Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 9 October 2003

101 articles found

51 people dead as truck totals bus from Bali

51 people dead as truck totals bus from Bali ID Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya At least 51 people, including 48 high school students from Sleman regency, Yogyakarta, were killed as their bus collided with a trailer truck and a minivan on Wednesday night in Situbondo regency, East Java. The grisly traffic accident took place at around 7:30 p.m.

RP recaptures fellow prison escapee of Al-Ghozi: The Philippine

RP recaptures fellow prison escapee of Al-Ghozi: The Philippine military said it captured a suspected Moro rebel on Wednesday who escaped with Indonesian terror suspect Fathur Rohman Al-Ghozi from Manila police headquarters in July. The military said there was no sign of Al-Ghozi.

Cirebon to build Rp 150b industrial park

Cirebon to build Rp 150b industrial park Nana Rukmana The Jakarta Post Cirebon, West Java The Cirebon administration is planning to build an international industrial park in Astanajapura subdistrict in a move to attract more domestic and foreign investors and to accelerate the regency's economic growth. A preliminary study shows the project will cost some Rp 150 billion (US$18.75 million) and it will be completed by 2007.

Part 1 of 2: Why we've failed to recover from economic crisis

Part 1 of 2: Why we've failed to recover from economic crisis Sri Pamoedjo Rahardjo, Executive Director Center for the Study of Administration and Management Indonesia, Jakarta The debate on Indonesia exiting the International Monetary Fund (IMF) assistance program offers opposing views within the government. In spite of better than expected growth and respectable foreign reserves, the economic condition is still far from good; talk about the "good old days" abounds.

'Aceh has buried special autonomy, sharia law'

'Aceh has buried special autonomy, sharia law' Amid the ongoing military operation to quell the armed rebellion in Aceh, it is very difficult to meet with GAM leaders. Ishak Daud, GAM Commander for East Aceh gave an exclusive interview to The Jakarta Post's Tiarma Siboro at his base camp in an undisclosed area in the province recently. Question: Why are the Acehnese people not interested in special autonomy and sharia (Islamic law)?

GDP grows 4.14% in 3-Q on stronger exports: BI

GDP grows 4.14% in 3-Q on stronger exports: BI The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bank Indonesia estimated on Wednesday that the economy grew on the back of an improved export performance by 4.14 percent on the year in the third quarter, higher than the 3.76 percent posted in the second quarter. The stronger growth bodes well for the fulfillment of the central bank's initial full-year prediction for growth of between 3.5 percent and 4 percent this year, Bank Indonesia governor Burhanuddin Abdullah said.

Indosat sets bond coupons, raises size

Indosat sets bond coupons, raises size JAKARTA: PT Indonesian Satellite Corp., or Indosat, has raised the size of its planned bond offering to Rp 2.5 trillion from Rp 1.75 trillion due to good demand, sources said. Five-year tranche of the issue at 12.5 percent and the coupon for the seven-year tranche at 12.875 percent, the sources told Dow Jones. Indosat had previously indicated the five-year tranche would carry a coupon of 12.25-12.75 percent and the seven-year tranche 12.50%-13.00 percent.

Bedugul offers orchids and convenience

Bedugul offers orchids and convenience I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali With its cool air, beautiful scenery and quiet atmosphere, Bedugul in Tabanan regency is a comfortable haven for those who have grown bored with Kuta's cramped environs and frustrated with Denpasar's traffic jams. Lying some two hours by car from Denpasar and about two-and-a- half hours from Nusa Dua, Bedugul sits next to the misty Lake Beratan.

Farah Wardani

Farah Wardani Contributor Jakarta Between 1973 and 1983, a child exodus occurred in Indonesia, whereby a great number of Indonesian babies and children were taken by adoptive parents from foreign countries, mostly the Netherlands. These children were given away by their biological parents for many reasons, from escaping social and cultural restrictions for having an illegitimate child, to purely economic motives.

Career-based colleges help fill gap of qualified workers

Career-based colleges help fill gap of qualified workers Sudibyo M. Wiradji, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia's rapid industrial growth requires a supply of skilled and work-ready employees. It is no secret, however, that the country's educational system, which puts more emphasis on general knowledge than practical skills, has resulted in a gap between supply and demand for highly skilled employees.

Kamasan painting provide livelihood for local people

Kamasan painting provide livelihood for local people Tri Vivi Suryani, Contributor, Klungkung, East Bali Art and religion, for the Balinese, are inseparable from life. Painting, dance, music and decorative arts were previously created for religious purposes. The local's sense of beauty and artistic flair is obvious -- great palaces with stone carvings or amazing paintings and temples adorned with sculptures of Hindu deities are scattered across the island.

