Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 17 June 2002

73 articles found

Bullish stock market to help drive rupiah up

Bullish stock market to help drive rupiah up Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta An absence of fresh news is expected to limit the movement of the rupiah this week, although bullish sentiment in the stock market will provide more leeway to the local currency to slightly strengthen against the dollar, an analyst has said. The rupiah closed higher last week at Rp 8,740 against the U.S. dollar, compared to the previous week's closing of Rp 8,870.

Cibibong suffers losses in Q1

Cibibong suffers losses in Q1 JAKARTA: Cement makers PT Semen Cibinong recorded losses of Rp 52 billion (US$6 million) in the first quarter of the year following an increase in operational costs and a drop in export proceeds resulting from the strengthening of the rupiah. The firm blamed the rainy season and severe flooding in the first months of the year for the loss as it raised production and transport costs.

'Jakarta Fairground is too far'

'Jakarta Fairground is too far' The Jakarta Fair has taken place every year in the capital since 1969. First staged at the National Monument (Monas), the event was moved to the site of the former Kemayoran airport in 1992. The new area, named Jakarta Fairground, was designed to promote business and public entertainment. Some people shared their comments about the event, which this year is staged to commemorate the city's 475th anniversary, with The Jakarta Post.

Merola believes in power of art

Merola believes in power of art Christina Schott, Contributor, Jakarta If you ask Italian Ambassador Alessandro Merola what he has learned from his stint in Indonesia, "patience" would be on top of the list. "In Western countries we tend to rush everything. Everybody is always stressed, only thinking about troubles and problems. Indonesians look at things with a certain distance and have a different notion about time.

Haj fee to rise, minister says

Haj fee to rise, minister says SURABAYA: In contrast to a previous agreement between the House of Representatives and his aide to cap the haj fee, Minister of Religious Affairs Said Agiel Husein Al-Munawar said the government would increase the charge for the next haj season. Said Agiel estimated the increase to reach US$100. But due to the declining exchange rate of the U.S. dollar against the rupiah, the increase would not affect the price as pilgrims would pay in rupiah.

Corruption mars councillors' housing development

Corruption mars councillors' housing development Oyos Saroso H.N., The Jakarta Post, Bandarlampung A Lampung-based corruption watchdog has revealed a conspiracy between the Lampung provincial legislative council and a real estate developer in the construction of 26 houses for councillors.

Mega opts to keep silent on calls to revamp Cabinet

Mega opts to keep silent on calls to revamp Cabinet Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite mounting calls to reshuffle her Cabinet, President Megawati Soekarnoputri has opted to keep the nation waiting, at least until her arrival back home. On the sidelines of her visit to London over the weekend, Megawati said she preferred not to discuss such a sensitive issue.

Limited number of parties good for democracy: Politicians

Limited number of parties good for democracy: Politicians Muhammad Nafik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The fewer political parties contesting the 2004 general elections the better, politicians here say. "What we need is a multi-party system with a limited number of political parties. There should be no more than 10 parties," said Ali Masykur Musa, a senior legislator from the National Awakening Party (PKB).

KL power firm to focus on hydro-power

KL power firm to focus on hydro-power Malaysia's electricity utility firm Tenaga Nasional will focus on developing hydro-electric plants in efforts to ease the country's dependence on gas, reports said Sunday. Tenaga's chairman Jamaluddin Mohamad Jarjis said gas-fueled plants currently contributed to 80 percent of the country's total power consumption, while another 20 percent was from coal and hydro plants.

Watch the World Cup from the comfort of your own car

Watch the World Cup from the comfort of your own car Rinaldi Herdianto, Contributor, Jakarta In the past couple of weeks, Jakartans have witnessed unusual early evening traffic jams after work. It appears that many more people than normal are heading home at the same time with no one willing to stay on at the office. Consequently, thoroughfares and tollroads have seen heavy bumper-to-bumper traffic jam as if the traffic police were no longer able to handle the situation. What's up?

Living in a cheap apartment an inspiring experience

Living in a cheap apartment an inspiring experience Joko E.H. Anwar Contributor The Jakarta Post Just like people on high incomes, many in the middle- to lower-income bracket seek the same advantages from living in an apartment. I was among those who wished to avoid the inconvenience of living in a house. However, while some can afford to rent an apartment at thousands of dollars a month, I had to find one at a rental I could afford.

