Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 10 June 2002

97 articles found

Bintan Lagun

Bintan Lagun A white sandy beach on Bintan island is one of the retreat island's attractions. Tourists have a wide variety of resort hotels to choose from on the island. ;JP: ANPAv..r.. Photo-resorts-Bali Nusa Dua Beach Bali is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations and offers hundreds of accommodation facilities located either on the island's coast or situated in the mountainous, upland areas.

Pertamina

Pertamina A gas tanker carries Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from Bontang, East Kalimantan to Japan. Indonesia is the largest LNG exporter in the world with exports of about 23 million tons a year.

Australia lures more RI students

Australia lures more RI students JAKARTA: Australia opened here on Saturday a two-day education exhibition involving 72 Australian schools, universities and education bodies. Ambassador Richard Smith said the exhibition was aimed at luring more Indonesians to study in Australia. He said Indonesians formed one of the largest groups of Asian students in Australia with a total of 18,000 students.

Give children more time to play: Experts

Give children more time to play: Experts Debbie A. Lubis The Jakarta Post Jakarta Children, by nature, love to play, but tougher competition ahead has prompted their parents to overzealously enroll them into extensive extracurricular educational activities aimed at bolstering their academic performance. Not to mention those who are economically unfortunate, Indonesian children nowadays are often forced to use their time scraping around for additional income for the family.

Govt cancels Bank Niaga's stake sale

Govt cancels Bank Niaga's stake sale Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Financial Sector Policy Committee (FSPC) decided on Sunday to cancel the sale of the government's 51 percent stake in publicly listed Bank Niaga to strategic investors because of low bidding prices. FSPC secretary Lukita Dinarsyah Tuwo said the powerful committee had now urged the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) to look for other divestment methods that could generate higher proceeds.

Citibank again

Citibank again I have had a number of bad service experiences with Citibank and I believe that their "Customer Service" is non existent! Maybe you would care to share this with your readers as there may be others who are could learn from my experience. In the latest incident they refused to change my postal address via the telephone, because I do not have a "phone banking pin code". When I opened the account, no-one at the Kelapa Gading branch bothered to tell me that I should get such a code.

Lampung fishing boats still tied up due to pollution

Lampung fishing boats still tied up due to pollution Oyos Saroso H.N. The Jakarta Post Bandarlampung Thousands of fisherman in the Lampung provincial capital of Bandarlampung are still unable to go to sea due to serious pollution in Pelabuhan Panjang waters, which has been blamed on local sugar cane plantation firm PT Gunung Madu Plantation (GMP). The pollution from the plantation has led to a drastic drop in the fishermen's catch since last month, reports said.

Dredging river estuaries can ease next year floods: Nedeco

Dredging river estuaries can ease next year floods: Nedeco The Jakarta Post Jakarta An expert from the Netherlands Engineering Consultants (Nedeco) said that floods in the capital could be eased by up to 80 percent next year if the city administration dredged at least five of its river's estuaries. "The estuaries' sediment that has reached a depth of three meters significantly contributed to the flood in January and February.

Gudang Garam's net profit declines to Rp 2 trillion

Gudang Garam's net profit declines to Rp 2 trillion The Jakarta Post, Surabaya The country's largest cigarette maker company PT Gudang Garam announced a decrease in net profit to Rp 2 trillion for 2001 from Rp 2.24 trillion in the previous year due to a higher production cost and debt interest payments. However, sales rose 20 percent to Rp 17.9 trillion.

Another lesson from Korea

Another lesson from Korea Thousands of people flocked the streets of Seoul, the capital of South Korea, merrily celebrating the victory of their national soccer team over Poland in the 2002 World Cup elimination match. Like Indonesia, South Korea was also hit by the financial crisis that swept through East Asia in 1997. Their crisis was even more serious than ours. South Korea is not yet entirely free from this crisis. Just like us, they are still struggling to get out of the crisis.

Muninggar Sri Saraswati

Muninggar Sri Saraswati The Jakarta Post Jakarta Testifying before a court is something most people would rather not do. Once named a witness, one must spend his or her precious time attending court sessions and be ready to answer the questions of the prosecutors, lawyers and the judges. Testifying against a defendant is also risky as the later might take revenge as the country has no laws or regulations on witness protection.

Students invent new breed of corn

Students invent new breed of corn MUARA TEWEH, Central Kalimantan: Students of Vocational High School 2, Muara Teweh in Central Kalimantan have successfully invented a special breed of sweet corn that can grow on dry land. Spokesman for Barito Utara Regency Muhammad Wa'il said that the newly invented sweet corn had good prospects to enter the market. "The demand for sweet corn in Muara Teweh is high, so we have to import from other regions.

