Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 21 May 2002

81 articles found

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.

Ford opens second store

Ford opens second store JAKARTA: PT Ford Motor Indonesia opened its second Superstore, called the Ford Jakbar Superstore, on Jl. Jend. S. Parman, West Jakarta, on Monday. The opening followed the recent launch of Ford's first dealership, the Ford Jaksel Superstore, on Jl. T.B. Simatupang, South Jakarta, two months ago. Along with the opening, Ford also launched the Ford Lynx, a new sedan.

City warned not to build Kelapa Gading sports complex

City warned not to build Kelapa Gading sports complex Residents of Kelapa Gading housing complex in North Jakarta have threatened legal action against the city administration if it allows the construction of a sport complex to continue. Speaking at the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute (LBH) on Monday, residents' spokesman Carrel Ticualu said the development of the complex violated the agreed use of the land, which was earmarked for social and public facilities, especially for education purposes.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 20, 2002: -------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Abdi Bangsa Tbk 385 -5 50,000 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,150 0 32,000 Adindo Foresta 70 0 365,500 AGIS Tbk 135 -5 867,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 365 0 0 Alakasa 200 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 800 -25 72,500 Alter Abadi Tbk 50 0 0 Alumindo Light 675 25 10,000...

75 artists rally at mayor's office

75 artists rally at mayor's office TANGERANG: Some 75 artists from the Tangerang Arts Council staged a rally at the municipal administration office on Monday to demand the administration provide them a space to put on exhibitions and performances. With paint on their face, the artists formed a large circle inside the office compound. Three of the demonstrators performed dances and read poems, while a number of others held up posters to demand the administration pay attention to their demands.

Senior officers may be involved in Theys' murder

Senior officers may be involved in Theys' murder Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Investigation into the killing of Papuan pro-independence leader Theys Hiyo Eluay last year points at the possible involvement of high ranking officers, National Military Police Chief Maj. Gen. Sulaiman A.B. said on Monday. "It is not an ordinary murder. We can see that Theys was not an ordinary person ...

Experts at odds over legislators from former province of E. Timor

Experts at odds over legislators from former province of E. Timor Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Political and legal experts are at loggerheads over the continued presence of four legislators at the House of Representatives representing East Timor which declared its independence on Monday, while the legislators defended their seats they assert are guaranteed by law.

America in policy bind over Indonesia

America in policy bind over Indonesia Lee Kim Chiew, The Straits Times, Asia News Network, Singapore As tiny East Timor celebrates its independence today, its giant neighbor Indonesia confronts a new reality. Two influential United States lawmakers -- Republican Senator Lincoln Chafee and Democratic Senator Russell Feingold -- have moved a resolution calling for "robust" American aid for the nascent half-island state. They urge President George W.

1. WATER: 50 pt, 2 cols, 4 x 12

1. WATER: 50 pt, 2 cols, 4 x 12 Kelapa Gading conversion has caused salinization 2. SUTIYOSO: 40 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 24 Two night spots reopen despite Sutiyoso's closure 3. SOMASI: 36 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 45 City warned not to build Kelapa Gading sports complex Residents of Kelapa Gading housing complex in North Jakarta have threatened legal advice against the city administration if it allows the construction of a sport complex to continue.

Evi leads at Anniswati chess event

Evi leads at Anniswati chess event The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Evi Lindiawati pulled clear at the top of the standings after four rounds of blitz matches in the inaugural Anniswati Memorial Cup chess tournament at the Peninsula Hotel here on Monday. Evi, one of the four-strong national women's squad for the 2000 Chess Olympiad, defeated all four of her opponents, who were Stevanie Dian, Mia R., Imasniti and Steven Punyaman. Three players followed half a point behind her -- veteran Upi D.

'Confiscated planes not missing'

'Confiscated planes not missing' The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The customs and excise directorate claimed on Monday that the three smuggled microlight airplanes it had confiscated on Feb. 20 remained at its warehouse at the Tanjung Priok port in Jakarta, in an attempt to dispel rumors that they had gone "missing". The Jakarta Post however, was denied access to see the German- made airplanes at the warehouse in question.

