Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 29 June 2002

77 articles found

An independent judiciary?

An independent judiciary? Todung Mulya Lubis, Lawyer, Jakarta Agus Sutoto, the public prosecutor in a Rp 500 million (about US$ 58,139) bribery case, has demanded a four-year jail sentence for the accused, Jakarta High Curt Judge Faozatullo Zendrato. Agus claims Faozatullo was guilty of receiving bribes during his term of office at the Supreme Court. He was finally sentenced to one year in jail, which the defendant may now appeal. This is a rare exposure of "judicial corruption".

Fire at Padangpanjang mayor's office

Fire at Padangpanjang mayor's office Kasparman, The Jakarta Post, Padangpanjang Fire destroyed parts of the Padangpanjang mayor's office on Jl. Sutan Sjahrir in Padangpanjang, West Sumatra, early Friday morning, paralyzing the office's activities for the whole day, a report said. The fire, which gutted a number of rooms, excluding those of the mayor's and the city secretary's, and destroyed office equipment and incinerated all documents inside, occurred at 3 a.m.

STOCK EXCHANGE

STOCK EXCHANGE ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 28, 2002 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name Close Change Volume ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Abdi Bangsa Tbk 370 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,100 0 2,500 Adindo Foresta 45 -15 500 AGIS Tbk 120 0 294,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 365 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 185 0...

Why, Megawati? Why?

Why, Megawati? Why? A few weeks back, when news was leaked that President Megawati's party, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), reportedly had opted to support the reelection of incumbent Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso, most people reacted with disbelief. But, as President Megawati then was still on an overseas trip, many expected that upon arrival she would deny the rumor.

JP;VIN;

JP;VIN; ANPAk..r.. Editorial-Investment Investors farther away JP/6/EDIT-01 Give us a justice system The decrease of almost 60 percent in foreign direct investment approvals and 30 percent in licensed domestic investment projects in the first five months of this year provide further evidence of the worsening disadvantages of doing business in Indonesia.

Anti-Drug Day, a national illusion

Anti-Drug Day, a national illusion Indonesia took part in World Anti-Drug Day for the first time on Wednesday. Drugs have become the nation's enemy, but political awareness to fight the menace remains low. One of the indications is that the National Drug Agency (BNN) has yet to be adequately organized and managed, with a budget and laboratory. It is now high time that the government empowered BNN and gave it as many powers as the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Mega urged to summon A. Rachman

Mega urged to summon A. Rachman JAKARTA: President Megawati Soekarnoputri is urged to summon Attorney General M. Abdul Rachman for questioning on where he has obtained the funds for his recent luxurious wedding party for his daughter. The appeal was made by Indira Damayanti Bambang Sugondo, a member of the House of Representatives (DPR) from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), in a press conference here Friday.

Give us a justice system

Give us a justice system The decrease of almost 60 percent in foreign direct investment approvals and 30 percent in licensed domestic investment projects in the first five months of this year provide further evidence of the worsening disadvantages of doing business in Indonesia.

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.

Abdullah put to the test ahead of Malaysian by-elections

Abdullah put to the test ahead of Malaysian by-elections Julia Yeow, Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia's premier-in-waiting Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will have an opportunity to silence his critics as he leads the ruling party in two upcoming by-elections, analysts said on Friday. Abdullah, who will take over as prime minister when Mahathir Mohamad retires late next year, was elected committee head for the by-elections for parliamentary and state assembly seats in northern Kedah state.

Islamic alliance 'could lead to anti-Megawati plot'

Islamic alliance 'could lead to anti-Megawati plot' Muhammad Nafik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A recent series of gatherings involving Muslim politicians could lead to the establishment of an Islamic alliance against President Megawati Soekarnoputri should she insist upon deterring the amendment process for the 1945 Constitution, analysts said.

The new accountability revolution in government

The new accountability revolution in government -------------------------- Marc Robinson Technical Advisor Badan Pengawasan Keuangan dan Pembangunan (BPKP) Jakarta -------------------------- The first rule of business is to keep your customers happy. If you produce products which are poor quality or too expensive, you'll go out of business. If you produce products the customer doesn't want, you'll go bust even faster. But for government, it's been different.

