Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 28 May 2002

87 articles found

Agenda 21 under review in Bali meeting

Agenda 21 under review in Bali meeting Emil Salim From May 27 until June 7 delegations headed by ministers from member states of the United Nations will arrive in Bali to attend the final preparatory meeting ahead of the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) to be held in Johannesburg, South Africa, in early September 2002.

Susanto looking for IM title

Susanto looking for IM title JAKARTA: Susanto Megaranto, a 15-year-old chess player from Indonesia, has the chance of earning an International Master (IM) title when he plays in the 25th Asian Junior Chess Championships in Sri Lanka, a press release said here on Monday. But Susanto, who won a bronze medal at the 1999 Junior World Chess Championships in Spain, will have to win the event to make the grade. He will be accompanied by national senior player Grand Master (GM) Edhi Handoko.

Confusion resign over presence of Israelis

Confusion resign over presence of Israelis A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, Bali Confusion reigns over the presence or otherwise of the Israeli delegates at the preparatory committee meeting on sustainable development in Nusa Dua, Bali.

Govt urged to lobby UN to lift sanction call in NTT

Govt urged to lobby UN to lift sanction call in NTT Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang East Nusa Tenggara authorities called on the central government to continue lobbying the UN to lift the UN Security Council's Resolution for sanctions in connection with the killing of UNHCR's international civilian staff in the province's town of Atambua in 2000, saying it has affected the province's economic growth and sown a hatred among local people against the newly independent East Timor.

Conflicting testimonies cloud Bulog scandal

Conflicting testimonies cloud Bulog scandal JAKARTA: Expert witness Hatomi Abdul Hamid, who is the former director of budget management for the Ministry of Finance, told the court on Monday that there are formal procedures for the use of non-budgetary state funds.

Government told to impose antidumping duties on flour

Government told to impose antidumping duties on flour The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives urged the government to immediately impose antidumping duties on flour products from Europe, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates to protect local producers. The demand was made during a hearing session between the House Commission V overseeing trade and industry affairs and the Indonesian Wheat and Flour Producers Association (APTINDO).

Won strengthens to 17-month high

Won strengthens to 17-month high Dow Jones, Singapore The South Korean won and New Taiwan dollar continued their assault against the U.S. dollar Monday, advancing to fresh 17- month and 11-month respective highs. The Indonesian rupiah also gained on the dollar, while the Philippine peso slipped. Trading in the Singapore dollar and Thai baht was limited because markets in Singapore and Bangkok were closed for public holidays.

Delegates miss Nusa Dua beaches

Delegates miss Nusa Dua beaches The preparatory committee meetings for the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Bali have kept some people so busy that they seem unaware that they have a beautiful stretch of beach behind their conference rooms. The organizers are probably the busiest people at this event, and Hening Parlan of the Indonesian Forum for Environment (Walhi) is no exception. She has been so busy it took two days before she realized that she was staying very close to the beach.

Two consortia to compete for Niaga stake

Two consortia to compete for Niaga stake Dadan Wijaksana The Jakarta Post Jakarta The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) named on Monday two consortia, led each by ANZ Banking Group Ltd. and Malaysian financial group Commerce Asset-Holdings Bhd., as the qualified bidders for the government's 51 percent stake in Bank Niaga.

Bali's tourist industry focuses on new markets

Bali's tourist industry focuses on new markets Rita A. Widiadana, I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar After the global economic slowdown in 2001, Bali's tourist industry has begun to pick up again and is now hosting a number of national and international conferences.

No martial law in Maluku: VP

No martial law in Maluku: VP JAKARTA: Vice President Hamzah Haz denied here on Monday that the government's plan to form a new security command body in Maluku is an attempt to impose martial law in the conflict-torn province. According to Hamzah, the new command would be working along with the local civil emergency government to compliment its infective line of command.

Security remains a concern for PIK residents

Security remains a concern for PIK residents Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Living in a plush housing complex may be the dream of many. But, residing there doesn't necessarily mean life is a fairy tale, at least for some residents of the upmarket Pantai Indah Kapuk housing estate near the coast in Kapuk, North Jakarta. They admitted to enjoying all the creature comforts but they did not feel totally secure, even though there was 24-hour security.

Judges trained, hearings postponed

Judges trained, hearings postponed JAKARTA: A two-day annual training for judges that started Monday at the Supreme Court had forced the Central Jakarta District Court to postpone the hearings of two class action hearings.

