Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 30 May 2002

85 articles found

Row over oil revenues

Row over oil revenues We cringe on learning of the threat by 48 regents to block and halt oil and natural gas production throughout the country unless the finance minister revokes his recent decision on the oil- revenue split between the central government and local administrations. This decision regents claim gives them a much smaller revenue than what is mandated by law.

Radio reporter resists dismissal

Radio reporter resists dismissal JAKARTA: The observance of May Day has led to the dismissal of Hendrik Dikson Sirait, a reporter and chairman of the workers union at private radio station Jakarta News FM. The advocacy team for the radio station's workers told a media briefing on Wednesday that Hendrik had not received prior notice of his dismissal and nor had approval been given by the Workers Dispute Resolution Committee (P4D) as required by Law No. 12/1964 on manpower.

1. School - 3x19

1. School - 3x19 School building damaged, classrooms abandoned 2. Soccer - 2x 18 Civil servants may watch games at work 3. ANCOL - 2x 28 Council rejects plan for city firm Ancol Jaya to go public 4. SPEAK - 1x 50 'Living in Jakarta unpleasant due to pollution'

Govt backs down on plan to revise autonomy law

Govt backs down on plan to revise autonomy law The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has backtracked on its earlier decision to review a law on regional autonomy and agreed to wait until an evaluation of the legislation is completed before making changes. Speaking at the second national working meeting of the Association of Regency Administrations (Apkasi) here on Wednesday, Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno announced the government's decision not to review Law No.

The Battle for Kashmir

The Battle for Kashmir Prabha Chandran Journalist Jakarta The test firing of three nuclear missiles by Pakistan in the last week and the killing of leading Kashmiri separatist leader Abdul Ghani Khan Lone have sent two messages to India. The first is from Islamic fundamentalist forces that there is no place for moderates like Lone in the Valley. The second message is from Islamabad, that India risks nuclear war by pursuing jihadi militants across the border.

'Living in Jakarta unpleasant due to pollution'

'Living in Jakarta unpleasant due to pollution' Some senior citizens complain that living in the city is not as comfortable as it used to be. They particularly complain about the air pollution caused by vehicle emissions. Asballah, 73, a retired civil servant from the Ministry of Finance. He still lives in a housing complex for current Ministry of Finance officials in South Jakarta. "As a retired citizen, I spend a lot of my time at home.

Third World debts 'must be ommitted'

Third World debts 'must be ommitted' Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, Bali Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) called for an abolition of the debts of developing countries, particularly South Africa and Indonesia, arguing that most of the debts were accumulated during oppressive regimes.

1. Duit (1 x 42)

1. Duit (1 x 42) Asian monies up, rupiah shrugs off bad news 2. Gas (1 x 32) Gas company accused of extortion 3. Gold (2 x 20) Gold at 2-1/2 year highs on low dollar, tension

Partnership, capacity building dominate multi-stakeholders meeting

Partnership, capacity building dominate multi-stakeholders meeting A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, Bali The governments and its counterparts, the nine major groups, wrapped up their multi-stakeholders dialogue meeting in Bali on Wednesday, with the central issue of partnership and capacity building.

TNI accused of imposing martial law 'by stealth' in Maluku

TNI accused of imposing martial law 'by stealth' in Maluku Yogita Tahilramani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The appointment of Maj. Gen. Djoko Santoso to lead security restoration operations in the troubled Maluku province points to clear domination of the military there and a tactful admission by the Indonesian Military (TNI) that it will not submit to orders issued by the police or civilians, including Governor Saleh Latuconsina, a sociologist said on Wednesday.

2003 rice output seen at 54m tons

2003 rice output seen at 54m tons Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister of Agriculture Bungaran Saragih expressed confidence on Wednesday that the country's unhusked rice output would reach 54 million tons in 2003, higher than this year's target of 53 million tons.

Parties and politics

Parties and politics From Media Indonesia It has frequently been reported in the mass media that Vice President Hamzah Haz has been receiving members of the United Development Party (PPP). He has done it either at his palace on Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan or at his official residence on Jl. Diponegoro. He and the members concerned discussed matters relating to the 2003 conference of PPP and the failure of some PPP members to win certain positions.

