Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 23 July 2002

80 articles found

I Made Sentana

I Made Sentana Dow Jones Newswires Jakarta Indonesia's shipping company PT Berlian Laju Tanker plans to join a growing list of local companies by issuing bonds overseas in the next two years to expand its business. Berlian's finance director Kevin Wong told Dow Jones Newswires in an interview that the company needs to raise between US$300 million and $400 million in the next two years to enlarge the company's fleet.

Malaysia asked to extend deadline

Malaysia asked to extend deadline JAKARTA: Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Jacob Nuwa Wea said on Monday that he had asked the Malaysian government to extend the deadline for Indonesia's illegal workers to leave the neighboring country. The Malaysian government warned Indonesian workers several months ago to leave the country before Aug. 1, 2002, because it was going to enforce a new strict policy on migrant workers.

I Made Sentana

I Made Sentana Dow Jones Newswires Jakarta Indonesia's shipping company PT Berlian Laju Tanker plans to join a growing list of local companies by issuing bonds overseas in the next two years to expand its business. Berlian's finance director Kevin Wong told Dow Jones Newswires in an interview that the company needs to raise between US$300 million and $400 million in the next two years to enlarge the company's fleet.

One year on

One year on There must be something wrong, or missing, if, as of today, a year after President Megawati Soekarnoputri took the helm, she is still an enigma to most people. It is really ironic that we have survived for thirty years playing the guessing game of what was on former president Soeharto's mind and now we have to endure, for how long we don't know, years of trying to figure out what's really on Megawati's.

Religion not a barrier for adopted parents: Orphanages

Religion not a barrier for adopted parents: Orphanages Muhammad Nafik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Workers of some orphanages and other social foundations said on Sunday that the religion of married couples or individuals wishing to adopt children from their organizations was not significant. Any Muslim, Christian or Hindu couple can adopt children of another faith if they meet the requirements and obtain court approval, they said.

Prosecutors insist on probe into councillors' 'incentives'

Prosecutors insist on probe into councillors' 'incentives' Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung Despite their intention to return cash benefits from the local administration, West Java councillors will face questioning at the Provincial Prosecutor's Office. Chief prosecutor Sudhono Iswahjudi revealed on Monday that there will be an investigation into the alleged misuse of the province's budget, which involved both the 100-member legislative council and the provincial administration.

1. tommy -- 3x15

1. tommy -- 3x15 Court to deliver verdict on Tommy this Friday 2. fisika -- 1x30 International Physics Olympiad opens 3. aceh -- 1x40 Locals against imposition of martial law in Aceh

Local community members against imposition of martial law in Aceh

Local community members against imposition of martial law in Aceh Edith Hartanto and Yogita Tahilramani, The Jakarta Post, Lhokseumawe, Aceh Local community members have joined the Aceh administration in opposing the central government's plan to impose a state of emergency in the restive province to stop decades of separatist fighting.

Forest fires continue as drought extends

Forest fires continue as drought extends The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Haze resulting from bush and forest fires continues to prevail in Riau and Central Kalimantan, as the effects of prolonged drought hit farmers in other parts of the country. People in the Riau capital of Pekanbaru woke to thick fog on Monday for the seventh straight day. The clouds prevailed till the afternoon but flights were not affected.

JP/6/OTHER3

JP/6/OTHER3 Clamor from KADIN chairman Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) Aburizal Bakrie called on the Annual Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) to discuss economic recovery. Among the Asian nations hit by the economic crisis, Indonesia is the only one that has yet to recover. Malaysia, South Korea and Thailand recovered early. How did they do it? Because they were able to solve their political problems.

Hanoi detains 9 Chinese boats

Hanoi detains 9 Chinese boats VIETNAM: Vietnam's coast guard seized nine Chinese boats with 179 crew members on board last week for illegally fishing in Vietnamese waters in the Gulf of Tonkin, officials said on Monday. The vessels were intercepted on Friday off the central coastal province of Quang Binh by a regular coast guard patrol, a border guard official said. The boats and the fishermen were taken to the port of Gianh where they were being held while an investigation was carried out.

Water supply in Batununggal Indah

Water supply in Batununggal Indah For the last six months, we, who are living at Batununggal Mulia, have faced water difficulties caused by the developer. Since the swimming pool was opened, almost every day the supply of water is stopped at certain hours in order to meet the pool's requirements. It is so annoying because most of the time they stop the water supply in the evening. This is precisely the time at which we need to bathe our children, cook, etc.

