Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 31 August 2002

96 articles found

The lesson of Batutulis

The lesson of Batutulis Just a little more than a week after our minister of religious affairs, Said Agil Al Munawar, made a humble public apology for his high-handed, if well-intentioned, dig for nonexistent treasure at the Batutulis archaeological site in Bogor, the whole embarrassing affair appears to have quietly fizzled out. The minister assured the public that there would be no more digging at the ancient site, which thousands of people in West Java hold sacred.

PL

PL .RM Stock prices on The Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aus.30,2002 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Abdi Bangsa Tbk 270 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 850 0 5,500 Adindo Foresta 40 0 0 AGIS Tbk 90 0 45,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 320 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 190 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 800 0 206,500 Alter Abadi Tbk 10 0 0 Alumindo Light 400 -40...

Post-New Order literature and the country's nation-building

Post-New Order literature and the country's nation-building Max Lane, Visiting Fellow, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia One feature of any modern nation is its body of national literature. As modern nations have developed so has their national literature. At a certain point in their development as nations that is as collectives of a mass of people who share a common cultural perspective, a national literature come into being and is recognized as such.

Beware of heavy rain early next year

Beware of heavy rain early next year JAKARTA: The Jakarta provincial administration should be prepared for possible heavy rains and floods in January and February next year, a working group on mitigating climate impact said Friday. "We have examined the last 100 years and found that there is an increasing trend of heavy rains in January and February. "So we must be aware of heavy rains early next year, which could be double normal falls," working group member Mezak A.

JAKARTA : Indonesia's PT Matahari Putra Prima, a major

JAKARTA : Indonesia's PT Matahari Putra Prima, a major supermarket and department store operator, said Friday net profit nearly doubled to Rp 70.28 billion in the first half of the year, helped by a sharp increase in interest earnings. Matahari Putra booked Rp 35.82 billion in interest earnings, up 87 percent from Rp 19.12 billion a year ago. The company recorded net profit of Rp 36.77 trillion in the year-earlier period.

Medco to acquire 2 oil blocks in Irian Jaya

Medco to acquire 2 oil blocks in Irian Jaya Dow Jones Jakarta Indonesia's PT Medco Energi International said Friday it has signed a memorandum of understanding to acquire Apex Yapan Ltd.'s 90 percent working interest in Yapan Block Irian in Irian Jaya province. "We plan to conclude the purchase of the Yapan oil block in October," Medco's Finance Director, Soegiharto, told reporters. Soegiharto said his company has also signed another MOU with Ramu International Ltd.

The role of Islam in Indonesia and global terrorism

The role of Islam in Indonesia and global terrorism Jusuf Wanandi Cofounder and member Board of Trustees Centre for Strategic and International Studies Jakarta Indonesia is the world's largest Muslim country, with almost 200 million Muslims in a total population of over 220 million people. It is also recognized as a moderate Muslim country. It is not a Muslim state based on Islam. It does not implement sharia as the law of the land. Furthermore, it is not a theocracy.

Sex workers reveal creativity using magic to attract customers

Sex workers reveal creativity using magic to attract customers Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Life is tough for most people these days. Whatever their profession, they must be creative to survive. Prostitution, called the oldest profession in the world, is no exception. Sex workers try hard to attract clients in their competitive business. To boost their performance, they do as best they can, including using the services of psychics.

Bank data under taxation control

Bank data under taxation control At a meeting between Director General of Taxation Hadi Poernomo and members of the Association of Retired Tax Officials (P-5) on July 8, the director general disclosed that his agency could control all bank data, such as current accounts, reports on personal/corporate assets of bank customers and other information. It seems that the minister of finance has lifted the regulations on bank secrecy for the directorate general of taxation.

Examine before investing

Examine before investing The government, or in this case the Ministry of Industry and Trade, should draw up a bill on compulsory disclosure documents for businesses included in the patter of business opportunities, such as MLM, cooperation or yield-sharing, agencies, distribution/dealers, licensing and so forth.

Govt also to blame for Aceh strife, Syafii says

Govt also to blame for Aceh strife, Syafii says Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Chairman of the country's second largest Muslim organization Muhammadyah Sjafii Ma'arif said the Aceh administration and its councillors were partly to blame for the worsening situation in the country's westernmost province.

Sjaril wins with a lawyer from justice minister's own firm

Sjaril wins with a lawyer from justice minister's own firm Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Attorney General's Office will appeal to the Supreme Court the Jakarta High Court's verdict, which acquitted Bank Indonesia Governor Sjahril Sabirin of all charges in connection with his involvement in the 1999 Bank Bali scandal.

