Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 10 January 2003

94 articles found

Asia to take action over unregistered births

Asia to take action over unregistered births Agence France-Presse, Bangkok Asian nations vowed on Thursday to take action over the millions of unregistered births in the region, saying it denied children access to education and healthcare and made them vulnerable to exploitation. At a United Nations conference in the Thai capital, representatives from 25 nations heard that two thirds of the world's 50 million children unregistered at birth each year live in Asia.

Unfortunate East Timor

Unfortunate East Timor There has been little good news from East Timor since its independence on May 20, 2002. The bloody incident on Saturday, Jan. 4, has obviously shocked many people. A group of people garbed in balaclavas attacked residential areas in the district of Atsabe, killing three locals and injuring some others. The bloody attacks are particularly sensitive as the assailants were allegedly former militiamen who had supported East Timor's integration with Indonesia.

Indosat demonstrations will only hurt workers

Indosat demonstrations will only hurt workers Wimar Witoelar, Public Communication, Specialist, Jakarta If PT Indonesia Satellite Corporation (Indosat) employees continue in their militant actions, the odds are that they will hurt themselves. If the Indosat share sale to Singapore Technologies Telemedia Pte. Ltd (STT) is canceled, employees will be the first victims of the ensuing crisis. If the divestment succeeds, employee activists will be marked as troublemakers.

Flyovers or

Flyovers or underpasses needed From Warta Kota The TB Simatupang outer ring road may solve the traffic jams in several spots in South Jakarta. Actually, neither the toll road or the artery roads are too crowded, except in areas close to an intersection. After observing road conditions for many years, I have found that the traffic congestion at the Pasar Minggu intersection is really very serious, as vehicles merge from Warung Buncit/Ragunan and from Pasar Rebo/Tanjung Barat.

Ulemas ask for Rp 5.1b aid, council objects

Ulemas ask for Rp 5.1b aid, council objects Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta City councillors objected on Thursday to a request by the Jakarta Ulemas Council (MUI DKI) that it be allocated Rp 5.1 billion in aid by the administration. "The planned use of the fund has very little to do with public interest. Most of the aid would be used for its administrative and organizational affairs," said the chairman of City Council Commission E for people's welfare, Nadjamuddin.

Facing the fundamentalist most urgent challenge in Malaysia

Facing the fundamentalist most urgent challenge in Malaysia Zainah Anwar, Executive Director Sisters in Islam, The Straits Times, Asia News Network, Singapore Malay-Muslim politics in Malaysia today is mired in many uncertainties as the United Malays National Organization (UMNO) and Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) grapple for an equilibrium to meet the competing demands of a very fragmented electorate -- those who want a democratic, secular, modern Malaysia; those who demand an Islamic state with...

Beware of cruel

Beware of cruel baby sitters From Kompas On Sept. 23, 2002 I hired a baby sitter from Kasih Abadi Foundation, Jl. Lautze, Pasar Baru, Central Jakarta, for my 9- month-old daughter. An interview with her showed that she had about five years' experience as a baby sitter, taking care of babies, toddlers and even sick elderly people. When I was around, she behaved sweetly and showed her love for the child under her care.

UK offers scholarships for RI officers

UK offers scholarships for RI officers JAKARTA: The United Kingdom pledged on Thursday scholarships for Indonesian security personnel as part of its support for Indonesia's on-going antiterror drive. Visiting British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said the scholarships would be made available as soon as possible.

Victims down, but violence continues in Aceh

Victims down, but violence continues in Aceh Ibnu Mat Noor and Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh/Lhokseumawe Civilian casualties have dropped significantly in Aceh in the past month, but violence has not stopped entirely in the country's westernmost province.

Govt to distribute cheap rice

Govt to distribute cheap rice Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak The Jakarta Post Jakarta The government plans to distribute subsidized rice on Friday in four of Jakarta's five municipalities, as part of a program to offset recent fuel price and utility charge increases. Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Yusuf Kalla said on Thursday the Jakarta Logistics Depot would distribute tons of rice to municipal offices in Central Jakarta, West Jakarta, East Jakarta and North Jakarta.

Protesters urge nationwide boycott of tax, utility payments

Protesters urge nationwide boycott of tax, utility payments The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Calls for a national boycott on taxes and utility bills, and for the resignations of President Megawati Soekarnoputri and her deputy Hamzah Haz, mounted across the archipelago on Thursday as nationwide protests heated up against fuel, electricity and telephone price hikes. Most street demonstrations in the majority of provinces proceeded peacefully.

