Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 15 June 2002

91 articles found

Police order officers accused of harassment

Police order officers accused of harassmentI Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar Four girls questioned by the police here Friday supported their friend's earlier allegation that the head of Denpasar public order officer had harassed them sexually in a recent raid on residents' identity...

Everything for the love of soccer

Everything for the love of soccerJoko E.H. Anwar, Contributor, Jakarta For Tamara Geraldine, staying in the RCTI studio every day for 11 hours during World Cup 2002 is more than just fulfilling her job duties.

Dengue fever hits Bogor

Dengue fever hits Bogor BOGOR: Dengue fever has spread to a total of 21 out of 68 subdistricts in Bogor.Central Bogor is the district most prone to the endemic disease, said Dedet B. Utoyo of the local health agency.

TNI's democratic guerrilla war

TNI's democratic guerrilla war The Indonesian military (TNI) is indeed experienced in guerrilla warfare. Even in drafting the bill on political parties, its guerrilla maneuver could manage to include the right for members of the TNI and police to vote and be elected.

RI to host conference on orangutan

RI to host conference on orangutan PALANGKARAYA, Central Kalimantan: Palangkaraya is to host an international conference on orangutan conservation from June 19 to June 20, 2002, a provincial government spokesman said.

Finding a suitable apartment can be tricky

Finding a suitable apartment can be trickyJoko E.H. Anwar Contributor Jakarta For many people, living in an apartment means easier living than living in houses. For instance, they will not need to do as much maintenance as they would have to on houses due its smaller size.

Buloggate II a stale joke?

Buloggate II a stale joke? From Rakyat Merdeka A court hearing in a new corruption case involving Bulog non- budgetary funds, in which Akbar Tandjung, Dadang Sukandar and Winfried Simatupang are the defendants with some legal experts having been summoned as expert witnesses, is really cause for...

Managing uncertainty effectively in your job search

Managing uncertainty effectively in your job searchPri Notowidigdo, The Amrop Hever Group, Global Executive Search (e-mail: jakarta@amrophever.com) I have been talking with a number of people over the last two weeks who have either been retrenched from corporate downsizing or have chosen to explore...

TNI's right to cast votes

TNI's right to cast votes The Indonesian Military (TNI) and National Police are soon to leave politics and have their seats removed from the legislature. The question is how to channel the military's political rights? And who will represent them in the House of Representatives? This is what the...

Jakarta administration fails to understand poverty causes

Jakarta administration fails to understand poverty causesMuninggar Sri Saraswati and Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Poverty remains a major problem in Jakarta because the city administration's programs fail to address its underlying causes, according to an activist.

Pertamina's net profit increase to Rp 4.47 trillion

Pertamina's net profit increase to Rp 4.47 trillionMoch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State oil and gas company Pertamina's finance director, Ainun Naim, said on Friday that the company's 2001 net profit increased to Rp 4.47 trillion (US$514 million) from the previous year's Rp 3.

Int'l trade, policy gauge

Int'l trade, policy gaugeC. Stuart Callison, Economist, Jakarta The June 12th edition of The Jakarta Post carried an op-ed piece by Alan Tonelson, research fellow, U.S. Business and Industry Council Education Foundation, indicating it came from the Washington Post.

1. Tangkap: 12 x 4 lines

1. Tangkap: 12 x 4 lines Five Acehnese mystery men arrested in KupangPolice in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, have detained five Acehnese people, allegedly members of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), for having falsified identity cards and passports.

Indonesia's chess juniors whitewashed: With 17 players in the

Indonesia's chess juniors whitewashed: With 17 players in the squad, Indonesia returned home empty-handed from the ASEAN Age- Group Chess Championships on Friday, while Vietnam predictably dominated, winning ten out of the 12 gold medals at stake.

Padang restores historical buildings

Padang restores historical buildings PADANG, West Sumatra: A number of historical buildings, a legacy of the Dutch colonial days and the Japanese occupation in the subdistrict of Pasa Padang, South Padang district, Padang, will be preserved to promote tourism.

