Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 18 April 2002

90 articles found

Megawati worried about moral decay

Megawati worried about moral decay JAKARTA: President Megawati Soekarnoputri expressed concern on Wednesday over moral degradation among the country's youth, marked by rampant drug abuse, gambling, student brawls and pornography. Even more alarming, Islamic boarding schools, popularly known as Pondok Pesantren are not completely free of drugs as cases of drug abuse have also been found there, she said.

Andersen's RI unit fails to reach merger deal with E&Y

Andersen's RI unit fails to reach merger deal with E&Y Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian unit of global accounting firm Arthur Andersen has failed to come up with a merger deal with Ernst & Young, according to a senior official at Ernst & Young. Ernst & Young official John B. Arnold said that the merger talks were terminated on Tuesday, saying only that a merger would not be mutually beneficial for both companies.

RI congratulates E. Timor president Xanana

RI congratulates E. Timor president Xanana Agencies, Jakarta Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda congratulated East Timor's first elected president Xanana Gusmao for his election victory on Wednesday on behalf of President Megawati Soekarnoputri and the Indonesian government. "Mr. Xanana called Mr. Hassan at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, in regard to the elections. During that telephone conversation, Mr.

JP/12/Internet

JP/12/Internet Telkom targets 1.2 million internet users State-owned telecommunications company PT Telkom relaunched on Wednesday its PlasaCom portal service and expects to reach 1.2 million users this year. Head of Telkom multimedia division Adeng Achmad said that the service would benefit Internet users since it provided more specific facilities and easy access.

Mother sues hospital for malpractice

Mother sues hospital for malpractice TANGERANG: A 29-year-old mother, Ita Saspita, has sued two doctors at the Usada Insani Hospital on Jl. Hasyim Ashari in Tangerang for malpractice in connection with the appendix surgery they performed on her five-year-old daughter, Konita Kansa. Ita said on Tuesday that on March 22, Dr. Rizal and Dr. Dadi performed the surgery on her daughter at the hospital. They discharged Konita on March 29. The next day, Konita suffered a high fever and vomiting.

Asian hotel industry seen to stabilize

Asian hotel industry seen to stabilize Martin Abbugao, Agence France-Presse, Singapore The Asia-Pacific hotel industry should stabilize this year, with Thailand the star performer, and tourists from China boosting occupancies in Hong Kong and Singapore, industry executives said Wednesday. Japanese companies are expected to continue selling hotel assets at home and abroad, while industry opportunities are most attractive in Australia, Indonesia and Japan, they told a conference here.

'Tommy tried to bribe, threaten Syafiuddin'

'Tommy tried to bribe, threaten Syafiuddin' Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra had attempted to bribe and threatened Supreme Court Justice M. Syafiuddin Kartasasmita to rule in his favor before he was shot dead last year, the victim's wife said on Wednesday. Syafiuddin's wife, Sokimah, told the Central Jakarta District Court that Tommy's lawyer, Elza Syarief, had offered the bribe to Iwah Setiawati, the second wife of Syafiuddin.

Elza facing detention over bribery

Elza facing detention over bribery Rendi A. Witular , The Jakarta Post, Jakarta City Police officers are gathering evidence to name Elza Syarief, Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra's lawyer, as the main suspect in the bribery of witnesses during Tommy's trial. "Currently we are still gathering additional evidence which could lead to her detention," the police spokesman, Comr. Anton Bachrul Alam, said on Wednesday. "The summoning of Elza is only a matter of time now," he added.

Headings:

Headings: 1. Papua: 8 x 4 lines: ----to come later---- 2. Tangkap: 20 x 2 lines Two U.S. citizens wanted in Bandung 2. Nelayan: 18 x 2 lines: Autonomy upsets fishermen: Police 4. AIDS: 24 x 2 lines: Health officials respond to AIDS threat in Irian Jaya 5. Bocor: 16 x 2 lines Oil leak pollutes farmland in Cilacap

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX .rm .pl Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on April 17, 2002: -------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Abdi Bangsa Tbk 250 0 10,000 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,250 -50 15,000 Adindo Foresta 60 -10 752,500 AGIS Tbk 140 -5 1,609,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 380 0 0 Alakasa 175 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 775 -25 2,074,000 Alter Abadi Tbk 40 -15 200,000...

