Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 9 August 2002

88 articles found

Police use dead to cover up problems

Police use dead to cover up problems Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In attempt to wash their hands of a potentially damaging case, police announced on Thursday that they had closed the investigation into an alleged plot between security officers and convict Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra after the probe reached a dead end. Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen.

Disagreement causes delay, forces MPR to extend session

Disagreement causes delay, forces MPR to extend session Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta During a plenary meeting of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) on Thursday, it was decided to extend the Assembly's Annual Session by about nine hours after legislators failed to reach a consensus on several items in the fourth batch of constitutional amendments. The Annual Session had been scheduled to end on Saturday at noon, but will be extended to 9 p.m.

China CNOOC winner in LNG deals to Australia, RI

China CNOOC winner in LNG deals to Australia, RI Owen Brown, Dow Jones, Beijing China's third major oil company, CNOOC Ltd appears to be the biggest winner in a hotly contested US$20 billion liquified natural gas supply deal which taps both Australia's North West Shelf project and Indonesia's Tangguh gas field.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug.8,2002

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug.8,2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 270 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 900 25 1,000 Adindo Foresta 40 0 0 AGIS Tbk 95 0 0 Akbar Indo Makmur 365 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 185 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 775 25 81,000 Alter Abadi Tbk 35 0 0 Alumindo Light 500 0 0 Andhi...

Telkom going on

Telkom going on a spending spree? From Rakyat Merdeka Amid the various difficulties the population has to face as a result of the protracted economic crisis, including the soaring price of necessities, such as fuel, electricity and telephone rates, state-owned Telecommunication Company (Telkom) announced the distribution of big bonuses from its 2001 profits during its shareholders general meeting.

U.S. not perfect, but willing to improve

U.S. not perfect, but willing to improve Ralph L. Boyce, Ambassador, U.S. Embassy to Indonesia, Jakarta We live in an increasingly interconnected world with more and more barriers between people falling each day. These new contacts open opportunities for trade, cultural exchange, and improved understanding.

South mulling whether to fly North flag during Asiad

South mulling whether to fly North flag during Asiad Yoo Jae-suk, Associated Press, Seoul South Korean officials are jubilant that North Korea will send athletes to the Asian Games. But they're nonplussed about whether games organizers should fly the North Korean flag, a crime in the South. Another dilemma is whether to play the North Korean national anthem at the quadrennial event in the port city of Busan.

Minister rapped over dredgers

Minister rapped over dredgers JAKARTA: The House of Representatives criticized maritime affairs and fisheries minister Rochmin Dahuri on Thursday for releasing seven foreign dredgers impounded in Riau waters last month, which had illegally taken sand from Indonesian maritime territory.

Protesting cigarette ads

Protesting cigarette ads From Pikiran Rakyat It is really ironical that while the government has issued a warning about the dangers of smoking, billboards advertising tobacco products proudly stand erect in many major cities across the country. The relevant authorities should be clear about whether or not there is a limitation on the size of these billboards, especially when they are put so close to schools and houses of worship.

Japan to aid RI over environment

Japan to aid RI over environment JAKARTA: Japan will offer an aid package to help Indonesia and six other Asian countries lower greenhouse gas emissions and stem global warming over the next few years. Environment ministry official Soichiro Seki said Tokyo's proposal would mostly consist of training and joint research projects in antipollution measures for Indonesia, China, India, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Govt must reduce dependency on donors

Govt must reduce dependency on donors Ahmad Junaidi and Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Commission B asserted on Thursday that it was not seeking to terminate Indonesia's relationship with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), but for the government to improve its bargaining position in dealing with donor agencies. Commission members also clarified earlier reports that the Assembly had plans to recommend that Indonesia end the relationship.

Illegal workers kidnapped on way home

Illegal workers kidnapped on way home Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The blackmailing and kidnapping of illegal Indonesian workers returning from Malaysia is widespread, the Consortium of Indonesian Migrant Workers Advocacy (Kopbumi) revealed on Thursday. Kopbumi executive secretary Wahyu Susilo said such crimes had been found in Jambi and several towns in West Nusa Tenggara.

