Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 17 May 2002

74 articles found

Backroom deals may spoil amendment process

Backroom deals may spoil amendment process Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The public would not likely be satisfied with the amendments to the 1945 Constitution, if it were done by the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), because it would be marred by political compromises, according to several political pundits.

Victim witnesses must testify before court: UNTAET official

Victim witnesses must testify before court: UNTAET official Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta There was no reason for East Timorese victim witnesses to defy the summons to testify before the Indonesian rights tribunal, a United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) official said on Thursday.

China's economy: More chance than threat

China's economy: More chance than threat The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In dealing with the challenge presented by China's rapid economic rise, Indonesian companies should take a look at specific industries in China, for there are ample business opportunities to be found, either in cooperation with, or in competition against, Chinese companies, a consultant with McKinsey & Company says. For Indonesia, the opportunities can be found in the agricultural and mining sectors, according to Stephen M.

New bus fares yet to be decided as debates continue

New bus fares yet to be decided as debates continue Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jakarta councillors became involved in a heated debate on Thursday with the city chapter of the Organization of Land Transportation Owners (Organda) over its proposal to increase bus fares by nearly 50 percent.

Chinese FM Tang visits Jakarta

Chinese FM Tang visits Jakarta JAKARTA: Among the world leaders and diplomats who are to attend the independence celebrations on Sunday of the new nation of Timor Lorosae, the former Indonesian province known as East Timor, is Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Tang Jiaxuan. Tang, who arrived in Jakarta on Thursday evening, is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on President Megawati Soekarnoputri.

Government to sell 11.32% stake in Indosat

Government to sell 11.32% stake in Indosat The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government plans to sell an 11.32 percent stake in state- owned telecommunications company PT Indonesian Satellite Corp. (Indosat) through a private placement, a press statement announced on Thursday. The statement added that Credit Suisse First Boston and state- owned securities firm PT Danareksa Securities were joint book- runners for the offering.

Malaysia upsets China 3-1 to reach Thomas Cup final

Malaysia upsets China 3-1 to reach Thomas Cup final Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Guangzhou, China Malaysia cruised to the final of the Thomas Cup after overcoming China 3-1 in their semifinal matches at the Tianhe Sports Center in China on Thursday.

This space was allocated

This space was allocated for a full-page advertisement belonging to PT Telkom

SBI rate down to 16.08%

SBI rate down to 16.08% JAKARTA: The weighted average interest rate on Bank Indonesia's one-month SBI promissory note declined to 16.08 percent at the weekly auction on Wednesday, from 16.26 percent at last week's auction. Bank Indonesia said in a statement that it accepted Rp 20 trillion (US$2.16 billion) in bids at the auction, or 59.78 percent of total bids.

China, ASEAN end talks on free trade

China, ASEAN end talks on free trade Peter Harmsen, Agence France-Presse, Beijing China and 10 Southeast Asian countries wrapped up three days of talks in Beijing Thursday on creating the world's largest free trade zone. Delegates from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China were discussing an outline pact that would make the zone a reality in a decade, although they said they had not made much progress yet.

Dilemma of Bank BII

Dilemma of Bank BII Before 1998, it would have been impossible to analyze publicly the distressed condition of a particular bank, let alone debate whether it would be better to simply liquidate or recapitalize that bank, without setting off massive runs and consequently accelerating its failure.

Teachers protest against 'discrimination'

Teachers protest against 'discrimination' TANGERANG: Some 1,000 kindergarten, elementary and high school teachers grouped in the Tangerang branch of the Indonesian Teachers' Union (PGRI) staged a rally at the local municipal offices on Thursday to protest against what they claimed was the discriminative treatment they had been subjected to for so long.

Megawati to open Koran recital contest

Megawati to open Koran recital contest MATARAM, East Nusa Tenggara: President Megawati Soekarnoputri is expected to open the national Koran recital context to be held here in July. Djafar Suryadi, chairman of the contest's organizing committee, said the invitation to the President for the contest's opening ceremony had been delivered and, as was usual, the contest was expected to be officially opened by the President.

Busway likely to precede subway project

Busway likely to precede subway project Tantri Yuliandini and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government's overdue subway project is in danger of being overshadowed by the attractive busway program, which will be implemented at the end of this year in the capital.