Residents complain over bills

Residents complain over bills BOGOR: Bogor residents have complained over exorbitantly high electricity bills that are allegedly the result of poor management of state electricity company PLN. Some of them have had to pay a monthly bill of millions of rupiah despite their having an installed power capacity of only 1,300 watts. At the Bogor branch office of PLN, hundreds of residents queued at the customer service counter to question the exorbitant rates.

Two U.S. citizens wanted in Bandung over corruption

Two U.S. citizens wanted in Bandung over corruption Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung The West Java Provincial Prosecutor's Office will send a letter to the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta asking for help in locating two American citizens who have been declared suspects in a Rp 73 billion corruption case at state-owned PT Telkom's branch office in West Java.

PlasaCom relaunched

PlasaCom relaunched The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned telecommunications company PT Telkom relaunched on Wednesday its PlasaCom portal service and expects to reach 1.2 million users this year. Head of Telkom multimedia division Adeng Achmad said that the service would benefit Internet users since it provided more specific facilities and easy access.

JP/7/Mission

JP/7/Mission Maluku separatist leader arrested: The local security authorities said they arrested leader of the Maluku Sovereignty Front (FKM) Alex Manuputty on Wednesday and confiscated poles for separatist flags standing in front of his home. The arrest was made after around one hour of negotiations with the suspect and other FKM activists. Alex is currently being detained in the Maluku provincial police office. -- JP

Papua Police arrest two members of Laskar Jihad

Papua Police arrest two members of Laskar Jihad R.K. Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura Papua Police said on Wednesday they had arrested two members of the militant Laskar Jihad group on charges of possessing home- made firearms in the troubled province. "The two suspects were arrested in Sorong and Fak Fak regencies after they were found carrying firearms," Papua Police chief Insp. Gen. Made Mangku Pastika said in the provincial capital, Jayapura.

TNI seeks resumption of military ties with U.S.

TNI seeks resumption of military ties with U.S. A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Military (TNI) is seeking the official resumption of military ties with the United States after several positive meetings between prominent U.S. and Indonesian figures. TNI Spokesman Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said on Wednesday that TNI needed U.S.-made military equipment to support its defense duties.

Foreign money to solve flooding

Foreign money to solve flooding JAKARTA: Central Jakarta mayoralty received Rp 1.4 trillion (US$148.15 million) from foreign sources for a flood control project on the Ciliwung river recently, the Minister of Settlement and Regional Infrastructure Soenarno said on Wednesday. "These funds are now available," Soenarno said at City Hall after attending a meeting concerning the river project.

'Stop doubting trade liberalization'

'Stop doubting trade liberalization' The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Coordinating Minister for the Economy Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti called on the public not to make any more fuss about trade liberalization, saying globalization could neither be stopped nor reversed. "There is no force in this world that could stop that," he told reporters, after giving his keynote speech at a workshop on small and medium-sized enterprises on Wednesday.

IMF ends visit to Argentina, government worried about savings

IMF ends visit to Argentina, government worried about savings drain Agence France-Presse Beunos Aires An IMF delegation ended its visit here Tuesday, warning that the door would be closed on international financial aid to Argentina unless the government imposes a series of tough fiscal measures. And for the government of President Eduardo Duhalde, lack of accessibility to fresh funds will dry up its potential to fight the expected bout of inflation, with annual forecasts riding at 60 percent.

Health officials respond to AIDS threat in Irian Jaya

Health officials respond to AIDS threat in Irian Jaya Markus Mardius, The Jakarta Post, Timika Some 14 of 168 HIV positive people in Mimika regency, Papua, have contracted the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), according to a local health official.

Plan on East Sumatra province sparks debate

Plan on East Sumatra province sparks debate Apriadi Gunawan The Jakarta Post Medan The planned formation of an East Sumatra province that will be developed from the existing North Sumatra province, has raised debate among the people in the province. North Sumatra Governor T. Rizal Nurdin commended the idea but said it was not the right time to implement it as it would likely raise serious problems for remaining regencies which were accelerating their development program under regional autonomy.

Powell ends mission amid Palestinian anger

Powell ends mission amid Palestinian anger Reuters, Ramallah, West Bank Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat said on Wednesday Israeli troop pullbacks were a sham and one of his aides accused Israel's Ariel Sharon of torpedoing U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell's peace mission. Avi Pazner, an aide to the Israeli prime minister, accused Arafat of refusing to sign a ceasefire agreement.

