Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 11 January 2003

105 articles found

Public apathetic about PDI-P anniversary

Public apathetic about PDI-P anniversary Rita A. Widiadana and Wahyoe Boedhiwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali Taking a breather from the heated social and political turbulence in the capital city of Jakarta, President Megawati Soekarnoputri is scheduled to join thousands of members of her Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) to celebrate the party's anniversary at Mengwitani soccer field in Badung regency on Sunday.

Govt to introduce tax break facilities for exporters

Govt to introduce tax break facilities for exporters The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government will introduce a second fiscal stimulus package for export-oriented industries to help lessen the impact of the recent utility price hikes, Minister of Trade and Industry Rini M. Soewandi said on Friday. The first stimulus package, announced on Thursday, mostly benefits electronics manufacturers.

Britain to review travel advisory

Britain to review travel advisory JAKARTA: Visiting British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Jack Straw said on Friday his government planned to review and change the travel advisory against Indonesia. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Indonesian Vice President Hamzah Haz on Friday, Straw underlined, however, that it was his government's duty to ensure the security of its citizens.

Overcrowded trains

Overcrowded trains As the past year drew to a close, The Jakarta Post did beneficent service to its concerned readers with the publication of four special editions from Dec. 26 to Dec. 28, 2002, reviewing crucial episodes of the past year, and the special issue of Dec. 31 on the outlook for the coming year 2003.

Five killed as boat sinks off Maluku

Five killed as boat sinks off Maluku The Jakarta Post, Jakarta At least five people have drowned and several others are missing after a strong wave capsized a speedboat in the waters off Sirisori Islam village in Maluku on Friday. There were 10 survivors from the accident that took place at about 11:30 a.m. local time. They are listed in intensive care with serious injuries at Saparua Public Hospital, the Antara news agency reported. Maluku Police chief Brig. Gen.

The F4 boys come to town for two concerts

The F4 boys come to town for two concerts Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta There's a lot of things that fans, especially female fans, will put up with from their idols -- bad singing, bad dancing, bad attitude -- and they will put up with much more just to catch a glimpse of them, going as far as haunting hotel lobbies and flirting with security guards.

Jakarta Phinisi awaits fresh recruits for Proliga

Jakarta Phinisi awaits fresh recruits for Proliga Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jakarta Phinisi is awaiting the arrival of Lie Hung and Shiung Che from China ahead of the start of the women's national volleyball league next month. Phinisi's coach Tengku Johan said the prospective recruits, particularly Lie Hung, were needed urgently following Puspita Dewirani's defection to rival Bogor Tunas. "We are in need of a setter.

Investors' stance

Investors' stance The plunge in foreign and domestic investment approvals last year, as reported by the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) last week, served only to confirm the market perception that Indonesia is now among the least attractive places to do business.

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.

DPR must not act like Pilate

DPR must not act like Pilate The recent demonstrations and protests against the increases in fuel, electricity and telephone charges -- which have led to knock-on increases in the prices of staple foods and other basic commodities -- represent a very serious problem. It is no wonder that many people are seeking the best solution for dealing with this problem. People's Consultative Assembly Speaker Amien Rais has also voiced his opinions in this regard.

S'pore's DBS Group may bid for 51% stake in Danamon

S'pore's DBS Group may bid for 51% stake in Danamon Bloomberg, Jakarta DBS Group Holdings Ltd.,Southeast Asia's biggest bank, may bid for the 51 percent stake Indonesia is selling in PT Bank Danamon, the nation's fifth-largest lender, an Indonesian government official said. The Singapore lender is one of 70 potential foreign and local investors invited by J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., the investment bank advising the government on the stake sale, to bid for Bank Danamon.

JP/ /

JP/ / checked by rich Deep understanding of customers' needs helps reduce risks Satyasuryawan Contributor Jakarta Probably quite a number of marketing people still believe in the credo "The Customer is King". However, adhering too strictly to this principle can lead to skyrocketing costs of production and services in a company's efforts to satisfy its customers to the hilt as their various requirements have to be fulfilled with a vast array of products/services.

Banks yet to boost lending despite low interest: BI

Banks yet to boost lending despite low interest: BI Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The sharp drop in the central bank benchmark interest rate last year has not caused banks to significantly increase lending, said Bank Indonesia governor Sjahril Sabirin. Sjahril said on Friday the benchmark rate cut had not been followed by a comparable reduction in bank lending rates.