Another vocal Acehnese councillor murdered

Another vocal Acehnese councillor murderedIbnu Matnoor and Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam The security uncertainties in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam province have claimed another victim with the shooting dead of United Development Party (PPP) provincial councillor,...

Government nears deal with BI on loan dispute

Government nears deal with BI on loan disputeDadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government and Bank Indonesia are close to ending a two-year dispute over the billions of dollars in liquidity support channeled to troubled banks in the late 1990s.

PADANG, West Sumatra: A number of historical buildings, a legacy

PADANG, West Sumatra: A number of historical buildings, a legacy of the Dutch colonial days and the Japanese occupation in the subdistrict of Pasa Padang, South Padang district, Padang, will be preserved to promote tourism.

'BusinessWeek' launches RI edition

'BusinessWeek' launches RI edition JAKARTA: BusinessWeek has launched an Indonesian-language edition that its licensee said attempts to take advantage of the country's improving economy and its growing professional class.

1. Duit (4 x 12)

1. Duit (4 x 12) Most Asian monies mixed late, rupiah mostly flat 2. Steel (2 x 24) Japan, S.Korea to follow EU in WTO bid against U.S. JP/14/Steel3. RI delays int'l rubber meeting 3. Petro (2 x 18) Petronas pays $170m for Kerr-McGee unit

Rights activists slam team to probe Maluku conflict

Rights activists slam team to probe Maluku conflictThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Ambon Skepticism loomed on Friday over the neutrality and capability of the newly established team to investigate human rights abuses in Maluku because it is run by the government, human rights activists said on Friday.

1. Maluku -- 15 x 3lines

1. Maluku -- 15 x 3lines Rights activists slam team to probe Maluku conflict 2. Refugee -- 22 x 2 line Political agreement sought to settle repatriation issues 3. Poor -- 22 x 2 lines Jakarta administration fails to understand poverty causes 4.

Men uncomfortable with condoms

Men uncomfortable with condoms JAKARTA: Most Indonesian males are familiar with condoms but are unaware of what they are for, hampering the nationwide fight against HIV/AIDS, a health official said on Friday.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSXStock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 14, 2002:-------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Close Change TradingVolume -------------------------------------------------------------- Abdi Bangsa Tbk 370 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk...

Election fever,

Election fever, improper focus Vice President Hamzah Haz has declared that if he goes on the campaign trail for the 2004 general elections, he will do this not in his capacity as the vice president of the country, but as general chairman of the United Development Party (PPP).

JP/13/L00

JP/13/L00 JP/13/ConverRupiah Rates June 14Bank notes rates TT ratesSelling Buying Selling BuyingRp Rp Rp Rp U.S. dollar 1 9,205.00 8,205.00 8,749.00 8,661.00Australian dollar 1 5,209.11 4,639.11 4,951.06 4,896.93Brunei dollar 1 5,160.91 4,598.44 4,905.25 4,854.00Canadian dollar 1 5,980.38 5,327.

Rp 109 billion to help the poor

Rp 109 billion to help the poor JAKARTA: The Ministry of National Education has received Rp 109 billion from the government to help the poor offset the impact of fuel price hikes.The fund is part of Rp 1 trillion that the ministry received to cushion the impact on poor people of the government's...

Crisis halts hospital project

Crisis halts hospital project TANGERANG: Residents of Bumi Serpong Damai (BSD) housing estate in Serpong district, Tangerang regency, have complained about a neglected hospital development project, which has been abandoned for the last five years.

Nightclub-goers, beware of spiked drinks

Nightclub-goers, beware of spiked drinksClaire Harvey, Contributor, Jakarta Wendy had only taken a few sips of her cocktail when it started.Her face turned pale, she became drenched in sweat and she lost control of her motor skills.

1. Maluku -- 15 x 3lines

1. Maluku -- 15 x 3lines Rights activists slam team to probe Maluku conflict 2. Refugee -- 22 x 2 line Political agreement sought to settle repatriation issues 3. Poor -- 22 x 2 lines Jakarta administration fails to understand poverty causes 4.