Jambi Police free 4 Chinese citizens

Jambi Police free 4 Chinese citizens JAMBI, Jambi: Four Chinese nationals arrested last Sunday in Jambi province for alleged possession of fake passports have been freed, the head of the provincial immigration office said here on Wednesday. Djoko Susetyo said Hu Xihui, Yang Chaorong, Hu Chuang Biao and Yang Xi Biao were freed on Tuesday after the provincial police and the immigration office had not found any violation. Authorities found their passports to be authentic, Djoko added.

Foreign investors eye Seram

Foreign investors eye Seram AMBON, Maluku: A number of investors from China and Japan as well as European countries have reportedly expressed interest in doing business in Seram Island in Maluku province, an official said here on Wednesday. "Besides foreign investors, Indonesian businessmen have also been seeking information on making investments in Seram Island," Maluku Governor Karel Alberth Rahalahu said.

Endangered turtles being hunted to extinction

Endangered turtles being hunted to extinction Chris Brummitt, Associated Press, Denpasar, Bali The turtle butcher had little hesitation about revealing his occupation. "Come back tomorrow at dawn and you can have as much meat as you want," said Wayan Budha, handing over his business card: Bali Catering Service. To the left of the name, a large stenciled image of an endangered sea turtle makes clear to potential customers the nature of his illegal business.

Strong, respected govt required to combat corruption

Strong, respected govt required to combat corruption Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government's lack of legitimacy and political will has allowed corruption to flourish, say activist students, the vanguard of the country's reform movement. They also suggested that the country, which has been mired in protracted multidimensional crises, badly needs a powerful government with strong commitment to combating corruption.

China and India join ASEAN security pact

China and India join ASEAN security pact The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, Bali China and India signed the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation on Wednesday, renouncing war as a means to settle disputes among signatory countries. In the two signing ceremonies attended by the 10 heads of state of the ASEAN member countries, Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao and Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee signed the document.

Koizumi urges peace in Aceh, offers help

Koizumi urges peace in Aceh, offers help The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, Bali Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi reiterated here his government's readiness to help the Indonesian government to end the war between Jakarta and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and to find a sustainable and peaceful settlement in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam province. The Prime Minister emphasized that Japan fully supported the Indonesia's territorial unity, including in Aceh.

Stock prices on The Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Oct. 2003

Stock prices on The Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Oct. 2003 _____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ______________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,025 0 5,500 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 100 -5 200,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 165 5 50,000 Alakasa Industrindo 145 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 1,250 0 38,000 Alter Abadi Tbk 25 0 15,000 Alumindo Light...

Feminist philosophy book launched

Feminist philosophy book launched JAKARTA: University of Indonesia lecturer Gadis Arivia launched on Wednesday a book titled Filsafat Berperspektif Feminist (Philosophy with Feminist Perspective). The launch of the book, which was based on the author's doctoral dissertation research at the university, was marked with a discussion featuring scholars Franz Magnis Suseno, Nurcholish Madjid and Nori Andriyani.

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;AFP; ANPAf..r.. ASEAN-Malaysia-Japan Malaysia's new duties on foreign cars may penalize carmakers: Jap JP/15/CAR Malaysia's new duties on foreign cars may penalize carmakers: Japan Agence France-Presse Nusa Dua, Indonesia Japan is worried Malaysia's plan to impose excise duties on imported cars despite a regional free trade pact will penalize its carmakers, a top official said on Wednesday.

'Never leave your home, office empty'

'Never leave your home, office empty' Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta When the lights are left on all day, the gate remains locked and gutters are dry for days, burglars will quickly surmise that the premises are empty. But before committing their crime, they will ensure that nobody is inside by telephoning the premises. When nobody picks up the phone, they assume that no one is inside the building. How do they get the phone number?

Wisma BNI 46 gets bomb hoax

Wisma BNI 46 gets bomb hoax JAKARTA: About 500 people were evacuated from Jakarta's landmark BNI building on Jl. Sudirman after a bomb threat was received at 8:45 a.m on Wednesday. The Jakarta Police bomb squad declared the threat a hoax two hours later, allowing workers to return to the 50-story building. The threat was telephoned in to telephone operator PT Buana Bina Mega Sakti, which leases the 32nd floor. Last month, the Bank BNI Card Center in the building received a similar threat.

Correction

Correction A story which appeared on Page 4 on Oct. 7 titled Navy deploys antiterror reinforcement troops quoted Antara news agency as reporting that Indonesia and Malaysia were scheduled to host joint anti-sea mine exercises last April. This should have been Indonesia and Singapore. Editor

KL tightens security for OIC summit

KL tightens security for OIC summit MALAYSIA: Kuala Lumpur will deploy some 9,000 police and troops to ensure security for the world's Islamic leaders attending a summit here next week, an official said on Wednesday. They have been specially trained "to face any form of threat" during the summit of the 57-member Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), internal security deputy director Arthur Edmonds told the Bernama news agency. Terrorism is expected to be high on the agenda at the Oct.