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.

Megawati to make first visit to Poso

Megawati to make first visit to Poso The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri will visit the Central Sulawesi regency of Poso next week, her first trip to the area since it was darkened by three years of religious violence which claimed thousands of lives, officials said on Friday. The one-day visit is scheduled for next Wednesday, but Megawati's main agenda is to lead a ceremony to celebrate this year's National Social Solidarity Day (HKSN) in Poso.

Lawyers ask for case against seven soldiers to be dropped

Lawyers ask for case against seven soldiers to be dropped Ainur R. Sophiaan, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya Lawyers for seven soldiers accused of killing Papuan separatist leader Theys Hiyo Eluay claimed on Friday that the case against their clients was legally flawed and demanded that the judges throw it out of court. "We find a lot of the material evidence obscure.

Fire kills parents, daughter

Fire kills parents, daughter TANGERANG: A fire swept through a house in Cikahuripan village, Sewan subdistrict, Neglasari district, Tangerang municipality, on Friday, killing three members of the same family. The victims were identified as 64-year-old Kim Liang, his wife Lin Delly, 60, and their 18-year-old daughter Melly. The chief of the municipal fire station, Hendro Ruswiyanto, said the fire was believed to have been caused by a short circuit in the air conditioner.

Creative corruption

Creative corruption From Media Indonesia A letter signed by Fernita Hidayat faxed to me by Pusat Prestasi Indonesia (PPI/Indonesian Achievement Center) -- in cooperation with the International Achievement Foundation -- said that I was entitled to be awarded the "Indonesian Entrepreneur of the Year", "Young Entrepreneur of the Year" and "The Best CEO 2003".

Clubs hesitant to join League games

Clubs hesitant to join League games The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Clubs were hesitant in joining the touted Indonesian Basketball League (LBI) because of a lack of vision, Indonesia's basketball governing body Perbasi says. LBI is the new basketball tournament with a new format to replace the 'Kobatama', which used to feature 10 clubs playing in four series. Although the format for the LBI has yet to be talked over, it's likely the tournament will adopt the home-and-away system.

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.

Straw urges sensibility in solution for Iraq crisis

Straw urges sensibility in solution for Iraq crisis Agence France-Presse, Jakarta/Kuala Lumpur Active diplomacy backed by credible military force is the only way to create a peaceful solution to the Iraq crisis, British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said in Jakarta Friday. Speaking after talks with Vice President Hamzah Haz on the last day of his visit here, Straw said Britain wished "to see the crisis created by Iraq resolved peacefully".

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.

Bumiputera to raise premium 14.3%

Bumiputera to raise premium 14.3% JAKARTA: Life insurance company Bumiputera 1912, which recorded a 23.5 percent increase in its 2002 premium income, set an optimistic target of an additional increase of 14.3 percent for 2003. "Our premium income increased to Rp 2.1 trillion (US$233.3 million) in 2002, from Rp 1.7 trillion in the previous year. And we expect it to increase further to Rp 2.4 trillion this year," president director Madjdi Ali said during a press conference on Friday.

From Republika

From Republika One of the two Denpoo air conditioners I bought from Carrefour in Lebak Bulus failed to operate. After contacting Denpoo's technicians, I was told that the machine's PCB was at fault and therefore had to be replaced. Up to the present, I cannot enjoy the air conditioner yet while Denpoo has not seriously responded to my complaints. I have got only promises from three phone conversations.

Banyumasan batik hopes to regain past glory

Banyumasan batik hopes to regain past glory Agus Maryono, The Jakarta Post, Banyumas, Central Java About 20 years ago, Banyumas batik was famous, with many batik industrial centers found throughout the area. But these days, people are only familiar with batik coming from Pekalongan and Surakarta in Central Java and Yogyakarta, leaving out Banyumas in the progress.

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.

Subsidized rice for poor distributed ahead of schedule

Subsidized rice for poor distributed ahead of schedule Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak and Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Mohamad Idris, 57, was more than happy to bring home a sack of 20 kilograms of rice for only Rp 20,000 (US$2.25) for the seven people in the family. "I am jobless. It is my two daughters who work as factory workers who support us. The cheap rice program really helps us because we cannot afford market prices which keep on going up," he told The Jakarta Post on Friday.