Unlawful clinics

Unlawful clinics mushrooming From Kompas In his article titled Family-oriented service (The Jakarta Post, July 11), Dr. H. Anies suggested that physicians who had already completed their compulsory civic-mission assignment could practice independently. This is a good idea in principle, provided that the authorities issue a license for this purpose.

Tobing, survives with consistency

Tobing, survives with consistency Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Many say the difference between a statesman and a politician lies in how they treat life. The statesman defines it as a breeze, whereas the politician just goes with the flow, while sometimes fueling it into a hurricane.

Protesting cigarette ads

Protesting cigarette ads From Pikiran Rakyat It is really ironical that while the government has issued a warning about the dangers of smoking, billboards advertising tobacco products proudly stand erect in many major cities across the country. The relevant authorities should be clear about whether or not there is a limitation on the size of these billboards, especially when they are put so close to schools and houses of worship.

Plot thickens as factions prepare for election

Plot thickens as factions prepare for election Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The tension in gubernatorial election process was turned up another notch on Thursday as the disappointed United Development Party (PPP) faction, which has 12 of the 85 seats in the Council, rejected a decree on the nomination of the gubernatorial and vice gubernatorial candidates.

1. AMBON: 1 LINE, 35 COUNTS

1. AMBON: 1 LINE, 35 COUNTS Ambonese keep on partying despite tension 2. TROOP: A LINE, 32 COUNTS Forces' sweetheart, tonic for the troops

Protesting cigarette ads

Protesting cigarette ads From Pikiran Rakyat It is really ironical that while the government has issued a warning about the dangers of smoking, billboards advertising tobacco products proudly stand erect in many major cities across the country. The relevant authorities should be clear about whether or not there is a limitation on the size of these billboards, especially when they are put so close to schools and houses of worship.

Protesting cigarette ads

Protesting cigarette ads From Pikiran Rakyat It is really ironical that while the government has issued a warning about the dangers of smoking, billboards advertising tobacco products proudly stand erect in many major cities across the country. The relevant authorities should be clear about whether or not there is a limitation on the size of these billboards, especially when they are put so close to schools and houses of worship.

Independent body for customs office annulled

Independent body for customs office annulled The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Ministry of Finance has rejected calls for the establishment of an independent supervisory committee to monitor the country's customs office, raising doubts about whether measures to reform the customs office can be successful.

MPR blasted for delay in establishment of commission

MPR blasted for delay in establishment of commission Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Experts and activists blasted the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) on Thursday for putting off the establishment of a constitutional commission until 2003. Alarmed at the decision reached last night, the Coalition for A New Constitution blasted the Assembly for the delay, and charged that the reasons cited for the delay were illogical.

Australia, Indonesia win multibillion Chinese LNG contracts

Australia, Indonesia win multibillion Chinese LNG contracts The Jakarta Post, Jakarta China has awarded multi-billion-dollar contracts to Australian and Indonesian consortiums to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the country.

Tommy a special murderer

Tommy a special murderer The verdict in the case of Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra has disappointed most people here and lacked respect for the law. Three weeks ago the District Court handed down only a 15-year sentence to him for several serious offenses, most notably of which was the mastermind of the murder of Supreme Court Justice M. Syafiuddin Kartasasmita. But his two accomplices -- who carried out the murder -- are now serving life sentences.

Rupiah Rates Aug 8

Rupiah Rates Aug 8 JP/13/Conver Rupiah Rates Aug 8 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp Australian dollar 1 5,090.76 4,550.81 4,847.01 4,794.32 Brunei dollar 1 5,381.09 4,812.11 5,123.44 5,069.61 Canadian dollar 1 6,023.33 5,386.08 5,734.93 5,674.29 Swiss franc 1 6,358.22 5,687.25 6,053.79 5,991.57 Danish krone 1 1,249.24 1,117.35 1,189.43 1,177.14 Euro 1 9,269.23 8,289.57 8,825.42 8,733.15 Poundsterling 1 14,633.67 13,089.52 13,933.02 13,789.95 Hong Kong dollar 1...

