Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 20 August 2002

76 articles found

Astra sells stake in Sumalindo

Astra sells stake in Sumalindo JAKARTA: PT Astra International said Monday it has sold a 74.56 percent stake in plywood producer PT Sumalindo Lestari Jaya for Rp 13.98 billion (US$1.23 million) to unlisted PT Sumber Graha Sejahtera. The sale and purchase agreement for Sumalindo was signed Monday in Jakarta, Astra said in a statement. Analysts in Jakarta say the sale of Sumalindo is also in line with the company's plan to sell assets and issue rights shares to refinance its debt.

Unique 'babirusa' hard to find in the wild

Unique 'babirusa' hard to find in the wild Bambang M, The Jakarta Post, Palu, Central Sulawesi With its distinct white tusks growing right from its jaw, the babirusa (Babyrousa babyrussa), or pig deer, looks a bit bizarre. At first sight, the babirusa, which is about 85 to 100 cm in length and weighs up to 100 kg, looks no different from the Sulawesi forest pig (Sus celebensis). Though it also has upper tusks, the babirusa is gray and hairless, while a forest pig is black and hairy.

Govt mulls new bill on presidential election

Govt mulls new bill on presidential election The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government would likely submit to the legislature a set of "rules" for the presidential election under a separate bill, on advise from legal experts, who claimed this would be a faster way to meet the 2004 general election deadline, a government official said on Monday.

China to retain Asiad top spot

China to retain Asiad top spot BEIJING: China's athletes will bag 15 track and field gold medals at the upcoming Asian Games, maintaining the country's top continental spot in the disciplines, a leading Beijing sports official predicted Monday. China aims to see off tough competition from main rivals Japan and South Korea at the event, Wang Dawei, vice director of the Chinese track and field administrative center told the official Xinhua news agency.

Asian Statesmen Forum opens in Bali

Asian Statesmen Forum opens in Bali DENPASAR, Bali: The Asian Statesmen's Forum will take place on Tuesday with more than 100 high-ranking government officials from Asian countries participating in the one-day event at the Hotel Imperial Bali in Seminyak. The meeting, the third of its kind, will discuss various pressing issues in Asia, including security affairs (State and Human Security), human resources development, energy and environmental issues, economic issues and civilized dialog.

KL sees Islamic gold trade system

KL sees Islamic gold trade system Reuters, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia and a handful of other Islamic countries plan to bypass western currencies and use gold to settle bilateral trade from 2003, a senior Malaysian government official said on Monday. Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's economic adviser, Nor Mohamed Yakcop, told an international conference on the proposed trade system -- based on an electronic unit of value called a gold dinar -- would foster trade among the world's 1.3 billion Muslims.

Pertina wants three tickets for Asiad trip

Pertina wants three tickets for Asiad trip Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After getting the go ahead for Bara Gomies, the Indonesian Amateur Boxing Association (Pertina) is looking forward to securing a total of three places at the 2002 Asian Games. Pertina is currently grooming three boxers in Cuba, but only Bonyx Saweho is officially among the tentative list of athletes for the Asian Games, which will be held in Busan, South Korea, in October.

Bush notable by his absence at the Earth Summit

Bush notable by his absence at the Earth Summit Philippe Debeusscher, Agence France-Presse, Washington U.S. President George W. Bush will be notable by his absence at the upcoming Johannesburg Earth Summit, leaving the United States with the prospect of being branded the scapegoat if the summit fails.

RI and Malaysia to sign MoU on migrant workers

RI and Malaysia to sign MoU on migrant workers Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia and Malaysia are scheduled to discuss a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Indonesian migrant labor in September in a bid to address the recent humanitarian crisis that resulted from the expulsion of Indonesian illegal workers from Malaysia. Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda said on Monday that the new memorandum would cover all issues related to migrant workers.

Sutiyoso puts auditors at ease on controversial asset issue

Sutiyoso puts auditors at ease on controversial asset issue Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta City Governor Sutiyoso on Monday was questioned by an investigating team of the Public Servants' Wealth Audit Commission (KPKPN) over his wealth report and some controversial assets brought to their attention by the public.