C. Kalimantan monitors Madurese's land

C. Kalimantan monitors Madurese's land PALANGKA RAYA, Central Kalimantan: The Palangka Raya administration is keeping a watchful eye on land belonging to Madurese currently still living in refugee camps. Palangka Raya National Land Agency (BPN) chairman Anyawungan K.D. Janguk said on Monday that the city administration must monitor refugee' land acquisition.

Two night spots reopen despite Sutiyoso's closure

Two night spots reopen despite Sutiyoso's closure Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta City Governor Sutiyoso could not conceal his annoyance on Monday after being questioned by reporters about two night spots in West Jakarta, which he had raided earlier, that had reportedly resumed operations, indicating his recent drug raids were ineffective. "That's stubborn. I will take harsh action against them," Sutiyoso told reporters at City Hall without elaborating.

Poverty hampers effort to stop child labor

Poverty hampers effort to stop child labor The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Severe economic hardship and political instability have undermined efforts to eradicate child labor in the country, Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Jacob Nuwa Wea said on Monday.

Yawning gap worsens unabated crisis: Mega

Yawning gap worsens unabated crisis: Mega I Wayan Juniartha and Agus Maryono, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar/Purwokerto President Megawati Soekarnoputri said the unabated crisis the country was facing had been exacerbated by the yawning gap between the political classes and the masses. Speaking at a ceremony to mark National Awakening Day in Denpasar, Megawati said the gap was evident from the public's resistance to the agenda set by national leaders.

North Jakarta conversion has caused salinization

North Jakarta conversion has caused salinization Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The conversion of wetland in the northern coastal areas of Jakarta for luxury housing estates has contributed to salt contaminating groundwater. The saltwater forces people to buy water for their daily needs, particularly for cooking food and drinking water, as they do not get access to clean water networks. The poor suffer the most.

BCA profit soars 88% in first quarter

BCA profit soars 88% in first quarter The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The country's largest retail bank PT Bank Central Asia (BCA) announced on Monday an 88 percent increase in its first quarter net profit to Rp 832.7 billion (US$92.30 million), due to a sharp rise in interest income.

Gusmao, the real statesman

Gusmao, the real statesman One man stood out among the many dignitaries who attended Sunday's celebrations to usher in East Timor's independence in Dili. We are talking here about Xanana Gusmao, who took his oath of office shortly after midnight on Sunday to become the first president of the new independent nation.

C. Java woman gets death penalty for drug smuggling

C. Java woman gets death penalty for drug smuggling Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang A 27-year-old woman fell to the floor when the Tangerang District Court handed down the death penalty to her for her attempt to smuggle a kilogram of heroin into the country from Nepal. Presiding judge Ade Komarudin said the defendant, Merry Utami, from Sukoharjo, Central Java, was found guilty of smuggling heroin at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Oct. 31 last year.

Corruption threatens Indonesian forests

Corruption threatens Indonesian forests Frank Brandmaier, Deutsche Presse-Agentur, Jakarta/Singapore In the end the herd could take no more. Driven by hunger, the 13 wild elephants lost their fear of people and went on the rampage in two villages in northern Sumatra, trampling everything and anything that came in their path. Dozens of villagers fled, but a tame elephant didn't survive the attack. Once their home was in the neighboring Gunung Leuser National Park, where they had plenty to eat.

Rupiah reaches highest level since September

Rupiah reaches highest level since September Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The rupiah broke through the psychologically important barrier of Rp 9,000 on Monday, its highest level against the U.S. dollar since September last year, on optimism of expected dollar inflow from the sale of state assets. The upward trend of regional currencies to the American greenback, led by the Japanese yen, also helped strengthen the local currency, analysts said.

T E L K O M S E L

T E L K O M S E L Winning Hearts, Gaining Trust On its seventh anniversary, May 26, 2002, Telkomsel reaffirmed its leadership of Indonesia's cellular operators by already achieving a market share of more than 50 percent, or more than four million subscribers. Based on current progress, the target of five million subscribers will be reached easily before the end of this year.

Gusmao, the real statesman

Gusmao, the real statesman One man stood out among the many dignitaries who attended Sunday's celebrations to usher in East Timor's independence in Dili. We are talking here about no other than Xanana Gusmao, who took his oath of office shortly after midnight on Sunday to become the first president of the new independent nation.