N. Sumatra's budget lacks transparency: Councillors

N. Sumatra's budget lacks transparency: Councillors Apriadi Gunawan The Jakarta Post Medan, North Sumatra North Sumatra Governor T. Rizal Nurdin formally submitted the province's draft budget for 2003, totaling Rp 1.16 trillion (US$130 million), a 19.52 percent increase from last year's budget of Rp 972.23 billion. This year's draft budget is the first to allocate more money for development programs in North Sumatra than for the province's routine spending.

Hundreds of female fans flock F4 idols' hotel

Hundreds of female fans flock F4 idols' hotel The State Palace and Hotel Borobudur, Central Jakarta, are only two kilometers away from each other. But on Thursday afternoon, the places were like two different universes. While thousands of workers protested against the utility price hikes in front of the palace, hundreds of people (photo above) -- mostly young women -- swarmed the hotel for a totally different reason.

Support for blue

Support for blue sky program needed From Media Indonesia Man himself must make sure that his environment will be pollution-free. That's why we have the Kyoto Protocol and the Montreal Amendment. The Kyoto Protocol calls for each country to gradually reduce CO2 emissions while the Montreal Amendment calls for, among other things, a gradual cut in the use of Chloro Fluoro Carbons (CFCs). CO2 is usually emitted by factories and motorized vehicles.

.rm100

.rm100 Compensation program funded from reduced fuel utility charges ------------------------------------------------------------- Operator Program Funds (Rp billion) ------------------- 2002 2003 ----------------------------------------------------------------- State Logistics provision of cheaper rice 500 500 Agency Ministry of basic health services, 500 950 Health purchase of Hepatitis-B vaccines and medicines Ministry of food aid and construction 70 135 Social Affairs of orphanage shelters...

Rio Tambunan dies at age 68

Rio Tambunan dies at age 68 JAKARTA: The former head of the City Spatial Planning Agency, Rio Tambunan, passed away on Wednesday, but his burial has been delayed until Friday, as the family is waiting for the arrival of his son, Enrico Tambunan, who is studying in Australia. Rio was 68. The body is laid out at the family's house on Jl. Mandala Raya Patra in Pancoran, South Jakarta.

Disband regional councils

Disband regional councils From Media Indonesia The Dec. 2-8 issue of Tempo magazine reported in its Events Column that 54 members of the West Sumatra provincial council would shortly be interrogated by the provincial prosecutor's office for alleged corruption surrounding West Sumatra's 2002 provincial budget. The West Sumatra prosecutor's office has obtained permission from the home minister for the interrogation.

Mega has only herself to blame: Experts

Mega has only herself to blame: Experts Megawati told to introspect over media report Kurniawan Hari The Jakarta Post Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri has only herself to blame for her administration's deteriorating image, public relations experts said Thursday. The experts were commenting on Megawati's claim that the media were unbalanced in its reporting of the utility price increases and the protests against her administration.

Legislators vow to empower DPD

Legislators vow to empower DPD Kurniawan Hari The Jakarta Post Jakarta As the House of Representatives (DPR) prepares to deliberate the bill on the composition of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), the DPR, the Regional Representatives Councils (DPD) and the Regional Legislatures (DPRD), some lawmakers pledged on Wednesday to fight for the empowerment of the DPD.

Let's curb crime

Let's curb crime Three unidentified men in an Isuzu Panther van robbed Abdul Nasir, a 40-year-old Singaporean, of his Kijang van in Cikarang, Bekasi, West Java, on Saturday. Blindfolded and tied up, Nasir and his partner Nia were dumped on the roadside and the thieves made away with his vehicle. Earlier in the same day, two people stole a bag containing Rp 4 million cash from a Japanese national, Ichida, in Kembangan, West Jakarta.

NU urge Megawati to arrest corruptors

NU urge Megawati to arrest corruptors The Jakarta Post Jakarta Amid rising public apprehension over various perceived injustices, a leading Muslim leader urged President Megawati Soekarnoputri on Thursday to take drastic measures to arrest big- time corruptors and confiscate their wealth to satisfy the public's sense of justice.

KPKPN readies last shots at big names

KPKPN readies last shots at big names Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Toward the end of its existence, the Public Servants' Wealth Audit Commission (KPKPN) will fire more shots this month at big names for their questionable wealth reports submitted to the commission.