Rubber producing nations set up consortium to lift price

Rubber producing nations set up consortium to lift price The Jakarta Post, Gianyar, Bali The world's largest rubber producers -- Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand -- signed on Thursday a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to set up a consortium called International Tripartite Rubber Companies Consortium (ITRCo), whose main duty is to help boost the current sagging prices of the commodity.

Constitutional commission put off till 2003

Constitutional commission put off till 2003 Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite disagreement on two contentious articles, the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) is expected to endorse the final phase of the current constitutional amendment process during a plenary session on Friday, but has delayed the establishment of a constitutional commission until 2003.

Second round of Poso peace talks set for Sunday

Second round of Poso peace talks set for Sunday Muhammad Nafik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Signatories of a peace deal to cease the two years of sectarian conflict in Poso, Central Sulawesi, will hold a two-day meeting beginning on Sunday after a spate of recent attacks has shattered the historic accord achieved last December.

Jacob blames Hassan over illegal workers

Jacob blames Hassan over illegal workers The Jakarta Post, Tampak Siring, Bali Malaysia's refusal to sign a deal on Indonesian illegal workers has left unfinished business between two ministers from the Cabinet of President Megawati Soekarnoputri. Disgruntled Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Jacob Nuwa Wea was quick to blame the failure to settle the ongoing exodus of over 300,000 migrant workers from Malaysia on Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda and his subordinates.

Pertamina guarantees fuel supply in Jakarta

Pertamina guarantees fuel supply in Jakarta The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The state oil and gas company Pertamina guaranteed on Thursday that the supply of fuel in Greater Jakarta would not be disrupted despite a massive 2-day strike by thousands of fuel truck drivers at the fuel depot in Plumpang, North Jakarta, on Wednesday and Thursday.

N. Maluku violence leaves one dead

N. Maluku violence leaves one dead Oktovianus Pinontoan, The Jakarta Post, Ambon Two bomb explosions in North Maluku's Tobelo district and fresh clashes between two villages on Wednesday left one dead and several houses burned, military reports said. A mob from Gorua village attacked the neighboring Wari village following the blasts, marking the first violent reaction to a string of bomb explosion this year.

Inaplas asks govt to rise import duty on polypropylene

Inaplas asks govt to rise import duty on polypropylene Adianto P Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Olefin and Plastic Industry Association (Inaplas) called on the government to raise the import duty on polypropylene to 10 percent in order to protect local producers from cheaper imported products. Polypropylene is a raw material for plastics.

Protesting cigarette ads

Protesting cigarette ads From Pikiran Rakyat It is really ironical that while the government has issued a warning about the dangers of smoking, billboards advertising tobacco products proudly stand erect in many major cities across the country. The relevant authorities should be clear about whether or not there is a limitation on the size of these billboards, especially when they are put so close to schools and houses of worship.

FOR ADVERTORIAL

FOR ADVERTORIAL SUNDAY AUGUST 11 SURYACIPTA OFFERS INDUSTRIAL LOTS READY FOR CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION PT Suryacipta Swadaya, a subsidiary of publicly listed PT Surya Semesta Internusa Tbk., is offering easy-to-implement industrial sites at its strategically located 1,400-hectare industrial estate in Karawang, West Java.

Police find large explosives warehouse

Police find large explosives warehouse Police said on Thursday that they had found a large warehouse storing explosives that were linked to the blast in the basement of the four-story Graha Cijantung building in East Jakarta early last month. "The warehouse in Kamal in the Cengkareng subdistrict of West Jakarta supplied the explosives used for the blast in Graha Cijantung last month," said city police detective chief for general crimes Adj. Sr. Comr. Raja Erisman.

'Annual Session is waste of time'

'Annual Session is waste of time' Amendments to the Constitution being debated at the Annual Session continue to bore the average person who say it has no consequence to their daily lives. Damer, 50, is a street tailor in Jatinegara, East Jakarta. He lives in Depok, West Java with his three children and wife. He comes from Padang, West Sumatra: I don't care about the Annual Session because it does not help the poor.

