.S. military ties unlikely to materialize soon: Observer

RI-U.S. military ties unlikely to materialize soon: Observer A'an Suryana The Jakarta Post Jakarta It is premature to expect the restoration of military ties between Indonesia and the United States to take place in the near future as the plan is likely to meet strong objections from the U.S Congress and the State Department, a political observer said.

Challenge to conscience of law enforcers

Challenge to conscience of law enforcers Many people no doubt become frustrated when seeking justice through the local judicial system. President Megawati, however, has her own judgment. In her address before the Indonesian community in Beijing, China, on Monday, March 23, she asked the community not to doubt the integrity of law enforcers. Megawati cited her own personal experience with the judicial system.

The BCA fiasco

The BCA fiasco Some hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, of Bank Central Asia (BCA)'s approximately nine million customers found themselves unable to carry out transactions at one of the country's largest private banks on Monday, March 25. On the first business day of the week, people were lining up at BCA branches to withdraw money for their families' needs or to transfer funds for urgent deals, only to find their transactions could not be completed.

RI lacks national discipline: Megawati

RI lacks national discipline: Megawati The Jakarta Post, Seoul On Sunday, President Megawati Soekaroputri lamented the harsh noise of democracy prevailing at home by saying that, compared with the national discipline and dedication she saw in visits to China and the two Koreas, Indonesians should feel ashamed. Megawati's week-long tour of China, and both North and South Korea has apparently left a deep impression on the president, which led her to ponder the current state of the nation.

Education during the Dutch rule

Education during the Dutch rule It goes without saying that social conditions in a colony are far from perfect, but education was of a very high standard when Indonesia was still a Dutch colony. Before World War II I lived in Madiun, Central Java, the capital of a residentie (regency). At that time the highest available education in the city was the meer uitgebreid lager onderwijs (MULO) or more extensive lower education), i.e. three years after the primary school.

JP/Mulkan Salmona

JP/Mulkan Salmona A computer exhibition is regularly held in Jakarta displaying the latest trend in the computer technology.

Akbar does not

Akbar does not deserve support From Rakyat Merdeka The political elite has misused the reform message students have struggled for since 1998. The aspiration to build a new Indonesia, where people enjoy better welfare and social justice, remains an illusion. Justice and better welfare seem to be only utopian words as the people still live miserably. The price of daily necessities keeps rising.

Andi Hakim Nasution: The power of opportunity

Andi Hakim Nasution: The power of opportunity Ravenska Wagey-Radjawane, Researcher, Kinetek Pharmaceuticals Inc., Vancouver, Canada On March 30, Prof. Dr. Andi Hakim Nasution, also known as pak Andi would have turned 70 years old. However, on March 4, 2002 he passed away due to illness. His departure has marked a great loss for the scientific community in Indonesia.

JP/7/ambon

JP/7/ambon 3 x 20 Investigation team on Maluku postponed by Mega's overseas visit The central government has formed a national team to investigate the three-year sectarian conflict in Maluku, but the announcement of its members still has to wait for the approval of President Megawati Soekarnoputri who is currently overseas.

Singapore wants good ties with Malaysia, Indonesia: Jayakumar

Singapore wants good ties with Malaysia, Indonesia: Jayakumar Reuters, Singapore Singapore wants to maintain good ties with Malaysia and Indonesia despite recent diplomatic hiccups, and will encourage the United States to stay in the region, Foreign Affairs Minister S. Jayakumar said on Sunday. "Singapore's future is inextricably tied to Southeast Asia. Managing bilateral relations with our neighbors, especially Malaysia and Indonesia, will remain a top priority," Jayakumar said in a statement.

Very low voltage

Very low voltage From Media Indonesia On behalf of the executive board of neighborhood unit No. 7 and community unit No. 12 in Pekayon Jaya subdistrict, South Bekasi district, we would like to call on the president director of PLN state electricity company and those within his ranks, particularly PLN head of the Bekasi branch, to pay attention to the very low voltage in our housing complex. Due to the low voltage, some of the stabilizers we use have broken.

Overmanning drags Merpati down

Overmanning drags Merpati down Debbie A. 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. Outgoing Merpati president director Wahyu Hidayat said the airline had been suffering from overmanning since before he became chief there in 1999.

Indonesian Airlines starts operation

Indonesian Airlines starts operation JAKARTA: The recently launched PT Indonesian Airlines said its first flights would cover the Jakarta-Surabaya route six days a week, starting on Monday. Indonesian Airlines said it would fly the route using two Boeing 737-300s, which it obtained from the German airline Lufthansa. Launched about a week ago, the airline said it was targeting a 20 percent market share of the Jakarta-Surabaya route. It gave no details of when it hoped to achieve this target.

