Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 6 August 2002

72 articles found

Govt urged to take care of migrant workers

Govt urged to take care of migrant workers The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Several factions of Commission C at the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) expressed their concern on Monday over returning illegal migrant workers and urged the government to seriously address the problem. The United Development Party (PPP) faction drew the government's attention to the fate of some 600,000 migrant workers who had been forcibly expelled from Malaysia.

'Reform' painting vandalized

'Reform' painting vandalized A painting depicting a scene at the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) during the downfall of President Soeharto in 1998 has been found vandalized by unknown people. Several holes were found in the canvas of the one-and-a-half meter by three meter painting, which is among 15 works by painter Sampurno on display in the Reform painting exhibition at the MPR lobby.

W. Java council undecided over gift

W. Java council undecided over gift Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung The West Java provincial legislature is deadlocked over the return of Rp 25 billion taken from the province's 2002 budget as two legislators from the local chapter of the Justice Party have declined to return their share of the cash.

U.S. mediator visits Aceh

U.S. mediator visits Aceh Ibnu Mat Noor and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh/Jakarta Three international "wise men" assisting in the peace talks between the government and the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) began a three-day visit to the Aceh provincial capital of Banda Aceh on Monday. During the visit, the three mediators in the Indonesia-GAM dialog being held under the auspices of the Swiss-based Henry Dunant Center (HDC) -- Gen.

Construction of Indosat tower halted

Construction of Indosat tower halted TANGERANG: In response to protests by local residents, the municipal administration ordered a halt to the construction of a PT Indosat tower on Jl. Tanah Seratus, Sudimara Jaya village, Cileduk district, Tangerang. According to one resident, Achmad Satiri, the construction was stopped last week in response to the residents' objections to the 50-meter tall tower being put up in the densely populated area.

North Sulawesi governor faces corruption charges

North Sulawesi governor faces corruption charges Yongker Rumthe, The Jakarta Post, Manado North Sulawesi Governor A.J. Sondakh and other senior local officials are facing a corruption probe into the alleged embezzlement of the interest on Rp 101 billion that has been deposited in state-owned banks since 2000. The money originally came from emergency funds allocated for 1999 and 2000, transfers from the general allocation fund, and supplemental budgets for North Sulawesi between 1999 and 2001.

Locals complain of polluted water

Locals complain of polluted water TANGERANG: Industrial firms have polluted the Cicarab river that flows through Sukadiri district in Tangerang, according to a non-governmental organization Forum Lintas Pelaku (FLP) which recently conducted a study on the river.

WB extends Rp 6b loan for libraries

WB extends Rp 6b loan for libraries MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: The World Bank has provided a loan worth Rp 6 billion (around US$659,000) to help West Nusa Tenggara improve libraries in the three fiscal years between 2002 and 2005. Head of the provincial library agency I Wayan Rateng told Antara on Monday that the funds would be used by public and Islamic elementary schools, and public libraries across the province to buy new books.

Traffic chaos

Traffic chaos From Bisnis Indonesia Separating the road is intended to prevent vehicles that travel in one direction from going into the lane of vehicles traveling in the opposite direction. This separation may come as a painted white line or an island in the center of the road. Unfortunately, during a traffic jam, some vehicles often move into the lane intended for cars traveling in the opposite direction.

Bombings rock Poso, shattering peace

Bombings rock Poso, shattering peace Jupriadi, The Jakarta Post, Makassar The quest for long-lasting peace and security faces another serious test in Poso as a spate of recent bombings rocked the once-ravaged Central Sulawesi town on Sunday night. Local officials said on Monday that the house of Poso legislative council speaker Murad U. Nasir was one of the targets bombed in the latest incident at around 11 p.m.

Welfare allowance for teachers

Welfare allowance for teachers From Republika I am a civil servant and teach religion at a government senior high school in Central Jakarta. Every month my colleagues at this school and teachers at other government senior high schools in Jakarta, who are attached to the Ministry of National Education, receive a welfare allowance of Rp 300,000. Unfortunately, teachers attached to the Ministry of Religious Affairs -- like me and some of my colleagues -- are not entitled to this allowance.

Bargaining for a final price at the MPR's Annual Session

Bargaining for a final price at the MPR's Annual Session More proposals of an independent constitution commission have somewhat balanced the demands to return to the 1945 Constitution; but political parties are still "holding hostage" their favorite articles in the Constitution. Another problem is the legality of the Annual Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR)itself, says political lecturer Riswandha Imawan of Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta.

