Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 26 June 2002

69 articles found

Indonesian rowers off for European outing

Indonesian rowers off for European outing The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian rowing team left for Europe on Tuesday for training before their departure to the Asian Games in Busan, South Korea in September. The team comprises Jamaludin, Azwar, Agus Budiaji, Aldino, Rahmat, Rudiana, and three women rowers, Pere Coroba, Angelina Ohelo and Wenny Rano. They are accompanied by training director Budiman, coaches Syafril and Cores Sahupala.

Govt to hire over 360,000 temporary teachers in 2003

Govt to hire over 360,000 temporary teachers in 2003 Debbie A Lubis, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Ministry of National Education is planning to hire 366,630 temporary teachers in 2003 to overcome teacher shortages in state elementary and high schools throughout the country. Education minister A.

'Soldiers joined in attacks on refugees'

'Soldiers joined in attacks on refugees' Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Prosecutors of the ad hoc Human Rights Tribunal said on Tuesday that military personnel wearing militia uniforms participated in a bloody attack on civilians taking refuge at the residence of East Timor Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo on Sept. 6, 1999. In the first session of the trial of former Dili military commander Lt. Col.

'Officials should uphold the law'

'Officials should uphold the law' Many Jakarta residents have expressed hope that the administration would introduce improvements, especially in public services. But what the public wants and what it gets is rarely the same. In commemorating the city's 475th anniversary, some residents share their views with The Jakarta Post. Suhana Natawilwana, a lawyer and vice gubernatorial candidate. He lives in Rawamangun, East Jakarta.

Cabinet reshuffle isn't

Cabinet reshuffle isn't Mega's only alternative 2. Malay -- Dilemma of Malaysian Indian middle class

Reality not enough for 'better U.S. journalism'

Reality not enough for 'better U.S. journalism' Santi W.E. Soekanto, Journalist, Jakarta A group of American broadcast journalists descended on Surakarta, Central Java last April to interview Abu Bakar Baasyir, the man accused as an "Indonesian terrorist". They wanted to see the madrasah (Islamic school) that they believed was the launching pad for Baasyir's militant Islamic teaching.

Higher import tariffs on four commodities planned

Higher import tariffs on four commodities planned Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government will increase import tariffs on four strategic agricultural commodities -- rice, sugar, soybeans and corn -- to help protect local farmers from less expensive imported products, Minister of Agriculture Bungaran Saragih said on Tuesday.

Top seeds clear first hurdles at Thamrin Cup

Top seeds clear first hurdles at Thamrin Cup Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Top seeds in the boys' category at the Thamrin Cup International Junior Championships here advanced to the second round unchallenged on Tuesday. Top seed Hsieh Wang Cheng of Chinese Taipei did not drop a single game in his 6-0, 6-0 drubbing of Indonesian Andri Cubung. Local hopefuls Al-Imron and Eko Kurniawan, who are seeded second and third respectively, faced few hurdles from their opponents.

N 250 aircraft

N 250 aircraft From Republika How is the N 250 aircraft, manufactured by PT Dirgantara Indonesia, faring now? Since it was manufactured, it has never been widely exposed to the public. I propose that the aircraft be put on display for several days at our airports so that the community may have an opportunity to look at this aircraft. This aircraft, which is the world's most sophisticated aircraft in the commuter category, is the creation of our most talented people.

Legislators admit to having ignored their constituents

Legislators admit to having ignored their constituents Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A number of legislators admitted on Tuesday that they had largely ignored their constituents, but shifted the blame for this neglect to Indonesia's electoral system.

Model good eating habits for children

Model good eating habits for children Dear Dr. Donya We are an Italian and Indonesian couple with a girl of 22 months, Maria. We always read your articles and two weeks ago there was a very interesting article about choices of healthy food for children. The article stressed, in particular, the importance of parents setting a good example.

Govt to repossess ex-KPU assets

Govt to repossess ex-KPU assets JAKARTA: Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno threatened on Tuesday to forcibly withdraw 80 official cars and motorcycles as well as other assets still being used by former members of the General Elections Commission (KPU). "If they insist on refusing to return the assets ... we will ask the legal authorities to help withdraw them," he told journalists in Jakarta.