Tempering the optimism of the Indonesian economy

Tempering the optimism of the Indonesian economyRizal Ramli Former Finance Minister Jakarta The last few weeks have seen the appearance in the press of an excessive euphoria regarding the progress of Indonesia's economic recovery.

[b]

Tempering the optimism on Indonesia's economy 2. Yomiuri -- Fiscal discipline blocks reform 1 x 32 48 pt Bodoni Fiscal discipline blocks reform 3. State -- Football and Malappuram 1 x 32 48 pt Bodoni Bizarre World Cup unites South Asia

Commission may take over constitutional reform talks

Commission may take over constitutional reform talksThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta A commission to amend the 1945 Constitution may be established if current debates under the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) misses the August deadline, according to the chairman of the MPR Ad Hoc Committee in charge...

Soap operas,

Soap operas, dreams and glamorFrom Warta Kota It is apparent that foreign cultural elements on TV highly influence our lives. Take for example, Meteor Garden which is aired by Indosiar TV station on Mondays from 10 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Petronas pays $ 170m for Kerr-McGee unit

Petronas pays $ 170m for Kerr-McGee unitAgence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia's national oil company Petronas said Friday it has acquired Kerr-McGee Corp's Indonesian oil and gas unit for US$170 million.

'Lower SBI rate stimulates growth'

'Lower SBI rate stimulates growth'A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The reducing interest rate of Bank Indonesia one-month SBI promissory notes will trigger a positive chain reaction in the country's economy, according to analysts.Banking analyst Elvyn G.

IFC warns RI courts are scaring investors away

IFC warns RI courts are scaring investors away The Jakarta Post Jakarta The International Financial Corporation (IFC), the investment arm of the World Bank, warned on Friday that the country's weak legal system was scaring away badly needed foreign investors, after the Central Jakarta Commercial...

AGO soon to summon Ginandjar

AGO soon to summon GinandjarTertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Attorney General's Office is scheduled to question witnesses in the US$24.8 million scandal on Monday involving former minister of mines and energy Ginandjar Kartasasmita.

Most Asian monies mixed late, rupiah mostly flat

Most Asian monies mixed late, rupiah mostly flatS. Anuradha, Dow Jones, Singapore Asian currencies were mixed late Friday, with comments by several central bankers in the region indicating different levels of comfort with the dollar's recent weakness.

'BusinessWeek' launches RI edition

'BusinessWeek' launches RI edition JAKARTA: BusinessWeek has launched an Indonesian-language edition that its licensee said attempts to take advantage of the country's improving economy and its growing professional class.

Living in a cheap apartment an inspiring experience

Living in a cheap apartment an inspiring experienceJoko E.H. Anwar Contributor The Jakarta PostJust like people on high incomes, many in the middle- to lower-income bracket seek the same advantages from living in an apartment.

Five Acehnese arrested in Kupang for fake papers

Five Acehnese arrested in Kupang for fake papersYemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang Police in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, have detained five Acehnese people, allegedly members of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), for having falsified identity cards and passports.

Organic veggies slow to gain popularity

Organic veggies slow to gain popularityBambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Consuming organic fruits and vegetables have become a trend in many advanced countries as many studies have shown that the food can help people live healthier and are not grown with environmentally destructive...

Education needs evolution rather than revolution

Education needs evolution rather than revolutionSimon Marcus Gower, Principal, Harapan Bangsa High School, Tangerang Education, like so many other facets of Indonesian life, has come under the scrutiny of critics who conclude that there is a need for major reform, if not revolution, in the way...

The ugly American way

The ugly American way How often have our monies (foreign notes) been refused in Indonesian banks because they are not pristine and perfect? Last year I traveled throughout Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.

Public order officers accused of harassment

Public order officers accused of harassmentI Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar The Denpasar Police have vowed to thoroughly investigate a formal complaint filed by a 24-year-old woman who claims that she and five other women were sexually harassed by the chief of the city's Public Order...

