Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 16 May 2002

78 articles found

Economy grew by 2.47% in first quarter

Economy grew by 2.47% in first quarter Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The economy grew by 2.47 percent in the first three months of 2002 compared to the same period last year, fueled mainly by strong consumer spending, the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) reported on Wednesday.

Governor vows to dismiss officials with fake diplomas

Governor vows to dismiss officials with fake diplomas Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan Governor of North Sumatra T. Rizal Nurdin vowed on Wednesday to dismiss civil servants found guilty of using fake university diplomas. "If there are civil servants using bogus diplomas, we will dismiss them because it is a criminal act," he told The Jakarta Post in Medan, the provincial capital.

ING sells Indonesian unit to QBE

ING sells Indonesian unit to QBE JAKARTA: Australian company QBE Insurance Group is to buy Dutch firm ING's non-medical general business in Indonesia. The two companies said, however, that ING's agents were still allowed to sell the ING non-medical products. "The transfer is expected to be completed by May 31," the companies said in a joint statement.

Diplomat who tames hostility

Diplomat who tames hostility Christina Schott, Contributor, Jakarta Respect, says Wiryono Sastrohandoyo, is the basis of everything. "If you want to be credible, you should behave credibly, if you want to be loved, you should behave lovably. And if you want to be respected you should behave respectably." Profound words from a man who has repeatedly succeeded in sustaining harmony between friends during periods of turbulence. The veteran diplomat should know all about it.

TV, radio operators reject bill on broadcasting

TV, radio operators reject bill on broadcasting Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Television and radio broadcasting operators warned on Wednesday they would go off air if the House of Representatives (DPR) and the government failed to revise the broadcasting bill currently being deliberated. During a peaceful rally in front of the House compound, dozens of protesters claimed that the bill was a threat to independent broadcasting activities which they had been fighting for.

The country's business players are looking to the future with

The country's business players are looking to the future with increased optimism as business sentiments have improved thanks to the restoration of security and order, a consultancy firm said. Danareksa Research Institute, citing its February-March survey, said the business sentiment index rose 1.1 percent to 110.2 in the survey period, while the expectation index climbed to 120.2 from 119.0.

Wiryono, taming hostility

Wiryono, taming hostility Christina Schott Contributor Jakarta Respect, says Wiryono Sastrohandoyo, is the basis of everything. "If you want to be credible, you should behave credibly, if you want to be loved, you should behave lovably. And if you want to be respected you should behave respectably." Profound words from a man who has repeatedly succeeded in sustaining harmony between friends during periods of turbulence. The veteran diplomat should know all about it.

PIB seeks alliance with PPP Reformasi

PIB seeks alliance with PPP Reformasi The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A prominent Indonesian economist wants his planned political party to forge an alliance with the United Development Party of Reform (PPP Reformasi). Dr. Sjahril, the chairman of the Alliance of a New Indonesia (PIB), said here on Tuesday evening he saw numerous similarities between the visions and political frameworks of his alliance and of PPP Reformasi.

'Ojek' driver found dead in Bogor

'Ojek' driver found dead in Bogor BOGOR: An ojek (motorcycle taxi) driver was found dead with wounds all over his body on Wednesday morning, while his motorcycle was taken away by the alleged murderer. The body of Zaenal Abidin, 20, was found in a cassava field in the village of Leuwikotok in Pasir Jaya village, Sukaraja district. Another ojek driver, Koming, said that on Tuesday around 7:30 p.m. he saw Zaenal take a male passenger from the Ciluwer market.

Danish dalmatians leave their mark in Bali

Danish dalmatians leave their mark in Bali Yudha Bantono, Contributor, Kuta, Bali When Danish merchant Mads Johansen Lange landed on the island in the early 1800s, Bali was a serene paradise. There were no hotels, pubs, coffee shops, discotheques or fashion shops along Kuta and Legian roads. Lange was well-known by many elderly people living in what is now the tourist hubs. The locals called him the White Rajah of Bali.

Historic sites give way to supermarkets

Historic sites give way to supermarkets Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon About 150 protesters have demanded the former mayor of Cirebon be held accountable and taken to court for the destruction of four historic buildings in the old city to make way for supermarkets. The comments were made during what was supposed to be a seminar on cultural heritage protection but which quickly turned into a free speech forum.

