Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 15 November 2003

99 articles found

Jail term sought for alleged aid thief

Jail term sought for alleged aid thief AMBON, Maluku: Prosecutors demanded the Ambon District Court here on Friday sentence local government official Abdul Kadir Touwe to seven years in jail for embezzling aid destined for refugees. Prosecutor Imbabla accused the defendant of causing loses to the state amounting to Rp 2.04 billion (US$240,258). In a trial session presided over by judge L.

Losing Sunu looks

Losing Sunu looks ahead for Australia Zakki Hakim The Jakarta Post Jakarta Sunu Wahyu Trijati failed to advance to the semifinals of the ITF Indonesia Junior Tennis Championships 2003 and the young Indonesian tennis star said he learned much from defeat ahead of his debut in the Junior Australian Open early next year. The 16-year-old, who was the second seed, lost to Lee Meng Hua of Chinese Taipei 6-1, 6-3 in 63 minutes in the quarterfinal match at the Bung Karno tennis courts here on Friday.

Exodus routes prone to flood, landslides

Exodus routes prone to flood, landslides SEMARANG: Routes mostly taken during the annual Idul Fitri mass exodus in Central Java region, including along pantura -- the Central Java north coast lane -- and the central and southern parts of the province are considered to be prone to floods and landslides.

Democracy, Bekasi style

Democracy, Bekasi style From Warta Kota The election of the regent of Bekasi recently was marked by the losers being allowed to outrageously exert such pressure on the election committee that it annulled the outcome of the polls. Bekasi security officers, of which there are 1,600, were nowhere to be seen during the election so that the crowds of candidates' supporters were able to turn this important event into a circus.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov. 14, 2003

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov. 14, 2003 ________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume _________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,025 25 5,000 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 80 -5 115,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 65 0 12,500 Alakasa Industrindo 150 0 500 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 1,200 0 0 Alter Abadi Tbk 25 0 0 Alumindo Light 200 0 0 Andhi...

Malls do their best to lure shoppers but remain vigilant

Malls do their best to lure shoppers but remain vigilant Rudijanto Contributor Jakarta Not even bomb threats can stop shoppers from flocking to Indonesian malls during the months of November and December, as their only concern is to get everything they need to celebrate Idul Fitri, Christmas and the New Year.

Street children to get a dorm

Street children to get a dorm JAKARTA: Governor Sutiyoso said on Friday his administration planned to build dormitories on six hectares of land in Ciangir, Tangerang, to house up to 8,158 street children. "The administration will also provide them with education and training so they can stand on their own feet in the future," he said, adding that the Rp 60 billion (US$7 million) project would begin early next year.

Retrial for jailed Anwar urged

Retrial for jailed Anwar urged MALAYSIA: Two opposition parties on Friday pressed newly installed Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to order a retrial for jailed former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim, a victim of political conspiracy. Islamic Party (PAS), Malaysia's largest opposition party and Anwar's People's Justice Party (Keadilan) submitted a three-page memorandum to Badawi with a 19-point demand. "Anwar deserves a retrial. He is a victim of political conspiracy.

Rupiah Rates Nov.14

Rupiah Rates Nov.14 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar------1 6,507.57 5,782.26 6,177.93 6,111.66 Brunei dollar----------1 5,244.43 4,660.43 4,978.78 4,925.93 Canadian dollar--------1 6,952.84 6,176.95 6,600.65 6,528.84 Swiss franc------------1 6,762.10 6,008.99 6,419.58 6,351.31 Danish krone-----------1 1,425.48 1,266.96 1,353.27 1,339.13 Euro-------------------1 10,601.75 9,424.25 10,064.73 9,961.13 Poundsterling----------1 15,225.53 13,533.92 14,454.29...

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.

Samarinda sarong being sidelined

Samarinda sarong being sidelined Rusman, The Jakarta Post, Samarinda, East Kalimantan Thirty-five-year-old Tabbe was sitting before her loom, which was half her age. In the 1980s, the mother of three bought it for only Rp 250,000. Now and again, she loosened the yarn that was getting tangled. She also drew the weaving rod and pressed it from time to time. A piece of cloth, known as Samarinda sarong, was ready not long after.

Hotels gear up for Idul Fitri programs

Hotels gear up for Idul Fitri programs YOGYAKARTA: Although the Idul Fitri holiday, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadhan, is still 10 days away, star-rated hotels in this ancient city have already begun to promote special holiday programs. The five star Yogyakarta Sheraton Mustika Resort and Spa on Jl. Laksda Adisucipto, for example, has been offering special rates for Nov. 24 to Nov. 28, 2003 by decreasing the hotel's surcharge to less than 30 percent, despite the peak season.

