Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 2 April 2002

74 articles found

Rupiah Rates April 1

Rupiah Rates April 1 JP/11/Conversion Rupiah Rates April 1 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Two prisoners in Bandung found dead

Two prisoners in Bandung found dead BANDUNG: Two police detainees in Bandung have reportedly died over the last two days, in two different places. Udung Surahman, 50, a suspected masterminder of a vendors riot in Bandung died in Hasan Sadikin Hospital on Sunday night. Sukirman, 37, a suspected thief took his own life in the bathroom of the Cicendo police subprecinct the previous night.

Battle to save precious Lore Lindu park goes on

Battle to save precious Lore Lindu park goes on Bambang M., Contributor, Palu, Central Sulawesi Numerous species of birds are perching on a fruit-laden banyan tree while Sulawesi monkeys (Macaca tonkeana) greedily devour its red fruit. In the old tree's shade, the pristine water of a small river flows by calmly. The natural beauty of tropical rainforest in the Lore Lindu National Park in Central Sulawesi is part of Indonesia's relatively well-maintained network of tropical forests.

Governor to answer graft questions

Governor to answer graft questions JAKARTA: Governor Sutiyoso is scheduled to answer a Jakarta Prosecutor's Office summons on Wednesday in connection with a controversial foreign trip taken by several city officials and councillors. The affair has since been dubbed "Ancolgate". The summons was received by the city administration on Monday. "The governor will go to the prosecutor's office when he can fit it into his schedule," said administration spokesman Muhayat.

Foreign policy: Think globally, act locally

Foreign policy: Think globally, act locally J. Soedjati Djiwandono, Political Analyst, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri's visit to North Korea has been highlighted in the media coverage of her visit to four Asian countries, including China, South Korea and India. From the beginning, this particular visit seems to have been injected with the idea, or at least the expectation, that President Megawati would carry with her a special mission.

ASEAN+3 to meet in Myanmar as economies looking better

ASEAN+3 to meet in Myanmar as economies looking better Andrew Batson, Dow Jones, Beijing As senior economic officials from East Asia gather in Myanmar this week, their mood should be fairly upbeat, cheered by a regional economy that's looking much better than it did just a few months ago.

IPPs committed to renew contracts

IPPs committed to renew contracts Moch. N. Kurniawan The Jakarta Post Jakarta A greater number of independent power producers (IPPs) are willing to re-negotiate their power project contracts with the state-owned electricity company PLN instead of going to arbitration, said PLN president Eddie Widiono. "Restarting power projects will give IPPs more benefits than going to arbitration," he told The Jakarta Post on Monday. His comments came amid worries that a recent victory by Karaha Bodas Co.

Rupiah Rates April 1

Rupiah Rates April 1 JP/11/Conversion Rupiah Rates April 1 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Jakarta governor misleads public, say economists

Jakarta governor misleads public, say economists Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Economists warned that Governor Sutiyoso's 2001 budget speech could give a misleading impression to the public about the actual economic situation in the capital.

Militiamen get warm welcome in East Timor

Militiamen get warm welcome in East Timor Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Dili Rumor had it that all members of the anti-independence militia would be killed if they returned to East Timor. It was so intense that Americo Pinto, a Timorese who was once a part of the Indonesian Military (TNI) and later a militia member, once vowed never to return to the newly independent country. But he could not resist his longing to return and participate in the development process of the country.

MPR gets new secretary-general

MPR gets new secretary-general JAKARTA: People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Speaker Amien Rais is scheduled on Tuesday to install Rahimullah as the new secretary-general of the legislative body, replacing Umar Basalim. Umar, 60, in the job since 1999, has reached the mandatory retirement age and will become an expert staff to the Assembly leaders. The appointment of Rahimullah is based on the presidential decree No.51/M/2002 issued on March 18.

Review team on BLBI burden sharing at work

Review team on BLBI burden sharing at work Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta An independent team has begun reviewing how much Bank Indonesia and the government should each shoulder of the around US$13 billion in misused liquidity loans, bringing closer to an end nearly two years of disagreements on the burden sharing issue. A spokesman at Bank Indonesia, Alim Alamsyah said on Monday the team was set up about a week ago, comprising two local and two foreign banking experts.

