Archive: 27 June 2002
Showing 1-50 of 78 articles
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
PON host urged to upgrade HRD
PON host urged to upgrade HRD JAKARTA: Human resources is what the National Sports Council (KONI) is mostly concerned with as South Sumatra gears up for its role as host for the 2004 National Sports Championship. "Preparation seems to be working as planned. Except for the main stadium and two indoor halls, the other venues have completed construction, including the lift-up works," Moh. Hindarto, KONI's official in charge of development, told a press conference here on Wednesday.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
President Megawati to meet Gus Dur at NU conference
President Megawati to meet Gus Dur at NU conference The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri is set to end her standoff with former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid when the two meet each other at the upcoming Nahdlatul Ulama national conference in Malang, East Java, next month. Megawati's husband Taufik Kiemas, who maintains a good relationship with Abdurrahman, said on Wednesday the two were expected to talk to each other at the venue.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
House approves government's plans to sell three banks
House approves government's plans to sell three banks Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives has approved "in principle" government plans to sell majority stakes in the publicly-listed Bank Niaga, Bank Danamon, and Lippo Bank this year. "In principle, we've agreed with the plans to sell Bank Niaga, Bank Danamon and Bank Lippo this year.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
RT, RW do not act on behalf of people, experts say
RT, RW do not act on behalf of people, experts say Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta It is difficult to expect democracy to develop from the grass roots because the authorities have held a firm grip on the power of leaders of both neighborhood and community units, experts said on Wednesday. The government had apparently treated neighborhood units (RT) and community units (RW) as informal organizations at the grass roots and as their subordinates, they said.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
Corrupt Indonesia
Corrupt Indonesia I was a delegate at the UN prepcon 4 meeting held in Bali, Indonesia from May 27 to June 7, 2002 for the UN-World Summit on Sustainable Development. I arrived in Manado around 12:20 p.m. May 22 by Air Philippines from Davao City. I passed through Immigration around 1 p.m. and presented my passport with a valid Indonesian Visa. The Immigration personnel looked at and then returned my passport and said "okay".
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
Soldier faces five years in jail
Soldier faces five years in jail AMBON, Maluku: Army Chief Pvt. Hanafi from the Pattimura Regional Military Command is facing five years in prison and dismissal from active military service for allegedly being involved in a bombing incident. At a hearing before the Ambon Military Tribunal on Tuesday, Hanafi was charged with assisting a civilian defendant, Aras Pantotoreng, to install a five-kilogram explosive device at the eastern main entrance of the Maluku governor's office in November 2001.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
Nature reserve needs protection
Nature reserve needs protection From Kompas An article in Kompas on May 31, 2002 talks about the natural potential of Sempu Island. The writer suggests that this island should be made into a tourist resort. In this respect, the writer may not have been aware that the island is a nature reserve due to its unique vegetation, animals and ecosystem and must therefore be protected.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
House pressured to make trustworthy election law
House pressured to make trustworthy election law Edith Hartanto and Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As public skepticism runs high, pressure is mounting for legislators to produce a sound election law as a prerequisite to a democratic general election in 2004. Observers here said on Wednesday that the public feel legislators ignore their constituents and spend most of their time involved in political bickering.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
Malaysia greets Mahathir's news with surprise, praise
Malaysia greets Mahathir's news with surprise, praise Agencies, Kuala Lumpur/Manila Malaysia's media greeted official word of Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammed's decision to hand over power to his deputy with surprise and praise on Wednesday, lionizing the man that has ruled the country for 21 years.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
BoJ maintains monetary policy as MoF intervenes in forex market
BoJ maintains monetary policy as MoF intervenes in forex market Agence France-Presse Tokyo The Bank of Japan (BoJ) voted unanimously Wednesday to keep monetary policy unchanged as the Ministry of Finance intervened in the currency market for the second time this week to cap a sharp rise in the yen. But analysts warned repeated attempts to artificially weaken the yen would fail in the long-term without fresh monetary policy from the BoJ.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
Award from Japanese Emperor
Award from Japanese Emperor JAKARTA: An 81-year-old man will receive an award from the Japanese Emperor for his services to Japanese culture and the teaching of the Japanese language. The recipient is Mariono Mertodihardjo, the founder of the Association of Japanese Studies in Indonesia. The award, which will be presented by the representative of the Japanese Embassy, Hideaki Domichi, on Thursday at 11 a.m. here, is called The Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays With Rosette. --JP
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
The public wants military to use voting rights: Survey
The public wants military to use voting rights: Survey Muhammad Nafik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In contrast to opposition from many legislators, most people support the move to grant voting rights to the Indonesian Military (TNI) and National Police in the 2004 general election, a survey found on Wednesday.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
FPI militants launch attack on Jl. Jaksa
FPI militants launch attack on Jl. Jaksa Armed with sticks, machetes and swords, at least 120 members of the Islamic Defender's Front (FPI) destroyed the neon signs of at least seven bar/restaurants along Jl. Jaksa in Central Jakarta on Wednesday before 1 p.m., frightening tourists in the area popular for backpackers and expatriates. Besides destroying the signs which promote beer, they also smashed dozens of empty bottles of beer. (see picture).