Allow me to respond to an article by Thomas Geiger that [i]The

Allow me to respond to an article by Thomas Geiger that The Jakarta Post of Jan. 5, 2002 has quoted from Deutsche Presse Agenture to avoid restlessness on the part of the community. Geiger says that "Rats fed diets high in monosodium glutamate (MSG) in Japan developed thinner retinas and began to go blind." This research at Hirosaki University used three-week-old rat weanlings. Their feed was mixed with 20 percent, 10 percent and 0 percent of MSG.

Cepogo, center of metal handicrafts

Cepogo, center of metal handicrafts Bambang M and Gigin W. Utomo, Contributors, Boyolali, Central Java Noisy sounds from a hammer emanating from houses from morning until dusk is the trademark of Cepogo village, a brass and copper handicraft center located some 1,200 meters above sea level on the western slope of Mount Merapi.

Workers starving, officials on picnic

Workers starving, officials on picnic TANGERANG: Some 1,000 former workers of PT Doson Indonesia, which manufactured shoes for Nike, were left stranded and hungry in front of Tangerang regency's Social Affairs Agency Friday, while agency officials and staff members went on a company picnic to Carita beach in West Java.

Food flavoring

Food flavoring can damage eyesight? Allow me to respond to an article by Thomas Geiger that The Jakarta Post of Jan. 5, 2002 has quoted from Deutsche Presse Agenture to avoid restlessness on the part of the community. Geiger says that "Rats fed diets high in monosodium glutamate (MSG) in Japan developed thinner retinas and began to go blind." This research at Hirosaki University used three-week-old rat weanlings. Their feed was mixed with 20 percent, 10 percent and 0 percent of MSG.

;JP;dan;

;JP;dan; ANPAf..r.. Rupiah-conversion-rates Rupiah Rates Jan. 10 JP/13/Conver Rupiah Rates Jan.

U.S. urged to boost trade with Muslim countries

U.S. urged to boost trade with Muslim countries Doug Palmer, Reuters, Washington The United States should add an economic component to its war on terrorism by making a strong push to integrate Muslim countries into the world trading system, several trade experts said this week. "What's clear is that since 1980 the population of the Muslim Middle East has nearly doubled and at the same time it's share of global trade has plummeted 75 percent," former U.S.

More people support the call to arrest big corruptors

More people support the call to arrest big corruptors Bambang Nurbianto and I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Religious leaders and legislators on Friday voiced their support for an influential Muslim leader's call for the government to arrest big corruptors and confiscate their wealth. One respected legislator even called the demand the true voice of the Indonesian people.

Anti-govt protests continue across the country

Anti-govt protests continue across the country The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Street protests continued into their fifth day across the archipelago on Friday in a reaction against the rise in fuel prices, electricity and telephone charges as President Megawati Soekarnoputri's government stood its ground.

Price hikes to help the poor, but the message is lost

Price hikes to help the poor, but the message is lost Simon Howland and Endy M. Bayuni, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government insists that the massive hikes in fuel, telephone and electricity prices at the start of the year are aimed at helping the poor, and not to make their lives more miserable as critics claim.

A stitch in time

A stitch in time Governor Sutiyoso's tardiness in issuing a decree on public transportation fares following the recent increase in fuel prices reflects his inability to manage the situation. Sutiyoso has yet to demonstrate how he is going to cope with the impact of the hike in fuel prices, and telephone and electricity charges that the government announced earlier this month.

1. Budget - 4x12

1. Budget - 4x12 City provides too little from budget for the poor 2. Glodok - 2x 25 It's business as usual in Jakarta despite massive protests 3. Fun - 2x 20 Families cut down on recreational activities 4. Speak - 1x 30 'I won't feel the pinch directly'

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).

Illegal logging destroys half of protected forest

Illegal logging destroys half of protected forest BALIKPAPAN, East Kalimantan: At least 2,500 hectares or half of the protected forest along the Manggar River has been destroyed due to illegal logging. Purwanto, the director of the Human and Environment Guidance Foundation (YBML), said on Thursday that the forest had been first ravaged by a forest fire in 1997. Damage to the forest worsened following an increase in illegal logging.

PLN opens bidding for Muara Tawar plant

PLN opens bidding for Muara Tawar plant A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State electricity company PT PLN opened bidding on Friday for the construction of a US$240 million power plant in Bekasi, West Java, which would ensure the supply of electricity to the Java- Bali power grid. "There are four bidders who have expressed interest in the project. We invite more to take part," PLN's finance director Parno Isworo told The Jakarta Post. He refused to name the four bidders.