The discord on IMF and RI's difficulties

The discord on IMF and RI's difficulties Tata Huberta, Economist, Washington D.C. Indonesian media feasted on the rows over the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the Indonesian economic policy makers last week. On center stage was Minister Kwik Kian Gie with his controversial statement. Meanwhile, a soothing statement was made by Minister of Finance, Dr.

Fertile transmigrant farms turn to dust

Fertile transmigrant farms turn to dust The Jakarta Post, Maliana, East Timor The Balinese farmers who were once settled in Tunubibi, East Timor, would probably faint if they had the chance of visiting the land that used to be theirs. The one-time transmigration site, which covers a fertile area of 1,000 hectares in Tunubibi, a village four kilometers north of Maliana near the border with West Timor, has now been all but abandoned.

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---------------------------------------------------------------- The following is the last of a two-edition report by The Jakarta Post's Pandaya on East Timor after independence. Today's report focuses on education, travel and direct trade between East Timor and Indonesia, as well as currency and the legacy of transmigration in the western regency of Maliana. ----------------------------------------------------------------

Australia lures more RI students

Australia lures more RI students JAKARTA: Australia opened here on Saturday a two-day education exhibition involving 72 Australian schools, universities and education bodies. Ambassador Richard Smith said the exhibition was aimed at luring more Indonesians to study in Australia. He said Indonesians formed one of the largest groups of Asian students in Australia with a total of 18,000 students.

Dredging river estuaries can ease next year floods: Nedeco

Dredging river estuaries can ease next year floods: Nedeco The Jakarta Post Jakarta An expert from the Netherlands Engineering Consultants (Nedeco) said that floods in the capital could be eased by up to 80 percent next year if the city administration dredged at least five of its river's estuaries. "The estuaries' sediment that has reached a depth of three meters significantly contributed to the flood in January and February.

Students invent new breed of corn

Students invent new breed of corn MUARA TEWEH, Central Kalimantan: Students of Vocational High School 2, Muara Teweh in Central Kalimantan have successfully invented a special breed of sweet corn that can grow on dry land. Spokesman for Barito Utara Regency Muhammad Wa'il said that the newly invented sweet corn had good prospects to enter the market. "The demand for sweet corn in Muara Teweh is high, so we have to import from other regions.

S. Korea frets over World Cup terrorists, anti U.S. protests

S. Korea frets over World Cup terrorists, anti U.S. protests Tim Witcher, Agence France Presse, Daegu, South Korea Monday's soccer clash between South Korea and the United States has been given the highest security risk ranking of the World Cup by the government and FIFA, officials said. Fears of an attack on the U.S. team have put the authorities on high alert.

Working offshore, hard but good salary

Working offshore, hard but good salary Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Working on offshore oil fields might not be everyone's idea of fun. They have to stay on an elevated oil platform for weeks to extract oil and gas far away from home in the middle of the sea. But, thousands of people in the country's oil and gas industry are happy to do so. Money is their primary motive. "I'll work here for about 10 years to earn a lot of money.

Thousands march in Rome for change in hunger relief

Thousands march in Rome for change in hunger relief Stephanie Holmes and David Brough Reuters Rome Thousands of protesters, including Indonesian, Mexican and African farmers, marched through Rome on Saturday before an international food summit to demand that world leaders change their tactics in the war on hunger.

Biggest ever oil and gas expo will be held in Bali

Biggest ever oil and gas expo will be held in Bali Sudibyo M. Wiradji Contributor Jakarta The Indonesian International Oil, Energy and Gas Conference and Exhibition (IIOGE) will be held once again, with at least 1,000 leading local and international business people expected to take part in the biggest ever conference and exhibition.

Forest assets in IBRA

Forest assets in IBRA The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) is often likened to a dishwasher. The quickest way to sell credit assets worth Rp 158.7 trillion is a form of dish-washing. Of course, it is a nice step for investors keen on acquiring problem debts. IBRA's intention arouses interest because it could allow investors to profit in a relatively short time. Investors, of course, know about the limitations involved.

* Headlines: Mega arrives in Rome to attend FAO summit 3

* Headlines: Mega arrives in Rome to attend FAO summit 3 * National:Hamzah may take pre-election campaign break4 * Archipelago:Pollution forces fishermen to tie up boats5 * Opinion: Discord on IMF and RI's difficulties 6 * City: Clean river campaign is a total failure8 * World: India, Pakistan tone down rhetoric of war10 * Sports:Lewis stops Tyson to retain title 12 * Business: Gudang Garam net profit fells to Rp2t 13 * Special Report: East Timor after independence 16,17 * Features: Eminem goes...