Politicians under fire over Malaysian feud

Politicians under fire over Malaysian feud Jupriadi and Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Makassar/Medan An old saying widely known in both Indonesia and Malaysia "Gajah bertarung dengan gajah pelanduk mati di tengah-tengah (Elephants fight, mouse deer die as a result)" precisely describes the current row between the two countries in the way it has sparked anxiety among thousands of Indonesian migrant workers.

Megawati brings big team overseas amid problems

Megawati brings big team overseas amid problems Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri will leave behind mounting domestic problems that include the migrant worker crisis when she embarks on a whirlwind tour of six countries in Africa and Europe on Sunday. During her 15-day trip, the President will bring a sizable entourage, including two special photographers and two cameramen to provide family albums for the trip.

Few to participate in batik contest

Few to participate in batik contest YOGYAKARTA: Yogyakarta is slated to host the second International Batik Festival on Sept. 4, 2002, with fewer participants than last year. The chairman of the festival's organizing committee Ardiyanto Pranata said here on Friday that the committee had registered only about 40 displays that would be contested during the day- long festival.

Message from the Ambassador

Message from the Ambassador Malaysia celebrates its 45th National Day today. I join all Malaysians in Indonesia in celebrating this auspicious day together with our brothers and sisters in Malaysia and all over the would. We are undertaking various activities here in Jakarta and other cities in Indonesia to celebrate this day. Malaysia enjoys close and cordial relations with Indonesia. There is excellent cooperation between the two governments and peoples. The Honorable Dato Seri Dr.

Rubber ministers discuss ITRCo management

Rubber ministers discuss ITRCo management Dow Jones, Bangkok Ministers from Thailand and Malaysia met late Thursday to discuss appointing the management board for the rubber consortium, Thai Deputy Prime Minister Pitak Intrawitayanunt told Dow Jones newswires. Pitak, along with Thai Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Chucheep Hansaward, met with Malaysian Primary Industries Minister Lim Keng Yaik at a dinner meeting Thursday in Bangkok. Indonesia's Minister of Trade and Industry Rini M.

Car scandal rocks South Kalimantan

Car scandal rocks South Kalimantan Yuliansyah, The Jakarta Post, Banjarmasin A car scandal rocking both the East Kalimantan provincial administration and the legislative council has forced "dismissed" Governor Sjachriel Darham to publicly declare that he had not intended to lead legislators into a trap. "I did not trap them (legislators) because they wanted to buy cars on credit through the Regional Development Bank.

Singapore seeks to bring back JI members

Singapore seeks to bring back JI members Agence France-Presse, Singapore Singapore is taking steps to have fugitive terrorist suspects in Southeast Asia sent to the city-state for questioning, but is not seeking their extradition, the home ministry said. The fugitives are believed to be members of Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), a religious group linked to Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda network and accused of plotting to blow up U.S. and other Western targets here.

Tamansiswa responds

Tamansiswa responds I am writing in response to your article published in The Jakarta Post on Aug. 24, titled Tamansiswa, legacy of Ki Hadjar Dewantara. I was wondering what resource you quoted about the matter, since the article, regretfully, was erroneous, misleading and incorrect. Last year, we gathered at a national congress attended by more than 132 Tamansiswa branches from Java and Sumatra. The national branches are coordinated by five people.

No MUI warning?

No MUI warning? From Republika The Ministry of Health, backed by the World Health Organization (WHO), has warned the public on the hazards of smoking. Cigarette manufacturers cannot be blamed for advertising cigarettes, because they display this warning. It is time for the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) to issue a ruling on this subject. In the 1700s, the Mufti of Istanbul issued this ruling: Smoking causes bad breath. That was the disadvantage of smoking that could be detected at that time.

Carrying bathtubs

Carrying bathtubs in Kijangs In response to the letter published in The Jakarta Post on Aug. 6 regarding Kijang ads, we would like to clarify as follows: We refer to Chapter III, Article 13 of government regulation No. 41/1993, dated July 5, 1993, regarding road transportation, and Decree No. KM69/1993 of the minister of transportation dated Sept. 9, 1993, regarding the transportation of goods.

New flora found in Kutai national park

New flora found in Kutai national park BONTANG, East Kalimantan: A researcher team of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) found eight species of new plants in the Kutai National Park (TNK) in East Kutai Regency, some 200 kilometers north of Samarinda, East Kalimantan.

Yemen mulls buying RI planes

Yemen mulls buying RI planes BANDUNG: Yemani Vice President Abdooraboo Mansoo expressed his interest in buying products from state-owned aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia during his visit to the company on Friday. The vice president showed interest in Dirgantara's CN 235 and N 250 planes as well as its helicopters, said Edwin Sudarmo, the state company's president. The company, he said, would follow up on Mansoo's inquiries by sending a team to Yemen.