RI not to extradite East Timorese

RI not to extradite East Timorese KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Indonesia will not extradite East Timorese Domingos dos Santos, who is wanted by the neighboring country for his alleged role in a riot early December 2002. National Police Chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar said here on Friday Domingos would be prosecuted in Indonesia on charges of immigration violations after his arrest on Dec. 23 for illegally entering the country.

'MILF played key role in training JI militants'

'MILF played key role in training JI militants' Agence France-Presse, Singapore The Philippines' main Moro separatist group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), played a key role in training militants from the Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) at their guerrilla base on Mindanao island, Singapore said in an official report. The training was carried out at Camp Abu Bakar, a sprawling MILF base in the main southern island of Mindanao which was captured by Filipino troops a few years back.

Bogor to develop aquaculture center

Bogor to develop aquaculture center BOGOR: The city of Bogor will develop an aquaculture center in Rancamaya for ornamental fish breeding, Mayor Iswara Natanegara said on Thursday. The "Ornamental Fish Aquaculture Terminal" would be equipped with an information center on ornamental fish and a breeding center, Antara reported. He said that the town had 28.8 hectares of fish ponds and had become one of the major aquaculture centers of West Java.

City provides too little from budget for the poor

City provides too little from budget for the poor Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta An observer criticized the city administration on Friday for only allocating Rp 28 billion of a total Rp 11 trillion of the 2003 city budget for the underprivileged but allocating Rp 135 billion for the Public Order Office, notorious for its evictions of the poor.

Police accuse Rachman of embezzling charity funds

Police accuse Rachman of embezzling charity funds Ali Kotarumalos, Associated Press, Jakarta Already under investigation for corruption, Indonesia's attorney general was accused by police Friday of embezzling thousands of dollars from a charity set up to help refugees. Police say they found evidence that Attorney General Muhammad Abdul Rachman siphoned Rp 150 million (US$16,600) from a fund that provided assistance to refugees forced from their homes by ethnic fighting in Kalimantan.

Court 11,000 rebuked for absenteeism

Court 11,000 rebuked for absenteeism DENPASAR, Bali: A court on Friday rejected a lawsuit contesting the arrest of one of the suspects in the Oct.12 bombing attacks in Bali. Qadhar Faisal, a lawyer for Maskur bin Abdul Kadir, said the court ruled that his client's arrest was legitimate. Maskur is accused of finding a house to rent for prime suspect Imam Samudra, the alleged field coordinator of the attack. He is one of 15 suspects detained over the Bali bombings so far.

Wealth report a must for presidential aspirants

Wealth report a must for presidential aspirants Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta All presidential and vice presidential candidates for the 2004 general elections were required to declare their wealth before running for the country's top posts, Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno said Friday.

Indonesian aces have tough task in Aussie Open

Indonesian aces have tough task in Aussie Open Agencies, Jakarta Indonesians Angelique 'Angie' Widjaja and Wynne Prakusya are braced for tough early matches in the Australian Open, which starts Monday. Angie, a qualifier last year, is drawn against Japanese number one Ai Sugiyama, seeded 21st in the tournament, while Wynne is up against 12th seed Patty Schnyder of Switzerland.

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.

Astra Agro: 2003 sales to grow 15%

Astra Agro: 2003 sales to grow 15% Dow Jones, Jakarta Indonesia's PT Astra Agro Lestari expects sales to rise around 15% this year, due to a projected increase in crude palm oil production and export volume. "We forecast our sales this year to grow by up to 15%," Astra Agro Vice President Benny Tjoeng told Dow Jones Newswires in an interview Friday.

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.

'I won't feel the pinch from the price increases'

'I won't feel the pinch from the price increases' Teens from affluent families say they will not suffer any hardships brought on by the government's decision to increase the fuel and utility prices. However, they are concerned about the situation and have devised strategies for cutting back on their spending. The Jakarta Post talked to some teenagers about how they were responding to the situation. Jessica, 17, is a student at Laurensia Senior High School in Tangerang.

Whither is justice

Whither is justice for ordinary people From Kompas The increase in fuel prices, and electricity and telephone charges have no direct impact on the poor people, who have no motorized vehicles. However, the impact of the price increases -- soaring prices of daily necessities, will hit them hard. Also, the 17 percent hike in the fares of economy class trains has seriously burdened the low-income bracket people, who cannot afford to travel by ship, bus or, of course, plane.

