Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 27 May 2002

120 articles found

Permana has tough fight against vested interests

Permana has tough fight against vested interests Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Director General of Customs and Excise Permana Agung has encountered great difficulties in his attempts to reform his directorate. Internal and external pressures from vested interest groups have been the main obstacles holding back his reform program, he said in an interview with The Jakarta Post on Thursday. The following is an excerpt of the interview.

Governor candidates seek support

Governor candidates seek support Ahmad Junaidi The Jakarta Post Jakarta With the gubernatorial election just four months away, candidates for the post of city governor have already begun to seek support for their campaign, while their supporters have reportedly made efforts to tarnish the reputations of their rivals.

For ADVERTORIAL

For ADVERTORIAL 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.

Futsal attracks growing audience

Futsal attracks growing audience JAKARTA: The Indonesian Futsal team has just concluded its training program in Lampung, attracting 225 participants over the weekend. The team, a cooperation between the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) and fastfood chain McDonald's, has held training programs before in Bandung, Denpasar, Jakarta, Makassar, Medan and Surabaya. Futsal originated in Latin America and is similar to indoor soccer.

Importers forced to pay illegal fees for customs clearance

Importers forced to pay illegal fees for customs clearance Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Directorate General of Customs and Excise is indeed a haven for corrupt public service officials, untouched by the law or the reform movement that first swept the country four years ago.

National testing revisited

National testing revisited Setiono, Lecturer, Atma Jaya Catholic University, Jakarta All junior and high schools in the country are bracing themselves for the coming of the national examination (popularly known as Ebtanas), which will be held nationwide at the end of this month and at the beginning of June. Millions of junior and high school students are expected to participate in this annual event.

Both kinds of bridges and roads are built by Indocement:

Both kinds of bridges and roads are built by Indocement: concrete and steel bridges and asphalt roads as well as "bridges and roads" that give the surrounding community easier access and smoother path to enhanced qualities of life. These "bridges and roads" refer to the company's sincere efforts in providing care to the communities' various aspects of life, such as health, education, socio-religious and cultural as well as economic empowerment.

Futsal attracts growing audience

Futsal attracts growing audience JAKARTA: The Indonesian Futsal team has just concluded its training program in Lampung, attracting 225 participants over the weekend. The team, a cooperation between the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) and fastfood chain McDonald's, has held training programs before in Bandung, Denpasar, Jakarta, Makassar, Medan and Surabaya. Futsal originated in Latin America and is similar to indoor soccer.

World gathers together for environment meeting

World gathers together for environment meeting The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, Bali Over 6,000 delegates from 189 countries will start their two-week meeting here on Monday to reduce or even stop overexploitation of the world's natural resources. However, vast differences between developed and developing countries over how to achieve sustainable development may get in the way of settling a strong deal.

No common vision

No common vision One popular theme of National Awakening Day (May 20) and the reform commemorations has been that Indonesians lack a shared vision. At the moment the only shared vision seems to be that someone else is causing the problems. If we have wealth and privileges to protect, the troublemakers are those rowdy demonstrators who stir fights and prevent the economy from running smoothly.

House slams ministry over slow development

House slams ministry over slow development The Jakarta Post, Jakarta House of Representatives's Commission VII on population and welfare criticized the Ministry of Health on Friday for being too slow in carrying out health development programs over the last five months. Wasna Prayitno, a member of the commission, said the ministry should have disbursed almost 50 percent of its budget to cope with health development programs as health was a crucial problem, especially in rural and remote areas.

Udayana Military HQs to be moved to West Timor

Udayana Military HQs to be moved to West Timor Annastashya Emmanuelle and Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Kupang For border protection reason, the Indonesian Military (TNI) is planning to relocate the Udayana military command from Bali to the East Nusa Tenggara provincial capital of Kupang, much to the approval of the eager to please local government and its military base. The 161 Wirasakti Kupang Military Commander Col. Inf.

1. Wono: 16 x 2 lines

1. Wono: 16 x 2 lines Traders occupy major road after market fire 2. Kodam: 14 x 2 lines Udayana Military Command to be moved to W. Timor

Structural problems causing poverty remain unaddressed

Structural problems causing poverty remain unaddressed Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Siti Solikhatun Nasirun, 22, packs her bag and gets ready to join a group of Indonesian migrant workers to Singapore. "If I had a chance of better living conditions in Indonesia, I would never choose to go and work outside the country," Siti said at her family's small hut in Cirebon, West Java.

Govt new policy on Maluku queried

Govt new policy on Maluku queried The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has been accused of imposing "concealed martial law" in Maluku, following the restructuring of the security authorities in which the Indonesian Military (TNI) has been assigned the day-to-day authority in the strife-ridden province. Such action was taken after the government's attempts to impose martial law met widespread opposition.

For ADVERTORIAL - May 27

For ADVERTORIAL - May 27 In Mimika: Former tailing area turns to fish cultivation After finishing high school in 1994, Viktor Joku's aspirations were to become a civil servant with the local fisheries office in Jayapura, just like his father. He strongly believed that being a civil servant would guarantee him a proper and stable income. So every year, from 1995 till 2000, he diligently signed up for the necessary entrance tests.