Advocate for developing world chairs WTO

Advocate for developing world chairs WTO Agence France-Presse, Bangkok Thailand's Supachai Panitchpakdi, who takes the helm of the World Trade Organization on Sept. 1, is expected to offer developing nations a longed-for voice at the top table of global commerce. The former Thai commerce minister replaces outgoing director Mike Moore of New Zealand, who poor nations saw as waving the banner of the developed world at the powerful body.

'The amulet works well for me'

'The amulet works well for me' Modern people still need the services of psychics in certain cases, such as when one is possessed by a spirit. But there are also others who visit the paranormal to see their futures or to gain magic power. Hari, 46, owner of a restaurant on Jl. Mampang Prapatan, South Jakarta.

House proposes government permit for worker strikes

House proposes government permit for worker strikes The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Legislators are drafting new changes to the long running debate on the labor bill, proposing, among other items, a government permit for worker strikes and a ban to outsource workers under temporary contracts. The proposed changes are to be debated by the Cabinet on Sept. 4, when the Ministry of Manpower and Transmigration proposes its own revised bill, said Surya Chandra Surapaty of the Golkar faction on Thursday.

Bloomberg pays Singapore leaders

Bloomberg pays Singapore leaders SINGAPORE: News and information provider Bloomberg LP has agreed to pay libel damages and costs totaling S$595,000 (US$340,000) to three Singapore government leaders who have accepted the deal, lawyers for the three men said. The damages follow a Bloomberg article on Aug. 5 about the appointment of Madam Ho Ching, Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's wife, in May this year as executive director of Temasek Holdings, the government's powerful investment agency.

Organda proposes private terminal

Organda proposes private terminal JAKARTA: The Organization of Land Transportation Owners (Organda) is proposing the construction of an integrated bus terminal as the current terminals in Jakarta are inadequate and the government has no money to construct a new one. "As the current terminals cannot accommodate city buses, a number of illegal terminals have sprung up in many parts of the city," chairman of Organda Jakarta, Aip Syarifuddin told Antara on Friday.

Gusmao urges grassroots democracy

Gusmao urges grassroots democracy EAST TIMOR: President Xanana Gusmao took stock of his new nation on Friday in a speech marking 100 days of independence, calling for greater grassroots democracy to check potential abuse of power. Dili Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo marked another anniversary -- three years since the vote to break away from Indonesia -- with a plea for an international tribunal for offenders in the 1999 violence which surrounded the vote.

Asian monies mixed against U.S. dollar

Asian monies mixed against U.S. dollar Alan Yonnan, Dow Jones, Singapore Asian currencies were mixed in listless trading Friday as market players refrained from staking out large positions ahead of a long holiday weekend in the U.S. The Thai baht and Indonesian rupiah crept higher against the dollar, while the New Taiwan dollar and Philippine peso weakened. The South Korean won and Singapore dollar were virtually unchanged.

Villagers use banana leaves to put out forest fires

Villagers use banana leaves to put out forest fires Umi Sriwahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Banjarmasin Villagers in Kalimantan have their own way to cope with the fires that ravage their forests and farmland annually. In spite of the absence of fire extinguishers and fire trucks, they have a simple technique to stay at home surrounded by fire.

Villagers attacked by dwarf buffalo

Villagers attacked by dwarf buffalo KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: Asuhi, 48, hailing from Laonti village, Moramo sub-district, Kendari Regency is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital for the injuries he sustained after being attacked by a dwarf buffalo, a rare wild animal in Sulawesi.

1. VOTE: 50 pt, 2 cols, 4 x 12

1. VOTE: 50 pt, 2 cols, 4 x 12 Councillors split over voting procedure Novan Iman Santosa The Jakarta Post Jakarta City Council factions are divided on the voting procedure for the Sept. 11 gubernatorial election especially concerning confidentiality in the voting process.

Islands teachers to get more benefits

Islands teachers to get more benefits Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city administration is to upgrade the status of temporary teachers who pass a special examination to contract teachers as part of an attempt to improve their well-being, especially those working in the newly-established Kepulauan Seribu regency.

Indocement reports profit

Indocement reports profit JAKARTA : Indonesia's second largest cement producer, PT Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa, swung to net profit in the first half of the year from a net loss a year earlier thanks to unrealized foreign exchange gains. Indocement said it booked a net profit of Rp 878.87 billion in the six months ended June 30, compared with a net loss of Rp 869.21 billion.

