Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 24 August 2002

83 articles found

Coy legislators should be brought to court: Amien

Coy legislators should be brought to court: Amien The Jakarta Post, Jakarta People's Consultative Assembly Speaker Amien Rais urged the Public Servants' Wealth Audit Commission (KPKPN) on Friday to take legal action against legislators who fail to declare their wealth.

FOR FOCUS - SUNDAY AUGUST 25

FOR FOCUS - SUNDAY AUGUST 25 Done ;JP;HEN; ANPAc..r.. Beverages-business-outlook Luxury tax hurts sales of soft drinks Sudibyo M. Wiradji Contributor Jakarta Unlike most of Indonesia's food-related businesses, the beverage industry has been experiencing tough times over the last two years, partly as the result of country's worst ever economic crisis.

RI volleyball teams cruise into second round

RI volleyball teams cruise into second round Pariama Hutasoit and Rita A. Widiadana, The Jakarta Post, Seminyak, Bali Indonesia A team's Agus Salim and Koko Prasetyo Darkuncoro won an easy 2-0 victory over Australia B's Brett Richardson and Alistar Lyne on the first day of the Asia-Pacific Beach Volleyball Competition at Petitenget beach in Seminyak, Kuta, on Friday.

'Stop Matoa operation in Papua'

'Stop Matoa operation in Papua' JAYAPURA, Papua: The Cenderawasih Human Rights Network (JHC) has called on the police to stop the Matoa operation, which is aimed at quelling separatism in the province, because the province no longer has any separatist movements. "The operation to be launched by the police in the near future should be canceled because there are no longer any separatist movements in the province," JHC said in a news release on Friday.

Stock prices on The Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug.23,2002

Stock prices on The Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug.23,2002 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Close Change Trading Volume ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Abdi Bangsa Tbk 270 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 925 0 0 Adindo Foresta 40 0 0 AGIS Tbk 95 -5 542,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 365 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 190 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 800 25 74,500 Alter Abadi Tbk 25 0 0 Alumindo Light 440 0 0 Andhi...

Part 1 of 2

Part 1 of 2 Dilemma of nine-year compulsory education Darmaningtyas Center for the Betterment of Education Jakarta The nine-year compulsory education program was launched in 1994 with optimism that it would be fully implemented by 2004. Several indicators supported that optimism, such as the country's high economic growth rate, the government's financial capacity and the spirit of other stakeholders. However, the economic crisis that struck in July 1997 ended up as a multicrisis.

224 Filipinos deported from N. Sulawesi

224 Filipinos deported from N. Sulawesi Bitung, North Sulawesi: Local immigration authorities have barred 224 Filipinos from entering Indonesia after they violated the country's immigration laws. Mulyono, the chief of the local immigration office, said on Friday that the ban would be valid for two years starting Aug. 20. The Filipinos had been in Indonesia earlier, but were later deported home after the Navy found them fishing off of Sorong in Irian Jaya several weeks ago.

Making money from copyright piracy in Indonesia

Making money from copyright piracy in Indonesia Nicholas Redfearn The Motion Picture Association (MPA) In Asian countries like Indonesia the problem of copyright piracy is often regarded as something which only affects foreign copyright holders. Clearly it does affect them. The US motion picture industry loses hundreds of millions of dollars a year in Asia and billions worldwide.

JP/7/FAIZA

JP/7/FAIZA Indonesian workers caught in debt bondage in Malaysia Debt slaves plight ignored by Government Faiza Mardzoeki Coordinator, Organization and Education Women's Solidarity (SP) Jakarta The planned deportation of more than 400,000 Indonesian workers from Malaysia only reinforces their status as debt slaves. Malaysia now has almost 2 million Indonesian guest workers with legal status and another 500,000 without the proper documents.

Salaries and price hikes

Salaries and price hikes From Media Indonesia The government's decision to raise civil servants' salaries by 10 percent has received mixed reactions for the following reasons: * While the salary increase has yet to be implemented, the prices of daily commodities have already gone up by 10 percent. This means that the salary rise, when implemented, will not mean much.