TV Today: Saturday, June 15, 2002

TV Today: Saturday, June 15, 2002 TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings6:00 News8:30 Talk Show9:00 Comedy10:30 Talk Show11:00 News11:30 Music12:00 p.m. News1:00 Talk Show2:30 Music3:00 Documentary3:30 Religious Teachings4:00 TV Drama5:00 Traditional Performance6:00 News7:00 Variety Show8:00 Quiz9:00...

Nine arrested for heroin

Nine arrested for heroin JAKARTA: The police arrested nine people, including four Africans and a Thai, on Thursday night for allegedly trafficking drugs.Chief of the narcotics police detectives Adj. Snr. Com. Carlo B.

Man murdered after job search

Man murdered after job search JAKARTA: A man who had been promised a job as a sailor after paying millions of rupiah was beaten to death by a group of thugs after he complained because the promise of work was unfulfilled.

Political agreement sought to settle repatriation issues

Political agreement sought to settle repatriation issuesRita A. Widiadana and Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar/Jakarta Representatives of East Timorese refugees and delegates from the new country are seeking a political agreement on the unsettled issues of reconciliation and repatriation.

Activist seeks strict audit to deter electoral violations

Activist seeks strict audit to deter electoral violationsKurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Strict audit into financial sheets of political parties should be conducted prior to and after the 2004 elections to prevent them from taking more donations than allowed under prevailing laws, an...

Prambanan for prayers

Prambanan for prayersFrom KompasWith 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.

Nucholish calls out HMI

Nucholish calls out HMI Well-known Indonesian Islamic scholar Nurcholish Madjid staunchly criticized the Association of Indonesian university students (HMI) recently, saying that it has been orientated towards position and power only.

1. Insight -- 35 x 1 line

1. Insight -- 35 x 1 line Satay Cabinet: The cost of imposed unity 2. Siam -- 24 x 2 line Two pairs of Siamese twins await operations at RSCM 3. Reax -- 28 x 1 line RI courts scaring investors away: IFC 4. Sydney -- 24 x 2 lines Australia and Indonesia target transnational crime in new pact

Exorbitant postal charges

Exorbitant postal chargesFrom Koran TempoI have been a customer of the country's postal service for a long time and very often use the regular postal service to send packages from Jakarta to Sampit, Central Kalimantan.

Public order office insists on arming officers with guns

Public order office insists on arming officers with gunsDamar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite mounting criticism, the city Public Order Office vowed to go forward with a plan to distribute guns to its officers, saying the step was necessary to maintain order and to allow the officers to...

PAS plans for strict Islamic law face hurdles

PAS plans for strict Islamic law face hurdlesAgence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur Attempts by two opposition-ruled Malaysian states to impose strict Islamic criminal law, including amputation of limbs for theft, were challenged in court here on Friday.

FAO fails in its mission

FAO fails in its mission The summit held by the United Nations' Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) in Rome, which opened early this week, seems to be the place where Indonesia's President, Megawati Soekarnoputri, can air her grievances.

'New governor must love the poor'

'New governor must love the poor' With the upcoming gubernatorial election looming, Jakartans have begun to think about what they expect from the next governor. Some prefer a civilian but others still want a military officer.

Teachers are badly needed but poorly paid

Teachers are badly needed but poorly paidDebbie A. Lubis, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Being underpaid is something that school teacher Dini never dwells on.Teaching English at a state elementary school in South Jakarta, Dini only earns a monthly salary of Rp 150,000, one third of the minimum monthly...

When will fuel

When will fuel prices go down? From Rakyat Merdeka The government has raised the price of fuel as part of a grand strategy to abolish the fuel subsidy in 2004 and improve the government's financial position.

Edy unveils plan to join governor's election race

Edy unveils plan to join governor's election raceAhmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Military (TNI)/Police faction of the City Council has stated that it will not nominate any gubernatorial candidate. But Maj. Gen.

Australia and Indonesia target transnational crime in new pact

Australia and Indonesia target transnational crime in new pactAgence France-Presse, Sydney Australia and Indonesia have joined forces to combat transnational crimes such as people smuggling and the trafficking of women and children for prostitution, the government announced on Friday.