Servant killed in abortive robbery

Servant killed in abortive robbery JAKARTA: A servant was killed while another was injured in an abortive robbery at a house located on Jl. Mandar, Bintaro Jaya housing, sector III, in Pondok Karya subdistrict, Tangerang, on Monday. Suwandi, 24, died of severe stab wounds, while Muksini, 50, who suffered light injuries was taken to Bintaro International hospital nearby.

Kancil to replace 'bajaj' soon

Kancil to replace 'bajaj' soon Jakartans will see the gradual replacement of the three- wheeled motorized vehicle bajaj with kancil starting early next year as its producer PT Kancil will begin producing the four- wheeled vehicle in November.

Japan's Daihatsu aims to boost business in SE Asia

Japan's Daihatsu aims to boost business in SE Asia Agence France-Presse, Tokyo Japanese automaker Daihatsu Motor Co. Ltd. said Monday it hoped to increase investment, production and sales in Southeast Asia to cut costs and meet a growth in demand. The firm, a subsidiary of Japan's Toyota Motor Corp., said it was considering increasing a stake in Indonesian unit PT Astra Daihatsu Motor from 40 percent.

Sumitomo to import tires from Indonesian

Sumitomo to import tires from Indonesian TOKYO: Japan's third largest tire maker Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. said Monday it would start importing tires for minicars this month from a factory in Indonesia to cut costs. "It is much cheaper to make tires at our Indonesian plant and import them," said Sumitomo spokesman Mitsuru Igarishi, comparing the cost with Japanese-produced tires. The company, which has a tie-up with U.S. counterpart Goodyear Tire Rubber Co. Ltd.

TNI intended to kill me: Carrascalao

TNI intended to kill me: Carrascalao Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Former East Timor independence leader Manuel Viegas Carrascalao told the Human Rights Tribunal on Monday that the Indonesian Military did nothing to prevent the bloody violence against proindependence East Timorese in the run-up to the 1999 referendum.

HIV-infected prostitutes at large

HIV-infected prostitutes at large BENGKULU, Bengkulu: The provincial health agency here has called on people to refrain from sexual contact with prostitutes as three prostitutes with HIV are plying their trade unchecked following the recent closure of a red light district in the capital.

Tantowi, a man of a million talents

Tantowi, a man of a million talents Joko E.H. Anwar, Contributor, Jakarta A man makes his way hurriedly down to the makeup room while asking his assistant to find a list of songs he is supposed to perform that night. He arrives late for the taping of Country Road Special music program at state-run television TVRI. Fortunately, it does not take long for the man to put on his white cowboy hat and get on stage, greeting the audience who are clearly pleased to see him.

Raw sewage dumped in Cisadane river

Raw sewage dumped in Cisadane river Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang Three of the agencies in charge of proper sewage disposal in Tangerang who are expected to maintain the environment and to prevent any development activities that are harmful to people have been found to be in violation of a bylaw meant to curb illegal sewage dumping which goes directly into household taps.

Indonesia needs to rewrite Constitution: Coalition

Indonesia needs to rewrite Constitution: Coalition Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With deliberations on the establishment of a constitutional commission seemingly unavoidable, experts and activists grouped in the Coalition for A New Constitution have intensified their campaign for an independent commission to rewrite the Constitution.

Singapore experiences blackouts as Indonesian gas stops

Singapore experiences blackouts as Indonesian gas stops Reuters, Singapore Parts of Singapore suffered rare electricity black outs on Monday when a natural gas supply from Indonesia suddenly cut off, tripping seven of nine gas-fired generating plants on the island-state, the government said. Singapore's last major blackout was in 1992, when a large power station caught fire.

* Headlines: Debate over sharia a political ploy 2

* Headlines: Debate over sharia a political ploy 2 * National: U.S. wants RI to unify democracy, Islam 4 * Archipelago: Bombings rock Poso, shattering peace 5 * Opinion: Tommy's saga may continue 6 * City: Lenient sentences demanded for ex-bankers 8 * Sports: Canas finishes off brilliant week 9 * World: Chen leading Taiwan to disaster: China 11 * Business: S'pore gets blackout as gas from RI stops 13 * Features: Tantowi, a man of a million talents 20

Doing without the IMF: Figuring out where the money comes from

Doing without the IMF: Figuring out where the money comes from Juergen Kaiser, Jubilee.De, Dusseldorf, Germany State Minister of National Development Planning Kwik Kian Gie has not been the first influential politician of a southern country ever to suggest, Indonesia might actually do better without the IMF.