PDIP, Golkar back direct vote in 2004

PDIP, Golkar back direct vote in 2004 Kurniawan Hari and Kasparman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With only ten days to go to the Annual Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) and Golkar factions continued their lobbying forum to avoid deadlock in the process of constitutional amendment. Leaders of both factions said that they were trying to harmonize their differences on the substance of the amendment.

NGOs slam City Council

NGOs slam City Council JAKARTA: Two non-governmental organizations slammed the City Council for being unprofessional in the way it assessed the accountability speech of Governor Sutiyoso. A media release, which was sent by Pusat Pengkajian Jakarta (Jakarta Research Center) and Jakarta Government Watch to The Jakarta Post on Monday, stated that the city councillors were not serious in reading the governor's accountability speech and made no effort to verify the data contained within it.

Consolidating democracy: The challenge of reform

Consolidating democracy: The challenge of reform Todung Mulya Lubis, Lawyer, Jakarta A comprehensive constitution in Indonesia would prevent debates on whether the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) stipulation implementing the Constitution is legally acceptable or not. A reading of the First, Second and Third Amendments of the 1945 Constitution does not yield the impression that we are in the process of drafting a comprehensive constitution along a clear democratic paradigm.

TV Program: Tuesday July 23, 2002

TV Program: Tuesday July 23, 2002 TVRI .TB.30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Environment 8:30 Children's Program 9:30 Music 10:30 Documentary 11:00 Regional News 11:30 Music 12:00 p.m. News 1:00 Talk Show 2:00 News 2:30 Documentary 3:00 Children's Program 4:00 TV Drama 5:00 Music 6:00 News 7:00 Talk Show 8:00 Sports 9:00 News 9:30 Music: Legend 11:00 Talk Show TPI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 7:00 Quiz 8:00 Music 9:00 Indian Film 12:00 p.m.

Edited by Adrian 3:30pm

Edited by Adrian 3:30pm For REGENCY PROFILE/July 23 Story #4 Pandansimo harbour, a lucrative long-term investment Bright prospects for Pandansimo harbor For years, Pandansimo beach, located on the northern part of Bantul regency and nudging the estuary of Progo river, has been a famous religious resort. On certain Tuesdays and Fridays, thousands of devotees pray at various locations previously used for meditation by Yogyakarta's former king, Sri Sultan HB VII.

Local agricultural business growing in Mimika

Local agricultural business growing in Mimika Yosias Magai and his wife are feeding their ducks in their fenced backyard when someone wanting something from their small shop in front of their house calls out. Yosias asks his wife to attend to their customer. Magai, often called Yos by close friends, is one of a growing number of Papuans who are venturing into small and medium sized businesses in Mimika district, particularly in the livestock breeding and agricultural sectors.

For REGENCY PROFILE/July 23, 2002

For REGENCY PROFILE/July 23, 2002 Main story Ready to welcome investors, buyers and tourists Regional autonomy, introduced to the country two years ago, has waken up most regency administrations from their long sleeps. Bantul regency, one of several regencies in the Special Province of Yogyakarta, is no exception. Regional autonomy and political reform have colored many aspects of people's lives in Bantul.

Sons and daughters of a lesser god

Sons and daughters of a lesser god Fabio Scarpello, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Approaching Teluk Gong, along the West Flood Canal in North Jakarta, an apocalyptic vision of utter poverty and misery strikes you. Resembling a war zone, makeshift tents, burnt huts and litter stare you in the face. Garbage is everywhere and rats rein supreme where children play. Conditions are conducive to an epidemic, and only the frequent visits of volunteer doctors have prevented the situation from deteriorating.

'Street children on the bus intimidate me'

'Street children on the bus intimidate me' Street children are a common sight for Jakartans. Not only small children, but also teenagers beg for coins from commuters and motorists from dusk until dawn. Even though members of the public feel sorry for the young beggars, they don't like being around them. However, the problem remains unsolved. Tuti, 27, works at a computer shop in Ratu Plaza shopping mall in Central Jakarta.

Eviction leaves street children traumatized

Eviction leaves street children traumatized Leo Wahyudi S, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Many street children in the city have been left traumatized by their experiences of forced eviction imposed by the city administration, National Commission for Children Protection chairman Seto Mulyadi said here on Monday. The violent and traumatic experiences will have a negative impact on the development of the children. Children, as the best imitators, might also commit violence, he said.