Indonesia delays int'l rubber meeting

Indonesia delays int'l rubber meetingDow Jones, Bangkok A planned meeting of the International Tripartite Rubber Council, or ITRC, next week was called off after Indonesia sought a postponement, Wate Thainugul, manager of the Thai Rubber Association said Friday.

Election bill will limit parties to less than 10, analysts say

Election bill will limit parties to less than 10, analysts sayMuhammad Nafik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Analysts predict that less than 10 political parties will be eligible to contest the 2004 general election should the proposed bill on general elections be enacted.

Sacred dance 'Bedhaya' to be recreated

Sacred dance 'Bedhaya' to be recreatedSri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta The smell of burning incense fills the room. It is illuminated by a dozen or so torches. The ambience is perfect for the sacred pre-Bedhaya ritual.

Asian titans clash over Salim's First Pacific deal

Asian titans clash over Salim's First Pacific dealElaine Kurtenbach, Associated Press, Hong Kong An attempt by Indonesia's powerful Salim group to sell its stake in troubled Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co.

400,000 policyholders of Manulife face uncertainty

400,000 policyholders of Manulife face uncertaintyRendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Around 400,000 policyholders of PT Asuransi Jiwa Manulife Indonesia (AJMI), the local unit of Canada's giant insurer Manulife Financial Corp.

IFC warns RI courts are scaring investors away

IFC warns RI courts are scaring investors away The Jakarta Post Jakarta The International Financial Corporation (IFC), the investment arm of the World Bank, warned on Friday that the country's weak legal system was scaring away badly needed foreign investors, after the Central Jakarta Commercial...

Weird hobby of the rich

Weird hobby of the richFrom Koran Tempo Who says that the country's economy is now at its lowest point and who says that reform has totally failed? Perhaps, only university students are sad to see their parents racking their brains and making enormous efforts to pay the tuition fees of their...

IFC warns RI courts are scaring investors away

IFC warns RI courts are scaring investors away The Jakarta Post Jakarta The International Financial Corporation (IFC), the investment arm of the World Bank, warned on Friday that the country's weak legal system was scaring away badly needed foreign investors, after the Central Jakarta Commercial...

Int'l trade, policy gauge

Int'l trade, policy gaugeAn economic policy barometerC. Stuart Callison Economist Jakarta 2. Asahi -- `Bureaucrats' rob Bush of excuses on Kyoto 1 x 32 48 pt Bodoni Officials corner Bush on Kyoto Fumihiko Yoshida The Asahi Shimbun Tokyo3.

Japan's total investment overseas falls sharply

Japan's total investment overseas falls sharplyAgence France-Presse, Tokyo Global foreign direct investment by Japan fell 26.3 percent in the year to March, although investment in China surged as firms shifted factories there, the Ministry of Finance said Friday.

Student goes to Math Olympics

Student goes to Math Olympics MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Muhammad Syafri of Senior High School 17, Makassar, silver medalist in Southeast Asia's Math Olympic in Malaysia, has been nominated to represent Indonesia at the Math Olympics in Glasgow, Scotland in July.Principal Umar A.R.

Indonesian courts scaring investors away, IFC warns

Indonesian courts scaring investors away, IFC warnsThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta The International Financial Corporation (IFC), the investment arm of the World Bank, warned on Friday that the country's weak legal system was scaring away badly needed foreign investors, after the Central Jakarta...

Organic or hydroponic?

Organic or hydroponic? People who want to buy organic vegetables should be careful as they might mistakenly pick up hydroponic ones, which are widely available here."I thought that they are organic vegetables.