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
Khatijah -- portrait of violence against women in restive Aceh
Khatijah -- portrait of violence against women in restive Aceh Nani Farida The Jakarta Post Lhokseumawe, Aceh Similar to luck, misery can unexpectedly pop up when one least expects it. In Aceh of late, luck is being overshadowed mercilessly by misery. Khatijah, 31, never could have imagined that in one instant her beloved husband and father of their children would be gone forever.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
Demilitarize the police
Demilitarize the police From Rakyat Merdeka The People's Consultative Assembly has introduced three amendments to the 1945 Constitution. In the second amendment, the National Police, as demanded by the reform movement, is given a clearer definition about their status, functions, duties and roles. Unfortunately, even in this second amendment, the Assembly has not properly accommodated the popular wish that the police be freed from all military attributes.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
TNI's electoral rights
TNI's electoral rights We welcome the statement of Indonesian Military (TNI) Chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto, that TNI members will not exercise their right to vote or to be elected in the 2004 General Election. It is a wise decision considering that people's distrust of the TNI has not yet vanished. Soeharto's New Order regime was undoubtedly a military one as many TNI members took governmental positions and exercised their power in militant ways. TNI has had its role in Indonesia's politics.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
The 'Thaksingate' verdict is a victory against AMLO
The 'Thaksingate' verdict is a victory against AMLO The Nation, Bangkok The Administrative Court handed down a historic ruling on Monday, and the much-anticipated verdict on the "Thaksingate" scandal was delivered in the most unequivocal manner. The Anti-Money Laundering Office, the court said, carried out an illegal probe into the bank transactions of journalists critical of the government, and the investigation infringed on civil rights.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
Asia seeking five Cup places
Asia seeking five Cup places TOKYO: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC), boosted by South Korea's surprise progress to the World Cup semifinals, has repeated its demand for the continent to be given five places in the 2006 finals in Germany. AFC general secretary Peter Velappan, pointing to Korea's feat plus Japan's progress to the second round, said on Wednesday his organization would ask world governing body FIFA after Sunday's final to raise the number of guaranteed places for Asia.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
Buleleng regent sanctioned after 45 days of uncertainty
Buleleng regent sanctioned after 45 days of uncertainty I Wayan Juniartha The Jakarta Post SINGARAJA, Bali Amid a tight security cordon of some 1,500 police officers, the Buleleng Legislative Council installed on Friday Putu Bagiada and his running mate Gede Wardhana as regent and vice regent of Buleleng regency.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
Traditional dancers kick off Bali Arts Festival
Traditional dancers kick off Bali Arts Festival I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali It was an awesome performance. Those girls from Kaliakah village in Jembrana regency undoubtedly knew the best way to rock the stage. At the same time, the girls won the hearts of hundreds of people gathered around the small elevated stage at Ayodya on the northeast corner of Bali's Werddhi Budaya Art Center compound Tuesday morning.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
House commences screening candidates for rights body
House commences screening candidates for rights body Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives (DPR) began on Wednesday the interview process for 43 candidates, including some noted rights activists, as prospective members of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM). Of that number, the legislators will pick 35 people as stipulated by the Law No.39/1999 on Human Rights.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Bali:
Where to go in Bali: Exhibitions * Painting Balinese Women, at Duta Wijaya office complex, Jl. Raya Puputan Renon, Denpasar, until July 15. * Photo Glory of the Past by Nonot S Utomo, Jezz Gallery, Jl. Imam Bonjol 400, Denpasar, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., until July 22. Festival Bali Arts Festival (PKB) at Denpasar Arts center, Jl. Nusa Indah, in Denpasar, until July 20.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
Two Indonesians tried in Dili
Two Indonesians tried in Dili Joanna Jolly, Associated Press, Dili, East Timor Prosecutors on Wednesday charged two Indonesian officers and 14 pro-Jakarta East Timorese militiamen with crimes against humanity for their alleged involvement in the deaths of dozens of people during East Timor's violent break with Indonesia in 1999.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
35,000 pro-Jakarta militia will return to East Timor
35,000 pro-Jakarta militia will return to East Timor Yemris Fointuna The Jakarta Post Kupang Former commander of a East Timorese pro-Jakarta militia group (PPI) Joao da Silva Tavares and his almost 35,000 followers are expected to return home to East Timor soon. Tavares disclosed his intention during a secret meeting with chief of the Udayana Regional Military Command overseeing Bali, East and West Nusa Tenggara provinces, Maj. Gen. Willem T.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
Japanese crafts brings new perspective
Japanese crafts brings new perspective Yusuf Susilo Hartono, Contributor, Jakarta There is a prevailing perception in Indonesia that craft is of a lower status than pure art. As if to turn this perception around, a number of Japanese artists are exhibiting in Jakarta some of their contemporary craft works.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