Agenda 21 under review in Bali conference

Agenda 21 under review in Bali conference From May 27 until June 7 delegations headed by ministers from member states of the United Nations will arrive in Bali to attend the final preparatory meeting ahead of the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) to be held in Johannesburg, South Africa, in early September 2002.

Govt to cut 2003 budget deficit to 1% of GDP

Govt to cut 2003 budget deficit to 1% of GDP Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government aims to slash the state budget deficit to 1 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) next year from the 2.5 percent estimated for this year, according to Minister of Finance Boediono. He said on Monday that the target would require a further reduction in subsidies and pumping up tax revenue to help offset huge budget spending, particularly on debt repayment.

House undecided on Megawati's aid to the military

House undecided on Megawati's aid to the military Kurniawan Hari The Jakarta Post Jakarta The House of Representatives' Commission I on defense, security, state secretariat and foreign affairs said it was skeptical about State Secretary Bambang Kesowo's explanation about the source of controversial funds used to repair military barracks.

Meeting opens with technical hiccups

Meeting opens with technical hiccups The fourth session of the preparatory committee meeting on sustainable development kicked off on Monday, with around 2,000 delegates from 140 countries gathered at the Bali International Convention Center in Nusa Dua resort complex (photo above). Over 6,000 delegates are expected to attend the meeting but most will arrive within the week to attend the ministerial meeting from June 5 through June 7.

Rapists' punished

Rapists' 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.

Three East Timorese to testify in rights' violation trials

Three East Timorese to testify in rights' violation trials Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta East Timor citizen Dominggos dos Santos Mouzinho arrived here on Monday under heavy escort to testify in a hearing on Tuesday as part of the human rights tribunal against suspected rights violators in the 1999 East Timor atrocities. The victim witness had been expected to arrive on Sunday but the airplane flight was delayed.

NGOs call for more govt control over water access

NGOs call for more govt control over water access Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, Bali An alliance of non-governmental organizations dealing with fresh water has called for more government intervention in the management of water to ensure availability and access of fresh water to the public.

Global moratorium sought on new mining explorations

Global moratorium sought on new mining explorations A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A group of international non-governmental organizations is seeking a global moratorium on new mining exploration as mining operations have damaged the environment, brought no significant benefits for people around the sites and have even led to human rights violations.

Bank of Tokyo ties up with Chinese banks

Bank of Tokyo ties up with Chinese banks TOKYO: Japan's Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Ltd. is tying up with China's four major commercial banks in remitting the yuan, a daily said Monday.

The Jakarta Post is presenting a daily two-page report on the

The Jakarta Post is presenting a daily two-page report on the Fourth Preparatory Committee/Ministerial Level Meeting for the World Summit on Sustainable Development. Team members include A'an Suryana, Berni K. Moestafa, Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, I Wayan Juniartha, Rita A. Widiadana, Riyadi Suparno, Tantri Yuliandini and photographer Murdani Usman. Contact: Jl. Taman Sari no. 18 A, Taman Mumbul, Nusa Dua, Bali. Phone/Fax: (0361) 772-789; e-mail: riyadi@thejakartapost.com Representative office: Jl.

No money laundering in RP: Buenaventura

No money laundering in RP: Buenaventura Agence France-Presse, Manila Philippine financial regulators are to meet with officials of the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF) next week in a fresh bid to be removed from a list of money laundering havens. Philippine central bank governor Rafael Buenaventura will lead the country's delegation to the meeting in Brisbane, Australia from June 4 to 7.

* Headlines: E. Timor's messengers of peace, friendship 2

* Headlines: E. Timor's messengers of peace, friendship 2 * National/Archipelago: House backs Endriartono's bid 3 * City: Regulation blocks public monitoring of election 4 * Opinion: 'Bottle' and 'oil': Islam's classical difficulties6 * Sports: Zidane to miss two matches 9 * World: Pakistan leader faces delicate balancing act12 * Business: Japan's two top business entities to merge 17 * Features: A.T. Mahmud: Father of children's songs 20

Fuel prices for June might not change

Fuel prices for June might not change JAKARTA: The government said on Monday that fuel prices for June might be similar to those in May despite the recent appreciation of the rupiah. Director general for oil and gas Rachmat Sudibyo said June fuel prices were determined based upon the observation of several factors, including crude oil prices and the rupiah's value against the American dollar between April 15 and May 15, which were all relatively constant.

