Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 22 October 2003

70 articles found

American Muslims strives to repair image of Islam

American Muslims strives to repair image of Islam In conjunction with the recently observed second commemoration of Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, the U.S. Department of State, via the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, invited many journalists, including The Jakarta Post's Rita A. Widiadana to visit Washington D.C. and New York City. They had the chance to talk to senior U.S. government officials, scholars, Islamic leaders and community leaders on how the American public perceives Islam and Muslims.

Al-Ghozi autopsy does not prove malfeasance

Al-Ghozi autopsy does not prove malfeasance Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Philippine authorities have treated the body of terrorist suspect and fugitive Fathur Rohman Al-Ghozi in such a way that it is impossible for anyone to determine the cause of his death, a forensic doctor says.

'Bali meet may help improve Islam's image'

'Bali meet may help improve Islam's image' Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Playing down protests from Muslim groups, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) chairman Hasyim Muzadi said he considered the meeting with United States President George W. Bush crucial to correct his perception of Islam. NU deputy chairman Masduki Baidlawi said on Tuesday Hasyim was under pressure to turn down the offer to meet Bush in Denpasar.

1. 5PIRACY (1x28)

1. 5PIRACY (1x28) ASEAN told to combat piracy Pusri to build organic fertilizer factory Councillors book plush hotels for election 10,000 Papuans infected with Aids

Widow of tycoon takes Hyundai helm

Widow of tycoon takes Hyundai helm SEOUL: The widow of the late chairman of South Korea's Hyundai Group on Tuesday took the helm of the ailing business empire, Hyundai said. Hyun Chung-Eun, the wife of the late Hyundai Group chairman Chung Mong-Hun, inherited the chairmanship of the group when she was appointed chairwoman of Hyundai Elevator, the group's de facto holding company.

Govt urged to issue law on people's rights to shelter

Govt urged to issue law on people's rights to shelter Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government's failure to issue a human rights law based on the Constitution could allow the Jakarta administration to continue its policy of evicting squatters without offering them legal protection.

Morowali attacker shot dead: Indonesian security forces shot dead

Morowali attacker shot dead: Indonesian security forces shot dead on Tuesday another member of a gang that killed three people during attacks in Poso and Morowali regencies, Central Sulawesi. Madong, 27, was killed while trying to escape arrest during a raid, said Sr. Comr. Tatang Soemantri of the Central Sulawesi Police's detectives unit. Madong was suspected of involvement in attacks on Beteleme village, Morowali, on Oct. 10.

Serbia and Montenegro FM to visit RI

Serbia and Montenegro FM to visit RI JAKARTA: Serbia and Montenegro Foreign Minister Goran Svilanovic is scheduled to arrive here on Thursday for a three- day official visit. The Serbia and Montenegro Embassy said in a release on Tuesday that Svilanovic will hold talks with his Indonesian counterpart Hassan Wirayuda and other Cabinet ministers in charge of industry, trade and research, as well as with top executives from the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce.

Where to go in Surabaya, for Wednesday, October 22, 2003

Where to go in Surabaya, for Wednesday, October 22, 2003 Exhibition * Installation and Fine Arts Narsis - Me by Beny Wicaksono, CCCL - Centre Culturel et de Cooperation Linguistique (French Cultural Center), Jl. Darmokali 10 (Tel. 031 5615246), until Oct. 25. Films * French Film, Barnie et ses contrarieties, CCCL (French Cultural Center), Jl. Darmokali 10 (Tel. 031 5615246), 7 p.m., Oct. 22. * Short Films, CCCL (French Cultural Center), Jl. Darmokali 10 (Tel. 031 5615246), 6:30 p.m., Oct. 31.

Know which diet keeps you in tip-top shape

Know which diet keeps you in tip-top shape Melisa Southern-Garcia, Dietitian, Jakarta If you are a regular reader of my articles, you know that I am in no way a proponent of fad diets, in fact, I am very much against them. I regularly have clients ask me about a particular diet they may have heard about or have tried. Many of these diets have actually helped them, or someone they know lose weight.

More bomb suspects to face trial

More bomb suspects to face trial DENPASAR, Bali: The Denpasar District Court began its preparations on Tuesday for the trial of the remaining four suspects in the Bali bombings after receiving their case files from the provincial prosecutor's office. District Court President I Nengah Sarwa said the schedules for the trials of Suranto Abdul Ghoni alias Umar alias Wayan, Sarjio alias Syawad, Achmad Roichan alias Saad, and Hafidin alias Heri would be arranged as soon as possible.

