Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 17 September 2002

72 articles found

Govt to assign new firms to repair Java, Sumatra roads

Govt to assign new firms to repair Java, Sumatra roads The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government will appoint several new contractors, without a tender procedure, to repair roads on Java's northern coast and Sumatra's eastern coast until November, a Cabinet minister said on Monday.

Class action against PLN

Class action against PLN Power blackout which affected most parts of Jakarta, Bogor, Tangerang and Bekasi last Thursday also inflicted big losses on the public. Thousands of passengers of the electrical (commuter) train serving Jakarta-Bogor route were abandoned untransported. Fires in Jakarta and other areas on Thursday night were reportedly caused by candles and oil lamps. These were an indirect impact of the power blackout. Motorists were caught in traffic jams as all traffic lights were out.

Money laundering meeting in Bali

Money laundering meeting in Bali UNITED NATIONS: Australia and Indonesia said Sunday that they would co-host a conference on money laundering and terrorist financing, to be held on the Indonesian island of Bali on Dec. 12 and Dec. 13. Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer and his Indonesian counterpart, Hassan Wirajuda, said in a joint statement they would open the conference together.

Demand for Asia's ant-eaters up in China

Demand for Asia's ant-eaters up in China Trirat Puttajanyawong, Reuters, Bangkok Thailand has long been notorious as a transit point for the trafficking of drugs, weapons and people. Now, a new commodity is being smuggled -- the scaly, ant-eating pangolin. Thailand has emerged as a hub for smugglers bringing pangolins from Cambodia, Malaysia, and Indonesia and sending them to China, where they end up in cooking pots and traditional medicine shops.

U.S. embassy reopens after terror threat

U.S. embassy reopens after terror threat The United States embassy here and the consulate in Surabaya reopened on Monday after four working days closed as a result of a terrorist threat from the al-Qaeda network. Dozens of people were seen queuing at the embassy to arrange documents, while heavily armed police stood guard outside the building located on Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan, Central Jakarta. But U.S. diplomats here warned American citizens to still avoid facilities associated with the U.S.

Tembok Bolong: Portrait of urban poverty

Tembok Bolong: Portrait of urban poverty Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Sadum, a semi-employed 55-year-old man, lives with his wife and five children in his five meter by seven meter semi-permanent home on disputed land on the Tembok Bolong coast, Penjaringan district, North Jakarta. To support his family, he works as a porter at Sunda Kelapa port, one kilometer from his house. If he is lucky he can earn up to Rp 20,000 per day, but sometimes he earns nothing.

Six in hospital after blast

Six in hospital after blast The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Six people were still in hospital on Monday following the explosion of a gas pipe at Supermal Karawaci, which caused thousands of people to flee in panic on Sunday. Heru Nasution, general manager of the mall, said that 18 people were taken to hospital, but 12 were allowed to return home after receiving medical treatment.

Power crisis looms in S. Kalimantan

Power crisis looms in S. Kalimantan BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: South Kalimantan will soon face a serious power crisis as its hydroelectric power plant (PLTA) Riam Kanan cannot supply enough power to the province due to decreasing water supply to the plant. The volume of water at Riam Kanan dam is now well below the crisis level of 52 meters, forcing the power plant to stop operating two of three turbines.

Gubernatorial candidate retracts statement about money politics

Gubernatorial candidate retracts statement about money politics Ahmad Junaidi The Jakarta Post Jakarta Failed gubernatorial candidate, Mahfudz Djailani, revoked on Monday his earlier admission that he had paid Rp 200 million (US$22,000) as a down payment of a total Rp 2 billion promised to 40 city councillors in order that they would elect him as the next governor. "I didn't directly give any money.

Drought hits more than 200 villages in Banyumas

Drought hits more than 200 villages in Banyumas Agus Maryono, The Jakarta Post, Purwokerto Tens of thousands of people in over 200 villages in Banyumas regency, Central Java, are experiencing severe clean water shortages as most artesian wells have dried up due to the prolonged drought. Residents in the villages told The Jakarta Post Monday that they often had to forego bathing just to save clean water for cooking and drinking. "I haven't taken a bath for three days.

Lippo: 1x 28

Lippo: 1x 28 Six in hospital after blast

S'pore nabs more terror suspects

S'pore nabs more terror suspects SINGAPORE: Singapore said on Monday it had arrested 21 terror suspects in August in addition to 13 now in detention for plotting to blow up the U.S. embassy and other targets in the city state. The Ministry of Home Affairs said the 21 were Singaporeans and that 19 were members of Jemaah Islamiah (JI), a Muslim group which Singapore says has links to the al-Qaeda network accused of carrying out the Sept. 11 attacks in the United States.