Life full of temptation for some expatriate kids

Life full of temptation for some expatriate kids ------------------- Claire Harvey Contributor Jakarta ------------------ At 11 p.m. on a Friday, some of the throbbing bars and nightclubs across Jakarta resemble junior high school playgrounds. Hundreds of 14 and 15-year-olds dance and flirt in the strobe- flickered dark, sipping cocktails and smoking cigarettes with all the ease of twentysomethings.

JP/3/across

JP/3/across Governor to take mayor's job PADANG: West Sumatra Governor Zainal Bakar will take over on Monday the responsibilities of Payakumbuh mayor from Darlis Ilyas, whose has been inactive since March due to a graft case in which he is implicated. The official transfer of duty will take place on Monday despite the absence of Darlis, who has claimed that he continues as authorized mayor until the court has announced its verdict.

Olympics champions get award

Olympics champions get award JAKARTA: The Minister of Education Malik Fadjar has given Jakarta high school student Malik Fadjar Rp 5 million and a computer for his achievement in winning the best "theoretical result" category at the Asian Physics Olympics in Singapore recently. As well as the SMU 78 Jakarta student, Malik also granted Rp 3 million to each of the bronze medal winners.

Pressure mounts on govt to review textile quota

Pressure mounts on govt to review textile quota Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Pressure is mounting on the government to review the management of textile export quotas by the Ministry of Industry and Trade after the Indonesian Textile Association (API) called over the weekend for an independent audit of the management. Natsir Mansyur, an executive of the association said the audit was necessary to see if the ministry had managed the textile quota fairly over the past years.

Rebels shoot Marine in Aceh

Rebels shoot Marine in Aceh BANDA ACEH: The latest gunfight between security troops and armed Free Aceh Movement (GAM) separatist rebels over the weekend left a Marine Corps officer wounded. Spokesman for the Aceh security operation command Maj. Zaenal Mutaqin said on Saturday that First Lt.

Greetings from Rio as power crisis looms

Greetings from Rio as power crisis looms The Jakarta Post, Jakarta For Indonesia there is perhaps no better example of the urgency of sustainable development than the energy sector. The country is on the brink of a power crisis 10 years after it promised energy sustainability as part of the 1992 Rio declaration.

The politics of information technology

The politics of information technology Yanuar Nugroho, Researcher & General Secretary Uni Sosial Demokrat, Jakarta, yanuar-n@unisosdem.org Internet users throughout Indonesia must sense something was wrong between May 5 and May 10, when it took longer than usual to connect to the Internet. Yes, the problem was not a common one. Domestic Internet traffic plunged, as it had to be re-routed via a foreign bandwidth. And yet, non-domestic traffic went on with no problem at all.

SUPPLEMENT: INDOCEMENT

SUPPLEMENT: INDOCEMENT Publication: Monday, May 20 Genuine Bridges that enhance lives The scene is the village of Leuwi Karet in Bogor regency on Nov. 14, 2001. The event is the inauguration of a brand new vital piece of infrastructure for the isolated village. "For years we have been expecting this kind of bridge, because previously we had to use one made of coconut wood and bamboo. Thanks to Indocement, we can now reach Citeureup market in just 10 minutes.

Soeharto and the generals: A band of smooth operators

Soeharto and the generals: A band of smooth operators --------------------- Carmel Budiardjo Contributor London ---------------- Shadow of a Revolution: Indonesia and the Generals by Roland Challis Sutton Publishing Ltd, August 2001 260 pp How better to start a review of this very committed book than to quote the author's dedication: "Dedicated with respect to the memory of more than one million Indonesians who died and are still dying because of the greed, brutality and indifference of the...

Xanana to visit Jakarta

Xanana to visit Jakarta JAKARTA: East Timor President Xanana Gusmao will make his first official overseas trip, to Jakarta on Wednesday, in an effort to improve bilateral ties, a report said on Sunday. Head of the Indonesian mission in Dili, East Timor, Kristio Wahyono, confirmed the report, saying that East Timor Armed Forces Commander Brig. Gen.

Candidates for governor seek election support

Candidates for governor seek election support Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With the gubernatorial election just four months away, candidates for the post of city governor have already begun to seek support for their campaign, while their supporters have reportedly made efforts to tarnish the reputations of their rivals.

China, Taiwan setting aside grudge to search for crash victims

China, Taiwan setting aside grudge to search for crash victims Taipei/Beijing Agencies The crash of a Taiwanese airliner inspired a rare moment of cooperation on Sunday between Taiwan and China. The China Airlines flight with 225 people aboard went down on Saturday in the Taiwan Strait, the 160-kilometer-wide (100-mile- wide) body of water that separates the island of Taiwan from mainland China. The two rivals split amid civil war in 1949.

Victim witnesses flown in for East Timor rights trial

Victim witnesses flown in for East Timor rights trial Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The most eagerly awaited East Timorese victim witnesses have been flown to Jakarta and are expected to appear at this week's hearings as part of the human rights ad hoc trial, an ad hoc human rights prosecutor said on Sunday.

Futsal attracts growing audience

Futsal attracts growing audience JAKARTA: The Indonesian Futsal team has just concluded its training program in Lampung, attracting 225 participants over the weekend. The team, a cooperation between the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) and fastfood chain McDonald's, has held training programs before in Bandung, Denpasar, Jakarta, Makassar, Medan and Surabaya. Futsal originated in Latin America and is similar to indoor soccer.