RI to conduct underwater research

RI to conduct underwater research JAKARTA: A group of experts from Indonesia, Japan, Germany and France will conduct pioneering underwater research in the country's waters in October, the team's coordinator, Sidik Mulyono, said on Tuesday. "So far there has not been any such research carried out in the deep waters off Indonesia," he said.

StanChart eyes Singapore bank

StanChart eyes Singapore bank SINGAPORE: British-based Standard Chartered Bank is keen to buy a Singapore bank, and to further tie itself to the city-state it plans a listing on the Singapore exchange, chief executive Mervyn Davies was reported saying Tuesday. "If regulations allowed it, we would buy a local bank. As a port, a hub and a financial center, Singapore is a great location and has great infrastructure," Davies said in an interview with local media.

PT Kanisatex workers protest

PT Kanisatex workers protest BOGOR: Hundreds of workers from PT Kanisatex on Jl. Sabililah, Citeureup, Bogor regency, protested on Tuesday in front of the manpower agency. The workers were demanding raises and for the company to pay the money owed to them and the company's cooperative. Rumekso, one of the workers, expressed his frustration with the company, which he said was always late in paying its employees.

Talks underway to win release of Indonesian seamen

Talks underway to win release of Indonesian seamen Agence France-Presse, Manila Talks are underway to win the freedom of three Indonesian seamen abducted last week in Philippine waters by unknown gunmen, the military said on Tuesday. "The identities of the kidnappers are now known to us. Their relatives are the ones negotiating with them," southern Philippines military chief Lt.Gen. Ernesto Carolina said over local radio. The military commander of Jolo island, Col.

Angelique, Wynne reach 2nd round: Fresh from winning the junior

Angelique, Wynne reach 2nd round: Fresh from winning the junior French Open title, Indonesia's Angelique Widjaja sprang a surprise at the Wimbledon by beating 15th seed Anna Smashnova of Israel in straight sets 6-3, 6-2 to reach the second round on Tuesday. Angelique joined compatriot Wynne Prakusya, who overcame Jana Nejedly of Canada 6-0, 6-2 earlier in the day.

Cabinet reshuffle isn't Mega's only alternative

Cabinet reshuffle isn't Mega's only alternative Kornelius Purba, Staff Writer, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta, korpur@yahoo.com When President Megawati Soekarnoputri returned from her European trip on Saturday, she received encouraging news about her leadership: People are satisfied with her achievements and consider that she has performed better than other top political leaders, including Vice President Hamzah Haz and top politician Amien Rais.

Singapore to boost port competitiveness

Singapore to boost port competitiveness Singapore is likely to confirm plans for overseas shipping lines to have a stake in port operator PSA Corp., in a major policy announcement aimed at containing a growing threat from Malaysia as a shipping hub. The idea was first mooted in April, along with an 80 million dollar (US$44.4 million) plan to beef up competitiveness as shipping lines begin to abandon Singapore in favor of Malaysia's neighboring Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP).

Karaoke businesses boom in Medan

Karaoke businesses boom in Medan MEDAN, North Sumatra: Karaoke singing halls scattered across the North Sumatra provincial capital of Medan have, in the past two years, brightened up the city's nightlife and provided its residents with a chance to develop their talent and sing out loud, a report said. Hadi, a local singing hall owner, said on Tuesday that karaoke businesses had flourished in the city despite the relatively costly investment involved.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian government has imposed an

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian government has imposed an indefinite ban on the import of logs from Indonesia, the national news agency Bernama reported Tuesday. Primary Industries Minister Lim Keng Yaik said the ban, which took effect immediately, was necessary to combat allegations that Malaysia was involved in the trading of illegal timber from Indonesia.

Police to purchase pistols

Police to purchase pistols JAKARTA: National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar revealed on Tuesday that his office planned to use its budget next year to buy at least 120,000 handguns. Speaking at a ceremony to commemorate the 56th anniversary of the police force, Da'i said the National Police had a total of 80,000 handguns, far short of the 200,000 police personnel active in daily operations. He added that most of the police carried empty holsters.

Anyone can learn to enjoy a good wine

Anyone can learn to enjoy a good wine Maria Endah Hulupi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Wine connoisseurs taste good wines with deep pleasure and appreciation. But those with little experience with this delicate liquid can learn to enjoy its pleasant yet complex taste. Wines plays a variety of roles in life, from the reported beneficial aspects it has in preventing heart disease to its symbolic meanings for Christians.