Adianto P. Simamora

Adianto P. Simamora The Jakarta Post Jakarta The country's export revenue from textile and textile products is expected to decrease by 10 percent this year from US$7.6 billion last year because local products cannot compete in export markets, according to the Indonesian Textile Association (API).

Plants to cure cancer studied

Plants to cure cancer studied PALU, Central Sulawesi: A group of 10 researchers from the National Institute of Sciences (LIPI) is currently identifying a floral species that is believed to be effective in healing cancer. The study has been going on for two weeks since late last month, head of the Lore Lindu National Park Banjar Yulianto Laban told Antara on Sunday. The park is located some 50 kilometers south of Palu.

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 government wants to answer through the bill on general elections which gives the military the right to cast votes and be elected. The idea has apparently caused controversy. Army Chief of Staff Gen.

Attorney General Rachman under fire for lavish party

Attorney General Rachman under fire for lavish party Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Attorney General M.A. Rachman, who is responsible for dealing mainly with the country's widespread corruption, has come under fire for hosting a lavish wedding reception for his daughter last week, which some legislators have said was extravagant.

UPC slams city for not assisting non-registered poor

UPC slams city for not assisting non-registered poor Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city administration's policy to exempt poor people without identity cards from the poverty eradication program breached human rights and the 1945 constitution, an activist of a non- governmental organization said over the weekend. "It's obviously against human rights as well as a citizen's rights as stipulated in our Constitution," Urban Poor Consortium (UPC) chairwoman Wardah Hafidz said.

'Kemayoran Fairground is too far'

'Kemayoran Fairground is too far' The Jakarta Fair has taken place every year in the capital since 1969. First staged at the National Monument (Monas), the event was moved to the site of the former Kemayoran airport in 1992. The new area, named Kemayoran Fairground, was designed to promote business and public entertainment. Some people shared their comments about the event, which this year is staged to commemorate the city's 475th anniversary, with The Jakarta Post.

Legislators' wealth reports

Legislators' wealth reports From 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 have demonstrated a poor attitude and ignored the prevailing regulations. Unfortunately, the published report mentions only nine names. We are disappointed.

Smuggling in Sabang involves officials

Smuggling in Sabang involves officials Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Sabang Island Aceh Amiruddin sits idly on a bench, casting his sight at the open sea in front of Sabang harbor. There was not a single ship docking at the harbor that day. On a busy day he earns Rp 7,300 (70 U.S. cents) for every 1,000 kilograms of goods he carries on his back and so in total earns an average of Rp 47,500.

Indonesian firms upbeat on export sales: Survey

Indonesian firms upbeat on export sales: Survey The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Local exporting companies are mostly optimistic that their export sales to the Asia-Pacific region and Europe will increase over the next 12 months, but they are somewhat less upbeat about the United States and African markets, according to a survey. The survey, which was jointly carried out by consultancy firm Castle Asia and U.S. delivery firm DHL, put exporters' confidence index at 31.3 for the next 12 months.

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.

UPC says number of poor people in Jakarta is higher than reported

UPC says number of poor people in Jakarta is higher than reported Damar Harsanto The Jakarta Post Jakarta Urban Poor Consortium (UPC) chairwoman Wardah Hafidz said on Saturday that the number of poor people without ID cards in the city could be five times greater than the 100,000 reported earlier by the Jakarta Bureau of Statistics. "It must be far more than only 100,000. It could be five times higher," she said.

1. Manu (4x13)

1. Manu (4x13) 'Manulife verdict ludicrous, unjustifiable' 2. IBRA (2x26) IBRA steps up pressure on indebted ex-bank owners 3. Castle (3x16) Indonesian firms upbeat on export sales: Survey 4. AJMI (2x21) Manulife moves to calm policyholders

Traffic congestion protested

Traffic congestion protested TANGERANG: People have complained about traffic congestion on Jl. MH Thamrin in Kebon Nanas, Tangerang, before the Jakarta- Tangerang tollgate. The Tangerang traffic police chief, Insp. Sudarmanto, said that the congestion was caused by the narrowing street and pedestrians crossing the street. He said it was urgent that a pedestrian bridge be built.

Give Maluku team time to prove itself: VP

Give Maluku team time to prove itself: VP The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Responding to public skepticism over the credibility of an investigation team for Maluku, Vice President Hamzah Haz said Sunday the team should be given time to prove itself. Hamzah said the team would be evaluated in three months time and changes would be made if it was deemed to have failed to carry out objective investigations. "The team has not commenced its work and people already doubt (its impartiality).