Plot thickens in Jakarta gubernatorial election

Plot thickens in Jakarta gubernatorial election Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Although supported by the four biggest factions on the City Council, incumbent Governor Sutiyoso could still run into a snag as horse-trading between the factions is still underway.

The next Afghanistan

The next Afghanistan The National Review and analysts at the Heritage Foundation have already declared Indonesia the next Afghanistan. Such overheated rhetoric is a mistake. Looking at Southeast Asia through the lens of Afghanistan will lead U.S. policymakers to the wrong conclusions and the wrong policy.

Jungle magically transformed into modern city

Jungle magically transformed into modern city For hundreds of years Batam has been highly regarded due to its strategic location in the Malacca Strait. One historical event can prove this, when Admiral Hang Nadim chose Batam for his defense base during the war waged by the Melayu kingdom against the Portuguese invaders between the years 1511 and 1528. However, after the end of Dutch colonization, for some time the 415 sq kilometer island was completely forgotten.

TOKYO: Japan's third largest tire maker Sumitomo Rubber

TOKYO: Japan's third largest tire maker Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. said Monday it would start importing tires for minicars this month from a factory in Indonesia to cut costs. "It is much cheaper to make tires at our Indonesian plant and import them," said Sumitomo spokesman Mitsuru Igarishi, comparing the cost with Japanese-produced tires. The company, which has a tie-up with U.S. counterpart Goodyear Tire Rubber Co. Ltd.

BI to ease forex ruling

BI to ease forex ruling The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bank Indonesia has announced plans to ease a foreign exchange ruling that limits rupiah transactions between local banks by non-residents. Central bank deputy governor Miranda Goeltom said the planned revision was meant to remove restrictions for foreign investors. "The changes (are needed) because there are several things that restrict risk management mechanism by foreign investors," she was quoted by Koran Tempo daily as saying on Monday.

Rini's crisis center

Rini's crisis center Industry and trade minister Rini Soewandi's move to set up a crisis center in cooperation with business associations should be welcomed and supported as a fresh initiative to help reinvigorate the business sector through a mechanism that will focus on good coordination, fast decision-making and concrete programs of action.

Experts doubt crisis center able to solve problems

Experts doubt crisis center able to solve problems The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The newly set-up crisis center under the Ministry of Trade and Industry might not be effective in resolving pressing problems faced by businesses here due to its lack of administrative power, experts said. They argued that the crisis center should have been set up under the Office of the Coordinating Minister for the Economy.

'U.S. wants RI to unify democracy and Islam'

'U.S. wants RI to unify democracy and Islam' The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The United States places importance on Indonesia's efforts to combine democracy and Islam, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda said here on Monday. Hassan said Indonesia was the world's third largest democracy and the largest Muslim-populated country with over 80 percent of its 215 million people following the faith.

Fear of Sutiyoso

Fear of Sutiyoso From Warta Kota Allowing the members of the Jakarta City Council to elect the Jakarta governor for the 2002-2007 term of office is a frightening prospect. Consider the following: * As Sutiyoso's policy is profit-oriented in nature and pays little attention to the poor, he has been opposed for the second term by virtually all members of the public. * The post of governorship must not be given to former officials who are never likely to introduce revolutionary changes in Jakarta.

S'pore manufacturing index up

S'pore manufacturing index up SINGAPORE: Higher export orders and increased production boosted Singapore's key manufacturing index to 52.3 percent in July in the fifth straight month of growth after 13 months of decline, a survey released Monday said. The Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), based on a survey of more than 150 industrial companies, said the July reading was up 0.2 percentage points from 52.1 recorded in June.

Tommy's saga may continue despite refusal to appeal

Tommy's saga may continue despite refusal to appeal Soeryo Winoto, Staff Writer, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta By skipping his chance to appeal the 15-year verdict for, among others things, conspiracy to murder Supreme Court Justice M. Syafiuddin Kartasasmita, Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra officially became a convicted criminal last Saturday. What is behind Tommy's decision? Only Tommy, God -- and maybe his lawyers -- know for sure.

Time running out for constitutional reforms

Time running out for constitutional reforms Kurniawan Hari and Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Legislators on Commission A for constitutional amendments continued deliberating on Monday the crucial issue on the composition of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), with all factions but the Interest Groups faction (FUG) agreeing to scrap the 60-strong FUG from the Assembly.