Udayana Military HQs to be moved to West Timor

Udayana Military HQs to be moved to West Timor Annastashya Emmanuelle and Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Kupang The Indonesian Military (TNI) says it is planning to relocate the Udayana Military Command from Bali to the East Nusa Tenggara provincial capital of Kupang, West Timor, for border protection reasons. The 161 Wirasakti Kupang Military Commander, Col. Inf.

~

~ ;AFP; ANPAs..u.. Fbl-WC2002-Jpn-cash feature Travellers to Japan could face credit crisis during World Cup JP/FBL Travellers to Japan could face credit crisis during World Cup by Deborah Haynes TOKYO, May 22 (AFP) - In Japan cash is king and football fans travelling here for the World Cup finals may run into trouble trying to pay with plastic.

Rupiah could strengthen further

Rupiah could strengthen further Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The rupiah could further strengthen this week amid a lingering bullish sentiment, but the absence of fresh good news and continued corporate demand for dollars will limit the currency's appreciation, analysts say. "I think there is still a chance for the rupiah to further appreciate against the dollar, but it will not be much less than before," DBS Vickers analyst Wiwan Widjaja told The Jakarta Post over the weekend.

1. Custom: (2x25)

1. Custom: (2x25) Permana has tough fight against vested interests 2. Quota (2x27) Pressure mounts on govt to review textile quotas 3. KPC (2x27) KPC transforms Sangatta from jungle into town

New tourism area planned

New tourism area planned JAKARTA: The city administration would soon designate Banjarsari in West Cilandak subdistrict, South Jakarta, as an environmental tourism area, City Tourism Agency head Robert Silalahi said over the weekend. Robert, who accompanied Governor Sutiyoso during a visit to the area, said that since 1996 the United Nations' Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization had designated Banjarsari as a pilot project of an environmental-friendly area.

Pressure mounts on govt to review textile quota

Pressure mounts on govt to review textile quota Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Pressure is mounting on the government to review the management of textile export quotas by the Ministry of Industry and Trade after the Indonesian Textile Association (API) called over the weekend for an independent audit of the management. Natsir Mansyur, an executive of the association said the audit was necessary to see if the ministry had managed the textile quota fairly over the past years.

From Bisnis Indonesia

From Bisnis Indonesia I run a telecommunications kiosk in Central Jakarta. Unfortunately, I always end up paying more than what is stated on the telecommunications kiosk's bill from PT Telkom. The difference ranges from between Rp 12,000 and Rp 21,000, and in May 2002 it was Rp 196,000.

Remittances from RP workers up 13.5%

Remittances from RP workers up 13.5% MANILA: Dollar remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFW) rose 13.5 per cent in the first two months of the year, helping keep the peso stable, the central bank said Sunday. Filipino workers from abroad remitted a total of US$1.059 billion in the January-February period, up from $933 million in the same months last year.

Tobacco firms target children

Tobacco firms target children JAKARTA: World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Indonesia Georg Petersen said on Friday that more young people are smoking thanks to the pernicious and pervasive marketing of tobacco. Speaking at the Ministry of Health in preparation of the World No Tobacco Day on May 31, Petersen said that in Indonesia, 59 percent of males aged 10 years of age or older were daily smokers.

Permana has tough fight against vested interests

Permana has tough fight against vested interests Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Director General of Customs and Excise Permana Agung has encountered great difficulties in his attempts to reform his directorate. Internal and external pressures from vested interest groups have been the main obstacles holding back his reform program, he said in an interview with The Jakarta Post on Thursday. The following is an excerpt of the interview.

Deforestation causing water crisis in Java

Deforestation causing water crisis in Java A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Java is on the verge of a water crisis as the island's forests become depleted, with no significant efforts underway to halt the deforestation. The total forested area in Java currently stands at only 20 percent of the island, far below the ideal level of at least 30 percent. "This is disappointing," said F. Rahardi, the former chief editor of Trubus agricultural magazine.

Border closure hit Thai-Myanmar trade

Border closure hit Thai-Myanmar trade THAILAND: Traders on both sides of the Thai-Myanmar border say they have grown angry and restless over last week's sudden border closures which are costing over a million dollars a day in lost business.

Governor to take mayor's job

Governor to take mayor's job PADANG: West Sumatra Governor Zainal Bakar will take over on Monday the responsibilities of Payakumbuh mayor from Darlis Ilyas, whose has been inactive since March due to a graft case in which he is implicated. The official transfer of duty will take place on Monday despite the absence of Darlis, who has claimed that he continues as authorized mayor until the court has announced its verdict.

1. Market (1 x 30)

1. Market (1 x 30) Rupiah could strengthen further 2. Japan (1 x 35) Japan's recovery still vulnerable 3 Russia U.S. unwilling to grant favors for Russian WTO membership 4. No haste on exchange, currency mergers: NZ 5. China (2 x 18) WB urges China to reduce state role in firms 6. Skorea S.Korean workers rally to stop strike P/5/Skorea S.

Nusa Dua: From forgotten backwater to exclusive resort

Nusa Dua: From forgotten backwater to exclusive resort Rita A.Widiadana, Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua Some 30 years ago, there were no luxury hotels, spas or expensive restaurants in the present location of the exclusive resort area of Nusa Dua, or literarily means the two islets referring to the projections of big rocks in the middle of the white stretch of beaches.