March inflation eases, but threat remains

March inflation eases, but threat remains Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) reported on Monday that inflation eased slightly in March, but warned that high inflationary pressures remained a threat, particularly following the latest fuel price hike. The BPS said that prices as measured by the consumer price index (CPI) were down 0.02 percent from the previous month's level. The monthly inflation rate in February was 1.5 percent.

Rupiah Rates April 1

Rupiah Rates April 1 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

1. Sutiyoso's charming smile

1. Sutiyoso's charming smile Sutiyoso: Behind the smile 1 x 22 48 pt (DRAFT) Kornelius Purba Staff Writer The Jakarta Post 2. Arab -- Grasp the Arab olive branch, energize U.S. diplomacy 1 x 32 36pt Bodoni We must grasp Arab olive branch Philip C. Wilcox Jr. President, Foundation for Middle East Peace The Christian Science Monitor Boston 3.

Cairo awards young RI painters

Cairo awards young RI painters The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A painting depicting 12 children of all races gathering before a sphinx was one of two works by young Indonesians which won gold medals at the 2000 "Egypt in the Eyes of Children" global competition. "This is my 55th award, national and international," Indra Kencana, the proud owner said during a ceremony to accept the medal at Egyptian Ambassador Erzat Saad's residence, on Monday.

Toyota eyes 15% of global market share

Toyota eyes 15% of global market share Reuters, Tokyo Toyota Motor Corp, the world's third-biggest automaker, said on Monday it was aiming to capture around 15 percent of the global vehicle market by the early 2010s, compared with about 10 percent now. The target was announced as part of Toyota's "2010 Global Vision", a wide-ranging outline of the automaker's long-term direction. The outline also includes sales for its minivehicle unit, Daihatsu Motor Co, and truck unit Hino Motors Ltd.

Assembly's plan to meet in Bali draws condemnation

Assembly's plan to meet in Bali draws condemnation Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The plan of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) ad hoc committee for constitutional amendment (PAH I) to convene from April 3 through April 6 in the comfort of five-star Grand Bali Beach hotel in the resort island of Bali has drawn strong criticism. Indonesian Corruption Watch (ICW) coordinator Teten Masduki condemned the plan, saying it clearly shows the lack of sensitivity of the lawmakers.

Indramayu council to form team to probe Al-Zaetun

Indramayu council to form team to probe Al-Zaetun Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Indramayu Indramayu's legislative council will soon set up a special team to investigate the controversial Al-Zaetun Islamic boarding school, suspected of having breached Islamic teachings.

RI condemns Israli attacks on Palestine

RI condemns Israli attacks on Palestine The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government of Indonesia condemned on Monday Israel's crackdown in the Palestinian territories, saying the military action had endangered not only the life of President Yasser Arafat but also the future of the peace process in the Middle East.

Rare species protection not easy

Rare species protection not easy Rita A. Widiadana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali Just visit any bird market near you, and there, you will find many rare and protected animals for sale. Bird markets in major cities in Java and Bali are well-known as black markets for the illegal trade of protected and endangered species in Asia.

Where to go in Bandung for Tuesday, April 2, 2002

Where to go in Bandung for Tuesday, April 2, 2002 Exhibition * Mizan Comics, CCF - French Cultural Center Bandung Jl.Purnawarman 32, until April 3. Performances * Sundanese Traditional Performances Surak Ibra, Taman Budaya, Jl. Bukit Dago Selatan no. 53 A (Tel. 022 2504912), 7:30 p.m., April 6. * Balinese Dance Gedung Kesenian Rumentang Siang, Jl. Baranang Siang 1, Kosambi (Tel. 022 4233562), 8 p.m., April 6.

City denies financing Betawi group, fund exists

City denies financing Betawi group, fund exists The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Head of the City Nation Unity Body Effendy Anas on Monday brushed aside claims that his office sponsored activities of the Betawi Brotherhood Forum (FBR) -- specially, an attack on the Urban Poor Consortium (UPC) last week. The raid took place on Thursday at the National Commission of Human Rights (Komnas HAM) office, in Central Jakarta.

SE Asia's reefs threatened by overfishing, pollution

SE Asia's reefs threatened by overfishing, pollution Sean Yoong, Associated Press, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia About 88 percent of Southeast Asia's coral reefs - considered among world's most important and extensive reef systems - are severely threatened by human activities such as overfishing and pollution, a U.S.-based environmental group said Wednesday.