Cyber Access wins 3G license

Cyber Access wins 3G license The Jakarta Post, Jakarta PT Cyber Access Communications, a relatively unknown player in the telecommunications industry, has won a bidding process arranged by the government to provide the most advanced third generation (3G) mobile services nationwide.

After Moody's, S&P takes turn upgrading RI's rating

After Moody's, S&P takes turn upgrading RI's rating The Jakarta Post Jakarta Standard and Poor's (S&P) Ratings Services upgraded on Wednesday the country's sovereign ratings for the second time this year in the latest vote of confidence in the country's fiscal and economic stability. S&P raised its long-term foreign and local currency ratings on Indonesia by one notch to "'B" from "'B-" and to "B+" from "B", respectively.

Futsal tourney to host 24 teams

Futsal tourney to host 24 teams JAKARTA: The Inspiro Futsal Championship 2003 for university students in Jakarta will be held from Oct. 14 to 24 with 24 teams set to compete for the total prize of Rp 25 million (about US$3,000). The teams will be divided into three groups in three separated venues.

Dispute prompts Megawati to delay project

Dispute prompts Megawati to delay project MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: President Megawati Soekarnoputri has canceled plans to inaugurate the Tomini Bay Development Authority Board next week due to a dispute among three governors on Sulawesi island over the project. "One of the governors has a different vision than us. Instead of sparking a conflict, we have postponed the plan temporarily," Gorontalo Governor Fadel Muhammad said on Wednesday in Makassar, South Sulawesi.

Political parties unpopular with public

Political parties unpopular with public Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Major political parties contesting the 2004 general election have failed to woo support from poor people living in urban areas, according to a recent poll.

Inebriated Korean arrested after crash

Inebriated Korean arrested after crash TANGERANG: Tangerang Police arrested a Korean national late on Tuesday after he was involved in a fatal traffic accident on Jl. Bulevard in Lippo Karawaci, Tangerang, in which one motorcyclist was killed and another seriously injured. Tangerang Police traffic chief Insp. Syamsu said on Wednesday that the Korean, identified as Jeang Sang Kuk, 25, was allegedly drunk while driving his car.

Temasek says DBS Group remains key asset

Temasek says DBS Group remains key asset Dow Jones, Singapore Temasek Holdings Pte. Ltd. Wednesday said DBS Group Holdings Ltd. remains one of the state-owned investment company's key assets, in its first comments after an analyst report questioned whether Temasek still considered Southeast Asia's largest lender a core holding.

U.S. new businesses in Singapore triple

U.S. new businesses in Singapore triple Agence France-Presse, Singapore The number of new U.S. firms doing business in Singapore has tripled over the past year despite security and political concerns in Southeast Asia, the U.S. ambassador to the city- state, Frank Lavin, said on Wednesday. Lavin credited the increase to the U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the active participation of U.S. commercial affairs officials in promoting business opportunities in the region.

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.

Council mulls censuring Cirebon mayor

Council mulls censuring Cirebon mayor CIREBON, West Java: The Cirebon legislative council is considering censuring Mayor Subardi, who has been in office for six months, for alleged incompetence. Council speaker Suryana expressed disappointment on Wednesday over the Cirebon mayor's "poor performance". "We will soon summon the mayor for questioning about various issues related to his administration's policies," Suryana told The Jakarta Post.

Doubt cast on rubber cartel

Doubt cast on rubber cartel Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The establishment of a rubber cartel by Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand has had an immediate positive impact on the price of the commodity. However, a top executive warned that International Rubber Limited (IRCo), which was set up by the three countries on Tuesday, might not succeed in propping up rubber prices in the long term.

Military officer and wife shot by robbers

Military officer and wife shot by robbers TANGERANG: An Army officer from the military command in Pondok Aren district and his wife were shot by four unidentified men, suspected to be motorcycle thieves, in Perigi village, Pondok Aren, Tangerang regency, on Tuesday night. The officer, Brig. Ngadiono, 46, and his wife Nurhayati, 37, were riding their motorcycle when suddenly four unidentified men on two Yamaha RX King motorcycles shot them.

KPU boss gets black magic threat

KPU boss gets black magic threat JAKARTA: After receiving live bullets last week, General Elections Commission (KPU) chairman Nazaruddin Sjamsuddin said on Tuesday he recently heard from someone who had threatened to exercise black magic on him.

RI assured of final place in tennis tourney finals

RI assured of final place in tennis tourney finals Zakki Hakim , The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesian players have been assured of a place in the finals at in the second series of the US$10,000 Indonesia Women's Circuit with the hosts taking all four places in the bottom half of the quarterfinal bracket after Wednesday's second-round matches at the Hilton tennis courts.

