Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 16 August 2002

85 articles found

Tax judges hesitant to make hearings public

Tax judges hesitant to make hearings publicRendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Although the new Tax Tribunal Law ruled that hearings on tax dispute cases at the tribunal must be open to the public, judges who, for years were accustomed to settling tax disputes behind closed doors, are still...

Nationalism no longer a draw for the young generation

Nationalism no longer a draw for the young generationTertiani ZB Simanjuntak and Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Young people nowadays see far beyond the symbols that usually identify this nation.

TNI retains political clout despite exit from MPR"

TNI retains political clout despite exit from MPR"The Jakarta Post JakartaThe Indonesian Military (TNI)'s surrender of its seats in the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) has been applauded by many, but one analyst says the retreat is symbolic, noting that much of the TNI's political clout lies...

Food importation

Food importation worries farmersFrom Bisnis Indonesia The agricultural ministry's policy on the importation of food, particularly rice, from China may indeed lead to a dilemma.On the one hand, it will create competition between domestic and imported rice.

Marriages and mortgages

Marriages and mortgages Referring to Andrew Charles' letter published in The Jakarta Post on July 26, titled Racist Indonesian fees, I'd like to give some suggestions.Andrew's Indonesian friend is married to a bule (a term used to refer to a white westerner), and his land certificate has been...

The beginning of nationalism

The beginning of nationalismHartoyo Pratiknyo, Staff Writer, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As Indonesia marks the 57th year of its existence as a nation tomorrow with poverty, crises and turmoil still plaguing parts of this vast archipelago, it is a good time for Indonesians to seriously take stock of...

Embrace Islam

Embrace Islam to end colonialismFrom Republika The month of August is considered sacred by Indonesians because Indonesia's independence was proclaimed on Aug. 17, 1945. Understandably, every time the month of August arrives, members of neighborhood communities work together to prepare a festive...

Accor to run charity program

Accor to run charity program JAKARTA: The Accor network of hotels will introduce a charity program on Sept. 1 aimed at promoting sustainable development.The program, called Green Day 2002, will kick off at the National Monument (Monas) park, where the hotel management will symbolically plant three...

Medco to acquire oil blocks

Medco to acquire oil blocks JAKARTA: Indonesia's oil producer PT Medco Energi International said Thursday it will acquire by October stakes in two oil blocks in South Sumatra and Irian Jaya provinces for US$11 million.

Nearly 1,500 foreigners detained

Nearly 1,500 foreigners detained JAKARTA: The government detained 1,483 foreign citizens, mostly from China, between January and June for various immigration offenses.Director of Immigration Control and Enforcement Muhammad Indra said on Thursday that 943 detainees had been deported, while the rest...

Tommy joint dad's golfing buddy in Nusakambangan jail

Tommy joint dad's golfing buddy in Nusakambangan jailAgus Maryono, The Jakarta Post, Cilacap/Jakarta At 40, Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra, the beloved son of former long-time ruler Soeharto, began on Thursday his new life as a prisoner, according to authorities.

Economy only grows by 0.52% amid weak exports, investment

Economy only grows by 0.52% amid weak exports, investmentDadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The economy, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), grew by only 0.52 percent in the second quarter of this year due to a slowdown in exports and lower investment, the Central Bureau of...

1. TOMMY: 3 x 17

1. TOMMY: 3 x 17 Tommy joins dad's golfing buddy in Nusakambangan jail 2. HAZE: 1 x 28 Haze delays flights in Pontianak 3. BLBI: 2 x 22 Two BLBI corruptors get less than a year, one acquitted

It's getting

It's getting hot in here From Kompas The contribution fee for Old Age Security (JHT) under the Worker Social Security (Jamsostek) scheme is borne by the employers and the employees. Two percent is deducted from the monthly salary of the employees concerned, while 3.7 percent is paid by the company.

Govt urged to follow up Fujian contract

Govt urged to follow up Fujian contractThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta A legislator urged the government on Thursday to quickly follow up on China's offer for Indonesia to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the Chinese province of Fujian.

U.S. to include Jemaah islamiyah on list

U.S. to include Jemaah islamiyah on list PHILIPPINES: Washington plans to include a regional Muslim militant group on its list of foreign terrorist organizations and may seek the backing of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, a Philippine official said on Thursday.

Ja'far on trial for fiery speech

Ja'far on trial for fiery speech JAKARTA: After a two-week delay, the East Jakarta District Court began on Thursday the trial of Laskar Jihad leader Ja'far Umar Thalib, who is charged with sowing hatred against the government of President Megawati Soekarnoputri.