South Sulawesi Police accuse Sofjan of abusing his former post

South Sulawesi Police accuse Sofjan of abusing his former post Jupriadi and Yogita Tahilramani The Jakarta Post Makassar/Jakarta The South Sulawesi provincial legislature summoned the top local police officers on Wednesday in connection with the alleged involvement of former Provincial Police chief Comr. Gen. Sofjan Jacoeb in the false registration of 11 luxury cars last year. During the unprecedented hearing presided over by legislator Ihsan Yasinc Limpo, Provincial Traffic Police chief Sr.

CAPTION 13

CAPTION 13 JP/Murdani Usman NOBLE MESSAGE: Willem Alexander, the Crown Prince of the Netherlands, delivers his speech at the multi-stakeholders dialog meeting, involving representatives of governments and nine major groups of sustainable development stakeholders. In his speech on Wednesday, the Prince urged all delegates at the meeting in Nusa Dua, Bali, to put water issues at the top of the agenda for the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg later in August and September.

Embassies unmoved by World Cup fever

Embassies unmoved by World Cup fever Muhammad Nafik The Jakarta Post Jakarta The live broadcast of the World Cup on television will soon be upon us. For many Indonesians, the one-month-long competition, due to start on Friday, will be an exciting time and is likely to disturb many people's daily lives. Jointly hosted by Japan and South Korea, the live broadcast of games will be on air from the afternoon to late evening between May 31 and June 29.

Embassies, clubs unmoved by World Cup fever

Embassies, clubs unmoved by World Cup fever Muhammad Nafik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The live broadcast of the World Cup on television will soon be upon us. For many Indonesians, the one-month-long competition, due to start on Friday, will be an exciting time and is likely to disturb many people's daily lives. Jointly hosted by Japan and South Korea, the live broadcast of games will be on air from the afternoon to late evening between May 31 and June 29.

Rupiah Rates May.29

Rupiah Rates May.29 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S. dollar 1 9,329.00 8,329.00 8,873.00 8,785.00 Australian dollar 1 5,243.83 4,677.57 4,987.51 4,933.66 Brunei dollar 1 5,201.56 4,641.40 4,947.31 4,895.51 Canadian dollar 1 6,094.20 5,437.39 5,796.32 5,735.08 Swiss franc 1 5,929.57 5,291.61 5,639.74 5,581.32 Danish krone 1 1,164.95 1,039.60 1,108.00 1,096.52 Poundsterling 1 13,605.41 12,142.85 12,940.38 12,807.65 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,196.18 1,067.82 1,137.

China tries to exclude pro-Tibetan group

China tries to exclude pro-Tibetan group The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, Bali The People's Republic of China (PRC) has again expressed its strong objection that the Tibetan Center for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) be allowed to attend the upcoming World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, South Africa. The decision of whether the TCHRD will be allowed to attend the meeting will be decided on Friday during the United Nations (UN)'s plenary meeting here, confirmed Pragati J.

1. Debt (1 x 30)

1. Debt (1 x 30) ASEAN speed up 2010 FTA deadline JP/16/ASEAN ASEAN asked to cut 2010 free trade deadline Southeast Asian nations should advance their 2010 deadline for dismantling all tariff barriers to cope with rising competition for investments, ASEAN secretary-general Rodolfo Severino proposed Wednesday. "To wait for 2010 when the rest of the world is marching on might be too long," he told a media forum in Manila.

Academic with enterpreneurial skills has the chance to lead UI

Academic with enterpreneurial skills has the chance to lead UI Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Wanted. An academic with entrepreneurial skills. That's what is expected of the next rector of the University of Indonesia (UI).

Female portrayals in 'Perempuan-Perempuan Nagari'

Female portrayals in 'Perempuan-Perempuan Nagari' Agung Asmara, Contributor, Denpasar, Bali Women and theaters are a common combination in Bali. From traditional to contemporary forms of theaters, Balinese women have been playing crucial roles. In the contemporary theater world, for instance, names such as Cok Sawitri, Oka Rusmini and Ayu Komang Suniastiti are celebrated as talented figures.