Not all students overjoyed about their long vacations
Not all students overjoyed about their long vacations Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta All students love the school holidays as they can put their books away, and forget about homework and exhausting tests. The long annual holidays have started and students will be free for around a month until the middle of next July. But interestingly, not all students like their new-found freedom.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
Bali's pristine coral reefs under threat
Bali's pristine coral reefs under threat Pariama Hutasoit, Contributor, Jembrana, West Bali Bali Barat National Park is known as a home to thousands of varieties of flora and fauna, some are endangered and protected. But the park located between Jembrana and Buleleng regencies in northwest Bali also boasts beautiful coral reefs. Most of visitors -- around 80 percent -- come for the park's famous reefs.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
SOEs labor union wants stock option facility
SOEs labor union wants stock option facility Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Post The Federation of State-Owned Company Labor Unions (FSP-BUMN) demanded that employees of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) be allowed to own shares in the SOE they work for via a stock option facility so that they can have a role in supervising the SOEs. Chairman of FSP-BUMN Bambang S.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
Asia pays tribute to South Korean
Asia pays tribute to South Korean Chris Lefkow, Agence France-Presse, Hong Kong South Korea's spectacular World Cup run may have ended short of the final and been tinged by controversy but it has been cheered across the region as a coming of age for Asian soccer. "South Korea, you are still the pride of Asia," said the Vietnamese daily Thanh Nien following the co-host's 1-0 loss to traditional powerhouse Germany in Tuesday's semi-final in Seoul.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
Two envoys present credentials
Two envoys present credentials JAKARTA: President Megawati Soekarnoputri received the credentials of new ambassadors from North Korea and Romania on Wednesday. In a ceremony at Merdeka Palace, North Korean Ambassador Jang Chang Chon and Romanian Ambassador Gheorghe Savuica presented their credentials to Megawati. Indonesia's relations with North Korea go back a long way. Megawati returned from a state visit to the country last month.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
JP/13/L01
JP/13/L01 JP/13/Conver Rupiah Rates June 26. Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
Batang Hari dam high and try
Batang Hari dam high and try Kasparman, The Jakarta Post, Padang The huge irrigation project of Batang Hari dam will likely go down the drain as illegal logging has drained the water catchment area around the site, a report said. The Rp 1.3 trillion (US$144 million) project, scheduled to be completed in 2003, was planned to supply water to about 16,500 acres of rice fields in West Sumatra and Jambi provinces.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
30 die of AIDS in East Java
30 die of AIDS in East Java The Jakarta Post Jakarta The death toll from Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) cases in East Java has now officially reached 30. East Java Deputy Governor Imam Supardi said there has been an increase in HIV/AIDS cases because of local people's lack of awareness. According to data at the local health office, there have been 423 HIV/AIDS cases reported and 30 have so far died. There was no detailed data on the spread of the disease.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
Bar manager jailed for gun possession
Bar manager jailed for gun possession TANGERANG: The Tangerang District Court sentenced on Wednesday a discotheque manager to eight-months imprisonment for illegal possession of firearms. The verdict was two months lower than the prosecution's demand. Presiding judge Asmin Simanjuntak said defendant Ali Basuki Lumbun, a 62-year-old resident of Lenteng Agung subdistrict, South Jakarta, was guilty of possessing the firearms although he did not use them.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
Bill allows workers, employers to take disputes to court
Bill allows workers, employers to take disputes to court The Jakarta Post Jakarta The House of Representatives is expected to pass soon a long- awaited bill on the settlement of industrial disputes, which will allow workers and employers to take their disputes to labor courts. The bill, which was drafted to update Law No. 22/1957 on industrial disputes and Law No.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
Constitution amendment:
Constitution amendment: Important but no rush Dilemmatic is the impression we get on the changes of the 1945 Constitution, which has been made four times since the People's Consultative Assembly's session in 1999. It is important and urgent to amend the Constitution and it should be completed during the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR)'s annual meeting next August. But, on the other hand, the amendment should not be carried out in a rush or sloppily. Things must be carried out carefully.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
Armed training held outside Jakarta
Armed training held outside Jakarta JAKARTA: A group of civilians is reported to have organized military training just outside the capital city. Security authorities are still investigating the identity of members of the group and their motivation for undergoing military training.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
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.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
Spotlight