BPK urged to reveal data on Riau leakage

BPK urged to reveal data on Riau leakage Haidir Anwar Tanjung, The Jakarta Post, Pekanbaru The Provincial Prosecutor's Office in Pekanbaru, Riau, called on the State Audit Agency (BPK) to hand over the latter's recent findings of leakage amounting to Rp 87.2 billion in the Riau Islands' 2001/2002 budget, saying it would investigate the case thoroughly.

S'pore calls for stronger military ties

S'pore calls for stronger military ties Agencies Jakarta Minister of Defense Matori Abdul Djalil (left) greets visiting Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister Tony Tan at the former's office as Singaporean Ambassador to Indonesia Edward Lee looks on. On the first day of a three-day working visit on Monday, Tan also met with President Megawati Soekarnoputri and held talks on various issues including terrorism and piracy.

Pertamina corruption case goes on

Pertamina corruption case goes on JAKARTA: The Attorney General's office said on Monday it would continue to probe corruption charges in a contract between state oil and gas firm Pertamina and PT Ustraindo, despite the death of several suspects. Head of the information center at the Attorney General's Office Barman Zahir said that two of four suspects had recently died: former Minister of Mines and Energy I.B. Sudjana and former Pertamina president Faisal Abda'oe.

Minister caught in treasure hunt controversy

Minister caught in treasure hunt controversy The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State Minister of Culture and Tourism I Gede Ardika said on Monday the government would not pursue legal proceedings against those involved in the excavation of an ancient inscribed stone in Bogor, West Java.

Jasa Marga awaiting the go-ahead for JORR work

Jasa Marga awaiting the go-ahead for JORR work Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned toll operator PT Jasa Marga is still awaiting approval from its sole shareholder, the Office of the State Minister of State Enterprises, to start the construction of four sections, totaling eight kilometers, of the Jakarta Outer Ring Road (JORR). "We must receive approval from our shareholder before we can start," Jasa Marga's development and commercial director, Frans S.

Ad promotes 'hunting'

Ad promotes 'hunting' We watched the TV show of Hadiah Mandiri Fiesta Bank Mandiri prize draw on June 28, 2002, and were surprised that the show used a jaguar (Panthera onca), which is an endangered species. Bank Mandiri's advertisements on several TV stations in recent weeks have also used a jaguar.

More controversy befalls gorillas

More controversy befalls gorillas Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta It seems like a gorilla can't get a break in this town. After having their arrival delayed by several months, four male gorillas on loan from the Howlett and Lympne Park in Kent, England, continue to be a source of controversy more than a month after their arrival.

Astra sells stake in Sumalindo

Astra sells stake in Sumalindo JAKARTA: PT Astra International said Monday it has sold a 74.56 percent stake in plywood producer PT Sumalindo Lestari Jaya for Rp 13.98 billion (US$1.23 million) to unlisted PT Sumber Graha Sejahtera. The sale and purchase agreement for Sumalindo was signed Monday in Jakarta, Astra said in a statement. Analysts in Jakarta say the sale of Sumalindo is also in line with the company's plan to sell assets and issue rights shares to refinance its debt.

House unsure on bill deliberation

House unsure on bill deliberation JAKARTA: The House of Representatives (DPR) expressed doubts on Monday that it could finish deliberating political bills on general election and political parties in the current session that started on Aug. 16. "The current session is not that long, around 30 working days only," Golkar Faction chairman Marzuki Achmad was quoted by Antara as saying Monday.

Impunity may reign again after E. Timor verdicts

Impunity may reign again after E. Timor verdicts The Ad Hoc Human Rights Tribunal has acquitted six military and police officers charged with crimes against humanity for failing to prevent the bloodshed in East Timor in 1999. The Jakarta Post's Ati Nurbaiti talked about the verdicts to Asmara Nababan of the National Commission on Human Rights. Question: How do you view Thursday's verdict acquitting the military and police officers?

Activists call for int'l human rights tribunal on East Timor

Activists call for int'l human rights tribunal on East Timor The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Human rights activists pledged on Monday to step up a global campaign for the establishment of an international tribunal for those involved in the mayhem in East Timor in 1999, saying Indonesia's human rights court was inconsistent and not independent.