Fate of migrant workers

Fate of migrant workers From Koran Tempo There are three business that are the most lucrative in the world: guns, narcotics and human. We have them all in Indonesia with human trafficked known as Indonesian Workers (TKI). Between 2000 and 2001, accordng to the government the Indonesian workers abroad, amounting to five million mostly in informal sectors, have brought in Rp 43.7 trillion in foreign exchange. The amount does not include the money collected from the illegal workers and individuals.

Experts fear debate over sharia a political ploy

Experts fear debate over sharia a political ploy Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Of the contentious issues remaining as regards the amendment of the 1945 Constitution, the incorporation of sharia stands out as defining the divide between the nationalist and Islamic parties. As the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) wraps up its four- year-long amendment process during the Annual Session, the debate continues among legislators over the incorporation of sharia into the Constitution.

Malaysian militants took secrecy oath: Police

Malaysian militants took secrecy oath: Police Associated Press, Kuala Lumpur Suspected Islamic militants imprisoned in Malaysia have sworn themselves to secrecy about their plot to set up a hardline Islamic state in Southeast Asia, police said on Monday.

Legislator Slamet 'missing'

Legislator Slamet 'missing' Did Golkar's Theo L. Sambuaga manage to get rid of legislator Slamet Effendy Yusuf? This question popped into the heads of reporters upon seeing Theo taking up the position of deputy chairman of Commission A for constitutional amendment on Monday. Reporters questioned the absence of Slamet, who was appointed deputy chairman of the commission on Sunday.

[b]

RI must develop policies to escape crisis Akhmad Rizal Shidiq School of Oriental and African Studies University of London Institute for Economic and Social Research University of Indonesia 2. LA5 -- The Iraq debate 1 x 32 Drumming up support for attack on Iraq The Washington Post 3. Mochtar -- The Muted Salvo 1 X 48 The muted salvo at the MPR which few care to hear Mochtar Buchori

2. 1 x 45

2. 1 x 45 Deported workers in limbo, unemployment worries loom 3. 3 x 15 Fate of crucial bills depends on amendment process Experts doubt crisis center able to solve problems Crisis center lacks power to solve problems The newly set-up crisis center under the Ministry of Trade and Industry might not be effective in resolving pressing problems faced by businesses here due to its lack of administrative power, experts said.

Joy, disappointment color university entrance notices

Joy, disappointment color university entrance notices Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Monday was an important day for nearly half-a-million senior high school graduates who competed last month for a seat in 46 state universities across the country. As many as 81,471 students, or 20.1 percent of 404,907 applicants, will soon experience campus life as undergraduate students.

Returnees still want to work abroad illegally

Returnees still want to work abroad illegally Moch. N. Kurniawan and Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Medan Despite the tougher policy against illegal migrant workers in Malaysia, the country remains a mecca for cash-strapped Indonesians who wish to change their lives. Still fresh from a bitter exodus home, some Indonesian illegal workers vowed on Monday to try again to enter Malaysia or some other destination illegally.

RI must develop policies to escape crisis

RI must develop policies to escape crisis Akhmad Rizal Shidiq, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London Hidayat Jati, in The Jakarta Post on July 29, wrote that despite the recent corporate governance crisis in the U.S., we could still learn from the U.S. experience in the virtue of competition, creative destruction and how modern capitalism and democracy saves the economy.

Unique tarsiers face threat from people's misperception

Unique tarsiers face threat from people's misperception Myron Shekelle, Research Associate, Center for Biodiversity and Conservation Studies, University of Indonesia, Jakarta Tarsiers are charismatic nocturnal primates. In Indonesia, they are found on Sulawesi, Borneo and Southern Sumatra as well as some other smaller islands. Most experts now consider any reports that tarsiers once existed on Java to be erroneous.

1. Balak (4x10)

1. Balak (4x10) New agency takes over Pertamina's role 2. Cement (2x28) Economists confirm robust prediction for cement demand 3. Gas (1x50) Singapore experiences blackouts as Indonesian gas stops 4. BI (1x25) BI to ease forex ruling

Thai sailors poaching in RI water

Thai sailors poaching in RI water JAKARTA: Thai Ambassador to Indonesia Chaiyong Satjiponan admitted Monday that many sailors from his country were fishing illegally in Indonesian waters, but defended them, saying that they were not aware of the borders between the two countries. "The issue (poaching) should be resolved as soon as possible by the two countries," Chaiyong was quoted by Antara as saying after a meeting with East Kalimantan Deputy Governor Yurnalis Ngayoh in Samarinda on Monday.