Spotlight Photo A: Citibank Citibank AWARD FOR CITIBANK PEKA: Citibank Indonesia's Country Corporate Officer Michael Zink (right) holds the Outstanding Global Corporate Leadership award presented recently to the bank by United Way International for its remarkable achievements. Presenting the award are UWI'S representatives Tanri Abeng and Atie Sukandar. Citibank Peka also received an award from the Indonesian Ministry of National Education for its strong commitment to education.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
Deserters worsen Maluku conflict
Deserters worsen Maluku conflict JAKARTA: Nineteen police officers in Maluku who were once declared deserters are still at large and may have played a role in past instances of communal unrest in the province, National Police Chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar disclosed here Wednesday. "We are still trying to find them. When they are found, they will face severe measures," he said at a hearing with the House of Representatives' Commission I.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
Candidates for KOMNAS HAM members
Candidates for KOMNAS HAM members No Name Age Education Current Job ------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Soelistyowati Soegondo 64 College Commission member 2. Zoemrotin 52 Univ. degree NGO member 3. Sri Wahyuningsih 57 Master Lecturer 4. Todung Mulya Lubis 53 PhD Lawyer 5. Hendardi 45 College NGO member 6. A.H. Garuda Nusantara 47 PhD Lawyer 7. Wardah Hafidz 50 Master NGO member 8. Mansour Fakih 48 PhD NGO member 9. Muhammad Farid 46 College NGO member 10.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
Campaign against polio to start
Campaign against polio to start JAKARTA: Minister of Health Achmad Sujudi said on Wednesday the government would organize a nationwide immunization program against polio on Sept. 12 to meet the standards of the World Health Organization. Sujudi added that President Megawati Soekarnoputri would vaccinate her grandchildren to mark the beginning of the program. "On that day all children will join the immunization program. It will last one week," Sujudi added.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
Savoring authentic Balinese food at Bumbu Bali
Savoring authentic Balinese food at Bumbu Bali Wahyuni Kamah, Contributor, Denpasar, Bali Bali can spoil the taste buds of foreign tourists visiting the island. Italian, Chinese, German, Spanish and Japanese cuisines are among those available in restaurants and cafes across main tourist spots, not to mention the scores of restaurants in upmarket hotels offering international food prepared by reputable chefs. Sadly, finding authentic Balinese food served in an elegant atmosphere is not easy.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
Evicted people request shelter
Evicted people request shelter JAKARTA: Around 100 women and children went to the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) office in Central Jakarta on Tuesday, requesting temporary shelter and protection after their houses along the banks of the West Flood Canal in Teluk Gong, Penjaringan district, North Jakarta, had been cleared a day earlier. The squatters complained about their fear of recent threats of violence made by city public order officials and police.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
Batanghari bridge to open up Jambi
Batanghari bridge to open up Jambi JAMBI, Jambi: Jambi's provincial administration is attempting to secure a Rp 170 billion Japanese grant for the Batanghari II bridge project, which will improve domestic links and open up access to South Sumatra.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
Throwing in the towel against Tommy?
Throwing in the towel against Tommy? The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The prosecution appeared to throw in the towel on Wednesday during the cross-examination of Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra, the alleged mastermind behind the murder of Supreme Court Justice M. Syafiuddin Kartasasmita. While Chief Prosecutor Hasan Madani normally asked probing questions, this time he seemed to skip from one question to another.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
Manulife seeks to go back in business soon
Manulife seeks to go back in business soon Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta PT Asuransi Jiwa Manulife Indonesia (AJMI) would reopen its 73 branches Thursday, and sought to go back in business soon once the Commercial Court appointed a new independent receiver for the company which was declared bankrupt, according to a senior official.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
Workers, employers may take disputes to court
Workers, employers may take disputes to court The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives is expected to pass soon a long- awaited bill on the settlement of industrial disputes, which will allow workers and employers to take their disputes to labor courts. The bill, which was drafted to update Law No. 22/1957 on industrial disputes and Law No.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
China kills addicts, Myanmar burns drugs on anti-drugs day
China kills addicts, Myanmar burns drugs on anti-drugs day Agence France-Presse, Hong Kong China executed at least 50 drug criminals and Myanmar, the world's largest opium producer, torched narcotics it said were worth more than a billion dollars as Asia marked world anti-drugs day on Wednesday.
Thu, 27 Jun 2002, 00:00 WIB
Constitution amendment: Important but no rush
Constitution amendment: Important but no rush Messy is the impression we get on the changes to the 1945 Constitution which has been amended four times since the People's Consultative Assembly's session in 1999. It is important and urgent to amend the Constitution and it should be completed during the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR)'s annual meeting next August. But, on the other hand, the amendment should not be carried out in a rush or sloppily. Things must be carried out carefully.