Mega achieves little economic progress say expert

Mega achieves little economic progress say expert A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri has failed to quicken the pace of economic recovery during her first year in power, despite a more stable domestic political situation, economists said on Monday.

Guiding companies to succeed in borderless market

Guiding companies to succeed in borderless market I. Christianto Contributor Jakarta The trade globalization trend has seemingly turned the world into one single market with a product from one place to other parts of the world flowing freely without going through significant barriers. Despite offering growing business opportunities, the expanded market has, however, posed a fiercer competition to business players. In such a situation, having a good product is no longer enough.

Honda expanding motorcycle exports from Asia

Honda expanding motorcycle exports from Asia Agence France-Presse, Tokyo Japan's Honda Motor Co. Ltd. has begun to boost low-cost motorcycle exports from its Asian plants, which had formerly targeted output for the Japanese market, a spokesman said Monday. Honda is to ship some 13,000 motorcycles in this way by March 2003, with over 30,000 units planned in the year to March 2004, the company said.

Megawati trades reform with stability

Megawati trades reform with stability Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia passed its first year under the rule of President Megawati Soekarnoputri relatively calmly, allowing the country a break from the restless years under her two predecessors. But while both former presidents B.J. Habibie and Abdurrahman Wahid took bold steps toward reform, critics say the reform movement has virtually come to a standstill under Megawati.

Rupiah Rates July 22

Rupiah Rates July 22 JP/13/Conver Rupiah Rates July 22 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Handheld computers: Who'll lead the market?

Handheld computers: Who'll lead the market? Jonminofri Nazir, Contributor, Jakarta Retailers of Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), both the handheld and pocket Personal Computer (PC) versions, are currently having a wild time. Why shouldn't they given that the market for such handheld computers is growing rapidly. Within the past year, more and more shops specializing in selling these miniaturized computers have emerged in Jakarta's malls.

Councillor beaten up in bar

Councillor beaten up in bar BANDARLAMPUNG, Lampung: Provincial legislative council member Fauzi Makki was involved in a fistfight in a bar over the weekend. A witness said the 46-year-old councillor, who has been removed from the Crescent Star Party, was drunk when six unidentified people beat him up just before midnight. He sustained bruises to his forehead, cheek, neck and ears. The witness said the fight broke out after Fauzi taunted other patrons. Fauzi reported the attack to the police.

Twillite back 'Dancing All Over the World'

Twillite back 'Dancing All Over the World' Sonitha, Contributor, Jakarta Two alternatives: One, you could sit back, relax and enjoy the music; two, you might leave your seat, get on your feet and dance along. But wait a minute; this is no salsa competition. This will be part of a concert performed by Twilite Orchestra where dancing may not be allowed. "Dancing All Over The World" is the theme chosen by Twilite Orchestra that will perform at Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jakarta this Wednesday.

Court to deliver verdict on Tommy this Friday

Court to deliver verdict on Tommy this Friday Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Central Jakarta District Court is expected on Friday to deliver its verdict on Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra over his alleged involvement in the murder last year of Supreme Court Justice M. Syafiuddin Kartasasmita, and other three charges.

Jamsostek balance

Jamsostek balance From Kompas I received a statement showing the balance of my old age pension from Jamsostek (Workers' Social Security scheme) for 11 years on it, but only this year have I received two statements with a discrepancy amounting to some Rp 700,000. As the statement is a computer printout, it has never occurred to me that it may contain a mistake in which the annual contribution fee reported was lower than the amount deducted from my monthly salary.

Islam and religious tolerance

Islam and religious tolerance Sin Chew Dally, Asia News Network, Kuala Lumpur The Pendang and Anak Bukit by-elections have eventually settled down with Barisan Nasional (BN) and Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) carrying one seat each. PAS might have lost a parliamentary seat in Pendang, however, Barisan Nasional did not succeed in capturing Anak Bukit either, making any future attempt to redefine the boundaries of Kedah state assembly constituencies difficult. The Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on U.S.

Tommy's sentence

Tommy's sentence may be too light From Rakyat Merdeka It is really disappointing to hear that the prosecutor has demanded only 15 years' imprisonment for Tommy Soeharto. The prosecutor may have been afraid of demanding a longer prison term. The judge might also be afraid and hand down a verdict of only 10 years in prison.