IMF ends visit to Argentina, government worried about savings

IMF ends visit to Argentina, government worried about savings drain Agence France-Presse Beunos Aires An IMF delegation ended its visit here Tuesday, warning that the door would be closed on international financial aid to Argentina unless the government imposes a series of tough fiscal measures. And for the government of President Eduardo Duhalde, lack of accessibility to fresh funds will dry up its potential to fight the expected bout of inflation, with annual forecasts riding at 60 percent.

EU could hit back at U.S. over steel 'within three months' -- WSJ

EU could hit back at U.S. over steel 'within three months' -- WSJ Agence France-Presse Brussels The European Union could start "within three months" to retaliate against U.S. tariffs on steel imports, the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday. In its European edition, the U.S. financial newspaper said the EU's retaliatory measures -- worth 341.1 million euros (US$300 million) -- would mainly focus on U.S. steel exports to Europe.

Experience with Blue Bird

Experience with Blue Bird From Bisnis Indonesia Some time in March, I took a guest of mine to the Soekarno- Hatta airport by a taxi, number T1295, from a company which belongs to the Blue Bird group, known for its hospitality and honesty. Arriving at the airport, I asked the driver whether or not he could wait for me for half an hour. As the taxi driver agreed and promised to wait, I gave him Rp 100,000, an amount of money which was enough to pay the cost of my round-trip plus toll charges.

1. Xanana (60 ) - 68 pts BB l/c 4cols 2lines (2x14)

1. Xanana (60 ) - 68 pts BB l/c 4cols 2lines (2x14) Xanana Gusmao wins E. Timor presidency 2. Maluku (50 ) - 48 pts BB l/c 5cols 1line (1x35) Leaders confident of long-lasting peace in Maluku 3. Terror (40) - 36 pts BB l/c 2cols 3lines (3x12) Ba'asyir mulls challenging court verdict 4. Sjahril (30) - 28 pts BB l/c 1col 4lines (4x8) Convicted BI chief to skip IMF meeting --- 5. Photo -- A 4x12 (Xananna), B 1x6 (Ba'asyir) 6. 24-hours plus 1inside

Indosat cancels Satelindo IPO

Indosat cancels Satelindo IPO JP/12/Brief JAKARTA: PT Indonesian Satellite Corp., or Indosat, a state- owned telecommunications company, said Wednesday it canceled indefinitely, plans to launch an initial public offering of shares in unlisted unit Satelit Palapa Indonesia, or Satelindo. "Following a series of preparation steps for an IPO, it was decided that it is not possible to proceed with the IPO during the current period," Indosat said without giving further details.

Spat could delay Timor oil deal

Spat could delay Timor oil deal Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer admitted Wednesday differences with East Timor over the revenue share-out from lucrative oil and gas reserves in the Timor Sea could delay a treaty. A Timor Gap arrangement was expected to be converted into a treaty on May 20, the day East Timor becomes an independent nation.

'TNI washes hands' of rights abuses in E. Timor

'TNI washes hands' of rights abuses in E. Timor Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Suspicions that the Indonesian Military (TNI) has used the ongoing human rights trial to wash its hands of human rights violations in East Timor became apparent on Wednesday.

A lesson in democracy from a former colony

A lesson in democracy from a former colony Kornelius Purba, Staff Writer, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta While many Indonesians still fantasize that one day the country will adopt a direct presidential election system, the people of East Timor -- soon to be known as Timor Lorosae -- have overwhelmingly voted for their independence fighter and hero Xanana Gusmao as their first president.

Enticing Westerners to look East

Enticing Westerners to look East or Stirring West-minded locals to look home ---------------------------------------------------------------- Martha Tilaar, founder and chairperson of Martha Tilaar Group, a leading name in traditional cosmetics and beauty care in the region, shares her business philosophy in the third part of this special weekly series.

NZ holds speech competition

NZ holds speech competition JAKARTA: The New Zealand Trade Development Board held an English language speech competition, involving the participation of 81 students here recently. The board said in its media release on Tuesday that 17 contestants had been selected from of a total of 81 representing nine colleges here.