* Headlines: Muslims in SE Asia need enlightenment 2

* Headlines: Muslims in SE Asia need enlightenment 2 * National:Govt also to blame for Aceh strife: Syafii 4 * Archipelago:Car scandal rocks South Kalimantan 5 * Opinion:More popular involvement needed for ASEAN 7 * City: Anthrax fear hits milk suppliers in Bogor 8 * Sports: Indonesian shuttlers advance to semifinals 9 * World: KL leader warns against racial disunity 11 * Business: Japan's economy grows 0.5% 15 * Features: Sunyahni, bursting with talent 20

Gusmao urges grassroots democracy

Gusmao urges grassroots democracy EAST TIMOR: President Xanana Gusmao took stock of his new nation on Friday in a speech marking 100 days of independence, calling for greater grassroots democracy to check potential abuse of power. Dili Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo marked another anniversary -- three years since the vote to break away from Indonesia -- with a plea for an international tribunal for offenders in the 1999 violence which surrounded the vote.

JP/7/DICK2

JP/7/DICK2 Dewi Anggraeni Contributor Melbourne Dr Howard Dick, Associate Professor in the Australian Centre for International Business at the University of Melbourne, sees improving the investment climate as the key to speeding up Indonesia's economic recovery.

Vice president still sides with QSAR

Vice president still sides with QSAR The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite the hundreds of billions of rupiah in investor money which was lost at PT Qurnia Subur Alam Raya (QSAR), vice president Hamzah Haz surprisingly defended the company that he once visited, and even floated the idea of taking over the bankrupt company.

'Sjahril verdict reeks of irregularities'

'Sjahril verdict reeks of irregularities' A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The High Court verdict which acquitted Bank Indonesia Governor Sjahril Sabirin of all corruption charges in the Bank Bali scandal was diametrically opposed to the people's sense of justice, according to top legislators and anti-corruption activists. "The verdict is shocking," said legislator Benny Pasaribu of the House of Representatives Commission IX on financial and development planning affairs.

All-star cabinet, minimum results

All-star cabinet, minimum results There have been increasingly vociferous demands that the present Cabinet, for a variety of reasons, be reshuffled. Some suggest that the economic, political and security teams be revamped, while others want only the economic team to be changed. Nevertheless, President Megawati Soekarnoputri has turned a deaf ear to the demands. Now in her second year as President, she is sticking with her current Cabinet.

Funds leakage probed in Riau Islands

Funds leakage probed in Riau Islands Haidir Anwar Tanjung, The Jakarta Post, Pekanbaru Several top officials from the Riau Islands regency administration, including Regent Huzrin Hood, have been implicated in the disappearance of Rp 87.2 billion from the regency's 2001 budget. The chief of the government prosecutor's office in Pekanbaru, Moch Huzaini, said that so far seven officials had been interrogated but none had been held as suspects.

Car scandal rocks South Kalimantan

Car scandal rocks South Kalimantan Yuliansyah The Jakarta Post Banjarmasin A car scandal rocking both the East Kalimantan provincial administration and the legislative council has forced "dismissed" Governor Sjachriel Darham to publicly declare that he had not intended to lead legislators into a trap. "I did not trap them (legislators) because they wanted to buy cars on credit through the Regional Development Bank.

Anthrax fear hits milk suppliers in Bogor

Anthrax fear hits milk suppliers in Bogor Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor Amid public fears over the recent outbreak of anthrax in Bogor, vendors and suppliers of milk in the Bogor municipality have suffered losses as customers shun their products. "Many of my customers have stopped buying milk from me. Even if they do buy it, they always ask whether the milk is infected with anthrax or not," a milk vendor, Muhidin, said on Thursday.

New investment for ailing insurers unlikely: AAUI

New investment for ailing insurers unlikely: AAUI The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Local ailing insurance companies would have to either merge with stronger ones or their owners would have to inject fresh funds to avoid closure as seeking new investors would be difficult amid the current poor investment climate here, according to an industry expert. "There is no other way. They (ailing insurers) have to strengthen their financial condition.

1. Usut: 8 x 4 lines

1. Usut: 8 x 4 lines Scandal rocks South Kalimantan 2. Tuntut: Malaysian businessman sentenced for plantation fires or Malaysian businessman sentenced for lighting fires 3. SBSI: 35 x 1 line SBSI demands release of detained activists 4. UMI: 40 x 1 line Villagers use banana leaves to put out forest fires 5. Grill: 16 x 2 lines Funds leakage probed in Kepri

Scouts do a good deed

Scouts do a good deed JAKARTA: The scouts' care task force distributed on Friday staple foodstuffs to needy residents in Kalibaru subdistrict, Cilincing, North Jakarta, and those of Ceger subdistrict in Cipayung, East Jakarta. They handed over 330 packages of food, each containing 2.5 kilograms of rice, 1 kilogram of sugar and 10 packets of instant noodles. The task force was established to help the poor, who have suffered the most in the prolonged economic crisis.--Antara

Investor trust destroyed

Investor trust destroyed Individual investors who got severely burned during the height of the economic crisis in 1998 have not returned to the stock market even though share prices have begun to pick up along with the increasingly stronger macroeconomics and political stability.