Lia learns to sing Javanese songs

Lia learns to sing Javanese songs JAKARTA: Beside playing the role as Rano Karno's girlfriend, Sarah, in the seventh installment of Si Doel Anak Sekolahan TV series, Cornelia Agatha has been busy sharpening her singing skill in tembang (Javanese ethnic songs). In her newest venture with S. Kardjono's Gitawrta Saijah dan Adinda (Dance and song Saijah and Adinda), the 29-year-old has to explore the Javanese pentatonic scale.

Peddlers complain of toll road ban

Peddlers complain of toll road ban TANGERANG: About 300 peddlers eking out a living selling food and drinks at the Cikupa toll road gate in Tangerang are planning to hold a protest rally against their evictions by the toll road operator. Pasir Gadung village chairman M. Dahlan said on Monday that they planned to protest against PT Jasa Marga, who they believed had issued the ban. He said they would protest the policy as the vendors had nowhere else to go.

Organized crime ring pillaging forests: Official

Organized crime ring pillaging forests: Official Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Organized criminals, comprising government officials as well as military officers, were the likely culprits behind the widespread illegal logging in the country, an official said on Monday. It also seemed likely that they were involved with an international network, according to the ministry's data.

* Headlines: RI told to 'do more' to fight terrorism2

* Headlines: RI told to 'do more' to fight terrorism2 * National: Govt moves to raise spending on education4 * Archipelago: New firms to repair Java, Sumatra roads 5 * Opinion:Poverty encourages fundamentalism to grow 7 * City: Free baby vaccines sold at markets 8 * Sports: Italy beats USA in women's volleyball10 * World: Saudi changes position on Iraq 12 * Business: House starts drafting geothermal bill13 * Features: Ex-bombmaker turns peacemaker 20

Bengkulu needs 460 teachers

Bengkulu needs 460 teachers BENGKULU, Bengkulu: Rejang Lebong regency in Bengkulu is still in need of 460 teachers for 398 elementary schools, 40 junior high schools and 14 senior high schools. Rejang Lebong education office head Tarmizi Usuludin said on Monday that the regency was planning to construct 32 junior high schools in several districts. Currently Rejang Lebong Regency has only 4,000 teachers.

Lia learns to sing Javanese songs

Lia learns to sing Javanese songs JAKARTA: Beside playing the role as Rano Karno's girlfriend, Sarah, in the seventh installment of Si Doel Anak Sekolahan TV series, Cornelia Agatha has been busy sharpening her singing skill in tembang (Javanese ethnic songs). In her newest venture with S. Kardjono's Gitawrta Saijah dan Adinda (Dance and song Saijah and Adinda), the 29-year-old has to explore the Javanese pentatonic scale.

Atomic energy a miracle cure: Hatta

Atomic energy a miracle cure: Hatta JAKARTA: State Minister of Research and Technology Hatta Radjasa was named the president for the 46th General Conference of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, which began on Monday. In his opening speech, Hatta proposed that the conference discuss the use of nuclear technology for the general public's welfare.

AGO files appeals on controversial rights cases

AGO files appeals on controversial rights cases Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In a bid to address public concern, the Attorney General's Office (AGO) has filed appeals to the Supreme Court on the controversial acquittal of six East Timor rights abuse suspects. In a hearing with House of Representatives Commission II on legal affairs on Monday, Attorney General M.A. Rachman said that the appeals had been submitted to the Supreme Court on Sept. 4.

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;JP; ANPAf..r.. Jakarta-stock-table Stock quotations on JSX JP/13/BEJ Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sept.

Govt moves to increase spending on education

Govt moves to increase spending on education Muninggar Sri Saraswati and Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Ministry of National Education and legislators are demanding a hundred percent increase in the 2003 education budget, from Rp 13.6 trillion (US$15.2 billion) as proposed by President Megawati Soekarnoputri, to about Rp 26 trillion, saying the rise is crucial to achieve the goals of national education.

Govt planning to inject genitals

Govt planning to inject genitals JAKARTA: The government is intensifying its campaign for men's participation in the national family planning program by offering contraceptive through injections. National Family Planning Board head Yaumil Agoes Achir told the House of Representatives on Monday that the method was undergoing feasibility tests at the University of Indonesia in Jakarta and at Sriwijaya University in Palembang before its application next year.