Merely dreams, not reality: Jakarta city forests, green areas

Merely dreams, not reality: Jakarta city forests, green areas Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jakarta, heavily polluted by choking exhaust fumes, is hot during the dry season but is often hit by floods during the rainy season. No wonder. Jakarta's total area of only 63,744 hectares, inhabited by more than 10 million residents, has only 200.7 hectares of forest, or about 0.3 percent of the total area.

The politics of Muslims-Christian relations in Indonesia

The politics of Muslims-Christian relations in Indonesia Bob S. Hadiwinata Head International Relations Department, University of Parahyangan, Bandung Open conflict between the majority Muslims and minority Christians has been rare in Indonesian history. When it does break out, however, it is often violent and brutal. Violent clashes between Muslims and Christians in Maluku, Kalimantan and Sulawesi perhaps represent the most brutal episode of Muslims- Christian relations in Indonesian history.

NU urge Megawati to arrest big corruptors

NU urge Megawati to arrest big corruptors The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Amid rising public apprehension over various perceived injustices, a leading Muslim leader urged President Megawati Soekarnoputri on Thursday to take drastic measures to arrest big- time corruptors and confiscate their wealth to satisfy the public's sense of justice.

RI antiterror policy should focus on prevention: Analysts

RI antiterror policy should focus on prevention: Analysts Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite making progress in clamping down on suspected terrorists, Indonesia lacks a comprehensive policy to combat terrorism and puts too much weight on responding to possible attacks rather than preventing them, analysts said on Thursday. Terrorism should remain a high concern throughout this year even as public attention starts to shift toward the 2004 general election, they said.

;JP;dan;

;JP;dan; ANPAf..r.. Rupiah-conversion-rates Rupiah Rates Jan. 9 JP/13/Conver Rupiah Rates Jan.

JP/7/LETS97

JP/7/LETS97 Restless Bali All this started on Dec. 11, 2002, when returning to Jakarta after celebrating Idul Fitri with my family in Malang, East Java, I visited Bali for a couple of days and decided to take a railway trip by executive class Mutiara Timur to see East Java's scenery. Arriving at the Gilimanuk port, a team of mobile brigade policemen checked the identity of every passenger of the bus owned by Perumka (state-owned railway company).

44 candidates treated for food poisoning

44 candidates treated for food poisoning JAKARTA: Forty-four prosecutor candidates, attending a training center at the Attorney General's Office, are being treated for food poisoning. The center's head M. Yamin said on Thursday that nine candidates were rushed to Fatmawati Hospital in South Jakarta after they had dinner on Wednesday evening, while the rest were being treated at the center's dormitory.

I am ready to step down: Hamzah

I am ready to step down: Hamzah JAKARTA: Vice President Hamzah Haz said on Thursday he was ready to step down as long as the process to oust him was conducted according to the Constitution. Reacting to nation-wide calls for President Megawati Soekarnoputri and Hamzah to resign over utility price hikes, Hamzah said he was ready to relinquish his post if he violated the 1945 Constitution. "I will not keep my current position forever.

1. terror -- 3x15

1. terror -- 3x15 Antiterror policy should focus on prevention: Analysts 2. f-4 -- 1x27 Hundreds swarm to see F4 idols 3. forest -- 1x42 Jakarta forests merely dreams, not reality 4. fish -- 1x28 Fishermen dive deeper into debt

'Wayang Kancil', alternative storytelling

'Wayang Kancil', alternative storytelling Tarko Sudiarno, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Once upon a time, Macanan village, where a macan (tiger) community lived, was hit by major drought, causing severe starvation. Macan Loreng, the village head, then decided to allow the villagers to look for food outside the village. Unfortunately, the same drought had also hit other villages, including Munyukan, where munyuk (monkeys) lived.

Young Susanto back to defend title at Pusam Cup

Young Susanto back to defend title at Pusam Cup Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Young Indonesian chess star Susanto Megaranto will defend his title at the Pusam Cup from Jan. 26 through Feb. 2 in Samarinda, East Kalimantan. Susanto, 16, seems to have gained confidence ahead of the Rp 46 million (US$5,111) tournament, winning the most recent leg of the eight-series Gunadarma Chess League last December.

Casualties down, but violence continues in Aceh

Casualties down, but violence continues in Aceh Ibnu Mat Noor and Nani Farida The Jakarta Post Banda Aceh/Lhokseumawe Civilian casualties have dropped significantly in Aceh in the past month, but violence has not stopped entirely in the country's westernmost province.