West Sumatra's poor miss out on govt's free health services

West Sumatra's poor miss out on govt's free health services Debbie A. Lubis, The Jakarta Post, Padang Lack of awareness of government-provided health facilities among the poor in West Sumatra has deprived them of free medication, an official has said. Chairman of West Sumatra health office Abdul Rival said on Wednesday that only 42,624 of 601,500 poor patients in that province had benefited from the government's health fund in 2001.

Investment and tax holidays

Investment and tax holidays Recently, the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) chairman, Theo F. Toemion, has suggested that the government needs to provide incentives such as tax holidays, to encourage business circles to invest in the real sector. BKPM has said that other countries, such as China, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam and Brunei Darussalam provide tax holidays to attract investors. For Indonesia, tax holidays are not a new thing.

Rupiah Rates May.16

Rupiah Rates May.16 JP/13/Conver Rupiah Rates May.16 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

More companies enter leased line sector

More companies enter leased line sector I. Christianto, Contributor, Jakarta Although many Indonesian companies are still in financial difficulties, the advancement of information technology remains a number one priority for many. The use of more advanced technology for a rapid transfer of data either in the form of voice or video is a prerequisite these days if companies want to survive the tight competition in the market.

Indonesia wins wushu gold in Italy

Indonesia wins wushu gold in Italy JAKARTA: The Indonesian wushu team for the 2002 Asian Games must have gained a morale booster ahead of their departure to Busan, South Korea, after it competed in Italy and returned home with a gold. The gold was contributed by Arif Harsoyo, who won the 50-55 kilograms division in the Traditional Kung Fu Cup 2002, which was held in Perugia between May 10 and May 12.

Defense ties on agenda for Matori at U.S. State Department

Defense ties on agenda for Matori at U.S. State Department Agence France-Presse, Washington Indonesia's defense minister Matori Abdul Jalil met a senior State Department official on Wednesday, to press the case for revitalized military ties between the two sides, an argument which has already won favor with the Pentagon.

RI goes to Junior Fed Cup quarters

RI goes to Junior Fed Cup quarters JAKARTA: Indonesia outplayed the Philippines 3-0 to reach the quarterfinals of the Asia-Pacific Junior Fed Cup at the Bung Karno tennis courts here on Thursday. The Indonesian teenage trio promptly went into a 2-0 lead after the singles ties with Maya Rosa A. Stefanie defeating Noelle Conchita C. Zoleta 6-3, 6-1, and Sandy Gumulya easing past Bernardin Aurell 6-0, 6-1. Maya then teamed up with Septi Nindya Yutami to brush aside Zoleta/Aurell 6-3, 6-1.

Autonomy law revision: Defining governors' role

Autonomy law revision: Defining governors' role Gustaf Tamo Mbapa, Legislative Watch Body (For-MAPPI), Jakarta, gustaftamo@astaga.com The decentralization policy of 1999 had the main objective of relieving the central government of unnecessary burdens in handling domestic affairs, so that it would have the opportunity to study, comprehend and respond to global trends and benefit from these developments.

West Sumatra's poor miss out

West Sumatra's poor miss out on social compensation fund Debbie A. Lubis The Jakarta Post Padang Lack of awareness of government-provided health facilities among the poor in West Sumatra has deprived them of free medication, an official has said. Chairman of West Sumatra health office Abdul Rival said on Wednesday that only 42,624 of 601,500 poor patients in that province had benefited from the government's health fund in 2001.

XLnet

XLnet The vast development of multimedia technology requires a high capacity and reliable communication application. Voice and data transmission without delay, transmission security, high network capacity, wide coverage and competitive price are all essential in the era of communication technology.

On violent TV programs

On violent TV programs This is in response to the article Violence on TPI (The Jakarta Post, May, 11, 2002). I find it a bit rich that the reader concerned complained about fighting programs unsuitable for his children, who are of primary school age, being screened at 10 p.m. What may I ask are his young children doing still awake at 10 p.m?! I find this the case with most of my Indonesian friends and acquaintances.

IMF still upbeat on RI growth

IMF still upbeat on RI growth The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The International Monetary Fund said on Thursday that the country's economy could still grow by between 3.5 percent and 4 percent this year, despite slower-than-expected first quarter growth. The Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) announced on Wednesday that the economy grew by 2.47 percent in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period of last year. The growth rate was lower than most experts had expected.