Da Costa denies plan to move HQs to W. Timor

Da Costa denies plan to move HQs to W. Timor The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Maj. Gen. William T. da Costa, chief of the Udayana Military Command overseeing security in Bali and West and East Nusa Tenggara, denied on Wednesday reports that its headquarters would be relocated to West Timor. "The reports are big lies. It has certainly been released by certain people who hate me and, then, spread," he was quoted by Antara as saying in Denpasar, Bali.

Seminar on tourism on small islands

Seminar on tourism on small islands JAKARTA: The Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in cooperation with the World Tourism Organization, will hold a one-day seminar on the development of tourism on small islands in the country next Monday. The ministry said in a statement on Wednesday that the seminar would feature the Maldives' director general of tourism, the key note speaker, ministry officials and experts from the University of Indonesia.

South Sulawesi police accuse former chief of abusing power

South Sulawesi police accuse former chief of abusing power Jupriadi and Yogita Tahilramani, The Jakarta Post, Makassar/Jakarta The South Sulawesi provincial legislature summoned the top local police officers on Wednesday in connection with the alleged involvement of former Provincial Police chief Comr. Gen. Sofjan Jacoeb in the false registration of 11 luxury cars last year. During the unprecedented hearing presided over by legislator Ihsan Yasinc Limpo, Provincial Traffic Police chief Sr. Supt.

Model complains of deception

Model complains of deception JAKARTA: A model who was cast for what she thought was a soap commercial which was later used in a porn VCD has filed a complaint with city police. Melvy Noviza Z told the police on Tuesday that she was offered a job to model in a soap commercial. For the ad, she agreed to take off her clothes and acted as if she was taking a shower. The shooting took place in a house on Jl. Cempaka Putih, Central Jakarta in June last year.

TV Program: Thursday, May 30, 2002

TV Program: Thursday, May 30, 2002 TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:30 Children's Program 9:00 Cooking Program 10:30 Documentary 11:00 Regional News 11:30 Music 12:00 p.m. News 1:00 Talk Show 2:00 News 3:30 Cartoon 4:00 TV Drama 6:00 News 7:00 Talk Show 9:00 News 9:30 Music: Country Road 11:00 Talk Show TPI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 7:00 Quiz 8:00 Music 9:00 Indian Film 12:00 p.m.

'TVRI' still dependent on state funds

'TVRI' still dependent on state funds JAKARTA: The government's policy to transform state television station TVRI into an independent private broadcasting company, which took effect on April 17, is yet to be a reality as it still requires financial assistance from the government during its ongoing transitional period into a fully private company. TVRI finance director Badaruddin said on Wednesday that as long as the station was unable to earn a profit, government funds were still needed.

Regencies demand role in calculating oil, gas revenue

Regencies demand role in calculating oil, gas revenue Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The country's oil- and gas-producing regions demanded the central government include them in calculating revenue split from the two commodities or let an independent consultant do the job to ensure fairness and transparency. "We want to be involved in a team to calculate the split, or let's appoint a credible independent consultant to do it," Irianto M.S.

Classes disrupted due to damaged school buildings

Classes disrupted due to damaged school buildings Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta How can students study and their teachers concentrate on their work under a classroom ceiling that is threatening to fall on them at anytime? Yul Indira, the principal of state elementary school SD Pisangan Baru 13 in East Jakarta, may be able to answer the question. Last week, an entire ceiling of one classroom collapsed while parts of the ceiling of two other rooms also disintegrated.

RI's karate hopefuls tipped motivation

RI's karate hopefuls tipped motivation Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesian karatekas set to fight in an international karate tournament in Jakarta next week, were injected with renewed fighting spirit by the sport's patron during a meeting here on Wednesday. The karatekas are going to host their overseas rivals at the Indonesia Open, which will be staged at Bung Karno Tennis Indoor Stadium from June 4 to June 6.

Visitors pack the Bogor Festival

Visitors pack the Bogor Festival BOGOR: The 2002 Bogor Festival has had a high turnout of visitors, with this year's total expected to surpass those in previous years, the festival's organizing committee said on Wednesday. Organizing committee chairman Gatut Susanta said that to date the number of visitors to the event since it opened on May 20 had reached 22,000. Last year, the festival attracted 22,000 people by its close. This year that number is expected to top 28,000.