Govt cancels Bank Niaga sale

Govt cancels Bank Niaga sale Dadan Wijaksana The Jakarta Post Jakarta The Financial Sector Policy Committee (FSPC) decided on Sunday to cancel the sale of the government's 51 percent stake in publicly listed Bank Niaga to strategic investors because of low bidding prices. FSPC secretary Lukita Dinarsyah Tuwo said the powerful committee had now urged the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) to look for other divestment methods that could generate higher proceeds.

No rupiah please, this is a free East Timor

No rupiah please, this is a free East Timor Sinurana de Yesus, a roadside trader of basic commodities, answered every question posed to her by an Indonesian reporter for a Dutch radio station. Then came the best question, "Do you accept rupiah as legal tender?" "No. The rupiah is worthless because all the Indonesians have fled for good," replied the tough-talking de Yesus. The trader was obviously not joking, although her spontaneous reply made the crowding bystanders burst into laughter.

Taking a break from oppressive Jakarta

Taking a break from oppressive Jakarta Sudibyo M. Wiradji Contributor Jakarta With serene and peaceful ambience, resorts surrounding Jakarta witness regular customers wishing to spend their weekends or holiday breaks. Staying in a resort has become an alternative getaway for Jakartans, especially revelers wishing to avoid the hustle bustle of the city. Most of the retreats are situated outside the bustling metropolis but not too far away. It only takes a few hours drive to reach the sites.

Conflict victims get compensation

Conflict victims get compensation AMBON, Maluku: The Maluku administration handed out compensation to the heirs (relatives) of at least 969 victims of the Maluku conflict, an official said on Saturday. Ambon Social Affairs Agency staff Bram Matahelumual said that the regency submitted the 969 names to the Maluku provincial administration to get the compensation. As many as 41 other names were rejected because they failed to produce reliable documents to support their claims.

Dredging river estuaries can ease next year floods: Nedeco

Dredging river estuaries can ease next year floods: Nedeco The Jakarta Post Jakarta An expert from the Netherlands Engineering Consultants (Nedeco) said that floods in the capital could be eased by up to 80 percent next year if the city administration dredged at least five of its river's estuaries. "The estuaries' sediment that has reached a depth of three meters significantly contributed to the flood in January and February.

Prambanan temple

Prambanan temple for prayers From Kompas With reference to the letter sent by I Nyoman Mettayasa from Tabanan, Bali, regarding the permit for conducting prayers at the Prambanan temple in Yogyakarta, it should be noted that as the nation's cultural heritage, Prambanan is safeguarded by Law No.5/1992 on protected cultural sites. This law was promulgated on March 24, 1992 in the Statute Book of the Republic of Indonesia No.27/1992, so that everybody is assumed to be cognizant of it.

Observers hail bill on donations to political parties

Observers hail bill on donations to political parties Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A significant increase in the level of donations allowed for political parties has won the support of political observers and a politician, who see the increase as a positive measure to help prevent parties obtaining money from illegal sources.

Dredging river estuaries can ease next year floods: Nedeco

Dredging river estuaries can ease next year floods: Nedeco The Jakarta Post Jakarta An expert from the Netherlands Engineering Consultants (Nedeco) said that floods in the capital could be eased by up to 80 percent next year if the city administration dredged at least five of its river's estuaries. "The estuaries' sediment that has reached a depth of three meters significantly contributed to the flood in January and February.

1. nelayan -- 4 x 12

1. nelayan -- 4 x 12 Sea pollution forces Lampung fishermen to tie up boats 2. gam -- 2 x 23 Military, police hunt 25 Acehnese in Atambua

Dredging river estuaries can ease next year floods: Nedeco

Dredging river estuaries can ease next year floods: Nedeco The Jakarta Post Jakarta An expert from the Netherlands Engineering Consultants (Nedeco) said that floods in the capital could be eased by up to 80 percent next year if the city administration dredged at least five of its river's estuaries. "The estuaries' sediment that has reached a depth of three meters significantly contributed to the flood in January and February.

More on 'RCTI'

More on 'RCTI' I refer to David Jardine's letter (The Jakarta Post, June 6, RCTI World Cup coverage). No David Jardine, to answer your question, you are not alone in finding that the RCTI's World Cup coverage is a disaster! You mentioned already a couple of arguments that make watching the World Cup coverage by RCTI horrible. But as a professional in making TV programs I would like to add some other arguments on this subject.