'Pecalang', UN security guards join hands to safeguard Nusa Dua

'Pecalang', UN security guards join hands to safeguard Nusa Dua Tradition and modernity join hands to safeguard Nusa Dua A'an Suryana The Jakarta Post Nusa Dua, Bali Made and Moore appear in stark contrast to each other. Made, a native Balinese man, wears a traditional sarong and is armed with a kris, while Inspector Phyllis Moore, a UN security official wears an elegant blue uniform, is equipped with a modern gun and a pair of handcuffs.

Indonesia: Poorly managed

Indonesia: Poorly managed I would like to say how much I enjoyed your editorial A failing state? published in the May, 22 issue of the Jakarta Post. However, there is one very important misperception that I would like to comment on. In the fifth paragraph, you refer to Indonesia as being one of the "poorest nations in the world". This is not at all true, and tends to create an unfair stereotype or image, especially in the eyes of those outside the ASEAN region. Indonesia is in fact not poor.

Nine more killed in restive Aceh

Nine more killed in restive Aceh BANDA ACEH: Despite the recent agreement between the government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), nine more people, including three rebels, were killed in separate gunfights in the conflict-ridden province over the weekend. Lt. Col. Supartodi, chief of the Pidie Military District, said here on Monday that three rebels were killed in separate gunfights between soldiers and rebels in Pidie, North Aceh on Saturday and Monday.

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.

Govt urged to stop foreign health aids

Govt urged to stop foreign health aids House of Representative's Commission VII on population and welfare urged Minister of Health Achmad Sujudi to stop receiving foreign health loans which it said did not benefit the nation.

Water gives Ichi Ikeda inspiration

Water gives Ichi Ikeda inspiration Asip A. Hasani, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Water is the most valuable natural resource on earth needed by humans in their daily lives. A scarcity of clean water would cause great suffering, but only a few people in this country have any concern for water conservation. Japanese contemporary artist Ichi Ikeda, however is very serious about the issue.

No martial law in Maluku: VP

No martial law in Maluku: VP JAKARTA: Vice President Hamzah Haz denied here on Monday that the government's plan to form a new security command body in Maluku is an attempt to impose martial law in the conflict-torn province. According to Hamzah, the new command would be working along with the local civil emergency government to compliment its infective line of command.

A. T. Mahmud: Father of children's songs

A. T. Mahmud: Father of children's songs Joko E.H. Anwar, Contributor, Jakarta Many parents sing Cicak di Dinding (Lizard on the Wall) when their children first start learning to speak. However, many never realize who composed this simple, yet beautiful song. When the name A.T. Mahmud is mentioned, parents quickly remember the figure who has composed over 500 songs, many of which are destined to become classics.

Bank Mandiri Q1 profit up

Bank Mandiri Q1 profit up JAKARTA: The giant state-owned Bank Mandiri announced on Monday that consolidated profit after tax in the first quarter of this year surged 279 percent to Rp 1.17 trillion (US$118.5 million) up from the same period last year. The bank said in a statement that the capital adequacy ratio (CAR) as of end of March was 27.26 percent, while non-performing loans were down to 9.5 percent from 17.7 percent in the first quarter of last year.

East Timor's messengers of peace, friendship

East Timor's messengers of peace, friendship Aboeprijadi Santoso Contributor The Jakarta Post Dili East Timor may span only half a tiny island, however, it holds a world of ethno-cultural varieties. Lafu Beun Sila and Dominggoes Sebastiao are part of this cultural melting pot. Lafu, a 15-year-old boy, comes from Oecusse, East Timor's enclave in the western half of Timor island.

Many people frustrated over poor public services

Many people frustrated over poor public services Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A number of Jakartans have expressed frustration over poor public services provided by the city administration and that their complaints are frequently ignored by both the executive and legislature. Some said that many officials or agencies were reluctant to serve poor people, although some services were free of charge for them.

'Chairman's Text benefits the North'

'Chairman's Text benefits the North' Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, Bali International non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have demanded that the world delegates currently attending the fourth preparatory committee (PrepCom) meeting on sustainable development here produce time-bound and implementable measures to save the planet.

NGO launches antidrug campaign

NGO launches antidrug campaign JAKARTA: As drug abuse has reached an alarming level here, a non-governmental organization launched an anti-drug campaign on Monday targeting common people in Utan Kayu subdistrict in East Jakarta. "The campaign is necessary to increase people's awareness on the serious threat of the drugs," said Ferry Susanto, head of PATRA Foundation, a non-governmental organization, which organized the campaign.