2. Sukidi -- Islamic foundations amid pluralism

2. Sukidi -- Islamic foundations amid pluralism 3. Strait -- Mega gets reprieve, but for how long?

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...

Ahn linked with Atletico Madrid

Ahn linked with Atletico Madrid TOKYO: South Korea striker Ahn Jung-hwan could soon join Spanish first division club Atletico Madrid, a Japanese newspaper reported on Friday. However, his J-League club Shimizu S-Pulse have been quick to play down the report, saying: "It's news to us." Ahn, who helped co-host South Korea reach the semi-finals of the World Cup last year, could complete a US$3.1 million move to Atletico as early as next week, according to the Nikkan Sports.

It's business as usual in Jakarta despite protests

It's business as usual in Jakarta despite protests Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta While thousands of people took to the streets in protest of the utility price increases on Friday, it was business as usual in the heart of Jakarta's business district in Glodok and Mangga Dua, both in West Jakarta.

Transportation service

Transportation service From Warta Kota The electricity and telephone rate increases as well as the fuel price hike have adversely affected the life of most citizens, including operators of public transportation. Transportation companies have prepared to raise the fares, as reported by the mass media. However, as I have experienced, operators of urban and suburban transportations have never made any efforts to improve their services, leaving the vehicles in a deteriorating condition.

Local anthrax fiercer than US one

Local anthrax fiercer than US one BOGOR: The anthrax outbreak in Bogor involved a strain more easily transmitted than the anthrax used in the attacks in the United States, a researcher warned on Friday. Bogor Veterinary Research Institute researcher Lili Natalia said unlike the U.S. strain which could infect people through open wounds, the Bogor strain could pass through skin.

[b]

Indonesia should be more diplomatic towards Taiwan Bantarto Bandoro Editor, 'The Indonesian Quarterly' Centre for Strategic and International Studies CSIS Jakarta bandoro@csis.or.id 2. Fuad2 -- Quality education not a simple matter 1 X 38 Quality education not a simple matter Fuad Abdul Hamied Indonesia University of Education (UPI) Bandung, West Java 3. Inqui -- An open letter for President Arroyo 1 X 38 A letter to Arroyo Conrado de Quiros Philippine Daily Inquirer Asia News Network Manila

Ensuring quality education no simple matter

Ensuring quality education no simple matter Fuad Abdul Hamied Indonesia University of Education (UPI) Bandung, West Java The scope of the implementation of the regional autonomy law is multi-dimensional. It pervades all sectors of human needs and activities, including educational activities.

KPKPN to report legislators to police over corruption

KPKPN to report legislators to police over corruption Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Public Servants' Wealth Audit Commission (KPKPN) plans to report two lawmakers to the police for their alleged involvement in corruption, in its bid to step up moves against the crime.

Prices hiked, time for damage control: Economists

Prices hiked, time for damage control: Economists The simultaneous increases in fuel, electricity and telephone charges has triggered popular anger among the middle classes. Many have condemned the government's decision, while many at the same time claim to understand the reasons behind the decision, despite the government's poor approach in explaining the plan in advance. Economist M. Chatib Basri shared his views on the issue with The Jakarta Post's Soeryo Winoto.

1. DISCOURSE:

1. DISCOURSE: Prices hiked, time for damage control: Economist 2. Subsidized rice for poor distributed ahead of schedule American nurse freed after serving four months in jail Govt should allow GAM to join elections Straw urges sensibility in solution for Iraq crisis

JP/8/Recreation

JP/8/Recreation Families in Jakarta cut down on recreational activities Evi Mariani The Jakarta Post Jakarta Families in Jakarta are adjusting their lifestyles in line with the utility price hikes. They are cutting down on recreational activities due to the soaring cost of their primary needs. Sri Utami, a housewife who lives in Bintaro, South Jakarta, has to provide meals for her nine family members. She said that she cannot reduce expenditure for her family's primary needs.

The search for leaders

The search for leaders Frank Feulner State -- Civil Society Adviser United Nations Support Facility for Indonesian Recovery (UNSFIR) Jakarta frank.feulner@un.or.id 2003 has started amidst many uncertainties. The gloomy prospect of unemployment and poverty, of insecurity and war is frightening us. It is no surprise that we long to hear the promising and confident words and visions of national and religious leaders.