Definition of terrorism opens to abuse: Experts

Definition of terrorism opens to abuse: Experts Yogita Tahilramani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The definition of terrorism currently being promoted by the government in its antiterrorism bill opens the door to abuse through the potential labeling of any political activity considered a threat by the state as terrorism.

INSA proposes recovery fund

INSA proposes recovery fund Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian National Shipowners Association (INSA) has proposed to the government the establishment of a funding institution, the Maritime Recovery Fund (MRF), to boost the country's ailing shipping industry, said the newly-appointed chairman of the association, Barens Th. Saragih.

Forty-four vie for regent, deputy posts

Forty-four vie for regent, deputy posts BREBES, Central Java: At least 44 people in the Central Java town of Brebes have registered with the local authorities to contest the election of new regent and deputy regent scheduled for April. The number of the contenders were recorded by the March 30 deadline. The committee at the local legislative council claimed it was the biggest number of registered contenders vying for the election of the Brebes regent and deputy regent in the town's history.

Sued politician mulls apology offer

Sued politician mulls apology offer SINGAPORE: Veteran Singapore opposition politician J. B. Jeyaretnam could end a series of lawsuits brought against him by members of the ruling party with a public apology, the High Court heard on Monday. A lawyer for several Singaporean ministers who are suing the now bankrupt former leader of the Workers Party said they would drop their defamation suits if he read out an apology in court.

Outery from residents over stadium project

Outery from residents over stadium project Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The plan to build the largest basketball stadium in Southeast Asia has drawn public outcry, and ignores the fact that Indonesia's men and women teams have performed poorly in international events.

Sutiyoso: Behind the smile

Sutiyoso: Behind the smile Kornelius Purba, Staff Writer, The Jakarta Post When President Megawati Soekarnoputri arrives from India at Halim Perdankusuma Airport on Friday, Jakarta Governor Lt. Gen. (ret.) Sutiyoso will likely be among the first in the row of senior officials standing near the presidential plane, to cheerfully greet her.

Mega in India silences critics back home

Mega in India silences critics back home Susanto Pudjomartono, New Delhi, The Jakarta Post President Megawati Soekarnoputri, who arrived here on Monday on the last leg of a four-country Asian trip, responded through an aide to questions raised by politicians at home over the source of the Rp 30 billion (US$3 million) she gave in February to the police and the armed forces for barracks' renovation.

'Tempo' gets design facelift

'Tempo' gets design facelift Annastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Tempo media network marked its anniversary on Monday with a new design in the layout and contents of its magazine, newspaper and interactive media. Bambang Harymurti, chief editor of Tempo magazine and daily, told a press conference the new design was adopted in response to the public demand of a more illustrative, concise yet knowledge-based reports.

Court rejects request for Akbar's release

Court rejects request for Akbar's release Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung will remain in detention until the verdict in his graft trial is delivered after the Central Jakarta District Court rejected on Monday demands for his release.

In another development, Muljohardjo, who became chief of the

In another development, Muljohardjo, who became chief of the prosecutors' office earlier this year, announced that he would continue investigating some malfeasance cases, which had been neglected for some time. "There are some cases here that have not been concluded although they had been accepted in 1999. We will hand the cases to the courts soon," he said.

JP/12/BEJ

JP/12/BEJ .pl .rm Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in Rupiah) on April 1, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------ Shares Close Change Volume ------------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,150 0 10,500 Adindo Foresta 60 -5 5,000 AGIS Tbk 125 -5 540,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 250 0 5,000 Alakasa 175 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 750 0 60,500 Alter Abadi Tbk 50 0 0 Alumindo Light 625 0 0 Andhi Chandra 340 10 185,500 Aneka Kimia...

4 x 10

4 x 10 Former deputy governor gets 2.6 years in jail for graft ZAITUN Indramayu council to form team to probe Al-Zaetun poem 1 x 40 Makassar hosts international poetry festival Timtim 1 x 35 Militiamen get warm welcome in East Timor

Widjojo backs rotation of military chief

Widjojo backs rotation of military chief Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The position of Indonesian Military (TNI) chief should be rotated among Army, Air Force and Navy officers in order to create professionalism within the military, former military chief for territorial affairs Lt. Gen. Agus Widjojo said on Monday.

Tracing the roots of Hizbut Tahrir in Indonesia

Tracing the roots of Hizbut Tahrir in Indonesia Solahudin, Journalist, 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.