Decolonization of East Timor

Decolonization of East Timor On Sunday at midnight (May 20), East Timor became independent (the writer wishes to extend his congratulations to the people of East Timor as well as to President Xanana Gusmao). The writer remembers a similar happy event more than 50 years ago. It was around Christmas 1949, after a roundtable conference between Indonesia and the Netherlands when the latter finally recognized Indonesia's independence and began the decolonization process.

E. Timor, Australia sign oil, gas treaty

E. Timor, Australia sign oil, gas treaty Agence France-Presse, Dili Newly independent East Timor signed a treaty with Australia Monday on the division of Timor Sea oil and gas revenues, sealing an agreement that gives the impoverished nation a lifeline to economic self-sufficiency.

3. Strait -- America in policy bind over Indonesia

3. Strait -- America in policy bind over Indonesia 2 X 32 36pt Bodoni America in policy bind over Indonesia Lee Kim Chiew The Straits Times

State budget 101

State budget 101 From Republika The good intention of the government, in this case President Megawati Soekarnoputri, to provide aid for the repair of Indonesian Military/National Police barracks has prompted legislator Djamal Doa, a member of the United Development Party (PPP) faction in the House of Representatives, to question the aid by initiating an interpellation on the source of the Rp 30 billion in extra-budgetary funds.

Locals get tennis lessons from ITA coaches

Locals get tennis lessons from ITA coaches Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Two American tennis coaches are seeking to help develop Indonesian tennis as they began a series of coaching clinics here on Monday The clinics are being organized by the country's tennis governing body, Pelti.

Four injured in attack on protesters

Four injured in attack on protesters SEMARANG, Central Java: A demonstration held by the Democratic Front for Poverty Eradication (FDPRM) turned violent on Monday when the group was attacked by dozens of people claiming to be members of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) Two demonstrators, a plainclothes police officer and a local photojournalist were injured in the violence.

Countries react coolly to Malaysian push to define terrorism

Countries react coolly to Malaysian push to define terrorism Agencies Kuala Lumpur Southeast Asian security ministers reacted coolly on Monday to Malaysia's latest call for a formal definition of terrorism. Singaporean Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng said such a definition should be left to the United Nations, rather than ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) who were meeting in Kuala Lumpur to discuss regional counterterrorism measures.

Thai auto industry to stay competitive post AFTA

Thai auto industry to stay competitive post AFTA Agence France-Presse, Bangkok Thailand's auto industry will remain competitive despite a Southeast Asian free trade plan that will virtually eliminate tariffs in the region, Industry Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit said Monday. The local automotive industry would benefit from tax reforms due to bring Thailand in line with the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) from the beginning of next year, Suriya said in a report.

Response to Frank Richardson

Response to Frank Richardson First of all, I would like to thank Frank Richardson for his comment in The Jakarta Post's May 16 edition about my article, Indonesian Press: Walking a tightrope (The Post, May 14). Mr. Richardson, I am also fully aware that Walter Lipmann is regarded by some as a potentially authoritarian thinker.

ASEAN cautious on East Timor membership

ASEAN cautious on East Timor membership Chris Foley, Agence France-Presse, Singapore East Timor's arrival as a sovereign state has bolstered its claim to a seat at the ASEAN table, but the 10-nation bloc faces deep soul-searching on whether to provide the extra chair. As the world's newest nation, East Timor is eager for instant recognition at international forums and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has become an obvious and immediate target.

Kostrad to stage antiriot exercise in Ambon

Kostrad to stage antiriot exercise in Ambon Oktovianus Pinontoan The Jakarta Post Ambon The Army's Strategic Reserve Command (Kostrad) will hold an antiriot exercise in the Maluku provincial capital of Ambon in July in a bid to help end the prolonged conflict and restore security and order in the restive city, says Kostrad Commander Lt. Gen.

Art expo to be held at Erasmus Huis

Art expo to be held at Erasmus Huis JAKARTA: A Flemish artist, Rudi Corens, will present a contemporary jewelry, carpet and sculpture exhibition at the Erasmus Huis Dutch cultural center in South Jakarta, for a week, starting from Thursday evening. At the end of the exhibition titled Curls and Waves on May 30, a batik fashion show by Apip Syakur will be held to say goodbye to Luc Darras, the Belgian Ambassador, and his wife.

