Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 18 November 2003

90 articles found

Suspects arrested over Flores riot

Suspects arrested over Flores riot Yemris Fointuna and Jacob Herin, The Jakarta Post, Kupang/Flores Police have arrested three men who took part in a riot in which a courthouse and a prosecutor's office were torched on Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, after a priest was convicted of libel. The three suspects, identified as Yohanis Sabon, Agustinus Diaz and Wem, were taken into custody during a raid by a joint police and military force. "The three are being questioned by police.

PLN's sluggish service

PLN's sluggish service From Warta Kota As a customer of the state electricity company (PLN), I have noticed that the service it provides at its payment counters is very slow. It takes at least ten minutes to serve a customer so that PLN branches are always crowded at the end of each month. PLN should imitate other government agencies, such as district offices for land and building tax, where every taxpayer is served in less than two minutes.

1,041 civil servants told to play in one field, or go

1,041 civil servants told to play in one field, or go A. Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State Minister for Administrative Reforms Feisal Tamin on Monday called on 1,041 civil servants to resign from their jobs, as it has been discovered that they had become members of various political parties. Feisal said those civil servants, who were mostly lecturers at state-owned universities, should be fired if they refused to resign voluntarily.

Experts fear whitewashing in new Truth Commission

Experts fear whitewashing in new Truth Commission Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Experts have expressed concern that a planned Truth and Reconciliation Commission will serve as a legal whitewash of past gross human rights abuses, allowing perpetrators to avoid prosecution.

Flood crisis center still not up and running

Flood crisis center still not up and running Evi Mariani and Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city administration has yet to set up a flood crisis center, despite the Meteorology and Geophysics Agency (BMG)'s forecast of high rainfall during the next two weeks. The matter seems particularly pressing as the one-week national holiday to celebrate Idul Fitri is eight days away.

Antigraft drive

Antigraft drive From Suara Karya According to media reports, one of the present Cabinet ministers has refused to sign an anti-graft pact that the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has initiated. This is sad news to the general people as it shows that graft is still rampant in this country. It should be remembered that, according to a list drawn up by an international antigraft agency, Indonesia is ranked sixth in the world in terms of graft.

Support for Navy's firm action

Support for Navy's firm action From Media Indonesia As reported in a Jakarta media outlet, a warship of the Indonesian Navy sank two foreign vessels in the Gelasa Straits, Bangka-Belitung, on Oct. 24, 2003. Hats off to the Navy for this firm action. We must also express our gratitude to the commander of the Indonesia's Western Fleet, Rear Admiral Mualimin Santoso MZ, for his correct decision not to allow outsiders to pillage our marine wealth.

'Ojek' driver robbed

'Ojek' driver robbed JAKARTA: Sarifudin, 30, an motorcycle taxi, or ojek, driver, was attacked by his passenger, who then stole his motorcycle, on Sunday at 11 p.m. at the Navy Housing Complex on Jl. Laut Arafura, Duren Sawit, East Jakarta. The robber pretended to be a passenger and asked Sarifudin to take him from Kampung Kemang, Jatiwaringin, Bekasi, to the housing complex. When they got to the complex, the robber attacked Sarifudin with a machete and hit him in the head.

Four arrested for wire theft

Four arrested for wire theft DEPOK: Cimanggis Police arrested four people on Monday on suspicion of stealing six large spools of electronic cables worth Rp 150 million (US$17,647). The four suspects are Muslih, 33, Agus, 36, Dumih, 32, and Harahap, 38. They were arrested at their rental houses in Bogor and Depok. Police have seized the cables found in their possession. Cimanggis Police chief Adj. Comr.

[b]

RI team stresses continuity to potential investors Indonesia team stresses continuity to potential investors As Indonesia prepares to sell a global bond next year, an A- list of the country's economic decision-makers stressed to potential investors Monday the country will continue to stabilize economically, even as it graduates from the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) loan program at the end of this year.

[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 for companies has become a new and very real phenomenon in Indonesia.

Employees sue tap water operators

Employees sue tap water operators JAKARTA: The opening session of a civil lawsuit filed by 1,100 employees of city tap water operator PD PAM Jaya was adjourned until next week, as the lawyers of one of the defendants failed to appear at Central Jakarta District Court. According to the plaintiff's lawyer TB Suganda, the employees were suing PD PAM Jaya and its two international partners PT Thames PAM Jaya (TPJ) and PT PAM Lyonnaise Jaya (Palyja) for ignored their rights to incentives.

Pessimistic tennis team heads to SEAG in Vietnam

Pessimistic tennis team heads to SEAG in Vietnam Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian tennis squad is pessimistic about its medal prospects at the upcoming 2003 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Vietnam, as most of the team members are younger players, an official has said. The squad's team manager, Kresno Merdiko, told reporters on Monday that the junior players had not yet shown much consistency.