Rupiah Rates Aug 23

Rupiah Rates Aug 23 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp Australian dollar 1 5,067.01 4,521.82 4,820.31 4,768.29 Brunei dollar 1 5,328.55 4,756.92 5,069.12 5,016.21 Canadian dollar 1 6,000.77 5,358.36 5,708.61 5,650.42 Swiss franc 1 6,152.53 5,493.83 5,852.99 5,793.28 Danish krone 1 1,220.47 1,089.66 1,161.05 1,149.06 Euro 1 9,062.54 8,092.43 8,621.32 8,533.52 Poundsterling 1 14,225.08 12,699.59 13,532.51 13,391.80 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,200.85 1,072.56 1,142.38 1,131.

New curriculum expected to improve quality of graduates

New curriculum expected to improve quality of graduates Efforts to reform Indonesia's education began in 1984, when the government introduced compulsory education for elementary school students.

The NATO syndrome is back

The NATO syndrome is back How thick must the haze in West Kalimantan and Central Kalimantan and in Riau, or other parts of the country for that matter, become before the government is prompted to act? Although the haze, coming mostly from forest fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan, is getting thicker to the point of endangering the lives and health of the people and is crippling the economy in many of the affected areas, we have yet to see any real action from the central government.

Govt accused of inaction on forest fires

Govt accused of inaction on forest fires Bambang Bider and Edi Patebang, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Pontianak Environmentalists as well as Malaysia have criticized the government for doing nothing to cope with forest and ground fires that persisted on Friday in Kalimantan and Sumatra, sending choking haze to neighboring countries. "The government has not taken appropriate steps to deal with the forest fires.

Govt to focus aid on Aceh's conflict-free regions: VP

Govt to focus aid on Aceh's conflict-free regions: VP The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Conflict-free regions in Aceh may be the first to get some of the Rp 6.6 trillion (about US$750 million) the government has set aside to develop the province, as less than half of the money has been spent so far because of ongoing violence. Vice President Hamzah Haz said on Friday the government would speed up development in what it calls the "white areas".

EyeBox

EyeBox Trade statistic of China with Indonesia (in billion US$) Year Export Import Deficit 1996 14.2 22.8 -8.52 1997 18.4 26.7 -8.33 1998 11.7 24.5 -12.8 1999 17.8 30.5 -12.7 2000 30.6 44.0 -13.4 2001 28.3 38.8 -10.5 2002* 15.8 20.0 -4.2 *First semester Source: The Ministry of Trade and Economic Cooperation of the People's Republic of China Top 10 products imported from China in 2001 Product Value (in million US$) 1. Petroleum oil, crude 226.2 2. Metallic & peroxy salts 99.6 3.

Ignorance about breast-freeding lamented

Ignorance about breast-freeding lamented The Jakarta Post, Jakarta JAKARTA: A government official said on Friday that almost half of the new mothers in this country failed to breast-feed their babies exclusively. Director General of Public Health Development Azrul Azwar said the latest demographic and health survey found that only 52 percent of mothers complied with the government's call for breast-feeding their babies exclusively until they were four months old.

Indonesia needs more than additional budget to improve education system

Indonesia needs more than additional budget to improve education system Hopes for better education for all soared after the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) endorsed the fourth batch of amendments to the 1945 Constitution, including the article on education, early this month. Limited budget has been one of the main constraints in providing quality education for all.

Govt ignores Indonesian debt slaves' plight

Govt ignores Indonesian debt slaves' plight Faiza Mardzoeki, Coordinator, Organization and Education Women's Solidarity (SP), Jakarta The planned deportation of more than 400,000 Indonesian workers from Malaysia only reinforces their status as debt slaves. Malaysia now has almost 2 million Indonesian guest workers with legal status and another 500,000 without the proper documents.

Legislators warn of legal glitches in prisoner deal

Legislators warn of legal glitches in prisoner deal Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Legislators have warned the government of possible legal glitches in the proposed prisoner swap deal between Indonesia and the Philippines, arguing that the two countries adhered to different legal systems. J.E.