Parties report minister to police

Parties report minister to police Damar Harsanto and Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Thirty-four political parties filed a complaint with the Jakarta Police on Wednesday against members of the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights' party verification team, alleging that they accepted bribes during party screening.

JP/7/PUSPA

JP/7/PUSPA Working towards cooperation between ASEAN, East Asia S. Pushpanathan Head, External Relations ASEAN Secretariat Jakarta Cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and countries of East Asia was formally launched with the Joint Statement on East Asia Cooperation in 1999, even though the first meeting of the leaders of ASEAN and the "plus three" countries China, Japan and South Korea was initiated in 1997.

Futsal tourney to host 24 teams

Futsal tourney to host 24 teams JAKARTA: The Inspiro Futsal Championship 2003 for university students in Jakarta will be held from Oct. 14 to 24 with 24 teams set to compete for the total prize of Rp 25 million (about US$3,000). The teams will be divided into three groups in three separated venues.

KL tightens security for OIC summit

KL tightens security for OIC summit MALAYSIA: Kuala Lumpur will deploy some 9,000 police and troops to ensure security for the world's Islamic leaders attending a summit here next week, an official said on Wednesday. They have been specially trained "to face any form of threat" during the summit of the 57-member Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), internal security deputy director Arthur Edmonds told the Bernama news agency. Terrorism is expected to be high on the agenda at the Oct.

Bidders for Lippo "not credible": IBRA

Bidders for Lippo "not credible": IBRA JAKARTA: The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) said it isn't likely to go ahead with its plan to sell a 52 percent stake in PT Bank Lippo as the three consortia bidding for the bank's stake are "not credible," with none of them led by a large commercial bank. IBRA Chairman Syafruddin Temenggung said late Tuesday that the agency has asked each consortium to include a new large and credible commercial bank to lead the bidding.

Land sharing proposed for evicted residents

Land sharing proposed for evicted residents Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Following the recent violent evictions in the capital, activists and councillors suggested a more civilized way of solving the seemingly never-ending problem by arranging land-sharing deals between landowners and the "illegal" occupants.

Senayan CC bests JCA annual meet

Senayan CC bests JCA annual meet The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Six local and two overseas teams from Malaysia and Singapore took part in the Jakarta Cricket Association (JCA) annual tournament on Oct. 4 and Oct. 5. The Jakarta International Sixes 2003 Cricket Tournament was held at the Cycon Cricket Club in Cibubur, East Jakarta. The newly formed Jawa Tengah CC from Semarang participated in the tournament for the first time.

Bidders for Lippo "not credible": IBRA

Bidders for Lippo "not credible": IBRA JAKARTA: The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) said it isn't likely to go ahead with its plan to sell a 52 percent stake in PT Bank Lippo as the three consortia bidding for the bank's stake are "not credible," with none of them led by a large commercial bank. IBRA Chairman Syafruddin Temenggung said late Tuesday that the agency has asked each consortium to include a new large and credible commercial bank to lead the bidding.

Indonesia to join World Cyber Games

Indonesia to join World Cyber Games The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Seven Indonesian gamers will participate in the US$350,000 World Cyber Games in Seoul, South Korea, from Oct. 12 to Oct. 18. Eddy Lim, the team manager, said on Wednesday the seven gamers going to Seoul were the winners of a national competition. They are Rony Harsono, Nurcahyanto Ari Wibowo, Vebbie, Cary Ticoalu, Ferdinand Putra, Varian Asihwardji and Dicky Sudiyono.

Court stops deportation of JI suspect

Court stops deportation of JI suspect MALAYSIA: A Malaysian court issued a temporary order on Wednesday barring the government from deporting a suspected Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) leader to his native Indonesia, the suspect's lawyers said. The order blocks the government from repatriating Mohamad Iqbal Abdul Rahman before the High Court rules on Nov. 11 on his bid to stay in Malaysia, where he has lived for years with permanent residency status.

Geeting license without any 'help'

Geeting license without any 'help' From Koran Tempo On Oct. 4 I applied for a driver's license (SIM), type-A for automobiles, at the metro police traffic division in Daan Mogot, West Jakarta. I was surprised to see no SIM brokers around, while this office had previously been teeming with these go-betweens. It was quite an achievement that the police could manage to arrange an orderly process for licenses despite the large crowd of applicants.

Doubt cast on rubber cartel

Doubt cast on rubber cartel JP/14/rubber Sari P. Setiogi The Jakarta Post Jakarta The establishment of a rubber cartel by Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand has had an immediate positive impact on the price of the commodity. However, a top executive warned that International Rubber Limited (IRCo), which was set up by the three countries on Tuesday, might not succeed in propping up rubber prices in the long term.