Return of expatriates helps boost apartment sales

Return of expatriates helps boost apartment sales Grace 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. Lynnette Johnson, an expatriate coordinator of the property consultant's relocation services, says the increase in the number of expatriates in Jakarta has had a positive impact on the Indonesian apartment business.

Tentena still tense after bus bombing

Tentena still tense after bus bombing Jupriadi, The Jakarta Post, Poso, Central Sulawesi Tension remained prevalent in the predominantly-Christian town of Tentena over the weekend following a series of violent incidents which have claimed the lives of local residents.

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.

Life ends at 40 due to fatty, high-cholesterol food: Doctors

Life ends at 40 due to fatty, high-cholesterol food: Doctors Debbie A. Lubis, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Forty-three-year-old Andriansyah had a heart attack and died in a commuter train in Depok, south of Jakarta last week. His family said that he had never shown any symptoms of illness before. "I just guessed the sudden chest pains he had been having were caused by tiredness at work, so we never checked it with the doctor," Ratna, Andriansyah's wife, 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.

Our deepest sympathy and condolences

Our deepest sympathy and condolences on the passing of Mrs. T. Soengkono 77 years old the mother in-law of our editorial staff member Robert Soelistiyo She died in Sidoarjo, East Java, on Sunday, June 16, 2002. The deceased will be buried in Solo, Central Java, on Monday, June 17, 2002

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.

Jakarta Fair attracts 62,000 visitors within three days

Jakarta Fair attracts 62,000 visitors within three days Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta Fair is still a magnet for residents of Greater Jakarta. Since it was inaugurated by Vice President Hamzah Haz on Friday, over 62,000 people had visited the event up until Sunday morning. Last year, it only booked some 52 visitors for the same period.

New reform agenda

New reform agenda The government's new economic-reform agreement with the International Monetary Fund will hopefully end the unnecessary public debates on whether Indonesia should exit or remain under the extended fund facility of the multilateral agency.

Candidates positioned for gubernatorial election

Candidates positioned for gubernatorial election Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta All 85 city councillors will elect the governor and the vice governor in the Sept. 17 gubernatorial election. So far, 50 nomination forms have been requested from the council. However, there perhaps only six candidates who can realistically get elected. The Jakarta Post will feature the profiles of the six in two series of articles. This is the first part. Lt. Gen. (ret) Sutiyoso.

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.

Our deepest sympathy and condolences

Our deepest sympathy and condolences on the passing of Mrs. T. Soengkono 77 years old the mother in-law of our editorial staff member Robert Soelistiyo She died in Sidoarjo, East Java, on Sunday, June 16, 2002. The deceased will be buried in Solo, Central Java, on Monday, June 17, 2002

Joko E.H. Anwar

Joko E.H. Anwar Relatively low-cost apartment blocks such as Benhil II apartment (above) on Jl. Perjenihan Raya, Central Jakarta seem to be a melting pot between complex urban lives and more traditional customs. Suyoto The apartment sector is showing signs of life again thanks to the return of expatriates to the country. The trend is likely to continue with the improvement in the country's economy.

Manulife clarifies

Manulife clarifies It was with great concern that I read your Saturday June 15, 2002 front page headline, "400,000 Manulife clients face uncertainty" as the title, in addition to some incorrect information in the article, it was truly misleading. As I have tried to make clear to all of our clients, they are not facing uncertainty.

JP/ /

JP/ / checked Your 30-day home-finding guide Deden Sudarbo Associate Director, Residential Department PT Procon Indah Ever hear someone ask "However did you manage to find such a nice apartment or house so quickly - I looked at over 70 properties before I found even one I liked!" Well there is a smarter approach to secure your home in Jakarta, even as a newcomer. Allocate your time to options-finding, negotiations and lease execution.

'Manulife verdict ludicrous, unjustifiable'

'Manulife verdict ludicrous, unjustifiable' Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The bankruptcy verdict handed down by the Central Jakarta Commercial Court on Canadian insurance firm PT Asuransi Manulife Indonesia (AJMI) has raised concern among experts, who say the verdict is absurd and unjustifiable from the legal point of view.

Manufile moves to calm policyholdres

Manufile moves to calm policyholdres Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta PT Asuransi Jiwa Manulife Indonesia (AJMI) is taking steps to calm nervous policyholders after the firm was declared bankrupt last week by the Central Jakarta Commercial Court. AJMI spokeswoman Nelly Husnayati said that starting Monday, the firm's offices would be open to update policy holders on the situation. "We are organizing a full team from the customer service department ...