'Orang Tua Group'

'Orang Tua Group' TV commercials From Republika I've observed the commercials promoting the products of Orang Tua Group on TV and in my opinion the group has violated the code of conduct in TV commercials because it has advertised its ginseng-mixed wine. As far as I know, there is a regulation banning the advertising of liquor on TV. At a glance, the commercial does not seem to suggest a wine but if you look at the scene carefully you'll find that it is promoting its ginseng-mixed wine.

12 perish as bus explodes in flames in Indramayu

12 perish as bus explodes in flames in Indramayu Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Indramayu, West Java A crowded passenger bus containing a large load of fireworks exploded into flames here on Friday, killing at least 12 people and wounding 18 others. Local police said the blaze started after an explosion from five sacks of fireworks that were stacked up against the rear window of the 34-passenger bus, PO Bhineka, serving the Jakarta- Merak route.

GAM intimidates the people

GAM intimidates the people From Rakyat Merdeka The government has adopted a new policy to settle the question of Aceh. Psychologically, the Acehnese are still gripped with fear. When Aceh was still a military operation zone, the Acehnese, despite the victims the conflict claimed, always openly sided with the unitary state of the Republic of Indonesia.

'Orang Tua Group'

'Orang Tua Group' TV commercials From Republika I've observed the commercials promoting the products of Orang Tua Group on TV and in my opinion the group has violated the code of conduct in TV commercials because it has advertised its ginseng-mixed wine. As far as I know, there is a regulation banning the advertising of liquor on TV. At a glance, the commercial does not seem to suggest a wine but if you look at the scene carefully you'll find that it is promoting its ginseng-mixed wine.

In search of the format for interreligious understanding

In search of the format for interreligious understanding Bambang Bider, Journalist, Pontianak, West Kalimantan There have been two major explosive events in our recent past. The first occurred at home with the collapse of the New Order regime, followed by the emergence of various religious, political and ethnic conflicts. The second was the Sept. 11 attacks in the United States. In the early days of modern times, religious communities did not reject sciences.

TV Today: Saturday, August 24, 2002

TV Today: Saturday, August 24, 2002 TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:30 Talk Show 9:00 Music 11:00 News 12:00 p.m. 1:00 Talk Show 2:30 Music 3:00 Religious Teachings 4:00 Cartoon 5:00 Music 6:00 News 7:00 Variety Show 8:00 Quiz 9:00 News 9:30 Music 11:00 TV Drama 12:30 a.m. News TPI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 7:00 Cartoon 8:00 Talk Show 8:30 Cooking Program 9:00 Variety Show 10:00 Indian Film 1:30 p.m.

Unhealthy habits leads to malnutrition

Unhealthy habits leads to malnutrition Leo Wahyudi S, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A little boy of two years old was crying for a pack of snack when a vendor passed by a small alley in a dense dwellings in Central Jakarta. He was grabbing his mother's hand begging badly to satisfy his childhood desires. Unwilling to see her beloved little boy crying, the mother just fulfilled his demand. Cheap snacks tempt children like no other foods. They look good and taste good, too.

Educational reform key to quality nation

Educational reform key to quality nation Look around us. Our central bank governor has been convicted of graft and the speaker of the House is a defendant. Both have denied any wrongdoing and the charges made against them, arguing that they were only doing their job. Meantime, surveys by local and international organizations show that Indonesia is unrivaled when it comes to corruption. Here, white-collar crime is rampant. State leaders are no longer accountable to the people.

National leaders confused over ousted mayor's status

National leaders confused over ousted mayor's status Ainur R. Sophiaan, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya The Surabaya legislative council in East Java adopted on Friday a confusing stance on the status of the city's mayor, Bambang D.H., who it dismissed from his post last month. The council agreed to allow the mayor to sign a revised 2002 draft budget for the country's second largest city during a plenary session despite his controversial dismissal.

Students' ears bent out of shape at school

Students' ears bent out of shape at school Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Many students in Jakarta cannot fully absorb their lessons because their schools fail to provide an atmosphere that is conducive to studying. Some of them are located adjacent to a noisy market, a shopping mall, a putrid dump site or a railway track. State High School 37 in Kebon Baru, South Jakarta, is among the schools situated near a railway track. "A train passes every 20 minutes.