Kostrad to stage exercises in Ambon to help end prolonged conflict

Kostrad to stage exercises in Ambon to help end prolonged conflict Oktovianus Pinontoan, The Jakarta Post, Ambon The Army's Strategic Reserve Command (Kostrad) will hold training exercises in the Maluku provincial capital of Ambon in July in a bid to help end the prolonged conflict and restore security and order in the restive city, says Kostrad Commander Lt. Gen.

[b]It said they filed a complaint with claim's department: Is that

It said they filed a complaint with claim's department: Is that the claim's department for SQ or for Soekarno-Hatta airport? And why is the letter writer upset with SQ when, according to the details of his letter, his bag was likely broken into upon landing at Soekarno-Hatta by airport baggage handlers? Is it SQ's fault if the workers at Soekarno-Hatta airport steal from people's luggage?

Asian monies up, rupiah at 9,050

Asian monies up, rupiah at 9,050 Ryan Woo, Dow Jones, Singapore Asian currencies extended last week's gains Monday, some of them breaking through key technical levels, as they capitalized on the U.S. dollar's continued weakness, particularly against the yen. The surging Singapore dollar rose to a seven-month high against the dollar, as the U.S. currency slipped below key support at S$1.7900 en route to an intraday low of S$1.7886. The U.S.

Hendrawan, a true champion

Hendrawan, a true champion Novan Iman Santosa and Primastuti Handayani, The Jakarta Post, Guangzhou/Jakarta A week before heading to Guangzhou, China, for the 2002 Thomas and Uber Cup badminton championships, Hendrawan was struggling with two big problems. First, he only received his Republic of Indonesia Citizenship Certificate (SBKRI) after President Megawati Soekarnoputri intervened personally and ordered officials at the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights to rush through his paperwork.

GAM warns of attacks on state facilities

GAM warns of attacks on state facilities The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Acehnese separatist rebels have warned civil servants to stay away from state facilities, which they plan to attack. Free Aceh Movement (GAM) spokesman Tengku Sofyan Dawod said from the group's foreign base in Norsborg, Sweden, that the prior warning was issued to avoid futile fatalities in the long- standing conflict.

Telkom's Q1 net profit jumps 46%

Telkom's Q1 net profit jumps 46% The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned domestic telecommunications firm PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom) announced on Monday that first quarter net profit soared by 46 percent, mainly driven by its cellular unit. The publicly listed company said net profit in the first three months of the year was Rp 1.5 trillion (about US$165 million) compared to Rp 1.03 trillion in the same period last year.

Once again questioning the Jakarta Charter

Once again questioning the Jakarta Charter Franz Magnis-Suseno SJ, Professor of Social Philosophy, Driyarkara School of Philosophy, Jakarta In this newspaper (May 15) Wisnu Pramudya pleaded for a more informed view on the question of introducing syariah, or Islamic law, in Indonesia. This intention can only be applauded. Nevertheless, Wisnu Pramudya's explanations leave more questions than answers. But first some corrections.

Orangutans abused: NGO

Orangutans abused: NGO JAKARTA: A non-governmental organization (NGO) complained on Monday about the condition of a protected species of orangutan (pongo pygmaeus) in the Gunung Mesigit conservation park in West Java. Chief coordinator from the NGO, Animal Conservation for Life, Hardi Baktiantoro said one of the orangutans had recently been found with injuries to its head. He suspected that the animal had hurt itself due to depression.

House to hold hearing on E. Timor

House to hold hearing on E. Timor JAKARTA: The House of Representatives' Commission I on defense and foreign affairs will invite State Secretary Bambang Kesowo and Foreign Affairs Minister Hassan Wirayuda next week to seek clarification of President Megawati Soekarnoputri's visit to East Timor.

'Sie Jie' lottery tickets mushroom in Batam

'Sie Jie' lottery tickets mushroom in Batam BATAM, Riau: Police officers in Batam, Riau are allegedly providing protection to brokers of Sie Jie lottery tickets in exchange for cash. Lottery traders in Nagoya and Windsor told Antara on Monday that their bosses paid protection money to police officers every month. "We are free to sell the tickets and never get any problems from police officers," brokers in Nagoya and Windsor said. Police would not comment on the claims.