4 x 12

4 x 12 Ten missing after ship capsizes in West Sumatra JP/5/ambon 2 x 25 Maluku 'rajas' urged to focus on the young JP/5/camp 1 x 45 Fifth Muslim terrorist camp found in S. Sulawesi JP/5/TOBA 2 x 21 Govt allows pulp plant to continue operations

Casualties down, but violence continues in Aceh

Casualties down, but violence continues in Aceh Ibnu Mat Noor and Nani Farida The Jakarta Post Banda Aceh/Lhokseumawe Civilian casualties have dropped significantly in Aceh in the past month, but violence has not stopped entirely in the country's westernmost province.

Gas demand surges amid rising fuel prices

Gas demand surges amid rising fuel prices Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Gas demand from industries has been on the rise since the government announced plans to gradually eliminate subsidies for fuel products in 1999, and it will reach its peak in 2005, according to an industry official. State-owned gas company PT Gas Negara (PGN) Agus spokesman Dihardjo said demand from industries in Greater Jakarta and West Java would overtake supply by 2005 if existing supply was not increased.

Workers and students stage protest at Merdeka Palace

Workers and students stage protest at Merdeka Palace Maria Endah Hulupi and Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Thousands of workers and students staged a rally in front of Merdeka Palace, Central Jakarta, on Thursday to demand that the government annul the utility price hikes introduced on the first day of the new year. "Bring down the prices, reduce electricity and telephone tariffs," the workers shouted in front of the tightly-guarded compound.

PAL to build ship for Merauke

PAL to build ship for Merauke State-owned shipbuilder PT PAL Surabaya signed on Thursday in Surabaya a memorandum of understanding to build a commercial ship for Rp 36 billion (about US$4.4 million) for the Merauke regency of Papua. Merauke Regent John Glube Gebze said the 4,200 dead-weight-ton Caraka Jaya III passenger ship would be used for commercial operations to transport people within the regency, which is located on the southeastern tip of the province.

UK offers scholarships for RI officers

UK offers scholarships for RI officers JAKARTA: The United Kingdom pledged on Thursday scholarships for Indonesian security personnel as part of its support for Indonesia's on-going antiterror drive. Visiting British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said the scholarships would be made available as soon as possible.

Yogyakarta to host CGI pre-meeting

Yogyakarta to host CGI pre-meeting YOGYAKARTA: Around 90 foreign delegates of the Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI) will attend a preliminary session in this tourist city on Jan. 19 before they begin convening their 12th meeting one day later in Bali. The meeting was scheduled for Oct. 26 to Oct. 29 last year, but was postponed until Jan. 20 through Jan. 22 in Bali following the deadly bomb blasts in the resort island.

1. Ignas -- New feudalism in Indonesian economy

1. Ignas -- New feudalism in Indonesian economy 1 x 38 New feudalism emerges in RI economy Ignas Kleden The Center for East Indonesian Affairs (CEIA) Jakarta 2. OPEC -- OPEC now cast as West's savior 1 X 35 OPEC now forbear as West's savior Larry Elliott and Charlotte Denny Guardian News Service London 3. New -- A sideshow in U.S. foreign policy 1 X 32 A sideshow in U.S. foreign policy B.A. Hamzah New Straits Times Kuala Lumpur

Blame yourself instead of media, PR practitioners tell Megawati

Blame yourself instead of media, PR practitioners tell Megawati Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri has only herself to blame for her administration's deteriorating image, public relations experts said Thursday. The experts were commenting on Megawati's claim that the media were unbalanced in its reporting of the utility price increases and the protests against her administration.

Bali sees rise in HIV/AIDS cases

Bali sees rise in HIV/AIDS cases DENPASAR, Bali: The Bali Committee on AIDS Control said on Thursday that the number of people infected with HIV/AIDS in the province had increased this month to 233 from 215 last month. The committee's senior officer, Tuti Parwati, also an internist, predicted that the 18 new cases of people with HIV may change the province's rank in the national list of HIV/AIDS control.

Govt sticks to price hike policy

Govt sticks to price hike policy Turning a deaf ear on mounting protests against the recent increase in utility prices, the government said on Thursday it would not back down from the policy, but pledged to minimize the impact on poor people. "Until now, there have been no decisions or plans to revise the (utility hikes) policy," Syamsul Muarif, State Minister for Communications and Information, told reporters after a Cabinet meeting.

ADB launches global bond

ADB launches global bond MANILA: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said Thursday it has launched a US$1 billion three-year global bond to augment its own lending operations. The bonds, issued through a syndicate headed by Lehman Brothers and UBS Warburg, have a yield of 70 basis points over the two-year U.S. Treasury bond.

checked

checked Magical ancient wonders and scenic panoramas await visitors to Slemen regency Recreational tours do not merely consist of beautiful sights, shopping or doing things outside your daily routine. This is especially true if you happen to be a real nature lover. Apart from scenic beauty, which you can easily find in numerous places in this world, your next target could include unique sites that emanate magical nuances.

