Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 2 September 2002

58 articles found

QSAR failure indicates scam, involving big names

QSAR failure indicates scam, involving big names Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Sukabumi The failure of PT Qurnia Subur Alam Raya (QSAR) president director Ramli Araby to repay investors' funds appears to be just the tip of an iceberg of a business scam involving politically well-placed individuals. According to residents of Sukabumi, West Java, where Ramli set up the headquarters of his agribusiness company, QSAR was far from being a professional company.

Survey tests students for worms

Survey tests students for worms SERIBU ISLANDS: A survey has reported that residents of Panggang island had the highest incidence of intestinal worms in the province of Jakarta. A laboratory test revealed that 575 students or 86 percent of the 670 tested at three state-owned elementary schools in Panggang subdistrict were infected with intestinal worms.

JP/ /

JP/ / ASEAN Car Sales Figure ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Indonesia 332,035 383,605 59,634 129,844 300,964 296,989 Thailand 589,126 363,156 144,065 218,330 262,189 297,832 The Philippines 163.000 144,400 80,200 74,400 83,900 74,000 Malaysia 364,800 404,800 163.200 276.600 343.200 381.000...

On toll road

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

Afif proud of his handmade batik

Afif proud of his handmade batik Ridlo Aryanto, he Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta His political foes can say anything they want about former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid. But in the eyes of handmade batik designer Afif Syakur, he helped revive the classical handmade batik trend here and abroad.

Rain eliminates haze in Pontianak

Rain eliminates haze in Pontianak PONTIANAK, West Kalimantan: The sky above Pontianak and its outskirts was blue again and the sun shone brightly on Saturday following heavy rain that eliminated the thick haze that had been blanketing East Kalimantan for days beforehand. Many people, including children, the worst affected by the smoke and air pollution, emerged once again from their houses to enjoy the fresh air.

Stock market likely to be flat this week: Analysts

Stock market likely to be flat this week: Analysts A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Although the Jakarta stock market dropped by more than 3 percent last week, shares may not necessarily be quick to rebound as investors will likely adopt a cautious stance while they wait for fresh leads from home and overseas, analysts said. Stock analyst Eddy Widjojo told The Jakarta Post over the weekend that without any fresh leads, the Jakarta Stock Exchange Composite Index would be flat this week.

Investor trust destroyed

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

Indonesians win two golds in Sanyo Open

Indonesians win two golds in Sanyo Open Imanuddin, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya Indonesia won two golds, as did China, in the Sanyo Indonesia Open 2002 badminton championship, which concluded at the Kertajaya Badminton Hall here on Sunday. Star of the US$170,000 tournament was undoubtedly Indonesia's men's singles player, seventh seed Taufik Hidayat, who crushed Chinese rival in the men's final, unseeded Chen Hong, in straight sets 15-12 15-12.

Govt mulls cutting luxury tax on cars

Govt mulls cutting luxury tax on cars Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government is considering lowering luxury sales tax on cars to boost domestic car demand in attempts to encourage foreign investors to manufacture cars in Indonesia, the Ministry of Trade and Industry says. The director general of metal industry, machinery, electronic and miscellaneous industries, Achdiat Atmawinata, said the high luxury tax had made prices of many cars very expensive and had curbed sales.

TV Program: Monday, September 2, 2002

TV Program: Monday, September 2, 2002 TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Environment 8:30 Music 9:00 Film 10:00 Documentary 11:00 News 11:30 Music 12:00 p.m. News 1:00 Talk Show 2:30 Documentary 3:00 Children's Program 3:30 Cartoon 4:00 Music 5:00 Music 6:00 News 7:00 Dialog 8:00 Quiz 9:00 News 9:30 Music 11:00 News TPI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 7:00 Quiz 8:00 Music 9:00 Indonesian Film 11:00 TV Drama 12:00 p.m.

Investment key to economic recovery

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

DAU to help 'meet education budget'

DAU to help 'meet education budget' Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In order to fulfill the education budget required by the Constitution, the central government may encourage regional administrations to allocate 50 percent of their 2003 general allocation funds (DAU) for education, an expert has said. Senior lecturer at the Bogor Institute of Agriculture Hidayat Syarief said the government had no other alternative but to take such a measure.

New parties to forge alliance

New parties to forge alliance JAKARTA: Four new political parties -- the United Development Party of Reform (PPP Reformasi), the Nationhood and Democracy Party (PDK), the Bung Karno National Party (PNBK) and the yet-to- be-announced Alliance for New Indonesia (PIB) -- are forging an alliance so they have a common stance on the general election bill currently being deliberated by House members.

JP/Mulkan Salmona

JP/Mulkan Salmona CARD BRIEFING: CEO of Visa International Asia Pacific Rupert Keeley briefs reporters on the general outlook of the credit card industry. Visa's Country Manager for Indonesia Ellyana Fuad (background) also sat in on the press briefing held in Jakarta on Thursday. The Jakarta Post PLASTIC MONEY: More and more Indonesian merchants, even in small cities, have accepted credit cards to settle payment.