Bullish stock market to help drive rupiah this week

Bullish stock market to help drive rupiah this week Dadan Wijaksana The Jakarta Post Jakarta An absence of fresh news is expected to limit the movement of the rupiah this week, although bullish sentiment in the stock market will provide more leeway to the local currency to slightly strengthen against the dollar, an analyst has said. The rupiah closed higher last week at Rp 8,740 against the U.S. dollar, compared to the previous week's closing of Rp 8,870.

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.

'It's time for HMI to dissolve'

'It's time for HMI to dissolve' SURABAYA: A former executive of the much-criticized Indonesian Muslim Students Association (HMI), Deddy Prihambudi, said the student organization should dissolve as it has exceeded its original platform. "HMI must repent. It's high time for the student organization to be dissolved," Deddy, also chairman of the Surabaya Legal Aids Institute, said here on Saturday.

RI's recovery is fragile

RI's recovery is fragile Rizal 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. The basis of this optimistic evaluation is the recent strengthening of the rupiah on foreign exchange markets and the rise of share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange.

Buloggate trial enters final stage

Buloggate trial enters final stage JAKARTA: The trial over the alleged misuse of the Rp40 billion worth of State Logistic Agency (Bulog) non-budgetary fund will enter its final phase to hear the accused on Monday. The accused -- former minister/state secretary Akbar Tanjung, the Raudlathul Jannah Foundation chairman Dadang Sukandar, and contractor Winfried Simatupang will all be questioned today.

Election fever, improper focus

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). For that purpose he plans to take leave of his vice presidential duties and will not make use of whatever facilities he has been accorded by the state.

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 deep concern. At first I thought that the expert witnesses were real experts in their field and could provide objective information without taking sides.

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.

Lawmakers wary over military voting rights

Lawmakers wary over military voting rights Bernie K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Legislators have expressed concern that the general election bill gives military members the right to vote, fearing a lack of professionalism and possible conflicts of interest, but major political parties show signs of backing the bill. "Personally I disagree with this (plan), the time just isn't right yet," Burhan Djabir Magenda of the Golkar Party faction said over the weekend.

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.

RP to trim tax facility

RP to trim tax facility Philippine Finance Secretary Jose Isidro Camacho has ordered the trimming of tax exemptions and incentives granted by government agencies in an effort to bolster the government's sagging revenues, it was announced here Sunday. The incentives and exemptions, granted to attract prospective investors to this country, is "an issue we have to deal with," Camacho was quoted as saying.

Finding a suitable apartment can be tricky

Finding a suitable apartment can be tricky Joko 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. They would not have to worry if their exterior paint has been discoloring or peeling.

Bayer expects better showing in 2002

Bayer expects better showing in 2002 Publicly listed firm PT Bayer Indonesia experienced a sharp decrease in its net income last year, but expects a better showing this year on the improved business climate in the country. "Although risks remain on the sustainability of economic recovery, we expect for 2002 a solid increase in income and sales," Hans-Josef Schill, Bayer's president director, said during the company's annual shareholders meeting over the weekend, in a press release.

Students wager savings on World Cup

Students wager savings on World Cup Leo Wahyudi S, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The 2002 soccer World Cup fever is also being experienced by students. Not only do they enjoy watching the matches on TV, but they also enjoy betting on their favorite teams. Jurwa, not his real name, is a first grader at a high school in Tangerang, who said he had lost Rp 2.1 million (US$240) on bets in only two weeks.

People told to elect better leaders in 2004 election

People told to elect better leaders in 2004 election The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Deviating from routine complaints about the country's poor leaders, experts urged the nation to select better leaders as will be made possible through the first ever direct presidential election in 2004. Political analyst Mulyana W. Kusumah said it was high time for Indonesians to become critical voters and choose only leaders of quality and virtue.

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. In that connection, the President has issued a decree stipulating that the price of fuel will follow the prices in the MOPS international market. The increase in the fuel prices will affect the rate of inflation, directly or otherwise.

IBRA steps up pressure on indebted ex-bank owners

IBRA steps up pressure on indebted ex-bank owners A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) is stepping up pressure on indebted former bank owners, who have been uncooperative in settling their debts with the government since 1998. IBRA has given nine ex-bank owners three months to repay debts or risk legal sanctions including imprisonment.

