Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 8 October 2003

100 articles found

On the backstage of high-profile ASEAN Summit

On the backstage of high-profile ASEAN Summit The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, Bali The organization of the high-profile Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Indonesia has been shown to be wanting. The high-profile gathering of the region's leaders has been months in the planning but when the big day came, no one expected so many incidents to have occurred, both minor and major.

b]U.S. agents to screen visas in five Muslim nations: Agents from

b]U.S. agents to screen visas in five Muslim nations: Agents from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are to deploy at U.S. embassies and consulates in five Muslim nations to oversee visa issuance as part of a sweeping overhaul of immigration procedures, officials said on Tuesday.

[b]

KPU to bring forward election results 2. Priok 2 x 18 Pranowo rejects rights indictment 3. Komisi 2 x 30 Observers give thumbs down to Constitutional Commission 4 hambali 2 x 20 Police yet to link Hambali with al-Qaeda 5. sharia 3 x 20 Clerics meet in Bandung to push for sharia law

Philippines arrests suspected Jamaah operative

Philippines arrests suspected Jamaah operative Reuters Manila An Indonesian man suspected of being a key operative of the regional militant group Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) was arrested a week ago in the southern Philippines, a police intelligence official said on Tuesday. The intelligence official told Reuters that Taupik Rifqi, also known as Amil Irza, was tracked down on Oct. 2 at a budget hotel in Cotabato City.

Water supplier gets tough on illegal connections

Water supplier gets tough on illegal connections M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In a bid to reduce water theft that causes financial losses, PT Thames Pam Jaya (TPJ) water company cut illegal connections in North Jakarta on Tuesday. Workers from TPJ and top officials from city-owned tap water company PAM Jaya, guarded by policemen and security guards, cut 14 illegal water connections in Sukapura and Rawa Badak subdistricts in Cakung, North Jakarta.

RI beats Bhutan 2-0 in Asia qualification

RI beats Bhutan 2-0 in Asia qualification The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia only managed to clinch a 2-0 win over struggling Bhutan in the opening Group C match qualifier for the Asian Cup at the Abdullah Al-Faisal stadium, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, early on Tuesday, Antara reported. Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto put Indonesia in front with his goal in the 26th minute before Zainal Arif got the second in the 48th minute. The goal leaves Indonesia in second place behind Saudi Arabia.

RI joins Marseilles karate meet

RI joins Marseilles karate meet JAKARTA: Eight Indonesian karate athletes will take part in the Junior World Karate-Do Championships in Marseilles, France, from Oct. 19 to Oct. 26. The eight athletes are Meisya, Donny Dharmawan, Dede Supriyatna, Ismail Aswar, Syarif, Charles Napitupulu, Mario Tobing and Benri Sitorus.

Pertamina reviewing contracts, aims to boost profit

Pertamina reviewing contracts, aims to boost profit The Jakarta Post Jakarta The new management of state oil and gas company Pertamina is reviewing all contracts signed by the previous management in a bid to filter out less profitable projects. Pertamina president Ariffi Nawawi said on Tuesday that the review, the first major task to be carried out by the new management, was to get the firm focused on its main goal as a business entity -- that is to seek profit.

Megawati bids tearful farewell to Mahathir

Megawati bids tearful farewell to Mahathir The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, Bali Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri, as chairwoman of the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN), bid a tearful farewell to retiring Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad during the ninth ASEAN Summit on Tuesday. The Bali summit is Mahathir's last ASEAN meeting before his announced retirement later this month.

Creating a common market in ASEAN region

Creating a common market in ASEAN region Alan Cassels, Senior Technical Advisor, PT Birotika Semesta/DHL Express, Jakarta As political and business leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations gather in Bali for the ninth ASEAN Summit, they will chart the region's economic destiny in the coming decades if they endorse the concept of an integrated ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).

Pertamina's board reviewing contracts

Pertamina's board reviewing contracts The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The new management of state oil and gas company Pertamina is reviewing all contracts signed by the previous management in a bid to filter out less profitable projects. Pertamina president Ariffi Nawawi said on Tuesday that the review, the first major task to be carried out by the new management, was to get the firm focused on its main goal as a business entity -- that is to seek profit.

Police yet to link Hambali with al-Qaeda

Police yet to link Hambali with al-Qaeda Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Police said on Tuesday they had yet to link Hambali, the alleged leader of the Jamaah Islamiyah group, with al-Qaeda, following foreign media reports saying that the Osama bin Laden-led international terrorist network had financed last year's Bali bombings and had conspired in the planning of fresh attacks on Southeast Asia.

On shifting holidays

On shifting holidays From Media Indonesia In response to Media Indonesia's editorial on Sept. 24, 2003 on holiday shifts, we would like to explain the background and substance of the government policy. The joint decree (of three ministers) on this matter -- effective for the calendar year 2003 -- was issued after a long process of consultations with religious leaders and inter- departmental meetings.

