Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 21 October 2003

88 articles found

Indonesia defends logging allegations against Malaysia

Indonesia defends logging allegations against Malaysia Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government stood by its move on Monday to ask the European Union (EU) to stop importing wood products from Malaysia, saying that it was based on strong indications that its wood products were made from illegally-felled Indonesian timber.

Another defendant jailed for hiding terrorists

Another defendant jailed for hiding terrorists Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali The Denpasar District Court jailed shrimp farmer Muhajir on Monday for four years for harboring wanted suspects in the Bali bombings. He is the last defendant out of the first batch of 29 suspects sentenced for their roles in last year's terrorist attacks.

Bapepam, Thai SEC set to enhance corporation

Bapepam, Thai SEC set to enhance corporation The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Capital Market Supervisory Agency (Bapepam) and Thailand's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC Thailand) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enhance cooperation in supervising and developing the capital markets of both countries. The MOU was signed in Bangkok on Monday by SEC Thailand secretary-general Prasarn Trairatvorakul and Bapepam chairman Herwidayatmo, SEC Thailand said in a statement.

Billboard ads on toll roads

Billboard ads on toll roads From Media Indonesia In the last few months, quite a lot of billboards advertising cigarettes have emerged along toll roads, particularly those in Jakarta, such as the one from Slipi to Cawang. The billboards esthetically spoil the urban landscape of Jakarta and pose a danger to drivers as they may become a distraction, while most motor vehicles on toll roads are running at a high speed.

Immoral TV shows

Immoral TV shows From Media Indonesia Television stations provide entertainment for their viewers, as well as information and education. However, with the increasingly intense competition between the stations in wooing the viewers, TV executives seem to be ignoring the fact that their programs are devoid of moral values, and are frequently tantamount to pornography.

Robbers shoot employee

Robbers shoot employee JAKARTA: A bank customer was shot in the groin by armed robbers at 11:30 a.m. on Monday after withdrawing Rp 120 million (US$14,117.65) from the Bank Mandiri branch in Warung Buncit, Mampang, South Jakarta. Ahmad Furqon, 36, an employee of surveyor company Imacon located on Jl. Pejaten Raya, Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, was rushed to the Siaga Hospital in South Jakarta.

Heryanto leaves Bandung Hospital

Heryanto leaves Bandung Hospital Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung, West Java Heryanto, the elementary school student who attempted suicide two months ago, was transferred from Hasan Sadikin Hospital in Bandung to a hospital in his hometown of Garut on Monday. Eliana Sungkar, one of the doctors who treated Heryanto at Hasan Sadikin, said the transfer was made possible by improvements in the boy's condition.

Crackdown on nightspots for Ramadhan

Crackdown on nightspots for Ramadhan JAKARTA: Indonesia's Islamic authority urged the government on Monday to close nightspots and ban television shows featuring pornography and violence during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadhan. "We call on the government to close all entertainment spots and put in order television shows which exhibit pornography and violence," the Indonesian Council of Ulemas (MUI) said in a statement.

Students protest land clearance

Students protest land clearance KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Dozens of students protested on Monday at the East Nusa Tenggara governor's office, slamming the Manggarai regental administration's policy of clearing coffee plantations used by local farmers, but which the regent claims was state land.

IT-based logistics firms offer customers efficient solutions

IT-based logistics firms offer customers efficient solutions Rangga Ivananda, Contributor, Jakarta The application of information technology (IT) in the logistics business is not only vital to be more competitive, it also gives efficient solutions and a feeling of security to customers.

BI's accountability

BI's accountability Amendment of law No. 23/1999 on Bank Indonesia (BI) has been delayed for a couple of year mainly due to BI's board of governors' insistence in rejecting the Minister of Finance's proposal to set up a supervisory board which would oversee the performance of this country's central bank. The Jakarta Post of Oct.

Antam gets fresh loans from BCA for expansion

Antam gets fresh loans from BCA for expansion Rendi Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned mining company PT Aneka Tambang (Antam) announced on Wednesday that it had received US$60 million in loans from Bank Central Asia (BCA), the country's third largest bank, to fund the company's ferronickel expansion project. Antam said in a press statement that the loans carried an interest rate of between 7 percent and 7.5 percent, with a maturity period of seven years and a 28-months grace period.

US$2.6m demanded to free captives

US$2.6m demanded to free captives MALAYSIA: Armed raiders who kidnapped six foreign workers from a Malaysian resort on Borneo island in early October have demanded 10 million ringgit (US$2.6 million) in exchange for their captives' release, a junior minister said on Monday. Chor Chee Heung, deputy home minister, said Malaysia would not pay the ransom. Chor said as quoted by Bernama news agency that the police were investigating the person who demanded the ransom money.

PBB hopes to finish among top three

PBB hopes to finish among top three JAKARTA: The Crescent Star Party (PBB) has set its aims on finishing among the top three in the 2004 legislative election, its chairman said. PBB chairman Yusril Ihza Mahendra expressed on Monday his optimism that his party would meet its target, considering its preparations, which he said were "much better" than in 1999.

Bottom-up convention and spirit

Bottom-up convention and spirit For a number of political parties, their presidential candidates are no longer shrouded in mystery. The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) for instance, is obviously renominating Megawati Soekarnoputri, who has no other rival within the party. The question of the National Mandate Party's (PAN) presidential candidate has also been answered -- none other than its chairman, Amien Rais. How about the Nation's Awakening Party (PKB)?

Moody's assigns ratings to Indosat

Moody's assigns ratings to Indosat JAKARTA: Hong Kong-based Moody's Investors Service has assigned a provisional foreign currency issuer rating of (P)B2 to PT Indonesian Satellite Corporation Tbk (Indosat) and foreign currency long-term debt rating of (P)B2 to the proposed US$200 million 144A and Reg S issue of Indosat Finance Company B.V., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Indosat. "This is the first time that Moody's has assigned ratings to Indosat.

Transitional govt sought in Aceh

Transitional govt sought in Aceh The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Banda Aceh Experts are calling for the revocation of martial law and the establishment of a transitional administration with full support from the central government in Nanggroe Aceh Darusalam in a bid to resolve the conflict there. Kusnanto Anggoro, a military observer with the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), said during a discussion here on Monday that martial law in Aceh, originally scheduled to end on Nov.

Bush erred on Indonesian military training: Report

Bush erred on Indonesian military training: Report Agence France-Presse, Washington President George W. Bush misspoke last week when he said the United States was ready to launch new military training programs with Indonesia, according to administration officials cited in Monday's Washington Post. No new programs are planned or have been approved, the administration officials told the daily, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Mt. Ciremai closed to public

Mt. Ciremai closed to public Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Kuningan, West Java Government authorities in Kuningan regency declared here on Monday that the area around Mount Ciremai was closed to the public, following the increased activity of the volcano. Kuningan regent Arifin Setiamihardja said he made the announcement -- that the surrounding area of Mount Ciremai was closed -- after consulting with the state-owned forestry firm Perhutani and the Ciremai Observation Post in the area.

KFC told to close during Ramadhan

KFC told to close during Ramadhan MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: A deputy speaker of the Mataram legislative council urged on Monday the closure of American- branded, fast-food restaurants and other food stalls to shut down during fasting hours in Ramadhan, the Muslim fasting month.

Sampoerna's revenue up on price increase

Sampoerna's revenue up on price increase The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The country's second largest cigarette producer PT HM Sampoerna announced on Monday that it had recorded a slight rise in sales revenue in the first nine months of this year amid a decline in sales volume. In a statement, the company said that as of the end of September its sales increased by 3 percent to Rp 10.8 trillion (US$1.3 billion) from Rp 10.5 trillion a year earlier.

Golkar leader admits delay planned to secure Akbar's bid

Golkar leader admits delay planned to secure Akbar's bid Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Golkar's convention deputy secretary Rully Chairul Azwar admitted on Monday that the decision to delay the selection of Golkar's sole candidate from February to April was taken to secure the chances of party chairman Akbar Tandjung.

Thieves make off with three cars

Thieves make off with three cars DEPOK: A gang of robbers have stolen three cars over the last five days in two subdistricts in Depok. The robbers are armed with sharp weapons and guns, and are considered dangerous. The latest incident took place on Monday at about 2 a.m. when five robbers broke into a house in Cilakap village, Cimanggis district.

Tomy too ill to testify against 'Tempo'

Tomy too ill to testify against 'Tempo' M. Taufiqurrahman The Jakarta Post Jakarta Tycoon Tomy Winata failed to stand trial at the Central Jakarta District Court on Monday due to illness. He was to have testified in the legal battle between himself and Tempo weekly magazine. "Witness Tomy Winata cannot attend the trial because he is sick," prosecutor Robert Tacoy told the panel of judges, presenting a letter from a doctor with the Mitra Kemayoran Hospital in Central Jakarta.

Asia heavily dependent on oil imports, says Purnomo

Asia heavily dependent on oil imports, says Purnomo Agence-France Presse, Bangkok Asia is increasingly turning to the region's largely untapped natural resources in a bid to cut its heavy dependence on Middle East oil imports to meet booming demand for energy, a business symposium was told on Monday.

Pertamina will still dominate downstream sector: Experts

Pertamina will still dominate downstream sector: Experts Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned oil and gas company Pertamina can continue to dominate the country's downstream sector even when new players enter the market in 2005 to benefit from the planned liberalization of the sector, experts said. Expert Kurtubi and legislator Agusman Effendi shared the view that Pertamina had everything necessary to compete with any newcomers.

Muara Angke residents demolish own houses

Muara Angke residents demolish own houses Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The scheduled eviction on Monday at the Muara Angke riverbanks by the North Jakarta municipality administration turned out to be a demolition carried out by the residents themselves. Those who demolished their own houses received Rp 500,000 (US$58.83) in compensation from the administration. The people, mostly fishermen, were given two days to demolish their homes.

Bush to show support for Megawati on war against terror

Bush to show support for Megawati on war against terror The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Semarang/Surabaya Extraordinary security will mark the brief visit of United States President George W. Bush to the resort island of Bali on Wednesday for talks with Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri. Regional security issues such as terrorism, post-war Iraq and Palestinian issues will dominate the discussion of the two leaders.

Tomy too ill to testify against 'Tempo'

Tomy too ill to testify against 'Tempo' M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Tycoon Tomy Winata failed to appear at the Central Jakarta District Court on Monday to testify in the legal battle between himself and Tempo weekly magazine. "Witness Tomy Winata cannot attend the trial because he is sick," prosecutor Robert Tacoy told the panel of judges, presenting a letter from a doctor at Mitra Kemayoran Hospital in Central Jakarta.

Housemaid electrocuted

Housemaid electrocuted DEPOK: A housemaid died after being electrocuted as she was cleaning a fish pond at her employer's home in Cinere subdistrict, Limo district, Depok, on Sunday at around 4 p.m. The maid, identified as Surani, 31, was instructed by her employer Lisa to clean the fish pond as it had become turbid due to the heavy rain that fell some days before.

Military, students train together

Military, students train together MANADO, North Sulawesi: Over 1,500 military cadets and students, including those from the Jatinangor, West Java-based Public Administration Institute (STPDN), are gathering in an joint training program here. Indonesian Military (TNI) chief of general affairs Lt. Gen. Djamari Chaniago said the unprecedented joint training was expected to help future military and civilian leaders reach common understanding and cooperation in tackling various national issues.

Govt destroys 19,000 pirated VCDs

Govt destroys 19,000 pirated VCDs JAKARTA: The Directorate General of Intellectual and Property Rights (HAKI) destroyed on Monday 19,000 pirated VCDs, CDs and DVDs at its office on Jl. Daan Mogot, Tangerang in Banten as part of the implementation of the new law on intellectual property rights. The HAKI director general, Abdul Bari Azed, said that the pirated goods had been confiscated during raids in Menteng DVD in Central Jakarta and Ratu Plaza and ITC Fatmawati, both in South Jakarta.

Elimination of loan words?

Elimination of loan words? From Warta Kota A mass media report recently carried a proposal that a political decision should be made to eliminate loan words, by finding the equivalents of foreign words in Indonesian. The recommendation came from a meeting of linguists in October, which was declared the month of national language. The proposal is nothing new and in fact it is not realistic either.

APEC security brings rare silence to Bangkok

APEC security brings rare silence to Bangkok Ed Cropley, Reuters, Bangkok Silence, so rare on a weekday Bangkok morning, descended on the Thai capital on Monday as an unprecedented security clampdown for U.S. President George W. Bush kept shoppers and workers at home. Officials said 30,000 police and soldiers had been deployed across the normally teeming city of 10 million people to ensure the safety of the 21 leaders attending the two-day Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

[b]

Guarantees for gas contract payments needed Todd Callahan PT Jasa Cita Jakarta 2. Yale16 -- The bigger problem: Weapons of individual destruction 1 X 33 A problem bigger than WMDs: WIDs Raenette Taljaard Yale Center for the Study of Globalization New Heaven

Desertion widespread among indigenous Papuan troops

Desertion widespread among indigenous Papuan troops Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura, Papua The Trikora Military Command, which is responsible for military affairs in the troubled province of Papua, has dishonorably discharged at least 63 soldiers this year, mostly on account of desertion, an officer said here on Monday. The discharges were ordered by the Jayapura Military Tribunal, the court's president Lt. Col. Masrul Malik told The Jakarta Post.

NGOs prepare action to help workers

NGOs prepare action to help workers M. Taufiqurrahman and Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Tangerang A number of non-governmental organizations (NGO) are preparing immediate steps to mitigate the hardships of migrant workers who have just returned from overseas.

TV Program: Tuesday, October 21, 2003

TV Program: Tuesday, October 21, 2003 TVRI .TB.30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Children's Program 7:30 Music 8:30 Travel 9:00 Business Magazine 10:00 Music 11:30 Music: Konteswara 12:00 p.m.

Govt to improve reproductive health

Govt to improve reproductive health JAKARTA: The government is setting up a national commission on birth control in a move to reduce the number of abortion cases and maternal mortality rates in the country, which remain high among Southeast Asian countries. Minister of Health Achmad Suyudi said at a workshop on reproductive health here on Monday that the commission was needed to coordinate policy-making and measures to curb the abortion rate.

No quick fix for ailing art world

No quick fix for ailing art world Margaret Agusta, Contributor, Jakarta More questions than answers remain in the wake of an intense discussion about art in Indonesia at the National Gallery on Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur, Central Jakarta.

Efficient logistics means profitable business

Efficient logistics means profitable business Ari Darmawan, Contributor, Jakarta The role of logistics in the business world is becoming more and more important. Delivery of products is required to be early and at the very least on time, otherwise competitors have the opportunity to fill the gap and eventually grab a part of the market.

Solving logistics problems by outsourcing

Solving logistics problems by outsourcing Jacky Mussry, Contributor, Jakarta Today, fierce competition worldwide is unavoidable. At the national level, the regional autonomy has created competition to a certain extent. At the regional level, among ASEAN member countries there is the Asean Free Trade Area (AFTA), while globally, various agreements and regulations implemented by the World Trade Organization (WTO) have made competition much tougher.

JP/5/disersi

JP/5/disersi 2 x 26 Desertion widespread among indigenous Papuan troops JP/5/gam 2 x 17 Court opens terror trials in Medan JP/5/HERY 4 x 8 Heryanto leaves Bandung hospital 1 x 44 500 ulema protest against 'Togel' in Cirebon

Mount Ciremai closed to public: Kuningan Regent

Mount Ciremai closed to public: Kuningan Regent Nana Rukmana The Jakarta Post Kuningan, West Java Government authorities in Kuningan regency declared here on Monday that the area around Mount Ciremai was closed to the public, following the increased activity of the volcano.

Bottom-up convention and spirit

Bottom-up convention and spirit For a number of political parties, their presidential candidates are no longer shrouded in mystery. The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) for instance, is obviously renominating Megawati Soekarnoputri, who has no other rival within the party. The question of the National Mandate Party's (PAN) presidential candidate has also been answered -- none other than its chairman, Amien Rais. How about the Nation's Awakening Party (PKB)?

Goh hails Thaksin as next ASEAN leader

Goh hails Thaksin as next ASEAN leader Agence France-Presse, Bangkok Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will become the key driver of Southeast Asia following the upcoming retirement of Malaysian Premier Mahathir Mohamad, Singapore's Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong was quoted as saying on Monday. In an interview with The Bangkok Post, Goh said with key political changes imminent in Malaysia and Singapore, Thaksin would emerge as one of the grouping's most prominent statesmen.

Asia, Americas urged to step up economic ties

Asia, Americas urged to step up economic ties Bernice Han, Agence France-Presse, Bangkok Asia and the Americas are competitors in the economic arena but there is much the two sides can do together to push for free trade and stimulate closer trading ties, Mexico's President Vicente Fox said Monday.

Housemaid electrocuted

Housemaid electrocuted DEPOK: A housemaid was electrocuted while cleaning a fishpond at her employer's home in Cinere subdistrict, Limo district, Depok, on Sunday at around 4 p.m. The maid, identified as Surani, 31, was instructed by her employer Lisa to clean the fish pond as it had become turbid due to the heavy rain that fell some days before.

PBB hopes to finish among top three

PBB hopes to finish among top three JAKARTA: The Crescent Star Party (PBB) has set its aims on finishing among the top three in the 2004 legislative election, its chairman said. PBB chairman Yusril Ihza Mahendra expressed on Monday his optimism that his party would meet its target, considering its preparations, which he said were "much better" than in 1999.

Government to ban 137 parties from political activities

Government to ban 137 parties from political activities Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government plans to revoke the status of 137 parties as corporate entities following their failure to pass the administrative screening conducted by the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights. Letters giving notice of the revocation are being drafted by the ministry, which will ban the parties from staging political activities.

500 ulema protest against 'Togel' in Cirebon

500 ulema protest against 'Togel' in Cirebon Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon, West Java Hundreds of ulema and community leaders lodged a protest here on Monday against the popular illegal lottery locally known as Togel in Cirebon, West Java. They demanded that police immediately crack down on the lottery before Indonesian Muslims start fasting on Oct. 26. "We cannot tolerate any gambling, including Togel.

Foreign suspects busted with three kilograms of heroin

Foreign suspects busted with three kilograms of heroin Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Only two days after police announced the arrest of a major drug dealer Friday, the police arrested on Monday three suspected drug traffickers and seized three kilograms of heroin from them valued at Rp 1.8 billion (US$211,765). The suspects were identified as Seck Dusmane, 27, of Senegal; Ngemezulu Militon, 25, of Malawi; and Core Patrick Bosco, 30, of the Ivory Coast.

Robbers shoot employee

Robbers shoot employee JAKARTA: A bank customer was shot in the groin by armed robbers at 11:30 a.m. on Monday after withdrawing Rp 120 million (US$14,117.65) from the Bank Mandiri branch in Warung Buncit, Mampang, South Jakarta. Ahmad Furqon, 36, an employee of surveyor company Imacon located on Jl. Pejaten Raya, Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, was rushed to the Siaga Hospital in South Jakarta.

Nation told to make reform work to end anarchy

Nation told to make reform work to end anarchy Kasparman Piliang, The Jakarta Post, Padang, West Sumatra Noted social observer Ignas Kleden blamed on Monday "mental pressure" for the rampant violence and anarchy within Indonesian society.

Governor threatens lazy officials

Governor threatens lazy officials KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: Southeast Sulawesi Governor Ali Mazi threatened on Monday to fire lazy civil servants who do not show up for work. The slothful civil servants would first be issued reprimands and if they ignored the warnings, the local administration would recommend their dismissal, he said.

The Jakarta Post

The Jakarta Post Jakarta The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC) launched a new sharia banking service on Monday, making it the first foreign bank in the country to provide the service. Chief executive officer of HSBC Indonesia Richard McHowatt said that Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim country, was seeing an increased demand for sharia banking products and services.

Sahlan fights against 'court mafia'

Sahlan fights against 'court mafia' Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Sahlan Said, 56, is just an ordinary judge at Yogyakarta District Court, without an important position. But many see him as special and extraordinary, in the sense that he is one of only a few judges who have the guts to fight what is popularly called the "court Mafia," with regard to the promotion of judges.

Where to go in Bandung for Tuesday, October 21, 2003

Where to go in Bandung for Tuesday, October 21, 2003 Exhibition * Fine Arts Gusbarlian dan Ramla Istibar, Selasar Sunaryo Art Space, Jl. Bukit Pakar Timur No. 100, until Nov. 5. Performance * Concert Pata Java by Pata Masters and Djaduk Ferianto, the west hall ITB - Bandung Institute of Technology, Jl. Ganeca 10, 8 p.m., Oct. 26. Film * French Film Taxi 3, at CCF - French Cultural Center, Jl. Purnawarman 32 (Tel. 022 4212417), 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Oct. 28 and Oct. 30.

1. WAYANG 1x35

1. WAYANG 1x35 High-tech 'wayang' conveys age-old wisdom 2. BRAHIM 1x49 Noor Ibrahim extracts beauty out of deformity 3. MAGGIE 1x32 No quick fix for ailing art world

KFC told to close during Ramadhan

KFC told to close during Ramadhan MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: A deputy speaker of the Mataram legislative council urged on Monday the closure of American- branded, fast-food restaurants and other food stalls to shut down during fasting hours in Ramadhan, the Muslim fasting month.

S. Koreans stunned by 0-1 loss to Vietnam

S. Koreans stunned by 0-1 loss to Vietnam South Korea's 1-0 defeat to Vietnam in its Asia Cup soccer qualifier stunned South Koreans, who associate the national side with its giant-killing World Cup exploits of last year. South Korea is still considered the top team in Asia, but perhaps not for long after Sunday's set-back, according to commentators here.

Security forces hunting Poso attack mastermind

Security forces hunting Poso attack mastermind The Jakarta Post, Palu/Jakarta A joint police and military force are pursuing Mohamadong alias Ndang accused of masterminding a series of fresh attacks in Poso and the neighboring regency of Morowali, Central Sulawesi. Sources at Poso Police Station said on Monday that Ndang was a resident of Ampana subdistrict in Poso but he often moved to other places.

[b]

Puncak villas to be subject to hotel tax OR Bogor recategorizes villas for taxes OR Bogor to change villa into hotels Theresia Sufa The Jakarta Post Bogor The Bogor regency administration is insisting that 16 private villas rented out as holiday homes in the Puncak resort area be categorized as hotels so that it can collect taxes from them. The villas are also seen to be in direct competition with hotels in the area and infringing on their business.

RI needs truth commission

RI needs truth commission Agung Yudhawiranata, Institute for Policy Research and Advocacy (ELSAM), Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri's regime is still obliged to deal with systematic human rights violations that occurred under Soeharto's New Order regime -- mainly because the atrocities have not been dealt with by the law, apart from the country's obligations stemming from its ratification of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

U.S., China to study moves towards floating yuan

U.S., China to study moves towards floating yuan Alan Wheatley and Adam Entous, Reuters, Bangkok Chinese President Hu Jintao told U.S. President George W. Bush on Sunday he was wary of a rapid shift in his country's exchange rate regime but agreed to a joint panel to study the obstacles in the way of floating the yuan. Referring the question of China's currency to an experts' group would appear to be a face-saving solution for both leaders to what has become a serious irritant in Sino-U.S.

Puncak villas to be subject to hotel tax

Puncak villas to be subject to hotel tax Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor The Bogor Regency administration has taken control of about 1,000 privately rented villas in the Puncak mountain resort area. This time, the reason was not to protect the already damaged environment, but to convert 16 of the villas into hotels, because the villas are increasing the stiff competition faced by major hotels in the area.

[b]

Puncak villas to be subject to hotel tax OR Bogor recategorizes villas for taxes OR Bogor to change villa into hotels Theresia Sufa The Jakarta Post Bogor The Bogor regency administration is insisting that 16 private villas rented out as holiday homes in the Puncak resort area be categorized as hotels so that it can collect taxes from them. The villas are also seen to be in direct competition with hotels in the area and infringing on their business.

1. Elsam -- Why we need a truth commission

1. Elsam -- Why we need a truth commission 1 X 23 RI needs truth commission Agung Yudhawiranata Institute for Policy Research and Advocacy (ELSAM) Jakarta 2. Asia -- East Asia union "difficult" 1 X 30 Forming E. Asia union 'difficult' Don Pathan The Nation Asia News Network Bangkok 3. Pro -- U.S. cooperation with Iran urgent 1 X 30 U.S. cooperation with Iran urgent Nasser Hadian Tehran University Project Syndicate

'Govt only acts after an incident'

'Govt only acts after an incident' The government has been criticized for its inability to protect migrant workers from mistreatment by their employers overseas. Critics point out that these workers send billions of rupiah back to Indonesia. The Jakarta Post spoke with a number of people about the issue. Ryan, 28, is a street artist in South Jakarta.

checked

checked Caption for Spotlight. VISIT OF NIGERIAN MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE: Hotel Borobudur Jakarta hosted a large Nigerian delegation led by its Minister of Agriculture H.E. Bello Mallam Adamu from October 15 through October 19, 2003. Pictured above are: H.E. Bello Mallam Adamu (wearing garland) greeted by Hotel Borobudur Resident Manager I Wayan Astawa.

The Jakarta Post

The Jakarta Post Jakarta The Indonesian Capital Market Supervisory Agency (Bapepam) and Thailand's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC Thailand) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enhance cooperation in supervising and developing the capital markets of both countries. The MOU was signed in Bangkok on Monday by SEC Thailand secretary-general Prasarn Trairatvorakul and Bapepam chairman Herwidayatmo, SEC Thailand said in a statement.

ICW alleges graft in school projects

ICW alleges graft in school projects A. Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A corruption watchdog alleged on Monday that education projects worth trillions of rupiah, including those funded by foreign agencies, were rife with corruption, and some of top culprits included officials with the Ministry of National Education.

Court opens terror trials in Medan

Court opens terror trials in Medan Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan, North Sumatra The trials of 11 Acehnese separatists charged with committing acts of terror over the past year started on Monday in Medan, North Sumatra, amid tight security. Police deployed 100 armed personnel to secure the trials at the Medan District Court, where visitors had to undergo security checks prior to entering the building.

Guarantees for gas contract payments needed

Guarantees for gas contract payments needed Todd Callahan, PT Jasa Cita, Jakarta Edimon Ginting's article in this newspaper titled Domestic gas should be used to fuel Indonesia's future (Oct. 2) hit the nail on the head. There is no doubt that development of domestic natural gas to satisfy Indonesia's burgeoning energy needs will benefit the country.

Jamsostek tightens investment control

Jamsostek tightens investment control Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta PT Jamsostek, a state-owned company that operates most the country's social security programs for workers, has tightened its investment procedure to secure its assets and boost profits in the coming years.

Samson movers responds

Samson movers responds This is in response to Rohayu's letter in The Jakarta Post, on Sept. 24, titled Samson's weak removal service, and we wish to explain the true side of the story. I came to know Ayu (Rohayu Kutep the wife of Nasser Wahab) when she called our office to move her things from Kemayoran Apartment to Taman Rasuna Apartment in Kuningan.

checked

checked Caption for Spotlight. VISIT OF NIGERIAN MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE: Hotel Borobudur Jakarta hosted a large Nigerian delegation led by its Minister of Agriculture H.E. Bello Mallam Adamu from October 15 through October 19, 2003. Pictured above are: H.E. Bello Mallam Adamu (wearing garland) greeted by Hotel Borobudur Resident Manager I Wayan Astawa.