Observers hail expanded election financial donation

Observers hail expanded election financial donation Kurniawan Hari The Jakarta Post Jakarta A significant increase in the level of donations allowed for political parties has won the support of political observers and a politician, who see the increase as a positive measure to help prevent parties obtaining money from illegal sources.

Military, police hunt 25 Acehnese in Atambua

Military, police hunt 25 Acehnese in Atambua Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang Local military intelligence has confirmed the presence of 25 members of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) separatist group in Atambua near the border with East Timor, an officer claimed on Saturday. East Nusa Tenggara's Wirasakti Military Command chief Col.

1. Stadium - 4x8

1. Stadium - 4x8 Sports mall construction to go ahead: developer 2. River - 2x 22 Clean river campaign is a total failure 3. Dredge - 1x 24 'Dredging rivers is a must' 4. Bekasi - 1x20 Students must spend savings to sit exams 5. Speak - 1x32 Watching soccer games at work? Why not?

Dredging river estuaries can ease next year floods: Nedeco

Dredging river estuaries can ease next year floods: Nedeco The Jakarta Post Jakarta An expert from the Netherlands Engineering Consultants (Nedeco) said that floods in the capital could be eased by up to 80 percent next year if the city administration dredged at least five of its river's estuaries. "The estuaries' sediment that has reached a depth of three meters significantly contributed to the flood in January and February.

;JP;

;JP; ANPAv..r.. Photo-Bali-Conference Former state minister of investment Marzuki Usman (second from left) and former secretary-general of OPEC Rilwanu Lukman (third from left) were among the important participants at IIOGE'99.

;JP;

;JP; ANPAv..r.. Photo-Bali-Conference Former state minister of investment Marzuki Usman (second from left) and former secretary-general of OPEC Rilwanu Lukman (third from left) were among the important participants at IIOGE'99.

Small parties want House drop electoral threshold

Small parties want House drop electoral threshold Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Struggling small parties have agreed to join forces in pushing for the House of Representatives to revoke the electoral threshold ruling, which would prevent them from participating the 2004 general election.

KONI promises big cash reward

KONI promises big cash reward JAKARTA: In an attempt to motivate athletes, the National Sports Council (KONI) has promised a large amount of cash bonuses to Indonesian gold medalists at the upcoming 2002 Asian Games. KONI Chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar, who prefers the word "reward" to "bonuses", said that they were considering between Rp 200 million and 250 million for a gold winner.

East Timor charms visitors with its bare simplicity

East Timor charms visitors with its bare simplicity Pandaya, The Jakarta Post, Maliana, East Timor If you visit East Timor and forget a few essentials, like your toothbrush, you shouldn't have much trouble finding replacements. But there is one essential that you will be in a great deal of trouble if you forget: your sense of humor. Basic facilities such as hotels, rental cars and telephones, exist only in the capital Dili.

New Order and reform era

New Order and reform era From Bisnis Indonesia The reform drive has been going on for four years. Four years has also elapsed since former president Soeharto declared his resignation from office. At the time, the name of Soeharto was heavily criticized but now it has started to be nostalgically remembered again and even praised.

Clean river campaign is a total failure

Clean river campaign is a total failure Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta It is called the office of the Clean Ciliwung Campaign - which is supposed to conduct activities to clean Ciliwung and other rivers in the city, but the two-story building is quiet. Two homeless people were seen having a nap on the verandah of the two-story building when The Jakarta Post visited last week. There was no one else but Husein, a cigarette vendor who was in charged of the office.

Sea pollution forces Lampung fishermen to tie up boats

Sea pollution forces Lampung fishermen to tie up boats Oyos Saroso H.N., The Jakarta Post, Bandarlampung Thousands of fisherman in the Lampung provincial capital of Bandarlampung are still unable to go to sea due to serious pollution in Pelabuhan Panjang waters, which has been blamed on local sugar cane plantation firm PT Gunung Madu Plantation (GMP). The pollution from the plantation has led to a drastic drop in the fishermen's catch since last month, reports said.

PALYJA to double investment

PALYJA to double investment to improve clean water supply PT PAM Lyonaise Jaya (PALYJA), a subsidiary of ONDEO Services of France, will more than double its investment to improve and expand the supply of clean water in western Jakarta.