RI textile exports seen to drop 10 percent

RI textile exports seen to drop 10 percent Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The country's export revenue from textile and textile products is expected to decrease by 10 percent this year from US$7.6 billion last year because local products cannot compete in export markets, according to the Indonesian Textile Association (API).

Betawi group registers 8 candidates

Betawi group registers 8 candidates JAKARTA: The Native Jakartans Association (Bamus Betawi) will register eight candidates for the next gubernatorial election. Its chairman, Abdul Syukur, said on Saturday that all their candidates are Betawi people. They are M. Djaelani, Fauzi Bowo, Siti Nurbaya, M. Sanip, Mahfud Djaelani, Abdul Radjak, Dadang Hamadani and M. M. S. Ali. "We'll register their names, all as governor candidates not as their deputies, at the City Council," he said.

Jakarta Fair, fun for the whole family

Jakarta Fair, fun for the whole family Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta He stands out with his prominent nose and bushy black moustache. His name is Bang Jair, and don't be surprised when he greets you at the Jakarta Fair 2002 at the Jakarta Fairground in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta. This year's Jakarta Fair organizers -- the Jakarta International Trade Fair (JITF) and the city administration -- have made Bang Jair and his family the official mascots for the annual revelry.

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.

Quake jolts Central Sulawesi

Quake jolts Central Sulawesi PALU, Central Sulawesi: A strong earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale rocked Central Sulawesi on Sunday, Antara reported. "So far, there is no report of casualties or damage to buildings," Tolitoli police chief Sr. Adj. Comr. Mustar Manurung said as quoted by the news agency.

Bayer expects better showing in 2002

Bayer expects better showing in 2002 JAKARTA: Publicly listed firm PT Bayer Indonesia experienced a sharp decrease in its net income last year, but expects a better showing this year on the improved business climate in the country. "Although risks remain on the sustainability of economic recovery, we expect for 2002 a solid increase in income and sales," Hans-Josef Schill, Bayer's president director, said during the company's annual shareholders meeting over the weekend, in a press release.

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.

General insurance firms to set up consortium

General insurance firms to set up consortium Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has urged the country's general insurance firms to set up a consortium specializing in extraordinary risks, such as terrorism, sabotage, earthquake and flood, which could result in huge insurance claims.

E. Timor accedes to demands by former militia commander

E. Timor accedes to demands by former militia commander Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang East Timorese leaders acceded on Friday to demands by former prointegration militia commander Joao da Silva Tavares and thousands of his followers, paving the way for them to return to the newly declared state of East Timor.

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.

Islamabad says bomb blast a warning to the U.S., Pakistan

Islamabad says bomb blast a warning to the U.S., Pakistan Agencies, Karachi, Pakistan The deadly car bomb attack on the U.S. Consulate here was a clear warning to the United States and Pakistan to abandon its war against terrorism, Pakistani authorities said on Sunday. Friday's blast killed 11 people including six women and injured more than 50, blew a four-meter (13-foot) hole in the consulate wall and shattered windows within a one-kilometer (more than half-a-mile) radius.

Thai Golden Land, Morgan Stanley

Thai Golden Land, Morgan Stanley establish US$85 million venture Thailand's Golden Land Property Development and the Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund on Thursday announced a joint venture to develop a residential project in Bangkok. The 3.6 billion baht (US$85.71 million) project is a sign that the country's growing property market is attracting international interest. Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund, the property arm of U.S.

* Headlines: AG Rachman under fire for lavish party2

* Headlines: AG Rachman under fire for lavish party2 * National: Dili accedes to demands by ex-militia chief4 * Archipelago:Tentena still tense after bus bombing 5 * Opinion: Indonesia's recovery is fragile 6 * City: Jakarta Fair attracts over 62,000 visitors 8 * World: Chirac set to gain majority in poll 10 * Sports: Woods moves four clear after late rally 12 * Business:Manulife verdict ludicrous, unjustifiable13 * Features: Envoy Merola believes in power of art20

Companies misuse permits

Companies misuse permits TANGERANG: Dozens of companies have misused permits for farming activities and instead built factories on plots of land along the Cisadane River, said Suparno, the task executive coordinator of the Banten Water Resource Management Center (BPSDA) supervising Cisadane and Cidurian rivers, on Saturday. The West Java administration issued the permits, which were for farming activities, to the companies when Tangerang regency and municipality was still under its jurisdiction.