Development in Bali

Development in Bali This is in response to the letter by Michael Beer in The Jakarta Post on April 11 titled Rituals are not good enough. Your elaborate complaint about the situation in Bali is not new, but that is the high price the Balinese have to pay for "development". Obviously they need hard cash to fund their costly rituals and are saving for their ngaben or cremation ceremony for themselves and their families, whether deceased or still living.

Anatomy of 'Green Revolution' unraveled

Anatomy of 'Green Revolution' unraveled Agence France-Presse, Paris DNA engineers say they have sequenced the gene that kicked off the "Green Revolution," the breakthrough in rice growing 35 years ago that saved tens of millions of Asians from likely starvation. The superstar plant, devised by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) was a variety called IR8, which dramatically doubled grain yield at a time when populations in China, India, Indonesia and elsewhere was growing alarmingly.

Jakarta's gasoline free from lead, but pollution still high

Jakarta's gasoline free from lead, but pollution still high or Lead gone from air but pollution lingers Bambang Nurbianto The Jakarta Post Jakarta A survey has found that all gas pumps in Greater Jakarta have been selling unleaded gasoline but experts say the capital's air still contains the hazardous substance.

Military and GAM have their own preconditions for upcoming peace talks

Military and GAM have their own preconditions for upcoming peace talks Ibnu Mat Noor, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh The tension is likely to continue in conflict-torn Aceh as the government military and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) are still sharply divided over the preconditions for the upcoming Geneva talks meant to put an end to the prolonged conflict in the province.

1. GONG: 1 line, 35 counts

1. GONG: 1 line, 35 counts Gong Kebyar is the sound of northern Bali 2. DANCE: 1 line, 49 counts 'Bungbung': A scent of eroticism in Balinese dance

National religious leaders confident

National religious leaders confident of long-lasting peace in Maluku Muhammad Nafik and Jupriadi The Jakarta Post Jakarta/Makassar Hopes for long-lasting peace are high in Maluku despite the presence of militia groups opposed to the recent accord to end three years of sectarian fighting in the strife-torn islands, national religious leaders said on Wednesday.

Enticing Westerners to look East

Enticing Westerners to look East Martha Tilaar, founder and chairperson of Martha Tilaar Group, a leading name in traditional cosmetics and beauty care in the region, shares her business philosophy in the third part of this special weekly series. The following is an excerpt of a recent interview, prepared with the help of marketing expert Hermawan Kartajaya, by The Jakarta Post reporter K. Basrie. During her childhood, she was a tomboy and expert in climbing trees.

City plans to integrate utility networks

City plans to integrate utility networks The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city administration plans to integrate utility networks in the capital in an effort to help reduce the disruption caused by excavation projects along the city's roads. If the plan proceeds smoothly, all underground utility networks, including telecommunications, multimedia, electricity, gas, water and others, would be integrated into a special channel, or conduit, which would be built by the city administration.

Taufik Kiemas, Tommy Winata 'meet in Thousand Islands'

Taufik Kiemas, Tommy Winata 'meet in Thousand Islands' Ahmad Junaidi and Annastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Amid heated debate on gambling localization in the Thousand Islands regency, President Megawati Soekarnoputri's husband Taufik Kiemas, Islands regent K. Abdul Kadir and businessman Tommy Winata recently met at the latter's island.

RP police likely to release Indonesians

RP police likely to release Indonesians Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta There appears to be some hope that three Indonesian men arrested for alleged possession of explosives in Manila may be released after the Philippine National Police (PNP) suggested that the charges be dropped. Foreign ministry spokesman Marty Natalegawa told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday that a PNP officer, Sr. Supt.

The only sour note came from pro-Jakarta East Timorese militia

The only sour note came from pro-Jakarta East Timorese militia leader Eurico Guterres, who accused Gusmao of killing pro- integration East Timorese in 1975, when Indonesia came in months after Portuguese colonizers withdrew. "I do not regard him as a good leader because he has committed mistakes in the past by murdering many pro-integration East Timorese who were his brothers in 1975," Guterres told AFP.

AVC impressed, ready to assist Indonesia

AVC impressed, ready to assist Indonesia Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Last year's disappointing performance by the Indonesian volleyball team at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games spoke for itself, but the recently concluded Proliga, the inaugural professional volleyball league, seemed to impress Asian board members. Representatives from 18 countries are currently holding a congress of the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) in Jakarta.