49 Illegal workers at refugee camps in Kalimantan die: At least

49 Illegal workers at refugee camps in Kalimantan die: At least 49 Indonesian refugees -- who were recently kicked out of Malaysia for a number of crimes -- including 19 from East Nusa Tenggara province, have died of respiratory diseases, diarrhea, dysentery, and stress in crammed camps in Nunukan, East Kalimantan. Social workers said Friday that some 500 refugees were still sick in the reportedly squalid camps. "The situation in the refugee camps continues to deteriorate.

RI eyes partnerships in Joburg

RI eyes partnerships in Joburg JOHANNESBURG: Jakarta is eyeing bilateral partnerships in the health, education, marine and energy sectors at the second Earth Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, which appears to be heading towards deadlock. Zoeraini, an Indonesian delegate, said on Friday that talks on partnership deals were still in their early stages. "For these partnerships, our delegates still need more input," she said.

Schools lack basic study skills

Schools lack basic study skills Simon Marcus Gower, Principal, Harapan Bangsa High School, Kotamodern, Tangerang, Banten Many schools throughout Indonesia have, by now, made quite remarkable efforts to improve the quality of their tuition in the English language and so develop the English skills of students throughout the nation. Likewise, the national curriculum has quite expressly targeted the increase and betterment of English language studies throughout students' lives.

Muslims in Southeast Asia need enlightenment

Muslims in Southeast Asia need enlightenment Muslims in Southeast Asia in general are tolerant and moderate. Therefore they need to be helped in maintaining this tradition. In a conversation with The Jakarta Post's Kornelius Purba, Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, during the recent Asian Statesmen Forum in Bali, shared his view about Islam based on his experience as a Thai Muslim and former Thai foreign minister.

2. Simon31 -- Schools lack basic study, language skills

2. Simon31 -- Schools lack basic study, language skills 3. Strait31-- Illegal worker debacle puts ASEAN in poor light

Tracking down culture through textiles

Tracking down culture through textiles Tarko Sudiarno, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A piece of cloth is not a mere weaving of fibers but it can track down cultural traces of a nation. In times past, cloth was a symbol of a cultural exchange involving nations. With Tracking Cloth as its theme, Australian artists use textiles as a medium to express a particular culture in an exhibition titled Contemporary Australian Cloth Exhibition. The exhibition was held from Aug. 19 to Aug.

SBSI demands release of detained activists

SBSI demands release of detained activists Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung Hundreds of members of the Indonesian Prosperity Trade Union (SBSI) marched to the West Java provincial legislature compound to demand the local authorities release all detained activists and stay out of industrial disputes.

JAKARTA : Indonesia's PT Matahari Putra Prima, a major

JAKARTA : Indonesia's PT Matahari Putra Prima, a major supermarket and department store operator, said Friday net profit nearly doubled to Rp 70.28 billion in the first half of the year, helped by a sharp increase in interest earnings. Matahari Putra booked Rp 35.82 billion in interest earnings, up 87 percent from Rp 19.12 billion a year ago. The company recorded net profit of Rp 36.77 trillion in the year-earlier period.

North coast reclamation proceeds

North coast reclamation proceeds Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Ignoring environmentalists' protests, the city administration has decided to proceed with plans to reclaim and "revitalize" 5,200 hectares of sea and coastal land in north Jakarta. Jakarta Waterfront Management Board executive chairman M.

RI sees crude oil output up

RI sees crude oil output up JAKARTA: Indonesia expects crude oil output to increase up to 300,000 barrels a day next year as two oil fields are scheduled to commence production then, Mines and Energy Minister Purnomo said Friday. "Each of the fields will produce between 100,000 and 150,000 barrels per day," the minister said, identifying the fields as the onshore Cepu in Central Java and offshore West Seno in the Makassar Strait.

Sunyahni, bursting with talent

Sunyahni, bursting with talent Tarko Sudiarno, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta She has earned herself the nickname "Dadaist", a school of fine art twisted into a local dialect to mean "busty", but Anik Sunyahni has convinced everyone that her biggest asset is her talent. Nyahni, as she is affectionately called, continues to enjoy rising popularity as a pesinden, or singer of Javanese ethnic music. Wayang (shadow puppet) and Javanese contemporary music concerts featuring her are always sold out.