Chinese deported from Bandung

Chinese deported from Bandung BANDUNG, West Java: The immigration office here deported on Wednesday at least 15 Chinese nationals, including six women, for misusing their visas. "They obtained visas for business or sociocultural visits, but in reality they were engaged in trading activities in Bandung," the head of the immigration office, Jos Sudarso, said. The Chinese nationals had been held at the Kanim immigration office in the city since their arrests last weekend. M.J.

Protesting cigarette ads

Protesting cigarette ads From Pikiran Rakyat It is really ironical that while the government has issued a warning about the dangers of smoking, billboards advertising tobacco products proudly stand erect in many major cities across the country. The relevant authorities should be clear about whether or not there is a limitation on the size of these billboards, especially when they are put so close to schools and houses of worship.

Malaysia turns down Indonesian requests on workers

Malaysia turns down Indonesian requests on workers Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Tampak Siring, Bali Indonesia asked two things from Malaysia about illegal workers: give them another one month to leave Malaysia and give them assurances that they could return to the country. But Malaysia rejected them all.

Protesting cigarette ads

Protesting cigarette ads From Pikiran Rakyat It is really ironical that while the government has issued a warning about the dangers of smoking, billboards advertising tobacco products proudly stand erect in many major cities across the country. The relevant authorities should be clear about whether or not there is a limitation on the size of these billboards, especially when they are put so close to schools and houses of worship.

'Military did nothing to prevent attack on Carrascalao's house'

'Military did nothing to prevent attack on Carrascalao's house' Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A pro-Jakarta East Timorese leader told the Rights Tribunal on Thursday that the Indonesian Military (TNI) did nothing to stop armed militias from attacking the residence of proindependence leader Manuel Viegas Carrascalao on April 17, 1999.

Houses unlawfully used as businesses

Houses unlawfully used as businesses TANGERANG: Many house owners in the Citra Raya residential complex in Cikupa, Tangerang have illegally turned their property into business sites. Many houses there have been turned into stores, home industries and small factories to produce various goods, including spare vehicle parts, Zulfikar, one of residents in the complex said on Wednesday.

'Attempts at terrorist crackdown could backfire'

'Attempts at terrorist crackdown could backfire' Ian Timberlake, Agence France-Presse, Jakarta Repressive attempts to crack down on terrorists in Indonesia could backfire and lead to a rise in militancy, a report released Thursday said. Such tactics had already help spawn the so-called Ngruki Network co-founded by elderly Islamic teacher Abu Bakar Ba'asyir and which had sought training in Afghanistan, the report, by political analysts of the Brussels-based International Crisis Group (ICG) said.

Asian currencies mixed late; Brazil deal helps sentiment

Asian currencies mixed late; Brazil deal helps sentiment Alan Yonan Jr., Dow Jones, Singapore Asian currencies were mixed Thursday as a late-session slump in the yen caused the New Taiwan dollar, South Korean won and Philippine peso to reverse course and close weaker. But the Singapore dollar, Thai baht and Indonesian rupiah strengthened modestly.

Jakarta gets Rp 46b from central government

Jakarta gets Rp 46b from central government Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Central Government has doubled the funds for Jakarta, to compensate for the phased-out fuel subsidy, from Rp 23.66 billion last year to Rp 46.73 billion (US$5.19 million) this year. Transportation Minister Agum Gumelar symbolically handed over the compensation fund to a group of Jakarta residents at the Koja Hospital, North Jakarta, on Thursday.

Unlawful clinics mushrooming

Unlawful clinics mushrooming From Kompas In his article titled Family-oriented service (The Jakarta Post, July 11), Dr. H. Anies suggested that physicians who had already completed their compulsory civic-mission assignment could practice independently. This is a good idea in principle, provided that the authorities issue a license for this purpose.

A fearful political symptom is rapidly emerging.