'Sustainable development in Indonesia marred by constraints'

'Sustainable development in Indonesia marred by constraints' Yogita Tahilramani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia's efforts to implement sustainable development is hampered by limited financial, technological and human resources, according to the government's executive summary to be presented to a preparatory meeting for the World Summit next month.

Strange logic

Strange logic Gambling has became the center of attention these last few days, because of Sutiyoso's plan to open a gambling center. This is a welcome change from the boring daily news about demonstrations, fights among politicians, killings, robberies, corruption, etc. The Jakarta Post's April 12 edition reported that the Governor of Jakarta Sutiyoso acknowledged that gambling could not be banned completely, therefore it would be better to open a legal gambling center.

[b]

Security officers growing fat on lottery 2. COMP (42cm) -- 36pt Bodoni Bold 3/2 (2x22) Pirated software easy to find on local market 3. GAS (30cm) -- 28pt Bodoni Bold 1/4 (4x10) Unleaded gas on sale, pollution still high B 4. UTIL (29cm) -- 28pt Bodoni Bold 2/2 (2x20) City to integrate utility networks

RI can hike import tariffs on chicken legs: Expert

RI can hike import tariffs on chicken legs: Expert Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government can propose to the World Trade Organization (WTO) that it wanted to increase import tariffs on chicken leg imports to 200 percent to protect local poultry farmers, an expert says. The top-level expert, who requested anonymity, also said Wednesday that the U.S. government could not file complaints against Indonesia at the WTO if the government implemented such a policy.

City plans to integrate utility networks

City plans to integrate utility networks Bambang Nurbianto The Jakarta Post Jakarta The city administration plans to integrate utility networks in the capital in an effort to help reduce the disruption caused by excavation projects along the city's roads.

Banks to select SME debtors for restructuring

Banks to select SME debtors for restructuring The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government promised on Wednesday a tighter selection process for debtors, using bank assessments to ensure that a debt restructuring scheme for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) would benefit the eligible ones.

Ba'asyir mulls challenging court verdict

Ba'asyir mulls challenging court verdict Yogita Tahilramani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In a bizarre turn of events, Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Ba'asyir is considering legal measures to challenge a 1985 Supreme Court verdict sentencing him to nine years in jail for subversion. The verdict has only just been served upon him over 16 years after it was originally handed down.

Tony Gunawan axed from Indonesian Thomas Cup team

Tony Gunawan axed from Indonesian Thomas Cup team Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) has not included Sydney 2000 Olympic gold medalist Tony Gunawan from the list it announced on Thursday for the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup finals due to take place from May 9 until May 19 in Guangzhou, China. Tony, who is now residing in the U.S.

Overhaul education curriculum: VP

Overhaul education curriculum: VP BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: Vice President Hamzah Haz says the national education curriculum must be overhauled in order to meet the country's development needs. Hamzah said the existing education curriculum did not meet the country's needs as it did not prepare students to explore and exploit available natural resources.

Ford Motor Indonesia

Ford Motor Indonesia FREE USE: PT Ford Motor Indonesia president director Will Angove (center) and Ford Jaksel general manager J. Andre Dumais (left) pose with John M. Eldred, winner of the Ford-sponsored grand prize at the recent annual Jakarta International School raffle. Eldred of BP West Java Ltd. won the three months' free use of a Ford Ranger. The handover took place at Ford Jaksel superstore on Tuesday last week.

Southeast Asia must fight terrorism threat: Thai FM

Southeast Asia must fight terrorism threat: Thai FM Agence France-Presse, Bangkok Southeast Asian states must do their utmost to fight terrorism and ensure it does not sink regional economies, Thai Foreign Minister Surakiart Sathirathai said on Wednesday at the opening of an anti-terror workshop. "A common path of solidarity is being pursued within this highly diversified region," Surakiart said of the global terrorism threat that has surfaced in the aftermath of the Sept.

Convicted BI chief to skip IMF meeting

Convicted BI chief to skip IMF meeting The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bank Indonesia Governor Sjahril Sabirin will skip the annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington this weekend, following the conviction in the Bank Bali scandal last month that bans him from leaving the country. "Sjahril has been placed under a travel ban; he will not go this time," said Bank Indonesia spokesman Halim Alamsyah on Wednesday.

