Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 4 January 2003

96 articles found

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.

Megawati plans to visit to Russia in April

Megawati plans to visit to Russia in April The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri plans to visit Russia next April over possible talks of purchasing Russian weapons, in what would mark the first visit by an Indonesian president to Moscow in 13 years. The plan comes on the heels of Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda's trip to Moscow in September last year. It too was the first visit by a high-ranking Indonesian official in 13 years.

'Soeharto better than Megawati'

'Soeharto better than Megawati' The nation's massive debt and budget deficit has forced the government to impose price increases this year in an effort to lift the country out of its economic slump. People are angry with the decision and some have blamed the government for failing to recover the money that was misappropriated by tycoons. Some of them spoke to The Jakarta Post about the issue.

'Nothing has been

'Nothing has been done for education' Thanks for publishing my article in Yesterday's issue of the Jakarta Post. However, the title of the article, which is not mine, is a false generalization and too provocative. I do not at all mention in my article explicitly or implicitly that nothing has been done for education.

Calls mount for Megawati to resign over utility hikes

Calls mount for Megawati to resign over utility hikes Debbie A. Lubis, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government's decision to hike fuel, electricity and telephone charges has drawn a strong public rejection, with many protesters demanding President Megawati Soekarnoputri step down.

Ahmad Junaidi

Ahmad Junaidi The Jakarta Post Jakarta The City Land Transportation Owners Association (Organda) says it will propose increasing bus fares due to the fuel price rises. "We will discuss increasing fares and will submit the proposal to the governor soon," Organda chief Aip Syaifuddin told reporters after meeting with City Transportation Agency officials. Aip said it was seeking the increase mainly because of the increase of automotive diesel fuel, used by almost all public buses.

Ahmad Junaidi

Ahmad Junaidi The Jakarta Post Jakarta The City Land Transportation Owners Association (Organda) says it will propose increasing bus fares due to the fuel price rises. "We will discuss increasing fares and will submit the proposal to the governor soon," Organda chief Aip Syaifuddin told reporters after meeting with City Transportation Agency officials. Aip said it was seeking the increase mainly because of the increase of automotive diesel fuel, used by almost all public buses.

Don't lose

Don't lose more islands From Media Indonesia My heart broke to learn that, whatever the reasons, Indonesia had lost East Timor. And I found it strange that Abdurrahman Wahid -- when he was president -- changed the name of Irian Jaya to Papua, a phenomenon that I believe has the potential to cause disintegration as Papua is the name of a state on the eastern part of the island where Irian Jaya is located.

Repaying IMF: Another marketing ploy

Repaying IMF: Another marketing ploy Thanong Khanthong, The Nation, Asia News Network, Bangkok Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra would like to show off Thailand's financial strength by announcing that the Kingdom will be pre-paying all the outstanding loans of US$4.8 billion owed to the International Monetary Fund by July this year. There is indeed an underlying political agenda behind his decision to remove Thailand from the yoke of the IMF and restore its financial integrity.

Chrysler, Asian firms tie up

Chrysler, Asian firms tie up LOS ANGELES : Chrysler said on Thursday it plans on jointly operating an automobile manufacturing plant in North America with automakers from Japan and South Korea. The boss of the U.S. division of DaimlerChrysler AG, Dieter Zetsche, said the new factory to build a four-cylinder vehicle will include management from Mitsubishi Motors Corp. and Hyundai Motor Co., its two partners in the manufacturing of the auto.

The 'new' Monas park

The 'new' Monas park National Monument (Monas) park has been given a face-lift. Since the new four-kilometer fence was completed to surround it last month, all vehicles are prohibited from entering the park. Street vendors, who had been operating within the park for years, have voiced great disappointment at being prohibited from working inside the enclosed area. As many as 1,500 birds have now been released inside the park in the hope that the area can become their new habitat.

JSC reports fall in violence after peace deal

JSC reports fall in violence after peace deal Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh The Joint Security Committee (JSC) reported on Friday a significant decrease in the number of civilians killed in the troubled province of Aceh after the signing of a landmark peace agreement on Dec. 9.

JSX falls further on concerns over prive hike

JSX falls further on concerns over prive hike Dow Jones, Jakarta Shares at the Jakarta Stock Exchange ended lower Friday as fuel price, telephone and electricity tariff hikes continued dampening market sentiments and late selling in cigarette and banking blue chips erased earlier gains, dealers said. Gains across the region after Wall Street's rally overnight failed to improve broader sentiment on the local bourse, they added.