Man gets suspended sentence for for environment pollution

Man gets suspended sentence for for environment pollution Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A man who ran a small waste recycling business was convicted on Tuesday of illegally recycling dangerous materials, but was cleared on the more serious charge of causing environmental damage in Munjul, East Jakarta. The East Jakarta District Court gave defendant Masnan Helmi to a 10-month suspended sentence, effective for two years.

Filipinos lose confidence in RP

Filipinos lose confidence in RP PHILIPPINES: Almost one in five people in the Philippines has lost confidence in their country and would live abroad if given the chance, an independent polling firm said on Tuesday. Manila-based Pulse Asia Inc. said a March/April survey of 1,200 adults nationwide found that 19 percent agreed with the statement, "this country is hopeless and if possible, I would migrate to another country".

Budi named Astra's new president director

Budi named Astra's new president director Dow Jones, Jakarta PT Astra International, the country's largest automotive company, named on Tuesday former vice president director Budi Setia Dharma as the new president director in the company's annual shareholders' meeting. Budi replaced Teddy Rachmat, who was named as president of board of commissioners, in an annual shareholders' meeting. The company promoted former director Michael Ruslim to vice president director.

N. Maluku to elect governor in July

N. Maluku to elect governor in July JAKARTA: Acting North Maluku Governor Sinyo Harry Sarundayang revealed on Tuesday that the province's gubernatorial election would be held in July. He said, however, the province would not have a governor until November as it would take a long time to select the administration lineup. He said the candidates had to undergo 16 stages of screening before joining the race.

Profile of gateway to Timor filmed

Profile of gateway to Timor filmed ATAMBUA, East Nusa Tenggara: A profile of Belu regency bordering the newly independent East Timor will be featured in a film entitled Atambua, Gateway to Timor, which will also show tourist, cultural and industrial centers in the area.

Oil site found in Labuhan Batu

Oil site found in Labuhan Batu The Jakarta Post, Medan With positive indications that there is oil in Labuhan Batu, North Sumatra, a giant U.S. oil firm hinted on Tuesday that it would start drilling in the regency early next year.

Corruptors bribe lawyers

Corruptors bribe lawyers From Rakyat Merdeka Inconsistent and weak law enforcement has only triggered more corruption as legal practitioners and corruptors collude to ensure that the latter will be acquitted from corruption charges. In addition, our own laws have loopholes allowing legal agencies to engage in corruption when doing their jobs. Consider these points: * The laws are drafted by legislators, the majority of whom are corrupt and supporters of the New Order regime.

Defense in Theys' murder trial says no witnesses saw slaying

Defense in Theys' murder trial says no witnesses saw slaying Novan Iman Santosa and Yogita Tahilramani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Not a single eyewitness against nine suspects for the murder of Papuan pro-independence leader Dortheys "Theys" Hiyo Eluay witnessed the murder, defense lawyer Warsito Sanyoto said on Tuesday.

Preparing baby's formula not that easy

Preparing baby's formula not that easy Donya Betancourt, Pediatrician, Sanur, Bali, drdonya@hotmail.com New babies have few defenses against germs and it takes a while for them to build up immunity. Due to this, it is important to minimize the danger of bacterial contamination of your baby's formula. Be sure to wash your hands before handling formula or the equipment you use to prepare it. Before every use, wash, rinse and dry all the equipment you use to measure, mix and store formula.

Palu residents to sue PLN

Palu residents to sue PLN PALU, Central Sulawesi: Dozens of Palu residents are threatening to sue the provincial branch of state-owned electricity company PLN for damage to their electrical appliances caused by frequent outages. Fredy Zulkifli, an electronics goods vendor, complained here on Tuesday that frequent outages and unstable voltage had damaged his electronic merchandise.

House's role in selecting ambassadors draws criticism

House's role in selecting ambassadors draws criticism The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Pressure has been mounting to rethink the House of Representatives' role in selecting ambassadors after legislators declared last week that seven candidates were unfit, leaked their names to the press and voiced an interest in taking up the ambassadorial posts themselves.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 25, 2002

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 25, 2002 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Close Change Trading Volume ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Abdi Bangsa Tbk 370 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,100 -25 47,000 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 125 0 133,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 365 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 185 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 775 0 50,000 Alter Abadi Tbk 45 0 0 Alumindo Light 650 0 0...