A fearful political symptom is rapidly emerging. The pro and antiamendment (of the 1945 Constitution) movements, which have developed at the Senayan legislative complex in Jakarta, have spread to other towns. A group of antiamendment demonstrators took to the street in the town of Cirebon, West Java, on Monday and blocked the Tegal- Jakarta segment of the northern coastal highway. The result was heavy traffic congestion for several hours. Fortunately, the protest took place peacefully.

1. Gas (4x10)

1. Gas (4x10) RI seeking for other gas deal with KL 2. CNOOC (2x26) China CNOOC Winner in LNG deals to Australia, RI 3. Survey (1x25) RI most pessimistic nation 4. Custom (2x23) Independent body for customs office annulled

False accusation

False accusation From Kompas While shopping at the Citraland branch of Gunung Agung bookstore in West Jakarta with my sister on July 20, a security guard said to me: "Sorry ma'am, you have just put something into your handbag". I was startled and opened my bag before the man to show that I had not dropped anything into it. He responded arrogantly and impolitely: "Oh, so you've kept your cellular phone then?," when in fact I was not carrying any cellular phone at the time.

Accelerating recovery

Accelerating recovery Despite the tumultuous debate about the proposed amendments to the Constitution that are the main focus of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Annual Session, it is a relief to know it has still spent some time reviewing economic issues.

Dozens join race for regent post

Dozens join race for regent post CILACAP, Central Java: Since 1998 there has been more public participation in politics here as a record 42 people have nominated themselves for the top executive post in the regency since the registration began on Monday. An election committee member, Syamsul Hidayat, said he had never seen such enthusiasm in the rest of Central Java province.

Prices in Papua shock Garin

Prices in Papua shock Garin JAKARTA: Coming back from a recent visit to Irian Jaya, the renowned Jakarta-based film-maker Garin Nugroho complained about the high cost of living in the eastern-most province. A non star-rated hotel costs Rp 350,000 (about US$35) per night. To hire a Kijang van costs about the same amount of money per day. The high prices apply to almost all commodities from food to motorbikes as transportation costs of those goods from the island of Java are expensive.

Unlawful clinics

Unlawful clinics mushrooming From Kompas In his article titled Family-oriented service (The Jakarta Post, July 11), Dr. H. Anies suggested that physicians who had already completed their compulsory civic-mission assignment could practice independently. This is a good idea in principle, provided that the authorities issue a license for this purpose.

Zinni urges govt to revive talks with GAM

Zinni urges govt to revive talks with GAM Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Adding to the what the local people and observers have suggested, a visiting retired U.S. general and conflict mediator asked the Indonesian government and the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) on Thursday to pursue a peaceful solution in response to the demand for a separate state in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam province. Gen. (ret) Anthony Zinni, said that in his capacity as a private U.S.

New cancer treatment is now on the way, DIGM tells patients

New cancer treatment is now on the way, DIGM tells patients Debbie A. Lubis, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Patients diagnosed with cancer can enjoy their life longer as a new cancer treatment called antiangiogenesis will be released soon, a doctor said on Thursday.

Get rid of street racers!

Get rid of street racers! From Warta Kota A brawl involving marine officers and street racers on Jl. Gunung Sahari a couple of days ago should not have happened if the street racers had been sensible. Street racers know full well that public roads are not meant for them to race one another, particularly at night because they endanger other street users. If they want to be real gentlemen and genuine racers they should go to Sentul racing track or any other racing arena in the city.

Cirebon regent meets protest over press control

Cirebon regent meets protest over press control Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon, West Java Protests are mounting against the Cirebon regency administration for issuing a bylaw which many fear jeopardizes press freedom. Journalists in the West Java town have demanded that the local government revoke Bylaw No. 79/2001 on information order, which was approved by the legislative council on Nov. 20 last year.

Telkom going on a spending spree?

Telkom going on a spending spree? From Rakyat Merdeka Amid the various difficulties the population has to face as a result of the protracted economic crisis, including the soaring price of necessities, such as fuel, electricity and telephone rates, state-owned Telecommunication Company (Telkom) announced the distribution of big bonuses from its 2001 profits during its shareholders general meeting.