Blending science education and religious education

Blending science education and religious education Mochtar Buchori, Educator, Legislator, Jakarta, mbuchori@indo.net.id The Islamic schools or madrasah that have opted for the inclusion of science education in their curriculum have complained of the difficulty in making science and religious education blend into one meaningful whole. This difficulty has come from the habit of looking upon these two programs as being incompatible.

S. Kalimantan governor still in charge: Minister

S. Kalimantan governor still in charge: Minister Tiarma Siboro and Yuliansyah, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Banjarmasin Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno asserted on Friday that South Kalimantan Governor Sjachriel Darham, who was unseated by the provincial legislature on Wednesday, was still in charges of running the province. "A governor is appointed by the president through a presidential decree.

1. Tyas1 -- The dilemma with compulsory education

1. Tyas1 -- The dilemma with compulsory education 2. Chaedar -- Readers today, leaders tomorrow 3. Nichols --Making money from copyright piracy in Indonesia

'Orang Tua Group'

'Orang Tua Group' TV commercials From Republika I've observed the commercials promoting the products of Orang Tua Group on TV and in my opinion the group has violated the code of conduct in TV commercials because it has advertised its ginseng-mixed wine. As far as I know, there is a regulation banning the advertising of liquor on TV. At a glance, the commercial does not seem to suggest a wine but if you look at the scene carefully you'll find that it is promoting its ginseng-mixed wine.

Dow Jones, Jakarta

Dow Jones, Jakarta Indonesian instant noodle producer Indofood Sukses Makmur said Friday it has delayed the construction of a milk plant in East Java worth US$36 million. "We have delayed the project because we want to focus on our core business," Indofood's Chief Administration Officer Indra Josepha told Dow Jones Newswires. Indofood's core businesses are instant noodles, in which it holds around a 90 percent market share, and cooking oil.

IBRA has 4 bidders vying for Bank Niaga

IBRA has 4 bidders vying for Bank Niaga Dow Jones, Jakarta The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) said Friday that it has received bids from four investors for a majority stake in Bank Niaga. The bidders comprise Malaysia's Commerce Asset Holding Bhd., Indonesia's Panin Bank, Bank Victoria and the Batavia Fund. Australia & New Zealand Banking Group has a minority stake in Panin Bank.

Five men charged with overstaying visas

Five men charged with overstaying visas JAKARTA: Five men from Cameroon were arrested by the Central Jakarta Police on Thursday night for allegedly overstaying their visas. The police arrested Tchouaga Simplice Roland, Malong Francis, Fosso Andoce, Foussi Robert Roger and Njici Mido Cyrille Guy Armand following a complaint about their behavior from a hotel on Jl. Wahid Hasyim in Central Jakarta. The hotel complained the foreigners were noisy and disturbing other guests.

House wraps up debates, ready to approve power law

House wraps up debates, ready to approve power law Johannes Simbolon, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After a debate lasting one-and-a-half years, legislators and the government have eventually reached agreement on the final draft of the electricity bill, which is scheduled to be endorsed during a plenary session next week.

Taman Siswa, a legacy of Ki Hadjar Dewantara

Taman Siswa, a legacy of Ki Hadjar Dewantara Indonesia has picked May 2 as National Education Day to honor Suwardi Suryaningrat for his contributions to the country's education system. Among the legacies of Ki Hadjar, who is better known as Ki Hadjar Dewantara, is Taman Siswa school, which he established in 1922. What is it about Taman Siswa that makes it so special and important that its founder is given a prominent place in the history of the nation?

Merapi National Park

Merapi National Park A report that Kompas daily carried in its Aug. 15, 2002 edition on the plan to make Mount Merapi, a volcano located between Central Java province and the Special Region of Yogyakarta, a national park under the name of Mount Merapi National Park (TNGM) is worth our attention. Head of the sub- directorate for nature reserves of the forestry ministry, Ign. Herry Djoko Susilo, said this national park may be officiated in October this year.