Spotlight on Batu Puteh

Spotlight on Batu Puteh Carolyn Hong New Straits Times Kuala Lumpur In hindsight, it should have been easy to foresee that the public reaction in Malaysia after the Sipadan/Ligitan victory would not have focused on Indonesia. That would have been gloating, and besides, even the most triumphant victory quickly becomes stale news. The next challenge beckons, and its Pulau Batu Puteh, the football-field-sized island off Johor, which is claimed by Singapore.

Hospitals in Banda Aceh refuse to treat jailed American nurse

Hospitals in Banda Aceh refuse to treat jailed American nurse Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh, Aceh Jailed American nurse Joy Lee Sadler was rushed to hospital on Friday but was rejected by all hospitals in Banda Aceh for fears that her HIV illness would spread to other people. Joy Lee Sadler, who was jailed for four months in Aceh for visa violations, fell seriously ill after 40 days of a hunger strike to protest her detention, Sadler's lawyer Rufriadi said.

Legislators flex muscles in Indosat privatization polemic

Legislators flex muscles in Indosat privatization polemic Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives (DPR) has gained the momentum to summon President Megawati Soekarnoputri over the mid-December sale of the government's 41.9 percent stake in the state telecommunications firm PT Indosat to Singapore Technologies Telemedia (STT).

Furor over Indosat sale

Furor over Indosat sale It is saddening to note that a strategic sale that was supposed to be the deal of the year and become a strong building- block for helping restore confidence in the country amid the gloomy economic outlook has been turned into a controversy by several narrow-minded politicians and misguided trade union leaders who resorted to fallacy to advance their vested interests.

'Bajaj' cause

'Bajaj' cause traffic congestion From Warta Kota In my opinion, the traffic congestion around the Mayestic Market/Taman Puring in South Jakarta is attributable to the presence of bajaj (three-wheeled motorized vehicles). Many of these vehicles wait for passengers along the sidewalks, thus inconveniencing pedestrians. They also drive back and forth in front of the market, emitting thick smoke and worsening pollution in the area.

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.

Wrong Bali map

Wrong Bali map I just finished reading Robert Finnegan's very critical analysis of the investigation of the Bali bombing, which he defined as a "dismal investigative performance." Finnegan's analysis focused in large part on the investigator's inconsistency or ineptness in identifying the tyes of explosives used. I confess absolutely no knowledge of explosives and for all I know his analysis of the explosives may be correct.

Lotus to expand sales in U.S.

Lotus to expand sales in U.S. KUALA LUMPUR: Britain's Lotus Group, a unit of Malaysian carmaker Proton, plans to expand its presence in the U.S. market with the launch of a new sports car next year, a report said Friday. Lotus would introduce a special version of its Lotus Elise in the United States in mid-2004, The Star said. The Elise was being adapted to meet U.S.

Flooding may hit Jakarta next week: Weather agency

Flooding may hit Jakarta next week: Weather agency Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jakartans may need more than umbrellas next week, with the Meteorological and Geological Agency (BMG) warning that floods could hit a number of areas in the capital. The city could experience three consecutive days of more than 100 millimeters of rain next week.

Public bus fares to increase

Public bus fares to increase Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The City Land Transportation Owners Association (Organda) says it will propose increasing bus fares due to the fuel price rises. "We will discuss increasing fares and will submit the proposal to the governor soon," Organda chief Aip Syaifuddin told reporters after meeting with City Transportation Agency officials.

BI won't cut rate for time being

BI won't cut rate for time being The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bank Indonesia Governor Sjahril Sabirin said on Friday the central bank would not lower its benchmark interest rate for the time being because inflation was expected to be high in January, following an increase in fuel prices, electricity rates and telephone charges. "The current rate will likely prevail for the time being. Even if there is a (rate) cut it will only be a small one," he said.

Govt must stop selling assets to dubious SPVs: Experts

Govt must stop selling assets to dubious SPVs: Experts Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Experts have urged the government to stop selling state assets to investors using special purpose vehicles (SPVs) registered in tax-havens due to the lack of transparency. The practice could encourage corruption and collusion, legal expert Pradjoto told The Jakarta Post Friday.

Sardono cherishes his good luck

Sardono cherishes his good luck ==================== Tantri Yuliandini The Jakarta Post Jakarta --------------------- Some say success is made out of 90 percent hard work and 10 percent talent, but famed Indonesian dancer and choreographer Sardono Waluyo Kusumo say luck has plenty to do with his success. "To tell you the truth I was very lucky. There were probably a lot of other people better than me, I was just lucky," the 57- year-old said in an interview recently.