Govt to force consumers to buy lower quality, higher priced fruit

Govt to force consumers to buy lower quality, higher priced fruit Adianto P. Simamora The Jakarta Post Jakarta The government was considering a raise in import tariffs on several types of fruit to curb imports and give local fruit companies more opportunities to sell their produce at higher prices to domestic consumers, a top official at the Ministry of Agriculture said.

Govt sets up new agency for fores industry

Govt sets up new agency for fores industry Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Forestry agreed on Monday to set up a new agency to help resolve the various problems facing the country's ailing forestry-based industry.

New tax target, subsidy cut will hurt businesses

New tax target, subsidy cut will hurt businesses A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government's plan to increase tax revenue and cut subsidies on fuel and electricity next year will increase the burden on a business sector already struggling to survive from years of downturn, businessmen said on Monday.

S'pore calls for stronger military ties

S'pore calls for stronger military ties Agencies, Jakarta Minister of Defense Matori Abdul Djalil (left) greets visiting Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister Tony Tan at the former's office as Singaporean Ambassador to Indonesia Edward Lee looks on. On the first day of a three-day working visit on Monday, Tan also met with President Megawati Soekarnoputri and held talks on various issues including terrorism and piracy.

Bonds market bustling this year : analysts

Bonds market bustling this year : analysts JP/13/Bonds Bond market bustling this year: Analysts A'an Suryana The Jakarta Post Jakarta The domestic bond market is expected to thrive this year as investors are shifting funds from bank deposits due to a lower interest rate environment, and from the volatile stock market. "It is likely that people will invest more in bonds this year," Raden Pardede from Danareksa Research Institute told The Jakarta Post last week.

Government's plan to raise budget for military slammed

Government's plan to raise budget for military slammed Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta An observer has criticized the government's decision to raise the budget allocations for the military and police without obliging them to promote financial transparency.

PIB ponders coalition with Muslim parties

PIB ponders coalition with Muslim parties A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Overshadowed by lack of popular support, several tiny political parties look set to cooperate in the 2004 General Election, an economist turned politician said on Monday. The parties in question are the Justice Party (PK), the United Development Party of Reform (PPP Reformasi), the Crescent Star Party (PBB), the Nation's Democratic Party (PDB) and the soon-to- be established New Indonesia Party (PIB).

* Headlines: Police to grill 16 on Poso unrest 2

* Headlines: Police to grill 16 on Poso unrest 2 * National:RI, Malaysia to sign MoU on migrant workers 4 * Archipelago:Labor rally rocks Bandung 5 * Opinion:Civilian still scapegoats in rights abuses 7 * City:Council approves gubernatorial candidates 8 * Sports: Rich Beem wins PGA tournament 9 * World: Palestinian guerrilla chief dead in Iraq 12 * Business: Privatization target unrealistic: Experts 13 * Features:Amien never blames others for failures 20

Labor rally rocks Bandung

Labor rally rocks Bandung Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung Bandung, the provincial capital of West Java, is still tense following a violent labor rally in which two demonstrators were shot and a police officer was injured. As of Monday evening, more than 500 protesters remained in front of the provincial legislative council building, voicing their opposition to two labor bills currently being deliberated by the House of Representatives.

Former police chief sues Mega

Former police chief sues Mega JAKARTA: Former city police chief Comr. Gen. (ret.) Sofjan Jacoeb and 21 other former police officers filed a lawsuit against current National Police Chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar and President Megawati Soekarnoputri on Monday. They filed the suit at the Jakarta State Administrative Court over a regulation which forced them to retire earlier than they wanted, their lawyer, M. Rudjito said as quoted by detik.com.

Demands grow for governor to quit

Demands grow for governor to quit BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: Hundreds of people staged a protest at the provincial legislative council here on Monday to demand that South Kalimantan Governor Sjachriel Darham quit. The protesters accused the local government of being involved in corruption cases and often lying to constituents during his term of office.