Pertamina criticized for oil-leak chaos

Pertamina criticized for oil-leak chaos Agus Maryono, The Jakarta Post, Cilacap At least 3,000 square meters of swampy area and farmland in Karangbawang, Cilacap Regency, have been seriously contaminated by diesel oil leaking from a large pipe belonging to the state oil company Pertamina's distribution unit in Cilacap, Central Java. The oil leak that was discovered last Saturday has killed all the crops and flora on the farmland, as well as thousands of fish.

JP/3/B00

JP/3/B00 Int'l criminal court: Deterrent to the wicked? Bantarto Bandoro Editor, 'The Indonesian Quarterly' Centre for Strategic and Internationl Studies Jakarta After much delay and doubt over whether the East Timor human rights trial would ever go head, early this year Indonesia finally took the historic step of opening a human rights tribunal to prosecute those allegedly responsible for the violence in East Timor in 1999, when the former Indonesian province voted for independence.

Security officers growing fat on lottery

Security officers growing fat on lottery Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The underground lottery is one of the largest illegal clandestine businesses in Jakarta. The operators, backed up by corrupt police and military officer, are making billions of rupiah in profit every month.

Kris, more than just a simple dagger

Kris, more than just a simple dagger Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The man cautiously took the kris in his hand, removed it from its sheath and examined the Javanese weapon with expert eyes. "This is an old kris, its blade shows natural wear. Judging by the luk (waviness) of the blade, this is probably one of the earlier models before the luk was fashionable," kris expert Bambang Harsrinuksmo said after several minutes of careful study.

Kornelius Purba

Kornelius Purba Staff Writer The Jakarta Post Jakarta 2. Kallman -- Auditors need to return to right principles 1 x 32 36pt Bodoni Auditors need to return to the basics James Kallman 3. Camp -- What really happened in Jenin Camp 1 x 32 36pt Bodoni What really happened in Jenin camp? Guardian News Service London

Child killed in Sibolga landslide

Child killed in Sibolga landslide SIBOLGA, North Sumatra: At least one person died and four others were injured when a landslide destroyed four houses in North Sibolga subdistrict, South Tapanuli regency, North Sumatra. The victim was an eight-year-old child, Mardian Saota, who was killed when his house on Jl. Ketapang in Sibolga village collapsed during the landslide on Tuesday at 6 a.m.

A shadow from the past

A shadow from the past For quite a while now we have been presented with various news stories about the movement for an Indonesian Islamic State (NII). Such stories inevitably arouse concern within us. The name NII itself, invariably awakens a traumatic pain, particularly for the West Javanese people. It is a burden of the past, which cannot be easily thrown away as, for decades, NII has caused not only physical injuries but also a heavy mental burden.

Autonomy upsets fishermen: Police

Autonomy upsets fishermen: Police Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon A misperception of the Regional Autonomy Law has frequently triggered violent conflicts among fishermen operating along Java's coastal areas, Central Java Police Chief Insp. Gen. Erwin Mappaseng says.

Unleaded gas on sale, but air pollution still high

Unleaded gas on sale, but air pollution still high Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A survey has found that all gas pumps in Greater Jakarta have been selling unleaded gasoline but experts say the capital's air still contains the hazardous substance.

Military/Police faction supports amendment

Military/Police faction supports amendment The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Defusing public criticism on the amendment to the Constitution, the military and police faction in the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) said on Wednesday that it fully supported the ongoing amendment. Insp. Gen.

Iwan Fals to stage concert in Manado

Iwan Fals to stage concert in Manado MANADO, North Sulawesi: Well-known singer and legendary musician Iwan Fals will stage a concert on Thursday at the Klabat Stadium in Manado, North Sulawesi. The show coordinator, Putut Soebagya, said here on Wednesday that Iwan will also hold similar concerts in Makassar, South Sulawesi and 15 other major cities in Sumatra, Kalimantan, and East and West Nusa Tenggara. He said the committee had made thorough preparations for the concerts.

Gong Kebyar is the sound of northern Bali

Gong Kebyar is the sound of northern Bali Alit Kertaraharja, Contributor, Singaraja, North Bali Not a single day passes in Bali without the sound of a gamelan orchestra. The instruments of the gamelan produce unique sounds which accompany almost all traditional and religious ceremonies in Bali. Gamelan music is almost inseparable from the life of the Balinese.