RP backtracks over bioterrorism claims

RP backtracks over bioterrorism claims PHILIPPINES: The Philippine authorities on Tuesday backtracked over claims that a bioterrorism manual and traces of biological weapons had been found at a Jamaah Islamiyah terrorist hide-out. Vice chief of staff Lt. Gen. Rodolfo Garcia said examination of powders found at an apartment in Cotobato on the southern island of Mindanao showed they did not contain the tetanus bacteria as originally reported.

Police investigate Cilandak case

Police investigate Cilandak case JAKARTA: Police questioned two witnesses on Tuesday -- Hendro Hartanto and Jeremy Simatupang -- in the case relating to the violent eviction of the three houses on Jl. T.B. Simatupang, South Jakarta. The evictions were carried out on Thursday to make way for the extension of the Cilandak Town Square mall, despite a legal battle over the ownership of the land.

1. Purba - Let Bush go to the beach

1. Purba - Let Bush go to the beach 1 X 23 Let Bush go to the beach Kornelius Purba Staff Writer The Jakarta Post Jakarta korpur@yahoo.com 2. China -- Agreement can work to HK's benefit 1 X 30 Accord can work to HK's benefit Song Sio-Chong China Daily Asia News Network Beijing 3. Star -- Ungrateful and selfish education loan defaulters 1 X 30 Ungrateful education loan defaulters V.K. Chin The Star Asia News Network Selangor

Police quiz verification team members

Police quiz verification team members Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Police grilled two members of the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights' political party verification team over allegations of bribery during the recent party screening. "We questioned Wicipto and Cahyono as witnesses in the alleged bribery case," said a senior police investigator, who requested anonymity.

'Most workers do not know their rights'

'Most workers do not know their rights' Migrant workers suffer from harsh mistreatment by their employers as a result of the poor recruitment system. Worker recruitment agencies, supposedly responsible for the system, appear only to consider profit. The Jakarta Post talked to some people about the issue. Ana, 33, is an entrepreneur who lives in Pejaten, South Jakarta: It seems both the worker recruitment agencies and the government have taken advantage of migrant workers.

OPEC may up output: Purnomo

OPEC may up output: Purnomo JAKARTA: Indonesia's Energy Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro, who will take over the presidency of OPEC from next year, said on Tuesday the organization would increase output by 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) if oil prices stay above US$28 for more than 20 days. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries' (OPEC) decision to cut output by 900,000 bpd to 24.5 million bpd from Nov.

Bush thanks Thailand for capture of Hambali

Bush thanks Thailand for capture of Hambali Jim Gomez, Associated Press, Bangkok United States President George W. Bush on Tuesday personally thanked Thailand for the capture of Asia's top terror suspect Hambali, who according to officials was tracked down in a highly secretive CIA-backed operation after Cambodia and Singapore provided crucial leads, officials said. Hambali is accused of masterminding bomb attacks against U.S.

Gas pipe explodes, injures two

Gas pipe explodes, injures two TANGERANG: A suspected gas pipe leak at Supermal's food court in Karawaci, Tangerang, resulted in a huge explosion which injured two people on Monday evening. Johny, 41, and his two-year old son, Darel, of Jl. Gunung Duren, Lippo Karawaci housing estate, suffered serious injuries in the blast. Johny suffered lacerations on his head due to shattered glass while Darel suffered injuries to his right hand. They were taken to Siloam Gleneagles Hospital for treatment.

Violence at school

Violence at school In response to an article published on Oct. 14, 2003, titled Teacher orders pupils to whip nine-year-old, I would like to give my strong reaction. How come the teacher of Remban state elementary school in South Sumatra, initially named as Sa, 27, ordered classmates of a nine-year-old boy to take turns beating the child with a whip, recently? I think there is something wrong with the teacher's attitude.

Govt may allow sand exports to M'sia

Govt may allow sand exports to M'sia JAKARTA: The Indonesian government is considering allowing sand exports to Malaysia from Riau under a government-to- government agreement instead of business to business arrangement. "We will decide whether or not to allow sand exports to Malaysia next week," Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Rokhmin Dahuri said on Tuesday.

Bank Indonesia's accountability

Bank Indonesia's accountability The amendment of Law No. 23/1999 on Bank Indonesia (BI) has been delayed for a couple of years, mainly due to the insistence of the bank's board of governors in rejecting the proposal by the Minister of Finance to set up a supervisory board that would oversee the performance of the central bank. The Oct.

Record 55 films enter Oscar rate

Record 55 films enter Oscar rate Agence France-Presse, Los Angeles, California A record 55 movies entered the race to win nominations for next year's best foreign film Oscar, including Palestinian, Mongolian and Sri Lankan offers, organizers said on Monday. Films from Afghanistan, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Hong Kong, Indonesia, South Korea, Taiwan, Nepal and Iran were among those submitted for consideration by voters of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.

KL backs Manila peace talks

KL backs Manila peace talks THAILAND: Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has assured the Philippines that his country will continue to broker peace talks between Manila and Muslim guerrillas even after his retirement at the end of the month, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said on Tuesday.

Merck expands drug plant

Merck expands drug plant JAKARTA: Publicly listed drug company PT Merck Indonesia Tbk, a subsidiary of German firm Merck KGaA, has expanded its production facilities in Pasar Rebo, Jakarta, to strengthen its position in the Indonesian market. The expansion project, which started in 2001 and was recently completed, absorbed a total investment of Rp 40 billion (US$4.7 million), the company said in a statement on Tuesday.

3 new shopping centers set to open soon

3 new shopping centers set to open soon Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Three more large shopping centers are scheduled to open in Jakarta in the last quarter this year, providing more options for consumers. Plaza Semanggi in South Jakarta, Plaza Indonesia Entertainment Center in Central Jakarta and the Korea World Center in Pulo Mas, East Jakarta will all open within the next couple of months.

OPEC may up output: Purnomo

OPEC may up output: Purnomo JAKARTA: Indonesia's Energy Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro, who will take over the presidency of OPEC from next year, said on Tuesday the organization would increase output by 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) if oil prices stay above US$28 for more than 20 days. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries' (OPEC) decision to cut output by 900,000 bpd to 24.5 million bpd from Nov.

ASEAN told to combat piracy

ASEAN told to combat piracy Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan, North Sumatra Indonesia urged on Tuesday members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to establish security cooperation to combat piracy in international waters in the region. "Security cooperation is badly needed on the grounds that piracy has reached an alarming level in three international waterways," said Ibrahim Jusuf, head of Research and Policy Development at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Govt may allow sand exports to M'sia

Govt may allow sand exports to M'sia JAKARTA: The Indonesian government is considering allowing sand exports to Malaysia from Riau under a government-to- government agreement instead of business to business arrangement. "We will decide whether or not to allow sand exports to Malaysia next week," Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Rokhmin Dahuri said on Tuesday.

'Reconciliation does not shelve justice'

'Reconciliation does not shelve justice' Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Chairman of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) Abdul Hakim Garuda Nusantara said on Tuesday that reconciliation would not stop the legal process against rights abusers or justify impunity. Abdul Hakim said the state could not exempt rights abusers from the law as the commission would just be responsible for providing compensation and rehabilitation for the victims.

Merck expands drug plant

Merck expands drug plant JAKARTA: Publicly listed drug company PT Merck Indonesia Tbk, a subsidiary of German firm Merck KGaA, has expanded its production facilities in Pasar Rebo, Jakarta, to strengthen its position in the Indonesian market. The expansion project, which started in 2001 and was recently completed, absorbed a total investment of Rp 40 billion (US$4.7 million), the company said in a statement on Tuesday.

Councillors book plush hotel for election

Councillors book plush hotel for election Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon, West Java On the eve of the regental election on Wednesday Cirebon regency councillors stayed at star-rated hotels to avoid being bribed to vote for a particular candidate. The decision has drawn criticism from a number of organizations, who believe it was an extravagance that should have been avoided. "We don't understand why they have to spend the night at expensive star-rated hotels.

RPX Group clarifies

RPX Group clarifies Thank you for including our client -- RPX Group/PT Repex Wahana, in the supplement page on the transportation and logistics industry that appeared in the Oct. 21 edition of The Jakarta Post, page 17. However, I would like to inform you that the caption for the article was incorrect.

Pelni ready to transport vacationers

Pelni ready to transport vacationers JAKARTA: The state-own shipping firm PT Pelni is readying its fleet for the massive annual increase in passengers traveling to their hometowns to celebrate the post-fasting month holiday of Idul Fitri.

Pusri to build organic fertilizer factory

Pusri to build organic fertilizer factory Palembang-based fertilizer producer PT Pupuk Sriwijaja in collaboration with the Ministry of Research and Technology is to build an organic fertilizer factory in Sunter, North Jakarta. The factory will turn 1,000 tons of organic garbage per day into organic fertilizer, Zainal Soedjais, the president director of PT Pusri on Tuesday.

Presidential candidates' platforms vague: Experts

Presidential candidates' platforms vague: Experts Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Golkar's presidential candidates presented their electoral platforms before some 500 party members from across the country on Tuesday, but analysts said their programs were too general and vague. Their programs seemed uninteresting even to party members as many convention participants did not bother to show up at the auditorium where the candidates unveiled their manifestos.

Old faces will appear

Old faces will appear Saturday's discussion titled Megawati Among Her Rivals hinted at skepticism that in 2004 no new national leaders would emerge from the 2004 general election. The new president might be directly elected but he or she would be an old hand. The discussion, held to coincide with the establishment of Presidential Candidate Watchers (PCW), concluded that an old face would not be able to deal with this country's economic, social and political ills.

Prominent local golfers take lead at 55th PP Cup

Prominent local golfers take lead at 55th PP Cup The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Prominent local golfers took the lead of the Rp 150 million (US$19,500) 5th Pemuda Pancasila Cup with Asep Capri at the head of the field after carding a 5-under 67 (32 35) on Tuesday. Played in fine weather at the par-72 Matoa Nasional Golf Club in southeast Jakarta, Asep played aggressively to conquer the challenging layout designed by Peter Thompson in 1966.

Legislators call on KPU members to eschew tenders

Legislators call on KPU members to eschew tenders Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta House of Representatives legislators called on the General Elections Commission (KPU) to stay away from goods procurement tenders and instead focus on making policies that will ensure the success of the 2004 polls. Agun Gunandjar Sudarsa of the Golkar faction and Tjetje Hidayat Padmawinata of the Indonesian National Unity (KKI) faction said all tenders should be handled by the KPU's secretariat.

Indonesia cultural values nurture corruption

Indonesia cultural values nurture corruption Tantri Yuliandini and Kasparman Piliang, The Jakarta Post, Bukittinggi, West Sumatra Certain cultural values Indonesians hold dearly encourage corruption, making it almost impossible to eradicate such practices, secretary general of Transparency International Indonesia Emmy Hafild said on Tuesday.

Rp 6.5t of RDI funds set aside for 2004 budget

Rp 6.5t of RDI funds set aside for 2004 budget Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Legislators and the government have agreed to allocate Rp 6.5 trillion of Rp 8.5 trillion in the investment fund account (RDI) maturing next year to help finance the 2004 state budget as part of its non-tax revenue.

U.S. dollar stands firm on APEC

U.S. dollar stands firm on APEC Dow Jones, Singapore The dollar firmed against most Asian currencies on Tuesday after regional leaders meeting at an economic summit apparently rebuffed U.S. calls for more flexibility in foreign exchange policy. The U.S. currency strengthened against the South Korean won, the New Taiwan dollar, the Singapore dollar and the Philippine peso. It weakened against the Thai baht and was little changed against the Indonesian rupiah.

Singapore, US expand security ties during Bush visit

Singapore, US expand security ties during Bush visit Agencies, Singapore/Canberra Singapore and the United States agreed to formally step up their defense and security ties during U.S. President George W. Bush's visit to the Southeast Asian nation on Tuesday, officials said.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Oct. 21, 2003

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Oct. 21, 2003 ____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume _____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,200 0 12,500 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 105 0 385,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 75 0 335,500 Alakasa Industrindo 135 -15 2,500 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 1,250 0 0 Alter Abadi Tbk 30 0 25,000 Alumindo...

No sweet talk please: Let Bush go to the beach

No sweet talk please: Let Bush go to the beach Kornelius Purba, Staff Writer, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta, korpur@yahoo.com When then U.S. president Ronald Reagan visited Bali for four days in May 1986 on his way to attend the industrialized countries summit in Tokyo, he delivered only empty promises. Today, it is ridiculous to expect anything from U.S. President George W. Bush who is scheduled to stop on the island for three hours on Wednesday.

Historic building to be demolished for new hotel

Historic building to be demolished for new hotel Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor The city of Bogor looks likely to lose an old building with historical value after a joint venture between a local company and an international hotel chain decided on Tuesday to demolish the office of state-owned Radio Republic Indonesia (RRI) and replace it with a hotel.