Adrian edited this arond 5:30pm

Adrian edited this arond 5:30pm FOR GENERAL ISSUE MAY 28 ;JP;HEN; ANPAc..r.. Tourism-signs-recovry Signs of life emerge after long wait Hendarsyah Tarmizi The Jakarta Post Jakarta Early signs of recovery in the world's travel industry have sent a ray of hope to millions of people involved in the country's tourism sector. This new development has brought a relief to many hotel owners who have seen most of their rooms empty over the past two years.

Surabaya traders use road after market fire

Surabaya traders use road after market fire The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Hundreds of traders occupied sections of Jl. Wonokromo in the center of Surabaya after fire razed their kiosks in a nearby traditional market on Sunday. The traders erected makeshift kiosks, causing traffic congestion. Despite grumbles from motorists, police opted to wait and see before taking any measures. Antara reported that the traders were selling whatever they could save from the fire, which began around 5 a.m.

Structural problems causing poverty remain unaddressed

Structural problems causing poverty remain unaddressed Fabiola Desy Unidjaja The Jakarta Post Jakarta Siti Solikhatun Nasirun, 22, packs her bag and gets ready to join a group of Indonesian migrant workers to Singapore. "If I had a chance of better living conditions in Indonesia, I would never choose to go and work outside the country," Siti said at her family's small hut in Cirebon, West Java.

'Sustainable development important but nonsense'

'Sustainable development important but nonsense' The issue of sustainable development is well understood by those involved in policy decision-making, both in the government and the legislature. However, this issue is not recognized by laymen, including artist Ria Irawan. The Jakarta Post talked to several people from various walks of life about what their impression was of sustainable development.

Losing weight the healthy way in a three-month program

Losing weight the healthy way in a three-month program The Jakarta Post Jakarta There is no such thing as a free lunch. The maxim has been niggling at Heidi a lot lately since she found that it takes a lot of effort to acquire the shape she has been dreaming of. It has been three months since she started her fitness program at the Jakarta Hilton International's LifeSpa and Fitness Center.

Damar Harsanto

Damar Harsanto The Jakarta Post Jakarta More than 135,000 high school students in Jakarta start their four-day national final examinations (UAN) on Monday amid complaints of costly examination fees. Even though the City Education Agency prohibits schools from imposing exam fees on students, many schools have apparently still done so.

Tobacco firms target children

Tobacco firms target children JAKARTA: World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Indonesia Georg Petersen said on Friday that more young people are smoking thanks to the pernicious and pervasive marketing of tobacco. Speaking at the Ministry of Health in preparation of the World No Tobacco Day on May 31, Petersen said that in Indonesia, 59 percent of males aged 10 years of age or older were daily smokers.

Govt new policy on Maluku queried

Govt new policy on Maluku queried The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has been accused of imposing "concealed martial law" in Maluku, following the restructuring of the security authorities in which the Indonesian Military (TNI) has been assigned the day-to-day authority in the strife-ridden province. Such action was taken after the government's attempts to impose martial law met widespread opposition.

1. GOVERNOR: 30 pt, 2 cols, 3 x 15

1. GOVERNOR: 30 pt, 2 cols, 3 x 15 Candidates for Governor seek election support 2. SMU: 50 PT, 5 COL, 1 X 35 Exam fee uncertainty brings confusion 3. HIGHLAN: 30 PT, 3 COLS, 1 X 34 Thousands attend Highland Gathering 4. SPEAKUP: 36 PT, 1 X 44 'Jakarta needs more parkland and public space'

Traders occupy major

Traders occupy major road after market fire The Jakarta Post Jakarta Hundreds of traders occupied sections of Jl. Wonokromo in the center of Surabaya after fire razed their kiosks in a nearby traditional market on Sunday. The traders erected makeshift kiosks, causing traffic congestion. Despite grumbles from motorists, police opted to wait and see before taking any measures. Antara reported that the traders were selling whatever they could save from the fire, which began around 5 a.m.

Pristine beach and multi-cultural attractions in Kuta

Pristine beach and multi-cultural attractions in Kuta The once pristine Kuta, just five kilometers from Nusa Dua resort complex, is currently Bali's busiest tourist centers. Kuta has been growing tremendously from a slave port in the late l7th century into the glittering tourist hub with dozens of hotels, pubs, restaurants, arts shops, branded boutiques, moneychangers, and banks to department stores.

'Jakarta needs more parkland and public space'

'Jakarta needs more parkland and public space' Jakarta has developed into a sprawling high-rise metropolitan city and has become a magnet for people from other parts of the country. But its development has not come without significant social and environmental costs. During this week, The Jakarta Post will publish comments from various people on the environment. Below are comments from related experts. H.S. Dillon, 57, is an executive director of the Center for Agriculture Policy Studies.

Governor candidates seek support

Governor candidates seek support Ahmad Junaidi The Jakarta Post Jakarta With the gubernatorial election just four months away, candidates for the post of city governor have already begun to seek support for their campaign, while their supporters have reportedly made efforts to tarnish the reputations of their rivals.

Exam fee uncertainty brings confusion

Exam fee uncertainty brings confusion Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta More than 135,000 high school students in Jakarta start their four-day national final examinations (UAN) on Monday amid complaints of costly examination fees. Even though the City Education Agency prohibits schools from imposing exam fees on students, many schools have apparently still done so.

JAKARTA: The city administration would soon designate

JAKARTA: The city administration would soon designate Banjarsari in West Cilandak subdistrict, South Jakarta, as an environmental tourism area, City Tourism Agency head Robert Silalahi said over the weekend. Robert, who accompanied Governor Sutiyoso during a visit to the area, said that since 1996 the United Nations' Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization had designated Banjarsari as a pilot project of an environmental-friendly area.