Amien never blames others for his failures

Amien never blames others for his failures Soeryo Winoto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Long before being elected People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) speaker, Amien Rais said in a television interview that his mother wanted him to become a statesman rather than a politician. He added that it was not an easy task to become a statesman. He proved his own statement. As Assembly speaker, Amien has shocked many, including government officials and his political enemies, with his controversial statements.

Bogus reporter tried for extortion

Bogus reporter tried for extortion JAKARTA: A man went on trial on Monday for allegedly using a fake ID card and documents from Media Indonesia daily to extort money from members of the House of Representatives. Prosecutor Ferry Tas charged defendant Aldo Hendra Putra, 25, with violating Article 378 of the Criminal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of four years in prison.

Parts of city suffer water shortages

Parts of city suffer water shortages JAKARTA: People in some parts of the city are suffering from a shortage of clean water due to a decrease in the water supply. The raw water supply from Perum Jasa Tirta (PJT) II during last weekend was only 70 percent of the normal raw water supply, PT PAM Lyonnaise Jaya (PALYJA) said on Monday. As a result, the clean water production and distribution from the Pejompongan Water Treatment Plant has been temporarily disrupted.

Amien in between being a statesman and politician

Amien in between being a statesman and politician ---------------- Soeryo Winoto The Jakarta Post Jakarta ---------------- Long before being elected People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) speaker, Amien Rais said in a television interview that his mother wanted him to become a statesman rather than a politician. He added that it was not an easy task to become a statesman. He proved his own statement.

'Traffic jam stress me out'

'Traffic jam stress me out' Traffic congestion in the city is a nightmare for many people -- not only those who drive expensive cars, but also those forced to use public transportation. Some of these people now voice their frustrations and express the high hopes they have placed on the planned construction of the Jakarta Outer Ring Road, even though critics have warned that it will not solve the problem. Rustam, 32, is a vendor selling traditional stoves.

Megawati spends $22.8m on overseas trips: PIB

Megawati spends $22.8m on overseas trips: PIB A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Having been in office for a year, President Megawati Soekarnoputri has spent a staggering US$22.8 million on overseas trips, according to a finding revealed by the Alliance for New Indonesia (PIB). PIB chairman Sjahrir said such a sum was spent on presidential visits to the U.S., European countries, Southeast Asian countries, China, North Korea, India and others.

Floods bring death, havoc to large parts of Asia and Europe

Floods bring death, havoc to large parts of Asia and Europe Agencies Dhaka/Wittenberg, Germany Weather officials predicted on Monday that more heavy rains would soon swell rivers in Asia, threatening fresh floods and landslides that have already killed at least 1,800 people and forced millions from their homes. Large parts of South Asia have been devastated by monsoonal flooding over the past two months, while low-lying regions in Thailand, Vietnam and China have also been hit.

Headings

Headings 1. Buruh: 22 x 1 line Labor rally rocks Bandung 2. BPK: 16 x 2 lines BPK urged to reveal data on Riau leakage

'Reform in Myanmar must be slow'

'Reform in Myanmar must be slow' MYANMAR: Malaysian premier Mahathir Mohamad left Myanmar on Monday after an official visit where he failed to meet with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and insisted democratic reforms should be taken slowly. "While we uphold democracy and would like to see democracy practiced in a country, we are also aware the process of change must be gradual," he told reporters after opening a technology conference here.

BPKP lair of corruptors

BPKP lair of corruptors From Koran Tempo I felt greatly insulted upon reading a statement by honorable members of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) about Development Finance Comptroller (BPKP) as reported in the mass media on Aug. 8, 2002. If the problem is the existence of BPKP, that is nothing new. Only today this matter is couched with political intrigues both in Senayan and in a small number of government agencies. The basic problem is the statement that BPKP is a corruptors' lair.

20 bogus degree peddlers reported

20 bogus degree peddlers reported KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: The Ministry of National Education has reported the management of 20 illegal postgraduate and doctorate programs to the police, a senior government official said on Monday. Director general for higher education Satrio Sumantri Brojonegoro said the education programs violated the law as they had no license from the ministry and caused losses to the general public.

Government steps up pressure on GAM

Government steps up pressure on GAM Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has stepped up its military pressure on Aceh rebels, giving them until December to accept the special autonomy offer, a prerequisite for future dialogs, or face the full brunt of the military's might.