Man dies of too much coffee

Man dies of too much coffee TANGERANG: Too much caffeine is bad for your heart, doctor says. But heartbroken Yanto Linko, 61, who formerly a successful ceramic businessman, took up to 15 cups of coffee every day in the whole week until his neighbors found him dead late on Thursday on his rent house in Pondok Aries housing complex, Pondok Benda subdistrict, Serpong district of Tangerang.

Police will question VP's son over assault

Police will question VP's son over assault Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Police will summon Ivan Haz, son of Vice President Hamzah Haz, as a witness in an assault case involving a car dealer. Hamzah has urged the police to investigate the case, though he has raised doubts over reports suggesting his son was involved in the matter.

Losing Sunu looks ahead for Australia

Losing Sunu looks ahead for Australia Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Sunu Wahyu Trijati failed to advance to the semifinals of the ITF Indonesia Junior Tennis Championships 2003 and the young Indonesian tennis star said he learned much from defeat ahead of his debut in the Junior Australian Open early next year. The 16-year-old, who was the second seed, lost to Lee Meng Hua of Chinese Taipei 6-1, 6-3 in 63 minutes in the quarterfinal match at the Bung Karno tennis courts here on Friday.

AP;HHR;

AP;HHR; ANPAi..r.. ATW-Australia-ETimor-Oil Australia accused of delaying oil talks JP/11/ATW Australia accused of delaying oil talks AUSTRALIA: East Timor's prime minister on Friday accused Australia of deliberately dragging out talks aimed at bolstering his impoverished nation's share of billions of dollars worth of oil and gas under the sea dividing the two nations.

Korean warships to visit RI

Korean warships to visit RI JAKARTA: Three of South Korea's latest warships will pay a four-day visit to Indonesia next week to strengthen friendship between the two countries' Navies. The South Korean Embassy said in a statement here on Friday that the three warships -- ROKS Yangmanchoon, ROKS Wonsan, and ROKS Daecheong -- will arrive in Surabaya, East Java on Thursday with 820 officers and crew led by Rear Adm. Joong Ryun Kim.

Abuse of female migrant workers

Abuse of female migrant workers From Media Indonesia Cases of rape or torture involving Indonesia's female migrant workers (TKW), as frequently reported by the mass media, apparently have not motivated Islamic organizations to act. There has been no news of demonstrations against Kuwait or other Middle East nations employing the TKW. On the other hand, when America attacked Iraq, various demos were staged against the U.S.

'TNI may still guard vital places'

'TNI may still guard vital places' Yuni Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung Indonesian Military (TNI) Chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto clarified his statement over the military's plan to quit providing protection at several vital installations, saying soldiers may still do the task in the event of emergency. "Should security concerns increase, (the companies) may ask the police for assistance. If (the security concerns) worsen, TNI might be asked for help," he told reporters here on Friday.

According to the government's controversial new policy, visa-

According to the government's controversial new policy, visa- on-arrival facilities will be terminated for an as yet unknown number of countries starting Dec. 1, 2003. Incredibly enough, with only a few more weeks to go until the onset of the December peak tourist season, the government so far has not only failed to announce which countries are to be affected by its new visa policy, but also to issue details regarding the implementation of the policy.

A political war?

A political war? No one can deny that the export loan scam involving Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) has done some serious damage, not only to the Indonesian trade and banking industry, but to the country's economy as well. The scandal, which has been the talk of the town for the past several weeks, involves the issuance of no less than 41 fictitious letters of credit (L/Cs) for a total of Rp 1.7 trillion (US$291.2 million), in a classic case of collusion between banking officers and businesspeople.

X-ray check reveals dead baby in bag

X-ray check reveals dead baby in bag The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The airport authority in Palu briefly detained a couple who were attempting to fly their dead baby from Mutiara airport to the South Sulawesi capital, Makassar, for burial. The snafu occurred on Thursday as couple A. Muh Harun, 34, and his wife A. Mariam, 29, were about to fly to Makassar from Palu.

Confusing new visa policy

Confusing new visa policy Over the last months, the Ministry for Tourism and Culture invested substantial amounts of money on international television as well as four-page full-color ads in the International Herald Tribune in order to promote Indonesia as a tourist destination. At the same time however, the government for rather ill- defined reasons of "reciprocity and mutual benefit" decided to abolish its visa-on-arrival facilities for a yet unknown number of countries starting Dec. 1, 2003.

Indonesia's schools should target higher standards

Indonesia's schools should target higher standards Simon Marcus Gower, Executive Principal, High/Scope Indonesia, Jakarta A strange experience may be had in Jakarta at present. It may even be described as an Indonesian phenomenon as it would rarely, if ever, be seen in many other countries. Schools across the capital promote themselves on the basis that they follow foreign curricula.