Citibank clarifies

Citibank clarifies I refer to A. Jakubowski's letter, Citibank's service (The Jakarta Post, June 6), and Pieter's letter, Citibank again (June 10). We have contacted the above customers and have resolved the problems satisfactorily. We would like to assure our customers that we will continue to provide services to their satisfaction. DITTA AMAHORSEYA Corporate Affairs Head Citibank, Jakarta

Megawati cancels visit to Palu

Megawati cancels visit to Palu JAKARTA: President Megawati Soekarnoputri has canceled her plan to open the eighth congress of the Alkhairaat Islamic organization scheduled for Sunday in Palu, Central Sulawesi province. "Confirmation of the cancellation was received from the presidential palace in Jakarta on Thursday," Central Sulawesi administration spokesman Burhanudin Maragau said on Friday. He said that no clear reason was given for the cancellation.

Septi aiming for Thamrin Cup double title

Septi aiming for Thamrin Cup double title Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Septi Nindya Yutami is aiming for a double victory at the International Junior Thamrin Cup tennis championships after she advanced to the finals, in both the girls' singles and doubles events here on Friday. Although she is still a step away from the championships, Septi, 16 years old, looked relieved to have reached the finals. "I'm glad that I have gone that far given the strong field in this tournament.

Rupiah Rates June 28

Rupiah Rates June 28 JP/13/Conver Rupiah Rates June 28 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Batam, dumping site for plastic waste

Batam, dumping site for plastic waste BATAM, Riau: The island of Batam has recently become a dumping site for plastic waste from Australia before it is sent to Jakarta by sea for recycling. "I myself saw the dumping of some 300 tons of plastic waste allegedly from Australia. It is said demand for polyethylene is on the rise in Jakarta," a scavenger, Alek, said here on Friday.

Protest mounts against TNI seats

Protest mounts against TNI seats JAKARTA: Numerous non-governmental organizations protested at the House of Representatives on Friday to demand that the Indonesian Military and the National Police quit the legislature in the 2004 elections. The protesting organizations, grouped in the Preparatory Committee for Transitional Government (KPPT), were received by members of the TNI/National Police faction in the House.

Consequences of an upgraded UI

Consequences of an upgraded UI Prijono Tjiptoherijanto, School of Economics University of Indonesia, Jakarta Following Government Regulation No. 61/1999 on higher learning institutions as statutory bodies, four universities are set to test the implementation of this regulation.

PDI-P councilors confused over Sutiyoso's nomination

PDI-P councilors confused over Sutiyoso's nomination Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Several city councillors from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) said that they were livid over the decision of their chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri to endorse incumbent Governor Sutiyoso for the next city governor.

RI needs a student

RI needs a student party now! From Rakyat Merdeka Since the fall of the Old Order, the emergence of the New Order and the ousting of former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur' Wahid, students have become manipulated by certain parties, purportedly for the establishment of a just and prosperous society. It is a pity these students continue to be used by certain parties at general elections or in efforts to bring down a government.

'Argo Gede' train skids in Purwakarta

'Argo Gede' train skids in Purwakarta PURWAKARTA, West Java: The executive Argo Gede train, heading for Jakarta from Bandung in West Java, skidded off the tracks near Cilame, Purwakarta regency at about 5:50 p.m. on Friday, blocking railway traffic in both direction. "The locomotive and two subsequent coaches skidded at Cilame. We have yet to identify the cause of the incident," Zaenal Abidin, a spokesman for state-owned railway operator Pt Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI), said Friday evening.

Bekasi allocates Rp 18b for schools

Bekasi allocates Rp 18b for schools BEKASI: The Bekasi regency administration has allocated Rp 18 billion from its 2002 budget for the renovation of damaged school buildings and the construction of new schools. The work will begin in July, said Syamsudin, a member of the regency council's Commission E for education.

International Kite Festival at Ancol

International Kite Festival at Ancol JAKARTA: Participants from 11 countries will take part in the 10th International Kite Festival being held this weekend in Ancol, North Jakarta, the chairperson of the event's organizing committee, Sari Madjid, said on Thursday. The two-day event will feature 38 foreign participants and 98 participants from 17 provinces across Indonesia.