Govt under fire over ban on foreign researchers

Govt under fire over ban on foreign researchers Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Domestic researchers lashed out on Thursday at the government's plan to impose restrictions on foreign scholars who wish to conduct field studies in the troubled provinces of Papua and Aceh. They said that the restriction impinged on academic freedom. "From the academic point of view, there must be no restrictions on research activities.

Birth certificate fees

Birth certificate fees From Warta Kota North Jakarta municipality head, Soebagio, has often said he would dump into a garbage bin all praise but will treasure criticism about the municipality administration's performance. Unfortunately, for a birth certificate, an official in charge in North Jakarta's municipality demands between Rp 30,000 and Rp 40,000, while the original fee is only Rp 5,000. This means a rise of 500 percent to 700 percent.

Let's curb crime

Let's curb crime Three unidentified men in an Isuzu Panther van robbed Abdul Nasir, a 40-year-old Singaporean, of his Kijang van in Cikarang, Bekasi, West Java, on Saturday. Blindfolded and tied up, Nasir and his partner Nia were dumped on the roadside and the thieves made away with his vehicle. Earlier in the same day, two people stole a bag containing Rp 4 million cash from a Japanese national, Ichida, in Kembangan, West Jakarta.

Taiwan is willing to help

Taiwan is willing to help My letter to your newspaper (Dec. 30, 2002) was to clarify some statements in Jusuf Wanandi's article Indonesia still respects the one China Policy (Dec. 12, 2002). I have no intention to start a war of the pen with anybody in The Jakarta Post. Sia Ka Mou's abusive response (Jan. 6, 2003) to my letter, however, compelled me to present more words to correct his erroneous accusations.

Govt to use new agricultural land this year

Govt to use new agricultural land this year Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government is planning to open up some 304,451 hectares of new agricultural land this year in a bid to increase the production of food crops like rice, corn and soybeans, said a senior official. "We expect to produce more food this year.

ASEAN website on terrorism proposed

ASEAN website on terrorism proposed CAMBODIA: Cambodia has proposed the creation of an ASEAN website to provide information on terrorism and on security for foreign tourists in the Southeast Asian region, its Minister of Tourism announced on Thursday. "Security is the heart of tourism. We need to create a mechanism so when there is a terrorism problem, we can share information among ASEAN countries, the private sector and source tourist countries," Minister Sereyvuth said.

Attention:

Attention: PLN-Cimanggis From Koran Tempo The power supply in Harjamukti village, Cimanggis, Depok, is subject to frequent blackouts, particularly during thunderstorms. On Dec. 26, 2002, for instance, there was a blackout from 4 p.m. to 9:45 p.m., even though the last rattle of thunder was shortly after 6 p.m. Every time we make a complaint to the local office of the state electricity company (PLN), they tell us that something has to be repaired.

Navy to hold military exercise in Papua

Navy to hold military exercise in Papua MANOKWARI, Papua: In observance of National Maritime Day, the Navy will demonstrate its ability to protect and defend the country's waters next week in a military exercise in Sorong, some 1,000 kilometers west of the Papua capital of Jayapura.

1. Wimar -- Indosat demonstrations will only hurt workers

1. Wimar -- Indosat demonstrations will only hurt workers 2 X 23 Indosat demonstrations will only hurt workers Wimar Witoelar 2. Strait -- Facing the fundamentalist challenge in Malaysia 2 X 30 Facing the fundamentalists most urgent challenge in Malaysia Zainah Anwar Executive Director Sisters in Islam The Straits Times Asia News Network Singapore

Govt set to parcel out cheap rice

Govt set to parcel out cheap rice Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government plans to distribute subsidized rice on Friday in four of Jakarta's five municipalities, as part of a program to offset recent fuel price and utility charge increases. Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Yusuf Kalla said on Thursday the Jakarta Logistics Depot would distribute tons of rice to municipal offices in Central Jakarta, West Jakarta, East Jakarta and North Jakarta.

Maluku traditional leaders urged to focus on the young

Maluku traditional leaders urged to focus on the young Ati Nurbaiti, The Jakarta Post, Ambon, Maluku The young from the Maluku province must be the focus of plans for the future of the ravaged islands, speakers told around 110 traditional leaders here on Thursday, the first day of their three-day gathering. The rector of Maluku's Pattimura University, Mus Huliselan, urged the raja to open their hearts to improve the futures of the young.