Intriguing Taman Sari in choreography

Intriguing Taman Sari in choreography Tarko Sudiarno, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta The four female dancers look cheerful as they swim free-style in the lagoon. From a hidden place, the eyes of a man feast rapturously on the women's beautiful lithe bodies which are wrapped only by an individual piece of wet cloth.

Malaysian and Indonesian police hold talks on cross-border crime.

Malaysian and Indonesian police hold talks on cross-border crime. Associated Press Kuala Lumpur Malaysian and Indonesian police on the shared island of Borneo met on Monday for talks on cross-border crime including drug trafficking, baby-smuggling and illegal logging, officials said.

1. ASEAN (2 x 25)

1. ASEAN (2 x 25) ASEAN meeting to focus on investment, trade, security 2. HK (1 x 10) HK's young have little hope for future 3. Coffee (1 x 35) Vietnam's coffee producers join forces 4. Honda (1 x 45) Honda expanding motorcycle exports from Asia

Mob slaughter alleged shaman

Mob slaughter alleged shaman MAJALENGKA, West Java: Police have arrested 28 residents of Jatimulya village here in connection with the death of Katma, a 75-year-old man who they alleged had supernatural powers. Majalengka Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Muktiono said on Monday that 26 of the people had been named suspects in the murder. He said Katma suffered severe stab wounds and was hanged by a wire clothes hanger on Friday night. He was dead when police arrived at his house a few hours later.

A tug-of-war at 'TVRI'

A tug-of-war at 'TVRI' Controversy has again erupted among TVRI employees following a letter by the TVRI Workers Union (FSP TVRI) suggesting that TVRI president director Sumita Tobing be dismissed as many TVRI programs, which are financed from the state budget, are popular with only a minority of the population. Two examples are "Dansa Yo Dansa" (Let's Dance) and "Jazz Night".

JP/6/SINCHU

JP/6/SINCHU Controversy over religious interpretation and Islamisation The Pendang and Anak Bukit by-elections have eventually settled down with Barisan Nasional (BN) and Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) carrying one seat each. PAS might have lost a parliamentary seat in Pendang, however, Barisan Nasional did not succeed in capturing Anak Bukit either, making any future attempt to redefine the boundaries of Kedah state assembly constituencies difficult.

Press freedom 'still under threat'

Press freedom 'still under threat' Badri Jawara, The Jakarta Post, Palu, Central Sulawesi Atmakusumah Astraatmadja has been a part of Indonesia's press history from Sukarno's era to the present administration of President Megawati Soekarnoputri. Atma began writing for the media while he was in junior high school in Medan, North Sumatra. "I learned to write because I wanted to become an author," he said.

Public told to vaccinate pets

Public told to vaccinate pets TANGERANG: The local administration is calling on people in the regency to vaccinate their pets, especially dogs, cats and monkeys, against rabies. Head of the team in charge of the antirabies campaign, Febia Setianingsih, said she would visit 11 villages in Pondok Aren to inform people about the need to vaccinate their pets against rabies. She said that animals with rabies did not like water and were sensitive to light, wind and sound.

Semen Gresik 1H cement sales fall

Semen Gresik 1H cement sales fall JAKARTA: PT Semen Gresik of Indonesia said Monday its total cement sales during the first half of 2002 fell 5.6 percent to 7 million metric tons from 7.418 million tons during the same period last year. Gresik said the fall was due to a decline of its cement exports volume during the six months.

ASEAN meeting to focus on investment, trade, security

ASEAN meeting to focus on investment, trade, security Martin Abbugao, Agence France-Presse, Singapore Investment and trade reforms, including the formation of the world's biggest free trade zone, are expected to get equal billing with security issues at an ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting in Brunei next week.

JP/7/TODUNG

JP/7/TODUNG Pat 2 of 2 Consolidation of Democracy: Challenges of Reform Todung Mulya Lubis Lawyer Jakarta A comprehensive constitution in Indonesia would prevent debates on whether the MPR stipulation implementing the Constitution is legally acceptable or not. A reading of the First, Second and Third Amendments of the 1945 Constitution does not yield the impression that we are in the process of drafting a comprehensive constitution along a clear democratic paradigm.