Thousands of fish died mysteriously

Thousands of fish died mysteriously BOGOR: Thousands of fish have died in the Cinaraga River and near Bogor have died mysteriously, affecting the livelihood of fishermen. Ade, an employee of a fish pond, estimated that about 15 tons of fish in the area had died, inflicting losses of millions of rupiah. He said that the dead fish were those which were almost ready to be harvested. They died with wounds near the gills. "We don't know why they died.

Megawati in Rome for FAO summit

Megawati in Rome for FAO summit Imanuddin, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri arrived in the Italian capital of Rome on Sunday morning (Sunday afternoon in Jakarta) on the first leg of her two-week European visit, a report said. The President and her entourage were welcomed at the Ciampino military airbase by the Indonesian Ambassador to Italy, Freddy Numberi, Antara news agency reported.

East Timor's schools rising from the ashes

East Timor's schools rising from the ashes Pandaya, The Jakarta Post, Dili, East Timor The Maliana State High School in the western regency of Bobonaro looks like a complex of ghost houses. Most of the half a dozen buildings built during the Indonesian rule are in a state of neglect almost three years after the school was severely damaged in a fire in the 1999 violence. Walls are blackened. Wooden supports are missing and the roofs crumbled beyond repair.

Agencies' poor service

Agencies' poor service From Media Indonesia State Minister of Administrative Reforms M. Feisal Tamin stated that the poor service agencies provided to the public had been going on since the New Order era. Although the state administration has been in transition to one led by a more democratic and nationalist figure, it is seemingly difficult to change the character of the country's civil servants, who tend to treat the people as objects.

Soeharto's Illness

Soeharto's Illness The health of former president Soeharto has again become a hot issue. A Bali Post reporter attended the wedding reception of Soeharto's granddaughter, Danty Rukmana, on Jl. Cendana, Jakarta, late last month. At the reception, the reporter saw Soeharto in good health. He walked without assistance, and talked with his guests just like someone in perfect health.

1. nelayan -- 4 x 12

1. nelayan -- 4 x 12 Sea pollution forces Lampung fishermen to tie up boats 2. gam -- 2 x 23 Military, police hunt 25 Acehnese in Atambua

June 12, 2001 - June 12, 2002

June 12, 2001 - June 12, 2002 A Year of Philippine-Indonesian friendship and cooperation The Philippines and Indonesia have always enjoyed a deep friendship based on a sense of brotherhood as well as a sense of shared culture and history between Filipinos and Indonesians. Since the establishment of official diplomatic relations on Nov. 24, 1949, the two countries have supported each other's interests and national goals at the bilateral, regional and multilateral levels.

Nine more killed in Aceh PRIORITAS

Nine more killed in Aceh PRIORITAS BANDA ACEH, Aceh: At least nine people, including one soldier, were killed in renewed gunfights between troops and rebels, local military and police officers said on Sunday. Spokesman for Lhokseumawe military operations Maj. Zaenal Mutaqin said three rebels were shot dead in a clash with soldiers at Uleh Gle village in Idi Rayeuk subdistrict, East Aceh.

The practical need of submarines?

The practical need of submarines? Sin Chew Daily, Asia News Network, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia signed a contract with French warship builder, DCN International and Spanish shipmaker, Izar, to acquire two Scorpene submarines at a cost of more than RM3.1 billion for the Royal Malaysian Navy.

Sports mall construction to go ahead: Developer

Sports mall construction to go ahead: Developer Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite strong and incessant protests by local residents against the violation of land use regulations, the city administration and the developer of the Kelapa Gading sports mall in North Jakarta stated on Friday that they would continue the project. "It's their prerogative (the residents) to protest.

Unfinished business in Bali

Unfinished business in Bali Two weeks of talks ended in Bali with no agreement on an action plan for sustainable development. The fourth and last leg of the preparatory meetings before the Johannesburg Summit next August ended inconclusively as regards how to align economic development with social and environmental interests. The Bali meeting was supposed to produce a 10-year action plan to be known as the Bali Commitment. This started out as an original 10-page Chairman's Text prepared by Prof.

Taiwan energizes fishing industry

Taiwan energizes fishing industry PADANG, West Sumatra: Fishermen's welfare in Padang may soon improve as the Padang Mayoralty has cooperated with the Taiwan government in using maritime technology to optimize the marine resources in the area. Padang Mayor Zuiyen Rais said on Saturday that the Padang administration and Taiwan government had conducted a study on marine resources and facilities as well as efforts to boost the efficiency of the Bungus Teluk Kabung fish auction.