Sutiyoso now certain to contest election on Sept. 11

Sutiyoso now certain to contest election on Sept. 11Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Incumbent Governor Sutiyoso will definitely take part in the gubernatorial election on Sept. 11 as two major factions on the City Council confirmed on Thursday that he would be their only candidate.

Haze delays flights in Pontianak

Haze delays flights in PontianakThe Jakarta Post, Pontianak/Jakarta Thick haze from forest fires has blanketed many parts of Kalimantan and Sumatra, reducing visibility and badly affecting local residents and those in neighboring Malaysia.

RI gets chance to show its stuff against world's best in Chess Olympiad

RI gets chance to show its stuff against world's best in Chess OlympiadMusthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia expects a tough challenge in its first ever participation at the World Youth Under-16 Chess Olympiad in Kuala Lumpur, which will commence next week.

1. Papua: 8 x 4 lines

1. Papua: 8 x 4 lines Ex-inmates from Papua demand freedom2. Baby: 20 x 2 lines500 infants die every month in W. Kalimantan3. PLN: 24 x 2 lines PLN to build geothermal power plants in N. Sulawesi

TV Program: Monday, August 19, 2002

TV Program: Monday, August 19, 2002TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings6:00 News 8:00 Environment8:30 Music9:00 Film10:00 Documentary11:00 News11:30 Music12:00 p.m. News1:00 Talk Show2:30 Documentary3:00 Children's Program3:30 Cartoon4:00 Music5:00 Music6:00 News7:00 Dialog8:00 Quiz9:00 News9:30...

[b]Facing the changes in

Facing the changes in Jakarta-Washington ties Sayidiman Suryohadiprojo Former Governor Insitute of National Defense Studies (Lemhanas) Should be Lemhannas? Jakarta2. LA18 -- Wading Deeper Into Afghanistan, 2 x 30Wading deeper into Afghanistan, more trouble awaits the U.S.

Preventing next Asian crisis: The China factor

Preventing next Asian crisis: The China factorMatthew Williams, Asia Studies Department, Council on Foreign Relations, New York When foreign ministers from 22 countries convened in Brunei from July 26 to Aug.

JP/20/ENTHUS

JP/20/ENTHUS Controversy over Enthus Susmono's puppet-mastery standard guidelineBlontank Poer The Jakarta Post Semarang A standard guideline, or pakem, is like a scary ghost for traditional artists. Many artists have been considered violators of standard values, while others are said to pay little...

'I wish all could gain their freedom and justice'

'I wish all could gain their freedom and justice' Despite their objection to the cost of independence day celebrations by many across the city, some lower-income people shared the wishes that people should know the true meaning of Independence Day on Aug. 17.

Ex-inmates from Papua demand freedom

Ex-inmates from Papua demand freedomR.K. Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura Hundreds of former Papuan political prisoners and their relatives demanded independence from Indonesia during a peaceful protest in the provincial legislative council compound on Thursday.And in separate developments, Maj.

No losers in the Assembly Annual Session: Amien

No losers in the Assembly Annual Session: Amien Contrary to people's expectations, the 2002 People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Annual Session which took place from Aug. 1 to Aug. 11, ran smoothly with significant results achieved on 13 contentious Articles of the 1945 Constitution.

PLN to build geothermal power plants in North Sulawesi

PLN to build geothermal power plants in North SulawesiYongker Rumthe, The Jakarta Post, Manado State-owned electricity company PT PLN is developing power plants using geothermal energy in North Sulawesi to replace the hydropower ones which are expected to cease functioning within ten years due to...

Accountability key to restore military ties: U.S.

Accountability key to restore military ties: U.S.Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The top U.S. military officer in the Pacific has praised Indonesia's ongoing democratization process, but warned that improved defense ties would depend on the Indonesian Military's internal reforms.

UNHCR seeks help from TNI

UNHCR seeks help from TNI KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is seeking the help of the Indonesian Military (TNI) to contact the guardians of East Timorese Indonesian children in East Nusa Tenggara who have been separated from their parents.

Indonesian youths have little sense of nationhood

Indonesian youths have little sense of nationhoodFitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Ask young Indonesians today what makes them Indonesians, and the answer may likely surprise, or disappoint you.

Fire razes 33 houses in Sampit

Fire razes 33 houses in Sampit SAMPIT, Central Kalimantan: Thirty-three houses and a mosque in Kuala Kuaya village, Kotawaringin Timur district in Central Kalimantan, caught fire on Wednesday night but there were no immediate reports of any casualties.