2. Duit (2 x 24)

2. Duit (2 x 24) Asian currencies mixed, yen rally helps some JP/ Asian Currencies Mixed Late; Late Yen Rally Helps Some Asian currencies were mixed against the dollar Wednesday, with the South Korean won and New Taiwan dollar strengthening on the back of gains in local stock markets and a late session yen rally. The Singapore dollar and Indonesian rupiah also advanced, while the Philippine peso and Thai baht lost ground against the U.S. currency.

Free trade draft set for late 2002

Free trade draft set for late 2002 Peter Harmsen, Agence France-Presse, Beijing China and 10 Southeast Asian countries aim to conclude an outline accord on the establishment of a huge free trade zone by the end of this year, officials said Wednesday. Trade delegates from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and their Chinese counterparts have agreed to set up a joint working committee to thrash out details of the proposed accord.

Train derails in Lampung

Train derails in Lampung BANDARLAMPUNG, Lampung: A passenger train, Limex S-1, derailed in Kalibalangan subdistrict, Lampung province, on early Wednesday morning. No casualties were reported. The ill-fated train had left the Kertapati railway station in Palembang province at 9 p.m. on Tuesday and was scheduled to arrive in Tanjungkarang, Lampung, at 4:07 a.m, on Wednesday.

RI, Singapore navies in exercise

RI, Singapore navies in exercise BATAM, Riau: The Indonesian Navy and its Singaporean counterpart are scheduled to hold a joint exercise to improve security in the waters bordering the two countries next week. Indonesia will deploy 125 personnel and two warships, KRI Todak and KRI Sigurot, plus a speed chase boat, three Sea Rider speed patrol boats, and a Nomad reconnaissance aircraft. Singapore will use 170 personnel and two warships, RSS Unity and RSS Resilience, and five patrol boats.

Trials for Tommy, Akbar tainted by 'bangsat' incident

Trials for Tommy, Akbar tainted by 'bangsat' incident Muninggar Sri Saraswati The Jakarta Post Jakarta The trial of Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra resumed on Wednesday. But presiding judge Amiruddin Zakaria made use of the occasion to defend himself for his failure to stop the war of words (many of which have been of the very obscene variety) between a lawyer for House of Representatives' Speaker Akbar Tandjung and a prosecutor who is handling Akbar's case.

2. 2 X 40 36pt Bodoni

2. 2 X 40 36pt Bodoni A democratic and prosperous Indonesia is pivotal for Asia Pacific region Helen Clark Prime Minister New Zealand

Intervention in

Intervention in law enforcement From Media Indonesia As Indonesia is a law-based state, Indonesians long to witness the implementation of proper legal enforcement in this country, where, today, the law applies only to the poor but not to the well-to-do, for whom the law is a commodity that can be traded. There are signs, however, that law enforcement agencies are now improving their image.

Megawati chides defiant party members

Megawati chides defiant party members Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung Chairwoman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) Megawati Soekarnoputri expressed on Wednesday her indignation at the undisciplined behavior of local party legislators and warned they would pay for it dearly.

New provinces to have police commands

New provinces to have police commands TERNATE, North Maluku: The National Police will set up provincial police commands in four new provinces, a senior police officer said on Wednesday. "The commands will be established next year at the latest," said Brig. Gen. Sri Sugiarto, who heads a team to conduct the feasibility study on the opening of a police headquarters building in North Maluku.

Democratic Indonesia pivotal for the region

Democratic Indonesia pivotal for the region Helen Clark, Prime Minister, New Zealand Indonesia is an immensely more complex society than New Zealand. Keeping a strong sense of national identity and purpose will always be a more difficult task for this nation than it is for New Zealand. Yet, difficult as that task is, it is vital for Indonesia and its neighbors that this nation is prosperous and stable.