TNI and civilian supremacy

TNI and civilian supremacy I refer to the article in The Jakarta Post on October 4, page 2, titled TNI still unwilling to accept civilian supremacy: Observers. The article introduces the arguments of a non military observer, Ikrar Nusa Bhakti from the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI). He suggests that the Indonesian Military (TNI) fails to respect civilian leadership and as such, has "remained unwilling to be subordinate to the civilian-run Ministry of Defense".

Embassy driver given MBE

Embassy driver given MBE JAKARTA: Murnan bin Adung, driver of the British Embassy in Jakarta, has been awarded Honorary Membership of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) after 40 years driving British Ambassadors around the metropolis. His MBE medal was presented to him by British Ambassador Richard Gozney on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II over the weekend. About 50 of his family members, colleagues and friends witnessed the ceremony, according to a press release made available on Tuesday.

ASEAN economic integration

ASEAN economic integration The photocopying machines at the secretariats of the ASEAN government and business summit meetings in Bali must have been operating at full speed, given the large number of documents, agreements and speeches on free trade, economic integration and investment liberalization produced over the past four days. Most notable was the new pact adopted on Tuesday to develop a full-fledged ASEAN Economic Community in 2020.

No tax on education

No tax on education From Media Indonesia Personally, I share the view of Gajah Mada University rector Sofian Effendy that there is no use in changing the status of an institute of higher learning into a state-owned legal entity if no benefit can be enjoyed by students and teaching staff.

ASEAN leaders, businesses differ on economic integration drive

ASEAN leaders, businesses differ on economic integration drive The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, Bali While 10 ASEAN leaders gathering here for an annual summit endorsed a proposal from their economic ministers to speed up the liberalization process in 11 priority industries, hundreds of the region's business leaders gathering at a next hotel wanted to focus first on two sectors: agriculture and tourism.

Man dies after police beating

Man dies after police beating DEPOK: Pujianto, 38, died on Tuesday of severe injuries caused by police beating last week, witnesses said. According to a neighbor who treated the deceased, Pujianto was beaten by three drunken policemen at about 1 a.m. on Sept. 30 in Puri Depok Mas housing complex on Jl. Raya Sawangan, Depok. The policemen were enraged when Pujianto thumped the private car of one of them to the beat of a song being belted out by a group of street musicians.

Students protest teacher's transfer

Students protest teacher's transfer TANGERANG: Around 1,300 students of SMUN 2 state high school marched to Tangerang municipality education agency on Tuesday, about one kilometer away from their school, to protest the agency's decision to transfer seven of their teachers. "Losing seven qualified teachers at the same time makes us scared that our image as one of the best schools will fade," said one of the students.

Observers give thumbs down to new commission

Observers give thumbs down to new commission Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Observers have warned the public not to be overly optimistic about the newly established Constitutional Commission, saying that the final say was still in the hands of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR).

JSX warns two listed firms over meeting

JSX warns two listed firms over meeting Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) announced on Tuesday it had issued warning letters to two listed companies and planned to issue letters to four others for failing to comply with market regulations. The JSX said in a statement that it had warned tire maker PT Gadjah Tunggal and its chemical unit PT GT Petrochem for failing to hold annual shareholder meetings since 1999.

Japan deals blow to Myanmar junta

Japan deals blow to Myanmar junta The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, Bali After Myanmar's success in persuading the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to soften their stance on the fate of Myanmar's opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, the impoverished country received a severe blow from Japan, its largest donor. Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on Tuesday bluntly told Myanmar Prime Minister Gen.

Electric train warning

Electric train warning From Koran Tempo It is unfortunate that passengers taking the electric train plying the Jakarta-Bogor-Jakarta route never pay attention to the regulations issued by the railway authorities. Warning against sitting atop trains can be found everywhere in the stations, but a lot of passengers still sit on top of the electric trains traveling between Jakarta and Bogor. On Sept.

TV Program: Wednesday, October 8, 2003

TV Program: Wednesday, October 8, 2003 .TB.30" 1.00" TVRI .TB.30" .90" 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Cartoon 9:00 Business Magazine 10:00 Game Show: Dibisikin 12:00 p.m. Talk Show: Konsultasi Keluarga 1:00 News: Berita Siang 3:00 City News 4:00 Student's Quiz 6:00 English News Services 7:00 News 8:00 Quiz: Ekspresi Gaya Pelajar 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 9:30 Music: Dangdut Pro 11:30 Sports 12:30 News TPI 5:00 a.m.

Children want blue sky back

Children want blue sky back JAKARTA: Around 1,000 children are slated to participate in a blue-sky campaign on Wednesday, by drawing and writing poems on their dreams of pollution-free air on a 500-meter banner, organizers said on Tuesday. The event, jointly organized by Swiss Contact Clean Air Project, Garda Budaya Indonesia Foundation and stationery maker Stabilo, will take place at the lobby of the Jakarta International Convention Center in Senayan, Central Jakarta, at 1:30 p.m.