(Name, position, status);

(Name, position, status);1. Abilio Jose Osorio Soares, East Timor governor, 3 years in jail; 2. Brig. Gen. Timbul Silaen, East Timor Police Chief, acquitted; 3. Col. Herman Sedyono, Covalima regent, acquitted; 4. Lt. Col. Lilik Koeshardiyanto, Suai military sub-district chief, acquitted; 5. Lt.

Earthquake jolts Palu

Earthquake jolts Palu PALU, Central Sulawesi: An earthquake measuring 4 on the Richter scale jolted Palu, the capital of Central Sulawesi, on Thursday, but no human casualties were reported.The one-minute tremor however shocked residents, many of whom rushed out of their houses.

Two BLBI corruptors get less than a year, one acquitted

Two BLBI corruptors get less than a year, one acquittedMuninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In another blow to the legal battle against violators of the Bank Indonesia Liquidity Fund (BLBI), the West Jakarta District Court sentenced on Thursday two former directors of the now- defunct...

Looking back at the Second Indonesian Youth Congress

Looking back at the Second Indonesian Youth CongressRaymond Toruan, Chief Editor, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta It was on a Sunday afternoon, Oct. 28, 1928, almost 74 years ago. Indonesische Clubgebouw (the Indonesian Clubhouse) at Jl.

World's highest peaks await Clara

World's highest peaks await ClaraSri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Clara Sumarwati, 35, never dreamed of becoming a mountain climber as a child. She would be scared to climb a short tree at her home.But mountaineering became her greatest passion as she grew up.

Fast for forgiveness

Fast for forgivenessFrom KompasOur independence heroes would be very sad if they could see what has become of their country. To be honest, we cannot even compare ourselves to them. They gave their lives for the establishment of this country.

Volunteers help family planning

Volunteers help family planning SEMARANG: Foreign and local volunteers are conducting a community service mission in Semarang to help promote the family planning program in the Central Java capital.Coordinator of the mission, Hana Dini, told Antara on Thursday that the 17 volunteers from Germany,...

South Korean firms see spectacular growth

South Korean firms see spectacular growthAgence France-Presse, Seoul The first half profits of South Korean listed firms soared 156 percent to a record high this year despite a sluggish world economy, authorities said Thursday.

Minister slammed for excavation

Minister slammed for excavationTheresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Archeological Heritage Protection Office in Banten, West Java, condemned Minister of Religious Affairs Said Agiel Munawar on Thursday for allegedly digging up the Batutulis archeological site in the South Bogor district of...

Media criticized for bowing to threats, pressures

Media criticized for bowing to threats, pressuresBerni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Members of the national media were roundly criticized on Wednesday for so easily succumbing to threats or pressure at the expense of press freedom.

Indonesia's progress in last four years

Indonesia's progress in last four yearsThe Straits Times, Asia News Network, Singapore The constitutional changes approved last week by the Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) are remarkable for a country that has known rule by fiat for two generations.

TNI wants emergency status imposed in Poso

TNI wants emergency status imposed in PosoTiarma Siboro and Muhammad Nafik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto called Thursday for the imposition of either a state of civil emergency or martial law in the violence-plagued regency of Poso, Central...

Reflections on independence

Reflections on independence Tomorrow on Saturday, Aug. 17, Indonesians will commemorate the fact that 57 years ago two prominent leaders of the Indonesian independence movement unilaterally proclaimed the country's independence.

Concern over TV programs

Concern over TV programsFrom Koran TEMPO About 6 p.m. on Aug. 3, 2002, I watched Date X Press, a teenagers' program at Trans TV. The program was anchored by Alex Abbad and Dewi Sandra and included teenage celebrities such as Eno Lerian, Puput Melati and Hikmal.

Exxon top executives meet Megawati

Exxon top executives meet MegawatiFabiola Desy Unidjaja and A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta ExxonMobil Oil top executives met with President Megawati Soekarnoputri on Thursday to discuss the company's oil project in Cepu, Central Java, and security matters in Aceh, where its massive gas...

500 infants die every month in W. Kalimantan

500 infants die every month in W. KalimantanMuhammad Nafik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Poor service at public health centers in West Kalimantan has been blamed for the province's high mortality rate among babies and their mothers.

Areca nut poles put up for annual games

Areca nut poles put up for annual games JP/8/PINANG Leo Wahyudi S The Jakarta Post Jakarta One of the many popular traditional games that people take part in to mark the commemoration of Independence Day is the areca nut tree climbing contest or panjat pinang.

Japanese business sentiment in Asia up

Japanese business sentiment in Asia up Business sentiment indicators for Japanese firms operating in Asia were positive in August, the government-backed Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) said on Thursday.