Edited

Edited I. Christianto Contributor Jakarta Locally assembled products are much more popular Many parties prefer to purchase locally assembled personal computers (PC), which are popularly known as jangkrik (cricket). People have their own reasons for buying locally assembled PCs, normally for their down-to-earth prices compared to top, famous brands. Behind the fact of fast-selling locally produced PCs, there are anecdotes about these PCs are called crickets.

checked by Cam

checked by Cam Choose the right printer for your home. Vishnu K. Mahmud Contributor Jakarta Remember the old days when buying a printer was a major investment? You'd be lucky to find an affordable machine, or one that can print in "Near Letter Quality". Don't even think about printing pictures or photos on them. Fast forward to the present. You can now choose a printer from a wide variety of types, models and prices.

Amiruddin, a senior judge at the court, served as the

Amiruddin, a senior judge at the court, served as the presiding judge. Although sanctioned under prevailing laws, the appointment of five judges for Akbar's corruption case has surprised many since criminal cases are usually handled by three judges only. Speculations are rife that the appointment of the five judges was merely designed to deceive the public at large that the trial outcome would be fair and just.

1. mideast --- 1 x 5 cols (36)

1. mideast --- 1 x 5 cols (36) Gunfire at Arafat's HQ, Pope appeals for peace 2. aceh -- 2 x 3 cols (21) 11 suspected GAM members killed in fresh fighting 3. preman -- 2 x 4 cols (22) Mob raids signal return of political thuggery 4. korea -- 1 x 5 cols (35) RI lacks national discipline: Megawati

Analysts still upbeat on rupiah

Analysts still upbeat on rupiah Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Profit taking stalled the rupiah's movement a bit last week, but analysts remained convinced the local unit would bounce back this week amid lingering positive sentiments in the market. After soaring to 9,540 against the U.S. dollar, the rupiah lost steam to end the four-day week at 9,825 last Thursday. The unit stood lower at 9,830 in the previous week. Profit taking broke loose on news that U.S.

Farmers encouraged to be rational about GMOs

Farmers encouraged to be rational about GMOs Leo Wahyudi S, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A spokesperson for a company supplying genetically modified crops is urging farmers to remain calm and rational in responding to the increasing use of these crops, saying that extensive lab tests had shown them to be safe. Tri Soekirman, spokesperson for PT Monagro Kimia, played down the increasing harsh reaction to genetically modified seeds, which have not been widely accepted here.

There is no excuse for AGO to suspend, halt investigation

There is no excuse for AGO to suspend, halt investigation Kurniawan Hari and Leo Wahyudi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Critics have slammed the Attorney General's Office for its inaction in following up House of Representatives (DPR) Commission III findings in 2000 on the alleged misuse of Rp 2.6 trillion belonging to the State Logistics Agency (Bulog).

Bogor administration buildings illegal

Bogor administration buildings illegal BOGOR: The Bogor regency council building and the official residence of the Bogor regent are among dozens of houses belonging to the administration that were built without permits. A Bogor official, Heri Haeruman, admitted that only 10 of 40 administration-owned buildings in Cibinong had building permits (IMB). Heri, who is in charge of regional assets, said that the efforts to apply for the permits were often hampered by the unclear status of the land.

New decree on VoIP puts light out on old operators

New decree on VoIP puts light out on old operators Debbie A. Lubis, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government is set to issue a new ministerial decree this week that bans existing Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) operators from continuing their services and gives the go-ahead to five new operators to start their services. VoIP is a technology for transmitting ordinary telephone calls over the Internet using packet-linked routes. Gatot S.

JP/1/HOUR

JP/1/HOUR Pertamina raises gasoline prices: State-owned oil and gas company Pertamina announced late Sunday night that the price of premium gasoline for the month of April is set at Rp 1,600 per liter, up from the previous Rp 1,550. Premix rises from Rp 2,100 to Rp 2,200 per liter, while Super TTT from Rp 2,200 to Rp 2,300 per liter. The change, effective Monday, is in accordance with the government's decision to adjust the price of gasoline in accordance with world oil prices. -- JP

Fog foils Malik trip to Lampung

Fog foils Malik trip to Lampung METRO, Lampung: Thick fog prevented a Merpati aircraft carrying Minister of National Education Abdul Malik Fajar and his entourage from landing at the Radin Inten II airport in Bandarlampung on Saturday. Malik, who was scheduled to speak at a seminar on regional autonomy in the educational field in Metro, near Bandarlampung, was forced to return to Jakarta.

Strikes in state firms and foreign investors

Strikes in state firms and foreign investors Suhunan M. Situmorang, Corporate Lawyer, Jakarta A new phenomenon in the history of the workers' struggle in Indonesia has arisen. While their demands used to involve wage increases, better welfare, or rejection of lay-offs, today workers are turning their attention to corporate affairs.

Organda orders Korean buses

Organda orders Korean buses SEOUL: The Association of Land Transportation Owners (Organda) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with South Korean car maker Hyundai to buy public buses for 20 towns in Indonesia. The signing was conducted on the sidelines of President Megawati Soekarnoputri's visit to Seoul on Saturday.