Migrant workers seek justice

Migrant workers seek justice PONTIANAK, West Kalimantan: Five migrant workers, representing 180 of their colleagues, met Malaysian envoy Ismail Haji Salam on Monday here, demanding settlement to a labor dispute with a Malaysian plywood company WTK Linshanhao. The dispute was sparked by the dismissal of six Indonesian migrant workers by the company several months ago, which prompted their compatriots in the company to stage a strike in a show of solidarity.

150 taxi drivers obtain loans

150 taxi drivers obtain loans JAKARTA: One hundred and fifty taxi drivers of the Jakarta taxi drivers' cooperatives (Kosti Jaya) received Rp 150 billion in loans to buy their vehicles on Monday. The loans were given out by Bank Bukopin president and director Sofyan Basyir. He said that the drivers would be required to pay a 20 percent interest, just like the market interest. Out of 3,700 Kosti members, 1,650 drivers have their own taxi.

Telkom resumes talks with Ariawest

Telkom resumes talks with Ariawest Debbie A. Lubis, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned telecommunications company PT Telkom said on Monday that it had resumed negotiations with Ariawest International and was hopeful of an out of court settlement in the dispute over the buyout of Ariawest shares. "We had held negotiations with the shareholders (of Ariawest) while the arbitration process was still going on.

The energy of growth: trust

The energy of growth: trust Trust: The Medco Group approach to growth As professionals, the employees, management and shareholders of Medco Group are convinced that in business, trust comes above all else. Like in any business relationship, losing trust would instantly ruin a company's image and, slowly but sure, sink it. And Medco, as a leading name among the locally-owned corporations in Indonesia, maintains this spirit at all times.

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.

Malaysia limits routes for RI ships

Malaysia limits routes for RI ships Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia on Monday enforced a new security ruling limiting the number of routes for Indonesian and Filipino ships in a bid to bar the entry of illegal immigrants to its Sabah state on Borneo island.

Military and police dorm funds

Military and police dorm funds Last month, President Megawati Soekarnoputri visited the Indonesian Military and the National Police dormitories in Jakarta. She was startled by the condition of the dormitories, which were hardly livable. In response, the President subsequently handed over Rp 30 billion to refurbish the dorms. The question is where did the President obtain the funds? The mystery of the source of the funds has recently become the subject of much public debate.

Mulia Group boss is charged with tax fraud

Mulia Group boss is charged with tax fraud The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta Prosecutors' Office will soon send Djoko S. Tjandra, the owner of Mulia group, to court for allegedly manipulating income and investment tax, which cost the state Rp 500 million in financial losses. "Prosecutors handling the case could order him to be detained, if necessary," said office chief, Muljohardjo. He declined to name the prosecutors.

Diversifying, expanding and sharing

Diversifying, expanding and sharing Debuting as an oil drilling contractor about two decades ago, Medco Group has since that time expanded its reach into different businesses in the land and water of Sumatra, Kalimantan, Java, Bali and Sulawesi. When one discusses the Medco Group, one is talking about a pioneer among locally owned companies in the country's oil and gas industry.

Acting mayor of Payakumbuh appointed

Acting mayor of Payakumbuh appointed PADANG: West Sumatra: West Sumatra Governor Zainal Bakar has appointed Yusrizal Baharin as the acting mayor of Payakumbuh, replacing Darlis Ilyas, who was suspended by Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno. The ceremony to install the acting mayor last Saturday was not attended by Darlis, who was expected to hand over the position to Yusrizal. Governor Zainal said that Darlis had informed him that he would not attend the ceremony.

Former deputy governor gets 30 months in jail for graft

Former deputy governor gets 30 months in jail for graft Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung After a trial lasting more than one year, the Bandung District Court sentenced on Monday former West Java deputy governor Ukman Sutaryan to two years and six months in prison for corruption causing losses of Rp 27.9 billion to the state. He was found guilty of enriching himself, or an organization, directly or indirectly using state funds, and of violating Law No.

* Headlines: Think globally, act locally in foreign policy 3

* Headlines: Think globally, act locally in foreign policy 3 * Opinion: What's behind the smile of Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso 4 * City: City denies financing rampaging Betawi group 6 * Archipelago: Former deputy governor jailed for graft 7 * National: PPP may move congress forward in 2003 8 * World: Musharraf calls for friendship talks with India 10 * Business: March inflation eases, but threat remains 11 * Features: Battle to save Lore Lindu park goes on 15 * Sports: Montoya blames Schumacher...