Bandung court rules in favor of PT Dirgantara employees

Bandung court rules in favor of PT Dirgantara employees Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung, West Java The Bandung State Administrative Court ordered on Tuesday that state-owned aircraft maker PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) revoke its resolution suspending its 9,643 employees since July 11 this year. "The resolution must be revoked on the grounds that the company violated the 2003 Manpower Law," said Arpani Mansyur, who presided over the trial.

Unpad to present 'Russian Day'

Unpad to present 'Russian Day' BANDUNG: Padjadjaran University (Unpad), in cooperation with the Russian Cultural Center, will organize a two-day program to mark "Russian Day" at the Sanusi Harjadinata building, Bandung, starting Oct. 8. Unpad public relations head Hadi Suprapto Arifin said on Tuesday that Russian Day would be held to boost bilateral relations between Jakarta and Moscow within the field of education.

1. SEMINAR: 48 pt, 3 x 18

1. SEMINAR: 48 pt, 3 x 18 'War on terrorism should focus on root causes' 2. KOPASSUS: 36 pt, 4 cols, 2 x 30 Military chief orders probe of Kopassus' Aceh accident 3. DEMO: 32 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 25 Megawati bids tearful farewell to Mahathir 4. SUICIDE: 28 pt, 3 cols, 1 x 30 School student commits suicide 5. ODD WORLD: 20 pt, 2 cols, 1 x 25 Schroeder cracks up laughing

STABO maneuver works in close distance

STABO maneuver works in close distance Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta For antiterror troops, the maneuver known as the STABO, short for "stabilized tactical airborne building operation", is a common one in operations to rescue hostages, a military officer says. Former Army Special Forces chief Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said antiterror troops use the tactic for aerial infiltration to rescue hostages and drop them in a safer place without the helicopter having to make a landing.

"Good to see you again, Gloria"

"Good to see you again, Gloria" For Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, looking at the large poster of herself at the entrance to the Nusa Dua complex where the ASEAN summit is being held is probably like seeing an old friend. The poster, painted from a photo apparently taken some time ago, only bears a vague resemblance to President Arroyo today. Hanging next to Singapore's Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, the poster shows Arroyo wearing a red dress and with long hair.

Nine firms join KPU's IT tender

Nine firms join KPU's IT tender JAKARTA: Nine companies and consortium submitted on Tuesday their bids with the General Elections Commission (KPU) on a renewed tender to provide Information Technology (IT) infrastructure for next year's general elections.

Time to defuse Semen Gresik's 'time bomb'

Time to defuse Semen Gresik's 'time bomb' Vincent Lingga, Senior Editor, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Publicly listed PT Semen Gresik (SG) is sitting on a "time bomb" that could explode into messy international arbitration or litigation proceedings before the end of the year if the government does not act to resolve once and for all the corporate, political and social problems that the SG West Sumatra unit, PT Semen Padang (SP), has faced since 2000.

Part 2 of 2: Megawati, terrorism, UN & security community

Part 2 of 2: Megawati, terrorism, UN & security community J. Soedjati Djiwandono, Political Analyst, Jakarta Even if President George W. Bush has repeated his efforts to convince Muslims that he is not against Islam, his arguments are not always well received. Because, he is in fact fighting groups like al-Qaeda, that claim to fight in the name of Islam against the United States and its interests. The Muslim community here need not be defensive nor feel "cornered".

War on terrorism should focus on root causes: Experts

War on terrorism should focus on root causes: Experts Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta International experts have called for a new pattern of cooperation among governments across the globe in their fight against the root causes of transnational crime, saying no single country would be able to win the war against it alone.

Fraudulence found in DPD candidacy

Fraudulence found in DPD candidacy The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jakarta General Elections Commission (KPU DKI) officials said on Tuesday that many candidates eying a seat on the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) have falsified their supporters identities to reach the minimum requirement of 3,000 supporters.

Pranowo rejects rights charge

Pranowo rejects rights charge Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Defense lawyers for former Jakarta military police chief Maj. Gen. (ret) Pranowo asked the ad hoc rights tribunal for the Tanjung Priok massacre to reject the prosecutors' indictment against him on Tuesday, saying it lacked legal merit. Pranowo is charged with the unlawful arrest of up to 169 civilians, including Muslim politician A.M. Fatwa, and of detaining them at Military Police Headquarters on Jl.

At least one judge is just

At least one judge is just "To protect and serve", is the original motto of the American police that has been adapted by the Indonesian police. Therefore, it is quite hard to imagine how the police could let violence take place right under their noses in the police station. A particular incident took place at a police station, involving a group of people claiming to be supporters/employees of businessman Tomy Winata and several reporters of Tempo weekly magazine.