29 more East Timor refugees return home

29 more East Timor refugees return home Yemris Fointuna and Jupriadi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Twenty-nine more refugees, including one marine, have returned to their hometowns in East Timor after spending more than two years in refugee camps in South Sulawesi province.

Rau to visit South Korea

Rau to visit South Korea SEOUL: German President Johannes Rau is due in South Korea on Thursday for summit talks, two days after the countries meet in the World Cup semifinal in the capital. Rau is scheduled to watch the third-place playoff, but it was unclear whether Kim would be at that game in Taegu on Saturday. South Korea's presidential Blue House said in a statement the four-day visit was at the invitation of President Kim Dae-jung.

Pertamina to regain part of frozen funds at BoA

Pertamina to regain part of frozen funds at BoA Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned oil and gas company Pertamina said on Tuesday a U.S. court had issued a ruling that would allow it to recover part of the some US$520 million currently frozen by Bank of America (BoA) at the request of power producer Karaha Bodas Co. LLC.

Policeman shoots hoodlum dead

Policeman shoots hoodlum dead JAKARTA: The Central Jakarta police arrested a low-ranking police officer who shot to death a hoodlum following a clash between them in Bongkaran prostitution complex in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, early on Monday morning. The incident took place at around 1:30 a.m., when hoodlum Sundah knocked on the door of Gustina, a prostitute, to ask for a daily "security fee" that she had not yet paid. Gustina told Sec. Brig.

Minister silent on political bill

Minister silent on political bill JAKARTA: Home minister Hari Sabarno refused on Tuesday to give an explanation on the background behind the drafting of the highly debated bills on political parties and election. "I will explain it during the deliberation of the bills," Hari said during a hearing with legislators. He was responding to a query from Golkar legislator Yahya Zaini, who said that an explanation from the minister was needed before the deliberation began.

Peggy does her bit with children

Peggy does her bit with children JAKARTA: Sunday is no holiday for actress and presenter Peggy Melati Sukma. Just several hours after completing a live show for RCTI's Angin Malam (Night's Breeze) talk show early on Sunday, she could be found at Puri Indah Mal shopping center in West Jakarta. She did not come to shop, but to watch a movie with 30 foster children from Yayasan Cinta Kita, a foundation run by actress Alya Rohali and where Peggy is a public relations representative.

Consumer confidence rises in four consecutive months

Consumer confidence rises in four consecutive months The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The consumer confidence index rose in May for the fourth consecutive month in a row, as consumers are more optimistic with the ongoing upturn in the Indonesian economy, a survey said. The survey by the Danareksa Research Institute shows that consumer confidence index (CCI) rose 0.5 percent to 99.3 percent, with the present situation index (PSI) moving up to 82.7 from 81.3 in April.

'Govt must quickly resolve Manulife fiasco'

'Govt must quickly resolve Manulife fiasco' Rendi A. Witular and A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Experts warned the government not to ignore nor underestimate the effect the Manulife fiasco would have on legal uncertainty in the country, and predicted that the impact on the ailing economy would be severe.

Bulk of Banpres funds still unreturned by third parties

Bulk of Banpres funds still unreturned by third parties Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The bulk of the Presidential Aid Fund (Banpres) is still in the hands of third-party borrowers, making it technically impossible to transfer the funds to the finance ministry as required, State Secretary/Cabinet Secretary Bambang Kesowo has said. Briefing the media after a closed-door meeting with a team from House Commission I, Kesowo urged the Ministry of Finance to collect the funds itself.

1 APP ( 4 x 12)

1 APP ( 4 x 12) IBRA to push Sinar Mas to repay debt this month 2. Dana (2 x 35) Consumer confidence rises in four consecutive months 3. Duit ( 1 x 60) Most Asian currencies down late, dollar battles global slump 5. OPEC ( 1 x 30) OPEC to keep oil taps tight

Toba Pulp Lestari moves production plant to China

Toba Pulp Lestari moves production plant to China Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan Tired of the long-standing dispute with local people and the local administration, PT Toba Pulp Lestari has moved its rayon production plant from North Sumatra to China, an official said on Tuesday. Toba Samosir deputy regent M.S. Manurung revealed the firm, formerly called PT Inti Indorayon Utama, was currently dismantling the factory's machinery.