Graft convict on the run, still not declared fugitive

Graft convict on the run, still not declared fugitive Tertiana ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After a fruitless one-month search for corruption convict David Nusa Wijaya, the Attorney General's Office has still not declared him a fugitive. Office spokesman Barman Zahir said Friday that they would send a summons to his home in Jakarta, Antara reported. He did not mention when the summons would be issued.

Govt told to immediately improve investment climate

Govt told to immediately improve investment climate Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The latest data showing a precipitous drop in foreign direct investment (FDI) should serve as a wake-up call for the government to quickly take action to improve the country's investment climate, analysts said. Analysts said the government had so far failed to learn the lessons from the past and seemed wholly unable to realize how serious the impact of the FDI drop was on the country's economy.

Tickertape parade for South Korea

Tickertape parade for South Korea SEOUL: The South Korean football team will be given a motorcade parade through Seoul next Tuesday as part of a celebration of their success in becoming the first Asian team to reach the World Cup semi-finals. Anticipating huge crowds on the streets, as there have been for South Korea's matches, the authorities announced Friday that much of central Seoul will be closed off for the parade and a ceremony for special awards to be given to the team. --AFP

Bogus doctor sentenced for malpractice

Bogus doctor sentenced for malpractice JAYAPURA, Papua: A local district court on Friday sentenced a bogus doctor known by his initials DS, 34, to five months in jail for claiming to be able to enlarge the sexual organs of his male patients. DS was arrested at his home at the heart of the city following a tip-off from patients who said they had been cheated. For the enlargement, each of them had to pay around Rp 100,000 to Rp 150,000 for a single injection.

Sinar Mas signs pact to repay debt

Sinar Mas signs pact to repay debt Dow Jones, Jakarta The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) said the Sinar Mas Group signed Friday an agreement to repay US$310 million from the total $1.25 billion it owes the agency. IBRA Chairman Syafruddin Temenggung said the Widjaya family, which controls Sinar Mas, has already paid $90 million in cash.

Why, Megawati? Why?

Why, Megawati? Why? A few weeks back, when news was leaked that President Megawati's party, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), reportedly had opted to support the reelection of incumbent Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso, most people reacted with disbelief. But, as President Megawati then was still on an overseas trip, many expected that upon arrival she would deny the rumor.

Maspion employees return to six-day work

Maspion employees return to six-day work Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Workers of the Sidoarjo-based plastic goods producer PT Maspion went back to work on Friday, ending a week-long stand off with the management of the factory over working days. Thousands of workers entered the factory compound in Sidoarjo, East Java early in the morning and started their work as usual. Policemen no longer guarded the compound, and only company security guards watched over the site.

Ministry of Agriculture allocates fund to buy farmers rice next year

Ministry of Agriculture allocates fund to buy farmers rice next year Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Ministry of Agriculture plans to allocate Rp 173 billion (US$19.9 million) in cash to buy unhusked rice from local farmers next year in a bid to help avoid the price of the commodity from dropping and help protect farmers income.

KL rules out early elections, Abdullah to fight in polls

KL rules out early elections, Abdullah to fight in polls Jasbant Singh, Associated Press, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia will not hold general elections before they are scheduled in 2004, ruling party officials said on Friday, putting an end to speculation that Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad would lead his party in polls before stepping down in late 2003.

On decolonization

On decolonization of East Timor I would like to refer to the May 21 letter from Onghokham titled Decolonization of East Timor. It is surprising that the noted historian categorically described the integration of East Timor (1976-1999) as "colonization and imperialism". The facts provide a different picture. East Timor was the 27th province of Indonesia for 23 years, making the East Timorese Indonesian citizens during this time.