Indonesia, Denmark set for tough semifinal encounter

Indonesia, Denmark set for tough semifinal encounter Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Guangzhou, China As Indonesia's men shuttlers enter the latter stages of their campaign to write badminton history, the Danes have more modest goals for their Thomas Cup semifinals match on Friday evening. Defending Thomas Cup champion Indonesia has raised the coveted cup four times in a row since 1994, and is aiming for a record fifth.

Petronas bond issue draws $7 bln

Petronas bond issue draws $7 bln KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's state oil firm Petronas said on Thursday its sale of US$2.675 billion of multi-currency bonds, the biggest ever bond issue by an Asian corporate outside of Japan, drew orders of around $7 billion. Petroliam Nasional (Petronas) said the issue, which went on offer in New York on Monday, was increased to $1.3 billion for the 10-year tranche and 750 million euro for the 7-year tranche.

Pedicab drivers stage protest

Pedicab drivers stage protest JAKARTA: About 100 members of the Association of Jakarta Becak (pedicab) Drivers staged a protest at the Ministry of Home Affairs, on Jl. Merdeka Utara, Central Jakarta, demanding the revocation of the city bylaw on public order, which bans them from operating in the capital. The protesters said that the bylaw No. 11/1988 should be replaced by one that was drafted by activists, and was submitted to the City Council earlier this week.

Opposition mounts against new broadcasting bill

Opposition mounts against new broadcasting bill Muhammad Nafik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Opposition continued to grow on Thursday against the new broadcasting bill, which many critics see as an attempt by the government to once again curb freedom of the press. If passed into law, they said, the bill will reestablish "repressive" governmental control of radio and television. "Under the current broadcasting bill, the government can justify its repression of the electronic media.

North Sumatra cooperatives head detained for graft

North Sumatra cooperatives head detained for graft The head of the North Sumatra Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises Office, Syarifuddin Sidabutar, has been detained by the Bengkulu authorities for alleged graft. The Bengkulu Prosecutor's Office said that Syarifuddin was involved in the fictitious auctioning of at least 29 cars and motorcycles when he served as the Bengkulu cooperatives head in 1999. The amount involved in the alleged corruption remains unknown.

More than 600,000 workers employed illegally overseas

More than 600,000 workers employed illegally overseas The Jakarta Post, Jakarta More than 600,000 Indonesian migrant workers, mostly women, face labor exploitation in several countries as they are employed illegally, while hundreds are stranded at several embassies because of problems that developed with employers, labor exporters said on Thursday.

APP creditors say dismayed with talks

APP creditors say dismayed with talks Creditors of troubled Asia Pulp & Paper Co on Thursday called on the Indonesian-controlled group to show more commitment to restructuring its massive US$13 billion of debt, in a rare public statement on the state of negotiations. In a short statement sent to the media, the creditors said they were dismayed at the pace of progress in their private negotiations with the Indonesian conglomerate.

Hawkers make a living on buses around city

Hawkers make a living on buses around city Leo Wahyudi S., The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Although city buses are not really supermarkets, passengers may buy a variety of goods on them at low prices. It is very common nowadays to see hawkers getting in and out of buses, not only at bus stops but also at traffic lights in the city. Sometimes even along toll roads during traffic jams. Even people traveling on the buses along the main roads, such as Jl. Thamrin, Jl. Sudirman, Jl.

Ryamizard calls for unity in karate

Ryamizard calls for unity in karate JAKARTA: Ryamizard Ryacudu, the new chairman of the Indonesian Karate-Do Institute (Inkai), pleaded with karatekas to put their differences behind them and to work together for a better future. "If we can't work together, we should all forget about it and go about our own business," the three-star Army general said in a speech during the official unveiling of the new Inka board at the Crowne Hotel in Central Jakarta on Wednesday.

Rupiah Rates May.16

Rupiah Rates May.16 JP/13/Conver Rupiah Rates May.16 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

PWI Lampung to issue white book

PWI Lampung to issue white book LAMPUNG, South Sumatra: Confronted with the presence of bogus journalists, the Indonesian Journalists' Association (PWI)'s Lampung chapter will issue a white book containing complete data on its members and regulations. PWI Lampung vice chairman A. Rio Teguh said on Thursday that the book would help the public, especially those who deal with journalists everyday, such as officers in the government or private institutions, identify PWI members.