On emergency landing

On emergency landing I was very disturbed by the article in The Jakarta Post on Sept. 9 regarding the recent emergency landing of Garuda flight 601 at Makassar and would like some clarification from Garuda about this matter. The article describes engine trouble with a rapid drop in cabin air pressure and that few oxygen masks in the aircraft were functioning. It goes on to describe how all passengers and stewardesses were panicking and screaming.

House team to allow four mines to proceed in protected forest

House team to allow four mines to proceed in protected forest Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A special team formed by the House of Representatives has agreed to permit four mining companies to resume open-pit mining operations in protected forests. "The four mining companies can definitely resume their operations.

ASEAN sees modest economy recovery

ASEAN sees modest economy recovery Rebecca Thurlow, Dow Jones, Bandar Seri Begawan Economic ministers from the Association of South East Asian Nations are predicting a modest economic recovery in the region this year but warn growth could be stunted by a double dip in the U.S. economy or an oil shock associated with an attack on Iraq.

Tourism assaults Thailand's pristine isle

Tourism assaults Thailand's pristine isle Denis Gray, Associated Press, Koh Chang, Thailand First come the reconnaissance teams, the backpackers, followed by light infantry, the local tourist operators. Then the last wave storms ashore: big Thai and international developers firing salvos of cash and corporate savvy. With military precision, one stunning but poorly defended tropical island after another in Thai waters has been overrun in the tourism onslaught.

Mega, Akbar sued over advocate bill

Mega, Akbar sued over advocate bill MEDAN, North Sumatra: The North Sumatra chapter of the Association of Indonesian Advocates (Ikadin) in Medan has filed a suit against President Megawati Soekarnoputri and House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tanjung over the delay in the endorsement of a bill on advocates. Ikadi spokesman Aldian Pinem said on Monday that the suit was filed on Sept.

1. EXHIBIT: 2 lines, 21 COUNTS

1. EXHIBIT: 2 lines, 21 COUNTS Roving art exhibition a window to Indonesia 2. BOB: 1 LINE, 40 COUNTS Bob 'Sick' Yudhita pictures war with himself

Thai vehicle sales jump 35%

Thai vehicle sales jump 35% BANGKOK: Thailand's domestic vehicle sales in the first eight months of 2002 grew 34.9 percent over the same period last year to 251,752 units, according to industry figures released Monday. The numbers were boosted by robust sales growth of 51.2 percent in August, according to the industry's appointed monitor Toyota. "It is the sixth straight month that vehicle sales have reached more than 30,000 units," Toyota said in a statement.

TNI ready to leave conflict zones: Chief

TNI ready to leave conflict zones: Chief The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Military (TNI) said it was ready to withdraw its involvement in settling armed conflicts in the country, provided that this decision came from the people. "I leave it to their consensus. If we are to withdraw from the conflict zones, we would be happy to do so. The more tasks taken away from us, the happier we will be because we can just rest at home, but still get a salary," TNI chief Gen.

Govt called on to annual Jakarta governor election

Govt called on to annual Jakarta governor election Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Three councillors and dozens of activists urged Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno on Monday to annul the result of the recent gubernatorial election due to accusations that city councillors took bribes to vote for certain candidates. They also demanded the annulment due to the strong public objection against Sutiyoso, who was elected by the 84 councillors on Wednesday for a second term.

Japan should face history squarely

Japan should face history squarely Kim Sok Bom, The Asahi Shimbun, Tokyo What a pleasant surprise. Although the announcement of Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's visit to Pyongyang appeared sudden, it is the fruit of year-long negotiations behind the scenes. The process itself provides hope, to a certain extent, that the meeting will go well.

2. Asahi -- Japan should face history squarely

2. Asahi -- Japan should face history squarely 3. Strait -- Squabbles have disturbed nonviolent ASEAN

An American tried for drugs

An American tried for drugs JAKARTA: An American went on trial on Monday for allegedly possessing and using marijuana in a bar in Blok M area, South Jakarta, two months ago. Prosecutors accused defendant Darryl W. Davis, an engineering consultant of Devon Energy oil company, for violation against Law No 22/1997 on drugs which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail and Rp 100 million in fine. Davis was arrested on July 18 by officers of the Jakarta Police.