Tourists yes... but environment first

Tourists yes... but environment first Dean Yates Reuters Selemadeg Kaja, Bali Staring at the terraced green rice fields that drop away into the distance, Putu Mahardika ponders how to tap the tourist trade on Indonesia's Bali island without harming his village's pristine environment.

Bali resorts are heading for a more promising year

Bali resorts are heading for a more promising year Rita A.Widiadana The Jakarta Post Nusa Dua, Bali The word "resort" always conjures up a picture of a serene and integrated holiday site surrounded by white sandy beaches or a lush mountainous panorama where you can escape from your hectic life in the city and take a deep breath to rejuvenate your body and mind. And Bali offers dozens or maybe hundreds of such resorts across the island, from beach areas to secluded sites high up in the mountains.

Cross-border direct trade await legislation

Cross-border direct trade await legislation Indonesian migrants, who used to dominate roadside small-scale businesses, have gone, never to return. But the tragic parting does not mean the end of the world for the two neighbors as far as trade is concerned. East Timor can afford to lose the Indonesian traders but not their commodities. So, even though East Timorese traders have taken control over the local economy, they still offer the same thing: Indonesian- made goods and commodities.

Muninggar Sri Saraswati

Muninggar Sri Saraswati The Jakarta Post Jakarta Testifying before a court is something most people would rather not do. Once named a witness, one must spend his or her precious time attending court sessions and be ready to answer the questions of the prosecutors, lawyers and the judges. Testifying against a defendant is also risky as the later might take revenge as the country has no laws or regulations on witness protection.

Hamzah set to take leave, focus on PPP election drive

Hamzah set to take leave, focus on PPP election drive The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Vice President Hamzah Haz sparked more controversy on Saturday by announcing his plan to take a leave of absence as the President's second-in-command during the election campaign in 2004 to focus on his United Development Party (PPP).

Free ID cards ready in five minutes

Free ID cards ready in five minutes TANGERANG: It sounds too good to be true. The Sangiang Jaya subdistrict office in Periuk district, Tangerang offers free ID cards that are ready in five minutes. Before the new system was implemented last month, many residents in the subdistrict with a population of 1,890, did not have any ID card. Even though the process is free, many people have so far voluntarily given between Rp 3,000 and Rp 5,000 as an expression of gratitude.

BRI 14040 offers quick and easy

BRI 14040 offers quick and easy banking transactions by phone Executives, professionals, academics and businesspeople who are always on the move can now make banking transactions by phone anywhere and anytime through Bank BRI, Indonesia's only bank which has offices in almost every town across the country.

Dredging river estuaries can ease next year floods: Nedeco

Dredging river estuaries can ease next year floods: Nedeco The Jakarta Post Jakarta An expert from the Netherlands Engineering Consultants (Nedeco) said that floods in the capital could be eased by up to 80 percent next year if the city administration dredged at least five of its river's estuaries. "The estuaries' sediment that has reached a depth of three meters significantly contributed to the flood in January and February.

Muninggar Sri Saraswati

Muninggar Sri Saraswati The Jakarta Post Jakarta Testifying before a court is something most people would rather not do. Once named a witness, one must spend his or her precious time attending court sessions and be ready to answer the questions of the prosecutors, lawyers and the judges. Testifying against a defendant is also risky as the later might take revenge as the country has no laws or regulations on witness protection.

Awaiting the execution of Hotel Mulia

Awaiting the execution of Hotel Mulia The Hotel Mulia Senayan, which has been embroiled in a host of controversies since the first phase of its construction, has again come in to the limelight. This time it is about the verdict passed by the Central Jakarta district court, which rules that the hotel must be seized by the state if its management fails to pay about Rp 15 billion to the government as ordered by the Supreme Court.

Angie clinches French Open title

Angie clinches French Open title Emmeline Moore, Agence France-Presse, Paris Wimbledon junior champion Angelique Widjaja, the top seed from Indonesia saw off a stiff challenge from American 11th seed Ashley Harkleroad before clinching the French Open junior girls' title here Sunday. And the first thing the 17-year-old from Bandung, West Java, did after winning her second Grand Slam crown was get on the phone immediately to parents Rico and Hanita and five brothers back home in Indonesia.

'Betawi' governor wanted

'Betawi' governor wanted JAKARTA: The Jakarta Betawi ethnic group consultative body say they will only support a governor candidate of Betawi origin. Chairman of the consultative body, Abdul Syukur, reiterated on Saturday that the next governor should be a Betawi. The body has not officially named its candidate, but Syukur said there were several people which could be nominated.