AirAsia to open first int'l route

AirAsia to open first int'l route KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian budget carrier AirAsia will open its first international route next month - a daily flight from Kuala Lumpur to Thailand's resort island of Phuket, its chief executive said. The first Kuala Lumpur-Phuket flight on Dec. 8 will mark a step forward in AirAsia's plan to expand from a domestic carrier into a no-frills regional airline.

TV Today: Saturday, November 15, 2003

TV Today: Saturday, November 15, 2003 TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:30 TV Drama: Lorong Waktu 8:00 Documentary 9:00 Religious Teachings 10:30 Children Drama 11:00 Religious Teachings 11:30 Music: Konteswara 12:00 p.m. Battle of Wits 1:00 News: Berita Siang 2:00 Children Drama 3:00 Archipelago News 4:00 English News Service 5:00 Religious Teachings 6:00 Religious Songs 7:00 National News 8:00 Music 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 9:30 TV Drama 11:00 Puppet Show 12:00 a.m.

Big car rental companies all booked up for Idul Fitri

Big car rental companies all booked up for Idul Fitri Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post , Jakarta Holidaymakers planning to go home for Idul Fitri will find that most cars rented out by big companies have been booked, but small rent-a-car companies still have vehicles available. Actually, people started to book cars for the holiday early this month.

Public places beef up security after warnings

Public places beef up security after warnings The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Yogyakarta As a bomb expert who once lectured in Yogyakarta remains at large, efforts to beef up security continues at possible targets for terror bombs. Among them are the Kem Chicks market in Kemang, South Jakarta, which is a favorite shopping spot for expatriate Jakartans and their families.

Pura Barutama wins KPU tender

Pura Barutama wins KPU tender JAKARTA: The General Elections Commission (KPU) has declared PT Pura Barutama the winner of a tender to produce voter registration cards worth Rp 71 billion. KPU chairman Nazaruddin Sjamsuddin said on Friday that the decision to declare Pura Barutama the winner was taken after the end of the period for lodging objections on Wednesday. This is intended to allow the public to file objections against the awarding of the tender.

Komnas accuses TNI of abuses in Papua

Komnas accuses TNI of abuses in Papua Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) said on Friday that based on preliminary findings the Indonesian military (TNI) committed gross abuses in Papua in 2001 and 2003, and says it is launching a legal probe into the incidents.

Security and related devices central in our lives

Security and related devices central in our lives Burhanuddin Abe Contributor Jakarta The horrors of last year's bombings in Bali, followed by the JW Marriot Hotel blast in Jakarta a few months ago, have drastically changed our perception on security. These events serve as examples that security has indeed become a luxury item and is now a top priority for everyone. Terrorists and terrorism are real threats in our daily lives more than ever.

PTT's earnings up on strong economy

PTT's earnings up on strong economy BANGKOK: Thai energy giant PTT said Friday the company's net profit for the nine months to September rose 62.9 percent year-on-year to 27.96 billion baht (US$700.8 million) due to the strong domestic economy. The result also came about due to the government's stimulus policies and low interest rates, PTT president Prasert Bunsumpun said in a statement. The company's sales in the first nine months totalled 367.83 billion baht, up 27.9 percent year-on-year.

Snipers, bomb squad deployed to tighten security

Snipers, bomb squad deployed to tighten security Nana Rukmana and Suherjoko, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon/Semarang Ensuring a safe return home to celebrate religious holidays is no longer limited to the prevention of traffic accidents; snipers and bomb squads from the Police Mobile Brigade will also guard against more sinister possibilities.

Traditional markets bloom during Ramadhan

Traditional markets bloom during Ramadhan Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta If you get tired with breaking of the menus at hotels, try some of the fare from seasonal markets in Kauman, Yogyakarta. About 70 vendors line up along the small road, which is three meters wide and 750 meters long, located at the west of the North Square of the Yogyakarta Palace. They sell various kinds of traditional snacks and dishes to break the fast for as low as Rp 500 (about 6 U.S. cents) to Rp 5,000.

Promoting peace education in the month of Ramadhan

Promoting peace education in the month of Ramadhan Muhamad Ali, Lecturer, Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University (UIN), Jakarta muhamad@hawaii.edu In the month of Ramadhan and school holidays, Muslim educators in Indonesia usually develop different and creative kinds of education.

House urges govt to regulate drug prices

House urges govt to regulate drug prices Dewi Santoso The Jakarta Post Jakarta House of Representatives legislators urged the government on Friday to issue a regulation to keep drug prices under control. The deputy chairman of House Commission VII Surya Chandra said the government's failure to control drug prices had disrupted the distribution of medicine and created an unhealthy competition among pharmacies and drugstores. "It's unfair.

14 policemen arrested for killing suspect

14 policemen arrested for killing suspect Oktovianus Pinontoan, The Jakarta Post, Ambon, Maluku Fourteen policemen have been arrested for allegedly beating a suspected thief to death earlier this month in the Maluku capital of Ambon, police officers said on Friday. The 14 policemen have been charged with beating to death Syaiful Ibrahim, 17, who was arrested on Nov. 4 for stealing Rp 6 million (US$705) in cash and 57 grams of gold from a jewelry store in the Batu Merah market in Ambon.