Weak law enforcement blamed for rampant illegal logging

Weak law enforcement blamed for rampant illegal logging The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The absence of strict measures and weak law enforcement have been blamed for rampant illegal logging, which causes US$12 billion in annual losses to the state. Despite frequent nationwide exposure to the problem in the mass media, illegal logging continues not only in forests but mainly in national parks and protected areas under the noses of security personnel.

Soeharto ruling next month

Soeharto ruling next month JAKARTA: State prosecutors are still conducting a legal evaluation and holding discussions with an independent medical team from the Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital (RSCM) as regards former president Soeharto's legal status. "Hopefully, by the end of this month or early September (we) will have decided on the legal steps that will be taken against the New Order leader," Attorney General's Office spokesman Barman Zahir was quoted by Antara as saying on Friday.

Indonesia opens embassy in Fiji

Indonesia opens embassy in Fiji JAKARTA: Indonesia opened an embassy in the Republic of Fiji at Holiday Inn Hotel in Suva on Thursday, marking the start of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Director General for Asian, Pacific and African Affairs Makarim Wibisono officiated the new embassy in a ceremony attended by Fijian Foreign Minister Kaliopate Tavola, representatives of international organizations, Fijian public leaders, and the Indonesian community in the tiny republic.

Bus drivers want police protection

Bus drivers want police protection TANGERANG: Dozens of public minivan drivers working the Cimone bus terminal-Curug route rallied in front of Tangerang Police Headquarters on Friday to demand protection from hoodlums. Over the past week, drivers have been forced to pay Rp 3,000 per day to hoodlums working in front of the Lippo Karawaci Supermall, according to Dohar Simamora, the drivers' representative.

[b][i]checked by checkdesk

checked by checkdesk Food sector weathers economic crisis Rikza Abdullah Contributor Jakarta Indonesia's food and beverages industries have proven themselves as business sectors that have not been severely affected by the recent economic crisis. They, therefore, will continue to be attractive for investors as economic recovery is expected to boost their future growth.

'TVRI''s ads programs

'TVRI''s ads programs From Rakyat Merdeka Allow me as a good citizen to provide the following to the national television station, TVRI, a communications means that unifies the nation: * The recent 10-day annual session of the People's Consultative Assembly, which cost more than Rp 20 billion and has done little to improve the state's economic and security condition, has been widely covered by TVRI.

E. Timor may push for UN panel to try Indonesian officers

E. Timor may push for UN panel to try Indonesian officers Agencies, Dili East Timor's President Xanana Gusmao on Friday said the government may consider pushing the United Nations to convene a special war crimes tribunal to try Indonesian officers allegedly responsible for the destruction of the territory in 1999. Gusmao's comments came after he met with Mary Robinson, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Japan creates its own wall

Japan creates its own wall Kornelius Purba The Jakarta Post Staff Writer Seminyak, Bali korpur@yahoo.com At 33, politician Kiyohiko Toyama from the New Komeito Party perhaps is a commendable portrait of the younger Japanese people's inertia against Japan's much-criticized Official Development Assistance (ODA) for rampant corruption by the recipients and Japanese parties involved in managing the huge fund.

Investment and growth prospects FOR MONDAY

Investment and growth prospects FOR MONDAY Most analysts see the government's estimate of 5 percent economic growth for 2003 as too optimistic because consumer spending, thus far one of the biggest locomotives of economic expansion, besides exports, is expected to slacken as a result of the contractile fiscal policy, while foreign investment will likely remain moribund.

East Timor coffee to challenge world's best-known brews

East Timor coffee to challenge world's best-known brews Tom Wright, Dow Jones, Dili Try to find coffee from East Timor, barely three months old as a nation, and you'll probably come up empty-handed. While coffee from neighboring Indonesia is gaining international recognition alongside time-tested Colombian and Kenyan beans, East Timor isn't a name which would register with most coffee lovers.

'Public buses pollute the air'

'Public buses pollute the air' Public transportation here is often neither convenient or very nice. In fact, many Jakartans might tell you it more harmful than helpful. Public transportation riders complain not only about the poor service and the lack of security on buses, but they also say it quite literally stinks. This is because of the huge black clouds of exhaust fumes that trail most buses as they make their rounds of the city.