1. hamzah -- 4 x 12

1. hamzah -- 4 x 12 Hamzah set to take pre-election campaign break 2. pemilu -- 2 x 22 Small parties want House drop electoral threshold 3. child -- 1 x 45 Children to win long-overdue health rights

Retreat islands in Singapore's backyard

Retreat islands in Singapore's backyard Fadli Contributor Batam The hotel business, including the resort hotels on Batam and the nearby island of Bintan, has been booming in the past three years despite a setback in the hotel industry in the other parts of the country. While many hotels are struggling to survive amid the downfall in the number of foreign tourists, the hotel industry on the two islands is doing quite well.

Police's choice of investigation questioned

Police's choice of investigation questioned Yogita Tahilramani The Jakarta Post Jakarta Is crime the only factor that fuels police investigations in Indonesia? This question has often been asked by the general public over the past few years and remains relevant today, particularly with the emergence of two controversial criminal cases being investigated in the capital, which are both different in content and in the degree of crime.

Students must spend savings to sit exams

Students must spend savings to sit exams Elementary schools in Bekasi have been forced to use students' savings to fund final exams because the local government has not paid the money it promised to. Yuyu Yulianti, principal of state elementary school SDN Jatibening XI, said the school had used the students' savings and the school's education fund for the organization of the six days of exams, which cost about Rp 400,000.

Hamzah set

Hamzah set to take pre-election campaign holiday The Jakarta Post Jakarta Vice President Hamzah Haz sparked more controversy on Saturday by announcing his plan to take a leave of absence as the President's second-in-command during the election campaign in 2004 to focus on his United Development Party (PPP).

PALYJA to double investment

PALYJA to double investment to improve clean water supply PT PAM Lyonaise Jaya (PALYJA), a subsidiary of ONDEO Services of France, will more than double its investment to improve and expand the supply of clean water in western Jakarta.

Hamzah's visit to Ambon will only serve his political interests: Thamrin

Hamzah's visit to Ambon will only serve his political interests: Thamrin Muhammad Nafik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The planned visit by Vice President Hamzah Haz to troubled Maluku province on Tuesday will benefit no one but the Vice President's personal political interests, analysts said on Sunday. "The trip is actually not necessary. It will only serve Hamzah's own political benefits," sociologist Thamrin Amal Tomagola of the University of Indonesia, told The Jakarta Post.

PALYJA to double investment

PALYJA to double investment to improve clean water supply PT PAM Lyonaise Jaya (PALYJA), a subsidiary of ONDEO Services of France, will more than double its investment to improve and expand the supply of clean water in western Jakarta.

Hendarsyah Tarmizi

Hendarsyah Tarmizi The Jakarta Post Jakarta Hoping for big fortune from China's LNG imports China is set to announce this month whether Indonesia, Australia or Qatar will win the multi-billion dollar contract to supply the country with Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). For Indonesia, winning the tender will further strengthen its leading role in the world's LNG market.

Nine more killed in Aceh

Nine more killed in Aceh BANDA ACEH, Aceh: At least nine people, including one soldier, were killed in renewed gunfights between troops and rebels, local military and police officers said on Sunday. Spokesman for Lhokseumawe military operations Maj. Zaenal Mutaqin said three rebels were shot dead in a clash with soldiers at Uleh Gle village in Idi Rayeuk subdistrict, East Aceh.

PALYJA to double investment

PALYJA to double investment to improve clean water supply PT PAM Lyonaise Jaya (PALYJA), a subsidiary of ONDEO Services of France, will more than double its investment to improve and expand the supply of clean water in western Jakarta.

Military, police hunt 25 Acehnese in Atambua

Military, police hunt 25 Acehnese in Atambua Yemris Fointuna The Jakarta Post Kupang Local military intelligence has confirmed the presence of 25 members of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) separatist group in Atambua near the border with East Timor, an officer claimed on Saturday. East Nusa Tenggara's Wirasakti Military Command chief Col.

Rupiah to remain under pressure

Rupiah to remain under pressure Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Following a two percent drop last week, the rupiah's roller- coaster performance against the U.S. dollar is expected to continue this week as the market would remain cautious, awaiting fresh news, currency analysts said.

Bank Rakyat Indonesia

Bank Rakyat Indonesia BRI 14040 offers quick and easy banking transactions by phone Executives, professionals, academics and businesspeople who are always on the move can now make banking transactions by phone anywhere and anytime through Bank BRI, Indonesia's only bank which has offices in almost every town across the country.