* Headlines:Court to deliver verdict on Tommy this Friday 2

* Headlines:Court to deliver verdict on Tommy this Friday 2 * National: PDI Perjuangan, Golkar back direct vote 4 * Archipelago:TNI general bids farewell to refugees 5 * City:More councillors reject Sutiyoso 8 * Opinion:Children's Day and sexual exploitation of children 6 * Sports:Ernie Els lands third major title 9 * World: Islamic union proposed as force in global affairs 10 * Business:WorldCom files for bankruptcy protection 13 * Features:Intriguing Taman Sari in choreography 19

Tergeting corporate consumers to further boost sales

Tergeting corporate consumers to further boost sales Indra Gunawan, Contributor, The Jakarta Post The Apple 1 computer, created by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak in their garage in 1977, was followed by the subsequent Apple 2 and then Apple Macintosh, all of which greatly assisted the countless millions who enlisted them to carry out their tasks. The performance of these computers initially satisfied the users, however, it wasn't long before they asked for more.

Report reveals corruption in court is organized

Report reveals corruption in court is organized Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Corruption within the country's judiciary is glaring and well- organized, involving all players in the legal system, and is faced by justice seekers at every stage of court procedures, a survey reveals. Called Unveiling Court Mafia, the report by the Indonesian Corruption Watch (ICW) depicts a failing justice system epitomizing the country's faltering reform movement.

Military's request for Rp 11t

Military's request for Rp 11t Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Gen. Endriartono Sutarto told President Megawati Soekarnoputri last Friday that the military needed additional funds, amounting to Rp 11 trillion. Sutarto said as least Rp 1.3 trillion of that was urgently needed by the military. The House of Representatives, however, approved only Rp 1 trillion, both for the military and the Indonesian Police.

For Advertorial July 26

For Advertorial July 26 Company: Kaltim Prima Coal Writer : Rikza Abdullah KPC strengthens basis for coal mining operation PT Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC) is strengthening the basis for operation of its huge coal mine in Sangatta, East Kalimantan, by improving efficiency and productivity, as well as by intensifying its community development programs aimed at promoting the self- reliance of the local people in the long run.

International Physics Olympiad opens

International Physics Olympiad opens Rita A. Widiadana, The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, Bali President Megawati Soekarnoputri (photo above, left) gives encouragement to Indonesian participants at the 33rd International Physics Olympiad 2002 for high school students in Nusa Dua, Bali. After a two-hour delay, the president opened the Olympiad, with some 500 contestants from 70 countries participating.

TNI general bids farewell to refugees

TNI general bids farewell to refugees Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta post, Atambua, East Nusa Tenggara As many as 1,175 East Timorese refugees, or 335 families, including 35 Indonesian soldiers and civil servants, left East Nusa Tenggara on Monday for their newly independent homeland. The repatriation of members of the Indonesian Military (TNI) moved Udayana Military Commander Maj. Gen. William T. da Costa, who led their farewell ceremony at the border area of Atambua.

I Made Sentana

I Made Sentana Dow Jones Newswires Jakarta Indonesia's shipping company PT Berlian Laju Tanker plans to join a growing list of local companies by issuing bonds overseas in the next two years to expand its business. Berlian's finance director Kevin Wong told Dow Jones Newswires in an interview that the company needs to raise between US$300 million and $400 million in the next two years to enlarge the company's fleet.

Indicator 1st semester State budget Year end

Indicator 1st semester State budget Year end assumption target 1. Econ. Growth (%) NA* 4.0 4.0 2. Inflation (%) 4.46 9.0 9.5 3. Currency rate 9,617 9,000 9,500 (Rp/US$) 16.59 14.0 16.0 4. 3-month SBI rate (%) 5. Int'l Oil Price 21.22 22.0 22.0 (US$/barrel) Note : *) Economic growth for first quarter 2002 = 2.47 % Source : Ministry of Finance

City Council

City Council to be dissolved? From Republika The Jakarta City Council is threatened with dissolution after the capital's military commander, Bibit Waluyo, issued letter No. R/511-5/II/2002 dated July 3, in which he replaced the council's chairman, Edy Waluyo, with Doni Sudarno. To avoid having to disband, the council must elect a new chairman.