New broadcast bill kills press freedom

New broadcast bill kills press freedom Abdullah Alamudi, Instructor, Dr. Soetomo Press Institute, Jakarta Indonesia's newly won press freedom is now in limbo as the broadcast bill -- nearly at its final reading at the House of Representatives -- will prevent local radio and TV stations from relaying foreign-made news, thus curbing the public's right to information.

Online shopping tips

Online shopping tips Credit cards have been widely used for online shopping even in Indonesia although many people are still reluctant to make purchases over the Internet due to the lack of legal protection. Below are important tips provided by MasterCard International on how to prevent Internet frauds. - Guard your personal information. Do not provide information that you are uncomfortable giving.

Where to go in Jakarta: Monday, September 2, 2002

Where to go in Jakarta: Monday, September 2, 2002 Exhibitions * Fine Arts Read! Exhibition, The British Council, S. Widjojo Center, Jl. Sudirman Kav. 71, South Jakarta, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., until Sept. 27. * Dutch Oranges, works of Dutch children's book illustrators Erasmus Huis, Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said, Kav S-3, Kuningan, South Jakarta (Tel. 5241069), until Sept. 4. * Painting: West Sumatra Landscape, Sriyanto Gallery, Jl.

Bribery mars Riau debate: Sources

Bribery mars Riau debate: Sources Haidir Anwar Tanjung, The Jakarta Post, Pekanbaru All members of the Riau provincial legislative council and a number of legislators in the House of Representatives have taken bribes regarding the proposed formation of Riau Islands (Kepri) province, according to reliable sources. Tabrani Rab, a member of the Regional Autonomy Advisory Council (DPOD), said that 32 members of the provincial legislature had been bribed to support the formation of the new province.

Still large room for further expansion

Still large room for further expansion Rikza Abdullah Contributor Jakarta Strong promotion by commercial banks has boosted the growth of the credit card industry, which still offers large room for further expansion in Indonesia.

Creating (dis)comfort in Indonesia

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

Banks focus more on lending to SMEs

Banks focus more on lending to SMEs A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The financial crisis that first gripped the country in 1997 could be seen as a blessing in disguise for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The banking sector, which allocated most of its credit to huge corporations prior to the crisis, has turned its attention to SMEs. Its reasoning is simple.

The role of Islam in fighting global terrorism

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

'Global Child' likely to be Asian, risks poverty, ill-health

'Global Child' likely to be Asian, risks poverty, ill-health Agencies, Johannesburg, South Africa The child of the new millennium is likely to be Asian and faces a major risk of starting life without proper nutrition, sanitation or vaccination against disease, the United Nations Children Fund Unicef said here on Sunday. The statistical portrait of the "Global Child," unveiled at the Earth Summit, found that of every 100 children born in 2000, 53 were born in Asia.

Examine before investing

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

Megawati leaves for Johannesburg to attend Earth Summit

Megawati leaves for Johannesburg to attend Earth Summit Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri left on Sunday for Johannesburg, South Africa, to attend the UN World Summit on Sustainable Development, from where she will start her tour to Algiers, Hungary, Bosnia, Croatia and Egypt.

1. Auto (3x18)

1. Auto (3x18) Government mulls cutting luxury tax on cars 2. Arab (2x33) Indonesia plans to boost tourism in Middle East to attract more visitors 3. Market (2x28) Stock market likely to be flat this week: Analysts 4. SME (1x33) Banks focus more on lending to SMEs or Banks increase lending to SMEs

Indonesia, Thailand: 50 years and beyond

Indonesia, Thailand: 50 years and beyond Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In a modern world, one of the most concrete pieces of evidence of friendly relations between nations is the establishment of embassies and the appointment of ambassadors representing respective countries. For Thailand and Indonesia, these sort of friendly relations have been nurtured over the past 50 years in the establishment of the Royal Thai Embassy on Jl.

Tamansiswa responds

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

Meaningful discourse on religion in SE Asia suppressed

Meaningful discourse on religion in SE Asia suppressed Ati Nurbaiti, The Jakarta Post, Sanur, Bali A lack of a freedom of expression and a crisis of leadership among religious leaders and institutions is suppressing a discourse on religion in Southeast Asia and hampering efforts of social and political change, a discussion has concluded. Speakers said that particularly after Sept.

Carrying bathtubs in Kijangs

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

Police fish for church minister, Christians alleged set up

Police fish for church minister, Christians alleged set up The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Central Sulawesi Provincial Police insisted that they would immediately interrogate church minister Rev. Rinaldy Damanik who was declared a suspect for alleged possession of guns and ammunition without a permit. Brig. Gen.