Papuan schools lack of teachers

Papuan schools lack of teachers JAYAPURA, Papua: Many schools in remote areas of Irian Jaya have had to halt classes due to the lack of teachers as well as poor transportation for students to get to school, an activist said on Saturday. Alfon Ongge, a youth activist, blamed the administration for ignoring the people's right to education and neglecting the construction of transportation infrastructure, so badly needed for the development of remote areas.

Cerdas secures Hamzah chess championship

Cerdas secures Hamzah chess championship Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Cerdas Barus won the Rp 45 million (US$5,000) Hamzah Haz Cup chess tournament after beating Hamdani Rudin in the final at the Tanah Abang Chess Center here on Sunday. Cerdas, an International Master (IM) title holder with an elo- rating of 2448, defeated Hamdani, a rated-2404 FIDE Master, 2.5- 1.5 to earn a Rp 6 million of cash prizes.

Dredging river estuaries can ease next year floods: Nedeco

Dredging river estuaries can ease next year floods: Nedeco The Jakarta Post Jakarta An expert from the Netherlands Engineering Consultants (Nedeco) said that floods in the capital could be eased by up to 80 percent next year if the city administration dredged at least five of its river's estuaries. "The estuaries' sediment that has reached a depth of three meters significantly contributed to the flood in January and February.

Where to go in Jakarta: Monday, June 10, 2002

Where to go in Jakarta: Monday, June 10, 2002 Exhibitions * Visual Arts Deep Blue, the Art and the Sea, National Museum, Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat No. 12, Central Jakarta (Tel. 3868172), until June 17. * Video Art from Finland, Lontar Gallery, Jl. Utan Kayu 68H, East Jakarta (Tel. 8573388), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., until June 12. * Painting by Riyani Lukita, Duta Fine Arts Foundation, Jl. Kemang Utara 55A, South Jakarta, until June 13.

President Megawati arrives in Rome

President Megawati arrives in Rome Imanuddin The Jakarta Post Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri arrived in the Italian capital of Rome on Sunday morning (Sunday afternoon in Jakarta) on the first leg of her two-week European visit, a report said. The President and her entourage were welcomed at the Ciampino military airbase by the Indonesian Ambassador to Italy, Freddy Numberi, Antara news agency reported.

Hamzah's planned visit to Ambon blasted

Hamzah's planned visit to Ambon blasted Muhammad Nafik The Jakarta Post Jakarta The planned visit by Vice President Hamzah Haz to troubled Maluku province on Tuesday will benefit no one but the Vice President's personal political interests, analysts said on Sunday. "The trip is actually not necessary. It will only serve Hamzah's own political benefits," sociologist Thamrin Amal Tomagola of the University of Indonesia, told The Jakarta Post.

Explosion outside disco stuns Jakarta

Explosion outside disco stuns Jakarta Yogita Tahilramani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After a slew of bombings in 2000 and 2001, Jakarta was rocked once again by an explosion early Sunday morning near the Eksotis discotheque in the Mangga Besar area of Central Jakarta. No fatalities were reported. The explosion left two men seriously injured with burns and shrapnel wounds.

Learning islet tourism the Maldives way

Learning islet tourism the Maldives way Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta There is nothing unusual about the four-page brochure in which pictures of white-sand beaches with cheery tourists adorn the pages. "Maldives, the sunny side of life," says the slogan on a Maldives tourist promotion brochure printed under a Maldives logo. An archipelago of 1,190 little coral islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, the Maldives are tiny compared to Indonesia, which has 17,500 islands.

Antidrug campaign on in East Java

Antidrug campaign on in East Java SURABAYA: East Java Governor Imam Utomo has embarked on an anti-HIV/AIDS and drug campaign, declaring the month of June as "The Month of No-HIV or Drugs". Data issued by the East Java Health Office showed that people with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in the province had increased five-fold in the past three years, with an average of 14 new cases emerging every month.

Children to win long-overdue health rights

Children to win long-overdue health rights Debbie A. Lubis, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Children, by nature, love to play, but tougher competition ahead has prompted their parents to overzealously enroll them into extensive extracurricular educational activities aimed at bolstering their academic performance. Not to mention those who are economically unfortunate, Indonesian children nowadays are often forced to use their time scraping around for additional income for the family.

Dredging rivers' estuaries is a must: Expert

Dredging rivers' estuaries is a must: Expert The Jakarta Post, Jakarta An expert from the Netherlands Engineering Consultants (Nedeco) said that floods in the capital could be eased by up to 80 percent next year if the city administration dredged at least five of its river's estuaries. "The estuaries' sediment that has reached a depth of three meters significantly contributed to the flood in January and February.