Hard work pays off for Chrisjon

Hard work pays off for Chrisjon Suherdjoko, The Jakarta Post, Semarang The 23-year-old fighter Christian John, or Chrisjon, recently won an interim World Boxing Association (WBA) title. Although he has yet to attain a full championship, Chrisjon deserves the praise of Indonesia's boxing community for the job he did in Bali on Sept. 26. He has yet to match the achievement of Ellyas Pical, who in 1985 captured the International Boxing Federation (IBF) belt.

Cirebon regency to build Rp 150b industrial park

Cirebon regency to build Rp 150b industrial park Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon, West Java The Cirebon administration is planning to build an international industrial park in Astanajapura subdistrict in a move to attract more domestic and foreign investors and to accelerate the regency's economic growth. A preliminary study shows the project will cost some Rp 150 billion (US$18.75 million) and it will be completed by 2007.

Clerics want Criminal Code to incorporate Sharia

Clerics want Criminal Code to incorporate Sharia Yuli Tri Suwarni and Blontank Poer, The Jakarta Post, Bandung Around 200 hard-line clerics urged the government to include Islamic sharia law in the revised Criminal Code (KUHP) as they cut short their two-day meeting here, which was originally scheduled to have ended on Wednesday.

Time for Supreme Court to improve its image

Time for Supreme Court to improve its image T.Sima Gunawan, Contributor, Jakarta , tabita@cbn.net.id A judge is one of the most respected professionals in society with such reverence and power that he or she is called "your honor". Whenever the judges enter the courtroom in their black robes, everyone must rise and remain standing as the judges take their seats. Anyone who fails to show proper respect could be charged with contempt of court.

1. DUGUL 1x35

1. DUGUL 1x35 Bedugul offers orchids and nature 2. MASAN 1x28 Paintings stand test of time 3. NUMENT 2x30 Architect hopes Bali memorial will become beacon of peace

M^MRI prepares new law to draw more investments

M^MRI prepares new law to draw more investments Agencies Tokyo Indonesia is eying new legislation to provide foreign investors with greater incentives, such as relaxed regulations and an improved legal system, in order to attract more Japanese investment, a senior Indonesian official said on Wednesday in Tokyo.

City's prepares mamoth flood prevention measures

City's prepares mamoth flood prevention measures The Jakarta Post, Jakarta To face possible flooding in coming weeks, the city's crisis coordinating team revealed that this year's project would be more comprehensive than in previous years. Team officer Z.A.T.

Quo vadis ASEAN, Indonesia?

Quo vadis ASEAN, Indonesia? The economic crisis that hit member nations of ASEAN five years ago and the change of government in Indonesia have loosened the grouping's solidarity. Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, for instance, are no longer close to one another. Solidarity and togetherness are important to ASEAN, as the region is home to more than 500 million people.

Soemantri heads new commission

Soemantri heads new commission JAKARTA: The newly formed Constitutional Commission unanimously elected on Wednesday senior constitutional law expert Sri Soemantri as commission chairman at their first meeting. The meeting also agreed to call a four-day break to allow commission members to prepare their schedules and subjects of discussion during their six-month term.

Council mulls censuring Cirebon mayor

Council mulls censuring Cirebon mayor CIREBON, West Java: The Cirebon legislative council is considering censuring Mayor Subardi, who has been in office for six months, for alleged incompetence. Council speaker Suryana expressed disappointment on Wednesday over the Cirebon mayor's "poor performance". "We will soon summon the mayor for questioning about various issues related to his administration's policies," Suryana told The Jakarta Post.

Stock prices on The Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Oct. 2003

Stock prices on The Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Oct. 2003 _____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ______________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,025 0 5,500 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 100 -5 200,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 165 5 50,000 Alakasa Industrindo 145 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 1,250 0 38,000 Alter Abadi Tbk 25 0 15,000 Alumindo Light...

JSX expects losses this and next year

JSX expects losses this and next year Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) expects losses for this year and next year due to a higher burden of operating costs and a lower income from trading activities. In an extraordinary shareholder meeting on Wednesday, the company put its pre-tax losses for this year at an estimated Rp 2.45 billion (US$295,301).

Harborers of Bali bombers get jail term

Harborers of Bali bombers get jail term Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali The Denpasar District Court sentenced on Wednesday three more people to jail for harboring and assisting Bali bombers while they were fugitives.

Lack of knowledge on sex, drugs puts adolescents at risk

Lack of knowledge on sex, drugs puts adolescents at risk Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Lack of knowledge about sex, reproductive health and illegal drugs has put Indonesian adolescents at risk, while data made available by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) shows that 23.5 percent of the country's adolescents have no idea what HIV/AIDS is.