Government to update IMF for next loan tranche

Government to update IMF for next loan tranche Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government plans to sign next week a letter to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) updating it regarding reform targets met since the fund's last review in February as a prerequisite to release the next loan of some US$400 million. Spokesman for the coordinating minister for the economy, Mahendra Siregar said the letter was being finalized and is expected to be sent to Washington sometime next week.

1,850 troops set for Aceh

1,850 troops set for Aceh The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Military (TNI) will soon dispatch at least 1,850 replacement troops to the rebellious Aceh province, Deputy Army Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Kiki Syahnakrie said on Saturday. The force, scheduled to depart for Aceh early in April, will consist of 125 Marines and 100 elite Air Force personnel, with the rest of the troops coming from the Army, including 12 companies of search-and-destroy personnel, he said.

Investigation team on Maluku postponed by Mega's overseas visit

Investigation team on Maluku postponed by Mega's overseas visit Oktovianus Pinontoan, The Jakarta Post, Ambon The central government has formed a national team to investigate the three-year sectarian conflict in Maluku, but the announcement of its members still has to wait for the approval of President Megawati Soekarnoputri who is currently overseas.

PDI Perjuangan boycotts budget session

PDI Perjuangan boycotts budget session MEDAN, North Sumatra: The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), the largest faction in the North Sumatra provincial legislative council, boycotted a plenary session of the council that passed the province's Rp 972 billion budget. The party said it would not be to blame if 30 percent of the budget leaked to special interests.

JP/12/Merpati

JP/12/Merpati Overmanning drags Merpati down Debbie A. 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. Outgoing Merpati president director Wahyu Hidayat said the airline had been suffering from overmanning since before he became chief there in 1999.

Bribery in legal system not merely fictitious story

Bribery in legal system not merely fictitious story Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bribery is nothing new to the country's legal system. But despite the numerous allegations that some police officers, prosecutors and judges are corrupt, proving it is difficult because these corruptors know how to hide any evidence of their crimes.

East Kalimantan lawyer says KPC legal bout to end in one month

East Kalimantan lawyer says KPC legal bout to end in one month Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A lawyer representing the East Kalimantan administration in a lawsuit against coal mining firm PT Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC) said the legal proceedings now blocking the sale of a 51 percent stake in KPC would end in one month.

Akbar's first day on trial

Akbar's first day on trial From Pelita I would like to commend Indonesia's judicial institutions -- particularly the Central Jakarta District Court which is trying the case involving Akbar Tandjung, former state secretary minister, the incumbent House speaker, and the general chairman of Golkar party. Frankly, I watched the court session only from television, but this was enough for me to understand the trial.

Indonesia backs Islamic states meeting on int'l terrorism

Indonesia backs Islamic states meeting on int'l terrorism Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesian fully supports the agenda to address the improper perception which links Islam with terrorism due to be addressed in a meeting of Islamic ministers in Kuala Lumpur on Monday. Foreign Ministry spokesman Marty Natalegawa said the agenda to be discussed in the ministerial meeting of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) member countries is of central concern to Indonesia.

Edited

Edited I. Christianto Contributor Jakarta Locally assembled products are much more popular Many parties prefer to purchase locally assembled personal computers (PC), which are popularly known as jangkrik (cricket). People have their own reasons for buying locally assembled PCs, normally for their down-to-earth prices compared to top, famous brands. Behind the fact of fast-selling locally produced PCs, there are anecdotes about these PCs are called crickets.

Samsung Heavy wins Canadian deal

Samsung Heavy wins Canadian deal SEOUL: Samsung Heavy Industries Co, South Korea's third largest shipbuilder, said on Sunday it won a US$140 million vessel order from Canada's Husky Oil Operations Ltd. The South Korean shipbuilder will supply Husky Oil, part of Husky Energy Inc, with a 133,000-ton floating production storage and offloading vessel to be used at the White Rose oil field off the east coast of Newfoundland from the end of 2004, Samsung said in a statement.

U.S. spy plane crashes in RP

U.S. spy plane crashes in RP PHILIPPINES: An unmanned American spy plane crashed at sea on Sunday in the southern Philippines, where it has been used for aerial reconnaissance in U.S.-backed counterterrorism operations, military officials said. It was the second U.S. crash since the exercises began in January. An MH-47 Chinook helicopter went down in flames over deep water on Feb. 22, killing all 10 men aboard. Five of the bodies were recovered on Saturday, and two remain missing. Navy Lt. Cmdr.

Police to help ease traffic in Puncak

Police to help ease traffic in Puncak BOGOR: The roads leading to Puncak will be given special priority by the Bogor Police due to the heavy traffic congestion, especially during weekends and holidays. Chief of the Bogor Police, Sr. Comr. Nanan Soekarna said that he had received an instruction from the West Java Police to give the route special attention in order to help ease traffic jams.