79 legislators urge Akbar to resign

79 legislators urge Akbar to resign Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Disgraced House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung received an expected political blow on Monday when 79 legislators officially asked Akbar to step aside until the graft case against him was settled.

Ad-hoc trial should ensure protection of rights

Ad-hoc trial should ensure protection of rights Munir, Director Indonesian Human Rights Watch (IMPARSIAL), Jakarta The first round of the ad hoc Human Rights Tribunal on the East Timor case ended in anticlimax as the suspects of crimes against humanity were mostly acquitted from all charges. The verdict cast by the first human rights court conducted in this republic's history carries a danger that we may not have taken seriously.

Schools must be tough to fight drug problems

Schools must be tough to fight drug problems Simon Marcus Gower, Principal, Harapan Bangsa High School, Tangerang, Banten A group of schoolboys sit huddled in a stairwell near to one of Jakarta's many fast food restaurants. In their early teens, their uniforms somehow seem more worn and dirty than most school kids but they have the youthful smiles and laughter of innocent childhood. Huddled together their excited behavior is what first draws attention to them.

Ex-Bombmaker turns peacemaker

Ex-Bombmaker turns peacemaker Pandaya, The Jakarta Post, Ambon News mixing with rumors about loved ones being killed, houses ransacked and places of worship attacked swept across Ambon like a hurricane. Nervous, everybody in Christian and Muslim neighborhoods prepared for war -- in the name of religion. They wielded weapons, erected road barricades and examined strangers' identity.

Megawati may retain power until 2009

Megawati may retain power until 2009 R. William Liddle, Political Scientist, The Ohio State University Voter perceptions of the qualities of individual leaders appear to play an important part in Indonesian elections, according to the earlier mentioned survey. Megawati Soekarnoputri was the clear favorite of voters according to our data, and probably pulled the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI Perjuangan) along with her.

Bob 'Sick' Yudhita pictures war with himself

Bob 'Sick' Yudhita pictures war with himself Christina Schott, Contributor, Yogyakarta Bob "Sick" Yudhita doesn't need to do any acting to get attention. His physical appearance is already theatrical enough. Therefore an exhibition of his art would not be complete without his presence. "Since my pictures are a part of myself, I am as well part of my pictures", Bob says. No question.

Munir

Munir Director Indonesian Human Rights Watch (IMPARSIAL) Jakarta The first round of the ad hoc Human Rights Tribunal on the East Timor case ended in anticlimax as the suspects of crimes against humanity were mostly acquitted from all charges. The verdict cast by the first human rights court conducted in this republic's history carries a danger that we may not have taken seriously.

Cleaning up the banks

Cleaning up the banks Bank Indonesia (the central bank) is right in persistently pushing ahead with its efforts to reduce the number of non- performing loans (NPls) in the banking industry to a maximum of 5 percent of outstanding loans by the end of 2002.

Candidate retracts bribery statement

Candidate retracts bribery statement Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Failed gubernatorial candidate, Mahfudz Djailani, revoked on Monday his earlier admission that he had paid Rp 200 million as a down payment of a total Rp 2 billion promised to 40 city councillors in order that they would elect him as the next governor. "I didn't directly give any money. But I don't know if my sponsors had given any money," Mahfudz, a travel agent, told reporters at his office on Jl.

Karaoke lounge opens despite ban

Karaoke lounge opens despite ban TANGERANG: Owners of Hotel Istana Nelayan in Tangerang have ignored the municipal administration's direction not to operate karaoke lounges without possessing the required permits. A staff member at the hotel on Jl. Gatot Subroto said on Monday that in order to deceive administration officials and public order officers, the hotel management had changed operation times of the karaoke lounge from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Reelection of Sutiyoso worries poor people

Reelection of Sutiyoso worries poor people Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The reelection of Governor Sutiyoso, who is notoriously known for his long record of the eviction of slums and poor communities across the capital, has worried the poor residents for another term of hardship. "The (Sutiyoso's) reelection for his second term really makes us worried as we must face again imminent uncertainties in the near future," said Asih, a resident of Bojong, Pondok Gede, East Jakarta.

Boycott Akbar Tandjung

Boycott Akbar Tandjung From Rakyat Merdeka We were rightfully disappointed by the Bulog II trials as they failed to divulge the involvement of high-ranking members of Golkar and the Golkar Party as an institution for allegedly using non-budgetary Bulog funds for its own interests and for Golkar's election campaign in the 1999 general election. On Sept.