Researcher apologizes over virginity survey

Researcher apologizes over virginity survey YOGYAKARTA: A young local researcher apologized on Thursday for his controversial survey on virginity, which has sparked widespread condemnation in Yogyakarta.

Software piracy in Asia hurts development: U.S.

Software piracy in Asia hurts development: U.S.Associated Press, Kuala Lumpur Widespread software piracy in Asia is undermining the computer industry's efforts to develop better products, an executive of a U.S. company said on Thursday.

Taiwan vice president's visit only for tourism: Indonesia

Taiwan vice president's visit only for tourism: IndonesiaAgencies, Jakarta Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda said on Thursday that Taiwan's Vice President Annette Lu was in the country purely for tourism and no official talks were planned.

U.S. to include Jemaah islamiyah on list

U.S. to include Jemaah islamiyah on list PHILIPPINES: Washington plans to include a regional Muslim militant group on its list of foreign terrorist organizations and may seek the backing of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, a Philippine official said on Thursday.

Declining coffee market hits Lampung farmers hard

Declining coffee market hits Lampung farmers hardOyos Saroso The Jakarta Post Tanggamus, Lampung Although people still enjoy drinking coffee at US$1.5 a mug at Starbucks in the United States, Rp 5,000 (40 cents) at Plaza Indonesia, or Rp 1,000 (10 cents) at beverage stands across the country,...

Do not use the

Do not use the term 'local fruit'We believe the use of the term "local" for domestic fruit, as can often be read in newspapers, is wrong in terms of language and fact. Newspapers often refer to domestic fruit sold in Jakarta as "local fruit", to contrast them with imported fruit.

Medco to acquire oil blocks

Medco to acquire oil blocks JAKARTA: Indonesia's oil producer PT Medco Energi International said Thursday it will acquire by October stakes in two oil blocks in South Sumatra and Irian Jaya provinces for US$11 million.

In search of the true Indonesia

In search of the true IndonesiaFitri Wulandari and Lela E. Madjiah, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia is mobs burning alive criminals, would-be criminals and even the innocent -- and taking great delight in doing so.

Police and army officers acquitted of rights abuses

Police and army officers acquitted of rights abusesMoch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Six military and police officers charged with crimes against humanity for their failure to prevent or stop the bloody violence in East Timor in 1999 were acquitted on Thursday, one day after former...

2. TKI: 2 x 21

2. TKI: 2 x 21 170,000 illegal Indonesian workers still in Malaysia 3. PRESS: 1 x 35 Media criticized for bowing to threats k

Controversy over Enthus Susmono's puppet-mastery standard

Controversy over Enthus Susmono's puppet-mastery standard guideline Blontank Poer The Jakarta Post Semarang A standard guideline, or pakem, is like a scary ghost for traditional artists. Many artists have been considered violators of standard values, while others are said to pay little respect to...

Nation's heroes aren't revered like they used to be

Nation's heroes aren't revered like they used to beKurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Time and again Indonesians are reminded that a great nation is one that holds its heroes in great respect. It is therefore ironic that within less than six decades of independence, many younger-generation...

1. Fiesta - 4x12

1. Fiesta - 4x12 Independence festivities offer joy, lots of fun 2. CALON: 2 X 25Sutiyoso will certainly take part in next election 3. Sufa - 1x 37 Minister slammed for illegal excavation 4. Speak -1x40 'Most celebrations are just wasteful'

Slogans not enough to unite a diverse nation

Slogans not enough to unite a diverse nationKurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Like magnificent artists, Indonesia's founding fathers coined the magic phrase, "Unity in Diversity" to unite this diverse nation, home to an estimated 500 ethnic groups.

Analysts point at pitfalls in Constitution

Analysts point at pitfalls in ConstitutionThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta Although hailed as a milestone by the reform movement, the amended 1945 Constitution contained flaws that could lead to complexity at elections, an overly powerful legal body and a weak bicameral system, political analyst said on...

Independence festivities offer joy, lots of fun

Independence festivities offer joy, lots of funThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta This weekend, as Independence Day is celebrated on Saturday, various events have been organized throughout the city in celebration of the day with shopping malls, hotels and entertainment parks offering special programs to...

City cops burn 'grass' at Serpong

City cops burn 'grass' at Serpong TANGERANG: Officers from the city police headquarters incinerated drugs, confiscated as evidence in 1,276 drug offenses between 1997 and 2002, at the Science and Technology Development Center (Puspitek), Serpong, on Thursday.

JP/6/SAYIDIM

JP/6/SAYIDIMIndonesia needs to adjust attitude toward U.S. OR Indonesia cannot afford to antagonize the U.S. Sayidiman Suryohadiprojo Former Governor National Resilience Institute (Lemhannas) Jakarta There are three important events in history that necessitate reevaluation of the relations between...