Citibank clarifies

Citibank clarifies I refer to A. Jakubowski's letter, Citibank's service (The Jakarta Post, June 6), and Pieter's letter, Citibank again (June 10). We have contacted the above customers and have resolved the problems satisfactorily. We would like to assure our customers that we will continue to provide services to their satisfaction. DITTA AMAHORSEYA Corporate Affairs Head Citibank, Jakarta

What we need is leadership -- FOR MONDAY'S EDITION

What we need is leadership -- FOR MONDAY'S EDITION ------------------------ Sayidiman Suryohadiprojo Former governor of National Resilience Institute (Lemhanas) Jakarta ------------------------ State Minister of National Development Planning Kwik Kian Gie has surprised many people when he strongly suggested that Indonesia should terminate its relationship with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) at the end of 2002.

Running for governor's office

Running for governor's office From Rakyat Merdeka As many as 72 people have nominated themselves as candidates for the governor of Jakarta and about 37 people for the position of deputy governor. Interestingly, incumbent Governor Sutiyoso, whose performance is not satisfactory, is of these contestants. The post of Jakarta's governor is open to Betawi people, who are indigenous to this city, and non-Betawi as long as the candidates are competent and qualified.

E. Timor general to visit China

E. Timor general to visit China EAST TIMOR: The military chief of newly independent East Timor, Brig. Gen. Taur Matan Ruak, will visit China on Sunday, an official said on Friday. Ruak will be accompanied by the commander of the United Nations peacekeeping force, Thailand's Winai Patiakul, during the nine-day visit, said an official at the prime minister's office who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Govt sells Indocement stake

Govt sells Indocement stake JAKARTA: Indonesia's government said Friday it will sell a further 11 percent stake in PT Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa to Germany's Heidelberger Zement AG by the end of this year rather than in 2003 as earlier planned. Heidelberger currently holds 62 percent of Indonesia's second largest cement producer.

JP/1/TNI

JP/1/TNI I-Box ------------------------------------------------------------------ Comparison of Strengths among Army, Navy and Air Force ------------------------------------------------------------------ ARMY Total Personnel Unit Kostrad Kopassus Kodam 230,000 30,000 5,000 150,000 EQUIPMENT Total Number Landing Tanks Scorpion: 50; AMX:13; PT-76:30. Helicopters Bell 205A; 17 Bo-105; 28 NB-412;. AD Guns 20mm: 125; 40mm: 90L/70;57mm:200; S-60.

House may again miss target on deliberation of bills

House may again miss target on deliberation of bills Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives (DPR) will again miss its target of completing the deliberation of 22 top priority bills during the ongoing parliamentary session that set to end on July 19. With only three weeks to go, the House is, at best, likely to finish the deliberation of only five bills.

PDI Perjuangan opposes inquiry into Akbar scandal

PDI Perjuangan opposes inquiry into Akbar scandal Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The largest and most influential party, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) announced on Friday its rejection of a proposal to form a committee of inquiry (Pansus) into a Rp 40 billion financial scandal allegedly involving House Speaker and Golkar chairman Akbar Tandjung.

Mega must act

Mega must act for total reform From Rakyat Merdeka For the sake of the country and the nation, President Megawati Soekarnoputri must make a clean break with the New Order forces and carry out a total reform agenda. If she unites herself with the forces of the New Order, our country will go through a protracted disaster and she will continuously be criticized by the ordinary people.

Scavenger finds mortar in trash bin

Scavenger finds mortar in trash bin BEKASI: A scavenger has found a life mortar in a trash bin of the Klender housing complex in East Jakarta. Seno, 25, the scavenger from Bintara Jaya III subdistrict of West Bekasi found the explosive device when he was scavenging the complex's trash bins on Friday. He then took it to the police subprecinct in Bintara Jaya, said First Insp. Satino Putro of the Bekasi Police precinct.

Officers 'occupy' Bank Swansarindo

Officers 'occupy' Bank Swansarindo At least 1,000 military and police officers were in a tense standoff at a Central Jakarta bank on Friday, which saw at least one person severely beaten in a dispute involving a home loan program.

Medical industry needs workers

Medical industry needs workers JAKARTA: The medical industry needs 21,057 workers to be employed in pharmaceutical companies, drug stores, cosmetics factories, hospitals, medical equipment companies and traditional medicine firms. The Association of Pharmaceutical Product Manufacturers chairman, Anthony Ch. Sunarjo, said on Friday that big pharmaceutical firms may currently have an ideal composition of workers but most small and medium-scale firms in the industry still lacked employees.