Indonesians may travel to KL without passport soon

Indonesians may travel to KL without passport soon Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta An immigration deal signed on Thursday between Indonesia and Malaysia promises passport-free for travel between the two countries, an Indonesian government official said. The facility will be made possible with the help of an electronic system to be developed and possibly launched early next year.

Protesters say no to sharia, constitutional amendments

Protesters say no to sharia, constitutional amendments The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Hundreds of people rallied in front of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR)/House of Representatives (DPR) complex on Thursday to reject amendments to the 1945 Constitution. The protesters also rejected demands for the inclusion of sharia in Article 29 of the 1945 Constitution.

French contest at Carrefour

French contest at Carrefour In June, I bought a French music cassette at Carrefour Pasar Festival as I read in their advertisement that with every purchase, shoppers stood a chance at winning return airfare for two to Paris and lunch with French Indonesia-born artist Anggun. As mentioned in the ad, the draw would be held on July 10 and they would announce the winner on July 17. But unfortunately, until this letter was written, I have never seen an announcement.

Aceh falls short of blood stock

Aceh falls short of blood stock BANDA ACEH, Aceh: The Indonesian Red Cross office in conflict- torn Aceh has reported a shortage of fresh blood stocks over the past few months due to the decline in the number of donors. Head of the office Sanusi Maha told Antara on Thursday the demand for blood soared to 30 pouches per day as clashes between security troops and separatist rebels intensified. The office, however, only had between 20 and 25 pouches in stock.

Protesting cigarette ads

Protesting cigarette ads From Pikiran Rakyat It is really ironical that while the government has issued a warning about the dangers of smoking, billboards advertising tobacco products proudly stand erect in many major cities across the country. The relevant authorities should be clear about whether or not there is a limitation on the size of these billboards, especially when they are put so close to schools and houses of worship.

FOR ADVERTORIAL

FOR ADVERTORIAL SUNDAY AUGUST 11 Suryacipta Swadaya offers industrial lots ready for construction and operation PT Suryacipta Swadaya, a subsidiary of publicly listed PT Surya Semesta Internusa Tbk., is offering easy-to-implement industrial sites at its strategically located 1,400-hectare industrial estate in Karawang, West Java.

Student slays schoolmate in Banjarmasin

Student slays schoolmate in Banjarmasin Umi Sriwahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan The educational community in South Kalimantan were shocked by a tragic incident on Wednesday when a student murdered a schoolmate from the same senior high school in the provincial capital here. Syarif Rahman, an 18-year-old student from the SMU 10 state senior high school, was found dead in the school's toilet with multiple stab wounds.

Articles of contention

Articles of contention --------------------------------------------------------------- Article 2 Paragraph 1 Alternative 1: The People's Consultative Assembly consists of members of the House of Representatives and members of the Regional Representatives Council elected in general elections, plus the Interest Groups elected by the House of Representatives, as regulated further by law.

Discharge students

Discharge students involved in brawls From Republika Before the public's disgust over brawls between high school students could subside, a brawl erupted between students of Trisakti University on July 24, in which students of the civil engineering school fought against their rivals from the mineral engineering school. A trivial matter triggered the shameful brawl, which has occurred several times before at this university. As a result, those who were innocent had to bear the brunt of it.

TV Today: Saturday, August 10, 2002

TV Today: Saturday, August 10, 2002 TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:30 Talk Show 9:00 Music 10:00 Annual Session (live) 12:00 p.m. News 1:00 Talk Show 2:30 Music 3:00 Religious Teachings 3:30 Cartoon 4:30 Japan League 6:00 News 7:00 Variety Show 8:00 Quiz 9:00 News 9:30 Music 11:00 Box Office Film 12:00 a.m. News TPI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Talk Show 8:30 Cooking Program 9:00 Variety Show 10:00 Indian Film 1:00 p.m.