Corrupt officials ruin Indonesia

Corrupt officials ruin Indonesia From Kompas After reading an article entitled Bung Hatta and the story of Bally Shoes, I felt sad, annoyed, regretful and frustrated. If 90 percent of our officials were like Bung Hatta and all foreign debts had been used for building hydro-electric dams along waterways across the country, we would be thriving and prosperous now. The electricity rate would be low if we utilized hydro- electric power generating plants, and used waste water for irrigation.

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 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. Souvenir and antique vendors, who have been compelled to change their profession due to the lack of tourists, can now resume their old jobs.

Ex-PLN official gets six years

Ex-PLN official gets six years TANGERANG: The Tangerang District Court sentenced on Monday Katiyanto, the general secretary of Tangerang state-owned electricity company PLN, to six years imprisonment for falsifying electricity bills of five companies between 1995 and 2001. Presiding judge Taryono said the defendant was guilty of document forgery, but exonerated him from any corruption charges. The crimes had caused PLN to suffer Rp 6.8 billion losses.

House backs Endriartono's nomination as TNI chief

House backs Endriartono's nomination as TNI chief Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta To the surprise of many, the House of Representatives (DPR) has sent a letter of approval to President Megawati Soekarnoputri saying that it supported Army Chief of Staff Gen. Endriartono Sutarto's nomination as chief of the Indonesian Military (TNI), replacing Adm. Widodo A.S.

House backs Endriartono's bid for military chief

House backs Endriartono's bid for military chief Kurniawan Hari The Jakarta Post Jakarta To the surprise of many, the House of Representatives (DPR) has sent a letter of approval to President Megawati Soekarnoputri saying that it supported Army Chief of Staff Gen. Endriartono Sutarto's nomination as chief of the Indonesian Military (TNI), replacing Adm. Widodo A.S.

Muninggar Sri Saraswati

Muninggar Sri Saraswati The Jakarta Post Jakarta Ucok, the only son in his family, almost lost his chance to receive an inheritance from his parents despite all of the good things he did. He went to a reputed state university, got a good job and dated a nice woman. He also stayed away from such vices as smoking and drinking. But his parents warned him that one day, when they passed away, Ucok would not get an inheritance. And this was just because of a name. Ucok is Batak.

The Jakarta Post

The Jakarta Post Jakarta Government regulations banning the public from using their family names on their birth certificates must be suspended immediately as it could affect a community's cultural system, public figures from the Batak and Manadonese communities say. Leo Panggabean, a Batak public figure from Bekasi, West Java, and Victor Rompas, a public figure from the Manado community from North Sulawesi, said in Jakarta last Friday that surnames played an important role in their cultures.

North, South differ in Bali talks

North, South differ in Bali talks The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, Bali Two weeks of talks in Bali on sustainable development started off on Monday with countries from the North and South divided over who should implement what and when, while non-governmental organizations characterized the meeting as paying little more than lip service to political commitment.

Delegates too busy for the beach

Delegates too busy for the beach A series of preparatory committee meetings for the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Bali has kept many people so busy that they have forgotten they have a beach behind their conference rooms. The organizers are probably the busiest people at this event, and Hening Parlan from the Indonesian Forum for Environment (Walhi) is no exception. She was so busy that it took two days before she realized that she lived very close to the beach.

Brunei stops 13 expats from leaving

Brunei stops 13 expats from leaving BRUNEI: Brunei has stopped 13 foreigners from leaving the tiny Southeast Asian sultanate where they were hired by a company set up to pay off creditors of a prince's failed business, Western diplomats said on Monday. Authorities have cited visa irregularities for barring the three Australians, four Britons, five New Zealanders and a Malaysian, from traveling, the diplomats said.

Asia expected to back Blatter

Asia expected to back Blatter SEOUL: Most Asian nations will back FIFA president Sepp Blatter in his re-election bid this week, Asian Football Confederation (AFC) executive members said Monday. The AFC held a special meeting in Seoul ahead of FIFA's special congress and presidential election this week to decide whether to back Blatter -- who has been accused of corruption and mismanagement -- or African Football Confederation (CAF) president Issa Hayatou.