Anti-drug day, national illusion

Anti-drug day, national illusion On Wednesday, Indonesia for the first time took part in World Anti-drug Day, organized by the National Drug Agency (BNN). Drugs have become the national enemy, but political awareness to fight the menace is still low. One of the indications is that BNN has yet to be "equipped" with adequate organization, management, budget and laboratory. Thus, it is now time for the government to empower the BNN and to make it as strong as the U.S.

Soetardjo complains about colleagues

Soetardjo complains about colleagues JAKARTA: A parliamentary leader expressed his disappointment over the attitude of present parliamentary members here on Friday saying that they are now more interested in their group's or party's interest rather than the people's. "Their education is indeed higher than past members' but it is more difficult now to find statesmen among them," Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR) Soetardjo Soerjogoeritno said in a discussion forum.

TV Today: Saturday, June 29, 2002

TV Today: Saturday, June 29, 2002 TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:30 Talk Show 9:00 Comedy 10:30 Talk Show 11:00 News 11:30 Music 12:00 p.m. News 1:00 Talk Show 2:30 Music 3:00 Children's Drama 3:30 Religious Teachings 4:00 Music 6:00 News 7:00 Variety Show 8:00 Quiz 9:00 News 9:30 Music 11:00 Theater 12:00 a.m. News TPI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 7:00 Cartoon 8:30 Cooking Program 9:00 Quiz 10:00 Indian Film 1:00 p.m.

Parents must realize their role in educating children

Parents must realize their role in educating children Mochtar Buchori, Educator, Legislator, Jakarta The classic maxim asserting that parents and teachers should cooperate in the education of the young is easier said than done. The complaint is that parents are either ignorant about this principle or unwilling to fulfill their due share. Sending children to schools means, for many parents, that from that time on education has become the sole responsibility of the school and the teachers.

Factions to decide on governor, deputy pairs

Factions to decide on governor, deputy pairs Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Even though the list of candidates for Jakarta governor and deputy governor is in the hands of the Governorship Election Committee, it is the factions in the City Council that will nominate the governor and deputy governor in pairs.

Semen Gresik can't help Semen Padang's debt woes

Semen Gresik can't help Semen Padang's debt woes The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned cement maker PT Semen Gresik said on Friday that it could not provide funds to help repay the maturing debt of its fully-owned subsidiary PT Semen Padang. Semen Gresik president Satriyo was quoted by Detik.com on Friday as saying the company, together with Semen Padang, was trying to seek a rescheduling facility from the latter's creditors. He was speaking following the company's annual shareholders meeting.

Civilian trial demanded for suspects in Theys murder

Civilian trial demanded for suspects in Theys murder Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The nine military suspects in the murder of pro-independence Papuan leader Theys Hiyo Eluay should be tried in civilian court, instead of a military tribunal, analyst Kusnanto Anggoro of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and noted rights activist Todung Mulya Lubis said on Friday.

Observers suggest separate election for the regions

Observers suggest separate election for the regions Edith Hartanto and Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Political observers are urging legislators to introduce a separate national and regional election system in the election bill. Adi Abidin of the Asia Foundation has proposed a three-tiered system with elections at the regency level be held every three years, provincial level every four years and national level every five years.

Govt calls for rapid review of Manulife ruling

Govt calls for rapid review of Manulife ruling Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In a latest bid to appease international anger over a controversial bankruptcy ruling against the Indonesian unit of Canadian insurance giant Manulife Financial Corp., the government has urged the Supreme Court to rapidly review the ruling. Minister of Finance Boediono said that he was concerned by the commercial court's interpretation of corporate law.

Aceh library in need of repair

Aceh library in need of repair BANDA ACEH, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam: An old library built by an Iraqi cleric with 6,000 handwritten books in the Teungku Chik Tanoh Abee Islamic boarding school in Seulimeum district, Aceh Besar regency, is badly in need of repair, a report said. Teungku Hamdan Mustafa, a local community leader, said in Banda Aceh on Friday he had proposed that the district administration help rebuild the historic library.