A visitor from Singapore

A visitor from Singapore Singapore's deputy prime minister and defense minister Tony Tan is paying an official visit to Indonesia. His counterpart, Defense Minister Matori Abdul Jalil, will be his official host. During his stay in Indonesia, Dr. Tan will meet with the president and vice president and a number of other senior officials.

Amien Rais to accompany Li Peng

Amien Rais to accompany Li Peng SURABAYA, East Java: Chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Amien Rais is scheduled to accompany his Chinese counterpart, Li Peng, on a visit to Surabaya on Sept. 11 and Sept. 12. East Java Vice Governor Imam Supardi announced it after a meeting with People's Republic of China Ambassador to Indonesia Lu Shumin here on Monday.

Peter, Karangasem get Asiad berths

Peter, Karangasem get Asiad berths The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The National Sports Council (KONI) has included two new names on the list of athletes for the 2002 Asian Games in Busan, South Korea, in October. The two are marathon runner I Gusti Gede Karangasem and tennis player Peter Handoyo. "We had a meeting on Saturday and decided to include those two names," Imron ZS, the training director, told reporters here on Monday, citing their medal prospects in Busan.

Education in Maluku reduce to a pile of rubble

Education in Maluku reduce to a pile of rubble The devastating drawn-out conflict in Ambon has left Tjisan Sangaji a lone fighter. As a school principal, her mission is nearly impossible: keeping state elementary school SD 30 Ambon, located in the Muslim Silale slum area, running when almost all her teachers fled to the safety of Christian areas in the city.

Activists call for int'l human rights tribunal on East Timor

Activists call for int'l human rights tribunal on East Timor The Jakarta Post Jakarta Human rights activists pledged on Monday to step up a global campaign for the establishment of an international tribunal for those involved in the mayhem in East Timor in 1999, saying Indonesia's human rights court was inconsistent and not independent.

Indonesia's LNG team on visit to China

Indonesia's LNG team on visit to China The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has sent a task force to China to follow up on China's selection of Indonesia to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the province of Fujian. Task force head Trijana Kartoatmodjo, an expert at state oil and gas company Pertamina, said his team arrived on Monday and would return to Indonesia on Tuesday.

Low profile peacemakers toil for reconciliation

Low profile peacemakers toil for reconciliation People have lost count of the number of ceremonies officials have thrown to celebrate government-brokered peace deals struck between warring Christians and Muslims. Unfortunately, renewed fighting usually erupts again before the ink has had time to dry. Learning from the failures, peacemakers from both neutral and conflicting sides continue.

Islam end colonialism

Islam end colonialism From 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 celebration for the Indonesian Independence Day. In a festive mood for Independence Day, the nation can feel free and forget any suffering.

Haze disrupts flights in W. Kalimantan, Sarawak

Haze disrupts flights in W. Kalimantan, Sarawak Muhammad Nafik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Choking haze caused by forest fires and the burning of cropland thickened on Monday in West Kalimantan and Malaysia's Sarawak state, disrupting flights to and from the two areas, local officials said. Authorities at Supadio Airport in Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan, and Miri Airport in Serawak had to delay regular flights for up to two hours due to the thick smoke.

It's getting hot in here

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. So the company will pay 5.7 percent of the employees' salaries to the Jamsostek every month.

Flores tense as police, army clash

Flores tense as police, army clash KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Police and Army troops, backed by local civilians scuffled on Monday at Maumere, Sikka regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) on the island of Flores, leaving more than 10 people, including seven policemen seriously wounded. The Maumere police office was also damaged as a gang of Army soldiers and locals stormed the building. NTT Police chief Brig. Gen.

1. Forest (4x10)

1. Forest (4x10) JP/13/Forest Govt sets up new agency for forest industry 2. Privat (2x27) 2003 privatization target is unrealistic, say experts 3. Timor (2x16) East Timor moves toward own currency

East Timor moves toward own currency

East Timor moves toward own currency Tom Wright, Dow Jones, Dili East Timor's leaders are stepping up moves toward a national currency to replace the U.S. dollar, which the United Nations imposed after the territory's violent separation from Indonesia three years ago. A growing national desire for its own currency could bring East Timor into conflict with international donors, who have committed US$440 million in aid for the country in the next three years.