Adianto P. Simamora

Adianto P. Simamora The Jakarta Post Jakarta The government is considering lowering luxury sales tax on cars to boost domestic car demand in attempts to encourage foreign investors to manufacture cars in Indonesia, the Ministry of Trade and Industry says. The director general of metal industry, machinery, electronic and miscellaneous industries, Achdiat Atmawinata, said the high luxury tax had made prices of many cars very expensive and had curbed sales.

Police aware of armed political militia

Police aware of armed political militia Oyos Saroso H.N., The Jakarta Post, Bandarlampung The newly launched People First Party (Pura) has sparked controversy not only for choosing a city other than the capital as its base, but also for reportedly establishing an armed militia group. While other parties have Jakarta as their base, Pura, one of a multitude of new political groups that have registered themselves for the 2004 general election, is to have its headquarters in Bandarlampung.

People urged to enhance neighborhood security

People urged to enhance neighborhood security Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Criminologists urged people on Saturday to enhance their neighborhood security system amid the failure of the police force to curb rising crime in the capital and to solve most crimes. "It is timely for people to set up a neighborhood watch and to maintain security within their communities for their own protection," said criminologist Harkristuti Harkrisnowo of the University of Indonesia.

Consumers' complaints often ignored

Consumers' complaints often ignored Sudibyo M. Wiradji Contributor Jakarta Many local banks still do not pay enough attention to complaints filed by their customers despite the introduction of consumer protection law in 1999, which, among other things, gives customers the right to information on payment for which they might be charged. The cardholders are often confused, frustrated and feel cheated due to poor issuing bank responses to their problems.

UI to raise public participation

UI to raise public participation JAKARTA: The University of Indonesia's new rector has promised to increase public participation at the institution in its drive to democratize its education system. Usman Chatib Warsa said that the public had been increasingly demanding democratization.

Analyst warns of money politics

Analyst warns of money politics JAKARTA: Writing down names on blank paper or crossing out the printed names of candidates at the gubernatorial election on Sept. 11 carried the potential for money politics, an analyst said over the weekend. "Both are the same. City councillors can easily use these methods for money politics," said Tom Pasaribu, the chairman of the Legislative Empowerment and Supervisory Committee (KP3I).

SGU has first 20 graduates

SGU has first 20 graduates The Jakarta Post, Tangerang The Swiss German University (SGU), the first international university in Indonesia, will not be quick to expand its departments to ensure graduates are of a higher quality, the rector said on Saturday. "One of the targets we have is that each graduate should get a job after studying here," Peter Pscheid, the university's rector, said after the university's first graduation ceremony.

Chinese medicines are preffered, though risky

Chinese medicines are preffered, though risky Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Consumer Health Empowerment Foundation (YPKKI) has accused the Food and Drug agency (POM) of endangering lives by failing to control the use of traditional Chinese medicines. Chinese herbal medicines are enjoying growing popularity among many people in Jakarta as an alternative to Western drugs, despite the risks. YPKKI head Dr.

Plan to revoke visa-free facility criticized

Plan to revoke visa-free facility criticized Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government's plan to abolish the visa-free facility given to nationals of certain countries has drawn strong criticism from investment and tourism experts, who have said the move would be a setback to the country's economic recovery process.

Europe backs RI's illegal-logging war

Europe backs RI's illegal-logging war Eileen Ng, Agence France-Presse, Johannesburg Indonesia has secured Europe's support to boycott wood and wood- based products without clear origins as it takes its longstanding war against illegal logging to the Earth Summit here in the hope of a breakthrough.

1.2m firecrackers seized in Indramayu

1.2m firecrackers seized in Indramayu INDRAMAYU, West Java: The Indramayu Police seized and destroyed some 1.2 million fireworks in a Saturday raid that followed on the heels of the deadly blaze on a passenger bus last week that claimed 13 lives. The raid on traditional fireworks production centers in the area had been mounted as a result of the incident, said Indramayu Police chief, Adj. Sr. Comr. Eko Hadi Sutedjo.

Police deport alleged Italian drug lord

Police deport alleged Italian drug lord DENPASAR: The alleged head of an Italian drug smuggling syndicate, Sergio Boeri, accused of trafficking at least 30 tons of cocaine and other narcotics from Brazil to Europe, was extradited from Bali to his homeland on Saturday night. Under heavy police guard, Boeri, 33, was taken from Bali Police Headquarters to the Ngurah Rai International Airport, where he was transferred into the custody of two Rome-based Interpol officers.

'I'm so worried about the state of the water'

'I'm so worried about the state of the water' There have been reports in Jakarta that people are facing increasing problems in obtaining clean water. Millions of people can no longer consume water from underneath the city as it has been contaminated by sea water or the quality is poor due to environmental damage. Some people share their concerns with The Jakarta Post. Niken, 30, is a lecturer at a private university in West Jakarta.