'Kompas' celebrates 37th anniversary

'Kompas' celebrates 37th anniversary The chief editor of Indonesian daily newspaper Kompas, Suryopratomo (left), presents an award to writer Danarto (right), one of the 13 authors whose works have been recognized in the daily's publication of selected short stories. The ceremony was held on Friday at the Bentara Budaya Jakarta in Central Jakarta, in conjunction with Kompas's 37th anniversary. Danarto's short story Jejak Tanah (traces of earth) was also selected as this year's best short story.

Activists warn rights trial may ruin judiciary's image

Activists warn rights trial may ruin judiciary's image Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Human rights activists warned on Friday of another red mark against the country's judicial system should the ad hoc Human Rights Tribunal fail to hold a fair trial on the 1999 East Timor human rights abuses.

East Java governor rejects plea to relocate sugar factories

East Java governor rejects plea to relocate sugar factories Ainur R. Sophiaan, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya East Java Governor Imam Utomo has rejected a plea by the central government to relocate a number of loss-making sugar factories to other provinces. "The proposal was unrealistic as East Java supplied 45 percent of the country's domestic demand for sugar," the governor told reporters after a meeting with sugar producers throughout the province on Friday.

Students join In-Docs Junior Camp

Students join In-Docs Junior Camp JAKARTA: Eighteen high school students will take part in the In-Docs Junior Camp on Kelapa Island in Kepulauan Seribu (Thousand Islands) regency from July 1 to July 14. The camp is a training program for the students to learn how to make documentary films in a local community to enable them to find a solution to the community's social problems.

Govt urged to immediately improve investment climate

Govt urged to immediately improve investment climate Dadan Wijaksana The Jakarta Post Jakarta The latest data showing a precipitous drop in foreign direct investment (FDI) should serve as a wake-up call for the government to quickly take action to improve the country's investment climate, analysts said. Analysts said the government had so far failed to learn the lessons from the past and seemed wholly unable to realize how serious the impact of the FDI drop was on the country's economy.

Hindu ritual attracts C. Kalimantan visitors

Hindu ritual attracts C. Kalimantan visitors SAMPIT, Central Kalimantan: A Hindu ritual to invite spirits of the dead and guide them to the afterlife is now drawing local and foreign tourists to Kotawaringin Timur regency in Central Kalimantan. Known as Tiwah, it comprises ceremonies of a local Kaharingan Hindu sect, which lasts from June 17 to July 25 in the Katingan catchment area, particularly in the regency's Pendahara village.

Budget constraints shrink Indonesia's military might

Budget constraints shrink Indonesia's military might Berni K. Moestafa and Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Once the big brother amongst Southeast Asian military forces, the Indonesian Military (TNI) now suffers from acute budget constraints which are crippling its arsenal and diluting its might.

Bilingual schooling a fantasy or reality?

Bilingual schooling a fantasy or reality? -------------------------- Simon Marcus Gower High School Principal Harapan Bangsa High School Tangerang, Banten --------------------------- At the time of year when schools open their doors to receive registrations of new or continuing students for the coming academic year, all kinds of marketing ploys are being utilized to attract the eye of prospective parents and secure those signatures to fill the classrooms.

'New fountain a waste of money'

'New fountain a waste of money' The city administration spent Rp 14 billion (US$1.6 million) on renovating the water fountain at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle to commemorate the city's 475th anniversary. Governor Sutiyoso has also called on the public to stop staging rallies at the traffic circle. What do members of the public have to say about it? Hermanto, 35, is an employee at a private company in Kota, Central Jakarta. He lives in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta.

Fire at Padangpanjang mayor's office

Fire at Padangpanjang mayor's office Kasparman The Jakarta Post Padangpanjang Fire destroyed parts of the Padangpanjang mayor's office on Jl. Sutan Sjahrir in Padangpanjang, West Sumatra, early Friday morning, paralyzing the office's activities for the whole day, a report said. The fire, which gutted a number of rooms, excluding those of the mayor's and the city secretary's, and destroyed office equipment and incinerated all documents inside, occurred at 3 a.m.