ASEAN leaders, businesses differ on economic integration drive

ASEAN leaders, businesses differ on economic integration drive The Jakarta Post Nusa Dua, Bali While 10 ASEAN leaders gathering here for an annual summit endorsed a proposal from their economic ministers to speed up the liberalization process in 11 priority industries, hundreds of the region's business leaders gathering at a next hotel wanted to focus first on two sectors: agriculture and tourism.

Puncak hold-ups

Puncak hold-ups From Warta Kota As I entered the Puncak area in West Java in July with my relatives, I had the window of my car open. About 500 meters from Puncak Pass, I noticed the apparent smell a scorched clutch lining. I thought it just came from an old burned tire because I knew my car was all right. Several people suddenly emerged, shouting out a warning that my car engine was on fire. But my heart said they were bad guys, wearing mechanics' suits and following us on motorcycles.

Trial resumes over ODA-funded project

Trial resumes over ODA-funded project Haidir Anwar Tanjung, The Jakarta Post, Pekanbaru, Riau The Tokyo District Court will resume the trial in the case involving Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) on Thursday over a controversial hydroelectric power plant project (PLTA) in Kampar regency, Riau province.

Done

Done FOR ADS BALI SUMMIT BATAM -- A competitive industrial region in the Asia Pacific The implementation of the law on the Free Trade Zone (FTZ) in Batam, which is now awaiting the approval of the House of Representative, will certainly turn the island and surrounding areas into one of the most attractive investment sites in the Asia Pacific.

Gunungkidul closes 33 schools

Gunungkidul closes 33 schools GUNUNGKIDUL, Yogyakarta: The local administration has closed 33 state elementary schools in Gunungkidul since 2001 due to a lack of students in the regency. Teachers and administrative staff from the schools concerned were transferred to other schools in neighboring areas, Gunungkidul education office head Wahyu Pujianto said on Tuesday. "The schools have been merged with others in the regency," he said.

Indonesian dominate Women's tennis tourney

Indonesian dominate Women's tennis tourney Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Three seeded Indians fell early while the Indonesian playing pack bounced back from last week's dismal performance to dominate the first-round matches of the US$10,000 Indonesia Women's Circuit tennis tournament at the Hilton tennis courts here on Tuesday.

Where to go in Surabaya, for Wednesday, October 8, 2003

Where to go in Surabaya, for Wednesday, October 8, 2003 Exhibitions * Photo Images and Paysage, CCCL - French Cultural Center, Jl. Darmokali 10 (Tel. 031 5615246), until Oct. 11. * Installation and Fine Arts Narsis - Me by Beny Wicaksono, CCCL - French Cultural Center, Jl. Darmokali 10 (Tel. 031 5615246), Oct. 15 - 25. Films * French Films, CCCL - French Cultural Center, Jl. Darmokali 10 (Tel. 031 5615246), 7 p.m.: Pierot le fou (Oct. 8), Barnie et ses contrarieties (Oct. 22).

* Headlines:'War on terrorism should focus on root causes' 2

* Headlines:'War on terrorism should focus on root causes' 2 * National: Clerics meet to push for sharia law 4 * Archipelago: Marine burned in TNI show dies 5 * Opinion: Is China cheating America? 7 * City: Water supplier gets tough on illegal connections 8 * Sports: Indonesians dominate women's tennis tourney 10 * World: North Korea says Japan not welcome at nuclear talks 11 * Business: Pertamina reviews contracts to boost profit 16 * Features: Catering to the obese becoming big business 18

Children want blue sky back

Children want blue sky back JAKARTA: Around 1,000 children are slated to participate in a blue-sky campaign on Wednesday, by drawing and writing poems on their dreams of pollution-free air on a 500-meter banner, organizers said on Tuesday. The event, jointly organized by Swiss Contact Clean Air Project, Garda Budaya Indonesia Foundation and stationery maker Stabilo, will take place at the lobby of the Jakarta International Convention Center in Senayan, Central Jakarta, at 1:30 p.m.

Marine burned in TNI show dies

Marine burned in TNI show dies Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post, Makassar, South Sulawesi A 23-year-old marine, who caught fire two days ago while taking part in a mock raid to mark the 58th celebration of Indonesian Military (TNI) Day in the South Sulawesi capital, Makassar, died on Tuesday in the hospital. The death brought the number of soldiers killed in connection with this year's TNI anniversary celebration on Sunday to nine. Second Sgt. Hery Wahyudi died at around 4:57 a.m.

Cirebon removes party attributes

Cirebon removes party attributes CIREBON, West Java: As the 2004 general elections are drawing near, public order officials at the Cirebon administration began on Tuesday to remove party attributes throughout the port city. Agus Sukmanjaya, head of the Cirebon Public Order Office, said that the removal was to maintain the tidiness of the city and to prevent political parties from grabbing a head start on their rivals ahead of the scheduled start of campaigning.