Saudi Arabia gives aid for immunization

Saudi Arabia gives aid for immunization JAKARTA: The Saudi Arabian government donated Rp 1.95 billion on Tuesday to the city administration to fund hepatitis B immunization for the city's babies. The financial assistance was handed over by Ambassador Abdullah Hamid Halim to Governor Sutiyoso to coincide with the launch of a hepatitis B immunization program. The ceremony was held in front of the Kampung Melayu subdistrict office in East Jakarta.

Ahmad Junaidi

Ahmad Junaidi The Jakarta Post Jakarta The City Council's special committee completed on Wednesday the draft of the gubernatorial election regulation, which, if enacted, would limit certain candidates' chances of being elected and ignore public participation. According to Article 4 of the draft regulation, a governor from outside Jakarta seeking nomination as City Governor must obtain a presidential permit and be approved by their provincial council.

GAM takes nine female students hostage

GAM takes nine female students hostage The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) has once again taken female students hostage, this time at least nine, for allegedly consorting with government troops. Aceh police spokesman Comr. Suparwoto said on Wednesday that the girls were kidnaped by GAM members at Idi Cut village in East Aceh regency on their way home from school.

South Korea to challenge China in Uber Cup final

South Korea to challenge China in Uber Cup final Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Guangzhou, China Host and defending champion China cleared its path to the final stage of the women's team Uber Cup after defeating Hong Kong with a clean sweep victory of 3-0 in a one-sided match at Guangzhou's Tianhe Sports Center on Wednesday. South Korea also cruised to the final after a more lively match against the new powerhouse the Netherlands through a hard- fought 3-2 win.

Economic growth?

Economic growth? Praise from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the significant improvement in Indonesia's economic situation could further strengthen market confidence, both in the economic outlook and the government's credibility. The government deserves some credit for the steady progress made over the last few months in the implementation of sorely needed reforms to remove the woes that have dogged the economy.

IT product retail sales up 15% this year

IT product retail sales up 15% this year The sales of Information Technology (IT) solutions and services for the retailing sector in Indonesia is predicted to reach US$80 million this year, an increase of about 15 percent from around US$70 million last year. Pawan Murari, the retailing unit chairman of PT Sejatibina Delta Informatika (SDI) Technologies, said that next year the sales would also grow at least 15 percent.

Police, Army trade blame over Ambon shooting

Police, Army trade blame over Ambon shooting The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Army's Special Force (Kopassus) and the National Police took swipes at each other on Wednesday, after the police accused two Kopassus soldiers of being directly involved in Monday's escape of a suspected provocateur reportedly involved in recent violent attacks in riot-torn Maluku province. Police questioned the presence of First Lt. Rory Sitorus and Chief Pvt.

House sets up population forum

House sets up population forum JAKARTA: Members of the House of Representatives from various factions and commissions declared on Wednesday the establishment of a parliamentary forum for population and development. The forum will help the House conduct its legislation, budgetary and oversight functions, chairman Surya Chandra Surapaty said.

Indonesia stunned by India 3-0 in Fed Cup

Indonesia stunned by India 3-0 in Fed Cup The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia was beaten 0-3 by India in a Group Three tie at the Asia-Pacific Junior Fed Cup in the Bung Karno tennis hall on Wednesday. While India, which has won twice, is already guaranteed a place in the quarterfinals, Indonesia will have to defeat the Philippines in the final group matches to go through.

Council defies public hopes with draft election rules

Council defies public hopes with draft election rules Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The City Council's special committee completed on Wednesday the draft of the gubernatorial election regulation, which, if enacted, would limit certain candidates' chances of being elected and ignore public participation.

N. Jakarta's road that never dries

N. Jakarta's road that never dries One of the main access roads to the luxury estate of Pantai Indah Kapuk in North Jakarta, Jl. Kapuk Raya, remains under water although there has not been much rain in recent weeks, certainly nothing on the order of the huge floods in February, which paralyzed the city. "The water level in a part of the road only recedes or increases, but never dries up completely," said Suparno, who runs a sidewalk cigarette kiosk on the road.