Indosat concludes Satelindo buy

Indosat concludes Satelindo buy JAKARTA: PT Indonesian Satellite Corp. Friday finished acquiring a 25 percent stake in cellular company PT Satelit Palapa Indonesia, or Satelindo, from Deutsche Telekom AG of Germany. Indosat said in a statement it paid $325 million in cash for the stake. The funds for the transaction came from Indosat's internal cashflow and short-term secured commercial bank loans from state- owned Bank Mandiri worth Rp 1.5 trillion (US$172 million). It didn't offer details.

Medical school attracts the highest number of applicants

Medical school attracts the highest number of applicants Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Being a doctor is apparently a profession most high school graduates want to be despite many other interesting careers nowadays. Medical schools always attract high numbers of applicants to sit entrance tests for state universities (SPMB). The trend, which has lasted for years, was revealed by the Jakarta SPMB committee on Friday.

Anti-Drug Day, a national illusion

Anti-Drug Day, a national illusion Indonesia took part in World Anti-Drug Day for the first time on Wednesday. Drugs have become the nation's enemy, but political awareness to fight the menace remains low. One of the indications is that the National Drug Agency (BNN) has yet to be adequately organized and managed, with a budget and laboratory. It is now high time that the government empowered BNN and gave it as many powers as the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

RI seeks regional help to combat sea piracy

RI seeks regional help to combat sea piracy Agencies, Jakarta Indonesian police said on Friday it was seeking to beef up cooperation in the region to combat the growing threat of sea piracy. The sealanes in the South China Sea and the Straits of Malacca separating Malaysia and Indonesia are among the busiest, and most dangerous in the world. National police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar said efforts would begin with neighboring Singapore whose navy was already working with Indonesia.

Microsoft to invest US$750m in China

Microsoft to invest US$750m in China BEIJING: Software giant Microsoft Corp. said Thursday it would invest US$750 million in China over the next three years, calling it the largest software deal ever between China and a foreign firm. The investment -- pledged in a deal with one of China's most powerful economic ministries -- will cover areas including training, academic and research cooperation and hardware manufacturing, the company said.

Govt told to protect destitute children

Govt told to protect destitute children Debbie A Lubis, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Even as the bill on child protection is likely to be approved by the House next Tuesday, people are still skeptical about whether the government is really committed to protecting children, especially destitute children.

Hiddink tie proves a hit in S. Korea

Hiddink tie proves a hit in S. Korea SEOUL: A tie worn by Guus Hiddink, the Dutch coach who has taken South Korea's national team further than any Asian side the World Cup finals, is proving a hit. Local designer Kaye Leigh said she had given 16 ties to Hiddink to wish the team well when they reached the last 16 of the finals and he had worn one adorned with Taeguk (ying and yang circles). "He liked the design very much.

Govt urged to immediately improve investment climate

Govt urged to immediately improve investment climate Dadan Wijaksana The Jakarta Post Jakarta The latest data showing a precipitous drop in foreign direct investment (FDI) should serve as a wake-up call for the government to quickly take action to improve the country's investment climate, analysts said. Analysts said the government had so far failed to learn the lessons from the past and seemed wholly unable to realize how serious the impact of the FDI drop was on the country's economy.

Police turn a blind eye to jaywalkers

Police turn a blind eye to jaywalkers Leo Wahyudi S, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Many pedestrians in the city deliberately ignore traffic regulations, crossing the road when and where they please despite available zebra crossings and footbridges. Jaywalking is common everywhere, including major thoroughfares like the 6.5 kilometer-long Jl. Thamrin and Jl. Jend. Sudirman, which have a total of 16 footbridges.

Police blasted for failing to uphold press freedom

Police blasted for failing to uphold press freedom Muhammad Nafik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Frequent cases of violence and intimidation against journalists by police personnel across the country reflects their serious lack of understanding of the freedom of the press, an activist says.

Dance your way through the holidays

Dance your way through the holidays Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta School holidays are here again and children wonder what fun and games they can look forward to during the month-long break. Fun is all very well, but recreation should also be educational, hence the many summer camps that crop up in countries such as the United States and Australia during the holidays.