ASEAN leaders, businesses differ on economic integration drive

ASEAN leaders, businesses differ on economic integration drive The Jakarta Post Nusa Dua, Bali While 10 ASEAN leaders gathering here for an annual summit endorsed a proposal from their economic ministers to speed up the liberalization process in 11 priority industries, hundreds of the region's business leaders gathering at a next hotel wanted to focus first on two sectors: agriculture and tourism.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Oct.7,2003

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Oct.7,2003 __________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume __________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,025 25 35,000 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 105 5 205,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 160 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 145 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 1,250 0 5,000 Alter Abadi Tbk 25 0 0 Alumindo Light 220 5 539,500...

DaimlerChrysler gears for boom in ASEAN auto market

DaimlerChrysler gears for boom in ASEAN auto market Agence France-Presse, Nusa Dua, Bali German-U.S. auto giant DaimlerChrysler will invest up to 100 million euros (US$116 million) in Southeast Asia over the next two years to strengthen its presence and triple sales in 10 years, a top official says.

Yuan is at appropriate level: Premiere

Yuan is at appropriate level: Premiere NUSA DUA, Indonesia: China will not let its currency float freely until further financial reforms are in place, Premier Wen Jiabao said on Tuesday. "To keep the renminbi (yuan) stable at an appropriate and balanced level is conducive to the economic stability and development not only of China but also of the region and the world at large," Wen told a business conference on the sidelines of a regional summit here in Bali. The U.S.

Weaponry linked to terror suspects

Weaponry linked to terror suspects Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The National Police said on Tuesday the latest finding of ammunition and an FN-45 gun in a cave at the tourist resort of Tawangmangu in Karanganyar regency, Central Java, was linked to the recent arrests of terror suspects. "Police received information about guns (and ammunition) hidden by them (terrorist suspects). One of the hidden weapons has been found in Tawangmangu," said National Police deputy spokesman Sr. Comr.

Unocal to embark on West Seno project

Unocal to embark on West Seno project SINGAPORE: Unocal Corp. is set to embark on the second part of a two-phase West Seno oil and gas development project offshore East Kalimantan by early next year, said Andrew Buglass, a senior executive at Unocal Asia-Pacific Ventures Ltd. Unocal will "start the process (of arranging the award of an engineering and procurement contract) in earnest early next year," Buglass said Tuesday.

ASEAN's strategy for bringing ASEAN Community to reality

ASEAN's strategy for bringing ASEAN Community to reality The Jakarta Post Nusa Dua, Bali ASEAN leaders adopted frameworks on Tuesday for the establishment of the ASEAN Security Community (ASC), the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) as three pillars for reaching the goal of an ASEAN Community by 2020.

KTF to buy into Mobile-8 Telecom

KTF to buy into Mobile-8 Telecom SEOUL: South Korea's second largest wireless operator KTF said on Tuesday it has signed a contract to acquire a 2.9 percent stake in Indonesia's PT Mobile-8 Telecom in return for a US$10 million investment. With the investment, KTF will become the Indonesian company's preferred partner in its wireless Internet services. KTF has provided consultations on mobile services to PT Mobile-8.

Agence France-Presse

Agence France-Presse Singapore Singapore will be able to withstand rising competition from Malaysia for a slice of the lucrative aviation market, Transport Minister Yeo Cheow Tong said on Tuesday amid plans from its neighbour to build a transport hub right on its doorstep. Yeo said Singapore was watching plans by Malaysian tycoon Syed Mokhtar Albukhary to develop the Sultan Ismail Airport in Senai in the south Malaysian state of Johor into a regional aviation centre.

[b]

Megawati on terrorism, the UN and ASEAN security community Part 2 of 2 J. Soedjati Djiwandono Political Analyst Jakarta 2. Yale2 -- Asians Fear Rising U.S. Protectionism 2 X 30 Asians growing anxious over rising American protectionist policies Michael Richardson Yale Center for the Study of Globalization Singapore

KPU to bring forward 2004 election result

KPU to bring forward 2004 election result Moch . N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The General Elections Commission (KPU) decided on Tuesday to advance the announcement of the 2004 legislative election results from between April 21 and 30 to between April 21 and 28, and the number of seats each political party gets in the House of Representatives (DPR) from between May 7-8 to April 29-30.

"Good to see you again, Gloria"

"Good to see you again, Gloria" For Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, looking at the large poster of herself at the entrance to the Nusa Dua complex where the ASEAN summit is being held is probably like seeing an old friend. The poster, painted from a photo apparently taken some time ago, only bears a vague resemblance to President Arroyo today. Hanging next to Singapore's Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, the poster shows Arroyo wearing a red dress and with long hair.

U.S. gives milk to elementary students

U.S. gives milk to elementary students JAKARTA: U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia Ralph L. Boyce celebrated the World School Milk Day with students and teachers of state-run Gondangdia Elementary School in Menteng, Central Jakarta on Tuesday. After donating 168 packs of milk, Boyce talked to the students, who mostly come from poor families, on the importance of drinking milk.