RI to host workers competition

RI to host workers competition JAKARTA: Indonesia has been appointed the host of the 4th ASEAN Vocational Skills Competition to be held here in October, Manpower Minister Jacob Nuwa Wea said Wednesday. Jacob said the decision was made during the 16th ASEAN Labor Ministerial Meeting in Laos from May 9 through May 10. The competition is expected to encourage skilled workers in Southeast Asian countries, he said.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 15 , 2002: -------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Abdi Bangsa Tbk 390 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,200 -50 11,500 Adindo Foresta 65 5 2,816,000 AGIS Tbk 140 5 719,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 365 0 0 Alakasa 200 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 825 0 67,500 Alter Abadi Tbk 50 0 0 Alumindo Light 675 0 0 Andhi Chandra...

Chinese-Indonesians still fearful of more rioting

Chinese-Indonesians still fearful of more rioting Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta High, strong fences were erected surrounding some malls and shopping centers here in the wake of the May 1998 riots, yet they fail to ensure business safety, at least for most shop owners who are still traumatized by the bloody incidents four years ago.

Asian currencies mixed, yen rally helps some

Asian currencies mixed, yen rally helps some Alan Yonan Jr., Dow Jones, Singapore Asian currencies were mixed against the dollar Wednesday, with the South Korean won and New Taiwan dollar strengthening on the back of gains in local stock markets and a late session yen rally. The Singapore dollar and Indonesian rupiah also advanced, while the Philippine peso and Thai baht lost ground against the U.S. currency.

Eye of the mind and window of the heart

Eye of the mind and window of the heart Yusuf Susilo Hartono, Contributor, Jakarta "I don't see that you're trying to return. I have seen no signs that you want to start changing the situation. Don't blame me for being void of any tolerance. I believe this is the right thing for me to do rather than allowing all to be disadvantaged. Before everything becomes too late. In this city, even in this life, you can't always depend on other people.

PIB may forge an alliance with PPP Reformasi

PIB may forge an alliance with PPP Reformasi The Jakarta Post Jakarta CANBERRA: A prominent Indonesian economist wants his planned political party to forge an alliance with the United Development Party of Reform (PPP Reformasi). Dr. Sjahril, the chairman of the Alliance of a New Indonesia (PIB), said here on Tuesday evening he saw numerous similarities between the visions and political frameworks of his alliance and of PPP Reformasi.

It's Tommy's trial, but judge talks about Akbar

It's Tommy's trial, but judge talks about Akbar Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The trial of Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra resumed on Wednesday. But presiding judge Amiruddin Zakaria made use of the occasion to defend himself for his failure to stop the war of words between a lawyer for House of Representatives' Speaker Akbar Tandjung and a prosecutor who is handling Akbar's case.

Distribution system of fertilizer may change

Distribution system of fertilizer may change Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Ministry of Agriculture will propose to the Ministry of Industry and Trade that the current fertilizer distribution system be revised to help prevent future supply shortages, a senior official said.

PPP may bring forward congress to 2003: Hamzah

PPP may bring forward congress to 2003: Hamzah Annastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In anticipation of the heated competition ahead in the 2004 general election, United Development Party (PPP) chairman and Vice President Hamzah Haz hinted on Wednesday that the party would expedite its much disputed congress to 2003 instead of 2004 as part of an internal party reconciliation.

Forests need to breathe

Forests need to breathe An old issue has emerged again from Kuta, Bali. President Megawati Soekarnoputri said when she opened a working conference of the Association of Indonesian Forest Concessionaries (APHI) in Kuta recently that forest exploitation should be discontinued to give opportunity to the forest to breathe. The government has observed forest over-exploitation in Indonesia.

Telkom, BSI to develop phone lines

Telkom, BSI to develop phone lines JAKARTA: State-owned telecommunications firm PT Telkom and Bukaka Singtel International (BSI) signed on Wednesday an agreement to develop telephone facilities in Manado, North Sulawesi. The agreement was signed by Telkom president Muhammad Nazif and BSI president Ng Jin Hiok. Telkom said that some 55,375 telephone lines and other supporting facilities would be developed in the area.

IMF supports government's plan on BII rights issue

IMF supports government's plan on BII rights issue Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The International Monetary Fund (IMF) supported the government's proposal for Bank Internasional Indonesia (BII) to launch a rights issue, saying the move would help to strengthen the bank's capital base.