Postponement of Gusmao's visit affects diplomacy

Postponement of Gusmao's visit affects diplomacy Kurniawan Hari and Annastashya Emmanuelle The Jakarta Post Jakarta Jakarta's decision to postpone the planned visit of East Timor President Xanana Gusmao has indicated that there are still many narrow-minded Indonesian leaders who cannot accept the secession of the former 27th province. Analyst on international affairs Soedjati Djiwandono said the move could affect the country's image in international diplomacy.

1. Debt (1 x 30)

1. Debt (1 x 30) New life for ASEAN arms makers JP/16/Arms Future brightens for Southeast Asian arms makers

RGas company accused of extortion

RGas company accused of extortion The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Some Jakarta residents have complained about difficulties in buying gas from state-owned gas distribution company PT PGN, saying the company's officials forced them to pay illegal charges to become customers. A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said he and about 100 residents of Klender area, East Jakarta had applied over a year ago for connection to PGN's gas network, but PGN had not responded.

House to ambassador candidates

House to ambassador candidates Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives is slated to assess the track record of 27 candidates for ambassadorial posts next month, most of whom are career diplomats, to be assigned to various countries. Among the candidates are scholar Bachtiar Aly, police officer Comr. Gen. Ahwil Luthan, and Sapartini Kuntjoro-Jakti, the younger sister of economic minister Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti.

Postponement of Gusmao's visit affects RI diplomacy

Postponement of Gusmao's visit affects RI diplomacy Kurniawan Hari and Annastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jakarta's decision to postpone the planned visit of East Timor President Xanana Gusmao has indicated that there are still many narrow-minded Indonesian leaders who cannot accept the secession of the former 27th province. Analyst on international affairs Soedjati Djiwandono said the move could affect the country's image in international diplomacy.

E. Timor tells RI to drop its asset compensation demand

E. Timor tells RI to drop its asset compensation demand Agence France-Presse, Dili Newly independent East Timor urged former ruler Indonesia on Wednesday to drop its compensation demand for assets left behind after Jakarta ended its two-decade occupation of the country. But Foreign Minister Jose Ramos-Horta played down Jakarta's decision to postpone indefinitely a visit by Dili's new leaders to Indonesia which had been scheduled for Wednesday. "We should best not talk about assets.

Civil servants may watch games at work

Civil servants may watch games at work Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Soccer fanatics working for private companies in the city are eagerly awaiting the upcoming 17th World Cup like everyone else, but they face a major problem: Most of the matches are to be aired in the afternoon while they are stuck behind a desk.

SBI rate down to 15.51%

SBI rate down to 15.51% JAKARTA: The weighted average interest rate on one month Bank Indonesia SBI promissory notes fell sharply to 15.51 percent at the weekly Wednesday auction from 15.81 percent last week. Bank Indonesia said it accepted Rp 17 trillion in bids at the auction, which represents 65.64 percent of total bids. The central bank has been allowing its benchmark interest rate to go down since the beginning of this year amid signs of easing inflationary pressure.

Asian currencies up, rupiah shrugs off bad news

Asian currencies up, rupiah shrugs off bad news Alan Yonan Jr., Dow Jones, Singapore Asia's economic growth prospects continued to buoy regional currencies at the expense of the dollar Wednesday. Even the Indonesian rupiah managed to advance against the U.S. currency, shrugging off a setback to the government's privatization program. The Philippine peso was the only currency that failed to strengthen against the dollar, finishing the session unchanged.

Students hijack bus after final exam

Students hijack bus after final exam JAKARTA: A group of students from SMKN 5 public high school hijacked a Patas 4 (P-4) bus plying the Rawamangun-Grogol route on Wednesday. The students also robbed passengers of their wallets, watches, jewelry and other valuables, private television, SCTV reported. The incident took place just hours after the students had completed their final exams. One of the passengers was able to get off the bus and report the robbery to a nearby police post.

Some senior citizens complain that living in the city is not as

Some senior citizens complain that living in the city is not as comfortable as it used to be. They particularly complain about the air pollution caused by vehicle emissions. Asballah, 73, a retired civil servant from the Ministry of Finance. He still lives in a housing complex for current Ministry of Finance officials in South Jakarta. "As a retired citizen, I spend a lot of my time at home.