New tourism area planned

New tourism area planned JAKARTA: The city administration would soon designate Banjarsari in West Cilandak subdistrict, South Jakarta, as an environmental tourism area, City Tourism Agency head Robert Silalahi said over the weekend. Robert, who accompanied Governor Sutiyoso during a visit to the area, said that since 1996 the United Nations' Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization had designated Banjarsari as a pilot project of an environmental-friendly area.

The Lippmann tendency

The Lippmann tendency Arya Gunawan, in his letter titled, Response to Frank Richardson (The Jakarta Post, May, 21) has, not unexpectedly, set about defending his credentials as a columnist by trying to show he is familiar with the writings of Walter Lippmann, who he quoted in his article, Indonesian Press: Walking a tightrope (The Post, May 14).

Pledge to preserve forests needs dust off

Pledge to preserve forests needs dust off The Jakarta Post Jakarta Former state minister of environment Emil Salim, who went to the Rio de Janeiro world summit in 1992, must be disappointed. Not only has the government failed to follow up its pledges under the Rio declaration, forests are disappearing faster today than at anytime in the past.

JP/3/KODAM

JP/3/KODAM Annastashya Emmanuelle and Yemris Fointuna The Jakarta Post Jakarta/Kupang For border protection reason, the Indonesian Military (TNI) is planning to relocate the Udayana military command from Bali to the East Nusa Tenggara provincial capital of Kupang, much to the approval of the eager to please local government and its military base. The 161 Wirasakti Kupang Military Commander Col. Inf.

Villas a window into anthropologist Mead's brief Bali sojourn

Villas a window into anthropologist Mead's brief Bali sojourn Mehru Jaffer Contributor Ubud, Bali Finally parked outside the sign pointing to Taman Bebek Villas, the driver could not believe that he had been forced to detour all the way around the Sayan Monkey Forest just to get to this place with a wide, wooden roof that looked like a relic from another world. Are you sure you are not looking for Hotel Campuan or the Amandari?

Sexual dysfunction may result from troubled intimacy

Sexual dysfunction may result from troubled intimacy Maria Endah Hulupi The Jakarta Post Jakarta Premature ejaculation? Ashamed of your penis size? Do you consider yourself frigid? No problem. Now you can find medication, pills, tablets, herbal concoctions and other treatments, claiming to "improve" sexual performance or even cure sexual dysfunction on offer over the counter.

World gathers togethers for environment meeting

World gathers togethers for environment meeting The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, Bali Over 6,000 delegates from 189 countries will start their two- week meeting here on Monday to reduce or even stop overexploitation of the world's natural resources. However, vast differences between developed and developing countries over how to achieve sustainable development may get in the way of settling a strong deal.

Olympics champions get award

Olympics champions get award JAKARTA: The Minister of Education Malik Fadjar has given Jakarta high school student Malik Fadjar Rp 5 million and a computer for his achievement in winning the best "theoretical result" category at the Asian Physics Olympics in Singapore recently. As well as the SMU 78 Jakarta student, Malik also granted Rp 3 million to each of the bronze medal winners.

Indonesia looks into illegal logging, debt swap for nature

Indonesia looks into illegal logging, debt swap for nature Indonesia is sending at least three ministers to the fourth preparatory committee meeting for World Summit on sustainable development in Bali. The delegation will be led by Coordinating Minister for Economy Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti, with State Minister of Environment Nabiel Makarim and Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda as delegates.

Thousands visit Highland Gathering

Thousands visit Highland Gathering Thousands of people thronged the 26th Jakarta Highland Gathering at Lippo Karawaci, Tangerang, on Sunday, which featured mainly Scottish traditions but was participated in by various groups from a number of countries in the region. Under the scorching sun, visitors, mostly foreigners with families and friends, were welcomed to the sound of bagpipes and men wearing kilts as they entered the grounds of the Pelita Harapan School at Lippo Karawaci.

Unfriendly Jakarta

Unfriendly Jakarta By Mairi Nandarson "Jakarta is so unfriendly," Tambi grumbled. His first encounter in the big city was one of pain instead of pleasure. He sat on the ground wiping sweat off his face, and grimaced from the new bruises he received on his elbows and legs. He had only just gotten off the bus after arriving in the capital when he had to fend off several muggers. His limited ability in silat* helped him pull off a few moves to save himself.

JP/15/HASSAN

JP/15/HASSAN HASSAN WIRAYUDA What do you expect from the preparatory committee Meeting in Bali? The coming preparatory meeting will produce three main agreements. They are, a plan of action, a political declaration and initiatives for partnership. The plan of action is scheduled to be finished in Bali, while the political declaration will be further finalized in the upcoming summit in Johannesburg.

Victim witnesses flown in for East Timor rights trial

Victim witnesses flown in for East Timor rights trial Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The most eagerly awaited East Timorese victim witnesses have been flown to Jakarta and are expected to appear at this week's hearings as part of the human rights ad hoc trial, an ad hoc human rights prosecutor said on Sunday.

RI looks into illegal logging, debt swap for nature

RI looks into illegal logging, debt swap for nature Indonesia is sending at least three ministers to the fourth preparatory committee meeting for World Summit on sustainable development in Bali. The delegation will be led by Coordinating Minister for Economy Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti, with State Minister of Environment Nabiel Makarim and Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda as delegates.