Creativity a way for young to express themselves

Creativity a way for young to express themselves Christina Schott, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Two mountains, a river running down to a valley, some rice fields and houses in the foreground; above all, the sun. Risky, eleven years old, paints with great enthusiasm what she wishes to see in her surroundings.

Work on nuclear plant in Iran enters key stage:Some 600 Russian

Work on nuclear plant in Iran enters key stage:Some 600 Russian specialists began work on Sunday on a key phase of the US$800 million project to build a nuclear reactor in Iran, a deal that has drawn strong U.S. criticism. Washington has expressed concern that the planned 1,000 megawatt reactor in Bushehr will help advance Iran's weapons program. But Russia has insisted that the nuclear plant would serve purely civilian purposes and remain under international supervision.

Rebel shot dead in hunt for Papua gunmen

Rebel shot dead in hunt for Papua gunmen R.K. Nugroho and Febiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Timika/Jakarta Security forces shot dead a suspected rebel during a gunfight on Sunday in the hunt for the armed men who killed two American schoolteachers and an Indonesian near a U.S. copper and gold mine in the country's easternmost province of Irian Jaya. Papua Trikora Military commander Maj. Gen. Mahidin Simbolon and Provincial Police chief Insp. Gen.

Compare terms and fees to get the best card

Compare terms and fees to get the best card Hendarsyah Tarmizi The Jakarta Post Jakarta Tight competition has prompted many local banks to try any strategy possible to compete for a slice of the credit card business pie. Many banks have, for example, fielded their sales representatives in major shopping malls to lure new investors in addition to their aggressive campaigns through print media and televisions.

TNI chief chided over election remark

TNI chief chided over election remark Muhammad Nafik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Military analysts lashed out at Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto on Sunday for urging his troops to shun the 2004 general election, saying that the move contravened the principles of democracy.

ASEAN urged to fight HIV/AIDS pandemic

ASEAN urged to fight HIV/AIDS pandemic Ati Nurbaiti and Rita A. Widiadana, Sanur, Bali HIV/AIDS activists and experts have called on governments grouped in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to make a strong commitment to combat the spread of the condition, and also urged them to stop playing down the seriousness of this complex issue.

Indonesia plans to boost promotion in Middle East to attract more visitors

Indonesia plans to boost promotion in Middle East to attract more visitors Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The State Ministry of Tourism and Culture is planning to boost tourism to lure more visitors from Middle East countries as a growing number of people there shift their holiday destinations from western countries gripped by the fear of terrorism, a top official at the ministry said. Chairman of the Indonesian Culture and Tourism Board (ICBT) Setyanto P.

APA takes human rights, democracy as its agenda

APA takes human rights, democracy as its agenda Rita A. Widiadana and Ati Nurbaiti, The Jakarta Post, Sanur, Bali The second ASEAN People's Assembly (APA) ended here on Sunday, coming up with recommendations on five key issues: human rights and democracy, gender, HIV/AIDS and global media. Assembly organizing committee chairman Hadi Susastro said the recommendations would be submitted to the upcoming ASEAN Summit in November for consideration.

Transfer pricing and inspection of imports

Transfer pricing and inspection of imports Vincent Lingga, Senior Editor, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Businesspeople may be apprehensive about the sweeping allegation by a senior tax official last week that about 3,400 or 70 percent of registered foreign corporate taxpayers in Indonesia, which did not pay income tax last year because they lost money, were suspected of unlawful transfer pricing practices.

Jakarta and KL need better communication

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

Three Garuda passengers injured in turbulence: Three passengers

Three Garuda passengers injured in turbulence: Three passengers of a Garuda Indonesia flight from Frankfurt, Germany bound for the resort island of Bali were hospitalized in Singapore Sunday after they were injured in unexpected turbulence, Garuda spokesman Pujo Broto told AFP.

* Headlines: Plan to revoke visa-free facility queried 2

* Headlines: Plan to revoke visa-free facility queried 2 * National: TNI chief chided over election remark 4 * Archipelago: Bribery mars Riau debate: Sources 5 * Opinion: The role of Islam in fighting terrorism 6 * City: Councillors bicker over voting procedure 8 * Sports:RI assured one gold in Indonesia Open 10 * World: Arroyo to ask MPs to tone down row with KL 11 * Business: Govt mulls cutting luxury tax on cars 13 * Features: Afif proud of his handmade batik20

Human tragedy looms in Nunukan

Human tragedy looms in Nunukan Fitri Wulandari and Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, Nunukan, East Kalimantan If the central government does not step in quickly, a human disaster might occur in the squalid migrant workers' camps in Nunukan, East Kalimantan, after 66 people died due to lack of food, clean water and proper sanitation. More and more illegal workers are arriving in this tiny island of 40,000 people.