IBRA and IMF differ on Bank Niaga divestment plan

IBRA and IMF differ on Bank Niaga divestment plan The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said the sale of the government's 51 percent stake in publicly listed Bank Niaga should be carried out as scheduled, although the government has hinted that it might back down from the plan if the prices offered by bidders were too low.

Gus Dur lashes out at Islamic caucus

Gus Dur lashes out at Islamic caucus Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Former president Abdurrahman Wahid, familiarly known as Gus Dur, lashed out at the possible establishment of a caucus of Muslim political leaders, saying it would be of no benefit to the people. "It doesn't mean a thing. Moreover, who cares? I don't. And the (Muslim) community doesn't care about it. "I am telling you the truth.

GAM congratulates East Timorese

GAM congratulates East Timorese JAKARTA: The Free Aceh Movement armed wing (AGAM) joined the worldwide chorus of congratulations for the people of East Timor on their independence and the inauguration of Xanana Gusmao as the country's first president.

Indonesia: What a shame!

Indonesia: What a shame! From Media Indonesia Our beloved country now has many labels, from the world's most corrupt country to the largest producer of ecstasy pills on the planet. The international community considers Indonesia dangerous in all areas. Presidents change but corruption continues unchecked. Crime continues to increase and strange things continue to occur. A corruptor is considered a hero.

Headings

Headings 1. Aceh: 8 x 4 lines GAM warns of attacks on state facilities 2. Timor: 20 x 2 lines West Timor Military consoles prointegration Timorese refugees 3. Kostrad: 24 x 2 lines Kostrad to stage exercises in Ambon to help end prolonged conflict

Number of IDPs drops

Number of IDPs drops DENPASAR, Bali: Minister of Social Affairs Bachtiar Chamsyah said on Monday that the number of internally displaced people (IDP) in and around Indonesia's various conflict-torn areas had drastically dropped to 500,000 from 1.3 million last year. He attributed the decrease to "comprehensive efforts conducted by all related parties". However he did not elaborate.

Habibie's testimony damaging for Akbar

Habibie's testimony damaging for Akbar Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Former president B.J. Habibie's written testimony in the Rp 40 billion Bulog scandal read during a hearing on Monday has solidified the case against his former minister/cabinet secretary Akbar Tandjung.

Asia to battle for $200b energy investment

Asia to battle for $200b energy investment Tanya Pang, Reuters, Tokyo Asia will need some $200 billion in the next 10-15 years to build enough gas and power infrastructure to underpin fast growing regional economies, the head of an Asia Pacific research group said on Monday. But competition for investment will be tough with other regions and industries, and governments will have to be proactive in deregulation and liberalization to attract capital resources.

Biofuel may combat air pollution

Biofuel may combat air pollution Nao Nakanishi, Reuters, Singapore Fuel ethanol distilled from crops such as corn and rapeseed could be the solution for countries seeking an outlet for huge agricultural surpluses. Biofuels can help raise farmer income, cut large bills for oil imports, improve energy security and combat air pollution and groundwater contamination, said experts recently gathered in Singapore for an international conference.

Rupiah's sharp rise may hurt RI's exports

Rupiah's sharp rise may hurt RI's exports Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesian exporters fear that the sharp appreciation of the rupiah against the U.S. dollar will make their products more expensive in the export market compared to products from competitor countries whose currencies have not appreciated as fast as the rupiah. "If the rupiah strengthens to beyond Rp 9,000, we'll be in difficulties," Anton J.

W. Timor Military consoles pro-RI Timorese refugees

W. Timor Military consoles pro-RI Timorese refugees The Jakarta Post, Jakarta East Nusa Tenggara Military district chief Col. Moeswarno Moesanip consoled some 30,000 prointegration East Timorese refugees who were politically estranged in West Timor following East Timor's independence on Monday, saying all sides, including the military must accept the reality.

Rupiah Rates May.20

Rupiah Rates May.20 JP/13/Conver Rupiah Rates May.20 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Parade for Thomas Cup heroes

Parade for Thomas Cup heroes Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Guangzhou, China Indonesia's champion shuttlers, who have just defended the men's team Thomas Cup badminton title here, will have a tight schedule on Wednesday in Jakarta, including a luncheon with President Megawati Soekarnoputri followed by a parade.