Thaksin says RI justified in sinking Thai trawler

Thaksin says RI justified in sinking Thai trawler Agencies, Jakarta Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra admitted on Monday that Thai fishing trawlers had trespassed into Indonesian waters and that the sinking of a vessel with a Thai crew here last week was justified. "It's true that our fishermen have violated (Indonesian) waters without seeking any permission or license, they have arrested five Thai fishing trawlers so far," Thaksin told reporters as quoted by Agence France-Presse.

From Koran Tempo

From Koran Tempo Now that the 2004 general election is approaching, we must all carefully watch the maneuvering of presidential candidates. While our government is still busy dealing with political violence and security affairs, some among the country's political leaders have been fishing in troubled waters. And at all levels of executive, legislative and judicial bodies, negotiations and compromises continue to be sought in an effort to win public support.

Consumers get ready for price hikes

Consumers get ready for price hikes P.C. Naommy, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jakartans are bracing themselves for Idul Fitri holiday price hikes, and hoping costs won't go too high. Shoppers at two of the city's largest traditional markets at Kebayoran Lama and Kramat Jati were still paying regular prices, but the vendors warned them to prepare for price hikes in the week or three days before the holiday.

Rupiah Rates Nov.17

Rupiah Rates Nov.17 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar------1 6,450.85 5,729.85 6,122.46 6,058.01 Brunei dollar----------1 5,245.76 4,659.98 4,978.72 4,926.87 Canadian dollar--------1 6,913.86 6,131.73 6,561.90 6,482.90 Swiss franc------------1 6,807.66 6,048.71 6,461.11 6,395.13 Danish krone-----------1 1,430.52 1,270.70 1,357.70 1,343.47 Euro-------------------1 10,643.45 9,456.45 10,101.64 9,998.04 Poundsterling----------1 15,225.62 13,527.73 14,450.55...

YLKI warns of rocky Idul Fitri journeys

YLKI warns of rocky Idul Fitri journeys The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI) warned holidaymakers on Monday not to expect a smooth journey, with disruptions likely no matter the type of land transportation. Tulus Abadi, who is coordinating the YLKI's Idul Fitri exodus monitoring team, said the myriad problems afflicting land transportation, primarily trains and buses, had yet to be properly addressed by the government.

Civil servants get Idul Fitri bonuses

Civil servants get Idul Fitri bonuses SURABAYA: Some 1,400 East Java provincial administration civil servants, often criticized for their poor performances, have received Idul Fitri bonuses totaling Rp 1 billion (US$117,647). The bonuses are equivalent to one month's pay, an official said. Mohammad Munir, the head of the personnel department at the provincial administration, said Monday that the bonuses, paid for by the taxpayer, were intended to increase the welfare of civil servants.

Price stamps to keep medicines affordable to public: House

Price stamps to keep medicines affordable to public: House Dewi Santoso, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta House of Representatives legislators have demanded price labeling on medicines, saying it will keep the drug prices affordable to the general public. Deputy Chairman of the House of Representative's Commission VII on people's welfare Surya Chandra said the price tag, which mentions the highest retail price, should be stamped on the strip or bottle of a drug brand.

TV Program: Tuesday, November 18, 2003

TV Program: Tuesday, November 18, 2003 TVRI .TB.30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Cartoon 7:30 TV Drama: Lorong Waktu 8:00 TV Drama: Mat Angin 9:00 Entertainment News: Business Magazine 10:00 TV Drama: Sengsara Membawa Nikmat 11:30 Music: Konteswara 12:00 p.m.

Police deploy 100 extra officers to Poso

Police deploy 100 extra officers to Poso Abdul Khalik and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The National Police has deployed another Mobile Brigade unit of 100 officers to Poso, Central Sulawesi, to join the 2,900-strong force already there following several violent incidents since Saturday that has claimed four lives. "We ask the public to let the police carry out their duty in handling the cases," National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar said on Monday.

AP/Dita Alangkara

AP/Dita Alangkara QUEUEING FOR CHANGES: An armed police officer stands guard as Indonesians queue up to break their money into small changes to give out to relatives, especially to children, in the upcoming Idul Fitri celebration, at a money changer service point in Jakarta. Muslims are now preparing for the celebration that marks the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadhan. The picture was taken on Monday.

Cyber Access to start services in RI

Cyber Access to start services in RI BANGKOK : PT Cyber Access Communications, an Indonesian unit of Thailand's Charoen Pokphand Group, will start mobile-phone operations in Indonesia after winning last month a license to provide high-speed services, the Nation said. Cyber Access has to start the service in three years, the report said, citing an unidentified company official close to the situation.