Four shot dead, 10 hurt in latest ferry attack

Four shot dead, 10 hurt in latest ferry attack The Jakarta Post, Oktovianus Pinontoan, Ambon, Maluku The prospect of peace in Maluku seems even more remote following an attack on a ferry in waters off Haruku island, which left four passengers dead, one missing and 10 injured. Survivors and a police officer, First Brig. Yulianus Malekosa, who was wounded in the right hand in the ensuing gunfight, said the attackers wore military outfits and had covered their faces.

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.

KPC transforms Sangatta from jungle into town

KPC transforms Sangatta from jungle into town Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Sangatta, East Kalimantan For most people in Jakarta and elsewhere, PT Kaltim Prima Coal is better known as a giant coal mining company in the remote area of East Kalimantan, currently mired in a protracted dispute with the local government, which is seeking to acquire a majority stake in it.

Identity crisis, injustice spark demand for federal state

Identity crisis, injustice spark demand for federal state The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The identity crisis currently being experienced by Indonesians has brought about a host of demands, such as a change from a unitary state to a federal state or a state based on a specific ethnicity or religion, says one scholar.

Damar Harsanto

Damar Harsanto The Jakarta Post Jakarta More than 135,000 high school students in Jakarta start their four-day national final examinations (UAN) on Monday amid complaints of costly examination fees. Even though the City Education Agency prohibits schools from imposing exam fees on students, many schools have apparently still done so.

Four shot dead, 10 hurt in latest ferry attack

Four shot dead, 10 hurt in latest ferry attack Oktovianus Pinontoan, The Jakarta Post, Ambon, Maluku The prospect of peace in Maluku seems even more remote following an attack on a ferry in waters off Haruku island, which left four passengers dead, one missing and 10 injured. Survivors and a police officer, First Brig. Yulianus Malekosa, who was wounded in the right hand in the ensuing gunfight, said the attackers wore military outfits and had covered their faces.

House slams ministry over slow development

House slams ministry over slow development The Jakarta Post, Jakarta House of Representatives's Commission VII on population and welfare criticized the Ministry of Health on Friday for being too slow in carrying out health development programs over the last five months. Wasna Prayitno, a member of the commission, said the ministry should have disbursed almost 50 percent of its budget to cope with health development programs as health was a crucial problem, especially in rural and remote areas.

Education for women effective population control

Education for women effective population control Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Sitting in her office high above the hustle and bustle of Jl. Jend. Sudirman, Rima said that her life was too full to bother with men and family. "Of course I want a husband and children, but later. Right now I'm more concerned with getting a master's degree in economics," the 28 year-old accountant said.

Surabaya traders use road after market fire

Surabaya traders use road after market fire The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Hundreds of traders occupied sections of Jl. Wonokromo in the center of Surabaya after fire razed their kiosks in a nearby traditional market on Sunday. The traders erected makeshift kiosks, causing traffic congestion. Despite grumbles from motorists, police opted to wait and see before taking any measures. Antara reported that the traders were selling whatever they could save from the fire, which began around 5 a.m.

Signs of life emerge after long wait

Signs of life emerge after long wait Hendarsyah Tarmizi The Jakarta Post Jakarta Early signs of recovery in the world's travel industry have sent a ray of hope to millions of people involved in the country's tourism industry. This new development has brought a relief to many hotel owners who have seen most of their rooms empty over the past two years. Souvenir and antique vendors, who have been compelled to change their profession due to the lack of tourists, can now resume their old jobs.

Lombok, an alternative tourist destination

Lombok, an alternative tourist destination Rita A.Widiadana, The Jakarta Post, Lombok Lombok is the perfect alternative to its more crowded and busier neighbor, Bali. When you visit Lombok island, you will see a mixture of the cultures of Bali and Lombok, but if you visit only Bali island you certainly cannot view the culture of Lombok.

Emmy fights for 'unheard voices'

Emmy fights for 'unheard voices' A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A golf course may be a place to gather and relax for young executives in big cities. It could even boost the yuppies' pride. But that does not work for leading environmental activist Emmy Hafild. In fact, a golf course held bad memories for her.

Message from the students

Message from the students Street rallies held to mark the downfall of Soeharto are often tainted by clashes -- more often than not between the police and students -- leaving the people, time and again, astounded. The police often charge that the students tend to be anarchistic in channeling their aspirations, and should these allegations be true, the students are indeed preposterous. Lamentably, the police, too, seem unable to restrain their emotions in dealing with the students.

* National: Crisis sparks demand for federal state2

* National: Crisis sparks demand for federal state2 * Archipelago: Udayana Military HQs to be moved3 * Business: Rupiah could strengthen further5 * Opinion: U.S. media and East Timor 6 * City:Exam fee uncertainty brings confusion 8 * Sports: Injuries scare France, Italy10 * World: Pakistan tests another missile 12 * Features: Emmy fights for 'unheard voices' 24

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.

For ADVERTORIAL

For ADVERTORIAL Allson Residence New products and services make business stays in Indonesia easier Allson Residence at Mitra Oasis offers new products and services that will make business easier and people's stay in Indonesia more comfortable and secure.