Artist I Nyoman Triarta AP abandons Balinese flair

Artist I Nyoman Triarta AP abandons Balinese flair Ahmad Solikhan, Contributor, Yogyakarta The name of I Nyoman Triarta AP may not ring dear in the ears of art buffs. This 29-year-old young artist from Bali has spent eight years developing his career in Yogyakarta. During this period he has had enough of the Balinese tradition in art shared by the community of Balinese artists in this city although his own works still suggests some ethnic Balinese flair.

Matori and Alwi urged to go to court for settlement

Matori and Alwi urged to go to court for settlement The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Securing the recognition of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) for its position there does not mean that the Alwi Shihab- led National Awakening Party (PKB) will automatically receive some Rp 14 billion (US$1.4 million) in government aid for the 2004 general election, a minister said on Wednesday.

Why Laskar Jihad exists

Why Laskar Jihad exists Reading the article by Lee Kim Chew in The Jakarta Post on May 14, titled Militant Islam poses test for Mega, I would like to clarify as follows: Clearly the article is very biased and the writer does not understand the background of the foundation of the Laskar Jihad. He should bear in mind that the founding of Laskar Jihad was based on the inability of the government to protect the Muslim community from acts of violence in Maluku.

Free press and totalitarianism

Free press and totalitarianism I was interested to read Arya Gunawan's article, Indonesian press: Walking a tightrope, in the May 14 edition of The Jakarta Post. While he rightly states that in a democracy a free press provides the public with the information it needs to make decisions about their lives, the use of a quote from Walter Lippman to support his argument shows, rather worryingly, that some in even the Indonesian media industry have yet to emerge from the darkness of totalitarianism.

The public must pay

The public must pay From Koran Tempo The country's life is indistinguishable from many difficult problems afflicting the state. Many catastrophes concerning economic, legal, social and political issues continue to prevail and have brought enormous suffering to the nation. Unfortunately, it is always the general public who have to shoulder the burden and suffer the greatest hardships.

HOT WHEELS: Workers unload a BMW sedan at the Sabang free port,

HOT WHEELS: Workers unload a BMW sedan at the Sabang free port, Weh island, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam. The BMW was one of a number of the cars found by port authorities on Tuesday in a cargo ship coming from Singapore. Following the reopening of Sabang port in 2000 by then president Abdurrahman Wahid, car smuggling has become rampant in the province. The cars are mostly smuggled from Malaysia and Singapore and sold in cities in Sumatra.

RI looking strong with five percent growth

RI looking strong with five percent growth Tata Huberta, Economist, Washington Through Indonesian newspapers we learned recently the Minister of Finance Boediono believes Indonesia can achieve five percent growth. He stressed that the target of four percent currently envisaged is certainly achievable. In fact, he also said that by working hard, five percent growth is not impossible. This statement is certainly very refreshing, since most people are skeptical.

UGM mulls applying single entrance test

UGM mulls applying single entrance test Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Yogyakarta-based Gadjah Mada University (UGM) is considering simplifying its six different selection processes into a system that requires only one integrated entrance test, UGM Rector Sofian Effendi said here on Wednesday. "The existing system is too complicated," said Sofian, adding that the new system would be applied next year.

Reform movement hinges on public support

Reform movement hinges on public support A'an Suryana and Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The reform movement has run out of steam after four years because of waning government support, leaving it up to the people to give it a shot in the arm, observers say. Political observer Ikrar Nusa Bhakti said the public must have a greater say in the reform movement or it would die.

'Business sentiments improve'

'Business sentiments improve' The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The country's business players are looking to the future with increased optimism as business sentiments have improved thanks to the restoration of security and order, a consultancy firm said. Danareksa Research Institute, citing its February-March survey, said the business sentiment index rose 1.1 percent to 110.2 in the survey period, while the expectation index climbed to 120.2 from 119.0.

Composer Wedhasmara demands his rights

Composer Wedhasmara demands his rights Ni Luh Dian, Contributor, Denpasar On that bright afternoon in Senen, a busy district in Central Jakarta, young couples embraced tightly as if it was the last time they would see each other. The pretty faces of the women were filled with tears as their boyfriend soldiers left them. A young girl gave a handkerchief to her beloved, a soldier who was being sent to the front during the conflict between Indonesia and Malaysia in the l950s.