City slammed for plan to curb migrants

City slammed for plan to curb migrants Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Rights activists criticized the city administration's plan to issue a bylaw for an integrated ID card system, saying that it was discriminative and against citizens' rights to move freely across the country.

D0NE

D0NE ;JP;HEN; ANPAv..r.. Photo-Coca-Cola Photo caption The Jakarta Post BOTTLING PLANT: PT Coca-Cola Indonesia operates a number of bottling plants here, including this one (above) in Bekasi, West Java. Some soft drink producers complain that the imposition of 10 percent luxury tax on their products has severely hurt their sales.

;JP;HEN;

;JP;HEN; ANPAc..r.. Aqua-advertorial-ads AQUA: The Super Brand in The Bottled Water Industry Back in the 1970s, no one would have realized that selling bottled water would become a lucrative business 30 years later. "Selling bottled water was considered ridiculous at the time," said Willy Sidharta, the president director of PT Aqua Golden Mississippi, which produces AQUA bottled water.

Courage in crisis

Courage in crisis Given the limited funds at the government's disposal, President Megawati's decision to raise the routine budget is worth complimenting. Salaries of the military and police personnel and pensioners will go up by 10 percent as from January 1, 2003 while teachers will enjoy a 50 percent increase in their allowances starting October 1, 2002.

Agus seeks acquittal in Philippine court

Agus seeks acquittal in Philippine court Agence France-Presse, Manila Indonesian militant Agus Dwikarna asked a lower court on Friday to set aside his 17-year jail sentence for explosives possession, arguing that Philippines police had fabricated evidence. Reading a statement at the regional trial court, Agus said: "I am not a terrorist.

Saparinah Sadli, building bridges

Saparinah Sadli, building bridges Carla Bianpoen, Contributor, Jakarta Saparinah Sadli might have wanted to spend the day quietly in the coolness of the mountain air, where she usually enjoys a well-deserved weekend with her husband Mohammad Sadli. But this time, her friends wouldn't let her go. "Stay put," a friend told her, "don't go anywhere." The reason is that today is Saparinah's 75th birthday, a milestone that calls for celebration.

West Java wins, but Bali shows spirit

West Java wins, but Bali shows spirit JAKARTA: West Java took the gold medal in the first National Cricket Championship held in Cibubur, East Jakarta, defeating Bali, last Sunday.. As expected, the West Java team, with several experienced expatriate bowlers, put pressure on the inexperienced Bali batsmen, leaving them struggling at 4 for 18 at the end of the 9th over.

.rm75

.rm75 ;JP; ANPAc..r.. Food-beverages-growth JP/ / Infant milk leads growth in Indonesia The Jakarta Post Jakarta Infant milk led Indonesia's fastest growing Food and Beverage categories in 2001, with 53 percent growth, followed by Cheese with 51 percent growth and energy drink with 50 percent growth, according to a study issued by marketing information company ACNielsen recently Although some of the growth was a rebound from the level recorded during the economic crisis situation several years...

Fountain, not a necessity

Fountain, not a necessity From Kompas The fountain at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle worth Rp 14.3 billion has proven to be a planning blunder, as revealed in an article in Kompas on July 20. The cost of the fountain is so huge, and it had to be renovated in less than a month after it was built. Worse still, why should a fountain, which is not a primary necessity, be given priority instead of the alleviation of poverty in this difficult period?

Central Bureau of Statistics clarifies

Central Bureau of Statistics clarifies With reference to a news story titled Unemployment figures hide depth of Indonesia's despair" published on page 1 of The Jakarta Post on Aug. 14, 2002, we would like to let you know that the following items need correction: 1.