Revisiting the 1962 New York Agreement on Papua

Revisiting the 1962 New York Agreement on Papua--------------------- Dupito Simamora Alumnus, Monash University New York --------------------- Recently, there has been greater attention given to Papua by various parties, which has led to charges that the right of the Papuans to self-determination...

170,000 illegal Indonesian workers still in Malaysia

170,000 illegal Indonesian workers still in MalaysiaThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta Around 170,000 illegal Indonesian workers were still working in Malaysia while 310,000 others had returned home, Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Jusuf Kalla said here on Thursday.

Cisadane festival opened

Cisadane festival opened TANGERANG: Tangerang mayor M. Thamrin opened on Thursday the Cisadane festival, which is being held as part of city promotion week.The opening of the one-week Cisadane festival and promotion week was marked by several Tangerang traditional dances such as cokek, ampak...

A tough choice for TNI?

A tough choice for TNI?Imanuddin, Staff Writer, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) closed its Annual Session on Aug. 11 with an "outstanding and historic" recommendation that the military and the police give up their nonelected seats in the legislature in 2004.

Police vs military

Police vs military A trivial matter could have not triggered a brawl between the police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) personnel and soldiers if a hidden, more serious problem had not existed.Leaders from the police and the Army should work together to find out what was really behind the recent fatal...

The search for face-saving

The search for face-saving exit from politics for TNI Imanuddin Staff Writer The Jakarta Post Jakarta 2. Strait -- Indonesia's firm step 1 X 32 Indonesia's progress in last four years The Straits Times Asia News Network Singapore3.

JP/15/N00

JP/15/N00 JP/13/ConverRupiah Rates Aug. 15Bank notes rates TT ratesSelling Buying Selling BuyingRp Rp Rp RpAustralian dollar 1 5,052.42 4,508.74 4,806.41 4,754.52Brunei dollar 1 5,349.90 4,775.91 5,089.40 5,036.25Canadian dollar 1 5,991.30 5,349.83 5,699.57 5,641.47Swiss franc 1 6,265.47 5,594.

Party for small businesses

Party for small businessesFrom Pikiran RakyatSmall and medium-size businesses, plus the informal sector, locally abbreviated as UKM, are players in the people's economy, which serves as the backbone of the national economy.

Teater Mandiri's 'Luka' to open Laokoon Festival

Teater Mandiri's 'Luka' to open Laokoon FestivalTantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Putu Wijaya's Teater Mandiri will open the Laokoon Summer Festival in Hamburg, Germany from Aug. 22 to Aug. 24, with a production called Luka (scar).

(Name, position, Verdict):

(Name, position, Verdict): 1. Abilio Jose Osorio Soares, East Timor governor, 3 years in jail; 2. Brig.Gen.Timbul Silaen, East Timor Police Chief, acquitted; 3. Col. Herman Sedyono, Covalima regent, acquitted; 4. Leut.Col.Lilik Koeshardiyanto, chief of Suai military sub-district, acquitted; 5. Leut.

RI maid alleges employer of abuse

RI maid alleges employer of abuse SINGAPORE: An Indonesian maid told a court in Singapore that her employer pegged her eyebrows and hit her knees with a meat tenderiser to stop her from falling asleep, the Straits Times reported Thursday.

Jaded customer

Jaded customer It always seemed reassuring to see a large sign at the exit of Carrefour on Jl. Jend. A Yani, Cempaka Putih, asking motorists to have their vehicle registration papers ready to show the parking attendant when leaving the compound.

Santika, a hotel with a clean image

Santika, a hotel with a clean imageDewi Anggraeni Contributor SemarangRegardless of how secure your marital relationship is, whenever your spouse is away, the thought of them staying at a hotel often stirs a degree of concern.

Acehnese demand freedom as govt sets deadline

Acehnese demand freedom as govt sets deadlineThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta More than 700 Achenese demanded independence from Indonesia during a demonstration in the provincial capital of Banda Aceh on Thursday, just two days before the anniversary of Indonesia's independence.

Computer glitch blamed for Singapore's worst backout in decade

Computer glitch blamed for Singapore's worst backout in decade Deutsche Presse-Agentur Singapore A computer glitch caused the worst power failure in a decade in Singapore, paralyzing parts of the city-state for 90 minutes, officials said Thursday.

No paper

No paper In observance of the Indonesian Independence Day, The Jakarta Post will not be published on Saturday. The Post will appear again on Sunday. -- Publisher