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, August 31, 2002

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, August 31, 2002 Exhibitions * Photo Urip Mung Mampir Ngombe, Bentara Budaya Yogyakarta, Jl. Suroto 2 (Tel. 0274-560404), Sept. 10 - 16. * Painting Soap Document by Hanura Hosea, Cemeti Art House, Jl. D.I. Panjaitan 41 (Tel. 0274-371015), Sept. 7 - 29. * Painting 20 Pelukis Mampir Ngombe, Bentara Budaya Yogyakarta, Jl. Suroto 2 (Tel. 0274-560404), Sept. 19 - 25. * "Rupa Puisi Rupa" Exhibition by Made Wianta, Bentara Budaya Yogyakarta, Sept. 19 - 26.

TNI chief tells troops to steer clear of 2004 election

TNI chief tells troops to steer clear of 2004 election Tiarma Siboro The Jakarta Post Jakarta Less than three weeks after lawmakers agreed to scrap the military and police's free seats in the House of Representatives (DPR) and the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) by 2004, Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto has urged his troops to shun the next general election.

Decree on rights members out soon

Decree on rights members out soon JAKARTA: President Megawati is likely to sign a presidential decree on the appointment of members of the National Commission for Human Rights (Komnas HAM) after she returns from her upcoming overseas trip. Deputy Cabinet Secretary Erman Radjaguguk said on Thursday that his office had finished drafting the decree and presented it to Cabinet Secretary Bambang Kesowo. "I think the president will sign it soon after she returns," Erman said.

Govt ignored warning, fires to continue

Govt ignored warning, fires to continue Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The central and local governments are to blame for the continuing forest fires in Kalimantan and Sumatra as they ignored early warnings, a team of experts said on Friday. The team, set up under the auspices of the Ministry of Research and Technology, also called on the government to declare the fires and national disaster and to start evacuating people living near the burn offs to prevent further deaths.

Two men killed in Aceh revenge attack

Two men killed in Aceh revenge attack BANDA ACEH: Two suspected rebels were killed in on Thursday, in what was thought to be a revenge-killing after a police captain was killed by separatists in Lhokseumawe on Wednesday. Lt. Col. Supartodi, chief of the Pidie Military Subdistrict, said on Friday that the men were shot dead in an attack on the Tiro Village where those who killed Adj. Brig. Syarifuddin in Lhokseumawe, allegedly came from.

Malaysian businessman sentenced for plantation fires

Malaysian businessman sentenced for plantation fires Haidir Anwar Tanjung, The Jakarta Post, Riau The Supreme Court has upheld the Riau High Court's decision to sentence a Malaysian businessman named Goby to eight months imprisonment, and to fine him Rp 100 million (US$10,000) for ground fires that occurred at his palm oil plantation in the province in 1999.

ASEAN agreements on haze lack bite

ASEAN agreements on haze lack bite Ati Nurbaiti and Rita A. Widiadana, The Jakarta Post, Sanur, Bali Civil society groups in the Southeast Asian region are urged to increase pressure on governments in the region to do more to mitigate the impacts of the haze currently blanketing some parts of the region. The secretary-general of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Rodolfo C.

Indonesian seniors, juniors advance to semifinals

Indonesian seniors, juniors advance to semifinals Imanuddin, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya Indonesian junior and senior players joined hands in their campaign at the Sanyo Indonesia Open badminton championship by securing tickets to the semifinals in the Kertajaya Badminton Hall here on Friday. Unseeded junior Rony Agustinus had to play out three sets before crushing Thailand's only hope in the tournament, 10th seeded Ponsana Boonsak, 15-12, 11-15, 15-12.

Govt considers revoking visa-free facility

Govt considers revoking visa-free facility Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Directorate General of Immigration has proposed the abolition of the visa-free facility currently extended to the nationals of 48 countries, a move which tourism experts said would hurt the already embattled industry.

SE Asian govts told to fight against child sex tourism

SE Asian govts told to fight against child sex tourism Agencies, Phnom Penh Southeast Asian governments should make concerted efforts in cracking down on child sex tourism, which is on the rise across the region, activists and officials told a conference on Friday. "Child sex tourism is like a balloon.

1. DISCOURSE: 1 x 44

1. DISCOURSE: 1 x 44 Muslims in Southeast Asia need enlightenment 2. ASEAN: 1 x 36 ASEAN agreements on haze lack bite 3. FOREST: 1 x 39 Govt ignored warnings, fires to continue 4. RIJAPAN: 2 x 29 RI, Japan launch program against haze, illegal logging 5. SEX: 1 x 54 SE Asian govts told to fight against child sex tourism

Councillors bicker over voting procedure

Councillors bicker over voting procedure Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta City Council factions are divided on the voting procedure for the Sept. 11 gubernatorial election especially concerning confidentiality in the voting process.