Akzo Nobel forms JV in Indonesia

Akzo Nobel forms JV in Indonesia AMSTERDAM: Dutch coatings and chemicals company Akzo Nobel NV said Tuesday that it has formed a joint venture in Indonesia with PT Bina Propertindo Edikarya to produce decorative paints for the Indonesian market. Akzo Nobel will hold 65 percent of the new company.

Hospitals unsure about definition of poor person

Hospitals unsure about definition of poor person Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Doctors said many patients were financially unable to pay hospital bills, however they were not actually categorized as poor people and some who were poor did not have health cards. These people often create confusion among the medical professionals about whether or not they deserve to receive health cards, which were intended for poor people to get health services free of charge.

Experts lambast House's lack of support for KPU

Experts lambast House's lack of support for KPU Edith Hartanto and Moch. N. Kurniawan The Jakarta Post Jakarta Experts have lambasted legislators for belittling the importance of an independent General Elections Commission (KPU) in ensuring a free and fair election in 2004. A senior executive of the Center for Electoral Reform (Cetro), Hadar N. Gumay, and KPU member F.X.

Claims of 'better journalism' not enough

Claims of 'better journalism' not enough to describe the state of the media Santi W.E. Soekanto Journalist Jakarta A group of American broadcast journalists descended on Surakarta, Central Java last April to interview Abu Bakar Baasyir, the man accused as an "Indonesian terrorist". They wanted to see the madrasah (Islamic school) that they believed was the launching pad for Baasyir's militant Islamic teaching.

Govt to step up efforts to curb money laundering

Govt to step up efforts to curb money laundering Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government plans to quickly set up an independent anti- money laundering agency in a bid to remove the country from a blacklist of states accused of not cooperating in the international fight against money laundering.

Parties without financial accountability

Parties without financial accountability There are many bad stories about political parties, which often become problems rather than solutions. One of the absolute facts is that their function is to channel the people's aspirations during general elections. But here in Indonesia this function has become artificial. One current problem that is particularly shameful is their financial accountability.

Experts lambast House's lack of support for KPU

Experts lambast House's lack of support for KPU Edith Hartanto and Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Experts have lambasted legislators for belittling the importance of an independent General Elections Commission (KPU) in ensuring a free and fair election in 2004. A senior executive of the Center for Electoral Reform (Cetro), Hadar N. Gumay, and KPU member F.X.

Train fares up more than 50 percent

Train fares up more than 50 percent JAKARTA: The government will increase train fares in Greater Jakarta by more than 50 percent and apply a zoning system. The director general for land transportation at the Ministry of Transportation, Iskandar Abubakar, told a news conference on Tuesday that the fare increase would be introduced in two stages, namely a 40 percent increase effective from July 1 and 11 percent in January 2003.

Labor union restrictions too tight: Minister

Labor union restrictions too tight: Minister The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Jacob Nuwa Wea slammed employers and law enforcers for the rampant restriction of labor unions, saying workers had the right to strike as a last resort to put pressure on management to meet their demands. The minister said that to date, he had received hundreds of complaints from labor unions about the arrest and trial of labor activists for coordinating labor strikes.

Hotel legal dispute drags on

Hotel legal dispute drags on Despite pressure from the International Labor Organization for the rehiring of some dismissed workers, the Shangri-La Hotel management is insisting on awaiting the Supreme Court's decision on its appeal. "We will wait for the final court ruling," said Shangri-La senior manager Wastu Widianto on Tuesday.

More Indonesian workers to be deported

More Indonesian workers to be deported NUNUKAN, East Kalimantan: Thousands of illegal Indonesian workers in the Malaysian state of Sabah are expected to enter Nunukan regency, East Kalimantan, following the repatriation of 28,000 workers to the area earlier this year. Nunukan Regent Kasmir Forets said on Monday his administration had formed a task force to handle the influx following the Malaysian government's announcement of the July 31 deadline for the Indonesian workers' deportation.

Mega backs Sutiyoso, angry with city chapters

Mega backs Sutiyoso, angry with city chapters Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Chairwoman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) Megawati Soekarnoputri defied the wishes of her party's branches and its members by announcing on Tuesday that the party's central board supported the reelection of Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso.