Optimism on RI's economy

Optimism on RI's economy RI's recovery is fragile 2. Yomiuri -- Fiscal discipline blocks reform 1 x 32 48 pt Bodoni Fiscal discipline blocks reform 3. State -- Football and Malappuram 1 x 32 48 pt Bodoni Bizarre World Cup unites South Asia

1. Insight -- 35 x 1 line

1. Insight -- 35 x 1 line Satay Cabinet: The cost of imposed unity 2. Siam -- 24 x 2 line Two pairs of Siamese twins await operations at RSCM 3. Reax -- 28 x 1 line RI courts scaring investors away: IFC 4. Sydney -- 24 x 2 lines Australia and Indonesia target transnational crime in new pact

[b]Education needs evolution

Education needs evolution rather than revolutionSimon Marcus Gower Principal Harapan Bangsa High School Tangerang2. Gua -- Optimism missing in international relations 1 X 32 36pt BodoniOptimism wanting in international ties Martin Woollacott Guardian News Service London 3.

Army spokesman clarifies

Army spokesman clarifies Referring to the article "Mega has no answer on Theys' murder," published in The Jakarta Post on June 8, 2002, we would like to inform you as follows:a. There is a mistake in the article.

Return of expatriates helps boost apartment sales

Return of expatriates helps boost apartment salesGrace Emilia Contributor Jakarta After a more than four-year slump, the apartment sector is showing signs of life again thanks to the return of expatriates, according to property consultant Koll IPAC.

Tae kwon doins urged to improve for Asiad

Tae kwon doins urged to improve for AsiadMusthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Tae Kwon Do Association (TI) has given four of its Asian Games nominees a second chance to enhance their performance before they are deemed whether or not eligible for the Korean trip.

Morauta wants fair election

Morauta wants fair election PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Papua New Guineans must be able to cast their ballots freely and fairly when a landmark election begins in the troubled South Pacific nation on Saturday, Prime Minister Sir Mekere Morauta said on Friday.

New curriculum set for 2004

New curriculum set for 2004 JAKARTA: A pilot project for the new curriculum conducted at 15 primary and 15 junior high schools will proceed to the second- round implementation next month.The competence-based curriculum will be implemented in all grades of elementary school, the first and second...

Legislators'

Legislators' wealth reportsFrom Kompas The move by the State Officials' Wealth Audit Commission (KPKPN) in making public the names of 92 members of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), who had failed to submit their wealth reports, is the commission's way of censuring these members, as they...

'Satay Cabinet': The cost of imposed unity

'Satay Cabinet': The cost of imposed unitySjahrir, Economist, New Indonesia Alliance (PIB), Jakarta One of our founding fathers, Bung Hatta, once said that we should be able to distinguish between the words persatuan (unity) and persatean (like skewered meat, dissension).

Myanmar accuses neighbor Thailand of backing 'terrorism'

Myanmar accuses neighbor Thailand of backing 'terrorism'Aung Hla Tun and Andrew Marshall, Reuters, Yangon/Bangkok Myanmar's military government accused Thailand on Friday of supporting ethnic minority rebel groups, in a statement likely to inflame simmering tensions between the two countries.

Optimism at the JSX

Optimism at the JSX Considering various indicators in the Indonesian economic sector for the past few months, it would not be too much to ask of foreign fund managers to revised their composite index at the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) from 600 to 650 as soon as possible.

1. Blast -- 50pts Bodoni L/c 3col. 3lines -57

1. Blast -- 50pts Bodoni L/c 3col. 3lines -57Bomb outside U.S. consulate in Karachi kills eight people 2. Mideast -- 36pts Bodoni L/c 4col. 2lines -36Israelis, Palestinians await American Middle East strategy3. Indopak -- 36pts Bodoni L/c 5col. 1line-27Pakistan pulls back ships, tension remains4.

Bomb outside U.S. consulate in Karachi kills eight people

Bomb outside U.S. consulate in Karachi kills eight peopleAamir Ashraf, Reuters, Karachi, Pakistan A car bomb outside the U.S. consulate in the port city of Karachi killed at least eight Pakistanis on Friday, less than a day after U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld left the country, police said.

Two pairs of Siamese twins await operation at RSCM

Two pairs of Siamese twins await operation at RSCMMuninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The young woman was overjoyed when a midwife at a community health center (Puskesmas) in Serang, Banten, told her last year that she was pregnant.