Government considering shortening tourist visa

Government considering shortening tourist visa The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government is currently studying the possibility of shortening tourist visas from 60 days to 30 days. "Yes, we are studying the possibility as part of our efforts to minimize visa abuses," Antara quoted the director general of immigration at the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, Iman Santoso, as saying in Sanur, Bali, on Monday. The tourist visa is issued to foreigners on arrival in Indonesia.

1,000 students set kite flying record

1,000 students set kite flying record JAKARTA: One thousand junior high school students from 89 schools set a new record by flying about 400 kites on Sunday at Ancol East Beach, Jakarta. The record will be registered in the Indonesian Record Museum (MURI), according to Corporate Affairs Director of PT Coca Cola Indonesia, Titie Sadarini. The program was held to launch pineapple flavored Fanta produced by the company which lasted for about three hours.

Government plans to set up tax ombudsman

Government plans to set up tax ombudsman Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite initial resistance from the directorate of taxation, the Ministry of Finance is determined to establish an independent ombudsman to help eradicate corruption and ensure transparent tax collection. A government source told The Jakarta Post on Monday that Minister of Finance Boediono had agreed to the formation of an ombudsman's office, which will comprise clean and independent professionals and experts.

Where to go in Bandung for Tuesday, August 6, 2002

Where to go in Bandung for Tuesday, August 6, 2002 Performances * Sundanese Traditional Performances, Taman Budaya, Jl. Bukit Dago Selatan no. 53 A (Tel. 022 2504912), 7:30 p.m., Aug. 10. * Poetry and Short Story Reading, Poros Sastra Muda, CCF - French Cultural Center, Jl. Purnawarman 32 (Tel. 022 4212417), 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Aug. 7. * Theater Menunggu Godot, Creamer Box, CCF - French Cultural Center, 7:30 p.m., Aug. 12. * Music Orkes Keroncong Blue Moon, Gedung Kesenian Rumentang Siang, Jl.

Water shortage to hit parts of the city

Water shortage to hit parts of the city JAKARTA: Customers of the city water company will likely suffer water shortages in several parts of the city due to the temporary close of its water distribution pipeline.

Economists confirm robust prediction for cement demand

Economists confirm robust prediction for cement demand Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Economists on Monday confirmed a prediction made by the cement industry association that domestic consumption would return to pre-crisis levels this year. They also agreed that the robust demand would be driven mainly by the construction of new houses and renovations throughout the country.

Offer promising investment opportunities

Offer promising investment opportunities Batam is strategically located within an international shipping route between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. It lies only 20 kilometers southeast of Singapore which has one of the busiest seaports in the world. A ferry ride to Singapore takes only 40 minutes. The area of Batam Island is 415 sq kms.

Officials mull new prison for Tommy

Officials mull new prison for Tommy JAKARTA: Officials from the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights are considering transferring Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra to a penitentiary outside Jakarta. Officials from ministry and the Jakarta office of the ministry visited the Sukamiskin penitentiary in Bandung, West Java, on Monday to asses its readiness and security situation.

Bank restructuring key to recovery

Bank restructuring key to recovery Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Restructuring the banking sector, the privatization of state- owned enterprises (SOEs) and legal certainty are three key points needed to accelerate Indonesia's economic recovery, according to a local leading economist. M. Chatib Basri, an economist at the University of Indonesia, said on Monday that returning banks' intermediary function was crucial to revive the country's economy.

Orangutans returned to habitat

Orangutans returned to habitat DENAPASAR, Bali: A pair of orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus), Monic and Robin, were flown back on Sunday to the Wanariset Semboja rehabilitation center in East Kalimantan, which will release them into their native habitat in the island's jungle. The female orangutan, Monic, was seized by the Bali police and the Nature Conservation Agency at a private villa, Puri Ayu, in the Sanur area on July 31.

1. Poso: 8 x 4 lines

1. Poso: 8 x 4 lines Bombings rock Poso, shattering peace 2. Sulut: 20 x 2 lines North Sulawesi governor faces corruption charges 3. TNKS: 30 x 1 line Illegal logging rampant in protected forest 4. Kavling: 36 x 1 line W. Java legislature undecided over gift's return

Deported workers in limbo, unemployment worries loom

Deported workers in limbo, unemployment worries loom Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Ridwan M. Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Adding insult to the injury of thousands of Indonesian illegal migrant workers who are being deported from Malaysia is the reluctance of many regency administrations to welcome returning workers home. These workers have now been banned from entering several provinces designated as entry points to the country and transit sites to their hometowns.