Over 4 million students to benefit from compensation funds

Over 4 million students to benefit from compensation funds Debbie A. Lubis and Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta About 4.1 million elementary and high school students are expected to receive a total of Rp 968.8 billion saved from the government's fuel subsidy cuts, an official says. The government removed fuel subsidies on Jan.

Mega gets a reprieve, but for how long?

Mega gets a reprieve, but for how long? Derwin Pereira, The Straits Times, Asia News Network, Singapore President Megawati Soekarnoputri may breathe a sigh of relief after planned nationwide demonstrations that threatened to bring the country to a grinding halt failed to materialize. But her administration should not rest on its laurels because the public's deep-seated resentment towards the decision to raise fuel prices and electricity and telephone rates could still undermine the government.

Utility hike won't increase poor population

Utility hike won't increase poor population The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The recent utility price hikes policy should not inflate the number of the country's poor this year, because the government was providing a welfare program and fiscal stimulus policy, chief of the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) Soedarti Surbaki said on Friday. "If the government was to do nothing, then the number of poor people will increase.

FOR FOCUS ISSUE: WINE

FOR FOCUS ISSUE: WINE ;JP; ANPAc..r.. Wines-drinking-brands Sudibyo M. Wiradji Contributor Jakarta Art of drinking no simple matter Compared with most beverages served along with food, wines often receive special treatment. There are special events dedicated to wine, such as wine tastings and free samples of new products. And this is not without reason. To sommeliers, or wine experts, the art of wine drinking is not as simple as one might think.

People's reaction to the utility price rises will likely

People's reaction to the utility price rises will likely continue and even escalate. Eight days after the government announced increases in fuel prices and electricity and telephone rates, businesspeople and workers have demonstrated on the streets of the capital and other cities in the country. Under normal circumstances, businesspeople and workers have little in common; businesspeople are notorious penny-pinchers with their "tight-money" policies, while workers tend to demand higher wages.

The politics of interfaith relations in Indonesia

The politics of interfaith 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. Economic disparity, ethnicity, class differences, transmigration and control over resources often enters into inter-religious conflicts.

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.

JP

JP COMMUNITY NETWORK: Many developers of large and modern residential complexes issue a newsletter to share important information with residents. The newsletters have unexpectedly become an important medium for local traders and businessmen to promote their products and services.

House to summon ministers over price increase

House to summon ministers over price increase M. Taufiqurrahman and Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives will summon ministers on Wednesday to explain its unpopular decision to raise fuel prices, electricity and telephone charges as nationwide protests mount against the hikes, its speaker said on Friday. The House had approved the utility increases last year, and appears now to be backing down following the public protests.

Arresting corruptors legally plausible

Arresting corruptors legally plausible Bambang Nurbianto and Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A call to arrest bad debtors and seized their wealth was justified by a legal expert who said on Friday that such a move could be pursued through commercial courts combined with the Gijzeling (hostage) mechanism.

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.

Children get boost in nutrition

Children get boost in nutrition SOLOK, West Sumatra: About 3,750 children under the age of two years in Solok, West Sumatra, received on Thursday a gift of 45 tons of Vitadele, a highly fortified complementary food, from the United States Department of Agriculture. It is hoped that the food will lead to a better-nourished generation, said Ana Zainal Bahar, who chairs the province's family welfare working group (PKK) here on Thursday.

Govt should allow GAM to join elections

Govt should allow GAM to join elections Moch. N. Kurniawan and Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Banda Aceh The government should allow the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) to contest elections in 2004, Indonesia's chief negotiator for Aceh said Friday. "We need to find a way to enable GAM to participate in the political process," Wiryono Sastrohandoyo said at a seminar on Aceh held by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

* Headlines: Arresting corruptors legally viable: Lawyer2

* Headlines: Arresting corruptors legally viable: Lawyer2 * National:KPKPN to report legislators to police over graft4 * Archipelago: Police arrest suspect in nitrate smuggling5 * Opinion: The politics of interfaith relations in RI7 * City: City provides too little from budget for the poor8 * Sports: RI aces have tough task in Australian Open 10 * World: North Korea pulls out of global nuclear treaty 11 * Business:Banks yet to boost lending 13 * Features: Cepogo, center of metal handicrafts17

Aceh's irrigation need repair

Aceh's irrigation need repair From Media Indonesia Members of the Indonesian Military are still stationed at Cot Trieng, Muara Dua, North Aceh and help the local community in spiritual and health areas. With the signing of the agreement on the cessation of hostilities between the Indonesian government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), the Indonesian soldiers have adopted a family approach so that the locals can freely go to the rice fields and the mosques.