1. PGI: 48 pt, 2 cols, 4 x 12

1. PGI: 48 pt, 2 cols, 4 x 12 Church bodies join campaign to combat corruption 2. PTDI: 36 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 30 DI workers produce demand for large severance payments 3. IVAN: 28 pt, 1 cols, 3 x 10 Police will question VP's son over assault 4. GUARD: 28 pt, 3 cols, 1 x 30 'TNI may still guard vital places' 5. ODD: 20 pt, 3 cols, 1 x 40 Businessman dies after too much coffee

1. ACEH ( 4 X 12 )

1. ACEH ( 4 X 12 ) End martial law to restore dignity in Aceh: Religious leaders 2. BOAT ( 2 X 21) Govt raps Australia over boat people 3. DRUG ( 2 X 21 ) House urges govt to regulate drug prices 4. KPU ( 2 X 20 ) Many parties may not pass factual verification 5. SENI ( 1 X 49 ) Martial law restricting artistic freedom in Aceh

Limited quota may prevent 1,181 Muslim from Mecca

Limited quota may prevent 1,181 Muslim from Mecca Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Up to 1,181 of 1,198 Muslims who have registered to go on the haj pilgrimage through a private travel firm in Yogyakarta may not yet get to their destination -- Mecca, Saudi Arabia -- next year due to the limited haj quota allocated to Indonesia. The affected participants would all be those who have registered under the "Haj Plus" scheme, which offers better services to Indonesian pilgrims in Mecca.

UNDP assists election monitoring

UNDP assists election monitoring SEMARANG: The Rectors' Forum announced on Friday that it had received financial assistance of US$23 million from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to help the forum monitor the 2004 elections. Eko Budihardjo, University of Diponegoro rector, who is also a member of the Rectors' Forum, said the performance of the Rectors' Forum in monitoring the 1999 election was considered good.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov. 14, 2003

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov. 14, 2003 ________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume _________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,025 25 5,000 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 80 -5 115,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 65 0 12,500 Alakasa Industrindo 150 0 500 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 1,200 0 0 Alter Abadi Tbk 25 0 0 Alumindo Light 200 0 0 Andhi...

Gus Dur, Cak Nur to appear in House

Gus Dur, Cak Nur to appear in House JAKARTA: The House of Representatives will next week hear the views of more public figures to enrich the discussion on the truth and reconciliation commission bill. Muslim scholar Nurcholish Madjid, former president Abdurrahman Wahid, former transmigration minister Siswono Yudohusodo, and senior journalist Jakob Oetama are expected to appear at the House on Monday. Former military chief Gen. (ret) Wiranto, former ambassador to the United States Lt. Gen.

Church bodies join campaign to combat corruption

Church bodies join campaign to combat corruption Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Communion of Churches (PGI) has joined other religious groups in stating their commitment to take on part of the responsibility in combating corruption. The Indonesian Bishops Council (KWI), representing Catholics, and earlier the country's two largest Islamic organizations Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah, had voiced similar commitment for the campaign.

Russia eyes Papua as launch pad

Russia eyes Papua as launch pad JAKARTA: Russia wants to launch a satellite from Papua sometime next year, Antara reported on Friday. Papua Governor Jaap Solossa said the Russian government had carried out a field study on Biak island off the northern coast of the province. Russia was eager to launch the satellite from Papua due to its "strategic location," Solossa said but gave no more details. Russian Embassy officials were not immediately available for comment.

Jabotabek executive train

Jabotabek executive train From Tempo I usually commute on an express train plying the Bekasi- Jakarta route and used to be satisfied with it. Lately, however, I have found it to be behind schedule and the air conditioner has not been working properly. Worse still, there are some illegal passengers. They pay only half the fare to the railway officials in charge on the train.

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, November 15, 2003

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, November 15, 2003 Exhibitions * 3rd Annual International Jewellery Fair 2003 participated by 46 companies from 8 countries, at Assembly Hall, Jakarta Convention Center, Central Jakarta, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., until Nov. 16. * An exhibition of over 100 terracotta's from the Majapahit Kingdom period, 13th-15th century, East Java and other parts of the archipelago. The Royal Treasures Room, Dharma Mulia Galleries, Jl. Ciputat Raya No. 50 (Tel. 7492850), 9 a.m.

JAKARTA: A group of six men armed with sickles robbed the

JAKARTA: A group of six men armed with sickles robbed the house of a policeman on Jl. Balai Rakyat, Koja district, North Jakarta, in the wee hours of Thursday morning, taking away a television set, a computer, an electric piano, gold jewelry and Rp 3.5 million (US$411) in cash. In his report to the police, Adj. First Insp. Suparta, 54, said the six shut the power off and cut the phone line before breaking in. They locked Suparta, his wife, two children and one grandchild in two separate rooms.

