Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 23 October 2003

78 articles found

Traffic solution?

Traffic solution? From Bisnis Indonesia Traffic congestion is an everyday thing in Jakarta, where the number of motorized vehicles increases by seven percent to 10 percent annually. In an attempt to overcome this problem, the Jakarta administration has been building a number of underpasses across the city. Given the high cost of the construction of these underpasses -- Rp 28 billion for the one on Jl.

ADB to grant $3.27b in fresh loans to Indonesia

ADB to grant $3.27b in fresh loans to Indonesia Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced a lending program to Indonesia of up to US$3.27 billion to be dispersed in over 30 loan projects over the next three years.

Residents set fire to rubber factory, 53 arrested

Residents set fire to rubber factory, 53 arrested Suherdjoko, The Jakarta Post, Pati, Central Java Local police officers have detained 53 latex tappers from Karangsari subdistrict in Pati after they were caught on Tuesday in a destructive rampage at the rubber processing company PT Rumpun Sari Antan. As of Wednesday, the police were still questioning them at the Pati Police station, located some 75 kilometer south of Semarang.

Rp 5.25 trillion for rice subsidy next year

Rp 5.25 trillion for rice subsidy next year The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government and the budget commission of the House of Representative has decided to allocate Rp 5.255 trillion (US$588 million) to subsidy rice for the poor next year. This represents an approximately 10 percent increase over the Rp 4.83 trillion allocated last year.

Balinese literature may help preserve identity

Balinese literature may help preserve identity Made Jagra, Contributor, Denpasar In the last 10 years, the Balinese have been toiling to preserve their identity, amid wide exposure to Western culture brought in by the influx of foreign visitors. When you visit a Balinese family, you may hear the members converse not in their mother tongue but Bahasa Indonesia, English or even another foreign language.

Govt sells 3.9% stake in Indocement for Rp 352b

Govt sells 3.9% stake in Indocement for Rp 352b Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has sold a 3.9 percent stake in the country's second largest cement producer, PT Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa, to German-based cement giant Heidelberg Zement AG for Rp 352 billion (about US$42 million).

Telkom to invest $250m in CDMA next year

Telkom to invest $250m in CDMA next year Rendi A Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned telecommunications firm PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia plans to invest at least US$250 million next year in a bid to boost network coverage and the customer base of its newly- launched fixed-wireless service, TelkomFlexi.

Public fitness or disturbance?

Public fitness or disturbance? From Kompas A group of housewives exercise under the guidance of instructors on Jl. Dr. Saharjo, Swadaya II Manggarai, East Jakarta. But over the last three months, these twice weekly activities have annoyed local residents, because they start at 6 a.m. and finish at 8 a.m. To motorists, the exercises cause a considerable disturbance as they block the way during morning rush hour -- when people go to work, school and tend to various jobs in the area.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Oct. 22, 2003

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Oct. 22, 2003 ____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume _____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,150 -50 7,500 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 105 0 162,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 75 0 310,500 Alakasa Industrindo 115 -20 500 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 1,250 0 0 Alter Abadi Tbk 30 0 8,000 Alumindo Light...

PT Integrasi wins IT tender

PT Integrasi wins IT tender JAKARTA: The General Elections Commission (KPU) announced on Wednesday that PT Integrasi Technology had been awarded a tender to provide information technology (IT) infrastructure for next year's elections. The final result was announced after the five days given to the public to lodge objections to the company winning the tender after the KPU announced it as the preliminary winner.

NU joins public policy network

NU joins public policy network JAKARTA: The country's largest Muslim organization, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), has joined the Indonesian Public Policy Network (JAJAKI), which aims to help find a new model of development in Indonesia following the reform movement in 1998. The inclusion of the NU brings the number of major government and non-governmental organizations supporting the network to 30.

Formula milk promotions under watchful eyes

Formula milk promotions under watchful eyes Rudijanto, Contributor, Jakarta Reports on huge numbers of Indonesian children suffering from malnutrition is not too surprising since the majority of the populace are still languishing in poverty, but that infant formula milk producers have been labeled as partly responsible for such malnutrition is very worrying.