Creating (dis)comfort in Indonesia

Creating (dis)comfort in Indonesia ---------------------- Sulaiman Tripa Student The School of Law, Syiah Kuala University, Banda Aceh ---------------------- This big country is plagued by conflicts, which in this context are no longer natural. Differences, which in Islamic terminology turn into a blessing, have now served as a means to point arms at one another. In the beginning of this new century -- as a sequel to the one producing absurd men -- Indonesia is characterized by bloody action.

Plan to reintroduce recall mechanism meets opposition

Plan to reintroduce recall mechanism meets opposition Muhammad Nafik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A plan to allow political parties to dismiss dissenting members from legislative bodies ran into strong opposition from analysts on Friday, who argued that the move would revive authoritarianism among the parties.

Askindo upbeat on 2002 cocoa output

Askindo upbeat on 2002 cocoa output The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Association of Indonesian Cocoa Exporters (Askindo) is optimistic that this year's cocoa output target of 400,000 tons can be achieved given strong motivation for farmers to take proper care of their crops. "Many farmers have now started taking proper care of their crops again as cocoa prices continue to recover.

Yogyakarta's new publishers offer alternative debate

Yogyakarta's new publishers offer alternative debate Bambang M., The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Despite the scorching sun, many students hunt down books in Shopping, a popular book market in Yogyakarta. If you are an avid reader or a book collector, you will be surprised that new books can be found there every day. Since the reform movement kicked off, the country's book industry, including in Yogyakarta, has undergone tremendous change. Books once banned can now easily be found in the market.

Travel ban not affecting tourism

Travel ban not affecting tourism JAKARTA: State Minister for Culture and Tourism I Gede Ardika said on Friday that the Malaysian government travel advisory warning its citizens against visiting Indonesia, had had little impact. Speaking to journalists after meeting President Megawati, the minister said Malaysians were continuing to visit to Indonesia.

Apartemen Golf : Advertorial

Apartemen Golf : Advertorial Focus Edition : Sunday -- Sept. 06 Approval : Monday -- Aug. 30 Apartemen Golf Pondok Indah's Tower 2 opens this month with special rates From the front gardens, inside the building to the back gardens, Apartemen Golf Pondok Indah in Jakarta provides the comforts of home, in a spacious setting. In the center of the building, for instance, there is an open courtyard allowing sunlight to penetrate the building, creating a natural atmosphere.

More popular involvement needed for ASEAN

More popular involvement needed for ASEAN ASEAN has recently celebrated its 35th anniversary; and the Secretary General ushering the regional organization into its next year is Rodolfo Severino. Having served from 1998, his task will be continued by Ong Keng Yong of Singapore. Although Severino will be leaving his post to join the academic world, among other involvements, he will still continue to visit Jakarta. He talked to Ati Nurbaiti of The Jakarta Post. Question: After the Sept.

On toll road

On toll road construction From Rakyat Merdeka We are really concerned about Minister of Resettlement and Regional Infrastructure Soenarno's tardiness in settling major problems within the scope of his job. There are two things that are worth questioning concerning his policies. First, in our opinion, the construction of the Jakarta Outer Ring Road (JORR) has dragged on for way too long and has violated a joint agreement. Take the Malaysia Consortium for example.

Rupiah Rates Aug. 30

Rupiah Rates Aug. 30 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp Australian dollar 1 5,177.14 4,620.26 4,925.11 4,872.06 Brunei dollar 1 5,356.55 4,781.96 5,095.79 5,042.58 Canadian dollar 1 6,009.50 5,366.21 5,716.94 5,658.67 Swiss franc 1 6,271.84 5,600.40 5,966.52 5,905.62 Danish krone 1 1,241.62 1,108.58 1,181.17 1,169.00 Euro 1 9,223.68 8,234.80 8,774.66 8,683.60 Poundsterling 1 14,502.93 12,946.26 13,796.90 13,651.83 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,200.93 1,072.66 1,142.47...

RI rejects people-smuggling charge

RI rejects people-smuggling charge PERTH, Australia: An Indonesian national pleaded innocent to charges of people smuggling Friday, claiming he was on a boat headed for Australia because he was a Christian fleeing religious strife at home. Jacky Lerebulan, 19, is one of three Indonesians who appeared in a West Australian District court on charges of attempting to smuggle 219 mainly Iraqi asylum seekers to Australia in October last year.

Govt considers revoking visa-free facility

Govt considers revoking visa-free facility Rendi A. Witular The Jakarta Post Jakarta The Directorate General of Immigration has proposed the abolition of the visa-free facility currently extended to the nationals of 48 countries, a move which tourism experts said would hurt the already embattled industry.