Free baby vaccines sold at markets

Free baby vaccines sold at markets Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After reports earlier this year that donated medicine intended for flood victims was finding its way into the city's markets, a similar scandal has erupted involving certain vaccines essential for the health and well-being of babies. "The vaccines should be given for free to babies.

BPKP to audit central government loan to regions

BPKP to audit central government loan to regions Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Development Finance Comptroller (BPKP) is investigating possible misuse by regional governments of investment funds provided by international financial agencies through the central government. The audits follow the failure of the regional governments to repay a total of Rp 5.4 trillion (US$606 million) in debts, including interest, principal payments and fines, over the past six years.

Boyce tells RI to 'do even more' to fight terrorism

Boyce tells RI to 'do even more' to fight terrorism Muhammad Nafik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta United States Ambassador to Indonesia Ralph L. Boyce urged the Indonesian government on Monday to "do even more" in countering terrorism as no suspects linked to the al-Qaeda network had so far been arrested by security authorities here.

TNI told to seek non-U.S. military aid

TNI told to seek non-U.S. military aid Dadan Wijaksana and Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Legislators recommended on Monday that the Indonesian Military (TNI) maintain the nation's dignity and sovereignty by seeking other sources of military aid to end dependency on the U.S. and to curb the resulting U.S. interference in Indonesia's affairs. The recommendation was made during a hearing between House Commission I on security affairs and TNI Chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto.

TNI commander denies earning huge profits from businesses

TNI commander denies earning huge profits from businesses Dadan Wijaksana and Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto has denied charges that the military's foundations generated enough profit to cover 70 percent of the TNI's budget requirement. "Seventy percent (of our budget requirement) means Rp 35 trillion. What company can make that much of a huge annual profit?

North Sumatra fishermen protest against trawlers

North Sumatra fishermen protest against trawlers Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan Hundreds of fishermen from several regencies in North Sumatra province staged a rally in front of the legislative building in Medan on Monday, demanding that the government ban the use of trawlers in the province's waters. They also demanded that Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Rokhmin Dahuri resign for what they considered to be insensitivity to fishermen's suffering, poverty and uncertainty.

Investors important in Indosat bidding

Investors important in Indosat bidding The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government is placing the quality of the investors as well as their price offers on an equal footing for the bidding of a 41 percent stake in state-owned telecommunications company PT Indosat. State Minister for State Enterprises Laksamana Sukardi said on Monday that aside from the price, the added value that investors could generate for Indosat was also important.

Occupational accident rate remains high

Occupational accident rate remains high The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Jacob Nuwa Wea warned employers on Monday to be proactive in bringing down the high rate of occupational accidents, or face stiff penalties for failure to provide adequate safety for workers.

Compulsory vasectomy needed

Compulsory vasectomy needed From Bisnis Indonesia For quite a long time I've been overwhelmed by a great concern for the increasing number of Indonesians who are becoming poorer and less well-educated, while the birth rate rises. I cannot imagine what it would be like if the country is some day hit by a population explosion because of the following: The government is no longer financially capable of undertaking massive family planning campaigns as before.

Corruption group slam Riau governor for fraud

Corruption group slam Riau governor for fraud Haidir Anwar Tanjung, The Jakarta Post, Pekanbaru, Riau Riau Corruption Watch (RCW) said on Monday that it had reported to President Megawati Soekarnoputri alleged corruption in the Rp 5.2 billion renovation project of the Riau Governor Saleh Djasid's official residence. RCW coordinator Firdaus Basir said the companies appointed to renovate the house -- C.V. Sakti Bangun Kencana and P.T.

Rupiah Rates Sept.16

Rupiah Rates Sept.16 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp Australian dollar 1 5,228.99 4,676.33 4,979.47 4,925.62 Brunei dollar 1 5,365.18 4,799.80 5,109.16 5,055.67 Canadian dollar 1 6,038.63 5,401.90 5,750.47 5,689.87 Swiss franc 1 6,297.47 5,635.15 5,996.96 5,935.56 Danish krone 1 1,244.23 1,113.24 1,184.85 1,172.59 Euro 1 9,241.32 8,267.85 8,800.34 8,708.61 Poundsterling 1 14,772.58 13,219.01 14,067.64 13,923.71 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,222.55 1,094.29 1,164.21...