RI seeking for other gas deal with KL

RI seeking for other gas deal with KL The Jakarta Post, Gianyar, Bali After signing a US$6.2 billion gas delivery contract with Malaysia on Thursday, Indonesia hopes to garner further such contracts with them. In the future, contracts for natural gas from South Sumatra and from the Block A gas field in West Natuna, in the South China Sea could be finalized with Malaysia, a top official of state owned oil and gas company Pertamina said.

1. Komisi

1. Komisi MPR blasted for delay in setting up constitutional commission 2. IMF Govt must reduce dependency on donor agencies 3. Agenda MPR extends amendment session 4. Demo Protesters say no to sharia, amendments

Get rid of street racers!

Get rid of street racers! From Warta Kota A brawl involving marine officers and street racers on Jl. Gunung Sahari a couple of days ago should not have happened if the street racers had been sensible. Street racers know full well that public roads are not meant for them to race one another, particularly at night because they endanger other street users. If they want to be real gentlemen and genuine racers they should go to Sentul racing track or any other racing arena in the city.

Telkom going on

Telkom going on a spending spree? From Rakyat Merdeka Amid the various difficulties the population has to face as a result of the protracted economic crisis, including the soaring price of necessities, such as fuel, electricity and telephone rates, state-owned Telecommunication Company (Telkom) announced the distribution of big bonuses from its 2001 profits during its shareholders general meeting.

Guards find MPR sessions boring

Guards find MPR sessions boring Security guards have found the ten-day Annual Session of the People's Consultative Assembly simply boring. Most of the time they just sit around with nothing to do, except when there are rallies. Fortunately, there are a few ways to chase away the boredom resulting from inactivity. On Thursday, for example, security guards, still clad in their green uniforms, played soccer in the field at the rear of the Assembly building.

French contest at Carrefour

French contest at Carrefour In June, I bought a French music cassette at Carrefour Pasar Festival as I read in their advertisement that with every purchase, shoppers stood a chance at winning return airfare for two to Paris and lunch with French Indonesia-born artist Anggun. As mentioned in the ad, the draw would be held on July 10 and they would announce the winner on July 17. But unfortunately, until this letter was written, I have never seen an announcement.

Indonesia Open Jazz 2002 aims to educate the public

Indonesia Open Jazz 2002 aims to educate the public Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta "There is no such thing as jazz development in Indonesia," claims jazz musician and long-time music teacher Tjut Nyak Deviana Daudsjah, who is also known as Deviana. She is quick to add that the jazz scene is still in the doldrums.

HIV/AIDS in Batam demands immediate control

HIV/AIDS in Batam demands immediate control Fadli, The Jakarta Post, Batam, Riau The increasing number of nightspots in Batam, Riau has been blamed on the increase of HIV cases. The industrial city has over the past month appealed for government attention after the death of two locals from the disease. Rukiyati, 36, from Kendal, Central Java, was found critically ill at a port in Sekupang, Batam, on July 13.

Ambonese keep on partying despite tension

Ambonese keep on partying despite tension Pandaya, The Jakarta Post, Ambon Bombs occasionally jolt the city. Rubble and debris litter the floors of buildings, which lay in a state of ruin from the three- year-old sectarian fighting. Heavily armed soldiers patrol the street 24 hours a day. Fresh fighting could break out any time. But the famous fun-loving Ambonese keep on partying, dancing and singing as if nothing is going on. Pubs and karaoke lounges are making a comeback as security improves.

JP/ /

JP/ / JP/NASIONAL Papuan refugees want to go home JAYAPURA, Papua: Hundreds of Papuan refugees living in Papua New Guinea (PNG) are unable to return home because the United Nations has failed to deliver promised financial aid, official says. The head of the Borders Cooperation Agency in Papua, F.X. Suryanto, said 280 Papuan refugee families in Papua New Guinea were waiting for the aid promised them by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

* Headlines: Don't stop dialog with Gam: Zinni 2

* Headlines: Don't stop dialog with Gam: Zinni 2 National: RI travelers to KL may leave without passports 4 * Archipelago: Fresh violence in N. Maluku leaves one dead5 * Opinion: Blaming only the IMF a deceitful gimmick 6 * City: Plot thickens as factions prepare for election 8 * Sports: RI karatekas to spar with Australians 10 * World: Iraqis parade to show support for Saddam 11 * Business: Independent body for customs office annulled 13 * Features:Jakob Tobing survives with consistency 20

Article 2(1) is crucial because the fate of the 2004 general

Article 2(1) is crucial because the fate of the 2004 general election hinges on its endorsement. The bill on general elections is hanging in the balance, pending the amendment of Article 2(1).