DPR clears way for use of 502 account

DPR clears way for use of 502 account The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives told Bank Indonesia on Friday to return Rp 14.5 trillion to a government account known as the 502 account, to make way for the payment of overseas obligations of banks that were closed down during the crisis. The decision was taken at a joint hearing between House Commission IX on financial affairs and the Ministry of Finance, Bank Indonesia and the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA).

JP/4/ACEH

JP/4/ACEH Govt prepares draft of amnesty for Aceh rebels Tiarma Siboro Kurniawan Hari The Jakarta Post Jakarta The government said on Thursday that it has been preparing a draft on amnesty policy and expects to consult the House of Representatives (DPR) in the near future.

Operators battle for better services during holidays

Operators battle for better services during holidays Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Four major cellular telephone operators in Indonesia are battling to satisfy customers and lure hundreds of thousands of new ones during the upcoming Idul Fitri holidays, by offering a wide range of services, including some unusual ones.

Smart shopping tips

Smart shopping tips Shopping can be a pleasure or a chore. If you know the secret, shopping can be fun, and more importantly, with good planning, you can guard yourself against the temptation of goods that you don't need. Below are some smart shopping tips that you can you use while shopping for clothes or other necessities for Idul Fitri or the Christmas holidays. - Shop with a plan. Know exactly what you need and how much you can spend. Write it down and create a budget.

West Irian Jaya governor sworn in, despite dispute

West Irian Jaya governor sworn in, despite dispute Nethy Dharma Somba and Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura/Jakarta Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno installed on Friday Brig. Gen. (ret) Abraham Octovianus Atururi as the governor of West Irian Jaya province, despite controversy over the status of the province. Atuturi was inaugurated based on presidential decree No. 213/M dated Nov.

Street kids get break on mountain outing

Street kids get break on mountain outing Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In the chill mountain air, Zainal, 13, discussed strategy with 14 friends, all hoping to win an agility game. They formed a circle and gave a victory shout. Then Zainal ran as an opponent chased him. He laughed out loud although he was caught and his team lost, because another game was just beginning.

House urges govt to regulate drug prices

House urges govt to regulate drug prices Dewi Santoso, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta House of Representatives legislators urged the government on Friday to issue a regulation to keep drug prices under control. The deputy chairman of House Commission VII Surya Chandra said the government's failure to control drug prices had disrupted the distribution of medicine and created an unhealthy competition among pharmacies and drugstores. "It's unfair.

'Kraca', escargot from Purwokerto

'Kraca', escargot from Purwokerto Agus Maryono, The Jakarta Post, Purwokerto, Central Java "Hmmm. Yummy. It's hot and tasty. Once you taste it, you won't stop," said Suryati, 23, while eating a stewed snail. Suryati is one of many Purwokerto residents who has become addicted to this particular cuisine, known as kraca. It is not a popular delicacy in other areas, though, mainly because people outside of Purwokerto are not familiar with it.

Democracy and leadership

Democracy and leadership Sayidiman Suryohadiprojo Former Governor National Resilience Institute (Lemhanas) Jakarta More and more people are wondering whether democracy is the right political system for Indonesia. Democratic reforms, started in 1958, do not seem to bring improvements to the multidimensional crisis facing the nation. Problems have even increased in number as well as in seriousness.

JP/1/ngawi

JP/1/ngawi Seven die in car crash: At least seven people were killed and three others injured in a crash involving two buses and a truck in Ngawi regency on Friday evening, police and witnesses said. The collision took place in Karangbaru village, Widodaren subdistrict, when a Dahlia bus tried to overtake a truck, but at the same time another bus appeared at high speed from the opposite direction. A collision was then inevitable, eyewitnesses said.

Martial law restricts freedom of art

Martial law restricts freedom of art Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam Wahai aneuk bek taduek le bedoh sare tabela bangsa bek tatakot keu darah ile adak pih matee, poma ka rela Allah hai dododa idang seulang blang ka putoh taloe beurijang rayeuk muda seudang tajak bantu prang, tabela bangsa (Kids, don't just take a rest, together we defend our country don't be afraid of blood should you die your mother won't deny Oh God, quickly go to bed the rope in rice field...

2 x 28

2 x 28 Snipers, bomb squad officers deployed to tighten security 2 x 19 Airport X-ray check reveals dead baby in parents' bag Haji 1 x 49 Limited quota may keep 1,181 Muslims from Mecca

[b]checked EJK

checked EJK Security firms expect bigger business from outsourcing trend Rudijanto Contributor Jakarta Although incidents of robbery -- especially of individuals who have just withdrawn large sums of money from the bank -- have increased in recent times, attacks on armored vehicles carrying cash either to refill ATMs or for companies has become a new and very real phenomenon in Indonesia.

[b]

Promoting peace education in the month of Ramadhan Muhamad Ali Lecturer Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University (UIN) Jakarta muhamad@hawaii.edu 2. Yale -- The new leviathans 2 X 30 An atlas of multinationals throws an unusual light on globalization Nayan Chanda Editor Yale Center for the Study of Globalization New Haven

Govt to audit Texmaco's assets

Govt to audit Texmaco's assets The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government will audit textile maker Texmaco Group to check whether it had properly used the loans provided by state banks. The audit comes as the government mulls whether to bail out, break up or sell the group which missed a payment of its debt in August this year.

BI to boost supervisory staff to curb scandals

BI to boost supervisory staff to curb scandals Abdul Khalik and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bank Indonesia Governor Burhanuddin Abdullah said on Friday that the central bank would boost the number of its banking supervisory staff as part of efforts to help prevent banking scandals in the future. He explained that because of the limited number of staff the central bank could not monitor the operation of branch offices of banks.

Malaysia may hurt for ditching India on rail deal

Malaysia may hurt for ditching India on rail deal Barani Krishnan Atul Prakash Reuters Kuala Lumpur/Bombay Malaysia's move to drop India and China from a US$3.8 billion railway project, one of Asia's biggest infrastructure deals, may spark trade retaliation and put pressure on the new prime minister, officials said.

1. PAPUA: 3 LINES, 16 COUNTS

1. PAPUA: 3 LINES, 16 COUNTS West Irian Jaya governor sworn in, despite dispute 2. OLYMPIC: 2 LINES, 27 COUNTS IOC to allow transsexual athletes in upcoming Olympics 3. IRAQ: 2 LINES, 24 COUNTS U.S. muscle, promises may not be able to beat guerrillas 4. UN: 2 LINES, 28 COUNTS Many countries overstress security after Sept. 11 attack on U.S.

[b]

As long as tourists carry dollars, than RI should too Riyadi Suparno Staff Writer The Jakarta Post Birmingham, UK 2. Daily -- Whose country is it anyway? 2 X 30 Whose country is it anyway and where do the people really fit in? Mohammad Badrul Ahsan The Daily Star Asia News Network Dhaka

Beware politicians

Beware politicians bearing gifts From Media Indonesia As the 2004 general election nears, we should be alert for various political occurrences that could prevent the people from going to the polls, such as political violence and security disturbances. Behind the tension and violence that may arise, some politicians may be trying to benefit their own interests.

Telkom's profit may drop by 26% this year

Telkom's profit may drop by 26% this year Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned telecommunications company PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom) estimated that net profit for 2003 would decline by 26 percent on the absence of extra income from asset sales as it enjoyed last year. The company said that net profit is expected to reach around Rp 6.2 trillion (US$733.73 million), down from Rp 8.34 trillion in 2002.

1. SARONG -- 1 x 35

1. SARONG -- 1 x 35 Samarinda sarong being sidelined 2. PARSI -- 1 x 42 Parsi population on verge of extinction

[b]checked EJK

checked EJK Security firms expect bigger business from outsourcing trend Rudijanto Contributor Jakarta Although incidents of robbery -- especially of individuals who have just withdrawn large sums of money from the bank -- have increased in recent times, attacks on armored vehicles carrying cash either to refill ATMs or for companies has become a new and very real phenomenon in Indonesia.

Victim confirms Gunawan's role in Asaba homicide

Victim confirms Gunawan's role in Asaba homicide Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta City police chief of detectives Sr. Comr. Mathius Salempang said on Friday the statement made by a victim of a murder attempt, Paulus Tejakusuma, confirmed the involvement of businessman Gunawan Santosa, the suspected mastermind in the high-profile murder of PT Asaba director Boedyharto Angsono last July. "We have obtained Paulus' statement and evidence that corroborates the police investigation," he said.

Kota Baru project

Kota Baru project From Bisnis Indonesia The House of Representatives (DPR) has reportedly summoned the eldest son of President Megawati Soekarnoputri for questioning. The questioning is over an agreement he reached with businessmen from China for the development of 312,983 m2 of land in Kota Baru, Kemayoran, Jakarta. As the land belongs to the State Secretariat, according to the report, the House must give this matter proper attention.

Govt to audit Texmaco's assets

Govt to audit Texmaco's assets The Jakarta Post Jakarta The government will audit textile maker Texmaco Group to check whether it had properly used the loans provided by state banks. The audit comes as the government mulls whether to bail out, break up or sell the group which missed a payment of its debt in August this year.

'End martial law in Aceh to restore'

'End martial law in Aceh to restore' Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Noted religious figures repeated earlier demands to end martial law in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, saying that continuing the violence there would damage the dignity of the Acehnese.

b]* Headlines:Police will question VP's son over assault 2

b]* Headlines:Police will question VP's son over assault 2 * National:'End martial law in Aceh to restore dignity' 4 * Archipelago:14 policemen arrested for killing suspect 5 * Opinion:RI's schools should target higher standards 7 * City:Empower the poor for better homes 8 * Sports:Brazil beats U.S. to take Olympic berth 9 * World:Iran faces tough UN nuke resolution 11 * Business:House clears way for use of 502 account 16 * Features:Samarinda sarong being sidelined 19

Quality of Indonesian CPO

Quality of Indonesian CPO From Bisnis Indonesia Some five million tons of Indonesia's crude palm oil (CPO) cannot be traded due to damage. According to palm oil plant expert Takal Barus (Bisnis Indonesia, Oct. 23), improper processing in state-owned estate companies' plants has caused the damage.

Hypnotist gang uses new way to dupe victims

Hypnotist gang uses new way to dupe victims Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang Darti, 20, a student from Paramita University, was having a light lunch in the food court at Lippo Supermal in Karawaci on Thursday when a man approached, started conversation and politely offered a bottle of soft drink. The man, later identified as Firmansyah, showed Darti a mini Koran he wanted to sell. At about the same time, several unfamiliar people approached and showed great interest in the Koran.

'I don't want to pay if I get no benefit'

'I don't want to pay if I get no benefit' City tap water operator PD PAM Jaya has proposed an increase of tap water rates by 30 percent. The public reaction has been strong with most delivering the same message, that the tap water operator must improve its service if it wants to increase its rate. The Jakarta Post talked with some people on the issue. Marni, 40, sells tofu in the Palmerah market, Central Jakarta.

DI workers produce demand for large high severance payments

DI workers produce demand for large high severance payments The Jakarta Post, Bandung/Jakarta The workers' union of ailing state aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia (DI) said on Friday it would welcome the government's plan for wholesale dismissal, but only if each laid- off worker received at least Rp 200 million in severance pay. Union secretary AM Bone said that the amount was about four times that specified by current labor regulations.

Indonesia raps Australia over boat people treatment

Indonesia raps Australia over boat people treatment Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government accused Australia on Friday of being inconsistent it its treatment of refugees following its decision to expel Turkish Kurd boat people earlier this week. The ministry of foreign affairs spokesman Marty Natalegawa said that as a signatory of the 1951 United Nations convention on refugees, Australia was obliged to accommodate asylum seekers.

JP/5/Sniper

JP/5/Sniper Snipers, bomb squad deployed to tighten security Nana Rukmana and Suherjoko The Jakarta Post Cirebon/Semarang Ensuring a safe return home to celebrate religious holidays is no longer limited to the prevention of traffic accidents; snipers and bomb squads from the Police Mobile Brigade will also guard against more sinister possibilities.

Public places beef up security

Public places beef up security The Jakarta Post Jakarta/Yogyakarta As a bomb expert who once lectured in Yogyakarta remains at large, efforts to beef up security continues at possible targets for terror bombs. Among them are the Kem Chicks market in Kemang, South Jakarta, a favorite shopping spot for expatriate Jakartans and their families.

Robbers in action in Semarang

Robbers in action in Semarang SEMARANG: Two robbers armed with a pistol and a sword robbed wealthy businessman Beni Probang at his house in Semarang early Friday morning, stealing jewelry worth Rp 70.8 million (US$8,330). The robbers also made off with cash totaling Rp 3.8 million and three cell phones in the robbery, which took place in a plush housing estate in Ngesrep. Beni, 33, told police that he was surprised when the robbers woke him and forced him to hand over valuables.

Rp 200m offered for gold medalist

Rp 200m offered for gold medalist The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Table Tennis Association (PTMSI) is offering Rp 200 million (US$23,500) in cash for any table tennis player who can win a gold medal at the 22nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. "The bonuses will be provided only for gold medalists," Dedi K. Wikanta told a media conference here on Friday.

Many parties may not pass factual verification

Many parties may not pass factual verification The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Many political parties might not be able to pass the field verifications by the General Elections Commission (KPU), according one member. Mulyana W. Kusumah, a KPU member chairing the commission's party verification team, said in Surakarta, Central Java on Friday that many political parties had not yet submitted the required documents to regental/municipality elections commission (KPUDs).

Sports bodies coy about medal prospects at SEAG

Sports bodies coy about medal prospects at SEAG The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesian sports bodies are facing their next SEA Games challenge in Vietnam next month with reservations about the medal hunt. Podsi, the Indonesia's rowing governing body, will set out for nine gold medals in the competition, which will include rowing, canoeing and the traditional boat race.