Gus Dur rests in hospital

Gus Dur rests in hospital JAKARTA: Former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid is taking a rest at Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital in Central Jakarta following an annual general checkup on Tuesday evening. The chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the country's largest Muslim organization, Hasyim Muzadi, told reporters after visiting his predecessor that Gus Dur was in good health and expected to be discharged on Saturday at the latest. "He laughed a lot.

Some senior citizens complain that living in the city is not as

Some senior citizens complain that living in the city is not as comfortable as it used to be. They particularly complain about the air pollution caused by vehicle emissions. Asballah, 73, a retired civil servant from the Ministry of Finance. He still lives in a housing complex for current Ministry of Finance officials in South Jakarta. "As a retired citizen, I spend a lot of my time at home.

Row over oil revenues

Row over oil revenues We cringed at learning of the threat by 48 regents to block and halt oil and natural gas production throughout the country unless the finance minister revoked his recent decision on the oil-revenue split between the central government and local administrations which gave them what they considered a much smaller revenue than what is mandated by laws.

AGO to send more prosecutors to Maluku in a bid to end strife

AGO to send more prosecutors to Maluku in a bid to end strife Kurniawan Hari and Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Law enforcement, the Achilles heel in the painstaking efforts to restore peace in Maluku, looks set to receive a further boost after the Attorney General's Office revealed a plan to send more prosecutors to the restive province. The office's spokesman, Barman Zahir, said on Wednesday that Attorney General M.A.

World Summit likely to fail in regulating multinationals

World Summit likely to fail in regulating multinationals Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, Bali The upcoming World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg will likely fail to regulate multinational companies as a demand for a universal code of conduct for them met with strong opposition from the United States.

'Bade' brings the dead to the afterlife

'Bade' brings the dead to the afterlife Tri Vivi Suryani, Contributor, Denpasar Cremation is one of the most important life-cycle rituals within the Hindu religion. Balinese Hindus believe a human body is comprised of five basic elements -- fire, earth, air, water and ether which are locally called panca maha butha, and the burning of bodies into ashes is believed to easily release the soul or atman from earthly things and returned to God.

Govt denies practicing policies discriminating Chinese descents

Govt denies practicing policies discriminating Chinese descents Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra refuted the accusation that the government has imposed a discriminatory policy on citizenship for Chinese-Indonesians, saying the regulation requiring non-indigenous people to obtain a citizenship certificate (SBKRI) has long since been annulled.

Wolfowitz to visit S'pore, RP

Wolfowitz to visit S'pore, RP UNITED STATES: The deputy defense secretary of the United States, Paul Wolfowitz, will visit Singapore and the Philippines beginning this week to discuss the war on terrorism with regional leaders and meet American troops, the Pentagon said on Tuesday. Wolfowitz, the nation's number two civilian defense official, will attend and speak at an Asian security conference sponsored by the International Institute of Strategic Studies in Singapore on June 1 and June 2.

Niaga sale likely to be canceled due to low bids

Niaga sale likely to be canceled due to low bids Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government is likely to cancel the disposal of its 51 percent stake in medium-sized Bank Niaga to strategic investors due to low bidding prices submitted by the bidders, State Minister of State Enterprises Laksamana Sukardi indicated on Wednesday.

Gus Dur rests in hospital

Gus Dur rests in hospital JAKARTA: Former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid is taking a rest at Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital in Central Jakarta following an annual general checkup on Tuesday evening. The chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the country's largest Muslim organization, Hasyim Muzadi, told reporters after visiting his predecessor that Gus Dur was in good health and expected to be discharged on Saturday at the latest. "He laughed a lot.

Military domination in Maluku revealed in new govt policy

Military domination in Maluku revealed in new govt policy Yogita Tahilramani The Jakarta Post Jakarta The appointment of Maj. Gen. Djoko Santoso to lead security restoration operations in the troubled Maluku province points to clear domination of the military there and a tactful admission by the Indonesian Military (TNI) that it will not submit to orders issued by the police or civilians, including Governor Saleh Latuconsina, a sociologist said on Wednesday.