Tire maker workers stage rally

Tire maker workers stage rally BOGOR: Hundreds of workers of bicycle tire maker PT Banteng Pratama, staged a rally on Monday at publicly listed tire maker PT Goodyear Indonesia's office to call for a continuation of the contract between the two companies. The workers asked Goodyear's management not to break the contract with Banteng as it could result in the loss of jobs for over 1,500 workers.

1. TNI: 8 x 4 lines

1. TNI: 8 x 4 lines House backs Endriartono's nomination as TNI chief 2. Resolut: 20 x 2 lines: Govt urged to lobby UN to lift sanction call in NTT 3. Hakim: 32 x 1 line More than 20 judges to be sent to Maluku 4. Crash: 8 x 4 lines Missing plane found in Papua

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.

Reforming customs service

Reforming customs service Our front-page investigative story on the customs service on Monday serves only to validate what businesspeople have been complaining about over the last few years and to confirm the findings of a survey of public institutions during the period October 2000 to March 2001. It was sponsored by several multilateral agencies and ranked the customs directorate general as one of the most corrupt offices in Indonesia.

House remains skeptical about Presidential Aid Fund

House remains skeptical about Presidential Aid Fund Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives' Commission I on defense, security, state secretariat and foreign affairs said it was skeptical about State Secretary Bambang Kesowo's explanation about the source of controversial funds used to repair military barracks.

'Sustainable development ignored'

'Sustainable development ignored' Jakarta faces many serious environmental problems. In February, it was hit by massive floods, while previously, it was in dispute with Bekasi mayoralty over the city's main garbage dump in Bantar Gebang. In the meantime, many green areas have been altered into residential and trading places. Critics claim the administration has failed to deal with these problems seriously. Tubagus H.

Indonesian birth certificate ruling annoying

Indonesian birth certificate ruling annoying Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Ucok, the only son in his family, almost lost his chance to receive an inheritance from his parents despite all of the good things he did. He went to a reputed state university, got a good job and dated a nice woman. He also stayed away from such vices as smoking and drinking. But his parents warned him that one day, when they passed away, Ucok would not get an inheritance.

1. Custom (2x27)

1. Custom (2x27) Minister Boediono urged to push reform at the customs office or Importers urge Boediono to deal with customs office 2. Budget (3x16) Govt to cut 2003 budget deficit to 1% of GDP 3. Flour (2x30) Government told to impose antidumping duties on flour JP/15/Flour

Regulation blocks public monitoring of election

Regulation blocks public monitoring of election Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The City Council approved on Monday a regulation in the gubernatorial election that limits the public's participation in monitoring the election process, including the possibility of money politics.

East Timor's messengers of peace, friendship

East Timor's messengers of peace, friendship Aboeprijadi Santoso, Contributor, The Jakarta Post, Dili East Timor may span only half a tiny island, however, it holds a world of ethno-cultural varieties. Lafu Beun Sila and Dominggoes Sebastiao are part of this cultural melting pot. Lafu, a 15-year-old boy, comes from Oecusse, East Timor's enclave in the western half of Timor island.

Pertamina returns geothermal contracts to government

Pertamina returns geothermal contracts to government Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned oil and gas company Pertamina on Monday returned its exploration rights over 18 geothermal fields in Java, Sumatra and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) to the government as it lacked the necessary funds to develop the areas. A ceremony was held to mark the transfer.

Strengthening of the Rupiah

Strengthening of the Rupiah Head of the World Bank's representative office in Indonesia, Mark Baird, has said that the strengthening of the rupiah in the last few weeks is an indication of the restoration of market confidence. This rupiah strengthening evidently shows that the government is now better in managing the economy. For some groups, an example being exporters, the strengthening of rupiah, which has taken place relatively quickly, has raised fear.

Sutiyoso to attend World Cup opening

Sutiyoso to attend World Cup opening The Jakarta Post, Jakarta City Governor Sutiyoso left on Sunday night for Seoul, South Korea, for a week-long meeting of governors from several of the world's metropolises and to take in the opening ceremony of the World Cup. City spokesman Muhayat said on Monday that Sutiyoso would arrive home next Sunday after watching the World Cup's opening ceremony.

House to finalize sports bill deliberations by year end

House to finalize sports bill deliberations by year end Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A prominent House of Representatives' member has promised to push ahead with the sports bill, saying that they would be looking for its enactment by the end of this year. The House has drawn an unprecedented sports bill -- the copies of which were made available to the participants -- that contains 14 chapters and 43 articles.