City still not ready for rainy season

City still not ready for rainy season Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak and Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Bogor The city's flood and natural disaster crisis center was quiet on Tuesday despite warnings of possible flooding in the coming weeks as the rainy season picks us. Hidden on the second floor of Blok D in City Hall on Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan in Central Jakarta, the glass doors of the crisis center were locked and no office equipment was seen inside. "Of course the room is still empty.

KTF to buy into Mobile-8 Telecom

KTF to buy into Mobile-8 Telecom SEOUL: South Korea's second largest wireless operator KTF said on Tuesday it has signed a contract to acquire a 2.9 percent stake in Indonesia's PT Mobile-8 Telecom in return for a US$10 million investment. With the investment, KTF will become the Indonesian company's preferred partner in its wireless Internet services. KTF has provided consultations on mobile services to PT Mobile-8.

;JP;

;JP; ANPAc..r.. Bali-summit-agenda Museums Antonio Blanco's House Jl. Raya Campuhan, PO Box 8057, Ubud - Bali. Tel: (0361) - 975 502, daily 9 a.m. to 5 pm. Museum BaliJl. Mayor Wisnu, Denpasar, Bali (0361) - 222 680, Tuesday to Sunday (except Monday), 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Taman Budaya Cultural Center Jl. Nusa Indah, Denpasar, Bali, daily except holdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Puri Lukisan Museum Jl. Raya Ubud, Gianyar, (0361)-975 136, daily except Gulungan and Nyepi holdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

JP/8/Tawang

JP/8/Tawang Latest finding of weaponry linked to terror suspects: Police Damar Harsanto The Jakarta Post Jakarta The National Police said on Tuesday the latest finding of ammunition and an FN-45 gun in a cave at the tourist resort of Tawangmangu in Karanganyar regency, Central Java, was linked to the recent arrests of terror suspects. "Police received information about guns (and ammunition) hidden by them (terrorist suspects).

Asians growing anxious over rising American protectionist policies

Asians growing anxious over rising American protectionist policies Michael Richardson, Yale Center for the Study of Globalization, Singapore As Asian countries prepare to receive American president George W. Bush at the annual summit of Asia-Pacific nations, there is growing anxiety about U.S. economic policy towards the region. The failure of the Cancun talks on liberalizing farm trade, threats of punishment to countries who opposed the U.S.

JP/5/sharia

JP/5/sharia Clerics meet in Bandung to press for sharia Yuli Tri Suwarni The Jakarta Post Bandung Around 200 extremist clerics began a national two-day meeting here on Tuesday to push for the introduction of sharia law in the predominantly Muslim country ahead of the 2004 general elections.

Gunungkidul closes 33 schools

Gunungkidul closes 33 schools GUNUNGKIDUL, Yogyakarta: The local administration has closed 33 state elementary schools in Gunungkidul since 2001 due to a lack of students in the regency. Teachers and administrative staff from the schools concerned were transferred to other schools in neighboring areas, Gunungkidul education office head Wahyu Pujianto said on Tuesday. "The schools have been merged with others in the regency," he said.

Military chief orders investigation of Kopassus' accident in Aceh

Military chief orders investigation of Kopassus' accident in Aceh Muninggar Sri Saraswati and ID Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Surabaya Indonesia Military (TNI) chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto ordered on Tuesday an investigation into an accident that led to the deaths of eight elite soldiers in Aceh. The investigation will focus on possible procedural violations and those responsible for the accident.

Wiranto told to fight for more support

Wiranto told to fight for more support JAKARTA: Despite the fact that Gen. (ret) Wiranto enjoys massive support at the regency level, he will not automatically make it to the last five presidential candidates Golkar plans to choose later this month, a Golkar leader says. Golkar convention secretary Andi Mattalatta said Tuesday that a candidate had to be supported by five provincial Golkar chapters in order to contest the next presidential selection round.

Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand set up international rubber cartel

Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand set up international rubber cartel The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, Bali Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, signed late on Monday an accord to form an international rubber cartel in a bid to prop up the price of the commodity in the world market.

corrected

corrected FOR EXPO: FOR SATURDAY Workshop on natural gas processing A four-day interactive workshop will be held in Jakarta from Oct. 21 to Oct. 24 to discuss an overview of the natural gas industry, from the wellhead to the marketplace, with emphasis on gas plant process operations.

School student commits suicide

School student commits suicide Suherdjoko, The Jakarta Post, Semarang, Central Java An elementary school student was found dead in his house here on Tuesday, in an apparent suicide. The body of Bambang Surono Suratman, a fifth-year student, was found hanging by a selendang (a stole commonly worn by Javanese women) by his mother Juminem in a bedroom they shared. The motive behind the suicide is unknown.

Snack shop tempts both adults and children

Snack shop tempts both adults and children Maria Endah Hulupi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Nestled in a typical Kampong setting, Cemal-cemil snack shop revives childhood memories with its old-fashioned treats and snacks. Not only these goodies, but every element of the small shop -- like the interior, the packaging, the toys -- the overall atmosphere that these details radiate, immediately evokes the memory of time gone by. Entering the shop -- which is located in Desa Payon complex on Jl.