GAM negotiators, activist get long sentences

GAM negotiators, activist get long sentences Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam The Banda Aceh District Court sentenced on Tuesday three negotiators of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), including chief negotiator Sofyan Ibrahim Tiba, and women activist Cut Nurasyikin, to prison terms of between 11 years and 15 years.

No sweet talk please: Let Bush go to the beach

No sweet talk please: Let Bush go to the beach Kornelius Purba, Staff Writer, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta, korpur@yahoo.com When then U.S. president Ronald Reagan visited Bali for four days in May 1986 on his way to attend the industrialized countries summit in Tokyo, he delivered only empty promises. Today, it is ridiculous to expect anything from U.S. President George W. Bush who is scheduled to stop on the island for three hours on Wednesday.

Batam officials try to lure more Japanese investors

Batam officials try to lure more Japanese investors Hendarsyah Tarmizi, The Jakarta Post, Tokyo Domestic and foreign companies operating in Batam will receive a broad range of tax incentives under the proposed law now being deliberated upon by the House of Representatives (DPR).

Ragunan Zoo to have kangaroos

Ragunan Zoo to have kangaroos The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Ragunan Zoo in South Jakarta will have three pairs of kangaroos courtesy of the Australian government by the end of the year. The announcement was made after a meeting between Australian Ambassador to Indonesia David Ritchi and Governor Sutiyoso at City Hall on Tuesday. Sutiyoso said the kangaroos were a symbol of the close relationship between the two neighboring countries.

TV Program: Wednesday, October 22, 2003

TV Program: Wednesday, October 22, 2003 .TB.30" 1.00" TVRI .TB.30" .90" 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Utama 7:30 Music 9:00 Entertainment News: Business Magazine 10:00 Game Show: Dibisikin 12:00 p.m. Talk Show: Konsultasi Keluarga 1:00 News: Berita Siang 1:30 Music 3:00 City News 4:30 Music 6:00 English News Service 7:00 News: Berita Malam 8:00 Quiz: Ekspresi Gaya Pelajar 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 9:30 Music: Dangdut Pro 11:30 Sports: Arena dan Juara 12:30 News: Berita Terakhir TPI 6:00 a.m.

Police investigate Cilandak case

Police investigate Cilandak case JAKARTA: Police questioned two witnesses on Tuesday -- Hendro Hartanto and Jeremy Simatupang -- in the case relating to the violent eviction of the three houses on Jl. T.B. Simatupang, South Jakarta. The evictions were carried out on Thursday to make way for the extension of the Cilandak Town Square mall, despite a legal battle over the ownership of the land.

Telstra may expand CSL into China

Telstra may expand CSL into China SYDNEY: Australia's Telstra Corp. is considering expanding its Hong Kong-based CSL mobile operations into China despite a drop in revenues, Telstra chief executive Ziggy Switkowski said on Tuesday. The company is also looking to expand its franchise in other Asian countries, Switkowski said, citing Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia as potential markets. "Getting CSL involved in some way in China is obvious.

Top carmakers upbeat about growth in Asia-Pacific

Top carmakers upbeat about growth in Asia-Pacific Max Sato, Agence France-Presse, Tokyo Leaders of the world's top automakers on Tuesday told an industry conference that they were optimistic about growth in their car sales in the Asia-Pacific region, led by newly emerging middle-class consumers in countries like China. Ford Motor Co.

Saudi minister admits RI workers' problems, urges proper training

Saudi minister admits RI workers' problems, urges proper training The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Saudi Arabia still needs Indonesian migrant workers to work as domestic helpers and also in the medical and electronic sectors. Problems have occurred when the workers do not have adequate skills even to do domestic work, said Saudi Arabian Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Ali bin Ibrahim Al-Namlah.

Old faces will appear

Old faces will appear Saturday's discussion titled Megawati Among Her Rivals hinted at skepticism that in 2004 no new national leaders would emerge from the 2004 general election. The new president might be directly elected but he or she would be an old hand. The discussion, held to coincide with the establishment of Presidential Candidate Watchers (PCW), concluded that an old face would not be able to deal with this country's economic, social and political ills.

Bali looks like war zone on the eve of Bush's visit, locals indifferent

Bali looks like war zone on the eve of Bush's visit, locals indifferent The Jakarta Post, Kuta/Surabaya/Mataram The planned visit of U.S. President George W. Bush to Bali has transformed Bali's popular tourist destination Kuta and its Ngurah Rai airport into a fortress, with soldiers and police roaming around the vicinity in full battle gear. Authorities tightened security on Tuesday in and around Ngurah Rai and Patra Bali Hotel, where President Megawati Soekarnoputri and her U.S.