Antiterror team holds first meeting

Antiterror team holds first meeting JAKARTA: A government-sanctioned special antiterror team held its first meeting on Friday, with an agenda to discuss efforts to accelerate the investigations and to bring the bombing cases in Bali and Makassar to court soon. Team chairman Insp. Gen. Ansyaad Mbai said the team would continue monitoring several Islamic boarding schools believed to have been harboring terrorists.

Crush GAM if

Crush GAM if they betray The public was shocked to learn from the army chief of staff Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu that the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) had shot Acehnese and members of the Indonesian military. According to the Indonesian military, since the signing of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement between the Indonesian government and GAM in Geneva, Switzerland, on Dec. 9, GAM has violated the agreement 24 times.

Batam haven for weapons smugglers

Batam haven for weapons smugglers BATAM, Riau: Being an international gateway and surrounded by many small islands has led to Batam island in Riau province becoming a hotbed for weapons smugglers from Aceh, an intelligence source has said. The source in Batam said on Friday that security officers had seized some 36 weapons that had been smuggled into the island from Aceh province. Weapons smugglers utilized the small islands near Batam as entry points to the island, he said.

Waterless toilet at TIM 21

Waterless toilet at TIM 21 From Suara Karya As one of the regular visitors to Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM), I feel reluctant to use the women's toilets in the building. Although the toilets are relatively clean and seem to be well- maintained, they have no water nor toilet paper. Through this letter, I would like to appeal to the Cinema 21 management at TIM or the management of Cinema 21 in general to pay special attention to the needs and comfort of customers. MAHA PRASTIKA DEWI, Jakarta

Legal awareness improves, but things are not getting better

Legal awareness improves, but things are not getting better Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta While legal reform in the country is still stagnant, legal awareness among people in the city has apparently improved. More residents have the courage to seek legal settlement when they feel that they have been treated unfairly -- by the government. They join forces to file class actions against the government over what they regard as violations of the law.

Language and

Language and disintegration From Kompas Kompas published a report on Nov. 20 referring to the need to be Sundanese as one criterion for the selection of public officials. The news attributed as its source a proposal of the Justice Mandate (ABDI) faction, which was responding to a West Java regional conference on this matter. If this proposal genuinely came from people's representatives, who should have a broad horizon of thinking, I must express deep concern.

Foreigners required to have KTPs

Foreigners required to have KTPs The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Foreigners staying and working in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan are now required to have an Indonesian identification card even if they have valid residence and working permits. Balikpapan Mayor Imdaad Hamid said Friday afternoon that all foreigners residing in the mayoralty were required to have a KTP identification card, for which they had to pay US$300 annually to the local administration.

Ahmad Junaidi

Ahmad Junaidi The Jakarta Post Jakarta The City Land Transportation Owners Association (Organda) says it will propose increasing bus fares due to the fuel price rises. "We will discuss increasing fares and will submit the proposal to the governor soon," Organda chief Aip Syaifuddin told reporters after meeting with City Transportation Agency officials. Aip said it was seeking the increase mainly because of the increase of automotive diesel fuel, used by almost all public buses.

46,000 Vietnamese seek work abroad

46,000 Vietnamese seek work abroad HANOI: More than 46,000 Vietnamese left the country in 2002 to seek work abroad, prompted by unemployment and the possibility of higher wages, according to official figures released on Friday. Malaysia, Japan, Taiwan and South Korea attracted the majority of the 46,112 individuals, according to a ministry of labor official. Of those, more than 20,000 went to Malaysia, and 13,000 went to South Korea, the official added.

Tribunal reveals Theys' final moments

Tribunal reveals Theys' final moments Ainur R. Sophiaan, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya The first trial for the murder of Papuan separatist leader Theys Hiyo Eluay opened on Friday in Surabaya, East Java, with military prosecutors describing the events leading up to Theys' slaying. Facing the court martial were four members of the Indonesian Special Forces (Kopassus): Papua Kopassus commander Lt. Col. Hartomo, Capt. Rionardo, Chief Sgt. Asrial, and Chief Pvt. Achmad Zulfahmi.

Bus terminal project to continue

Bus terminal project to continue JAKARTA: Governor Sutiyoso announced on Friday that his administration would continue the development of the Pulo Gebang bus terminal in East Jakarta despite safety concerns raised by city councillors. "The rejection has just been from a few councillors who have their own vested interests," Sutiyoso told reporters during an inspection of the site.

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TV Today: Saturday, January 4, 2003

TV Today: Saturday, January 4, 2003 TVRI 5:03 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Documentary 8:30 Talk Show: Ibu, Bayi dan Balita 9:00 Cagar Pesona 9:30 Idola 10:30 Talk Show 11:00 News 11:30 Music 12:00 p.m. News 1:00 Talk Show 2:00 News 2:30 Biss Kid 3:03 Entertainment 4:00 Religious Teachings 4:30 Life Skill 5:00 News 5:03 TV Drama 6:00 News 7:00 Talk Show 8:00 Quiz 9:00 News 9:30 French League 12:00 TV Drama TPI 5:00 a.m.

Ahmad Junaidi

Ahmad Junaidi The Jakarta Post Jakarta The City Land Transportation Owners Association (Organda) says it will propose increasing bus fares due to the fuel price rises. "We will discuss increasing fares and will submit the proposal to the governor soon," Organda chief Aip Syaifuddin told reporters after meeting with City Transportation Agency officials. Aip said it was seeking the increase mainly because of the increase of automotive diesel fuel, used by almost all public buses.

The nation's massive debt and budget deficit has forced the

The nation's massive debt and budget deficit has forced the government to impose price increases this year in an effort to lift the country out of its economic slump. People are angry with the decision and some have blamed the government for failing to recover the money that was misappropriated by tycoons. Some of them spoke to The Jakarta Post about the issue. Lubis, 45, has been a sidewalk vendor selling coconuts at Pulomas, East Jakarta, for more than five years.

New year's gift from Megawati and Hamzah

New year's gift from Megawati and Hamzah After New Year's Eve merry making, people must adapt to the reality they will have more problems with increases in electricity bills, fuel prices and telephone tariffs. This is apparently the new year's gift from the Megawati Soekarnoputri-Hamzah Haz government to the people who have been living in the prolonged economic catastrophe for the last five years. Before the increases, people were jolted by the LPG gas price increase in mid December.

Transnational challenges to Indonesia's security

Transnational challenges to Indonesia's security Andi Widjajanto International Fellow National Defense University Washington, D.C. The global campaign against terrorism symbolizes a much larger trend: The emerging tendency of nation-states to turn their focus to transnational security threats. This new tendency has important implications for international relations theory as well as for the conduct of foreign and defense policy.

Developments in the Union of Myanmar

Developments in the Union of Myanmar The Union of Myanmar, presently is a country in a state of change and transformation. Fundamental changes have taken place in the country. The single party system and the centrally planned economic system have been abandoned in favor of multi-party system with a market-oriented economy.

RI, RP to discuss maritime borders next month

RI, RP to discuss maritime borders next month Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia and the Philippines will meet next month to settle their maritime borders in a follow-up to last month's visit by Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda to Manila, a government official said on Friday.

Furor over Indosat sale

Furor over Indosat sale It is saddening to note that a strategic sale that was supposed to be the deal of the year and become a strong building- block for helping restore confidence in the country amid the gloomy economic outlook has been turned into a controversy by several narrow-minded politicians and misguided trade union leaders who resorted to fallacy to advance their vested interests.

Briton arrested with big ecstasy cache

Briton arrested with big ecstasy cache I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali A British national was arrested by Bali police on Friday for allegedly possessing at least 8,175 ecstasy pills worth more than Rp 2 billion (US$225,000). Steve Turner, 68, was caught on Thursday by officers of the Bali police's narcotics division, the province's Post Office and the local Customs and Excise Office, Bali Police chief Maj. Gen. Budi Setyawan said.

Pawn shop sells Rp 1.7b jewelries

Pawn shop sells Rp 1.7b jewelries JAKARTA: Last year, Senen Pawn Gallery in Central Jakarta sold seized jewelries worth a total of Rp 1.7 billion (US$191,000), a 90 percent jump in selling compared to Rp 900 million in 2001, an official said on Friday. Besides the jewelries, which were confiscated after the owners failed to bail them out of the pawn service, the Gallery also sold gold coins.

Price of basic needs increase by 70%

Price of basic needs increase by 70% Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The prices of a number of basic commodities in the city's traditional markets already have risen following the government's Wednesday announcement of increases in fuel prices and utility rates. Traders said they expected more goods to go up in price next week.

No management

No management at Kota Wisata From Kompas In 1997, I bought a house in Kota Wisata of Bogor, West Java, as I was attracted by its security system, its comfort and the facilities offered. Unfortunately, comfort has now gone from Kota Wisata as this housing estate turns into a recreation spot every public holiday.

Ahmad Junaidi

Ahmad Junaidi The Jakarta Post Jakarta The City Land Transportation Owners Association (Organda) says it will propose increasing bus fares due to the fuel price rises. "We will discuss increasing fares and will submit the proposal to the governor soon," Organda chief Aip Syaifuddin told reporters after meeting with City Transportation Agency officials. Aip said it was seeking the increase mainly because of the increase of automotive diesel fuel, used by almost all public buses.

Dow Jones

Dow Jones Jakarta Shares on the Jakarta Stock Exchange ended lower Friday as fuel, telephone and electricity hikes continued to dampen market sentiment, and late selling in cigarette and banking blue chips erased earlier gains, dealers said. Gains across the region after Wall Street's rally overnight failed to improve broader sentiment on the local bourse, they added. The Jakarta Stock Exchange Composite Index ended down 0.4 percent, or 1.613 points, at 407.512, off a high of 412.011.

Disgraced former 'Datuk' murdered

Disgraced former 'Datuk' murdered MALAYSIA: A Malaysian Chinese businessman, who was recently stripped of his honorary title of "Datuk" for misconduct, has been gunned down mafia style at a restaurant, reports said on Friday. Two gunmen shot Tan Hock Low, 38, four times while he was dining late Thursday at a well-known restaurant in the center of the capital, Kuala Lumpur, and died on arrival at hospital.

Festival showcases rich heritage of masks

Festival showcases rich heritage of masks Tarko Sudiarno, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta As people, we interact with others, playing different roles and requiring different masks in the process. When these masks are transformed into art, the variety of expressions are countless. This impression came to mind during Mask Interpretation, the 2002 Mask Festival last month in Yogyakarta, which featured the traditional and contemporary art of masks.

Calls mount for Megawati to step down over utility charge hikes

Calls mount for Megawati to step down over utility charge hikes Debbie A. Lubis The Jakarta Post Jakarta The government's decision to hike fuel, electricity and telephone charges has drawn a strong public rejection, with many protesters demanding President Megawati Soekarnoputri step down.

* Headlines: House shows muscle over Indosat sale 2

* Headlines: House shows muscle over Indosat sale 2 * National:Floods continue to hit provinces4 * City: Public bus fares to increase 5 * Opinion: Rebuilding shattered tourism 6 * Sports: U.S. qualifies for Hopman Cup final 8 * World: Iraq sees Bush relenting11 * Business: Higher floor price of rice won't help farmers13 * Features: Flu sets in with the coming wet season 19

Flu sets in with the coming wet season

Flu sets in with the coming wet season Maria Endah Hulupi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta At this time of the year, with rain pouring almost every day, influenza is a common disease. Some people catch influenza several times a year. At the workplace, it's ordinary to see that once a colleague suffers from the disease, soon the others would catch it too.

Haan's 1st match against Brazil

Haan's 1st match against Brazil BEIJING: New Chinese coach Arie Haan is in for a baptism of fire after local media Friday reported that China will play world champions Brazil in his first match in charge. The Beijing Youth Daily, quoting an unnamed official involved in organizing the match, said the showpiece event would be held in Guangzhou, capital of China's southern Guangdong province, on Feb. 12. "Both sides have reached agreement on the match," said the official.

Floods continue to hit provinces

Floods continue to hit provinces Antara, Jakarta Heavy downpours in a number of parts of the country this week have caused some rivers in Banten and Riau to overflow and inundate dozens of villages in both provinces. Some 2,000 families from seven villages in Panimbang district, Pandeglang regency, Banten, have been forced to leave their houses due to the floods that have prevailed since Wednesday.

1. Andi -- Transnational challenges to RI's security

1. Andi -- Transnational challenges to RI's security 2. New -- Spotlight moves to Batu Puteh 3. Funa -- Deal with territory issue steadily and slowly

Indonesian education

Indonesian education Thanks for publishing my article in Yesterday's issue of the Jakarta Post. However, the title of the article, which is not mine, is a false generalization and too provocative. I do not at all mention in my article explicitly or implicitly that nothing has been done for education.

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.

Thailand joins opponents of Hong Kong maid tax

Thailand joins opponents of Hong Kong maid tax Deutsche Presse-Agentur, Bangkok A top Thai labour official has joined his counterparts from the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia in condemning a proposed tax on domestic maids by the government of Hong Kong, a news report said Friday. Thai Employment Department chief Nakhon Silapa-archa was quoted by the Bangkok Post as saying the tax of HK$500 (US$64) on foreign maids was unfair and discriminatory.

Rebuilding shattered tourism

Rebuilding shattered tourism Rhenald Kasali, Contributor, Jakarta In 2000, Malaysia succeeded in attracting 10.22 million international tourists, double the number of foreign visitors to Indonesia. Many observers believe that Malaysia's success was particularly due to its impressive and intensive promotional programs in the international media.

The enforcement of sharia: Impossible, unviable

The enforcement of sharia: Impossible, unviable Debate over the Islamic sharia law has resurfaced among Muslims in Indonesia following the October terrorist attacks in Bali, which further tainted the image of Islam and Muslims.

Golkar Party is on the way to return to power

Golkar Party is on the way to return to power Ardimas Sasdi, Staff Writer, The Jakarta Post, ardimas@thejakartapost.com Golkar's history dates back to the Golkar Joint Secretariat established on Oct. 10, 1964, by elements of the Army to counter the growing influence of the Indonesian Communist Party in the late 1950s and early 1960s. This explains the many Golkar executives who have come from the military since the party's inception.

Indonesia and ASEAN must move on together

Indonesia and ASEAN must move on together Philips J Vermonte CSIS In the past three decades, ASEAN has been the corner stone of Indonesia's foreign policy. But, things have changed rapidly, triggered by the economic crisis and its severe consequences starting from 1997. To a large extent, Indonesia has lost its credibility within ASEAN, shifting from "a country that could assert the leadership role" into a country that is widely seen as "source of the problems" in the region.

'Bajaj' cause

'Bajaj' cause traffic congestion From Warta Kota In my opinion, the traffic congestion around the Mayestic Market/Taman Puring in South Jakarta is attributable to the presence of bajaj (three-wheeled motorized vehicles). Many of these vehicles wait for passengers along the sidewalks, thus inconveniencing pedestrians. They also drive back and forth in front of the market, emitting thick smoke and worsening pollution in the area.

Why has Indonesian privatization policy failed?

Why has Indonesian privatization policy failed? E. Yonnedi Ph.D Study Fellow Development Economics University of Manchester, UK msriley2@stud.man.ac.uk The privatization of Indonesian state-owned enterprises (BUMN, or SOE) was developed with the objectives of improving the efficiency of the enterprise sector as well as helping to strengthen public finances and cope with the budget deficit.

Ahmad Junaidi

Ahmad Junaidi The Jakarta Post Jakarta The City Land Transportation Owners Association (Organda) says it will propose increasing bus fares due to the fuel price rises. "We will discuss increasing fares and will submit the proposal to the governor soon," Organda chief Aip Syaifuddin told reporters after meeting with City Transportation Agency officials. Aip said it was seeking the increase mainly because of the increase of automotive diesel fuel, used by almost all public buses.

12 ministers to visit Atambua

12 ministers to visit Atambua ATAMBUA, East Nusa Tenggara: Twelve cabinet ministers will visit Atambua in Belu regency next Wednesday to take a closer look at the East Nusa Tenggara town, which borders the newly born country of East Timor. Belu administration secretary Charles Bissinglasi said on Friday that the delegation would not visit refugees camps nor assess the economic potential of the regency.

Business and

Business and globalization From Suara Karya Millions of Indonesians rely on small and medium-size businesses for a living, with these businesses accounting for 94 percent of business activity in Indonesia. Unfortunately, small and medium-size businesses are yet to tap to the maximum the facilities of the banking sector. Also, the government seems to be half-hearted about boosting these businesses.

State suffers losses from unpaid import taxes

State suffers losses from unpaid import taxes Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Each year the state suffers an average loss of Rp 8 trillion (US$909 million) in revenue from customs duties and import taxes, an official at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise said. This annual loss is twice the amount of the Rp 4 trillion budgeted for 2003 to help the poor survive this week's increase in fuel prices and electricity rates.

FOR ADVERORTIAL: BATAM - SUNDAY

FOR ADVERORTIAL: BATAM - SUNDAY A portrait of reality: Batam through eyes of expatriates Although Indonesia is now under an unfavorable international spotlight, Batam Island continues to portray a positive image to the outside world, a fact proven by the results of an Oct. 25, 2002, study conducted by Political and Economic Risk Consultancy Ltd (PERC), a Hong Kong-based independent research institution.

Rupiah Rates Jan. 3

Rupiah Rates Jan. 3 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 5,314.37 4,746.65 5,057.98 5,002.82 Brunei dollar 1 5,407.68 4,831.52 5,146.79 5,092.26 Canadian dollar 1 6,017.35 5,375.88 5,727.05 5,666.01 Swiss franc 1 6,734.02 6,017.84 6,409.14 6,342.61 Danish krone 1 1,318.10 1,177.51 1,254.51 1,241.06 Euro 1 9,786.55 8,746.32 9,314.40 9,218.34 Poundsterling 1 15,050.93 13,450.82 14,324.80 14,176.72 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,209.30 1,081.04 1,150.96 1,139.38 Japanese...

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on The Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan. 3, 2003: Shares Close Change Trading Volume Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 675 -50 7,500 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 60 0 45,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 200 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 100 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 775 0 0 Alter Abadi Tbk 10 0 0 Alumindo Light 155 0 0 Andhi Chandra 450 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 600 0 0 Aneka Tambang 600 25 1,822,000 Anta Express Tour & Travel 150 0 0 Anugrah Tambak 80 -5 45,500 Apac Citra...

Don't lose

Don't lose more islands From Media Indonesia My heart broke to learn that, whatever the reasons, Indonesia had lost East Timor. And I found it strange that Abdurrahman Wahid -- when he was president -- changed the name of Irian Jaya to Papua, a phenomenon that I believe has the potential to cause disintegration as Papua is the name of a state on the eastern part of the island where Irian Jaya is located.

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.

Again Taiwan hypocrisy

Again Taiwan hypocrisy I would like to comment on Taiwan's Derek Hsu's letter to The Jakarta Post on Dec. 30. It appears that Derek Hsu has advanced knowledge of terrorist attack as he argued that Chen Sui Bian's intended visit was a response to call for international help after the terrorist attack in Bali (on Oct.

Coach for the chop after flop

Coach for the chop after flop SINGAPORE: The Tiger Cup has become more of a poisoned chalice for the Singapore national soccer coach as the city-state's football association prepared Friday to lower the axe on Jan Poulsen. The Dane has been under fire since Singapore's disappointing effort in failing to make the final four of the Tiger Cup last month, despite playing its three pool matches at home in the tournament co-hosted with Indonesia.

Indonesia still respect

Indonesia still respect the "one China policy" Jusuf Wanandi Founder and Member Board of Trustees Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Jakarta If there is one country that understands more fully what China's "one-China policy" means, that country is Indonesia. Indonesia, a diverse country encompassing a huge archipelago, has faced challenges of separation since she was established in 1945, and still faces some demands for independence in Aceh and West Papua.

Ahmad Junaidi

Ahmad Junaidi The Jakarta Post Jakarta The City Land Transportation Owners Association (Organda) says it will propose increasing bus fares due to the fuel price rises. "We will discuss increasing fares and will submit the proposal to the governor soon," Organda chief Aip Syaifuddin told reporters after meeting with City Transportation Agency officials. Aip said it was seeking the increase mainly because of the increase of automotive diesel fuel, used by almost all public buses.

Corporate tips: To lay off or not to lay off

Corporate tips: To lay off or not to lay off Judith Wirawan, Consultant, Accenture As we know, many parts of the world, including Indonesia, are currently in dire economic straits. Business is suffering in almost every sector. For example, the Indonesian footwear industry expects a 10 percent decline in exports in 2002 and the textile industry is also foreseeing a 20 percent drop in revenue in 2002, following the 25 percent revenue decline for 2001.

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.rm OVERALL RISK EVALUATION Sing. Mal. Batam Thai. China Viet. Phil. India INA --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- External Variables 3.74 3.38 3.89 4.26 3.45 3.44 4.96 8.22 4.67 Foreign Investors Variables 2.26 4.20 4.06 5.46 5.88 5.16 5.16 6.51 6.93 Physical infrastrcuture 0.52 3.95 4.31 4.71 5.04 6.45 6.27 7.15 7.41 The ease of doing business 2.47 5.77 4.49 6.58 7.36 6.84 6.63 8.57 7.94 Domestic social environent 2.37 3.93 5.00 4.02 4.67...