TV Today: Saturday, August 31, 2002

TV Today: Saturday, August 31, 2002 TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:30 Talk Show 9:00 Music 11:00 News 1:00 p.m. 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 1:00 p.m.

RI, Japan launch program against haze, illegal logging

RI, Japan launch program against haze, illegal logging Agence France-Presse, Johannesburg, South Africa Indonesia joined forces on Thursday with Japan, its top export market for timber, to launch a regional forestry program to help battle forest fires and haze, and rampant illegal logging in its vast archipelago.

Revolution is coming

Revolution is coming From Rakyat Merdeka Students, some of the political elite and social groups have opted for a reform drive, believing that the social cost of it would be lower than a revolution. Now that the reform movement is in its fourth year, students and some of the political elite have again talked about the likelihood of a revolution. They are disappointed that not one single item on the government's reform agenda has been properly achieved.

TNI chief tells servicemen not to vote in 2004 election

TNI chief tells servicemen not to vote in 2004 election Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Less than three weeks after lawmakers agreed to scrap the military and police's free seats in the House of Representatives (DPR) and the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) by 2004, Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto has urged his troops to shun the next general election.

Illegal worker debacle puts ASEAN in poor light

Illegal worker debacle puts ASEAN in poor light The Straits Times, Asia News Network, Singapore It is hard to imagine that the fate of illegal immigrants can place under stress the good relations that have long existed among three of ASEAN's closest neighbors. These are law breakers who have breached sovereign borders and worked without proper papers.

Economic and Financial Developments in Malaysia

Economic and Financial Developments in Malaysia The Malaysian economy expanded at a stronger pace in the second quarter of 2002. Sustained strength in domestic demand and a recovery in exports raised real GDP growth to 3.8 percent on an annual basis, from 1.1 percent in the first quarter. Consumption spending was broad-based across the country and gained momentum as an important source of growth in the quarter. Private consumption increased at a faster rate of 5.6 percent (1Q: 3 percent).

How Cinema 21 group does business in Indonesia

How Cinema 21 group does business in Indonesia Abdul Salam Taba, Alumnus, School of Economics, University of Newcastle, Australia A report that Monopoly Watch has sent to the Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU) regarding monopolistic practices in the screening of imported films by the Cinema 21 network, particularly films distributed by the Motion Pictures Association (MPA), has led to controversy. On the one hand, the report is allegedly true.

JP/7/MALAYSIA

JP/7/MALAYSIA Ong Hock Chuan Technical Advisor Maverick Strategic PR Counsel Jakarta Vice-President Hamzah Haz had a point when he said that more effective communication between Indonesia and Malaysia would help mend the rift that has opened up between the two neighbors because of the illegal Indonesian workers issue.

Migration body urges Malaysia to slow expulsion of foreigners

Migration body urges Malaysia to slow expulsion of foreigners Agencies, Kuala Lumpur The International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Friday called on Malaysia to slow down a mass expulsion of migrant workers from neighboring Indonesia and the Philippines. "Malaysia should not push people out in large numbers within a short period.

IBRA to discuss bank merger plan with House amid protests

IBRA to discuss bank merger plan with House amid protests Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) will consult with the House of Representatives over a plan to merge five banks, including the fate of thousands of employees who may have to be laid off, according to a senior agency official.

Key events during National Day Celebration

Key events during National Day Celebration A joyous month-long Merdeka Celebration to mark Malaysia's 45th year of independence began on 17 August 2002, with an official launch at the Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square) in Kuala Lumpur. Key events during the Celebration are the Eve of National Day celebrations throughout the country, often with a countdown on the night of 30 August.

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, August 31, 2002

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, August 31, 2002 Exhibitions * Photo Urip Mung Mampir Ngombe, Bentara Budaya Yogyakarta, Jl. Suroto 2 (Tel. 0274-560404), Sept. 10 - 16. * Painting Soap Document by Hanura Hosea, Cemeti Art House, Jl. D.I. Panjaitan 41 (Tel. 0274-371015), Sept. 7 - 29. * Painting 20 Pelukis Mampir Ngombe, Bentara Budaya Yogyakarta, Jl. Suroto 2 (Tel. 0274-560404), Sept. 19 - 25. * "Rupa Puisi Rupa" Exhibition by Made Wianta, Bentara Budaya Yogyakarta, Sept. 19 - 26.

1. Cocoa (4x10)

1. Cocoa (4x10) Askindo upbeat on 2002 cocoa output 2. Insur (1x49) New investment for ailing insurers unlikely: AAUI 3. Rubber (1x40) Rubber ministers discuss ITRCo management