FPI told to promote peace

FPI told to promote peace JAKARTA: Vice President Hamzah Haz suggested the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) make itself more peace oriented during its fourth anniversary celebrations on Monday. In his speech read by religious affairs minister Said Agil Almunawar, Hamzah said he welcomed FPI's efforts to help create public order in the country's religious and national life. FPI celebrated its fourth anniversary at its headquarters in Petamburan, Central Jakarta.

Illegal logging rampant in Kerinci Seblat protected forest

Illegal logging rampant in Kerinci Seblat protected forest The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The illegal logging that has swept through most of the Kerinci Seblat National Park (TNKS) in Lubuk Linggau, South Sumatra, is spreading throughout the park. Around 800 hectares of the national park's 340,750 hectares in Rejang Lebong had been left barren due to intensive illegal logging in the last few months, the Antara news agency reported on Monday.

With N. Korea playing, Asia will be largest ever

With N. Korea playing, Asia will be largest ever Associated Press, Seoul North Korea's entry into this year's Asian Games in South Korea will make the quadrennial sports festival the largest ever, organizers said Monday. As part of an agreement with South Korea on Sunday, North Korea agreed to send a delegation to the 14th Asian Games to be held Sept. 29-Oct. 14 in the southern port city of Busan.

No plan to summon Mega: Police

No plan to summon Mega: Police JAKARTA: Police have no immediate plans to summon President Megawati Soekarnoputri to testify on the July 27, 1996 attacks on the headquarters of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) which was then occupied by her die-hard supporters. National Police Chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar said on Monday that other witnesses had provided sufficient information on the case so there was no need to summon Megawati.

Chen leading Taiwan to disaster: China

Chen leading Taiwan to disaster: China Jeremy Page and Benjamin Kang Lim, Reuters, Beijing/Taipei China told Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian on Monday he was leading the island to disaster by backing a referendum on independence, as Taipei tried to contain the fallout from his boldest statement since taking power. A Beijing spokesman said Chen proved he was determined to seek independence for an island China sees as a rebel province and has threatened to attack if it declares statehood.

Fate of crucial bills depends on amendment process

Fate of crucial bills depends on amendment process Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The fate of several crucial bills, including political bills, that will determine whether or not the reform movement will continue, is hanging in the balance pending the outcome of the constitutional amendments being discussed at the Annual Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR).

Captive deer find home at local university

Captive deer find home at local university Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan Beautiful deer with branching horns and dotted or dark brown skin are common in Indonesia and are easily found around the Bogor presidential palace in West Java, the country's largest captive breeding center for deer. It was after witnessing the successful deer breeding project in Bogor, rector of North Sumatra University (USU), Chairuddin P.

2. ACEH: 1 x 24

2. ACEH: 1 x 24 U.S. mediator visits Aceh 3. SPMB: 2 x 25 Joy, disappointment color university entrance notices 4. GOVERNOR Plot thickens in DKI gubernatorial election

Lenient sentences demanded for three ex-bankers

Lenient sentences demanded for three ex-bankers Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State prosecutors said on Monday three former directors of the now-defunct South East Asia Bank (SEAB) were guilty of misusing Bank Indonesia liquidity support funds, but asked the court to show them leniency because the bankers had reimbursed the state for its losses.

RI artists find new success in Singapore

RI artists find new success in Singapore Boudewijn Brands, Contributor, Singapore Two solo exhibitions by Indonesian artists were recently opened in Singapore. Nyoman Gunarsa is exhibiting about 60 of his works in a former military barracks converted into a large and beautiful show area. Three days earlier, after work hours, a solo exhibition by Hanafi was also opened.

Garut officials fail to perform

Garut officials fail to perform From Kompas The news on July 11 and July 15 that a regional secretary warned that if the request by Garut civilian and military chiefs to non-indigenous people went unheeded, their security and safety could not be guaranteed, really offended our nationalist pride. The statement also added that ethnic and religious riots would some day break out in Garut.

New agency takes over Pertamina's role

New agency takes over Pertamina's role The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government officially launched on Monday the Implementing Body, the highest authority in the oil and gas upstream sector and installed director general of oil and gas Rachmat Sudibyo as its first chairman. Rachmat was installed as chairman on Monday morning by Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro.