Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 11 November 2003

91 articles found

Rupiah Rates Nov.10

Rupiah Rates Nov.10 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar------1 6,390.84 5,675.65 6,065.11 6,001.15 Brunei dollar----------1 5,170.01 4,592.03 4,906.51 4,855.38 Canadian dollar--------1 6,791.63 6,031.72 6,445.47 6,377.64 Swiss franc------------1 6,587.98 5,852.69 6,252.20 6,188.35 Danish krone-----------1 1,392.57 1,236.97 1,321.60 1,307.91 Euro-------------------1 10,351.87 9,195.88 9,824.26 9,723.27 Poundsterling----------1 15,047.96 13,369.36 14,280.99...

Bombing suspect retracts statement

Bombing suspect retracts statement DENPASAR, Bali: A key witness in the trial of Bali bombing suspect Saad, who is charged with harboring and assisting a wanted terrorist suspect, withdraw on Monday the statement he had made during police interrogation, claiming that he been forced to make it. "I retract my entire statement. I made a confession because the police forced me to do so. So, please stop asking me about those things," Hernianto told the court in his testimony.

JP/4/kpi

JP/4/kpi 1 x 42 Megawati names 27 House candidates for KPI JP/4/BOAT 1 x 49 Indonesia accepts Kurdish boat people, seeks UN help JP/4/HAI 2 x 23 NGOs to play major role in fighting illiteracy JP/4/BNI 2 x 27 Negotiations over BNI labor dispute turn violent

Ex-producer sues 'SCTV'

Ex-producer sues 'SCTV' Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A former producer with private television station SCTV, Dandhy Dwi Laksono, filed a lawsuit against the station on Monday at the South Jakarta District Court. Dandhy has sued the channel for his dismissal and for hindering his duties as a journalist. The plaintiff demanded that the station apologize publicly in 16 national print and electronic media and pay Rp 4.3 billion (US$505,882) for material and immaterial losses.

BRI wraps up successful listing debut

BRI wraps up successful listing debut Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Shares in state-owned Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) made a fairly impressive debut on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) on Monday, surging up 11 percent, which some say reflects investors' strong confidence in the bank.

Water rate to increase by 30 percent

Water rate to increase by 30 percent Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta administration submitted to the City Council its proposal for a 30 percent increase in tap water rates starting Jan. 1, 2004. However, the hike may not guarantee better service because the money will be used to pay debts and cover inflation.

Bombing suspect retracts statement

Bombing suspect retracts statement DENPASAR, Bali: A key witness in the trial of Bali bombing suspect Saad, who is charged with harboring and assisting a wanted terrorist suspect, withdraw on Monday the statement he had made during police interrogation, claiming that he been forced to make it. "I retract my entire statement. I made a confession because the police forced me to do so. So, please stop asking me about those things," Hernianto told the court in his testimony.

Bukaka implicated in BNI scandal

Bukaka implicated in BNI scandal The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Jusuf Kalla revealed on Monday that PT Bukaka Marga Utama received Rp 4.5 billion (US$530,128) from a person involved in the Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) scandal. However, he was quick to add that he had sold his shares in the company in 1997, leaving Gorontalo Governor Fadel Muhammad as sole owner of the firm.

Two dead, seven injured by cannon fire

Two dead, seven injured by cannon fire Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara Two residents of Kupang regency were killed and seven others injured on Monday when an old Japanese cannon misfired, sending shrapnel through a crowd that had gathered for a funeral. The cannon, which dates back to World War II, was fired during the burial of a royal member of the Kudjiratu tribe in Kupang district, East Sabu.

Tumenggung Tarib fights for a cause

Tumenggung Tarib fights for a cause Haidir Anwar Tanjung, The Jakarta Post, Pekanbaru, Riau If anyone ever wanted to know what love looked like, Tumenggung Tarib, leader of the Orang Rimba (Jungle People) tribe, would be the one to show them. Tarib, 45, is illiterate, yet he is a hero to his people thanks to his fight to protect them and their environment.

Asia's economies will improve, a poll says

Asia's economies will improve, a poll says Associated Press, Singapore Most regional economists and officials expressed optimism that Asian economies would improve over the next six months, a poll by The Straits Times newspaper showed on Monday. The newspaper polled 204 politicians, academics, businessmen and officials from 11 Asian cities, and 53 percent said they believed that the growth prospects in their countries would improve in the next six months.

Indonesia accepts Kurdish boat people, seeks UN help

Indonesia accepts Kurdish boat people, seeks UN help Fabiola Desy Unidjaja The Jakarta Post Jakarta Indonesia is ready to take 14 boat people back who were refused entry to Australia, but will not allow them to settle in the country, a minister said on Monday. Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Jusuf Kalla said the Indonesian government would ask the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) to take care of the people.

KPU to conduct field check on questionable tender winner

KPU to conduct field check on questionable tender winner Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Under close public scrutiny, the General Elections Commission (KPU) has decided to conduct a field check on the winning consortium for the Rp 324 billion (US$38 million) aluminum ballot boxes tender. KPU member Mulyana W. Kusumah, in charge of the ballot boxes tender, said on Monday the three-day check was meant to prove whether or not PT Survindo Indah Prestasi should have won the tender.

Legislators protest plenary meeting

Legislators protest plenary meeting JAKARTA: A number of legislators attending a plenary meeting of the House of Representatives on Monday protested the failure to announce their proposal to revise Law No. 45/1999 on the division of Papua into three provinces. Usually, the House hears input on matters such as revising a law at the opening of a plenary session.

Govt blames Freeport for landslide

Govt blames Freeport for landslide JAKARTA: A massive landslide at PT Freeport Indonesia's gold and copper mine in West Papua that killed eight employees was likely the result of management negligence, a government official said on Monday. Indonesian authorities launched a probe after the wall of an open pit at the massive Grasberg mine collapsed Oct. 9, burying the eight workers. Five others were injured.

4 x 12

4 x 12 Hasyim tells U.S. not to intervene in 'pesantren' JP/4/kpi 1 x 42 Megawati names 27 House candidates for KPI JP/4/BOAT 1 x 49 Indonesia accepts Kurdish boat people, seeks UN help JP/4/HAI 2 x 23 NGOs to play major role in fighting illiteracy JP/4/BNI 2 x 27 Negotiations over BNI labor dispute turn violent

Oil prices rise in wake of Saudi blast

Oil prices rise in wake of Saudi blast Agence France-Presse, London Oil prices rose on Monday as traders nervously bought up supplies following a suicide bombing in Saudi Arabia which killed at least 17 people and injured about 120 more. The price of Brent North Sea crude oil for December delivery gained 32 US cents to $29.23 per barrel in early deals. New York's reference light sweet crude December contract rose 20 cents to $31.05 per barrel in out-of-hours electronic trading.

[b]

The Supreme Court blueprints: Innovative reform plan Zacky Husein Director Law Programs Asia Foundation Sebastiaan Pompe IMF Resident Legal Advisor Jakarta 2. Pro -- The enigma of China's economic "miracle" 2 X 30 The impressive enigma of China's 'economic miracle' Orville Schell Dean, School of Journalism University of California Berkeley Project Syndicate

3G technology is the future that we dreamed of

3G technology is the future that we dreamed of Eva C. Komandjaja The Jakarta Post Jakarta As children, we imagined what the future would look like. Cars gliding through the air, funny-shaped tall buildings, people wearing silver jumpsuits, and the most intriguing, an electronic gadget, which comprised of a computer, TV and cellular phone, all in one. Well, that fantasy is now a reality. The new third generation (3G) wireless networks bring the future into our hands.

Evicted Muara Angke fishermen back at sea

Evicted Muara Angke fishermen back at sea Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Around 100 evicted fishermen living along the banks of the Muara Angke River, North Jakarta, have started fishing again last week as they wait for the government to relocate them to Indramayu, West Java, as promised. "Half of our group have gone fishing, because we can't afford to be idle," said chairman of the Traditional Fishermen's Union (SNT) Kajidin on Monday.

Hasyim tells U.S. not to intervene in 'pesantren'

Hasyim tells U.S. not to intervene in 'pesantren' ID Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Malang, East Java While welcoming a U.S. donation for Islamic schools, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) chairman Hasyim Muzadi told the United States on Monday not to intervene in the curriculum of pesantren (Islamic boarding schools). "Education can eliminate radicalism but the U.S. must be careful not to intervene in the school curriculum. If the U.S.

SE Asian states meet to focus on Thai aid

SE Asian states meet to focus on Thai aid Associated Press, Bangkok The leaders of four Southeast Asian nations are meeting this week in Myanmar to discuss how Thailand can help its less prosperous neighbors increase trade and improve their tourism, communications and other industries. Myanmar, also known as Burma, will host the leaders of Thailand, Laos and Cambodia on Wednesday in Bagan, 510 kilometers (315 miles) northwest of the Myanmar capital Yangon.

BCA reports Rp 62b decline in profit

BCA reports Rp 62b decline in profit The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bank Central Asia (BCA) said on Monday it had posted a decline in its nine-month pre-tax profit to Rp 2.18 trillion (about US$258 million) from Rp 2.80 trillion posted in the same period a year earlier.

Antiterrorist crisis center

Antiterrorist crisis center From Warta Kota The Jakarta provincial administration officially opened its Antiterrorist Crisis Center on Oct. 24, 2003. Earlier, a guidebook on the prevention of terrorism had also been published. The crisis center will receive reports on suspected acts of terrorism from the public and provide information on terrorist activity to the public. I wonder what criteria will be applied to identify terrorist threats.

SonyEricsson has second-largest market share in RI

SonyEricsson has second-largest market share in RI Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta SonyEricsson claimed it holds the second largest mobile phone market share in Indonesia this year, after Finland-based Nokia. "We have been the second since early this year and by the end of this year, we believe we will stay in this position," said country manager Alino Sugianto after the launch of new SonyEricsson mobile phone models on Monday.

1. RIYADH: 4 LINES, 12 counts

1. RIYADH: 4 LINES, 12 counts Al-Qaeda aims to topple Saudi royals: U.S. official 2. ACEH: 3 LINES, 16 COUNTS Military to deploy small units as new tactic against GAM 3. CABINET: 2 LINES, 18 COUNTS Regencies asked to draft flood contingency plans 4. TOKYO: 2 LINES, 24 COUNTS Going gets tougher for Koizumi after majority trimmed in vote 5. VITAL: 2 LINES, 20 COUNTS Military might withdraw from Freeport security

Gubernatorial

Gubernatorial money politics From Kompas The election of governors in several provinces, besides requiring considerable procedural costs, reportedly also demands a lot more money to pay councillors and other officials to guarantee victory. This money politics has a negative impact on public interest in the regions because the underdogs will not accept their loss in the gubernatorial election, so the running of provincial administrations will not be smooth.

Malaysia detains 13 students under tough security law: police

Malaysia detains 13 students under tough security law: police Agencies Kuala Lumpur Malaysia has detained 13 students under a tough security law because they are suspected to have links to terror groups, a top police official said on Monday. Mohamed Bakri Omar, police chief said the 13 were arrested by police under the Internal Security Act (ISA) when they arrived from Pakistan in a special aircraft.

Enough is enough

Enough is enough According to ministers, the amount of money lost to the state through corruption or whatever else rips off the system is well over US$20 billion, which means there are a lot of extremely wealthy people all over this country. It is widely understood and accepted that corruption is the biggest factor that causes not only civil unrest and poverty, but also feeds the radicals with a justification to carry out terrorist bombings.

BUMN: Govt cash cows

BUMN: Govt cash cows It is no secret that state-owned enterprises (BUMN) have long been the government's cash cows. This may have come about because the companies are closed to the public and the government has been able to unlawfully exploit the companies via legal means. The government calls these BUMN 'agents of development with social functions'. Since the International Monetary Fund (IMF) came to Indonesia, one by one, the BUMNs have been 'stripped' by thorough auditing.

Antiterrorist

Antiterrorist crisis center From Warta Kota The Jakarta provincial administration officially opened its Antiterrorist Crisis Center on Oct. 24, 2003. Earlier, a guidebook on the prevention of terrorism had also been published. The crisis center will receive reports on suspected acts of terrorism from the public and provide information on terrorist activity to the public. I wonder what criteria will be applied to identify terrorist threats.

Two Myanmarese deported from Sorong

Two Myanmarese deported from Sorong SORONG, Papua: Sorong immigration office deported on Monday two Myanmar nationals, Kyaw and Soe, for visa violations. Head of Sorong immigration office Achmad Widodo said that the two were deported because they did not possess visas while in Sorong. The two were arrested a few days ago in Sorong. According to Achmad, the two had already been flown to Jakarta early on Monday morning aboard a Merpati commercial airplane.

;JP;TSO;

;JP;TSO; ANPAa..r.. TNI-installations-guard TNI to stop guarding vital installations JP/3/VITAL TNI to stop guarding vital installations JAKARTA: The Indonesian Military (TNI) Chief Gen.

Miss Afghanistan wins special award

Miss Afghanistan wins special award PHILIPPINES: Denounced and all but disowned by her country of birth, Miss Afghanistan Vida Samadzai has won a special award at an international beauty contest held in the Philippines. Samadzai, 23, the first Afghan woman in the post-Taliban era to appear in public in a bikini, won the special award "Miss Earth Beauties for a Cause" here late on Sunday, organizers told AFP.

House revises autonomy law

House revises autonomy law JAKARTA: The House of Representatives agreed on Monday during a plenary session to revise the Law No. 22/1999 on regional administration. Spokespersons of the nine House factions said they hoped the revision would strengthen the legitimacy of governors and regents. Legislator Zein Badjeber, who helped come up with the concept for the draft revision, said legislators would revise the law to pave the way for the direct election of governors and regents.

Megawati sends House 27 candidates for KPI

Megawati sends House 27 candidates for KPI Kurniawan Hari The Jakarta Post Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri finally sent in the names of 27 candidates to sit on the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI), giving the House of Representatives (DPR) less than six weeks to select the nine most qualified. Some of the candidates are figures who were previously known to oppose the broadcasting law, Law No. 31/2002. The Law gives both the government and the House until Dec.

Customer-oriented BUMNs have better chance to succeed

Customer-oriented BUMNs have better chance to succeed Jacky Mussry, Contributor, Jakarta What impression do our state-owned companies make on the public at large? The prevailing perception is one of endless bureaucracy; of slow-moving, service providers that are far from satisfactory. Those who often deal with state-owned companies know which fit this perception and which are contrary to it.

NGOs to play major role in illiteracy fight

NGOs to play major role in illiteracy fight Dewi Santoso, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are being asked to play a bigger role in the national illiteracy eradication program, which aims to increase the number of literate people by 4.45 million within the next 10 years. Director General of Informal and Youth Education Fasli Jalal said more NGOs would be encouraged to become involved in the National Reading Campaign next year.

Semen Gresik in limbo

Semen Gresik in limbo One finds it difficult to fathom the motive of the Supreme Audit Body (Bapeka) in repeatedly questioning the legality of state-owned PT Semen Gresik's acquisition of two other state- owned cement companies, PT Semen Padang in West Sumatra and PT Semen Tonasa in South Sulawesi.

'Ruwatan', a means to purify people and their surroundings

'Ruwatan', a means to purify people and their surroundings The Jakarta Post Sanur, Bali Human beings face daily ups and downs. For those who believe in a karma, good fortune may come and go in accordance with one's destiny. While our destiny may not be thwarted, the Javanese have developed an age-old ritual to cleanse the path of one's fate. "Sometimes, people think they are so unlucky or are trapped in bad situation.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov.10, 2003

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov.10, 2003 _____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ______________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,025 0 0 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 85 0 262,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 70 0 170,500 Alakasa Industrindo 150 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 1,225 0 0 Alter Abadi Tbk 25 -5 858,000 Alumindo Light 205 -5...

Review sought of Advocates Law

Review sought of Advocates Law JAKARTA: A bar association and nine lawyers filed on Monday a petition for a judicial review of a number of articles of Law No. 18/2003 on the advocate's profession with the newly established Constitutional Court. The Indonesian Lawyers and Human Rights Defense Association (APHI) and other plaintiffs objected to article 2 (1) of the law, which allow graduates of military and police law schools to pursue careers as lawyers.

RI workers to receive handsome raises next year

RI workers to receive handsome raises next year Employees in Indonesia are slated to receive the highest salary increases in the Asia-Pacific region next year, according to a 2004 worldwide pay survey. The survey, conducted by Mercer Human Resources Consulting, stated that workers in Indonesia, along with South Korea and China were likely to have the highest collective pay hikes next year, while Singapore's workers would have one of the lowest.

Indonesian employees to receive region's highest real pay hikes =

Indonesian employees to receive region's highest real pay hikes = Doutsche Press-Agentur Singapore Employees in Indonesia, South Korea and China are likely to receive the highest real pay raises in the Asia-Pacific region next year, and Singapore nearly the lowest, a Mercer Human Resource Consulting report said on Monday. With the economy likely to be in better shape in 2004, Mercer tips the rise in pay packets at 2.9 percent in the city-state, up from around 1.3 percent this year.

Car sales increase in October, above target, says Gaikindo

Car sales increase in October, above target, says Gaikindo Sandy Darmosumarto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As the holiday seasons approaches, national automobile sales in October of this year reached 35,996, a 16.2 percent rise from last year's October figure of 30,976. The number sold from January to October 2003 amounted to 304,549 units, a 12.2 percent rise over last year's figure for the same period of 271,433.

Govt to relocate parts of Ladia Galaska road

Govt to relocate parts of Ladia Galaska road Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government is planning to relocate sections of the controversial Ladia Galaska road project to minimize destruction in Gunung Leuser National Park, a cabinet minister has said. It was not immediately clear, however, if the sections would be relocated away from the park, with Minister of Forestry M. Prakosa saying only that the matter would be decided later.

South Korean president appeals for calm to labor unrest

South Korean president appeals for calm to labor unrest Agence France-Presse Seoul President Roh Moo-Hyun appealed for calm on Monday after the most violent clashes seen in South Korea in years between labor activists and police left about 100 people injured. "It's not right for workers to resort to illegal and violent means," Roh told a meeting of presidential staff, according to his office.

TV dramas for Ramadhan

TV dramas for Ramadhan From Republika We should thank TV stations for presenting special dramas for the holy month of Ramadhan, especially SCTV, which is broadcasting four special serials. The four Islamic TV dramas are Lorong Waktu (Time Tunnel), Surga Dibawah Telapak Kaki Ibu (Deep Respect for Mothers), Ikhlas (Sincerity) and Jalan Lain Kesana (The Other Divine Path). Two of the four shows, Jalan Lain Kesana and Lorong Waktu, have substantial Islamic teachings.

2. HYDRAN -- 2 x 24

2. HYDRAN -- 2 x 24 Korean art student finds inspiration in fireplugs

1. LADIA: 48 pt, 4 cols, 2 x 24

1. LADIA: 48 pt, 4 cols, 2 x 24 Govt to relocate parts of Ladia Galaska road 2. FLOOD: 36 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 24 Rescuers to search until all 100 missing victims found 3. WATER: 30 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 36 Water rates to increase by 30 percent 4. KPU: 28 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 30 KPU to conduct field check on questionable tender winner 5. ODD: 20 pt, 2 cols, 1 x 28 99-year-old New Zealander weds

Fire victims admit plotting to attack Tomy

Fire victims admit plotting to attack Tomy M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A community leader in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, testified on Monday that an article in Tempo magazine allegedly linking Tomy Winata to a fire that gutted the Tanah Abang textile market led him to plan an attack on the businessman.

Where to go in Bandung for Tuesday, November 11, 2003

Where to go in Bandung for Tuesday, November 11, 2003 Film * Documentary Films, at CCF - French Cultural Center, Jl. Purnawarman 32 (Tel. 022 4212417): Samia (Nov. 13), Shadow Play (Nov. 17 - 18), Fatou la malienne (Nov. 19), Le gone du Chaaba (Nov. 21). Music and Entertainment * Sheraton Bandung Hotel and Towers, Jl. Ir. H. Juanda No. 390 (Tel. 022 2500303): - SOB Fun Pub: Live music, daily, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. * Santika Hotel, Jl. Sumatra No. 52-54 (Tel.

House passes 2004 budget bill into law

House passes 2004 budget bill into law The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives passed on Monday the government- proposed 2004 state budget bill into law, despite objections from some individual lawmakers who criticized the budget as lacking in stimulus and not doing anything to improve the well-being of the people.

Golkar goings on

Golkar goings on From Media Indonesia The fact it was decided at the recently concluded Golkar convention to postpone electing the party's presidential candidate until after the general elections has led to the disappointment of some of Golkar's potential presidential candidates. As a result the convention has been thought not as a means for the party to boost its popularity but rather as a political ploy that reeks of the old tricks that Golkar used to employ.

Megawati names 27 House candidates for KPI

Megawati names 27 House candidates for KPI Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri finally sent in the names of 27 candidates to sit on the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI), giving the House of Representatives (DPR) less than six weeks to select the nine most qualified. Some of the candidates are figures who were previously known to oppose the broadcasting law, Law No. 31/2002. The Law gives both the government and the House until Dec.

TV dramas for Ramadhan

TV dramas for Ramadhan From Republika We should thank TV stations for presenting special dramas for the holy month of Ramadhan, especially SCTV, which is broadcasting four special serials. The four Islamic TV dramas are Lorong Waktu (Time Tunnel), Surga Dibawah Telapak Kaki Ibu (Deep Respect for Mothers), Ikhlas (Sincerity) and Jalan Lain Kesana (The Other Divine Path). Two of the four shows, Jalan Lain Kesana and Lorong Waktu, have substantial Islamic teachings.

Transformation brings positive results

Transformation brings positive results Ari Darmawan and Sudibyo M. Wiradji, Contributor, Jakarta In the minds of many people the image of state-owned companies has yet to improve significantly. The companies are often seen as the cash cows of those in power, full of corrupt practices and ineffective bureaucracy.

Gubernatorial

Gubernatorial money politics From Kompas The election of governors in several provinces, besides requiring considerable procedural costs, reportedly also demands a lot more money to pay councillors and other officials to guarantee victory. This money politics has a negative impact on public interest in the regions because the underdogs will not accept their loss in the gubernatorial election, so the running of provincial administrations will not be smooth.

Negotiation on BNI labor dispute turn violent

Negotiation on BNI labor dispute turn violent Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The tripartite negotiations between the management of publicly listed Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) and its contract-based workers with mediation from government officials ended in chaos on Monday as the management proposed to lay off all the temporary workers, instead of keeping some of them as was earlier discussed.

KPI members tried for illegal tenancy

KPI members tried for illegal tenancy JAKARTA: The trial of six members of the Indonesian Seafarers Union (KPI) central board started on Monday on charges of illegally occupying the union's office building in Cikini, Central Jakarta. The Central Jakarta District Court, however, has adjourned the hearing until Nov. 17, because the defendants are still at sea. Prosecutor M.

Three more victims found after boat accident

Three more victims found after boat accident Kasparman, The Jakarta Post, Padang, West Sumatra The number of victims from a boat accident on Sunday morning totaled seven as three more bodies were found on Monday in the Batang Anai river. Of a total 12 passengers, all but one of whom were students at a Padang-based nursing academy, three are known to have survived so far and two are still missing. Antara reported that police have detained the boat's helmsman, Adrizal.

Indonesia accepts Kurdish boat people, seeks UN help

Indonesia accepts Kurdish boat people, seeks UN help Fabiola Desy Unidjaja The Jakarta Post Jakarta Indonesia is ready to take 14 boat people back who were refused entry to Australia, but will not allow them to settle in the country, a minister said on Monday. Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Jusuf Kalla said the Indonesian government would ask the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) to take care of the people.

Preventable tragedies

Preventable tragedies In the space of only two weeks, three fatal disasters have occurred around us. On Sunday, Oct. 26, a flash flood killed at least 120 people in Bukit Lawang, North Sumatra. On Friday, Nov. 7, four women died in a stampede for Rp 20,000 in alms in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta. On the following day, six family members of a local prosecutor were killed when fire destroyed their home in Lebak Bulus, South Jakarta.

RI Senior Bowl team abandons title hopes

RI Senior Bowl team abandons title hopes The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After missing out on quarterfinal spots in the Bermuda Bowl and Venice Cup, Indonesia had to bury its dreams for the Senior Bowl title after the results on the penultimate day did not come out its way. Eddy Manoppo and teammates managed to add another 42 points from two rounds in the World Bridge Championships in Monte Carlo on Sunday, winning 17-13 over Italy in the 13th round and taking a 25-2 romp over Pakistan.

TNI to stop guarding vital installations

TNI to stop guarding vital installations JAKARTA: The Indonesian Military (TNI) Chief Gen.

Most Asian Currencies Up Late; Airport Siege Hurts Peso

Most Asian Currencies Up Late; Airport Siege Hurts Peso Dow Jones Singapore Most Asian currencies strengthened ON Monday as the dollar failed to capitalize on economic data indicating that a long-awaited pickup in U.S. jobs growth is finally underway. Analysts said the dollar's poor response to the numbers suggests that much of the good news about the U.S. economy has already been priced in to exchange rates, and that investors believe growth prospects in Asia are better than in the U.S.

Yogyakarta pawnshops hit Rp 1.3b jackpot

Yogyakarta pawnshops hit Rp 1.3b jackpot Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta State-run pawnshops in Yogyakarta province recorded a sharp increase in the number of customers two weeks before Idul Fitri festivities, with around Rp 1.3 billion (USS152,941) involved in daily transactions. It was a 30 percent increase from normal transactions of around Rp 1 billion before the Islamic holy month of Ramadhan began, a spokesperson for the Yogyakarta pawnshops Sri Yanti said on Monday.

Air Force starts crash probe

Air Force starts crash probe BOGOR: An Air Force team has begun its investigation into the crash of a Sikorsky S-58T Twin Pack helicopter at the Atang Sanjaya airfield in Semplak, Bogor, on Oct. 30, which left seven Air Force members dead. The commander of the airfield, Col. Teuku Djohan, said on Monday that the investigation began last Wednesday. "The team is led by Operation Command I assistant Col. Boy.

TNI to deploy small units anew tactic against GAM

TNI to deploy small units anew tactic against GAM Tiarma Siboro and Teuku Agam Muzakkir, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Lhokseumawe Entering the second six months of martial law in Aceh, the Indonesian Military (TNI) disclosed on Monday that it would change its tactics in the war-torn province, including sending in another strike unit which will operate in small units to hunt down "a currently disorganized rebel group." TNI chief Gen.

Salossa bans 'Independence Day'

Salossa bans 'Independence Day' Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura, Papua The Papua provincial government has prohibited Papuans from celebrating Papuan Independence Day on Dec. 1, according to a circular made available to reporters on Monday. The circular was signed by Papua governor J.P. Solossa, the chief of Trikora military command overseeing Papua province, Maj. Gen. Nurdin Zainal, Papua police chief Insp. Gen.

Pawnshop business pays big as holiday nears

Pawnshop business pays big as holiday nears Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jati, 40, is waiting for her turn to redeem her pawned gold ring at Jatinegara pawnshop, East Jakarta. She initially received Rp 125,000 (US$14.71) for the ring, but she must redeem it for Rp 148,000. "Well, I already have the money to buy it back, so why should I wait any longer? Besides, I don't want to forget that I pawned my ring here," Jati told The Jakarta Post recently.

Lawyer downplays BPK probe into Semen Gresik

Lawyer downplays BPK probe into Semen Gresik Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A lawyer representing publicly listed cement giant PT Semen Gresik downplayed on Monday the probe being conducted by the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) into the company's past acquisition of PT Semen Padang and PT Semen Tonasa. "All the papers we have on the acquisition process is legal.

Experts urge East Asia to pool huge reserves

Experts urge East Asia to pool huge reserves P. Parameswaran, Agence France-Presse, Manila Southeast Asia and China, Japan and South Korea should set up a common fund from their huge foreign reserves as part of a strategy against regional financial turmoil, said a group of experts.

Govt may up 2004 global bond issue

Govt may up 2004 global bond issue Dow Jones, Jakarta The government planned to sell up to US$600 million in global bonds next year, more than initially planned due to warm investor response during a recent international roadshow, a senior government official said on Monday. Government officials in October met with investors in Dubai, London and New York to gauge appetite for a sovereign bond from Indonesia. which has not tapped global markets since the 1997- 1998 Asian financial crisis.

'I deserve better meals during Ramadhan'

'I deserve better meals during Ramadhan' The Muslim holy month of Ramadhan is two weeks old, and as is the tradition people here are breaking the fast with special delicacies and lavish meals. The Jakarta Post spoke with several people about how they were coping financially with the need to buy special foods during the fasting month.

Possible profit revision drags Telkom shares down

Possible profit revision drags Telkom shares down Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Shares in state-owned telecommunications company PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom) plunged on Monday over fears that the reaudit of the company's 2002 financial report would result in a reduction in its net profit. Telkom shares, the largest counters on the Jakarta Stock Exchange, dropped by 2.6 percent, or Rp 150 to Rp 5,700.

Regencies asked to draft contingency plans

Regencies asked to draft contingency plans Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Around 100 regencies across the country are prone to floods in the coming months as rainfall is predicted to sharply increase, the government warned on Monday.

Storm damages 83 houses, bridge

Storm damages 83 houses, bridge CIREBON: At least 83 homes were damaged and a bridge was almost ruined when a storm hit the Cisaat Cangkuang village in Babakan district on Monday. Fortunately only one resident was injured as a result of the 10-minute storm around 4 p.m. Roads were full of trees which had toppled, Antara reported. Unlike the others, the injured resident, a 70-year old woman named Ratmi, had not managed to escape out of the house.

Banten councillors protest haj dormitory plan

Banten councillors protest haj dormitory plan Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang Banten provincial councillors objected to a decision by Tangerang regency administration to build the provincial haj dormitory on an 11-hectare site provided by PT Lippo Karawaci in Curug district, some 15 kilometers southwest of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

Investors deterred by costly loans

Investors deterred by costly loans SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: The East Kalimantan provincial administration has offered investors almost 1 million hectares in concessions for palm oil plantations since 1998, but only 15 percent has been worked by them. Investors were reluctant to work the land due to the high rate of local bank loan interest and the slow bureaucracy, said Ismet Barabakh, head of the provincial plantation office.

Masses to take over Bekasi Council

Masses to take over Bekasi Council BEKASI: Some 200 people vowed on Monday to physically take over the Bekasi Council building unless the local legislators immediately launched an investigation into nine councillors from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) allegedly involved in irregularities during the recent municipal election. "We will mobilize thousands of residents," said one of the protesters during the rally outside the Council building.

* Headlines:Government to relocate parts of Ladia Galaska road

* Headlines:Government to relocate parts of Ladia Galaska road 2 * National:Hasyim tells U.S.

House revises autonomy law

House revises autonomy law JAKARTA: The House of Representatives agreed on Monday during a plenary session to revise the Law No. 22/1999 on regional administration. Spokespersons of the nine House factions said they hoped the revision would strengthen the legitimacy of governors and regents. Legislator Zein Badjeber, who helped come up with the concept for the draft revision, said legislators would revise the law to pave the way for the direct election of governors and regents.

Sect members held after 'doomsday'

Sect members held after 'doomsday' BANDUNG, West Java: Bandung police detained on Monday 13 members of a Christian sect calling themselves "Prophet Hut" for believing that doomsday would occur at 12 p.m on Monday.

Rescuers to search until all 100 missing victims found

Rescuers to search until all 100 missing victims found Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Langkat, North Sumatra The authorities in North Sumatra decided on Monday to continue indefinitely the search for more than 100 victims still missing after a flash flood devastated a popular resort town a week ago, killing at least 138 people.

Low salaries breed corruption?

Low salaries breed corruption? From Suara Karya The news on the finance minister's denial of corruption being linked to civil servants' low salaries was interesting to note. It is widely believed that the actions of those in positions of power harm the low-ranking civil servants. For example, the government can only increase the salaries of civil servants by 5 percent to 10 percent annually.

Military might withdraw from Freeport security

Military might withdraw from Freeport security JAKARTA: The Indonesian Military (TNI) Chief Gen.

Sutiyoso unveils statue amid waste crisis, evictions

Sutiyoso unveils statue amid waste crisis, evictions Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The unresolved issues of waste problems and forced evictions did not stop Governor Sutiyoso from officiating the unveiling of the bronze-coated Arjuna Wijaya statue at the intersection of Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat, Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan, Jl. M.H. Thamrin and Jl. Budi Kemuliaan in Central Jakarta. The ceremony caused a massive congestion in the area, as the administration erected a huge tent on Jl.

Teenager killed over cigarettes

Teenager killed over cigarettes SEMARANG, Central Java: Two Semarang teenagers stabbed a fellow high school student to death over the weekend after the boy refused to give them some cigarettes, police said on Monday. The two boys, identified as Eko Supriyanto, 18, and Niko Wira Andika, 17, were named as suspects in the slaying on Sunday of Arif Kuswanto, 16, in Semarang, the capital of Central Java.

Civil servants demand Idul Fitri bonuses

Civil servants demand Idul Fitri bonuses JAKARTA: The Indonesian Civil Servants Corps (Korpri) demanded on Monday that the government provide an Idul Fitri bonus to the country's 3.7 million civil servants. The state budget does not provide money for the bonuses, leaving government bodies at the national and local levels to decide on their own how much of a bonus they can provide employees.

Indonesia accepts Kurdish boat people, seeks UN help

Indonesia accepts Kurdish boat people, seeks UN help Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post , Jakarta Indonesia is ready to take 14 boat people back who were refused entry to Australia, but will not allow them to settle in the country, a minister said on Monday. Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Jusuf Kalla said the Indonesian government would ask the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) to take care of the people.