Clarification needed

Clarification needed I work as a dentist (civil service registration number 140243579) at the public health center in Tanjung Batu, Tujuh Belas district, Singkawang, West Kalimantan. Allow me now to inquire about the status of my employment. On June 1, 1998, I submitted an application for unpaid leave as I had to accompany my husband, who was assigned to study abroad, and the payment of my salary was subsequently stopped. On May 1, 1999, I returned to work at the public health center.

Singapore telecoms firm StarHub, SCV agree to merge

Singapore telecoms firm StarHub, SCV agree to merge Singapore telecommunications operator StarHub Pte. Ltd. and cable operator Singapore Cable Vision (SCV) said Wednesday they have agreed to merge. Under the deal, SCV will become a unit of the telecoms operator when the merger is completed next month, the statement said. "The merger transaction is effected by SCV shareholders swapping their shares in SCV for new shares in StarHub," the statement said.

51 Papuan tribes face extinction due to logging

51 Papuan tribes face extinction due to logging The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Excessive logging has pushed to near extinction at least 51 isolated tribes living as nomads in Waropen, Papua, the country's eastern most province. Head of the Papua Social Welfare Office Onnes Rumandei said in Jayapura on Thursday that forests, which had long been the habitat for these tribes, were vanishing due to excessive logging by forest concessionaires.

Kofi Annan, nice guy negotiator

Kofi Annan, nice guy negotiator Claire Harvey, Contributor, Jakarta Kofi Annan describes himself as "the soft-spoken, gentle lamb" of global politics. The United Nations secretary-general is widely praised for his calm negotiating skills, his courteous diplomatic tact and his compassion for the poor and the oppressed. But in one of the world's most important jobs, is being a nice guy enough?

RI, Thailand postpone talks on rice swap

RI, Thailand postpone talks on rice swap The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Talks between Indonesia and Thailand over a planned US$40 million barter deal have been delayed due to disagreement over the items to be swapped, according to the State Logistics Agency (Bulog). Indonesia offered aircraft, train cars and fertilizer in exchange for Thai rice, but Bulog's chairman Widjanarko Puspoyo said Thailand had turned down the offer.

Military contributes to Maluku conflict: Kontras

Military contributes to Maluku conflict: Kontras The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Ambon Human rights watchdog, the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) blamed the escalating tension in Maluku on the lack of law enforcement and poor coordination between the security and civilian authorities.

Aceh refugees forced to leave UNRC office

Aceh refugees forced to leave UNRC office The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh At least 153 refugees from Central and South Aceh were forced to leave the United Nations Resource Center (UNRC) compound in Banda Aceh, four days after they fled their homes due to increasing violence and security risks. Ahmad, a refugee from Takengon, Central Aceh, told journalists on Thursday that they left the UN compound after Aceh legislative members refused to guarantee their safety.

Telkom to cooperate with 'illegal' VoIP operators: Official

Telkom to cooperate with 'illegal' VoIP operators: Official Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned telecommunication company PT Telkom will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with 12 "illegal" Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) operators to jointly run the VoIP business -- a move which could eventually end the year-long dispute in the sector.

E. Timorese in Indonesia now facing a bitter reality

E. Timorese in Indonesia now facing a bitter reality Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta For some East Timorese, who have become residents of Greater Jakarta, the declaration of East Timor's independence is an inevitable, bitter reality. "It leaves a bitter feeling, but we have to face reality," said Lito Barros, an employee at the Indonesia in Miniature Park in East Jakarta. Lito, who has chosen to remain an Indonesian citizen, however, said that he bore no grudge at all.

Education a priority to deal with globalization: World Bank expert

Education a priority to deal with globalization: World Bank expert Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As globalization now seems inevitable, access to better education for all should become a priority in any developing country to help mitigate the negative impact of it on workers, World Bank expert Martin Rama says.

Intervention in law enforcement

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.

Che Wei most popular analyst

Che Wei most popular analyst JAKARTA: Lin Che Wei, the former president of PT SG Indonesia, won the Most Popular Analyst award in a poll of the financial community. Che Wei was ranked first by the 1,500 poll respondents, comprising individual and institutional investors, journalists, publicly listed companies and investment managers. Presenting Che Wei with his award on Wednesday night at the Grand Hyatt Hotel was a representative of Prospektif magazine.

Deutsche Press Agentur

Deutsche Press Agentur Tokyo The business sentiment index for Japanese firms operating in five major Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) economies has increased sharply in May, according to a survey released Thursday. The government-backed Japan External Trade Organization's (JETRO) monthly survey measures year-on-year changes for the upcoming months' business outlook.