Gudang Garam books 21% profit

Gudang Garam books 21% profit JAKARTA: Cigarette producer PT Gudang Garam said first quarter net profit rose 21 percent to Rp511.71 billion due mostly to higher sales. The company said sales rose 13 percent to Rp4.699 trillion from Rp4.150 trillion. The higher sales also generated higher operating profit, which rose 16 percent to Rp835.93 billion during the period from Rp722.30 billion last year. The company didn't offer an explanation for its performance.

Indonesia routs England's Middlesex Wanderers: The Indonesian

Indonesia routs England's Middlesex Wanderers: The Indonesian soccer team came from a goal down to outplay Middlesex Wanderers, a member of the English First Division, 4-1 in a friendly match at the Bung Karno Stadium here on Monday. The visitors led 1-0 through a goal by Jay Saunders before the hosts fought back with goals from Uston Nawawi, Yaris Riyadi, Nova Zaenal and Bima Sakti.

Rare birds, orchids saved in Plawangan

Rare birds, orchids saved in Plawangan Bambang M, Contributor, Yogyakarta Bored with Yogyakarta city and need to get out? The Plawangan- Turgo nature reserve on the slopes of Mount Merapi might be an alternative place to visit, offering a glimpse of exquisite orchids or, if you get lucky, the rare Javan hawk-eagle.

Two consortia to compete for Niaga stake

Two consortia to compete for Niaga stake Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) named on Monday two consortia, led each by ANZ Banking Group Ltd. and Malaysian financial group Commerce Asset-Holdings Bhd., as the qualified bidders for the government's 51 percent stake in Bank Niaga.

NGOs call for more govt control over water access

NGOs call for more govt control over water access Tantri Yuliandini The Jakarta Post Nusa Dua, Bali An alliance of non-governmental organizations dealing with fresh water has called for more government intervention in the management of water to ensure availability and access of fresh water to the public.

Consumption pattern change 'must start with mothers'

Consumption pattern change 'must start with mothers' The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The word consumptive nicely describes the everyday lives of upper-class Jakartans, and also reflects the lifestyle of most Indonesians. The consumption patterns of upper-class Jakartans are classic examples of a lavish lifestyle: Just take a look at the fancy cars that parade down the city's streets.

Oil prices edge lower in thin trade

Oil prices edge lower in thin trade Agence France-Presse, London Oil prices edged lower in thin trade here Monday as recent weakness continued amid a lack of fresh fundamental incentives. Reference Brent North Sea crude for July delivery dropped six cents to US$25.12 a barrel. In New York, July-dated light sweet crude futures fell 27 cents to 25.88 a barrel on Friday.

'Bottle' and 'oil': Islam's classical difficulties

'Bottle' and 'oil': Islam's classical difficulties Ulil Abshar-Abdalla, Researcher, Freedom Institute, Jakarta The modern history of Islam is a history of bottle and oil, of "form" and "substance". Let me be more clear and elaborate. The battle over the inclusion of seven words in the amended Indonesian Constitution sparked widespread fear as this move may lead to the disintegration of Indonesia.

U.S. media and their ignorance partly blamable for E. Timor's mysery

U.S. media and their ignorance partly blamable for E. Timor's mysery Jeffrey A. Winters, North Western University, Chicago While most U.S. papers glossed over American complicity in the horrors of East Timor with soft-focus references to "tacit support" for the invasion and subsequent occupation (the Baltimore Sun even repeated Soeharto's absurd justification of a possible Communist threat from the tiny half-island), a few were slightly more honest with the U.S. reading public.

Where to go in Bandung:

Where to go in Bandung: Performances * Sundanese Traditional Performances, Taman Budaya, Jl. Bukit Dago Selatan no. 53 A (Tel. 022 2504912), 7:30 p.m., June 1. * Sundanese Traditional Dance - Tarling, Taman Budaya, 7:30 p.m., June 8. * Theater by Padjajaran University's students, CCF - French Cultural Center, Jl. Purnawarman 32 (Tel. 022 4212417), 7:30 p.m., June 3. * Sundanese Traditional Drama: Raja Gempol, Gedung Kesenian Rumentang Siang, Jl. Baranang Siang 1, Kosambi (Tel. 022 4233562), 8 p.