HIV/AIDS on the rise in Samarinda

HIV/AIDS on the rise in Samarinda SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: An official said here on Friday that the number of people recorded as having HIV/AIDS in East Kalimantan had increased by more than 300 percent in one year. Last year, only 30 people were registered as having the deadly virus in the province, but the number had risen to 96 this year, said Ridwan Masrun, the head of East Kalimantan health office. "It serves as a wakeup call for the residents of East Kalimantan," Ridwan said.

Burdensome tap water

Burdensome tap water After its success in pressing the city administration to approve a 40 percent increase in the tap water tariff in April, the city-owned tap water company PT PAM Jaya, joining its foreign partners, is requesting another 30 percent price increase. Therefore, if the request is granted, there will be two increases in the tap water tariff in only seven months.

Police shoot dead alleged drug dealer

Police shoot dead alleged drug dealer JAKARTA: South Jakarta Police shot dead the suspected head of a drug syndicate operating in Java and Sumatra on Friday morning in Pluit, Penjaringan, North Jakarta. The police also arrested four suspected syndicate members and seized 300 grams of shabu-shabu (crystal methamphetamine). South Jakarta Police detectives chief Comr. Kusdiantoro said officers were forced to shoot Sutarman Sutrisno, 40, twice in the back when the suspect attempted to flee.

Survey finds problem with water

Survey finds problem with water JAKARTA: A survey released on Friday found that almost 20 percent of water refill outlets in the city sell water contaminated with coliform, a bacteria blamed for causing diarrhea and other health problems. The Indonesian Communication Forum on Drinking Water Quality Management surveyed 96 of the 1,200 water refill outlets across the city in August and September. "The water quality is relatively hygienic.

Rupiah Rates Nov.14

Rupiah Rates Nov.14 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar------1 6,507.57 5,782.26 6,177.93 6,111.66 Brunei dollar----------1 5,244.43 4,660.43 4,978.78 4,925.93 Canadian dollar--------1 6,952.84 6,176.95 6,600.65 6,528.84 Swiss franc------------1 6,762.10 6,008.99 6,419.58 6,351.31 Danish krone-----------1 1,425.48 1,266.96 1,353.27 1,339.13 Euro-------------------1 10,601.75 9,424.25 10,064.73 9,961.13 Poundsterling----------1 15,225.53 13,533.92 14,454.29...

PDI-P plays down anti-Mega coalition

PDI-P plays down anti-Mega coalition JAKARTA: The ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) played down on Friday a planned coalition of Muslim-based political parties ahead of the 2004 elections. PDI Perjuangan Secretary-General Soetjipto said that if the so-called anti-Megawati coalition were to be established, this would only prove that she was a strong candidate for the 2004 elections, when the country will hold its first ever direct presidential election.

The conduct of the state apparatus

The conduct of the state apparatus Officials of the directorate general for taxation have reportedly intimidated tax evaders by detaining bad debtors without prior trial. The move is actually the directorate's last recourse to collect taxes. We support the upholding of the law, especially when it is done for the country's sake but detaining recalcitrant taxpayers -- technically known as gijzelling in the Dutch and Indonesian legal systems -- must be carried out wisely and justly.

Bravo, 'TVRI'!

Bravo, 'TVRI'! From Republika Amid the private TV shows packed by pornography, superstition and gossipy infotainment, state-owned TVRI has come up with programs that fit this holy month of Ramadhan. Most TV stations have become hypocritical, presenting Ramadhan themes through actors who had previously played erotic parts, besides entertainment that speak ill of other people.

Educational subsidy

Educational subsidy From Kompas The cost of education has been rising and is not likely to go down, just like prices in general. The state is reportedly suffering financial losses, but government officials are holding seminars at star-rated hotels and having weekends in Bali. It may be worthwhile for President Megawati Soekarnoputri to note that an elementary school student attempted suicide because his parents could not afford to pay a fee for extracurricular school activities.

Empower the poor for better homes

Empower the poor for better homes Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A housing and community development specialist with the World Bank in Jakarta, Parwoto Sugianto, has called on the government to create the right conditions for poor people to actively improve their environments. "So far, the government has only focused on how to meet the increasing housing demands and has not empowered the community. Instead, it gives developers a big advantage," he told The Jakarta Post recently.

Timorese mixed on country's future

Timorese mixed on country's future Associated Press, Jakarta Post-independence confidence in East Timor has declined, with nearly 40 percent of East Timorese saying they feel worse off now than under Indonesian rule and less than half optimistic about the future, according to a survey.

1. MARKET 1x35

1. MARKET 1x35 Traditional markets bloom during Ramadhan 2. KRACA 1x28 'Kraca', escargot from Purwokerto 3. SIDE1 1x30 Exodus routes prone to flood, landslides 4. SIDE2 1x30 Hotels gear up for Idul Fitri