Cleric's suit against S'pore rejected

Cleric's suit against S'pore rejected JAKARTA: The South Jakarta District Court rejected on Thursday a Rp 1 trillion libel suit filed by cleric Abu Bakar Ba'asyir against the Singaporean ambassador over Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew's remarks in an embassy press release accusing the plaintiff of having links to international terrorism. Presiding judge Zoeber Djajadi said that the court could feel "the arrogance of the accused" which had irritated the Indonesian Muslim community.

Italy lauds Mega's trip to Dili

Italy lauds Mega's trip to Dili JAKARTA: The Italian government hailed on Thursday President Megawati Soekarnoputri's decision to attend East Timor's independence declaration on May 20, Antara reported. Visiting Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Margherita Boniver believed the decision to visit East Timor reflected the Indonesian government's wisdom, which she said would pave the way for close ties between Jakarta and Dili.

;JP;

;JP; ANPAf..r.. Jakarta-stock-table Stock quotations on JSX JP/14/BEJ Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 16,2002 -------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Abdi Bangsa Tbk 390 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,200 0 7,500 Adindo Foresta 70 5 105,500 AGIS Tbk 140 0 5,575,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 365 0 0 Alakasa 200 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 850 25...

JP/10/BADMIN

JP/10/BADMIN Malaysia takes 2-1 lead over China in Thomas Cup semis Novan Iman Santosa The Jakarta Post Guangzhou, China After three matches, the Malaysian badminton men's team led hosts China 2-1 in their semifinal matches at the Thomas Cup at the Tianhe Sports Center in China on Thursday. The heated matches were marred by protests launched by the Malaysian shuttlers over poor decisions by the linesmen. Two linesmen were subsequently replaced, one in the first tie and the second in the third.

Readers become more selective, market tests media's survival

Readers become more selective, market tests media's survival Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesians had become more selective in choosing printed media to read, therefore restrictive criteria were not necessary for whomever planned on starting such a business, a press figure said.

Annan, Mega to discuss global issues

Annan, Mega to discuss global issues Annastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan will meet President Megawati Soekarnoputri on Friday to discuss global issues before heading to East Timor for the independence celebration in the capital of Dili, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda on Thursday.

NTT urged to protect Timorese

NTT urged to protect Timorese The United Nations Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) asked the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) administration on Thursday to protect East Timorese students studying in Kupang from intimidation carried out by a group of Timorese refugees. At least 16 East Timorese students in Kupang complained to UNTAET that they were often intimidated by pro-Indonesia East Timorese in West Timor.

SBI rate down to 16.08%

SBI rate down to 16.08% JAKARTA: The weighted average interest rate on Bank Indonesia's one-month SBI promissory note declined to 16.08 percent at the weekly auction on Wednesday, from 16.26 percent at last week's auction. Bank Indonesia said in a statement that it accepted Rp 20 trillion (US$2.16 billion) in bids at the auction, or 59.78 percent of total bids.

1. ASEAN (1 X 30)

1. ASEAN (1 X 30) China, ASEAN end talks on free trade JP/ASEAN 2.Newmont Newmont denies pollution charges at annual meeting JP/14/Newmont 3. OECD U.S. hits backs in trade spat at OECD or U.S. reacts to trade spat at OECD JP/ 4. Jetro Business sentiment rises for Japan firms JP/

Business sentiment rises for Japan firms

Business sentiment rises for Japan firms Deutsche Press Agentur, Tokyo The business sentiment index for Japanese firms operating in five major Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) economies has increased sharply in May, according to a survey released Thursday. The government-backed Japan External Trade Organization's (JETRO) monthly survey measures year-on-year changes for the upcoming months' business outlook.

China urged to develop hemp industry

China urged to develop hemp industry JAKARTA: Minister for Research and Technology Hatta Radjasa called on China to jointly develop the Indonesian hemp industry as the raw materials were plentiful here. Hatta made the call when receiving the governor of Hunan Province He Tongxin and his 12-member entourage at his office here on Thursday. The Chinese delegation also brought with them products developed from hemp.