Pirated software easy to find on local market

Pirated software easy to find on local market Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Seven months after the West Jakarta District Court ordered a local computer wholesaler to pay US$4.4 million in compensation to U.S. software giant Microsoft Corp., pirated software can still easily be found at the Glodok and Dusit Mangga Dua computer stores in West Jakarta. The overall amount of available pirated software, however, is considerably less after the Sept. 24th verdict.

AII to hold 'Young Leaders' dialogue

AII to hold 'Young Leaders' dialogue JAKARTA: The Australian-Indonesian Institute (AII) will hold a "Young Leaders" dialogue involving Indonesians and Australians in Bogor from May 22 through May 24, AII chairman Philip Flood said on Wednesday. The meeting, the first ever held by AII, was aimed at boosting common understanding between the potential leaders of the two countries, as well as discussing the bilateral relationship and global issues.

Government hopes to issue treasury bills in July

Government hopes to issue treasury bills in July The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government said it would start issuing treasury bills in July this year after the House of Representatives approves the sovereign debt securities law. The T-bills were supposed to have been launched in March as agreed with the International Monetary Fund late last year.

Chess associations to relish 2003 SEA Games

Chess associations to relish 2003 SEA Games Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia's top chess official and his regional counterpart applauded the inclusion of chess in the list of official sports at the 2003 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Vietnam. The sport was also included in last year's SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur, but as an exhibition sport.

President Xanana Gusmao

President Xanana Gusmao East Timorese could not be more fortunate than having Xanana Gusmao as their first president in their present march towards full independence next month. The landslide victory in Sunday's presidential election is not simply an acknowledgement for the services and dedication the former guerrilla leader has given to his people.

National religious leaders confident

National religious leaders confident of long-lasting peace in Maluku Muhammad Nafik and Jupriadi The Jakarta Post Jakarta/Makassar Hopes for long-lasting peace are high in Maluku despite the presence of militia groups opposed to the recent accord to end three years of sectarian fighting in the strife-torn islands, national religious leaders said on Wednesday.

The Management and Staff of The Jakarta Post

The Management and Staff of The Jakarta Post wish to express our deepest sympathy and condolences on the passing of Mrs. Elfrida Fukiah Suwarna (Yap Foeq Moy) (67 years of age), the mother of Febiola Desy Unidjaja, one of our reporters, on Wednesday, April 17, 2002, at the Sumber Waras Hospital in West Jakarta. The deceased lies in the Atmajaya Hospital funeral parlor in Pluit, North Jakarta. The requiem service will be held in the Atmajaya Hospital funeral parlor at 7 p.m.

Where to go in Bali: Thursday, April 18, 2002

Where to go in Bali: Thursday, April 18, 2002 Exhibitions * Painting The Dance of Colours by Gun Gun, Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel, Jl. Kartika Plaza, Tuban, Kuta, until April 27. * Painting by Made Somadita, The Chedi (Tel. 0361 975963), Desa Malinggih Kelod, Gianyar, Ubud, until April 20. * Painting Discovery and Concern by Made Alit Suaja, Ketut Lekung Sugantika, I Wayan Susana, Taman Budaya Denpasar, until April 21. * Painting Wajah 3 Rupa, Gallery 9, Lod Tunduh, Ubud, until April 30.

'Bungbung': A scent of eroticism in Balinese dance

'Bungbung': A scent of eroticism in Balinese dance Tri Vivi Suryani, Contributor, Mengwi, Bali The beautiful Ni Wayan Reni sways her body to the accompaniment of the slow and sometimes energetic traditional music being played on the bamboo xylophone-like instruments.

Bank Indonesia expects rupiah to keep strengthening against dollar

Bank Indonesia expects rupiah to keep strengthening against dollar The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bank Indonesia announced on Wednesday it expected the rupiah to continue its recent rally against the U.S. dollar in the second quarter, providing the government maintains positive sentiments, as it did in the first three months of the year.

More HIV/AIDS cases found in Samarinda

More HIV/AIDS cases found in Samarinda SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: Head of the East Kalimantan health office Ridwan Masrun said at least three sex workers in the province needed extra supervision and intensive care as they tested positive for HIV/AIDS. He said the three were among 26 prostitutes tested for HIV/AIDS in the remote area of Malinau, bordering Indonesia and Sabah, Malaysia. Ridwan said that the result of the test really shocked the local people in the isolated region.