Cameroonian charged with forgery

Cameroonian charged with forgery MEDAN, North Sumatra: Medan Police charged on Monday a Cameroon national, Bamy Pameu alias Michael, with forging U.S. banknotes. The police, however, released Pameu's compatriots Ngasop Eric and Yaleu Neo Raso due to lack of evidence. They were arrested with Pameu over the weekend at a hotel while at an alleged drug party. During a body search, police found three fake dollar banknotes on Pameu.

For REGENCY PROFILE/July 23

For REGENCY PROFILE/July 23 Home to export-oriented handicraft products There are several outstanding industrial centers in Bantul regency, particularly in small-scale undertakings and popular handicrafts. For example, the earthenware and ceramics centers in Kasongan and Pundong, leather goods in Manding, wood carving and wood batik in Pajangan, and batik in Imogiri and Pandak. Wooden furniture, meanwhile, is made and sold in virtually every village.

Armed robbers at Kota Wisata

Armed robbers at Kota Wisata BOGOR: Seven men broke into a house in Bogor regency, tied the terrified family up and forced them at gunpoint to hand over cash and gold worth Rp 400 million early Monday morning. The victim, Berlinton Siahaan, 39, said the robbers, armed with a pistol, sickles and other traditional weapons, broke into his house in the Kota Wisata luxury housing estate in Gunung Putri district about 3 a.m.

Civil servants are people too

Civil servants are people too From Republika With the price of fuel going up, civil servants (PNS) have to pay more for transportation. Poor people receive some sort of transportation subsidy but not civil servants, who have not received a raise. Is the Corps of Civil Servants (Korpri) still around? If this organization still exists, it must do something to improve the lot of civil servants.

RI ready to support coffee consortium plan

RI ready to support coffee consortium plan Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In a bid to help prop up the sluggish price of coffee, some key producing countries, namely Indonesia, Vietnam and India, are planning to set up a joint coffee consortium, the Association of Indonesian Coffee Exporters (AEKI) says.

ADVERTORIAL : GOLF HOUSE --Mizuno

ADVERTORIAL : GOLF HOUSE --Mizuno Writer : Mustofid Publication : July 28 300S II: The best weapon in 2002 Mizuno, the world's best club maker, is traditionally associated with world-class golf stars like Tiger Woods. This renowned brand brings to mind images of world-class competitions, athletes, professional models and serious performance.

Indonesian soccer is a gold mine, says Asian confederation

Indonesian soccer is a gold mine, says Asian confederation Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesian soccer is a gold mine but they just don't have the professional miners to polish the gold, a top official of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said. "I have very high hopes for Indonesian football.

Mega's leadership falls short of expectations

Mega's leadership falls short of expectations Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Megawati Soekarnoputri, after one year as President, has affirmed people's doubts in her inability to be the country's dream leader. A year ago today, the country saw a new light when she read out the presidential oath and vowed that she would take "immediate and concrete actions to defuse the prolonged crisis".

Proton to roll out cars in Iran

Proton to roll out cars in Iran KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian carmaker Proton said Monday its new factory in Iran would begin operations next month in a further move to strengthen its foray into west Asia. Its completely knocked-down operations in Borujed, south of Tehran, would begin production with an initial roll out of 90 units of Proton cars, it said in a statement.

Community conserves Tongke-tongke mangroves

Community conserves Tongke-tongke mangroves Hasanuddin Hamid, Contributor, Makassar, South Sulawesi Dozens of five-meter-long fishing boats are anchored around the mangrove forest in the hamlet of Tongke-tongke, some 220 km to the south of Makassar, South Sulawesi. It is late in the afternoon during the second week of July and the sun has almost disappeared in the west when a number of fishermen prepare their gear to catch fish and crabs in the areas among the trees in the mangrove forest.

RDC holds training for medical attendants

RDC holds training for medical attendants The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) is seeking to improve Asian physiotherapists in a four-day medical seminar organized by the Jakarta-based Regional Development Center (RDC) beginning on Monday. "Physiotherapists and doctors play an important part in the development of athletics.

Adrian edited this around 2:45pm

Adrian edited this around 2:45pm For REGENCY PROFILE/July 23 Placed in box Investment opportunities abound in Bantul The Bantul regency offers many promising investment opportunities, such as hotels, restaurants and other tourist facilities. From the prepared master plan, investors can select areas projected for each land use, such as farming, tourism, housing, industry, trade and services.