Pondok Indah swimming pool

Pondok Indah swimming pool The management of South Jakarta's crowded Pondok Indah swimming pool seem not to care about public security and convenience as the number of visitors to the pool keeps growing. Security guards prefer loitering around blowing whistles to warn swimmers against using big swimming tubes in the cascade or shooing children of the lawns instead of taking an interest in the safety of children as they climb the tall tower up to the slide.

Chan's key to magic: Originality

Chan's key to magic: Originality Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Malaysian magician Thomas Chan cannot help but be flirtatious. If you are amazed by his magic tricks and ask for the secrets to them, he will always reply with "I'll tell you if you'll be my girlfriend". When asked about his age, he says "That depends on what you prefer, younger or older men." His interests outside magic?

Future brightens for Southeast Asian arms makers

Future brightens for Southeast Asian arms makers Dan Eaton, Reuters, Bangkok Economic recovery and a reluctance to rely on traditional suppliers is breathing new life into Southeast Asia's flagging small arms industry, according to a new report. Malaysia's decision last month to reopen the arms production operation of state-run Syarikat Malaysian Explosive (SME) marked the start of a trend toward boosting defence capabilities and autonomy in determining national security affairs.

Accuracy of statistics on RI's recovery

Accuracy of statistics on RI's recovery Tata Huberta, Economist, Washington Over the last few days, newspapers have been filled with quarterly financial statements by a number of Indonesian corporations. Astra International, the Indonesian bellwether company, posted a handsome profit in the first quarter of this year, amounting to Rp 1.1 trillion, or double the profit of the same period the previous year.

Megawati to visit Europe next month

Megawati to visit Europe next month Annastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri will embark on a two-week trip to Europe on June 8. The trip will be her second this year since she took office last July. The highlight of the trip would be the Food and Agriculture Organization summit in Rome, Italy, which is a follow-up to the first food summit held five years ago, Foreign Affairs Minister Hassan Wirayuda said on Wednesday.

Govt to launch quarterly review of VoIP operators

Govt to launch quarterly review of VoIP operators Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government will review the operation of the existing five Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) operators every three months, according to an official, adding that dormant operators will risk losing their licenses. Spokesman of the directorate general of post and telecommunications Gatot S.

Future brightens for Southeast Asian arms makers

Future brightens for Southeast Asian arms makers Dan Eaton Reuters Bangkok Economic recovery and a reluctance to rely on traditional suppliers is breathing new life into Southeast Asia's flagging small arms industry, according to a new report. Malaysia's decision last month to reopen the arms production operation of state-run Syarikat Malaysian Explosive (SME) marked the start of a trend toward boosting defense capabilities and autonomy in determining national security affairs.

Arrest me, not clerics says VP

Arrest me, not clerics says VP Muhammad Nafik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Vice President Hamzah Haz challenged the authorities on Wednesday to arrest him in place of Muslim clerics charged with having links to a terrorist network. "There are no terrorists here. I guarantee that. If they (terrorists) exist, don't arrest any Muslim clerics, arrest me," he was quoted as saying by his aide Said Budairy.

Learning English is serious fun at Regent

Learning English is serious fun at Regent For people at the Regent Indonesia English Language Center, serious fun is not a contradiction. They believe it is the correct way to learn English. "Learning English is a serious business, which requires hard work and attention to grammar," dean of Regent Indonesia Michael Earley said. However, he added, it is best if developed in an enjoyable and fun way.

Pfizer buys back shares

Pfizer buys back shares JAKARTA: Giant U.S. drug manufacturer Pfizer Inc. has increased its stake in its Indonesian subsidiary PT Pfizer Indonesia to 99 percent from 80 percent after buying back its shares listed in Surabaya from minority shareholders through a tender offer. The company said in a statement it had bought back the shares through Pfizer Corporation (Panama).

House to assess 27 envoy candidates

House to assess 27 envoy candidates Kurniawan Hari The Jakarta Post Jakarta The House of Representatives is slated to assess the track record of 27 candidates for ambassadorial posts next month, most of whom are career diplomats, to be assigned to various countries. Among the candidates are scholar Bachtiar Aly, police officer Comr. Gen. Ahwil Luthan, and Sapartini Kuntjoro-Jakti, the younger sister of economic minister Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti.