Rupiah Rates April 17

Rupiah Rates April 17 JP/11/Conversion Rupiah Rates April 17 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

* Headlines: Article 33 must be left untouched: Hamzah 2

* Headlines: Article 33 must be left untouched: Hamzah 2 * Opinion: Auditors need to return to the basics 4 * City: Security officers growing fat on lottery 6 * Archipelago: Papua Police arrest Laskar Jihad members7 * National: RP Police likely to free Indonesians 8 * World: Powell ends mission amid Palestinian anger 10 * Business: Govt hopes to issue treasury bills in July11 * Features: 'Gong Kebyar' is the sound of northern Bali 15 * Sports: Tony Gunawan axed from Thomas Cup team 20

Oil spill contaminates farmland in Cilacap

Oil spill contaminates farmland in Cilacap Agus Maryono The Jakarta Post Cilacap At least 3,000 square meters of swampy area and farmland in Karangbawang, Cilacap Regency, have been seriously contaminated by diesel oil leaking from a large pipe belonging to the state oil company Pertamina's distribution unit in Cilacap, Central Java. The oil leak that was discovered last Saturday has killed all the crops and flora on the farmland, as well as thousands of fish.

Telkom's profit up 41.2%

Telkom's profit up 41.2% The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned telecommunications firm PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom) reported on Wednesday a 41.2 percent increase in its audited consolidated net profit to Rp 4.25 trillion (US$425 million) last year, up from Rp 3.01 trillion in 2000. The publicly listed company's net income per share rose to Rp 421.64 from Rp 298.61. Telkom said in a statement that the increase in cellular and interconnection revenues drove the higher profit.

Merpati apologizes

Merpati apologizes First of all, we would like to apologize to Adrian Smith for any inconvenience during his flight on our Fokker 27 MZ 6600 on March 29, 2002, from Denpasar to Mataram. We thank him for his complaint which appeared in The Jakarta Post on April 10. We carefully looked into the matter and checked the chronology of that flight, and we would like to clarify as follows: * We have found that the cabin conditions of our Fokker 27 were not uncomfortable.

GAM members back to families

GAM members back to families From Rakyat Merdeka Recent press reports that members of Free Aceh Movement (GAM) realized the need to rejoin their neglected families after being misled by the separatist group, have come as a soothing gesture that I believe will bring about a thorough settlement of the Aceh conflict.

Bamboo bridge snaps, kills two

Bamboo bridge snaps, kills two BANGLI, Bali: A 40-centimeter wide bamboo bridge stretching over a dry river at Siladan village in Bangli regency in Bali suddenly snapped, killing two people who were crossing it. Villagers said the bridge collapsed at around 7 p.m. on Monday when the victims, identified as I Wayan Dira, 50, and I Wayan Rawi, 52, were crossing the bridge, plunging them to their deaths 25 meters down on the dry riverbed.

Former U.S. envoy asks Bush not to meet Mahathir:Washington's

Former U.S. envoy asks Bush not to meet Mahathir:Washington's ambassador to Malaysia at the height of the Anwar crisis implored President George W. Bush on Wednesday to withdraw his invitation to Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad to visit the White House next month. Former ambassador John Mallot's three-year stint in Malaysia covered the period when Mahathir sacked his Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who was then jailed.

Former rector issues bogus certificates

Former rector issues bogus certificates BEKASI: At least 239 people in Bekasi have obtained fake university certificates issued by a former rector of Kertanegara University here, Antara reported on Wednesday. The "graduates" were awarded their degrees at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah in East Jakarta last month by Harry Ganda Asli, who had been dismissed by the university, according to Budi, a staff member at the university. They obtained the certificates after paying Rp 4 million each, Budi said.

IBRA legal counsel to miss deadline

IBRA legal counsel to miss deadline The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A team of legal experts assigned to identify bad debtors of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) will miss its one month deadline on Thursday, and may have to extend it by another two weeks, according to a team member. Lawyer Frans H. Winarta said on Wednesday the bulk of paperwork had slowed the team's review, which he estimates to be just over half done.

Leaders confident of long-lasting peace in Maluku

Leaders confident of long-lasting peace in Maluku Muhammad Nafik and Jupriadi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Makassar Hopes for long-lasting peace are high in Maluku despite the presence of militia groups opposed to the recent accord to end three years of sectarian fighting in the strife-torn islands, national religious leaders said on Wednesday.