From Guangzhou with pride

From Guangzhou with pride To the delight of many here at home, the men's team 2002 Thomas Cup badminton competition in Guangzhou, China, finished with Indonesia making history once again, bringing home the trophy for the fifth consecutive time and a total of 13 times in all. Facing archrival Malaysia in the final, the team started waveringly but senior shuttler Hendrawan helped the country in the do-or-die decisive match to retain the coveted trophy.

Local zoos have no place for animals

Local zoos have no place for animals Rita A. Widiadana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar Going to the zoo must be a good time for children and parents, since thousands of people regularly visit zoological parks in the country every weekend and holiday. With cheap ticket prices, sometimes less than Rp 1,000 (10 US cents), zoos have become one of the most affordable holiday destinations for families.

Unfinished business haunts Indonesia-East Timor ties

Unfinished business haunts Indonesia-East Timor ties Aboeprijadi Santoso and Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Dili/Kupang Despite reconciliatory gestures from their leaders, the future of ties between Indonesia and its new neighbor East Timor hangs in the balance due to a legacy of wide-ranging unfinished business.

Warm welcome for world's newest nation

Warm welcome for world's newest nation Agencies, Hong Kong, China China claimed first place in the race to forge diplomatic ties with East Timor on Monday as the world's 192nd nation was given a warm welcome by its regional neighbors. In the agreement establishing relations, East Timor promised not to have any official contacts with Taiwan, the island China claims as part of its territory, Xinhua said.

KL push to define terrorism gets cool reaction

KL push to define terrorism gets cool reaction Agencies, Kuala Lumpur Southeast Asian security ministers reacted coolly on Monday to Malaysia's latest call for a formal definition of terrorism. Singaporean Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng said such a definition should be left to the United Nations, rather than ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) who were meeting in Kuala Lumpur to discuss regional counterterrorism measures.

Haze covers Pontianak

Haze covers Pontianak PONTIANAK, West Kalimantan: The West Kalimantan provincial capital of Pontianak has been covered by haze recently due to a temperature increase caused by a change in the seasons. The Meteorology and Geophysics Agency at Supadio Airport said that Pontianak was entering the dry season this month, with a daily air temperature of between 32 and 33 Celsius degrees on average. At night the haze thickens.

1. Niaga (2x26)

1. Niaga (2x26) IBRA and IMF differ on Bank Niaga divestment plan 2. Export (3x14) Rupiah's sharp rise may hurt RI's exports 3. BCA (4x10) BCA profit soars 88% in first quarter 4. Custom (1x32) 'Confiscated planes not missing'

As tiny East Timor celebrates its independence today, its

As tiny East Timor celebrates its independence today, its giant neighbor Indonesia confronts a new reality. Two influential United States lawmakers -- Republican Senator Lincoln Chafee and Democratic Senator Russell Feingold -- have moved a resolution calling for "robust" American aid for the nascent half-island state. They urge President George W. Bush to bring to justice the senior Indonesian officials who promoted the 1999 anti- independence violence in East Timor.

IMF, customs office agree on a reform program

IMF, customs office agree on a reform program Rendi A. Witular and Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Directorate General of Customs and Excise have agreed on a restructuring program aimed at boosting the performance of the latter, long seen as one of the most corrupt institutions in the country.

Rapists must be

Rapists must be severely punished From Media Indonesia It is really heart-rending for me to read and watch newspaper and TV reports about the rape and torture of a teenage girl, Lestari (16), by four youths in Klaten, Central Java. Their treatment of the victim was so barbaric and inhuman. They cruelly inflicted pain on her, stole her bicycle and one of them sadistically raped her. Then the helpless maid was left in a deserted sugarcane plantation.

Testing time for East Timor: ASEAN's political perspective

Testing time for East Timor: ASEAN's political perspective Kavi Chongkittavorn, The Nation, Asia News Network, Bangkok As the world's youngest nation, East Timor's independence will be welcomed by the global community, although ASEAN is ambivalent whether to include the country as its eleventh member.