Thai, S'pore PMs to discuss terror

Thai, S'pore PMs to discuss terror THAILAND: The prime ministers of Thailand and Singapore will discuss terrorism and regional development at a retreat on the southern island of Phuket next week, the Thai government said on Friday. Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his Singaporean counterpart, Goh Chok Tong, will attend the Jan. 10-12 retreat with Cabinet ministers of both countries.

Govt plays down calls for apology to Taiwan

Govt plays down calls for apology to Taiwan The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia declined on Friday to apologize to Taiwan for abruptly banning Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian from visiting last month, saying there was no official request for an apology. Foreign ministry spokesman Marty M. Natalegawa said the government had not received an official request for an apology, adding that Indonesia did not have diplomatic ties with Taiwan. "On the issue of Taiwan there is nothing new.

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.

Higher floor price won't improve farmers welfare

Higher floor price won't improve farmers welfare Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Agriculture experts have said that a 13 percent hike in the floor price of unhusked rice will not necessarily benefit local farmers, amid fears of a massive inflow of cheaper imported rice.

Employers say no to further wage hike

Employers say no to further wage hike A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Employers remain committed to implementing a 7 percent increase in the minimum labor wage despite a simultaneous utility price hike, said an industry leader. However, employers would not be able to bear another round of wage increases amid soaring production costs, said Sofyan Wanandi, chairman of the National Economic Recovery Committee (KPEN), an influential grouping of employers.

1. Bus - 3x 12

1. Bus - 3x 12 Public bus fares to increase 2. Speak - 1x30 'Soeharto better than Megawati' 3. Class - 1x 56 Legal awareness improves, but things are not getting better

Caption photo: 3 cols

Caption photo: 3 cols NEW HOTEL: President Megawati Soekarnoputri (center) inaugurates the Nirmala Biak Beach Hotel, an international hotel owned by the Djajanti Group, in Biak, Papua. Witnessing the dedication were (from left) Papua Governor Jaap P Solossa, Minister of Mines and Energy Purnomo Yusgiantoro, Mrs. Soedjono, Djajanti chairman Soedjono Varinata, Bank Mandiri Executive Vice President M. Sholeh Tasripan and the hotel's General Manager Busli Saraka.

Lawyers claim paltry evidence against Amrozi

Lawyers claim paltry evidence against Amrozi I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali Lawyers for Amrozi, a key suspect in the Bali bombings, claimed on Friday that police investigators had insufficient evidence in his dossier to build a strong case against their client. "There were too many holes and weaknesses in Amrozi's case file.

Bogor budget set at Rp 302.7b

Bogor budget set at Rp 302.7b BOGOR: Bogor council agreed on Friday to set its 2003 budget, amounting to Rp 302.7 billion, for the town, Rp 1.46 billion more than the budget proposed by Mayor Iswara Natanegara. The council believed that the administration would still be able to generate an additional revenue of Rp 2.4 billion from various sources, including motorists (from parking fees and vehicle ownership transfer fees), markets, slaughterhouses, hotels and banks, Antara reported.

Woman jailed for abusing maid

Woman jailed for abusing maid SINGAPORE: A woman was jailed for seven weeks after her Indonesian maid jumped out of a second-floor Singapore flat to escape abuse, a newspaper reported on Friday. Amelia Mohamed Ishak, 28, pleaded guilty in a magistrate's court to hurting the 20-year-old maid by twisting her ears, hitting and kicking her for not doing her chores well. In sentencing Amelia, Magistrate Eric Tin said she had used "excessive violence".

Never pass judgment

Never pass judgment without evidence The Dec. 28 shooting of Else Bonay Rumbiak, the wife of the director of the Human Rights Advocacy Study Institute (Elsham), Johanis Rumbiak, by an unknown gunman in Papua has given rise to rumors about the perpetrators, and recent accusations of the security/military personnel's involvement. There should be no prejudice or allegations made against the Indonesian Military (TNI) simply because the victim received help from the security apparatus.

ADB finances reef rehabilitation

ADB finances reef rehabilitation BATAM, Riau: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has disbursed an Rp 18 billion loan for the rehabilitation of coral reefs around Abang island in Batam. "The loan is especially designed for Abang island," Abang Muzni, the director of the Batam Marine, Fisheries and Husbandry Office, said on Friday. The loan would be used to rehabilitate the coral reefs surrounding the island, which had been mostly destroyed by sand mining, he said.