* Headlines: Antiterror policy should focus on prevention3

* Headlines: Antiterror policy should focus on prevention3 * National:Victims down, but violence continues in Aceh4 * Archipelago: 10 missing in West Sumatra ship capsize5 * Opinion: New feudalism emerges in RI economy7 * City: Ulemas ask for Rp 5.1b aid, council objects8 * Sports: Els happy to be among the winners in Hawaii9 * World: India test fires Agni missile11 * Business:Further cuts in interest rates still possible13 * Features: Jose Rizal and his love of books 20

'Actresses also affected by price increases'

'Actresses also affected by price increases' The increasing fuel prices and utility rates affect not only the low-income people, but also many others from all walks of life, including celebrities. The Jakarta Post talked to some actresses about the impact of the hike. Nurul Arifin, 36, an actress and anti-AIDS activist. She resides in Cinere, South Jakarta, with her husband and two children: I feel the impact of the fuel price and utility rate hikes despite my status as an actress.

Police fire warning shots during Nike demonstration

Police fire warning shots during Nike demonstration Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang Police fired two warning shots into the air to disperse a rally of some 1,000 former workers of PT Doson Indonesia, a company that produces shoes for Nike, in Tangerang. The workers responded to police by throwing shoes at the officers, but there was no violence, reports said.

Chemistry lesson for Amrozi's Lawyer

Chemistry lesson for Amrozi's Lawyer In an interview with The Jakarta Post, Muhammad Sya'af, spokesperson for the Muslim Lawyer's Team representing Amrozi (The Jakarta Post, Jan. 4, 2002), said that in Amrozi's official account under examination he found a number of loopholes and weaknesses, among others, the use of potassium chlorate.

UK offers scholarships for RI officers

UK offers scholarships for RI officers JAKARTA: The United Kingdom pledged on Thursday scholarships for Indonesian security personnel as part of its support for Indonesia's on-going antiterror drive. Visiting British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said the scholarships would be made available as soon as possible.

Birth certificate fees

Birth certificate fees From Warta Kota North Jakarta municipality head, Soebagio, has often said he would dump into a garbage bin all praise but will treasure criticism about the municipality administration's performance. Unfortunately, for a birth certificate, an official in charge in North Jakarta's municipality demands between Rp 30,000 and Rp 40,000, while the original fee is only Rp 5,000. This means a rise of 500 percent to 700 percent.

Police to submit files on Bali bombing

Police to submit files on Bali bombing DENPASAR, Bali: The police investigating the Bali bombing expect to submit further files of evidence against suspects to prosecutors in mid-January in preparation for a trial, police said Thursday. "We have almost completed the files of the 14 other detained suspects in the case and we will soon follow with the submission of some of the files to the prosecutors' office," deputy chief of investigation team Brig. Gen. Edy Danuardi told reporters.

Security success

Security success From Warta Kota Christmas this year was celebrated smoothly and peacefully. Hopefully, this will mark the return of peace to our country. A spate of bomb blasts on Christmas Eve in 2000 and several other bomb blasts at a number of churches in 2001 were terrifying acts of terror for us.

Gas leak not to affect PLN service, top executive says

Gas leak not to affect PLN service, top executive says The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A gas leak in Madura has disrupted industrial activities in East Java, but state electricity company PT PLN said the impact of the incident on its operations was minimal. PLN president Eddie Widiono said the incident had disrupted gas supplies to East Java and forced PLN to shut down one of three units at its gas turbine power plant in Gresik, due to the lack of gas.

TV Today: Friday, January 10, 2003

TV Today: Friday, January 10, 2003 .TB.30" .90" TVRI .tb .30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:30 Sarapan 8:00 DRTV 8:30 Environment 9:00 Budi Pekerti 10:30 Quiz: Dibisikin 11:00 News 11:30 Music 12:00 p.m.

Ten missing after ship capsizes in West Sumatra

Ten missing after ship capsizes in West Sumatra Kasparman, The Jakarta Post, Padang, West Sumatra Ten people are missing and presumed drowned after a freighter carrying 12 passengers sank during a storm on Thursday in the waters of Tiku, some 95 kilometers north of the West Sumatra capital of Padang. Heavy rains in the morning in some parts of the province also caused major flooding in Solok, inundating hundreds of homes and rice fields in six subdistricts.