Drug abusers must be handled with care

Drug abusers must be handled with care Drug abuse is widespread among students, and schools have become a popular trading place for drugs. Students are a major target of traffickers as they are easily "challenged" to try new things. A number of student scouts interviewed by The Jakarta Post asserted that drug addicts must be handled with care by their family and friends. Noval Andrean, 16, a first year student at state high school SMU 112 in Daan Mogot, West Jakarta.

AGO plan to try absent tycoons sparks criticism from expert

AGO plan to try absent tycoons sparks criticism from expert The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Attorney General's Office plan to try several businessmen in absentia will set a bad precedent for Indonesia's judicial system, a legal expert said.

Message from Gusmao to the world and Indonesia

Message from Gusmao to the world and Indonesia Xanana Gusmao, President, East Timor, Dili If 92 countries are gathered today here, it is because the settlement of the question of East Timor was the responsibility of the international community. Therefore, your presence here is the most eloquent testimony of the universal values enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, and is equally an unequivocal affirmation of the fundamental rights of the peoples.

Laksmi transforms emotion into artistic sufferings and love

Laksmi transforms emotion into artistic sufferings and love Carla Bianpoen, Contributor, Jakarta In the minds of many people of old traditions, the roles for which women were destined were silent ones, with tasks mostly relegated to obscurity in a society that focused exclusively on the deeds of men. Distinct preference given to men has proven to be denigrating to women.

A contribution to Meranti Pandak villagers

A contribution to Meranti Pandak villagers "I'm very grateful for the loan from Caltex to renovate my house. Frankly, without such assistance, it would have been impossible for me to rebuild my house," villager Sobirin said. Aisyah, a mother of four, shared similar joy: "Thank God I received the loan to renovate the house left by my late husband. Now I can live more peacefully," she said.

General public can help encouraging better zoos

General public can help encouraging better zoos The London-based World Society for the Protection of Animals, WSPA, a non-profit organization promoting animal welfare around the world, recently investigated the condition of animals in several zoos in Indonesia, along with its local counterpart Animal Conservation for Life, KSBK. WSPA's expert Rob Laidlaw shared the organization's findings with The Jakarta Post and offered solutions through an e-mail interview from his Canada office.

Chinese-Indonesians still discriminated against

Chinese-Indonesians still discriminated against Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta It was a sad irony that top shuttler Hendrawan who saved the country in the Thomas Cup championship had to struggle to get his citizenship certificate before heading to China for the tournament a mere two weeks ago.

Unfinished business haunts RI-Timor Lorosae ties

Unfinished business haunts RI-Timor Lorosae ties Aboeprijadi Santoso and Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Dili/Kupang Despite reconciliatory gestures from their leaders, the future of ties between Indonesia and its new neighbor Timor Lorosae hangs in the balance due to a legacy of wide-ranging unfinished business.

1. Proper (1 x 30)

1. Proper (1 x 30) Home sales perk up ASEAN property 2. Timor (2 x 14) E. Timor, Australia sign oil, gas treaty 3. Thai (2 x 24) Thai auto industry to stay competitive post AFTA 4. IWC (1 x 45) Japan calls for resumption of commercial whaling JP/

Counterfeit money, drugs destroyed

Counterfeit money, drugs destroyed BOGOR: The Cibinong Prosecutors' Office burned on Monday Rp 5.3 billion (US$570,000) in counterfeit bank notes as well as large quantities of marijuana and heroin that were confiscated from suspects. Chief of the prosecutors' office Marwan Wahab told reporters that there was still Rp 100 million of the money which had not been destroyed as it was needed to be presented during the trial of Robby Hartono, 41.

Countries react coolly to Malaysian push to define terrorism

Countries react coolly to Malaysian push to define terrorism Agencies Kuala Lumpur Southeast Asian security ministers reacted coolly on Monday to Malaysia's latest call for a formal definition of terrorism. Singaporean Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng said such a definition should be left to the United Nations, rather than ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) who were meeting in Kuala Lumpur to discuss regional counterterrorism measures.

2. Telkom (2 x 16)

2. Telkom (2 x 16) Telkom's Q1 net profit jumps 46% 3. Energy JP/ Asia to battle for $200 bln energy investment 4. Oil (2 x 30) Oil prices stabilize a bit as Middle East continues to simmer