ASEAN must find the best way to solve issues of migrant workers

ASEAN must find the best way to solve issues of migrant workers Wahyu Susilo, Executive Secretary, Consortium for Indonesian Migrant Workers Advocacy (Kopbumi), Jakarta, seknas.kopbumi@lycos.com Ahead of the ninth summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this week, a number of issues had increasingly dogged the regional body's "harmony". Among them was the political crisis in Myanmar with the detention of Aung San Su Kyi.

U.S. agents target RI in rigid visa checks

U.S. agents target RI in rigid visa checks Tiarma Siboro and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Denpasar The Indonesian government says it is unaware of the United States administration's plan to deploy agents to oversee visa operations at U.S. embassies and consulates in five more Muslim nations, including Indonesia. Foreign ministry spokesman Marty Natalegawa said on Wednesday that U.S.

Foreign investors eye Seram

Foreign investors eye Seram AMBON, Maluku: A number of investors from China and Japan as well as European countries have reportedly expressed interest in doing business in Seram Island in Maluku province, an official said here on Wednesday. "Besides foreign investors, Indonesian businessmen have also been seeking information on making investments in Seram Island," Maluku Governor Karel Alberth Rahalahu said.

Suspect admits to strangling girl for jewelry

Suspect admits to strangling girl for jewelry Marni Masim, 36 -- the sole suspect in the murder of an elementary schoolgirl, Nita, 8, in Bogor regency -- admitted that she had strangled the girl purely to steal her jewelry. Marni, a snack vendor at Nita's school, told police investigators on Wednesday that she had panicked when Nita threatened to tell her father of Marni's wrongdoing.

Witnesses blame delay in arms trial

Witnesses blame delay in arms trial JAYAPURA, Papua: The military tribunal here delayed again on Wednesday the trial of two soldiers charged with involvement in the April burglary of munitions from an Army arsenal in Mamena regency, as witnesses did not appear. The Jayapura military court should have heard the testimony of witnesses either against or in support of First Lt. Pilius Wenda and Serianus Jikwa.

S&P upgrades ratings for Thailand and Malaysia

S&P upgrades ratings for Thailand and Malaysia Agence France-Presse, Bangkok Global ratings agency Standard and Poor's on Wednesday raised its ratings for Malaysia and Thailand to reflect the Southeast Asian nations' improving fiscal positions, it said. Analysts said the upgrade showed the region was an attractive prospect for investors relative to the rest of the world, a marked turnaround from the 1997-1998 financial crisis when capital rapidly drained out of the region.

ASEAN Security Cooperation

ASEAN Security Cooperation Undoubtedly, the signing of what the 10 leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) refer to as Bali Concord II is an impressive achievement in terms of solidifying the sense of community in the region.

Quo vadis ASEAN, Indonesia?

Quo vadis ASEAN, Indonesia? The economic crisis that hit member nations of ASEAN five years ago and the change of government in Indonesia have loosened the grouping's solidarity. Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, for instance, are no longer close to one another. Solidarity and togetherness are important to ASEAN, as the region is home to more than 500 million people.

TV Program: Thursday, October 9, 2003

TV Program: Thursday, October 9, 2003 .TB.30" .90" TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 8:00 Quiz 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 Music 4:00 Student's Quiz 6:00 English News Services 7:00 News 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 9:30 Music: Country Road 11:30 Puppet Show 12:40 News TPI 6:00 a.m. News: Selamat Pagi Indonesia 7:30 Documentary: Planet Satwa 8:00 Indian Film 11:00 Crime Report: Sidik 12:00 p.m.

'We need skilled volunters'

'We need skilled volunters' With the rainy season upon us, many Jakartans remember how massive floods inundated the capital last year. The Meteorology and Geophysics Agency (BMG) has warned that the rains will peak in January and February next year and there is a possibility of flooding. The Jakarta Post talked to some residents on the need for emergency posts in flood-prone areas. Tabroni, 55, is a neighborhood unit chief in Paninggilan, South Jakarta.

UI gets $13,000 grant from OGFICE

UI gets $13,000 grant from OGFICE DEPOK: The University of Indonesia (UI) received a US$13,000 grant from the Osaka Gas Foundation of International Culture Exchange (OGFICE) on Wednesday. The money will be used to finance four natural gas research projects run by the university. OGFICE, which was established in 1992, donated a total of $39,000 for 12 research projects by the University of Indonesia, the Bandung Institute of Technology and the Bogor Institute of Agriculture.

Soemantri heads new commission

Soemantri heads new commission JAKARTA: The newly formed Constitutional Commission unanimously elected on Wednesday senior constitutional law expert Sri Soemantri as commission chairman at their first meeting. The meeting also agreed to call a four-day break to allow commission members to prepare their schedules and subjects of discussion during their six-month term.