New bill to standardize competence

New bill to standardize competence JAKARTA: The Ministry of Education plans on Friday to compose a bill on vocational education and training in a bid to standardize the level of competence acquired by students through vocational institutions. Indra Djati Sidi, director general of primary and secondary education, said on Friday the bill would position vocational schools as the backbone of the country's industrial sector.

City draft budget 2003 (in rupiah)

City draft budget 2003 (in rupiah) A. Revenue 1. Taxes 3,869,000,000,000 2. Levies 325,084,699,000 3. State-owned regional companies 67,237,917,000 4. Other original city revenue 342,822,500,000 5. Tax shares from central government 3,210,000,000,000 6. Allocation fund from central government 901,537,831,000 7. Surplus from 2002 budget 2,225,274,894,000 8. Payment of debt 51,271,723,850 ------------------- Total 10,999,686,117,150 B. Spending 1.

American nurse freed after serving four months in jail

American nurse freed after serving four months in jail Ibnu Mat Noor, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh American nurse Joy Lee Sadler, who was jailed for visa violations in the troubled province of Aceh, was released on Friday after serving her four-month jail term in the provincial capital of Banda Aceh. Sadler, 57, was greeted by Samantha Yoder from the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta and her lawyers from Aceh upon her release.

Over 11,000 rebuked for absenteeism

Over 11,000 rebuked for absenteeism JAKARTA: The government looks certain to rebuke over 11,000 civil servants nationwide for extending their Idul Fitri holiday arbitrarily and without permission from their superiors, State Minister of Administrative Reform Feisal Tamin said on Friday. Feisal said as of Friday, 1,745 civil servants had been officially reprimanded, with the rest to follow suit.

2. HOSE

2. HOSE House to summon ministers over price increases JP/4/bbm 3. Court acquits ex-banker Ongko in BLBI graft case 4. Police accuse Rachman of embezzling charity funds

New vehicle sales down 37 percent

New vehicle sales down 37 percent Dow Jones, Jakarta New vehicle sales in Indonesia dropped 37 percent to 17,982 units in December from November, mainly due to lower demand for commercial vehicles, Gaikindo, the car assemblers' association, said Friday. New vehicle sales for the whole of 2002 totaled 317,794 units, up 6 percent from 2001, but new vehicle sales this year is expected to be flat due to the weakening purchasing power in Indonesia, Gaikindo said.

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.

TV Today: Saturday, January 11, 2003

TV Today: Saturday, January 11, 2003 TVRI 5:03 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:30 Sports Feature 8:00 DRTV 8:30 Talk Show: Ibu, Bayi dan Balita 9:00 Cagar Pesona 9:30 Idola 10:00 Mujizat 10:30 Talk Show 11:00 News: Berita Daerah 11:30 Music 12:00 p.m.

Getting up close and personal with F4

Getting up close and personal with F4 Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Welcome to Indonesia F4! Fanatical fans would undoubtedly already be familiar with the fabulous foursome, but for those just discovering their magic, here are some of their more captivating traits: Jerry Yan (Yan Cheng Xu) In the TV drama Meteor Garden Yan plays the leader of F4, Dao Ming Si, spoilt heir of the Dao Ming conglomerate.

Court acquits ex-banker Onko in BLBI graft case

Court acquits ex-banker Onko in BLBI graft case Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Inconsistencies in the course of justice in the Bank Indonesia Liquidity Support (BLBI) case was evident Friday, as the Central Jakarta District Court acquitted the former deputy commissioner of the now-defunct Bank Umum Nasional (BUN) from all charges, while the former president director received 10 years in jail for misusing Rp 6.7 trillion (US$745 million) of the fund.

4 x 12

4 x 12 Police arrest suspect in nitrate smuggling JP/5/theys 2 x 26 Lawyers ask for case against seven soldiers to be dropped JP/5/megawati 1 x 33 Megawati to make first visit to Poso JP/5/boat 1 x 35 Five killed as boat sinks off Maluku 1 x 35 Three Mt. Kerinci climbers found dead

Price increases to aid rupiah

Price increases to aid rupiah Dow Jones, Singapore Though the rupiah has failed to match recent gains posted by most other Asian currencies, tighter fiscal policy and high local interest rates mean it could soon play catch-up with its neighbors, according to DBS Bank strategist Philip Wee.