PPATK officially operates as dirty money watchdog

PPATK officially operates as dirty money watchdog Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government officially launched on Monday the Financial Transaction and Report Analysis Center (PPATK) as the highest authority to combat money laundering in the country.

RI-Australia ties still 'long way to go'

RI-Australia ties still 'long way to go' Samantha Brown, Agence France-Presse, Bangkok Indonesia and Australia have a long way to go in building a strong relationship but they have established a firm foundation on which to proceed, Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda said Monday.

Susilo urges greater role for moderates in terror fight

Susilo urges greater role for moderates in terror fight Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Giving moderate Muslim leaders a greater role in society is essential if the emerging threat of radicalism among their followers is to be halted, a senior security minister said. "The government needs to give these moderate Muslim leaders more room to educate people...

Sampoerna's revenue up on price increase

Sampoerna's revenue up on price increase The Jakarta Post Jakarta The country's second largest cigarette producer PT HM Sampoerna announced on Monday that it had recorded a slight rise in sales revenue in the first nine months of this year amid a decline in sales volume. In a statement, the company said that as of the end of September its sales increased by 3 percent to Rp 10.8 trillion (US$1.3 billion) from Rp 10.5 trillion a year earlier.

Noor Ibrahim extracts beauty out of deformity

Noor Ibrahim extracts beauty out of deformity T.Sima Gunawan, Contributor, Jakarta Beauty is not always associated with smoothness, neatness and orderliness. Deformity can also entail its own form of inner beauty. And that is what sculptor Noor Ibrahim presents in his unique metal works currently on display here.

The system is bankrupt

The system is bankrupt The steep decline in the number of bankruptcy lawsuits filed with the Commercial Court in Jakarta by no means indicates a strong recovery in the business sector but is simply further evidence of distrust by businesses in the bombed-out, corrupt court system, especially the bankruptcy regime. The bankruptcy system itself is almost bankrupt.

Accountability ill spot in corruption fight

Accountability ill spot in corruption fight Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia is strengthening its accountability framework, but the effort is having little impact on the fight against widespread corruption, as evident by the fact that only a few corruptors are being held responsible for their crimes, the World Bank said in its report issued on Monday.

JP/20/SAHLAN

JP/20/SAHLAN Sahlan has own way to fight court Mafia Sri Wahyuni The Jakarta Post Yogyakarta Sahlan Said, 56, is just an ordinary judge at Yogyakarta District Court, without an important position. But many see him as special and extraordinary, in the sense that he is one of only a few judges who have the guts to fight what is popularly called the "court Mafia," with regard to the promotion of judges.

High-tech 'wayang' conveys age-old wisdom

High-tech 'wayang' conveys age-old wisdom Sandy Darmosumarto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta "Fear the poor populace, the stupid populace, because their existence indicates that your leadership is incompetent. Remember this, don't forget," says Bima, telling his grandchild, Parikesit, to uphold social justice and use force to abolish injustice. This was the powerful message conveyed to the audience during the Jakarta premier on Oct.

HSBC launches sharia service

HSBC launches sharia service The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC) launched a new sharia banking service on Monday, making it the first foreign bank in the country to provide the service. Chief executive officer of HSBC Indonesia Richard McHowatt said that Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim country, was seeing an increased demand for sharia banking products and services.

Heryanto leaves Hasan Sadikin Hospital

Heryanto leaves Hasan Sadikin Hospital Yuli Tri Suwarni The Jakarta Post Bandung Heryanto, the elementary school student who attempted suicide two months ago, was transferred from Hasan Sadikin Hospital in Bandung to a hospital in his hometown of Garut on Monday. Eliana Sungkar, one of the doctors who treated Heryanto at Hasan Sadikin, said the transfer was made possible by improvements in the boy's condition.