Sambas refugees ordered out of stadium

Sambas refugees ordered out of stadium PONTIANAK, West Kalimantan: The Pontianak municipal administration issued a final warning to hundreds of Madurese people taking refuge in the city's stadium, saying it would use force to remove the refugees if necessary. "The sports stadium must be cleared before June 17, and if any of the refugees ignore the order they will be removed from the arena by force," Yakob Mochsin, the spokesman for the municipal administration, said here on Wednesday.

Restaurants for vegetarians in town

Restaurants for vegetarians in town Wahyuni Kamah, Contributor, Denpasar Strolling down Denpasar's streets, most of the food vendors are offering seafood, Balinese food, Muslim delicacies or Javanese food mainly made with meat, either fish, chicken or beef. It is also the same in fast food outlets or franchise restaurants. Vegetarians have very few options to spoil their appetite in this tourist city.

Humanitarianism: Challenge and opportunity

Humanitarianism: Challenge and opportunity Ignas Kleden The Center for East Indonesian Affairs Jakarta ceia@centrin.net.id Humanitarianism and humanism have been controversial ever since post-modernist theorists tried to debunk the universality of their values.

Row over oil revenues

Row over oil revenues We cringe on learning of the threat by 48 regents to block and halt oil and natural gas production throughout the country unless the finance minister revokes his recent decision on the oil- revenue split between the central government and local administrations. This decision regents claim gives them a much smaller revenue than what is mandated by law.

Megawati to go to Europe in June

Megawati to go to Europe in June Annastashya Emmanuelle The Jakarta Post Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri will embark on a two-week trip to Europe on June 8. The trip will be her second this year since she took office last July. The highlight of the trip would be the Food and Agriculture Organization summit in Rome, Italy, which is a follow-up to the first food summit held five years ago, Foreign Affairs Minister Hassan Wirayuda said on Wednesday.

Diplomats want cheaper lunches

Diplomats want cheaper lunches JAKARTA: Foreign diplomats and their families may be excused from paying the 10 percent VAT imposed on their hotel and food bills, the City Revenue Agency chief Deden Supriadi said on Wednesday. "The regulation is still being discussed. The governor plans to give the special tax treatment to the foreign diplomats," Deden said during a hearing with the City Council Commission C for budgetary affairs.

Doctors leaving Papua

Doctors leaving Papua JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Rural communities in Jayapura regency's more remote areas are complaining about the scarcity of medical supplies and of doctors fleeing to the provincial capital or to other provinces because of the prolonged conflict in the area. In Bonggo district, Besar tribal chief Seblum Werbabkay said on Wednesday that villagers have had difficulty obtaining health services for the past five months.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Exhibitions * Sculpture, Textiles, Gold and Silver, Catholic Artifacts, etc: Timor Lorosae, Sheraton Nusa Indah Resort, Nusa Dua, in the shopping arcade, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m until June 7. * Painting Humanity and Eccentricity by Made Kaek, Gallery 9, Jl AA Gede Rai, Lod Tunduh, Ubud, until June 18. * Painting The Rhythm of Consciousness, Gedung Kriya, Taman Budaya Denpasar, until June 7.

City council rejects plan for Jaya Ancol to go public

City council rejects plan for Jaya Ancol to go public Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The City Council rejected on Wednesday city-joint venture developer PT Pembangunan Jaya Ancol (PJA)'s plan to go public, fearing that the plan would reduce city assets. PT PJA, which manages the Ancol recreation park in North Jakarta, is 88 percent owned by the city administration and 12 percent owned by property tycoon Ciputra.

Loyalty of soldiers in Maluku challenged

Loyalty of soldiers in Maluku challenged Lela E. Madjiah, The Jakarta Post, Ambon Indonesian military personnel serving in Maluku face a tough choice: Remain loyal to the republic or leave the military. The option was offered by Army Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad) Chief Lt. Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu during a one-day visit to Ambon on May 20.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 29, 2002: -------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Abdi Bangsa Tbk 375 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,150 50 22,500 Adindo Foresta 55 -5 1,000 AGIS Tbk 130 0 75,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 365 0 0 Alakasa 170 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 775 0 25,000 Alter Abadi Tbk 50 0 0 Alumindo Light 625 0 0 Andhi Chandra 330 0...