Bali bomb mastermind Samudra loses appeal

Bali bomb mastermind Samudra loses appeal The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Makassar/Denpasar Imam Samudra, the mastermind behind the Bali bombings that killed 202 people last year, has lost his appeal, a court official said on Monday. Samudra was the second terrorist to be sentenced to death whose appeal was turned down by the Bali High Court, after Amrozi bin Nurhasyim.

Eradication of corruption requires clean legal system

Eradication of corruption requires clean legal system Frans H. Winarta, Member, National Law Commission (KHN), Jakarta There has already been much said about corruption and how to overcome it by various observers, law enforcers, NGO leaders, government officials, educators and religious leaders of different faiths.

Workers testify against 'Tempo'

Workers testify against 'Tempo' The Jakarta Post, Jakarta More people who work at and around the Tanah Abang textile market in Central Jakarta testified on Monday that an article titled 'Ada Tomy di Tenabang?' (Is Tomy Involved in Tenabang?) run by Tempo magazine in March this year provoked them to plan an attack on Artha Graha Group owner Tomy Winata. Ibrahim Moh.

Pelindo III sees lower 2003 net profit

Pelindo III sees lower 2003 net profit Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned seaport operator PT Pelabuhan Indonesia III (Pelindo III) has said that its net profit for 2003 may decline by 14 percent, on lower trading activities and higher operational costs. Pelindo III president Bambang Darwoto said that the company's net profit until the end of this year was projected to decline to Rp 307 billion (US$36.1 million), from Rp 358 billion last year.

Larantuka justice

Larantuka justice Although it seems that Larantuka, the capital of the regency of East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, is no stranger to factional violence -- in 1995 a 47-year-old Protestant native of Banyuwangi, East Java, was killed for allegedly insulting the Roman Catholic Church during a sermon -- the only thing that we know for sure is that the rampage that occurred on Saturday appeared to have taken both the local authorities and church leaders completely by surprise.

Consumers, govt spending push economy higher

Consumers, govt spending push economy higher The Jakarta Post Jakarta The Indonesian economy grew faster at 3.93 percent in the third quarter of this year compared to the same period last year, driven mainly by consumer and government spending, the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reported on Monday. The agency is optimistic that the government's full-year growth target of 4 percent can be achieved. "I think it (the growth target) can be achieved.

* Headlines: Govt backs down on plan to list GAM as terrorists 2

* Headlines: Govt backs down on plan to list GAM as terrorists 2 * National: Kwik doubts PDI-P can meet election target 4 * Archipelago: Suspects in Flores riot arrested 5 * Opinion:Fighting corruption requires clean legal system 6 * City: Jakarta's flood crisis center still not up and running 8 * Sports:S.

Oil palm estates damage environment

Oil palm estates damage environment Bambang Bider, Contributor, Pontianak, West Kalimantan Kalimantan, after Sumatra, is an attractive target to world estate investors interested in oil palm estates. Over the last 15 years, world palm oil production has doubled, indicating the growing demand for this estate commodity as the material to produce cooking oil, margarine, cosmetics, soap and fodder. Following the shrinkage of oil palm estate areas in Malaysia, Indonesia has become the second target.

Fresh internal rift beleaguers PKB

Fresh internal rift beleaguers PKB JAKARTA: With general elections fast approaching, the Muslim- based National Awakening Party (PKB) must deal with another internal rift, following the party's decision to disband its branch executive board in Bondowoso, East Java early this month. According to the party's central executive board members, PKB Bondowoso had failed to settle a conflict over the formation of its board of leadership in early 2002.

Demand for security devices surges amid bomb threats

Demand for security devices surges amid bomb threats 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.

House delays justice bill talks

House delays justice bill talks JAKARTA: A House of Representatives (DPR) committee agreed on Monday to delay the deliberation of the Justice Bill until after the Idul Fitri holiday. The holiday will fall on Nov. 25 and 26, but lawmakers will commence their holiday earlier, from Nov. 24 until Nov. 29. Sjaiful Rachman, a committee member, said that the lawmakers agreed to delay the meeting because they were too busy with their duties.

Samsung launches phones, aims to be No. 1 in RI

Samsung launches phones, aims to be No. 1 in RI Sari P. Setiogi The Jakarta Post Jakarta Samsung launched two new mobile phone models here on Monday as part of its drive to become the top player in the Indonesian market next year.