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.

Rains cut communications in Nias

Rains cut communications in Nias MEDAN, North Sumatra: Communications in Nias regency have been cut since Sunday due to damage to the high power amplifier (HPA) following bad weather, local officials said on Monday. M. Sinaga, spokesman for state-owned telecommunication firm PT Telkom for North Sumatra, said the HPA was damaged hours after the electricity supply was totally cut on Sunday during heavy rains that had triggered flooding in some parts of Nias, killing at least 11 people.

IPPs committed to renew deals

IPPs committed to renew deals Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A greater number of independent power producers (IPPs) are willing to re-negotiate their power project contracts with the state-owned electricity company PLN instead of going to arbitration, said PLN president Eddie Widiono. "Restarting power projects will give IPPs more benefits than going to arbitration," he told The Jakarta Post on Monday. His comments came amid worries that a recent victory by Karaha Bodas Co.

From Rakyat Merdeka

From Rakyat Merdeka The concept of moving Indonesia's capital from Jakarta is based on idealism and reality. The idealism basis starts from the thought that a lot of places with historical value as the centers of royal powers for thousands of years are found in Indonesia, like Kutai in East Kalimantan and Banten in the western part of Java. Jakarta has no longer been an ideal city for a governmental center because of its traffic density and vulnerability to disturbances.

Dow Jones

Dow Jones Singapore Most Asian currencies were mixed Monday with trading subdued in some markets after a long holiday weekend. The New Taiwan dollar and Philippine peso were virtually unchanged, while the Singapore dollar, Thai baht and South Korean won weakened. The Indonesian rupiah finished marginally stronger. Foreign exchange traders in Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines returned to their desks Monday after taking the day off for the Good Friday holiday last week.

Students: Wake up to reality

Students: Wake up to reality Irine Hiraswari Gayatri, Researcher, The RIDEP Institute, Jakarta One alternative apart from so many parties vying for their own self interests may be the students -- if they are not too late in realizing what is happening. A continuous characteristic has underlined the spirit of the Indonesian student movement: The endless discourse on whether theirs is a "moral movement" or "political movement".

Transmigrants demand compensation

Transmigrants demand compensation JAKARTA: Some 100 Javanese transmigrants rallied on Monday to demand the government meet its promise to pay Rp 7.5 million in compensation to each of the families. The protesters represented 219 families who were forced to flee their resettlement area in Setia Bakti district in Aceh last January due to security concerns.

Planned Java-Bali bridge sparks strong criticism

Planned Java-Bali bridge sparks strong criticism Rita A. Widiadana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar Plans to build a bridge linking the resort island of Bali with Java drew strong condemnation from a number of various quarters on Monday. The Bali provincial government, local legislators, non- governmental organizations and visiting members of the House of Representatives all strongly rejected the plan, scheduled to start in 2003.

Administration welcomes MOU with Hyundai but says of little use

Administration welcomes MOU with Hyundai but says of little use Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city administration welcomed on Monday a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Land Transportation Owners Association (Organda) and the Hyundai Motor Company of South Korea, but saying that it would take a long time to be realized. "We have earlier signed several MOUs with bus companies, but until now they could not be realized," Governor Sutiyoso told reporters at City Hall.

Hasjim to be tried Thursday

Hasjim to be tried Thursday JAKARTA: The Central Jakarta District Court is scheduled to commence the trial of businessman Hasjim Djojohadikusumo for alleged malfeasance that caused the state to suffer Rp 4 billion (US$400,000) losses. Hasjim, the brother of former president Soeharto's son-in-law Prabowo Subianto, is currently under city arrest after the court released him from detention at Salemba Penitentiary in Central Jakarta last week.

Pencak silat to exhibit in 2002 Asian Games

Pencak silat to exhibit in 2002 Asian Games Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After a period of uncertainty, pencak silat, a traditional form of martial arts with roots in Indonesia, has been given permission to compete as an exhibition sport at the 2002 Asian Games in Busan, South Korea.

The Medco Group

The Medco Group Getting fit through sweet, bitter times ---------------------------------------------------------------- After only 21 years in the business, the Medco Group has grown into a growing leading corporation with diversified businesses. During the recent bitter period of financial turmoil the country experienced, Medco not only booked remarkable financial growth and achieved significant expansion, but also recruited more people for new projects.