Court rules against suspension of PTDI employees

Court rules against suspension of PTDI employees OR Court orders PTDI to rehire suspended employees Yuli Tri Suwarni The Jakarta Post Bandung, West Java The Bandung State Administrative Court ordered on Tuesday that state-owned aircraft maker PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) revoke its resolution suspending its 9,643 employees since July 11 this year. "The resolution must be revoked on the grounds that the company violated the 2003 Manpower Law," said Arpani Mansyur, who presided over the trial.

Student dies after abortion in Sleman

Student dies after abortion in Sleman Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta A student at a private university in Yogyakarta, Rini Wulandari, died after undergoing an illegal abortion in the fifth month of her pregnancy, police said here on Tuesday. The Sleman Police said they had detained Rini's boyfriend, Erik Heri Suryanto, and midwife Ngatirah, 55, who allegedly performed the abortion.

ASEAN's strategy for bringing ASEAN Community to reality

ASEAN's strategy for bringing ASEAN Community to reality The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, Bali ASEAN leaders adopted frameworks on Tuesday for the establishment of the ASEAN Security Community (ASC), the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) as three pillars for reaching the goal of an ASEAN Community by 2020.

Rainbow of vegetables and fruit keep you fit

Rainbow of vegetables and fruit keep you fit Melissa Southern Garcia, Dietitian, Jakarta, southerndietitian@yahoo.com My latest article focused on the importance of eating fruits and vegetables, and although this may seem a fairly simple topic, it has prompted quite a few questions from readers.

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;AFP; ANPAf..r.. ASEAN-Malaysia-auto Proton plans $1.3b investment in drive to be ASEAN giant JP/15/Proton Proton plans $1.3b investment in drive to be ASEAN giant Agence France-Presse Nusa Dua, Indonesia Malaysia's national carmaker Proton said on Monday it will invest some 5 billion ringgit (US$1.3 billion) in research and development over the next five years in its drive to become an ASEAN giant.

JP/5/sharia

JP/5/sharia Clerics meet in Bandung to press for sharia Yuli Tri Suwarni The Jakarta Post Bandung Around 200 extremist clerics began a national two-day meeting here on Tuesday to push for the introduction of sharia law in the predominantly Muslim country ahead of the 2004 general elections.

The big red primate of the forests of Borneo and Sumatra, the

The big red primate of the forests of Borneo and Sumatra, the orangutan, is a kind of wise man among apes and tends to look at the world from on high both in the literal and figurative sense, says French researcher Marc Ancrenaz. He speaks with respect and admiration of the creatures whose daily life he has shared for the last five years in Sabah, an area of Malysia located in the northeastern part of the island of Borneo.

Is this a "ghost meeting"?

Is this a "ghost meeting"? Although the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (BIS) has not yet closed, many of the 700 participants have already disappeared from the summit venue. "Where are all the participants? Or are only ghosts attending this summit," said a businessman when he saw just a few participants attending the final session of the summit.

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;JP; ANPAc..r.. Bali-summit-agenda Museums Antonio Blanco's House Jl. Raya Campuhan, PO Box 8057, Ubud - Bali. Tel: (0361) - 975 502, daily 9 a.m. to 5 pm. Museum BaliJl. Mayor Wisnu, Denpasar, Bali (0361) - 222 680, Tuesday to Sunday (except Monday), 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Taman Budaya Cultural Center Jl. Nusa Indah, Denpasar, Bali, daily except holdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Puri Lukisan Museum Jl. Raya Ubud, Gianyar, (0361)-975 136, daily except Gulungan and Nyepi holdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

'Corruption rampant in courts, police, govt'

'Corruption rampant in courts, police, govt' Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The lack of political will to combat corruption has once again positioned Indonesia as one of the most corrupt countries in the world, anticorruption activists say.

The Jakarta Post

The Jakarta Post Nusa Dua, Bali Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, signed late on Monday an accord to form an international rubber cartel in a bid to prop up the price of the commodity in the world market. The establishment of the cartel, called the International Rubber Consortium Limited (IRCo), was signed by Indonesia's Minister of Trade and Industry Rini Soewandi, Malaysia's Minister of Primary Industry Loim Keng Yaid, and Thailand's Agriculture Minister Sora-at Klinpratoom.

Beware of 'baby-sitters'

Beware of 'baby-sitters' From Media Indonesia About two months ago, after reading an advertisement in a Jakarta-based paper about well-trained baby-sitters placed by ASI Foundation in Utan Kayu, East Jakarta, I decided to contact the agency and hire one for my child. I was disappointed because the baby-sitter could not do anything that a baby-sitter should be able to do. She was nothing more than a housemaid in a baby-sitter's uniform.