2,069 to be deployed for verification

2,069 to be deployed for verification JAKARTA: The Jakarta General Elections Commission (KPUD) will deploy 2,069 staff and volunteers for the second phase of the verification process of 74 candidates for the Regional Representatives Council (DPD). KPUD member Muflizar said on Monday that the verification team would ask the candidates' supporters, whose ID cards were copied and submitted to KPUD.

Mahathir to receive engineering award

Mahathir to receive engineering award Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad arrived here on Tuesday to accept a distinguished fellow award from the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organization (AFEO) on Wednesday. Mahathir, who bode farewell to fellow ASEAN leaders during their summit earlier this month in Bali, won the award for his role in developing engineering within Malaysia and in Southeast Asia in general.

Junior marks broken at national athletics meet

Junior marks broken at national athletics meet The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Two junior national records were shattered during the track and field qualifying competition at the Madya stadium here on Tuesday. The four-day competition, which will run until Wednesday and is being held concurrently with the Junior National Championships, aims to select players for the national athletics team in the upcoming Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

Most Jakartans uninterested in politics

Most Jakartans uninterested in politics Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Research suggests that 66.3 percent of people living in the city have yet to participate in political activities, especially those concerned with policy-making. The results of a survey conducted by the Institute for Civil Society (INCIS) on Jakarta's socio-political participation were published in a book launched on Tuesday.

Whence Akbar's power?

Whence Akbar's power? How to describe this urbane gentleman who so smoothly changed his image as Soeharto's loyal man to that of defender of democracy and development? What should we do to stop him from manipulating the proreform forces and prevent him from restoring the power of the New Order regime? Who should be blamed for this messy situation? The gentleman we have in mind, of course, is Akbar Tandjung.

Food prices start to rise

Food prices start to rise Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The prices of some foods have begun to rise ahead of the beginning of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadhan next week. Eggs, cooking oil, coconuts and palm sugar are among those food items whose prices have risen. Eggs have experienced the sharpest price rise, from Rp 6,500 (77 US cents) per kilogram to Rp 8,000. The prices of red chilies, garlic, shallots, beef and fruit have remained stable.

Manulife takes over ING-Aetna

Manulife takes over ING-Aetna Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Life insurance firm PT Asuransi Jiwa Manulife Indonesia (AJMI), a local unit of Canadian-based giant Manulife Financial Corp., clinched its second acquisition deal this year in a bid to strengthen its existence in the country's insurance business. AJMI entered into an acquisition agreement on Tuesday with PT ING-Aetna Life Insurance Indonesia, a local unit of the Netherlands-based financial service company ING Groupe NV.

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.

Poso and national vigilance

Poso and national vigilance The outbreak of violence in Poso, Central Sulawesi, on Oct. 9 and Oct.12, in which 10 people in three villages were killed, is indeed deplorable and represents a challenge to the nation to manage the country with greater justice, transparency, accountability and democracy.

Levitra vs. Viagra in new 'Battle of the Bulge'

Levitra vs. Viagra in new 'Battle of the Bulge' Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Pharmaceutical companies Bayer Healthcare Indonesia and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Indonesia have recently introduced their erectile dysfunction (ED) drug, Levitra (vardenafil HCl), to the Indonesian market as an alternative to Viagra.

1. APEC -- 3 cols, 3 lines, 60pts, 14 counts

1. APEC -- 3 cols, 3 lines, 60pts, 14 counts APEC leaders vow to promote trade, fight terror 2. Dress -- 4 cols, 1 line, 48pts, 25 counts APEC shirts beyond reach of commoners 3. Aceh -- 4 cols, 1 line, 36pts, 35 counts GAM negotiators, activist get jail terms

KL backs Manila peace talks

KL backs Manila peace talks THAILAND: Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has assured the Philippines that his country will continue to broker peace talks between Manila and Muslim guerrillas even after his retirement at the end of the month, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said on Tuesday.

Evictions to cease during Ramadhan

Evictions to cease during Ramadhan Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The imminent arrival of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadhan looks set to bring relief, if only for a while, to the city's squatters as the administration has decided to put its eviction policy on hold. "The evictions will be halted during Ramadhan, but their suspension is only temporary," said Governor Sutiyoso on Tuesday after meeting four Jakarta mayors.