1. Niaga (4x10)

1. Niaga (4x10) IBRA has 4 bidders vying for Bank Niaga 2. Meril (1x54) Rupiah expected to take nosedive next year: Merril Lynch 3. Timor (3x20) East Timor coffee to challenge world's best-known brews

Anniversary parade planned for Sunday

Anniversary parade planned for Sunday JAKARTA: The Central Jakarta mayoralty will organize a float parade to celebrate the capital's anniversary and Independence Day on Sunday. The parade will start at 8:30 a.m. in the western parking lot of the National Monument (Monas). The floats will go along Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat, Jl. MH Thamrin and Jl. Sudirman. The parade will end at the Semanggi cloverleaf.

Presidential election bill pursued

Presidential election bill pursued JAKARTA: The government insisted on Friday on submitting a separate bill on presidential elections to the House, arguing that inserting the issue into the electoral bill currently being deliberated by legislators would slow down the passage of the political reform bills.

IBRA completes sale amid alleged graft

IBRA completes sale amid alleged graft Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) said it had completed its massive loan asset sale program amid mounting allegations of irregularities.

FOR SUnday August 25

FOR SUnday August 25 ;JP;HEN; ANPAc..r.. Aqua-ads-interview ------------------------------------------------------------------------- AQUA, Indonesia's leading bottled water company, will celebrate its 30th anniversary next year. The company has positioned itself as the driver of the bottled water industry in the country. And to retain this position, the company realizes the importance of maintaining consumer trust.

Jambi anticipates drug trafficker's trial

Jambi anticipates drug trafficker's trial JAMBI: Jambi Governor Zulkifli Nurdin said on Friday that he was awaiting the trial of 54-year-old Acong, who is charged with trafficking 1,000 ecstasy pills in the city, adding that this would be a test of law enforcers' determination to fight the war against narcotics. "Acong's case will be used to measure the law enforcers' seriousness in the fight against illegal drugs and banned substances in the province," he said.

Rupiah expected to weaken next year: Merril Lynch

Rupiah expected to weaken next year: Merril Lynch The Jakarta Post, Jakarta U.S.-based investment firm Merrill Lynch predicted the rupiah could still appreciate slightly toward the end of this year, but warned the local unit would reverse course next year. "Although we expect a moderate rise through the end of the year, the rupiah's strong run is largely completed, in our view," it said in a report.

Indofood delays milk plant project

Indofood delays milk plant project Dow Jones, Jakarta Indonesian instant noodle producer Indofood Sukses Makmur said Friday it has delayed the construction of a milk plant in East Java worth US$36 million. "We have delayed the project because we want to focus on our core business," Indofood's Chief Administration Officer Indra Josepha told Dow Jones Newswires. Indofood's core businesses are instant noodles, in which it holds around a 90 percent market share, and cooking oil.

ILO defends RI workers amid investment outflows

ILO defends RI workers amid investment outflows Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The International Labor Organization (ILO) came to the defense of Indonesian workers on Friday, saying that unproductive laborers should not be considered as the only factor hindering the economy here. "I doubt that the labor issue is the major problem causing investors to flee from here.

Hopes dim for RI to gain much from Summit

Hopes dim for RI to gain much from Summit Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The weight of two-thirds of the earth's population in poor countries may not be enough to tip the scales of world development in their favor, amid predictions that the second Earth Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa will likely not agree on a strong action plan for sustainable development.

Manila summons Australian envoy

Manila summons Australian envoy PHILIPPINES: Philippines foreign department officials on Friday summoned the Australian ambassador in Manila to explain Canberra's travel advisory on the Philippines, which Manila insists was an inaccurate portrayal of the situation on the ground. Foreign Undersecretary Lauro Baja said he met with Australian ambassador Ruth Pearce over an Aug. 2 advisory by the Australian foreign department, which was updated on Aug. 19.

Killing our culture

Killing our culture From Forum Keadilan For us, the Sundanese, the historical site of Batutulis is not just a place where there is a slab of stone. It is history, part of our own identity. We are really disappointed to learn from the media that excavations to find treasure had been conducted at this site. This effort, as reported in Kompas on Aug. 16, has caused damage to this area.