Mahathir steals Summit spotlight

Mahathir steals Summit spotlight The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, Bali The retiring Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has dominated the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) summit, revealing his seniority and statesmanship in his last public appearance at the regional forum.

After Moody's, S&P ups Indonesia's sovereign ratings

After Moody's, S&P ups Indonesia's sovereign ratings The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Standard and Poor's (S&P) Ratings Services upgraded on Wednesday the country's sovereign ratings for the second time this year in the latest vote of confidence in the country's fiscal and economic stability. S&P raised its long-term foreign and local currency ratings on Indonesia by one notch to 'B' from 'B-' and to 'B+' from 'B', respectively.

* Headlines: Court reassigns two judges in 'Tempo' case 2

* Headlines: Court reassigns two judges in 'Tempo' case 2 * National: Political parties unpopular with public 4 * Archipelago: Endangered turtles being hunted to extinction 5 * Opinion:Working toward accord between ASEAN, East Asia 7 * City: Suspect admits to strangling girl for her jewelry 8 * Sports:Taufik splits with coach, concern over Olympics bid 10 * World:Iran ready to prove nuclear program peaceful: Khatami 11 * Business: GDP grows 4.14% in 3-Q on stronger exports: BI 14 * Features:...

Doctor censured over pregnancy test

Doctor censured over pregnancy test SINGAPORE: A doctor was censured by the Singapore Medical Council for failing to diagnose an Indonesian maid's pregnancy when she had been carrying a fetus for three months, a newspaper reported on Wednesday. The council ordered Dr. Chong Ah Lek, who has been practicing for nearly 30 years, to pay a S$3,000 (US$1,600) penalty for professional misconduct, The Straits Times said.

Court set to open trial of 11 alleged GAM bombers

Court set to open trial of 11 alleged GAM bombers Apriadi Gunawan The Jakarta Post Medan, North Sumatra The Medan District Court is scheduled to begin the trial next week in Medan of 11 alleged members of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) on charges of planting bombs in three separate locations in Medan last year and early this year.

KL duties on car may penalize carmakers

KL duties on car may penalize carmakers Agence France-Presse, Nusa Dua, Indonesia Japan is worried Malaysia's plan to impose excise duties on imported cars despite a regional free trade pact will penalize its carmakers, a top official said on Wednesday. Malaysia has not unveiled details of the new tax structure but there are fears it will discriminate between national and non- national cars, said Sadahiro Sugita, Japan's trade policy director for the Asia-Pacific.

ASEAN to get in sync with partners

ASEAN to get in sync with partners The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, Bali In their bilateral summit with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Wednesday, the leaders of China, Japan, South Korea and India, expressed their support for the Bali Concord II as a solid platform to achieve an ASEAN Community based on political-security, economic and sociocultural cooperation, the summit chairperson President Megawati Soekarnoputri said on Wednesday.

Five foreign firms eye RI biotech centers

Five foreign firms eye RI biotech centers Moch. N. Kurniawan The Jakarta Post Jakarta At least five foreign companies have expressed interest in a planned biotechnology research center on Rempang island, off Singapore, a government official said. Ashwin Sasongko, secretary to the minister of research and technology, said on Wednesday the firms came from Japan, the United States, Germany, Cuba and Iran.

Architect hopes Bali memorial will become beacon of peace

Architect hopes Bali memorial will become beacon of peace Achmad Sukarsono, Reuters, Bali An altar, 22 flags, and a wall of granite and limestone engraved with the victims' names will form the heart of a memorial now taking shape in Bali to commemorate 202 people killed in last year's nightclub blasts. Workers are toiling round the clock to ready the memorial for unveiling on Oct.

Tangerang to have mall big shopping

Tangerang to have mall big shopping Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang The controversy-laden construction of the largest mall in Tangerang municipality is near completion and ready for operation, and will need some 10,000 new employees. "Job vacancies are still wide open until December. We are looking for parking attendants, janitorial staff, security guards, salespersons and managers," PT Lippo Karawaci spokesman M. Faisal told The Jakarta Post recently.

12 regencies yet to report on fund usage

12 regencies yet to report on fund usage Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh, Nangroe Aceh Darussalam The Aceh provincial administration disbursed on Wednesday the third batch of humanitarian aid totaling Rp 25.7 billion (US$3 million) allocated for those widowed or disabled during the crack down on the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), despite the fact that 12 regencies have yet to submit their accountability reports on the use of funds disbursed in the first two phases.

Futsal tourney to host 24 teams

Futsal tourney to host 24 teams JAKARTA: The Inspiro Futsal Championship 2003 for university students in Jakarta will be held from Oct. 14 to Oct. 24 with 24 teams set to compete for the total prize of Rp 25 million (approximately US$3,000). Futsal is an indoor 5-a-side soccer game played on a court about the size of a basketball court, which has been growing in popularity recently, especially in Asia. The teams will be divided into three groups in three separate venues.