From Media Indonesia

From Media Indonesia In connection with the government's sale of a share in PT Indosat, which is a strategic asset of the state, to a foreign country, in this case represented by Singapore Technologies Telemedia, we, the Indonesian Telecommunications Watch (ITW), would like to express our firm stance as follows: * We asked the government, in this case the state minister of state enterprises, to cancel the sale of the share of Indosat to Singapore, because such a sale runs counter to the...

Further cuts in interest rates still possible: Bank Indonesia

Further cuts in interest rates still possible: Bank Indonesia Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Defying concerns over strong inflationary pressure coming as a consequence of the recent hike in fuel and utility prices, Bank Indonesia said that chances still remained for further cuts in its benchmark interest rate.

2. Safety ( 2 x 24)

2. Safety ( 2 x 24) Local companies negligent about worker' safety 3.Research (1 x 44) Govt under fire over ban on foreign researchers 4. Mega ( 2 x 20) Blame yourself, not the media: PR experts 5. DPD ( 1 x 54 ) Legislators promise to fight for empowerment of DPD

Civilian police armed with pistols

Civilian police armed with pistols MEDAN, North Sumatra: North Sumatra provincial administration said on Thursday that it had equipped its civilian police with pistols in a bid to assist them in their daily duties. One of the task force's duties is to maintain law and order in the compound of the provincial administration building.

Message from the Ambassador

Message from the Ambassador On this auspicious occasion of the 55th anniversary of the Independence Day of the Union of Myanmar, I have great pleasure to convey warmest greetings and best wishes of the Government and the people of the Union of Myanmar to the Government and people of the Republic of Indonesia as well as to the Myanmar community residing in this beautiful country.

Legislators promise to fight for empowerment of DPD

Legislators promise to fight for empowerment of DPD Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As the House of Representatives (DPR) prepares to deliberate the bill on the composition of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), the DPR, the Regional Representatives Councils (DPD) and the Regional Legislatures (DPRD), some lawmakers pledged on Wednesday to fight for the empowerment of the DPD.

Wynne aims to avoid early Aussie Open exit

Wynne aims to avoid early Aussie Open exit The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Wynne Prakusya will head to Melbourne on Friday for the Australian Open intending to avoid an early defeat, as she suffered last year. Wynne, now ranked 106th in the world, will join Angelique Widjaja as the only two Indonesians to challenge the world's contenders at the tournament that is scheduled to start on Monday. "I will strive to avoid defeat in the first round. I'm cautious about the draw.

Casualties down, but violence continues in Aceh

Casualties down, but violence continues in Aceh Ibnu Mat Noor and Nani Farida The Jakarta Post Banda Aceh/Lhokseumawe Civilian casualties have dropped significantly in Aceh in the past month, but violence has not stopped entirely in the country's westernmost province.

First batch of pilgrims leaves on haj

First batch of pilgrims leaves on haj JAKARTA: The first group of Indonesians taking part in this year's haj pilgrimage departed for Mecca from several points across the country. A group of pilgrims from West Java left from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport early on Thursday, Antara said. Other groups departed from Banda Aceh and Medan in Sumatra, Makassar in South Sulawesi and Surakarta in Central Java. Some 205,000 Indonesians are expected to perform the haj pilgrimage this year.

Child dies in bike accident

Child dies in bike accident TANGERANG: A family riding on a bicycle was hit by a box truck on Jl. Daya Pintu Sepuluh in the Pasar Baru subdistrict of Tangerang on Thursday morning. Ratih, six and a half years old, died instantly, while her father, Tarwan, 30, and mother, Endah, 28, were rushed to Tangerang General Hospital with serious injuries. They had not regained consciousness as of Thursday afternoon.

Conflicting news about anthrax

Conflicting news about anthrax The Bogor Veterinary Research Institute and the local health agency gave conflicting statements Thursday regarding the outbreak of anthrax in the regency. Head of the institute, Darminto, said he had not finished testing the blood of the eight patients infected by anthrax because he only received the samples on Thursday morning. But head of the health agency Djono K.

Protesters urge nationwide boycott of tax, utility payments

Protesters urge nationwide boycott of tax, utility payments The Jakarta Post Jakarta Calls for a national boycott on taxes and utility bills, and for the resignations of President Megawati Soekarnoputri and her deputy Hamzah Haz, mounted across the archipelago Thursday as nationwide protests heated up against fuel, electricity and telephone price hikes. Most street demonstrations in the majority of provinces proceeded peacefully.