Exam fee uncertainty brings confusion

Exam fee uncertainty brings confusion Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta More than 135,000 high school students in Jakarta start their four-day national final examinations (UAN) on Monday amid complaints of costly examination fees. Even though the City Education Agency prohibits schools from imposing exam fees on students, many schools have apparently still done so.

JAKARTA: The city administration would soon designate

JAKARTA: The city administration would soon designate Banjarsari in West Cilandak subdistrict, South Jakarta, as an environmental tourism area, City Tourism Agency head Robert Silalahi said over the weekend. Robert, who accompanied Governor Sutiyoso during a visit to the area, said that since 1996 the United Nations' Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization had designated Banjarsari as a pilot project of an environmental-friendly area.

Governor candidates seek support

Governor candidates seek support Ahmad Junaidi The Jakarta Post Jakarta With the gubernatorial election just four months away, candidates for the post of city governor have already begun to seek support for their campaign, while their supporters have reportedly made efforts to tarnish the reputations of their rivals.

It pays to be young in tennis, but the cost is high

It pays to be young in tennis, but the cost is high Bruce Emond The Jakarta Post Jakarta By women's tennis standards, Indonesia's Angelique Wijaya was getting on in years when she won the junior girls title at the 2001 Wimbledon Tennis Championships. She was 17, an age when many other young women tennis players were already veterans in competing in the big league of the women's circuit.

137 suspects in drug cases arrested

137 suspects in drug cases arrested JAKARTA: The police have arrested 137 suspects, including two foreigners, in 111 drug cases in Greater Jakarta during the period between May 7 and May 22. Eighty four of them were suspected drug dealers, while the rest were users, chief of detectives at the City Police' narcotics division Adj. Sr. Comr. Carlo B. Tewu said over the weekend.

checked by bates

checked by bates Asip A. Hasani The Jakarta Post Yogyakarta Khoirun, a 37-year-old craftsman from the Nggamblong village in Sleman regency, can not stop giggling when he is asked about eceng gondok (a water hyacinth species), a plant on which he now relies on to survive. "In the old days, I and many other local villagers here almost had a hatred of this plant.

Pledge to save forests needs dust off

Pledge to save forests needs dust off Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Former state minister of environment Emil Salim, who went to the Rio de Janeiro world summit in 1992, must be disappointed. Not only has the government failed to follow up its pledges under the Rio declaration, forests are disappearing faster today than at anytime in the past.

U.S. media and E. Timor

U.S. media and E. Timor Jeffrey A. Winters, North Western University, Chicago The birth of East Timor as a new nation was described in glowing, even triumphant, tones in the U.S. print media. Timor offers the sort of classic uplift story Americans love to consume -- of fighting against the odds, of epic human struggles. President Clinton referred almost Biblically to "blood and sacrifice" in the pursuit of freedom.

Local balls ready for soccer World Cup

Local balls ready for soccer World Cup Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Majalengka The 2002 Soccer World Cup in South Korea and Japan is coming closer and people are gearing up to witness the great event, which runs from May 31 to June 30. Soccer fans throughout the world will be anxious to see their idols -- including Brazil's Ronaldo, David Beckham of England, Zinedine Zidane of France and Italian Alessandro Del Piero -- in action.

Rupiah could strengthen further

Rupiah could strengthen further Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The rupiah could further strengthen this week amid a lingering bullish sentiment, but the absence of fresh good news and continued corporate demand for dollars will limit the currency's appreciation, analysts say. "I think there is still a chance for the rupiah to further appreciate against the dollar, but it will not be much less than before," DBS Vickers analyst Wiwan Widjaja told The Jakarta Post over the weekend.

'Jakarta needs more parkland and public space'

'Jakarta needs more parkland and public space' Jakarta has developed into a sprawling high-rise metropolitan city and has become a magnet for people from other parts of the country. But its development has not come without significant social and environmental costs. During this week, The Jakarta Post will publish comments from various people on the environment. Below are comments from related experts. H.S. Dillon, 57, is an executive director of the Center for Agriculture Policy Studies.

JAKARTA: The city administration would soon designate

JAKARTA: The city administration would soon designate Banjarsari in West Cilandak subdistrict, South Jakarta, as an environmental tourism area, City Tourism Agency head Robert Silalahi said over the weekend. Robert, who accompanied Governor Sutiyoso during a visit to the area, said that since 1996 the United Nations' Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization had designated Banjarsari as a pilot project of an environmental-friendly area.

SE Asia's leisure firms eye World Cup cash

SE Asia's leisure firms eye World Cup cash Reuters, Singapore With World Cup fever catching across the region, Southeast Asia's fun spots are cranking up their gimmick machines to score profits. Resorts, retailers and even massage parlors have come up with enterprising ways to woo customers in the soccer-mad region in the run-up to the month-long extravaganza in South Korea on May 31.

Identity crisis, injustice spark demand for federal state

Identity crisis, injustice spark demand for federal state The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The identity crisis currently being experienced by Indonesians has brought about a host of demands, such as a change from a unitary state to a federal state or a state based on a specific ethnicity or religion, says one scholar.

'Eceng gondok,' a useless water plant turns to gold

'Eceng gondok,' a useless water plant turns to gold Asip A. Hasani, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Khoirun, a 37-year-old craftsman from the Nggamblong village in Sleman regency, can not stop giggling when he is asked about eceng gondok (a water hyacinth species), a plant on which he now relies on to survive. "In the old days, I and many other local villagers here almost had a hatred of this plant.