1. Polio - 4x 12

1. Polio - 4x 12 Free baby vaccines sold at markets 2. Suti - 2x25 Reelection of Sutiyoso worries poor people 3. Poor - 1x 40 Tembok Bolong: Portrait of urban poverty 4. Speak- 1x31 'Bribery invalidates the election'

Roving art exhibition a window to Indonesia

Roving art exhibition a window to Indonesia Dewi Anggraeni, Contributor, Melbourne, Australia Indonesia is becoming better-known in Australia, thanks to the endeavors of various educational and cultural institutions. On the streets, however, if you stop people and ask them what the term "Indonesia" conjures up in their minds, two place names are very likely to be mentioned: Bali and East Timor.

Bulog's new status

Bulog's new status The State Logistics Agency (Bulog) has insisted on changing its status from logistics agency to state-owned Perum Pangan (general firm dealing with logistics). Bulog Chief Widjanarko Puspoyo said the draft bill on the government's law on the Perum Pangan had been submitted to President Megawati Soekarnoputri before she left for official trips abroad. If the draft bill is approved Bulog will become Perum Pangan starting Jan. 1, 2003.

After ten years of operation in Indonesia, freight forwarding

After ten years of operation in Indonesia, freight forwarding and logistics provider PT Danzas Saranaperkasa, a subsidiary of Switzerland-based Danzas Group, has successfully managed to retain its strong customer base for its reliable and excellent forwarding and logistics-related service.

'Bribery invalidates the election'

'Bribery invalidates the election' People are now demanding that the recent gubernatorial election be annulled following the admission by gubernatorial candidate Mahfudz Djailani that he had paid a bribe of Rp 200 million to 40 councillors. Dirman, 36, is a fruit trader on Jl. Tebet Raya, South Jakarta, and the father of two children. He has been living here for three years. He was born in Yogyakarta.

Public officials' arrogance

Public officials' arrogance From Media Indonesia Some 88 members of the House of Representatives (DPR) and 67 from the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) are apparently in breach of Law No.28/1999 on clean governance. They are required to report and announce their wealth before and after occupying their posts. But in reality they have failed to obey the law.

Squabbles have disturbed nonviolent ASEAN

Squabbles have disturbed nonviolent ASEAN Daljit Singh, Senior Research Fellow Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, The Straits Times, Asia News Network, Singapore The picture of unity among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been somewhat spoilt in recent months by bilateral spats between members. Singapore and Malaysia argue over water. Malaysia offended Indonesia and the Philippines with the way its police expelled illegal Indonesian and Filipino migrants.

House starts drafting geothermal bill

House starts drafting geothermal bill Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives has started drafting the geothermal power bill and hopes to finalize it by the end of this year. Rustam Tamburaka, chairman of the House's team for the drafting of the bill, said the House considered the bill important given that Indonesia had huge geothermal resources and that only a small amount of these had been developed.

Vengeful Golkar prepares next move to save chairman

Vengeful Golkar prepares next move to save chairman Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Golkar is displaying its mettle as its legislators are calling for a disciplinary committee to target colleagues with poor attendance records in a bid to botch a move to unseat House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sept.

RP unemployment drops to 11.2%

RP unemployment drops to 11.2% MANILA: Unemployment in the Philippines fell to 11.2 percent in July from 13.9 percent in April because of an increase in jobs in the services sector, according to data issued by the statistics office Monday. The quarterly data said services sector jobs increased to 14.3 million in July, from 13.5 million in April. Wholesale and retail trade, and repair of automobiles and personal and household goods accounted for the largest share of the sector's employment.

Poverty encourages fundamentalism to grow

Poverty encourages fundamentalism to grow Muhammad Nafik, Staff Writer, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Understanding Islam and fundamentalism has become a widespread preoccupation since the terrorist attacks on the U.S. on Sept. 11 last year. German Muslim scholar Bassam Tibi, a professor of international relations at University of Gottingen, was in town last week as a speaker of an international seminar on Islam and the West.

Two foreign women still being held in Aceh

Two foreign women still being held in Aceh Ibnu Mat Noor, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh Police investigators intensified their questioning of a U.S. nurse and a British academic on Monday but their status remained unclear five days after they were apprehended in Bundeng village, South Aceh. Aceh police spokesman Comr.

Rice experts target fairer deal for poor Asian farmers

Rice experts target fairer deal for poor Asian farmers Deutsche Press-Agentur, Beijing Rice experts and officials on Monday called for joint efforts among Asian rice-producing nations to ensure poor farmers benefit from increased output and technological advances. "Rice is life to an estimated 2.6 billion people around the world," said Angeline Kamba of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).