Donors pledge $360m in new aid for East Timor

Donors pledge $360m in new aid for East Timor Bronwyn Curran, Agence France-Presse, Dili International donors pledged some US$360 million in new aid for poverty-stricken East Timor at the end of talks on Wednesday, meaning that a total of $440 million in assistance will be available for the first three years of independence. East Timor will be Asia's poorest nation when it becomes independent at midnight Sunday (10:00 p.m. Sunday) and had appealed for continuing international assistance.

Dutch journalist case may be closed

Dutch journalist case may be closed The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Prosecutors investigating the murder of a Dutch journalist in East Timor two years ago have not found sufficient evidence to bring the alleged murderer to court, a military source claims. An investigation into Fr. Lt. Camilo dos Santos, who was accused of murdering Sander Thoenes in East Timor, has failed to establish a link to the victim, Antara reported.

Solving Maluku conflict

Solving Maluku conflict I am commenting on the front page article of The Jakarta Post on May 13, titled Expelling militant groups from Maluku is not a solution. The article quotes a sociologist as saying: "When it does not guarantee security, expelling those groups (Muslim militant group Laskar Jihad and Christian militant group Laskar Kristus) will not bring a major positive impact to Maluku". I am sick and tired of statements that like that being given prominence in the media.

Megawati deters defiant party members

Megawati deters defiant party members Yuli Tri Suwarni The Jakarta Post Bandung Chairwoman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) Megawati Soekarnoputri expressed on Wednesday her indignation at the undisciplined behavior of local party legislators and warned they would pay for it dearly.

Pertamina, Expan find Sulawesi gas

Pertamina, Expan find Sulawesi gas JAKARTA: State-owned oil and gas firm Pertamina and its local partner PT Expan Tomori Sulawesi have discovered gas reserves amounting to 1.07 trillion cubic feet (TCF) in the Senoro-Toili block, Banggai regency, Central Sulawesi. Pertamina said in statement that the new reserves was found after the two firms's joint venture, better known in the industry as a "Joint Operating Body" (JOB), had completed drilling in the Senoro 3 well recently.

'Discipline would help improve traffic'

'Discipline would help improve traffic' While many people complain about being packed in like sardines aboard decrepit public transportation vehicles, and face the prospect of even higher fares, executives who drive their comfortable private vehicles also complain about traffic congestion during peak hours. They share their ideas about traffic management in the city with The Jakarta Post. Muljadi Suriawan, President Director of PT Neonlite, an advertising agency.

Cirebon mayor to face graft probe

Cirebon mayor to face graft probe CIREBON, West Java: The Cirebon prosecutor's office said on Wednesday it had formed a team to investigate alleged corruption cases involving billions of rupiah, which implicated the city's mayor. The move followed the findings by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) faction in the Cirebon legislative council that Mayor Lasmana Suriaatmadja was involved in numerous graft-tainted projects.

Kramatjati market vendors protest

Kramatjati market vendors protest JAKARTA: About a hundred traders at the Kramat Jati wholesale market in East Jakarta expressed their opposition to the plan of the market development, as it will increase their daily operational costs. Muslim Muzakir, a fruit trader at the market, said that the traders particularly disagreed to the plan to move the "loading and unloading" facilities from in front of the kiosks to the place located some 60 meters away.

Rupiah Rates May.15

Rupiah Rates May.15 JP/13/Conver Rupiah Rates May.15 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Hotel Borobudur

Hotel Borobudur XANANA'S CHOICE: The general manager of Hotel Borobudur Jakarta Poul E Bitsch, welcomes the President of East Timor Xanana Gusmao on his arrival to the hotel. Xanana Gusmao visited Indonesia early this month following his election as East Timor's first President.

Papua to be in orchid show

Papua to be in orchid show JAYAPURA, Papua: Papua will represent Indonesia in the world orchid exhibition for the second consecutive time, in 2005 in Paris, an activist said on Wednesday. Secretary of the Indonesian Orchid Association (PAI) in Papua, Kheissye Manuputty, said the country's easternmost province was granted the honor after winning plaudits at the recent contest in Kuala Lumpur.