JAKARTA: The city administration would soon designate

JAKARTA: The city administration would soon designate Banjarsari in West Cilandak subdistrict, South Jakarta, as an environmental tourism area, City Tourism Agency head Robert Silalahi said over the weekend. Robert, who accompanied Governor Sutiyoso during a visit to the area, said that since 1996 the United Nations' Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization had designated Banjarsari as a pilot project of an environmental-friendly area.

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.

1. GOVERNOR: 30 pt, 2 cols, 3 x 15

1. GOVERNOR: 30 pt, 2 cols, 3 x 15 Candidates for Governor seek election support 2. SMU: 50 PT, 5 COL, 1 X 35 Exam fee uncertainty brings confusion 3. HIGHLAN: 30 PT, 3 COLS, 1 X 34 Thousands attend Highland Gathering 4. SPEAKUP: 36 PT, 1 X 44 'Jakarta needs more parkland and public space'

From Rio to Joburg

From Rio to Joburg Hira Jhamtani, Board member of KONPHALINDO, an environmental NGO based in Jakarta. In June 1992, Rio de Janeiro saw a celebration of the spirit to save earth and humankind through the Earth Summit. World leaders, civil society groups and international agencies came together to pledge their commitment to the Earth. The "Spirit of Rio", as it was often called, gave birth to an awakening about linking environment with development in the new paradigm of sustainable development.

KPC transforms Sangatta from jungle into town

KPC transforms Sangatta from jungle into town Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Sangatta, East Kalimantan For most people in Jakarta and elsewhere, PT Kaltim Prima Coal is better known as a giant coal mining company in the remote area of East Kalimantan, currently mired in a protracted dispute with the local government, which is seeking to acquire a majority stake in it.

checked by bates

checked by bates Asip A. Hasani The Jakarta Post Yogyakarta Khoirun, a 37-year-old craftsman from the Nggamblong village in Sleman regency, can not stop giggling when he is asked about eceng gondok (a water hyacinth species), a plant on which he now relies on to survive. "In the old days, I and many other local villagers here almost had a hatred of this plant.

Bali's sustainable social and agricultural system

Bali's sustainable social and agricultural system I Ketut Sumarta, Contributor, Denpasar More than a thousand years before 178 countries gathered in Rio de Janeiro in l992 to formulate the most crucial agenda to save the earth, known as Agenda 21, the ancient and humble Balinese farmers were already using a sustainable agricultural system to maintain the equilibrium of the earth and its ecosystem.

Tana Toraja struggles to remain a tourist magnet

Tana Toraja struggles to remain a tourist magnet Grace Emilia, The Jakarta Post, Contributor Blood shed to the ground. A big black buffalo is just slaughtered to dead. But its soul is now ready to accompany the soul of its deceased master on his future journey in the realm of the death. "So blessed be thy buffalo in Tana Toraja as here, thy become the most important of all animals.

'Jakarta needs more parkland and public space'

'Jakarta needs more parkland and public space' Jakarta has developed into a sprawling high-rise metropolitan city and has become a magnet for people from other parts of the country. But its development has not come without significant social and environmental costs. During this week, The Jakarta Post will publish comments from various people on the environment. Below are comments from related experts. H.S. Dillon, 57, is an executive director of the Center for Agriculture Policy Studies.

Candidates for governor seek election support

Candidates for governor seek election support Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With the gubernatorial election just four months away, candidates for the post of city governor have already begun to seek support for their campaign, while their supporters have reportedly made efforts to tarnish the reputations of their rivals.

checked by bates

checked by bates Asip A. Hasani The Jakarta Post Yogyakarta Khoirun, a 37-year-old craftsman from the Nggamblong village in Sleman regency, can not stop giggling when he is asked about eceng gondok (a water hyacinth species), a plant on which he now relies on to survive. "In the old days, I and many other local villagers here almost had a hatred of this plant.

Importers forced to pay illegal fees for customs clearance

Importers forced to pay illegal fees for customs clearance Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Directorate General of Customs and Excise is indeed a haven for corrupt public service officials, untouched by the law or the reform movement that first swept the country four years ago.

137 suspects in drug cases arrested

137 suspects in drug cases arrested JAKARTA: The police have arrested 137 suspects, including two foreigners, in 111 drug cases in Greater Jakarta during the period between May 7 and May 22. Eighty four of them were suspected drug dealers, while the rest were users, chief of detectives at the City Police' narcotics division Adj. Sr. Comr. Carlo B. Tewu said over the weekend.

Thousands visit Highland Gathering

Thousands visit Highland Gathering Thousands of people thronged the 26th Jakarta Highland Gathering at Lippo Karawaci, Tangerang, on Sunday, which featured mainly Scottish traditions but was participated in by various groups from a number of countries in the region. Under the scorching sun, visitors, mostly foreigners with families and friends, were welcomed to the sound of bagpipes and men wearing kilts as they entered the grounds of the Pelita Harapan School at Lippo Karawaci.

Traders occupy major

Traders occupy major road after market fire The Jakarta Post Jakarta Hundreds of traders occupied sections of Jl. Wonokromo in the center of Surabaya after fire razed their kiosks in a nearby traditional market on Sunday. The traders erected makeshift kiosks, causing traffic congestion. Despite grumbles from motorists, police opted to wait and see before taking any measures. Antara reported that the traders were selling whatever they could save from the fire, which began around 5 a.m.