Four Asian leaders court ASEAN at business summit

Four Asian leaders court ASEAN at business summit Despite lingering security and economic problems in the Asian region, four leaders of ASEAN's key trading partner countries voiced optimism about the prospects of the region's economy and vowed to intensify economic cooperation with ASEAN countries.

'We have no choice but to face the conflict'

'We have no choice but to face the conflict' City public order officers have been labeled merciless by a public shocked by their often violent approach during eviction processes. Rights activists have also condemned these strategies to clear land. But public order officers also have feelings and they share the downside of their jobs with The Jakarta Post. Dani, not his real name, 28, is a city public order officer in West Jakarta.

Kris Aquino withdraws complaint

Kris Aquino withdraws complaint MANILA: Former Philippine President Corazon Aquino's daughter withdrew abuse complaints against her ex-lover Monday, ending a high-profile spat between the celebrities that briefly distracted this nation from its many troubles. The broken romance of Kris Aquino, a 32-year-old TV personality and actress, hit the headlines two weeks ago when she publicly accused her ex-lover of almost shooting her and infecting her with a sexually transmitted disease.

RI joins Marseilles karate meet

RI joins Marseilles karate meet JAKARTA: Eight Indonesian karate athletes will take part in the Junior World Karate-Do Championships in Marseilles, France, from Oct. 19 to Oct. 26. The eight athletes are Meisya, Donny Dharmawan, Dede Supriyatna, Ismail Aswar, Syarif, Charles Napitupulu, Mario Tobing and Benri Sitorus.

Wiranto told to fight for more support

Wiranto told to fight for more support JAKARTA: Despite the fact that Gen. (ret) Wiranto enjoys massive support at the regency level, he will not automatically make it to the last five presidential candidates Golkar plans to choose later this month, a Golkar leader says. Golkar convention secretary Andi Mattalatta said Tuesday that a candidate had to be supported by five provincial Golkar chapters in order to contest the next presidential selection round.

ASEAN leaders, businesses differ on economic integration drive

ASEAN leaders, businesses differ on economic integration drive The Jakarta Post Nusa Dua, Bali While 10 ASEAN leaders gathering here for an annual summit endorsed a proposal from their economic ministers to speed up the liberalization process in 11 priority industries, hundreds of the region's business leaders gathering at a next hotel wanted to focus first on two sectors: agriculture and tourism.

Two suspected rebels killed

Two suspected rebels killed BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Two suspected separatist rebels and a civilians were killed in the latest spurt of violence in Indonesia's Aceh province, the military said Tuesday. The two rebels were shot dead during a clash with troops in Bireuen district on Monday, spokesman for the military operation in Aceh Lt. Col. Ahmad Yani Basuki said. Armed clashes were also reported to have taken place in East Aceh district, on Monday but there were no casualties, Yani said.

Court rules against suspension of PTDI employees

Court rules against suspension of PTDI employees OR Court orders PTDI to rehire suspended employees Yuli Tri Suwarni The Jakarta Post Bandung, West Java The Bandung State Administrative Court ordered on Tuesday that state-owned aircraft maker PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) revoke its resolution suspending its 9,643 employees since July 11 this year. "The resolution must be revoked on the grounds that the company violated the 2003 Manpower Law," said Arpani Mansyur, who presided over the trial.

North Asia's big three pledge cooperation

North Asia's big three pledge cooperation Reuters, Nusa Dua, Bali Japan, China and South Korea pledged on Tuesday to cooperate in dealing with North Korea's nuclear arms program, days after a diplomatic spat between Tokyo and Beijing threatened to cloud their summit.

Bali Concord II set as ASEAN new course

Bali Concord II set as ASEAN new course The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, Bali Twenty-seven years after the founding fathers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines signed the Bali Concord I as the basic framework of cooperation among the countries, on Tuesday the leaders of the now 10-member grouping signed the Declaration of the Bali Concord II, to set a new direction for the organization to achieve the ASEAN Community...

The Jakarta Post

The Jakarta Post Nusa Dua, Bali Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri, as chairwoman of the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN), bid a tearful farewell to retiring Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad during the ninth ASEAN Summit on Tuesday. The Bali summit is Mahathir's last ASEAN meeting before his announced retirement later this month. "This is the very last summit to be graced by the presence of a dear colleague, who is also a steadfast friend to us all.

Student dies after abortion

Student dies after abortion Slamet Susanto The Jakarta Post Yogyakarta A student at a private university in Yogyakarta, Rini Wulandari, died after undergoing an illegal abortion in the fifth month of her pregnancy, police said here on Tuesday. The Sleman Police said they had detained Rini's boyfriend, Erik Heri Suryanto, and midwife Ngatirah, 55, who allegedly performed the abortion.

Clerics meet to push for sharia law

Clerics meet to push for sharia law Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung Around 200 extremist clerics began a national two-day meeting here on Tuesday to push for the introduction of sharia law in the predominantly Muslim country ahead of the 2004 general elections.