Nusakambangan:

Nusakambangan: A resort or jail? In the past everybody was horrified upon hearing the word Nusakambangan, which reminded people of Alcatraz in San Francisco Bay. Nusakambangan prison, in Cilacap, Central Java, was established for hard core criminals; the most barbaric murderers and the wildest drug traffickers. But, Nusakambangan in the past was much different from Nusakambangan today. As a cold-blooded criminal, Tommy Soeharto deserves to be sent to Nusakambangan.

Rupiah Rates Aug 19

Rupiah Rates Aug 19 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp Australian dollar 1 5,093.60 4,542.75 4,844.31 4,791.81 Brunei dollar 1 5,339.56 4,763.73 5,078.23 5,024.92 Canadian dollar 1 5,977.80 5,332.78 5,685.23 5,625.16 Swiss franc 1 6,269.85 5,593.89 5,962.99 5,900.59 Danish krone 1 1,237.65 1,104.08 1,177.07 1,164.61 Euro 1 9,194.95 8,203.89 8,744.92 8,653.69 Poundsterling 1 14,391.97 12,843.11 13,687.59 13,547.27 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,194.50 1,066.25 1,136.04 1,124.

Activists call for int'l human rights tribunal on East Timor

Activists call for int'l human rights tribunal on East Timor The Jakarta Post Jakarta Human rights activists pledged on Monday to step up a global campaign for the establishment of an international tribunal for those involved in the mayhem in East Timor in 1999, saying Indonesia's human rights court was inconsistent and not independent.

1. JORR: 48 pt, 2 cols, 4 x 12

1. JORR: 48 pt, 2 cols, 4 x 12 Jasa Marga awaiting the go-ahead for JORR work 2. COUNCIL: 36 pt, 3 cols, 1 x 37 Council approves gubernatorial candidates 3. GORILLA: 30 pt, 3 cols, 1 x 37 More controversy befalls visiting gorillas 4. SPEAKUP: 36 PT, 3 COLS, 1 X 37 'Traffic jams stress me out'

Police to grill 16 on Poso unrest

Police to grill 16 on Poso unrest La Remy and Muhammad Nafik The Jakarta Post Palu/Jakarta Central Sulawesi Police chief Brig. Gen. Zainal Abidin said on Monday his office would soon summon at least 16 people suspected of masterminding or provoking unrest in the conflict-torn regency of Poso. He said the names were revealed during questioning by a convict, Domingus da Silva, who has been sentenced to death for mass killing during the two-year violence in Poso that ended in December 2001.

Three years of living dangerously

Three years of living dangerously The United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef), which has been facilitating peace, reconciliation and reconstruction in war- ravaged Ambon, invited The Jakarta Post's Pandaya to take a close look at its work in the area, and at daily life for the people of Ambon. The devastating three-year sectarian conflict in Maluku has pushed the multiethnic and multireligious territory back to square one.

Pegadaian posts Rp 57b in profit

Pegadaian posts Rp 57b in profit JAKARTA: Indonesia's state-owned pawnshop operator Perum Pegadaian boosted its net profit to Rp 57.95 billion (around US$6.2 million) in the first six months of the year from Rp 31.42 billion a year earlier, it said Monday. The company added revenues rose to Rp 370.22 billion in the first six months of the year from Rp 250.70 billion a year earlier.

Amien, a politician who does not blame others for his failures

Amien, a politician who does not blame others for his failures Amien, a politician whose eyes are set on the presidency Soeryo Winoto The Jakarta Post Jakarta Long before being elected People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) speaker, Amien Rais said in a television interview that his mother wanted him to become a statesman rather than a politician. He added that it was not an easy task to become a statesman. He proved his own statement.

Tom Wright

Tom Wright Dow Jones Dili East Timor's leaders are stepping up moves toward a national currency to replace the U.S. dollar, which the United Nations imposed after the territory's violent separation from Indonesia three years ago. A growing national desire for its own currency could bring East Timor into conflict with international donors, who have committed US$440 million in aid for the country in the next three years.