* Headlines: ILO hails RI labor law, urges productivity2

* Headlines: ILO hails RI labor law, urges productivity2 * National: Govt to focus on Aceh's conflict-free regions 4 * Archipelago: S. Kalimantan governor 'still in charge' 5 * Opinion: Govt ignores Indonesian debt slaves' plight 7 * City: Students' ears bent out of shape at school 8 * Sports: RI downs Kazakhstan, England at Chess Olympiad 9 * World: Peasant army fights to contain swollen China lake 12 * Business: Exclusions whittle down U.S.

Indonesia downs Kazakhstan, England at Chess Olympiad

Indonesia downs Kazakhstan, England at Chess Olympiad Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Indonesia had a very good day at the World Youth Chess Olympiad at the MidValley Megamall in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, posting back-to-back wins over Kazakhstan in the fourth round and England in the fifth round.

Forest fires and our powerlessness

Forest fires and our powerlessness Sarono Indonesian NGOs Network for Forest Conservation Jakarta Forest and land fires are not new to Indonesia. Forest fires have been recorded since 1978 although major fires known to the public occurred in 1982 to 1983. The fires in these two years devastated 3.6 million hectares of forest. In 1994, these fires occurred again, devastating 5.11 million hectares of forest. The process of forest and land destruction by fire continues.

Labor conflicts turn away foreign investors: Rini

Labor conflicts turn away foreign investors: Rini A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister of Industry and Trade Rini Soewandi said on Friday that many foreign manufacturers had shut down or relocated their businesses here to other countries due to lingering labor conflicts and a high cost economy resulting from illegal fees. Rini said there had been fears that labor conflicts could disrupt the delivery of goods for the export market.

JP/ /

JP/ / JAKARTA POPULATION GROWTH 1986 - 2001 ----------------------------------------------------------- YEAR NUMBER %GROWTH ----------------------------------------------------------- 1986 6,472,492 0.68 1987 6,760,910 4.46 1988 6,864,667 1.53 1990 7,108,359 1991 7,208,853 1992 7,309,389 1993 7,394,996 1994 7,515,392 1995 7,547,245 1996 7,625,794 1997 7,712,571 1998 7,818,573 1999 7,831,520 2000 7,578,701 2001 8,300,000 ---------------------------------------------------------- Source:

New investor resurrects 'Surabaya Post'

New investor resurrects 'Surabaya Post' Ainur R. Sophiaan, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya The Surabaya Post evening daily is set to return to the newsstands on Monday after being absent since May 1 following a financial crisis. Maintaining its former name and appearance, the newspaper has received a new lease on life from local developer Ariyanto, who holds a majority stake of 55 percent.

JP/6/YANUAR

JP/6/YANUAR From "PIR-Trans" to Johannesburg: Rethinking Business Practices Yanuar Nugroho Director, Business Watch Indonesia Lecturer, Sahid University, Surakarta Researcher, Unisosdem Jakarta yanuar-n@unisosdem.org The World Summit for Sustainable Development (WSSD) will start in Johannesburg on Aug. 26 and end on Sept. 6. The summit is hoped to be able to make major corrections towards the way development has been taking place -- at least after the Rio Summit.

Megawati to watch combat exercise

Megawati to watch combat exercise JAKARTA: President Megawati Soekarnoputri will spend her weekend in the waters off the Central Java town of Jepara to watch a combat exercise held by the Navy. Spokesman for the Central Java administration Anwar Cholil said on Friday the President would observe the exercise aboard KRI Tanjung Kembani 971 warship. The exercise will take place around Gundul island. Megawati and her entourage, including her husband Taufik Kiemas and Indonesian Military Chief Gen.

GKJ to deliver classy performing arts shows

GKJ to deliver classy performing arts shows Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta For the sixth time since 1990, the Gedung Kesenian Jakarta (GKJ) is organizing an international performing arts festival, the Gedung Kesenian Jakarta International Festival, which will run from Sept. 4 to Sept. 29.

Don't close the gates

Don't close the gates Apparently confident of being reelected for a second five-year term next month, Governor Sutiyoso is pushing ahead with his controversial plan to close Jakarta to outsiders. Early this week, he disclosed that his office had already drafted the bylaw that would make Jakarta, now home to about 8.5 million people according to official statistics, a closed city. The draft is now already in the hands of the City Legislative Council.