McDonald's gifts

McDonald's gifts From Bisnis Indonesia I have attended birthday parties a few times at McDonald's and got the impression that it does not seem to care much about the quality of its gifts. In July 2001, my child had a birthday party at McDonald's Pondok Bambu and got a small backpack with a picture of Ronald McDonald on it. My friends and I agreed that the quality of this gift was so low it gave us a poor impression of McDonald's products.

Corporate solution in the information era

Corporate solution in the information era The vast development of multimedia technology requires a high capacity and reliable communication application. Voice and data transmission without delay, transmission security, high network capacity, wide coverage and competitive price are all essential in the era of communication technology. To answer the growing need of communication, PT.

Semarang-Solo rail service starts

Semarang-Solo rail service starts SEMARANG, Central Java: A new express train service was launched Thursday serving the Semarang-Solo route, the state- owned Indonesian Railway Company (PT KAI) said. The service, named the Pandanwangi Express, has a capacity of 128 passengers and will ply the route twice daily, leaving Semarang at 8:10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and departing from Solo at 6 a.m. and 1 p.m. The train will not stop at small stations along the route.

2. IMF (4 x 8)

2. IMF (4 x 8) IMF still upbeat on RI growth 3. Indosat (1 x 40) Govt to sell 11.32% stake in Indosat

'Sutiyoso pressured by bus owners'

'Sutiyoso pressured by bus owners' Not all lawyers are rich and drive big fancy cars. Some rely on buses, minivans and ojek (motorcycle taxis) to get around Jakarta. And those lawyers in a position to speak intelligently on the issue see the city administration's plan to increase public transportation fares as a move that will only add to the suffering of already beleaguered Jakartans.

Semarang-Solo rail service starts

Semarang-Solo rail service starts SEMARANG, Central Java: A new express train service was launched Thursday serving the Semarang-Solo route, the state- owned Indonesian Railway Company (PT KAI) said. The service, named the Pandanwangi Express, has a capacity of 128 passengers and will ply the route twice daily, leaving Semarang at 8:10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and departing from Solo at 6 a.m. and 1 p.m. The train will not stop at small stations along the route.

'Reformasi' should deal with corruptors

'Reformasi' should deal with corruptors A'an Suryana and Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A businessman once shared with an acquaintance his frustration and confusion in doing business in the democratic, but corrupt climate of Indonesia. "Before reformasi (reform), you knew the price (of corruption), whom to pay and what you got from (doing it). "Nowadays, you never know the price, whom to pay and whether you will get it in the end," said the businessman.

Endriartono and TNI reform

Endriartono and TNI reform Along with the return of the House of Representatives from its recess last Monday, President Megawati Soekarnoputri nominated one candidate to become the new Indonesian Military (TNI) commander, replacing TNI chief Adm. Widodo A.S. Megawati's nomination is Gen. Endriartono Sutarto, who is currently the Army chief of staff. The question is whether Endriartono can move TNI toward the required reforms?

Trends, trials and tribulations of mobile phones

Trends, trials and tribulations of mobile phones K. Basrie, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In Jakarta, a cell phone is the most easy-to-grab and easy-to- resell item for thieves, particularly the notorious kapak merah (red axe) street gang. The ever-burgeoning appeal of the mobile handset has been greeted by outlaws worldwide.

More than 600,000

More than 600,000 RI migrant workers employed illegally The Jakarta Post Jakarta More than 600,000 Indonesian migrant workers, mostly women, face labor exploitation in several countries as they are employed illegally, while hundreds are stranded at several embassies because of problems that developed with employers, labor exporters said on Thursday.

Safety measures lacking?

Safety measures lacking? Is it too much to hope that the recent fire at Hotel Perdana Wisata in Bandung, in which three people died, will serve to make the management of other public venues sit up and rethink their fire safety arrangements (if, indeed, any at all exist)? Discos, for example, regularly pack in hundreds of people with no control at all over numbers. Often these places are at the top of buildings several stories high.

This space was allocated

This space was allocated for a full-page advertisement belonging to PT Telkom

ASEAN urged to harmonize criminal laws to remove 'safe havens'

ASEAN urged to harmonize criminal laws to remove 'safe havens' Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia urged Southeast Asian nations on Thursday to harmonize criminal laws to wipe out "safe havens" for cross-border criminal networks and enable their successful prosecution. Deputy Home Minister Chor Chee Heung, opening a two-day ASEAN senior officials meeting on transnational crime, said cross- border crime had flourished in the region due to a lack of legislations.