'Boediono must deal with customs office'

'Boediono must deal with customs office' The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Importers Association (Ginsi) urged on Monday Minister of Finance Boediono to immediately take serious steps to deal with the corrupt and inefficient customs service. "Only bold measures would be able to address the severe problems within the customs service, given the strong opposition from the vested interests within the customs directorate general to any reform," Amirudin Saud, chairman of the association, said.

Greenpeace mulls actions in Bali

Greenpeace mulls actions in Bali The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, Bali The arrival of the ship Arctic Sunrise in Bali on Monday signals that its owners, Greenpeace, are ready for action if need be to remind the meeting on sustainable development in Bali that actions and not words are what it takes, said a senior Greenpeace activist on Monday.

State budget

State budget 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.

Harmony with E. Timor beneficial: Lopez

Harmony with E. Timor beneficial: Lopez JAKARTA: Indonesia would reap more benefit in the future should it decide to cooperate harmoniously with East Timor instead of constantly being at odds with its former territory, the Indonesian ambassador for Greece said here on Monday.

More than 20 judges to be sent to Ambon

More than 20 judges to be sent to Ambon Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Supreme Court has assigned 22 senior judges to serve district courts and the high court of the troubled Maluku province, a Supreme Court official said on Monday. "There is no objection from the judges since it's only a tour of duty," deputy chief of the Supreme Court Taufiq told reporters.

Rupiah Rates May.27

Rupiah Rates May.27 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S. dollar 1 9,426.00 8,426.00 8,971.00 8,881.00 Australian dollar 1 5,249.34 4,688.23 4,995.95 4,941.39 Brunei dollar 1 5,239.58 4,682.41 4,986.66 4,935.26 Canadian dollar 1 6,144.32 5,488.89 5,847.73 5,785.29 Swiss franc 1 5,963.94 5,327.85 5,676.05 5,615.55 Danish krone 1 1,167.68 1,043.33 1,111.32 1,099.66 Poundsterling 1 13,746.88 12,284.27 13,083.31 12,947.61 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,208.69 1,080.28 1,150.

After TNI has a new boss

After TNI has a new boss This week, we probably will have a new TNI (The Indonesian Military) chief. Last week, the House of Representatives Commission I interviewed and studied the resume of the sole candidate to head TNI, namely, Gen. Endriartono Sutarto. The next question is what can be done by the new commander? Endriartono Sutarto has a reputation.

Missing plane found in Papua

Missing plane found in Papua A search-and-rescue team managed to locate on Monday a light aircraft that went missing in Papua, SCTV television reported. The plane reportedly had five people on board, and all of them are feared dead since the plane was completely destroyed, the report said. The plane, belonging to Trigana Air Service, a private air charter company, went missing after takeoff from Nabire en route to Enarotali during heavy rain on Saturday morning, Antara reported on Sunday.

No martial law in Maluku: VP

No martial law in Maluku: VP JAKARTA: Vice President Hamzah Haz denied here on Monday that the government's plan to form a new security command body in Maluku is an attempt to impose martial law in the conflict-torn province. According to Hamzah, the new command would be working along with the local civil emergency government to compliment its infective line of command.

Family name important to ethnic groups

Family name important to ethnic groups The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Government regulations banning the public from using their family names on their birth certificates must be suspended immediately as it could affect a community's cultural system, public figures from the Batak and Manadonese communities say.

W. Cup to divert war fears in Pakistan

W. Cup to divert war fears in Pakistan KARACHI: Pakistani soccer authorities Monday said they hope the World Cup which kicks off in Asia for the first time this week will help divert fears and apprehension surrounding the looming conflict with India. "Sports have always been a tool for peace and we hope that when the football World Cup is over threats of a war between Pakistan and India go with it," said Pakistan Football Federation secretary Agha Liaquat Ali.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 27, 2002:

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 27, 2002: -------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Abdi Bangsa Tbk 380 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,125 25 53,500 Adindo Foresta 60 0 589,500 AGIS Tbk 130 0 937,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 365 0 5,500 Alakasa 170 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 750 -25 1,000 Alter Abadi Tbk 50 0 0 Alumindo Light 625 0 0 Andhi Chandra 330 10 25,000 Aneka...

Liu Guo expresses tranquility in paper

Liu Guo expresses tranquility in paper Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta People say paintings helps ones release stress and tension. Try to see landscape paintings from Chinese artist Liu Guo which are on display at the Crowne Plaza hotel on Jl. Gatot Subroto, Central Jakarta, from May 20 to May 29.