Taufik splits with coach; concern over Olympics bid

Taufik splits with coach; concern over Olympics bid Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Taufik Hidayat got a financial boost in the run-up to his 2004 Olympics campaign, but Indonesia's number one shuttler disclosed after the contract signing here on Wednesday that he had already parted with his coach in suspiciously controversial manner.

1. Arnold -- 3 cols, 3 lines, 48pts, 22 counts

1. Arnold -- 3 cols, 3 lines, 48pts, 22 counts Stunned California wakes up to 'Terminator' rule 2. Mahathir -- 4 cols, 1 line, 36pts, 35 counts Mahathir steals Summit spotlight 4. Rating -- 4 cols, 1 line, 36pts, 35 counts After Moody's, S&P upgrades RI's rating

Alleged GAM bombers go on trial

Alleged GAM bombers go on trial Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan, North Sumatra The Medan district court is scheduled to begin the trial next week in Medan of 11 alleged members of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) on charges of planting bombs in three separate locations in Medan last year and early this year.

Court reassigns two judges in 'Tempo' case

Court reassigns two judges in 'Tempo' case M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Two judges from the East Jakarta District Court who issued an asset preservation order on the property of Tempo cofounder Goenawan Mohamad and Koran Tempo daily at the request of businessman Tomy Winata have been removed from the case after being "promoted to higher positions".

Global trade, regional integration to dominate WEF's Asia summit

Global trade, regional integration to dominate WEF's Asia summit Agence-France Presse, Singapore Global trade and regional integration will dominate a gathering of 800 regional business leaders and politicians at next week's World Economic Forum (WEF) East Asia summit here, its organisers said on Wednesday. WEF Asia director Frank-Jurgen Richter said the failure of the World Trade Organization (WTO) talks in Cancun, Mexico, last month would be high on the agenda in Singapore.

RI trails behind Thailand and Vietnam in education

RI trails behind Thailand and Vietnam in education T. Sima Gunawan Contributor Jakarta People have long complained about the high cost of education and the amount of money needed to send their children to university. They also feel concern about the quality of education because many students who graduate from university fail to find a job.

Captains declared suspects over fatal collision in Java Sea

Captains declared suspects over fatal collision in Java Sea ID Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya The captains of two ships that collided in waters off Gresik regency, East Java, last month are being detained as suspects in the accident, in which three people died, officials said on Wednesday.

The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, Bali

The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, Bali The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Japan signed the Framework for Comprehensive Economic Partnership (CEP) on Wednesday to minimize barriers and deepen economic linkages between ASEAN and Japan. The Framework for CEP was jointly signed by ten heads of states of ASEAN member countries and Japan Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi during the ASEAN-Japan Summit here in Nusa Dua.

Inebriated Korean arrested after crash

Inebriated Korean arrested after crash TANGERANG: Tangerang Police arrested a Korean national late on Tuesday after he was involved in a fatal traffic accident on Jl. Bulevard in Lippo Karawaci, Tangerang, in which one motorcyclist was killed and another seriously injured. Tangerang Police traffic chief Insp. Syamsu said on Wednesday that the Korean, identified as Jeang Sang Kuk, 25, was allegedly drunk while driving his car.

Return to dark ages

Return to dark ages I refer to the front page article in The Jakarta Post, on Sept. 30, entitled Code revision says 'no' to casual sex, sorcery. Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra's idea to restrict and regulate the sexual behavior of legal consenting adults is archaic. If the proposed changes to the Criminal Code (KUHP), articles 422 & 423, for example, are passed, it would throw Indonesia back to the dark ages.

JP/7/PUSPA

JP/7/PUSPA Working towards cooperation between ASEAN, East Asia S. Pushpanathan Head, External Relations ASEAN Secretariat Jakarta Cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and countries of East Asia was formally launched with the Joint Statement on East Asia Cooperation in 1999, even though the first meeting of the leaders of ASEAN and the "plus three" countries China, Japan and South Korea was initiated in 1997.

ASEAN, China vow to speed up free trade talks

ASEAN, China vow to speed up free trade talks The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, Bali Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China agreed on Wednesday to speed up talks to set up a Free Trade Area (FTA) by 2010 that would be the world's largest trading bloc.

Algerian president to visit RI

Algerian president to visit RI JAKARTA: Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika will visit Indonesia from Oct. 12 through Oct. 15, aiming to boost bilateral ties between the two countries. The Indonesian trip, the first to be made by an Algerian president since its independence, has been arranged at the invitation of Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri, who visited the North African country in September last year.