Persuasive to investors

Persuasive to investors The dispute between the shareholders of PT Asuransi Jiwa Manulife Indonesia (AJMI) has affected the bilateral relations between Indonesia and Canada. The problem, which stems from a legal business agreement, should be settled through the legal process in Indonesia. This means that Canada should not become emotional, and even put out negative propaganda that could hurt the investment climate in Indonesia. Meanwhile, Indonesia had better stay cool in the face of Canada.

Where to go in Surabaya, for Wednesday, June 26, 2001

Where to go in Surabaya, for Wednesday, June 26, 2001 Performances * Music by Jet Set group band, at Desperados Bar and Cafe, Shangri-La Hotel, Jl. May. Jend. Sungkono 120 (Tel. 031 5661550), every Monday to Saturday, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. * Theater: Mas Tom by Teater Gandrik, Butet Kartaredjasa, Djaduk Ferianto, at Gedung Serbaguna, Bank Jatim, Jl. Basuki Rachmat 9 - 10, July 9 - 10. Open House * Britzone Week and quiz organized by British Council Surabaya, at the British Council Surabaya, Jl.

MPR considers revision of amended Constitution

MPR considers revision of amended Constitution Berni K. Moestafa and Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Three years after the first amendment to the 1945 Constitution, the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) is now set to consider revising amendments agreed upon earlier to ensure consistency with the latest amendments.

JP/13/L00

JP/13/L00 JP/13/Conver Rupiah Rates June 25. Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Minister says permanent log export ban in place

Minister says permanent log export ban in place Indonesia has imposed a permanent ban on log exports to protect its dwindling tropical forests, Forestry Minister Muhammad Prakosa said on Tuesday. Prakosa said around 5,000 hectares (12,300 acres) of the country's lush forests had been lost to illegal logging every day for the past five years. "Starting on June 8, the export of logs and wood chips, which were previously limited, has been banned," Prakosa told reporters.

DPR, govt to evaluate autonomy

DPR, govt to evaluate autonomy JAKARTA: House Commission II and Home Minister Hari Sabarno agreed on Tuesday to hold soon a meeting specifically to evaluate the implementation since last year of regional autonomy. Chairman of the commission for home and legal affairs Agustin Teras Narang said the commission would soon arrange time for the evaluation. The minister hailed the plan, saying that a special meeting was needed to evaluate the autonomy.

IBRA to push Sinar Mas to repay debt this month

IBRA to push Sinar Mas to repay debt this month Dow Jones, Jakarta Indonesia's Bank Restructuring Agency, or IBRA, said Tuesday that it would act alone to recover debt from the Sinar Mas Group while foreign creditors of the pulp & paper empire are unable to come up with a restructuring plan.

Inclusive dialog needed to end Aceh conflict

Inclusive dialog needed to end Aceh conflict The Jakarta Post, Jakarta An all-inclusive dialog was urgently needed to end the prolonged conflict in troubled Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam province, not the current military operation, human rights activists and House of Representatives legislators said.

Judges grilled over controversial Manulife ruling

Judges grilled over controversial Manulife ruling Novan Iman Santosa and Yogita Tahilramani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Apparently bowing to pressure from Canada, the Jakarta High Court grilled three Commercial Court judges on Tuesday in connection with suspicions that they had allegedly accepted bribes to declare PT Asuransi Jiwa Manulife Indonesia (AJMI) bankrupt. Not only that, the three judges -- Tjahyono, CH.

Australia accused of pressuring WB to keep PNG PM in power

Australia accused of pressuring WB to keep PNG PM in power Agence France-Presse, Port Moresby Australia has been accused of pressuring the World Bank into helping it keep Sir Mekere Morauta in power as the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister celebrates personal victory in his country's elections.

Fastest jacket makers to set record

Fastest jacket makers to set record SEMARANG, Central Java: Tailors from Surabaya in East Java intend to produce a jacket in record time for a place in the Semarang- based Indonesian Museum of Records (MURI). Paulus Pangka, curator of MURI, said in Semarang on Tuesday that two designers and a seamster from Surabaya's FIT International Tailors would attempt to break the jacket-making record set by sewing a woolen jacket on Sept. 1.