1. The government will maintain a comprehensive approach on Aceh

1. The government will maintain a comprehensive approach on Aceh with a priority to: - restore security by crushing the separatist movement, protecting the people, securing the area and reactivating the operation of local administrations - enforce law and human rights - expedite economic development - pursue dialog - pursue rehabilitation, reconciliation and amnesty. 2. Dialog will be revived only if the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) accepts the Aceh special autonomy law. 3.

City Council approves gubernatorial candidates

City Council approves gubernatorial candidates Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The City Council approved the names of seven pairs of gubernatorial and vice gubernatorial candidates at a plenary session on Monday amid protests by thousands of demonstrators in front of the Council building on Jl. Kebon Sirih, Central Jakarta.

Civilians remain scapegoats in human rights abuses

Civilians remain scapegoats in human rights abuses Bayu Wicaksono, Civil Society Alliance for Democracy (Yappika), Jakarta Former East Timor Governor Abilio Jose Osorio Soares was recently found guilty of human rights violations under several articles of Law No. 26/2000 on human rights tribunals and sentenced to three years in jail. In response, Soares made an intriguing statement: "This East Timor case purely concerns a long-standing horizontal conflict. Why should I bear the brunt?

Independent Aceh: Just a matter of time?

Independent Aceh: Just a matter of time? Lesley McCulloch, Research Associate, University of Tasmania, Australia In Aceh, says Dr Hasan Di Tiro, "we are fighting a people's war." "The Acehnese have given the movement their loyalty," says the self-exiled leader of the Aceh Sumatra National Liberation Front (ASNLF). That is why Indonesia can never win, he says. This independence movement has recently renamed itself The State of Aceh.

2003 privatization target is unrealistic, say experts

2003 privatization target is unrealistic, say experts Dadan Wijaksana and A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government would not be able to meet the 2003 privatization proceeds target of Rp 8 trillion (around US$880 million) unless it moves swiftly to address the various domestic problems, experts said. University of Indonesia economist M.

Food importation

Food importation worries farmers From 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. Then farmers will worry that their rice will not find buyers in the market or that the price of their rice will go down.

Where to go in Bandung for Tuesday, August 20, 2002

Where to go in Bandung for Tuesday, August 20, 2002 Performances * Sundanese Traditional Music Gending Karesmen, Taman Budaya, Jl. Bukit Dago Selatan no. 53 A (Tel. 022 2504912), 7:30 p.m., Aug. 23. * Sundanese Traditional Dances Nadran, Nyi Ronggeng, Pesta Rakyat, Tayub, Taman Budaya, 7:30 p.m., Aug. 24. * Children's Painting Competition, Taman Budaya, 10 a.m., Aug. 28. * Traditional Performances, Taman Budaya, 7:30 p.m., Aug. 31.

Artist shuns Malaysia over labor issue

Artist shuns Malaysia over labor issue PEKANBARU, Riau: In a protest against Malaysia's handling of illegal workers, most of whom are Indonesians, a noted local artist Idrus Tintin said he would not accept an invitation for a function at the Malaysian consulate here later this month. Idrus was invited to attend the function to celebrate Malaysia's Independence Day on Aug. 31, but said he would not accept it.

Stock, currency markets would be flat this week : analysts

Stock, currency markets would be flat this week : analysts JP/13/Market Rupiah, stocks to remain flat this week: Analysts A'an Suryana The Jakarta Post Jakarta The rupiah and local stocks are expected to remain flat this week amid the absence of fresh leads and a relatively stable political condition, according to analysts. Currency Management Group analyst Farial Anwar, however, said that if Wall Street plunged again, it could create pressure on the local currency.

Police to grill 16 alleged masterminds in Poso unrest

Police to grill 16 alleged masterminds in Poso unrest La Remy and Muhammad Nafik, The Jakarta Post, Palu/Jakarta Central Sulawesi Police chief Brig. Gen. Zainal Abidin said on Monday his office would soon summon at least 16 people suspected of masterminding or provoking unrest in the conflict-torn regency of Poso.