For REGENCY PROFILE/July 23

For REGENCY PROFILE/July 23 Parangtritis Beach remains prime tourist spot Bantul regency has quite a number of tourist attractions, with the most well-know destination being Parangtritis Beach, some 29 kilometers to the south of Yogyakarta. Parangtritis is a major contributor to the regency's revenue and also contributes to the income of residents in its vicinity. In 2001 more than 1.5 million local and foreign tourists visited the area.

A true story of sex child abuse

A true story of sex child abuse Debbie A. Lubis, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Fourteen-year-old Santi plainly retold her life story at Monday's seminar organized by the International Labor Organization-International Program for the Elimination of Child Labor (ILO-IPEC). "I was asked by my village head in Indramayu (West Java) to help my neighbor sell drinks. But actually, if the customers wanted to kiss me or touch other parts of my body, I had to let them.

1. MPR: 12 x 4 lines

1. MPR: 12 x 4 lines PDIP, Golkar support direct vote in 2004 poll With only ten days to go to the Annual Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) and Golkar factions continued their lobbying forum to avoid deadlock in the process of constitutional amendment. Leaders of both factions said that they were trying to harmonize their differences on the substance of the amendment.

Berlian Laju Tanker plans to issue offshore bond

Berlian Laju Tanker plans to issue offshore bond I Made Sentana, Dow Jones Newswires, Jakarta Indonesia's shipping company PT Berlian Laju Tanker plans to join a growing list of local companies by issuing bonds overseas in the next two years to expand its business. Berlian's finance director Kevin Wong told Dow Jones Newswires in an interview that the company needs to raise between US$300 million and $400 million in the next two years to enlarge the company's fleet.

AGO silent on Soeharto's health report

AGO silent on Soeharto's health report JAKARTA: The Attorney General's Office will not disclose the latest health report on graft suspect former president Soeharto until it secures approval from his family, a report said. "We will announce the results at the right time, but we have to seek his family's consent first on whether we can disclose all the details on his medical record," Attorney General M.A. Rachman said on Monday.

Jacob scolded over accusations

Jacob scolded over accusations Muhammad Nafik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Labor leaders and activists lambasted on Monday Minister of Manpower Jacob Nuwa Wea's recent statement accusing militant trade unions of scaring off investors and undermining the country's business climate.

Chinese to boost quality of motorbikes

Chinese to boost quality of motorbikes Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Competition in the country's motorcycle market will become fiercer in the future as China gears up to boost the quality of its products but at the same time maintain their cheap prices, according to an executive of the industry.

FOR FOCUS ISSUE JULY 21

FOR FOCUS ISSUE JULY 21 ;JP;HEN; ANPAc..r.. Consultation-HR-focus Grace Emilia Contributor Jakarta More firms turn to professionals to improve their HR Consulting businesses in Indonesia have been growing rapidly during the past decade as more and more companies turn to their services to help them survive and grow in a fast-changing market.

Judges admit the country's judiciary is pathetic

Judges admit the country's judiciary is pathetic Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The result of the UN fact-finding mission on how pathetic the country's administration of justice and the judiciary have become has not come as a surprise to the judges and the country's legal circles, who describe corruption as rampant in courtrooms.

Termination of blanket guarantee may hurt importers

Termination of blanket guarantee may hurt importers Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Plans by the government to phase out its blanket guarantee on bank deposits and claims will affect the flow of the country's imports unless the government moves quickly to boost confidence in the country's economy and banking industry, businessmen have said.

Over 1,000 reporters for MPR session

Over 1,000 reporters for MPR session JAKARTA: At least 1,163 journalists from 195 domestic and foreign media have registered to cover the Annual Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) scheduled for August. Eni, a staff member at the Assembly Secretariat, confirmed on Monday that the number could possibly rise due to the need for more reporters from television and radio stations.

For Advertorial July 26

For Advertorial July 26 Company: Kaltim Prima Coal Writer : Rikza Abdullah KPC strengthens basis for coal mining operation PT Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC) is strengthening the basis for operation of its huge coal mine in Sangatta, East Kalimantan, by improving efficiency and productivity, as well as by intensifying its community development programs aimed at promoting the self- reliance of the local people in the long run.

More councillors reject Sutiyoso

More councillors reject Sutiyoso Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Chairman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle's (PDI Perjuangan) city chapter Tarmidi Suhardjo said on Monday that there are councillors from the party committed to rejecting City Governor Sutiyoso's accountability speech.