RI most pessimistic nation

RI most pessimistic nation Indonesians are the most pessimistic people in the Asia Pacific region when it comes to the economy, a survey published in Hong Kong Thursday has found. Only 17 percent expect to see a recovery by the second quarter of 2003 with half saying the chance of it getting worse was their major concern - more worrying than job security, health and terrorism.

Residents asked to keep the flag flying

Residents asked to keep the flag flying JAKARTA: The city administration calls upon Jakarta residents to hoist the nation's red-and-white flag from Aug. 14 until Aug. 18 in commemoration of the 57th anniversary of Indonesian Independence. The flag should be hoisted from 6 a.m until 6 p.m., Governor Sutiyoso said in a written statement on Thursday. Residents are also urged to decorate their own neighborhood with red-and-white banners and decorative flags.

RI karatekas to spar with Aussies ahead of Asiad

RI karatekas to spar with Aussies ahead of Asiad Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian karate team's members hope to test their skills during a tour of Australia ahead of the real competition at the 2002 Asian Games in Busan, South Korea, according to the Indonesian coach.

MPR Annual Session 2002: Some crucial issues

MPR Annual Session 2002: Some crucial issues J. Soedjati Djiwandono, Political Analyst, Jakarta From the outset, this year's Annual Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) has been overshadowed by expectations of a deadlock. The political parties had agreed that they would avoid such a deadlock -- but may be regarded as a deadlock is yet to be clearly defined. A complete failure? A partial failure? What issues should be the criteria?

Protesting cigarette ads

Protesting cigarette ads From Pikiran Rakyat It is really ironical that while the government has issued a warning about the dangers of smoking, billboards advertising tobacco products proudly stand erect in many major cities across the country. The relevant authorities should be clear about whether or not there is a limitation on the size of these billboards, especially when they are put so close to schools and houses of worship.

1. Process - 4x12

1. Process - 4x12 Plot thickens as factions prepare for election 2. Subsidy - 2x25 Jakarta gets Rp 46b from central govt 3. BBM - 1x 40 Pertamina guarantees fuel supply in DKI 4. Speak - 1x30 'Annual Session is waste of time'

Korean Air turns around to profit

Korean Air turns around to profit SEOUL: South Korea's national flag carrier Korean Air Co. (KAL) Thursday posted a net profit of nearly US$290 million for the first half of this year after a big loss a year earlier. KAL attributed the turnaround to sales growth, foreign exchange gains and cost-cutting efforts. The net profit of 195.38 billion won ($287 million) in the six months to June was in sharp contrast to a loss of 345.91 billion won a year earlier, the company said.

National Day Message from Ambassador Edward Lee

National Day Message from Ambassador Edward Lee Formal relations between Singapore and Indonesia began with the establishment of a Singapore Liaison Office in Jakarta in December 1966. Since then, Indonesia and Singapore have built a long history of friendship and cooperation based on mutual trust and respect. Our strong relationship and shared interests have enabled the people of the two countries to work together for mutual benefit.

Korean Air turns around to profit

Korean Air turns around to profit SEOUL: South Korea's national flag carrier Korean Air Co. (KAL) Thursday posted a net profit of nearly US$290 million for the first half of this year after a big loss a year earlier. KAL attributed the turnaround to sales growth, foreign exchange gains and cost-cutting efforts. The net profit of 195.38 billion won ($287 million) in the six months to June was in sharp contrast to a loss of 345.91 billion won a year earlier, the company said.