Pertamina warns regencies against oil, gas blockade

Pertamina warns regencies against oil, gas blockade Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon State oil company Pertamina lashed out on Wednesday at a plan to block oil and gas operations in 48 regencies nationwide, saying it would spark national instability. Spokesperson for Pertamina's West Java operation Sri Kustini said here that the threat was both exaggerated and a fabrication, and would disrupt the country's political and economic stability.

ASEAN asked to advabnce FTA deadline

ASEAN asked to advabnce FTA deadline P. Parameswaran, Agence France-Presse, Manila Southeast Asian nations should advance their 2010 deadline for dismantling all tariff barriers to cope with rising competition for investments, ASEAN secretary-general Rodolfo Severino proposed Wednesday. "To wait for 2010 when the rest of the world is marching on might be too long," he told a media forum in Manila.

Seminar on tourism on small islands

Seminar on tourism on small islands JAKARTA: The Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in cooperation with the World Tourism Organization, will hold a one-day seminar on the development of tourism on small islands in the country next Monday. The ministry said in a statement Wednesday that the seminar would feature among others Maldives' director general of tourism the key note speaker, the ministry's officials and experts from the University of Indonesia.

Bodybuilding star to quit in disgust

Bodybuilding star to quit in disgust Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia's bodybuilding star Ade Rai said he was going to quit the national team for the upcoming 2002 Asian Games, citing unfair treatment from the Asian Body Building Federation (ABBF). Ade even suggested the national bodybuilding team completely abandon its bid at the four-yearly multi-event sporting showcase to be held in Busan, South Korea.

Southeast Asian arms industry has bright future ahead: Report

Southeast Asian arms industry has bright future ahead: Report Dan Eaton, Reuters, Bangkok Economic recovery and a reluctance to rely on traditional suppliers is breathing new life into Southeast Asia's flagging small arms industry, according to a new report. Malaysia's decision last month to reopen the arms production operation of state-run Syarikat Malaysian Explosive (SME) marked the start of a trend toward boosting defense capabilities and autonomy in determining national security affairs.

Play puts gender issues back in the spotlight

Play puts gender issues back in the spotlight Agung Asmara, Contributor, Denpasar, Bali Women and theaters are a common combination in Bali. From traditional to contemporary forms of theaters, Balinese women have been playing crucial roles. In the contemporary theater world, for instance, names such as Cok Sawitri, Oka Rusmini and Ayu Komang Suniastiti are celebrated as talented figures.

RI seeks more aid in Bali talks

RI seeks more aid in Bali talks Berni K. Moestafa and A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, Bali Debt payments amounting to 40 percent of the state budget and a chronic budget deficit has driven Indonesia to seek more financial aid and new debt payment options from developed countries at the United Nations meeting in Bali on sustainable development.

Accuracy of statistics on RI's recovery

Accuracy of statistics on RI's recovery Tata Huberta Economist Washington 2. Russia -- Results of Russian-American summit in Moscow generate moderate 1 X 32 36pt Bodoni Putin-Bush summit generates optimism Gennady Chufrin Deputy Director Institute of Global Economy and International Relations Russian Academy of Sciences RIA Novosti Moscow 3. FBI -- U.S. poorly served FBI and CIA 2 X 24 36pt Bodoni U.S.

RI's NGO delegate arrested for drugs

RI's NGO delegate arrested for drugs The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, Bali A thirty-year-old participant in the Indonesian People's Forum (IPF) meetings here, Revy Husodo, was arrested on Tuesday afternoon after security officers found some two grams of dried marijuana stashed inside his wallet. "He was arrested jointly by UN and Indonesian police officers, and is currently under detention at Denpasar Police Headquarter," Denpasar Police chief of detectives Commissioner Budi Wasono said on Wednesday.

Bodies of three crash victims recovered

Bodies of three crash victims recovered JAYAPURA, Papua: A search and rescue team recovered on Wednesday morning the bodies of three of the victims of the recent crash of a chartered plane. The DHC-6 Twin Otter, belonging to Trigana Air Service, crashed on the slopes of Mt. Susu, some 170 kilometers south of Nabire, Papua, on Saturday morning during a heavy rain. The three victims who were recovered were identified as pilot Dwi Arifin, copilot Moh. Sofyan and assistant mechanic Frengky Sutarto.