Misinterpretation of Islam causes violence: Mahathir

Misinterpretation of Islam causes violence: Mahathir Sri Wahyuni and A. Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta/Jakarta Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said that the misinterpretation of basic Islamic teachings has prompted some Muslims to commit violent acts. "They wrongly interpreted the teachings. I called on them to go back to the basic teachings of Islam," Mahathir said in a special interview with private television station TV7 in Yogyakarta on Wednesday.

Thai minister seeking energy ties with Russia,Indonesia

Thai minister seeking energy ties with Russia,Indonesia Dow Jones,Bangkok Thailand's Energy Ministry is pursuing cooperation with Russia and Indonesia that will pave the way for Thai companies to invest in petroleum exploration and power plant construction, Minister Prommin Lertsuridej said on Wednesday. The collaboration also aims to boost trading in petroleum products between Thailand and the two countries, Prommin added.

Mahathir arrives in East Timor

Mahathir arrives in East Timor EAST TIMOR: Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad arrived in East Timor late on Wednesday leading a high-level delegation of ministers and business executives. Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri and foreign minister Jose Ramos- Horta welcomed Mahathir and his wife at Dili international airport. "I hope East Timor can have good cooperation with Malaysia and together we can develop East Timor," said the Malaysian leader, who steps down on Oct.

Government told not to sideline culture

Government told not to sideline culture Tantri Yuliandini and Kasparman Piliang, The Jakarta Post, Bukittinggi, West Sumatra The fifth National Congress on Culture in Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, ended on Wednesday with dozens of recommendations that the government should take into account when drafting future policies.

Coastal development needs locals

Coastal development needs locals JAKARTA: Coastal and maritime development in the coming 10 years must empower local communities to manage their natural resources in a sustainable manner, an expert said on Tuesday. Tridoyo Kusumastanto of the Bogor Agriculture Institute said coastal and maritime development had so far neglected the role of local communities.

World leaders welcome Iran's pledge on its nuclear program as positive

World leaders welcome Iran's pledge on its nuclear program as positive Agence France-Presse, Kuta, Indonesia World leaders headed by U.S. President George W. Bush joined on Wednesday in applauding Iran's pledge to comply with strict international demands regarding its nuclear program.

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Is it the end of U.S. dollar supremacy? David E. Sumual Analyst Danareksa Research Institute Jakarta 2. Yale 23 -- The world's poor and sick have not been forgotten 1 X 30 Poor and sick, but not forgotten Krishna Ravi Srinivas Visiting Scholar, School of Law Indiana University Bloomington, U.S.A. Yale Center for the Study of Globalization

Inconsistency found in Constitution

Inconsistency found in Constitution JAKARTA: The Constitutional Commission held a meeting on Wednesday to hear the opinions of its members on the four constitutional amendments conducted by the People's Consultative Assembly between 1999 and 2003. During the meeting presided over by commission chairman Sri Sumantri, commission member Dahlan Thaib said he found some conflicting articles in the amended Constitution.

'Shift in focus at APEC understandable'

'Shift in focus at APEC understandable' Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Analysts cited as "understandable" the shift in focus at the newly concluded forum of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) from economic issues to security and terrorism concerns. "It's been proven that terrorism can cripple the economy of any country. It has become a global issue. What's important for Indonesia is how to make the best out of the situation," Sri Adiningsih told The Jakarta Post.

Manpower minister asked resign for failing to protect workers

Manpower minister asked resign for failing to protect workers Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives leadership demanded on Wednesday the resignation of Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Jacob Nuwa Wea for his failure to protect the country's migrant workers. House Deputy Speaker Muhaimin Iskandar said the minister was considered to be unable to cope with this issue, as shown by the repeated cases of abuse against Indonesian workers overseas.

People urged to watch nomination

People urged to watch nomination JAKARTA: The Indonesian Women's Movement for Politics urged the public on Wednesday to mount pressure on political parties to allow women to make up 30 percent of their legislative candidates for the 2004 elections. Francisia Seda of the Center for Electoral Reform (CETRO) suggested that pressure be applied during the candidate selection period between November and December.

'Migrant workers are like human punching bags'

'Migrant workers are like human punching bags' Many returning migrant workers have sad stories to tell of being mistreated at the hands of their employers. Over the last two weeks alone, at least 15 migrant workers, mostly women, have been hospitalized upon their return to Jakarta with injuries and psychological trauma. The Jakarta Post spoke with several people about this issue. Umar MS, 45, is a driver with the Morante Taxi Group.

1. BUSH: 48 pt, 3 cols, 3 x 18

1. BUSH: 48 pt, 3 cols, 3 x 18 Bush stopover in Bali lends Mega support 2. MAHATHIR: 36 pt, 4 cols, 2 x 28 Misinterpretation of Islam causes violence: Mahathir 3. ANGKE: 30 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 40 City demolishes fishermen's last outpost 4. HAMBALI: 28 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 28 Bush promises to deliver Hambali to Indonesia 5. BUS: 28 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 40 Man hijacks shuttle bus with fake bombs 6. ODD: 20 pt, 2 cols, 1 x 28 Boy recites long poem after dream

APEC agenda

APEC agenda The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) was formed with no other basic goal than to promote closer economic co-operation among its member countries. There are enough substantive economic issues at hand to keep APEC relevant and busy without being sidetracked into other matters which are best handled in other international forums and organizations.

Bosscha Observatory to hold two-day seminar

Bosscha Observatory to hold two-day seminar Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung, West Java Dozens of Indonesian astronomers are attending a two-day seminar at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) in the West Java capital of Bandung.

New roads promote car sales, expert says

New roads promote car sales, expert says Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The construction of new roads will encourage people to buy cars instead of using public transportation and will not solve the worsening traffic jams in the capital, said transportation observer Darmaningtyas of the Transportation Institute (Intrans). "Wider new roads, flyovers and underpasses will only attract Jakartans to buy cars.

'Baby Apec' dies in the hospital

'Baby Apec' dies in the hospital THAILAND: A baby boy abandoned in a Bangkok trash can and nicknamed "Apec" died in the hospital on Wednesday after nine short days of life, hospital officials said a day following the summit after which he was named. The 3.2 kg (seven pound) baby, named after the two-day Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit held in Bangkok, died after his heart stopped beating due to complications from oxygen deprivation.

1. Mukti -- Strengthening cooperation of moderate Islam

1. Mukti -- Strengthening cooperation of moderate Islam 1 X 23 Boosting moderate Islam Abdul Mu'ti Chairman, National Board Muhammadiyah Youth Jakarta 2. Arnie -- Arnie's easy ride with U.S. media 1 X 30 Arnie's easy ride with U.S. media Duncan Campbell Guardian News Service Los Angeles 3. Strait -- APEC sets its course 1 X 30 APEC sets its course on economy The Straits Times Asia News Network Singapore

Two explosions near jewelry shops

Two explosions near jewelry shops MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Two consecutive explosions occurred on Wednesday in front of three jewelry shops on Jl. Sombaopu in the South Sulawesi capital of Makassar. No fatalities were reported nor were the shops damaged. Witnesses said that the explosions came from the ditch in front of Metro, Bintang Mas and Melati jewelry shops. The police bomb squad arrived at the scene soon after the incident.

City demolishes fishermen's last outpost

City demolishes fishermen's last outpost Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite the bright sky on Wednesday afternoon, the day was gloomy for around 300 families of fishermen who packed their belongings and slowly left behind them their homes on the banks of the Muara Angke river. Aboard traditional fishing boats, with small Indonesian flags waving, some could not stop crying as they had lived on the riverbanks for more than 20 years.

TNT supports anti-bribery campaign

TNT supports anti-bribery campaign JAKARTA: Delivery service company TNT Indonesia voiced support on Wednesday for the ongoing anti-bribery campaign spearheaded by the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin). TNT said all the members of the Association of Indonesian Express Delivery Services Company (Asperindo), including TNT Indonesia, had signed the anti-bribery pact on Oct. 9.

2 heads

2 heads 1. BOOK 1x42 Literature may help Balinese preserve their identity Balinese literature helps preserve identity 2. WAYANG 1x50 New technology keeps 'wayang kulit' alive in Bali

APEC sets its course on economy

APEC sets its course on economy The Straits Times, Asia News Network, Singapore As APEC summits go, the Bangkok session just concluded was pre-ordained to be one of the most charged in the decade-long history of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. And so it has proved. Firstly, bitterness over the World Trade Organization's inconclusive Doha Round in Cancun was transferred to Bangkok. All the principals to the dispute bar the Europeans were represented. This was unfinished business.

Bush promises to deliver Hambali to Indonesia

Bush promises to deliver Hambali to Indonesia Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Kuta, Bali United States President George Walker Bush promised on Wednesday to hand over terrorist suspect Riduan Isamuddin, alias Hambali, to Indonesia but failed to give any time frame. During bilateral talks with President Megawati Soekarnoputri here on Wednesday, Bush said Hambali would be handed over to Indonesia once U.S. investigators completed their work.

Evictions an abuse of human rights: Komnas HAM

Evictions an abuse of human rights: Komnas HAM Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A string of evictions in the capital during the past two months has been classified as systematic abuses of human rights by the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM). A member of Komnas HAM, Taheri Noor, told Governor Sutiyoso at City Hall on Wednesday that the city administration's method of vacating land occupied by illegal squatters had been systematic.

NU joins public policy network

NU joins public policy network JAKARTA: The country's largest Muslim organization, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), has joined the Indonesian Public Policy Network (JAJAKI), which aims to help find a new model of development in Indonesia following the reform movement in 1998. The inclusion of the NU brings the number of major government and non-governmental organizations supporting the network to 30.

Chevrolet Blazer LT, the most luxurious SUV

Chevrolet Blazer LT, the most luxurious SUV To spoil the customers demand for various kinds of sports utility vehicle (SUV), PT General Motors Indonesia (GMI) launched a new variant of the Chevrolet Blazer LT last week. The launch was only six months after the company launched the Chevrolet Blazer DOHC. The car, claimed to the most luxurious of its kind, still retains the old performance of the Blazer and only has a sleek facelift on the exterior.

JAKARTA: Delivery service company TNT Indonesia voiced support

JAKARTA: Delivery service company TNT Indonesia voiced support on Wednesday for the ongoing anti-bribery campaign spearheaded by the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin). TNT said all the members of the Association of Indonesian Express Delivery Services Company (Asperindo), including TNT Indonesia, had signed the anti-bribery pact on Oct. 9.

Maluku needs Rp 4.4 trillion

Maluku needs Rp 4.4 trillion JAKARTA: Maluku province needs a staggering Rp 4.4 trillion (US$550 million) to fund post-conflict rehabilitation programs in the formerly riot-torn province, a top official has said. Emerging from a meeting with Vice President Hamzah Haz here on Wednesday, Maluku governor Albert Karel Rahalalu said that the funds would mainly be used to rebuild destroyed school buildings and government offices and to handle the refugee problem.

Airport company admits Terminal III is inhumane

Airport company admits Terminal III is inhumane Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang For Darsiah, 58, meeting her own daughter was not easy. Arriving from Indramayu, West Java, on Monday afternoon, she had to stay overnight at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, waiting for her daughter Marni, 25, to exit from the airport's terminal III. Marni is one of hundreds of thousands of Indonesian migrant workers working in Middle Eastern countries. She has been working in Yemen for two years.

White Paper: Perfect remedy or quixotic ivory tower fantasy?

White Paper: Perfect remedy or quixotic ivory tower fantasy? Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Economists cautiously praised on Wednesday the government's economic package laid out in its White Paper, saying the package was comprehensive but still lacked focus due to the sheer number of programs. They also said the White Paper showed some inconsistencies. "Overall, the program is good, comprehensive.

Rusli Zainal wins Riau governorship

Rusli Zainal wins Riau governorship Haidir Anwar Tanjung, The Jakarta Post, Pekanbaru, Riau Rusli Zainal emerged Tuesday as the new governor of resource-rich Riau province after defeating three other candidates in an election. Rusli, who is a former regent of Indragiri Hilir, paired up with Wan Abubakar to clinch a landslide victory in a race described by a local scholar as the "victory of conscience".

Dana Mahmud surges ahead at 5th PP Cup

Dana Mahmud surges ahead at 5th PP Cup The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Seven birdies thrust Dana Mahmud into the second-round lead of the Rp 150 million (US$19,500) Fifth Pemuda Pancasila Cup golf championship at the Matoa Nasional golf club on Wednesday. Dana, playing under the banner of Damai Indah Golf (DIG) in Tangerang, raced into the lead with three superb birdies on the fifth, sixth and seventh holes. He also birdied the third, ninth, 10th and 18th holes.

Boosting moderate Islam

Boosting moderate Islam Abdul Mu'ti, Chairman, National Board Muhammadiyah Youth, Jakarta In the last decade or so, Islam in Indonesia has shown contrasts in its development. On the one hand its tolerant and peaceful face has moved toward a more radical image in the light of the bombings linked to radical groups here. On the other hand, there has been a process of transformation or convergence between the "modernist" (Muhammadiyah) and the "traditionalist" (Nahdhatul Ulama).

Leaders blame U.S foreign policy

Leaders blame U.S foreign policy Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Kuta, Bali Five religious leaders of different faiths told U.S. President George W. Bush on Wednesday that his foreign policy was to blame for growing radicalism among Muslim communities. The leaders told Bush that if he wanted the support of Muslim countries for his war on terror, his policies would have to change.

Bush makes stopover in Bali, lends support to Megawati

Bush makes stopover in Bali, lends support to Megawati Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Kuta, Bali Against the advice of his own security people, U.S. President George Walker Bush made a lightning stopover in Kuta, Bali on Wednesday, lending much-needed support to President Megawati Soekarnoputri's campaign against terrorism.

Mahathir arrives in East Timor

Mahathir arrives in East Timor EAST TIMOR: Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad arrived in East Timor late on Wednesday leading a high-level delegation of ministers and business executives. Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri and foreign minister Jose Ramos- Horta welcomed Mahathir and his wife at Dili international airport. "I hope East Timor can have good cooperation with Malaysia and together we can develop East Timor," said the Malaysian leader, who steps down on Oct.

TV Program: Thursday, October 23, 2003

TV Program: Thursday, October 23, 2003 .TB.30" .90" TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 8:00 Travel 9:00 Business Magazine 11:30 Music 12:00 p.m. Talk Show 1:00 News: Berita Siang 2:00 TV Drama 3:00 City News 3:30 Documentary 4:00 Children's Program 6:00 English News Service 7:00 News 8:00 Music 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 9:30 Music: Country Road 11:00 Comedy 11:30 Music 12:40 News TPI 6:00 a.m.

Poso has new district military commander

Poso has new district military commander POSO, Central Sulawesi: Lt. Col. Kurnia Dewantara, the chief of the 1307 district military command in Poso, has been replaced by Lt. Col. IGK Ray Gunawan on Wednesday. The replacement was made only a few days after attacks in three villages in Poso claimed nine lives. The reasons for the replacement are still unclear. Kurnia will now assume the post of chief of the 1304 district military command in Gorontalo, North Sulawesi.

Creativity amid misery

Creativity amid misery From Warta Kota Some people have lately become even more creative in trying to part bus passengers from their money. With the fires and evictions that have taken place in different parts of Jakarta, there are rumors that the victims have sent their children out onto the streets to get money in whatever way they can. As street singers, they are still accepted by the public.

'Deserters adversely affect operations'

'Deserters adversely affect operations' Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Observers urged the Indonesian Military (TNI) on Wednesday to review its policy on the deployment of soldiers to conflict-torn areas, which they said worsened the violence and sparked desertions.

48pt - 4/2 (2x10)

48pt - 4/2 (2x10) Evictions an abuse of human rights: Komnas HAM Bambang Nurbianto The Jakarta Post Jakarta A string of evictions in the capital during the past two months has been classified as systematic abuses of human rights by the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM). A member of Komnas HAM, Taheri Noor, told Governor Sutiyoso at City Hall on Wednesday that the city administration's method of vacating land occupied by illegal squatters had been systematic.

JI and terrorism

JI and terrorism From Forum The controversy over Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) has arisen since JI was linked with the Aug. Marriott Hotel bombing in Jakarta, which claimed dozens of victims. The Aug. 17, 2003 edition of Forum Keadilan contains two important points, namely the meaning of JI and the view of the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) that JI has never existed as an organization.

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, October 23, 2003

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, October 23, 2003 .TB.30" 1.0" Exhibition * Painting: Aesthetic and Nature featuring the works of eight painters from Kelompok Galang Kangin, at Griya Santrian Gallery, Jl. Danau Tamblingan 47, Sanur, until Oct. 31. Museums and Galleries * Sika Galery, Jl. Raya Campuhan Sanggingan, Ubud (Tel. 0361 975727, 975085) * Blue Moon Gallery, Jl. Tirta Tawar, Banjar Kutuh Kaja, Ubud (Tel. 0361 976727), daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. * Museum Puri Lukisan, Jl.

Poso gets new military commander

Poso gets new military commander POSO, Central Sulawesi: Lt. Col. Kurnia Dewantara, the chief of the 1307 district military command in Poso, has been replaced by Lt. Col. IGK Ray Gunawan on Wednesday. The replacement was made only a few days after attacks in three villages in Poso claimed nine lives. The reasons for the replacement are still unclear. Kurnia will now assume the post of chief of the 1304 district military command in Gorontalo, North Sulawesi.

Nurdin elected PSSI chief

Nurdin elected PSSI chief The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Nurdin Halid, who has a travel ban hanging over him because of his alleged involvement in a Rp 260 billion graft case, has been elected the new chairman of Indonesia's soccer governing body, PSSI. Nurdin, 45, a legislator from the Golkar faction, won 183 votes to beat out manpower minister Jacob Nuwa Wea, who collected 167 votes in the election on Tuesday.

1. DUIT ( 4 X 13)

1. DUIT ( 4 X 13) Asian monies mixed, peso falls to a month low 2. PG (1 x 24) JSX to delist Procter & Gamble shares 3. THAI ( 2 x 24) Thai minister seeking energy ties with Russia, Indonesia 4. Mining (1 x 40) Malaysia Mining, Gamuda win $3.8b project

Malaysian stands trial for church bombing

Malaysian stands trial for church bombing M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A Malaysian appeared in the East Jakarta District Court for the first time in connection with the bombing of Santa Anna Catholic Church, that left one person dead and 60 others injured on July 22, 2001. Defendant Nor Misuari, alias Nurdin, was charged with the illegal possession and use of explosives in relation to the blast in the church on Jl. Arafuru, Pondok Bambu, East Jakarta.

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.

Cities must acknowledge contribution of the poor

Cities must acknowledge contribution of the poor Evictions are beginning to become the order of the day again while a similar picture is happening in other cities in the country. The Jakarta Post's Ati Nurbaiti talked to sociologist Wardah Hafidz who coordinates the Urban Poor Consortium. The following is an excerpt of the interview: Question: How do you see the current trend of evictions?

Unicef alarmed by rise in HIV/AIDS cases in RI

Unicef alarmed by rise in HIV/AIDS cases in RI Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Alarmed by the increasing number of HIV/AIDS cases in Indonesia, the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) has decided to revise its five-year program to include HIV/AIDS awareness in its campaigns.

Action, not flattery needed

Action, not flattery needed In a joint press conference with his host, President Megawati Soekarnoputri, on Wednesday, U.S. President George W. Bush sent a strong message to Indonesian Muslims, the majority of the country's population, that he deeply respects Islam, which he described as a religion that is fully compatible with democracy, tolerance and progress.

20,000 people jobless in Pekalongan

20,000 people jobless in Pekalongan PEKALONGAN, Central Java: At least 20,000 people, or some 10 percent of the total population here, are now jobless due to unfavorable economic conditions, an official has said. Sofyan Adnan, the head of Pekalongan municipality's manpower office, said on Wednesday that business in the municipality had been slow since the economic crisis of 1997.

Malaysia Mining, Gamuda win $3.80b project

Malaysia Mining, Gamuda win $3.80b project Agence-France Presse, Kuala Lumpur Infrastructure group Gamuda Bhd. said Wednesday it and equal partner Malaysia Mining Corp. (MMC) have won a 14.45 billion ringgit (US$3.80 billion) contract for a double-tracking rail project that forms part of an ambitious trans-Asia link from Singapore to China. The project was initially promised to the Indian Railway Construction Co.

New technology keep 'wayang kulit' alive

New technology keep 'wayang kulit' alive Kadek Suartaya, Contributor, Denpasar, Bali In ancient Java and Bali, wayang kulit shadow puppet performances held a highly respected position due to their ability simultaneously to provide audiences with aesthetic entertainment, moral guidance and, to some extent, spiritual purification. Its two main sources for stories, the Hindu epics Mahabharata and Ramayana, animate wayang kulit through magical adventures, beautiful romances and pitched battles.

Bush's visit causes passengers long wait

Bush's visit causes passengers long wait Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Kuta, Bali Hundreds of airline passengers were stranded at the Ngurah Rai airport during the three-hour visit of United States President George W. Bush, despite Indonesia's refusal to meet Washington's demand for a no-fly-zone.

More GAM negotiators get jail terms

More GAM negotiators get jail terms Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam The Banda Aceh District Court sentenced on Wednesday two negotiators for the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), Nashiruddin Ahmad and Kamaruzzaman, to 13 years in prison each for treason and acts of terrorism. "The defendants have been proven guilty of committing treason and helping their accomplices commit acts of terrorism," said presiding judge Maratuo Rambe while reading out the verdict.

Man disrupts court session

Man disrupts court session JAKARTA: A man claiming to be a supporter of businessman Tomy Winata disrupted the hearing of a defamation suit filed by Tomy against senior Tempo journalist Goenawan Mohamad at the East Jakarta District Court on Wednesday. Only seconds after presiding judge Zainal Abidin Sangaji started the hearing, the man, identified as Abdul Gani, approached the defense team and said the magazine had run libelous articles aimed at tarnishing the businessman's image.

Job seekers deceiver arrested

Job seekers deceiver arrested TANGERANG: A woman was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly deceiving some 200 female job seekers by promising to employ them at PT Mandiri Putra, a subsidiary of PT Panarub shoe company, on Jl. M. Toha, Tangerang. The suspect, Lili Marlina, 24, had asked each job seeker to submit between Rp 400,000 (US$47) and Rp 600,000 for "administrative procedures" and promised them the job.

Man hijacks shuttle bus with fake bombs

Man hijacks shuttle bus with fake bombs Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Apparently inspired by some twisted Hollywood action movie, an unemployed Indonesian, Eko Purwanto, hijacked a Damri shuttle bus heading to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport from Rawamangun in East Jakarta on Wednesday afternoon.

BI raises rate for first time in six months

BI raises rate for first time in six months The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bank Indonesia (BI) raised its benchmark one-month SBI promissory note interest rate on Wednesday to 8.53 percent from 8.51 percent a week before, reversing the declining trend since the beginning of the year. The rise in the rate is the first since the April 2 auction. The interest rate has fallen 4.46 percentage points since the beginning of the year.

JSX to delist Procter & Gamble shares

JSX to delist Procter & Gamble shares Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) has decided to delist PT Procter & Gamble Indonesia Tbk (P&GI) as the company's contract with Singapore-based Procter & Gamble International Operation Pte. on product distribution and "toll manufacturing" has been terminated. The bourse said it had a strong reason to delist the firm as the contract with the Singaporean firm was the main contributor to its revenue.

'Baby Apec' dies in the hospital

'Baby Apec' dies in the hospital THAILAND: A baby boy abandoned in a Bangkok trash can and nicknamed "Apec" died in the hospital on Wednesday after nine short days of life, hospital officials said a day following the summit after which he was named. The 3.2 kg (seven pound) baby, named after the two-day Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit held in Bangkok, died after his heart stopped beating due to complications from oxygen deprivation.

Singapore to open promotion center

Singapore to open promotion center MEDAN, North Sumatra: Singapore will soon open a tourism promo tion center in the North Sumatra capital of Medan in order to attract more Indonesians to visit the city state, a Singaporean official said. Ajit Singh, the Singapore Consul General to Indonesia for Riau province, said that the center would provide information on tourist attractions in Singapore. Riau is the neighboring province to North Sumatra.

BRI head office stormed by buyers

BRI head office stormed by buyers Rendi A Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite a modest promotion campaign, state Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) attracted a huge crowd on the first day of its share offering to the public on Wednesday. Hundreds of the bank's customers stormed the bank's head office from the early morning, struggling to get a small chunk of the bank. The queue of customers outside the bank's head office on Jl.

Government under fire for breaking up rights training

Government under fire for breaking up rights training Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A coalition of several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) lashed out at the government on Wednesday for not supporting rights activists while carrying out their duties in war-torn Aceh. The province has been under martial law since May in an attempt to defeat the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) rebels.