UK offers scholarships for RI officers

UK offers scholarships for RI officers JAKARTA: The United Kingdom pledged on Thursday scholarships for Indonesian security personnel as part of its support for Indonesia's on-going antiterror drive. Visiting British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said the scholarships would be made available as soon as possible.

Straw warned of backlash over Iraq

Straw warned of backlash over Iraq Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesian Muslim leaders warned on Thursday that unilateral attacks against Iraq would spark widespread hatred against the United States and its allies, even among moderate Muslim groups. In a meeting with visiting British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Jack Straw on Thursday, the Muslim leaders underlined that unilateral actions would destabilize the region.

Casualties down, but violence continues in Aceh

Casualties down, but violence continues in Aceh Ibnu Mat Noor and Nani Farida The Jakarta Post Banda Aceh/Lhokseumawe Civilian casualties have dropped significantly in Aceh in the past month, but violence has not stopped entirely in the country's westernmost province.

Fifth terrorist training camp found in South Sulawesi

Fifth terrorist training camp found in South Sulawesi Jupriadi, The Jakarta Post, Makassar, South Sulawesi Police here said on Thursday they uncovered another military- style training camp suspected to belong to the group of Agung Abdul Hamid, the alleged mastermind of last month's bombing in the South Sulawesi capital of Makassar.

Fishermen plunge deeper into debt as diesel fuel soars, sea produce falls

Fishermen plunge deeper into debt as diesel fuel soars, sea produce falls Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Fishermen in Muara Angke, North Jakarta, are plunging deeper into debt due to the fuel price hikes, which have resulted in increased prices for other commodities. Since early this year, a majority of the hundreds of motor vessels in Muara Angke, the busiest fish market in the city, have stopped operating.

Govt allows pulp plant to continue operations

Govt allows pulp plant to continue operations The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite continuing protests from the local people, the government decided on Monday to allow the controversial pulp plant of PT Toba Pulp Lestari in Porsea, North Sumatra, to continue operations pending the establishment of a team to review the possibility of reopening the rayon plant.

Protesters urge nationwide boycott of tax, utility payments

Protesters urge nationwide boycott of tax, utility payments The Jakarta Post Jakarta Calls for a national boycott on taxes and utility bills, and for the resignations of President Megawati Soekarnoputri and her deputy Hamzah Haz, mounted across the archipelago on Thursday as nationwide protests heated up against fuel, electricity and telephone price hikes. Most street demonstrations in the majority of provinces proceeded peacefully.

New feudalism emerges in RI economy

New feudalism emerges in RI economy Ignas Kleden, The Center for East Indonesian Affairs (CEIA), Jakarta Cultural patterns have never been a big issue in the discussions about the Indonesian economy. However, if we look at current government policies on price the increases, it becomes increasingly obvious that some old established cultural patterns are still at work even in supposedly technical matters such as the economy.

Support for blue

Support for blue sky program needed From Media Indonesia Man himself must make sure that his environment will be pollution-free. That's why we have the Kyoto Protocol and the Montreal Amendment. The Kyoto Protocol calls for each country to gradually reduce CO2 emissions while the Montreal Amendment calls for, among other things, a gradual cut in the use of Chloro Fluoro Carbons (CFCs). CO2 is usually emitted by factories and motorized vehicles.

Lawyer says U.S. nurse to be freed

Lawyer says U.S. nurse to be freed BANDA ACEH: An American nurse jailed for visa violations will be released on Friday after being detained for four months, one of her lawyers said. Joy Lee Sadler, 57, from Iowa, will be freed on Friday "because her jail term has been served", lawyer Rufriadi Ramli told AFP. Sadler, who is ill with HIV-related conditions, ended on Monday weeks of hunger strike to protest the slow legal process against her and her companion, British academic Lesly McCullogh.

Local companies negligent about workers' safety

Local companies negligent about workers' safety M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Leniency in the labor law and lack of enforcement of standard safety measures have put the lives of millions of workers at risk, particularly those working in hazard-prone work places, a labor activist said on Thursday.

Protesters vow more rallies consider radical measures

Protesters vow more rallies consider radical measures Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Unable to force the government to cancel utility price increases despite mass protests across the country, protesters vowed to continue demonstrating and consider "radical means" to put pressure on the government.

Govt set to disburse compensation funds

Govt set to disburse compensation funds Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In a bid to restore public faith after the utility price increases, the government decided on Thursday to speed up the disbursement of money to the poor. Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Jusuf Kalla said that the Ministry of Finance was ready to disburse a total of Rp 4.43 trillion (around US$497 million) to finance the government's programs targeting the poor.