RAINS AFFECT SALAK TASTE: A buyer picks out salak (snake fruit)

RAINS AFFECT SALAK TASTE: A buyer picks out salak (snake fruit) at a traditional market in Kalianyar village in Kapas subdistrict, Bojonegoro, East Java. Salak Bojonegoro, locally known as Salak Wedi, must closely compete with Salak Pondo from Yogyakarta in terms of its prices. Salak Wedi was sold only at Rp 2,500 per 10 pieces on Monday, a 100 percent decrease from last year's harvest, due to heavy rainfalls that have been hitting Bojonegoro recently.

McDonald's boss name suspect in graft case

McDonald's boss name suspect in graft case Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President director of PT McDonald's Indonesia Bambang N. Rachmadi was named a suspect by Jakarta City Police in the Rp 40 billion (US$400,000) graft case involving state-owned social security company PT Jamsostek on Monday. Bambang, the son-in-law of former vice president Sudharmono, who held office from 1988 to 1993, however, remains a free man.

KPMG hits a snag in

KPMG hits a snag in merger with Andersen 2. asean 4x 18 Asean+3 to meet in Myanmar, as economies looking better JP/ 3. ADB 2 x20 'Asian economic recovery is now gaining momentum' 4. Toyota 2 X 20 Toyota eyes 15% of global market share JP/

Solahudin Journalist Jakarta 2. Thaksin -- Thaksin faces a hot, hot season 1 X 32 36pt Bodoni Thaksin faces a hot, hot season Chang Noi The Nation Asia News Network Bangkok 3. China -- Self-restraint key to regional peace 2 X 24 36pt Bodoni Self-restraint key to peace in Asia Pacific Tang Shiping and Cao Xiaoyang Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies Chinese Academy of Social Sciences China Daily Asia News Network Beijing

Policemen discharged for robbery

Policemen discharged for robbery JAKARTA: The Jakarta Police discharged three officers from duty on Monday due to their involvement in a violent robbery on March 26. They were members of the mobile brigade division. Jakarta Police chief, Insp. Gen. Makbul Padmanegara, said the three officers had committed a serious crime and deserved to be punished. He pointed out that the case would be submitted to the court soon. On March 26, the three officers -- Second Adj. Brig. Ali Wardhana, Second Adj.

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.

Temporarily employed doctors stage rally

Temporarily employed doctors stage rally The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Some 200 "temporarily employed" doctors from across the country held a rally at the Ministry of Health office here on Monday to demand the government clarify their status along with improvements to their welfare. The physicians, grouped in the Indonesian Doctors Forum (FDI), warned that if their demands are not met thousands of these temporarily employed doctors would hold a national strike.

Megawati's visit to India

Megawati's visit to India President Megawati Soekarnoputri is in the midst of a 4-nation tour of China, South Korea, North Korea and India. Apparently the visit to India has a more personal character rather than anything else for Megawati. It is more appropriate to describe it as a sentimental journey. The Indonesian delegation may see for itself the viability of India's economy with an annual growth of 10 percent, according to officials.

Asian currencies mixed, trading subdued

Asian currencies mixed, trading subdued Dow Jones, Singapore Most Asian currencies were mixed Monday with trading subdued in some markets after a long holiday weekend. The New Taiwan dollar and Philippine peso were virtually unchanged, while the Singapore dollar, Thai baht and South Korean won weakened. The Indonesian rupiah finished marginally stronger.

The energy of growth: Trust

The energy of growth: Trust Trust: The Medco Group approach to growth As professionals, the employees, management and shareholders of Medco Group are convinced that in business, trust comes above all else. In any business relationship, a loss of trust would instantly ruin a company's image and, slowly but surely, sink it. And Medco, as a leader among locally owned corporations in Indonesia, is mindful of this at all times.

Makassar hosts international poetry festival

Makassar hosts international poetry festival Jupriadi, The Jakarta Post, Makassar Dozens of internationally acclaimed poets arrived in the South Sulawesi capital of Makassar on Monday to participate in an international poetry festival being hosted by the province's Hasanuddin University (Unhas).

PPP may move congress forward in 2003: Hamzah

PPP may move congress forward in 2003: Hamzah Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta United Development Party (PPP) chairman Hamzah Haz suggested his party might hold a leaders meeting next month to discuss the possibility of moving its national congress forward to 2003 to elect a new chairman.