Fix the road!

Fix the road! From Pos Kota Jl. Jatiwaringin, notorious for its traffic congestion in East Jakarta, has in fact been widened for several months. However, the widening project seems to have made no progress, particularly in the section near Assyaffi'iyah University. As a consequence of the excrucitingly slow progress of the project, a long traffic jam of vehicles always occurs on the road during work days.

Pelni to start service in Gorontalo

Pelni to start service in Gorontalo GORONTALO: State shipping firm PT Pelni will soon start service to the province of Gorontalo following the inauguration of a port in the city. Minister of Transportation Agum Gumelar asked the director general of naval transport and PT Pelni to open a new route for passenger ships KM Tilongkabila and KM Cermai. Agum said on Wednesday evening that the port authorities had sufficient facilities to accommodate large ships.

Indonesia should be more understanding of Taiwan

Indonesia should be more understanding of Taiwan Bantarto Bandoro Editor, 'The Indonesian Quarterly' Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Jakarta bandoro@csis.or.id The Taiwanese president was scheduled to visit Indonesia on Dec. 17 and meet Sultan Hamengkubuwono in Yogyakarta, but Jakarta canceled the visit at the last minute, presumably under strong pressure from China.

Singapore investors still keen on Batam, Bintan

Singapore investors still keen on Batam, Bintan Fadli, The Jakarta Post, Singapore Businesses in Singapore still consider the neighboring islands of Batam and Bintan in Riau province the most suitable places for business expansion, despite China's increasing popularity as Asia's most appealing country for foreign investment.

Where to go in Semarang: Saturday, Jan. 11, 2002

Where to go in Semarang: Saturday, Jan. 11, 2002 Tour and Travel Services * Antara Travel Service, Puri Anjasmoro, Ruko E1/9 (Tel. 024- 7605341, fax: 024-7605779). * Electra Duta Wisata Tour and Travel, Jl. Gajah Mada 1 (Tel. 024-3518444, 3511112, fax: 3511114). * Fortuna Tours and Travel, Jl. Dr. Cipto 286-288 (Tel. 024- 8313382, 8445457). * Gema Mahardika Tours and Travel, Jl. Dr. Setiabudi 53A (Tel. 7473245). * Giantra Wisata, Jl. Letjen M.T. Haryono517B (Tel. 024- 8443333, fax: 8447374).

Three Mt. Kerinci climbers found dead

Three Mt. Kerinci climbers found dead The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Three mountain climbers have been found dead at the bottom of a ravine approximately 3,400 meters above sea level on Mt. Kerinci, Jambi after they were declared missing two weeks ago. Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Dwi Hartono said on Friday that the search and rescue team discovered the climbers' remains on Thursday but had been unable to remove the decomposed bodies due to heavy rains and tough terrain.

Police arrest suspect in nitrate smuggling

Police arrest suspect in nitrate smuggling The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Police in Central Sulawesi have arrested a man suspected of involvement in smuggling into the country hundreds of kilograms of ammonium nitrate, a chemical used to make fertilizer that can also be used to make bombs. Police started their search for Husen, 30, after they found about 250 kilograms of the substance in a car in Palu, Central Sulawesi, on Dec. 25, 2002. Police spokesman Adj. Sr. Comr.

Insurance firm prepares for layoffs

Insurance firm prepares for layoffs SURABAYA, East Java: State insurance company PT Jamsostek has set aside funds ahead of mass layoffs and workers taking early retirement, following the recent increases in utility prices. Sentot Widarto, the head of Surabaya's Jamsostek office, said on Friday that his office had set aside funds to pay out pensions and compensation to those facing layoffs. He added that the insurance company had always been ready to disburse benefits.

Mega, envoys discuss Aceh reconstruction

Mega, envoys discuss Aceh reconstruction President Megawati Soekarnoputri (right) discussed the Aceh reconstruction issue with U.S. Ambassador Ralph L. Boyce (left) and Japanese Ambassador Yutaka Limura (second from left) at the State Palace on Friday.

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.

Certain groups of people can create big market

Certain groups of people can create big market Dwi Bagus Handoko Contributor Jakarta In today's Internet world a certain type of community can easily and magically transform a small company into a giant world corporation and turn it into a blue chip entity on the international stock exchange, like the Nasdaq.