Rupiah Rates May.15

Rupiah Rates May.15 JP/13/Conver Rupiah Rates May.15 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

1. WEDHA: 1 line, 35 counts

1. WEDHA: 1 line, 35 counts Composer Wedhasmara demands his rights 2. DOG: 1 line, 32 counts Danish dalmatians leave their mark in Bali

PPP may bring forward congress to 2003

PPP may bring forward congress to 2003 Annastashya Emmanuelle The Jakarta Post Jakarta In anticipation of the heated competition ahead in the 2004 general election, United Development Party (PPP) chairman and Vice President Hamzah Haz hinted on Wednesday that the party would expedite its much disputed congress to 2003 instead of 2004 as part of an internal party reconciliation.

Coach awaits heated karate action

Coach awaits heated karate action Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta National karate coach Willem Mantiri relishes the competitiveness at the Indonesia Open, saying that the international karate tournament should be a good field for the national squad ahead of the 2002 Asian Games. The Indonesia Open will be held from June 4 to June 6, at the Bung Karno Tennis Hall in Jakarta, while the Asian Games will be held in Busan from Sept. 29 to Oct. 14.

1. PKB: 8 x 4 lines

1. PKB: 8 x 4 lines Matori and Alwi urged to go to court for settlement 2. PPP: 20 x 2 lines: PPP may bring forward congress to 2003: VP 3. Mega: 32 x 1 line Megawati chides defiant party members 4. Thoenes: 16 x 2 lines: Dutch journo case may be closed 5. Box: 16 x 2 lines PIB seeks alliance with PPP Reformasi

Govt insists PKB settle dispute before 2004 election

Govt insists PKB settle dispute before 2004 election The Jakarta Post Jakarta Securing the recognition of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) for its position there does not mean that the Alwi Shihab- led National Awakening Party (PKB) will automatically receive some Rp 14 billion (US$1.4 million) in government aid for the 2004 general election, a minister said on Wednesday.

Improving behavior of state enterprise executives

Improving behavior of state enterprise executives It is appropriate for President Megawati Soekarnoputri to ask businesses to immediately change their behavior. Businesses that only seek maximum profits helped bring all of us into the never- ending crisis. Businesses also account for what is going on. The practice of marking up prices, which causes rampant corruption, collusion and nepotism, has caused business kingdoms to be mere sand castles.

Malaysia in low key against China in Thomas Cup semis

Malaysia in low key against China in Thomas Cup semis Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Guangzhou, China Malaysia will have to carefully rethink its shuttlers doubles lineup when they challenge host China in the men's semifinals of the Thomas Cup on Thursday. Relying heavily on the doubles to chalk two points, Malaysia found the Chinese doubles pair on top form on Tuesday, even though they were split from their regular partners.

Police set for Ja'far challenge

Police set for Ja'far challenge SURABAYA: The National Police are ready to challenge a pretrial motion lodged by Laskar Jihad leader Ja'far Umar Thalib over his arrest. Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Saleh Saaf said on Tuesday the arrest of Ja'far at Juanda Airport here on May 4 had complied with legal procedures.

Night street vendors are back in Aceh

Night street vendors are back in Aceh The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Street-side food and beverage vendors are back in trade in Banda Aceh, spurred by the belief that peace is slowly returning to the capital of battle-ridden Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam province. "We wouldn't dare open our business past 7:00 p.m.

Politicians do about-face on Mega's Dili trip

Politicians do about-face on Mega's Dili trip Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Leading politicians opposed to President Megawati Soekarnoputri's visit to East Timor have shifted their combative tone overnight, now that it is clear that the President will stick to her plan.

Indosat's Q1 net profit falls 57.4%

Indosat's Q1 net profit falls 57.4% Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned telecommunications company PT Indonesian Satellite Corp. (Indosat) announced on Wednesday that its first quarter net profit declined by 57.4 percent to Rp 195.4 billion (US$21 million) from Rp 459.8 billion in the same period last year despite an increase in revenue.