Employees sue tap water operators

Employees sue tap water operators JAKARTA: The opening session of a civil lawsuit filed by 1,100 employees of city tap water operator PD PAM Jaya was adjourned until next week, as the lawyers of one of the defendants failed to appear at Central Jakarta District Court. According to the plaintiff's lawyer TB Suganda, the employees were suing PD PAM Jaya and its two international partners PT Thames PAM Jaya (TPJ) and PT PAM Lyonnaise Jaya (Palyja) for ignored their rights to incentives.

House to set up team to monitor KPU

House to set up team to monitor KPU Moch. N. Kurniawan The Jakarta Post Jakarta The House of Representatives Commission II agreed on Monday to set up a monitoring team to supervise the performance of the General Elections Commission (KPU), including the ongoing procurement tenders. The establishment of the monitoring team was decided during a hearing between the commission and KPU members amid public calls for the KPU to be transparent in tender processes.

Report: Myanmar textile industry recovering from U.S. sanctions

Report: Myanmar textile industry recovering from U.S. sanctions Associated Press YANGON, Myanmar Myanmar's textile industry, hit hard by U.S. sanctions, is showing signs of recovery as factories find new markets in Europe, a semi-government weekly reported. About 100 of Myanmar's 300 garment factories have been forced to close and nearly 25,000 people made jobless since the United States imposed sanctions in July to pressure the ruling junta to release pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

BNI plans stock split as share falls

BNI plans stock split as share falls JAKARTA : PT Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI), the nation's second-biggest bank by assets, said it plans a stock split that will reduce the number of shares to 6.6 percent of its Rp 257.5 billion (US$30.2 million) outstanding shares. The number of shares will be reduced to 17.2 billion after the split, which will take effect on Dec. 29, the Jakarta-based lender said in a statement published.

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.

Gas supply hoped to resume Tuesday

Gas supply hoped to resume Tuesday Sandy Darmosumarto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A ship sent to repair the leaking 650-kilometer pipeline that supplies natural gas from the Natuna islands in the South China Sea to Singapore is expected to arrive at the site of the leak late on Monday night. "We have not yet repaired the leak," said Trijana Kartoatmodjo, deputy chairman of Indonesian oil and gas regulator BP Migas. "Repair crews will not be able to do any work at night.

BNI plans stock split as share falls

BNI plans stock split as share falls JAKARTA : PT Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI), the nation's second-biggest bank by assets, said it plans a stock split that will reduce the number of shares to 6.6 percent of its Rp 257.5 billion (US$30.2 million) outstanding shares. The number of shares will be reduced to 17.2 billion after the split, which will take effect on Dec. 29, the Jakarta-based lender said in a statement published.

Two killed by falling wall

Two killed by falling wall BOGOR: Two gardeners were killed and another suffered injuries on Monday at 2:55 p.m. when a wall of the newly built Eka Lokasari mall in Sukasari, East Bogor, fell on them. Hendra, 35, a resident of Caringi village, Cijeruk, and Buhori, 40, a resident of Curug Dengdeng village, Caringin, were killed. Nasrudin, 31, suffered leg injuries and was taken to the nearest hospital.

Samsung launches new mobile phones

Samsung launches new mobile phones Sari P. Setiogi,The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Samsung launched two new mobile phone models here on Monday as part of its drive to become the top player in the Indonesian market next year. "At the moment we are still number two as some people still believe in conventional brands, however people now start to love innovations and new technology and we can offer that," PT Samsung Electronics Indonesia marketing director Lee Kang Hyun told reporters at the launch.

PTT to expand investment in RI

PTT to expand investment in RI BANGKOK : Thailand's PTT Exploration & Production PCL is planning to expand investment in Indonesian gas fields in a bid to increase its supply to meet growing natural gas demand in its home market. Maroot Mrigadat, the company's newly-appointed President, told reporters PTTEP is in talks with its 34 percent-owned Indonesian exploration and production affiliate Medco Energi International, to buy stakes in three of Medco's gas fields.

Inquiry call over treatment of Acehnese

Inquiry call over treatment of Acehnese MALAYSIA: Amnesty International on Monday called for an investigation into reports that camp guards at a Malaysian detention center beat up seven Acehnese asylum seekers for refusing to be repatriated.

IMF final review

IMF final review A special team from the International Monetary Fund completed last week its final review of Indonesian economic reform programs under its US$5 billion Extended Fund Facility, with high commendation, praising the government's macroeconomic management, continued fiscal consolidation and significant progress in structural reforms.

FOR MARKETING PERSEPCTIVE -- NOV 18

FOR MARKETING PERSEPCTIVE -- NOV 18 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.

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

1. TRAWL: 48 pt, 4 cols, 2 x 24 Thaksin says RI justified in sinking Thai trawler 2. ARNOLD: 36 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 22 Schwarzenegger poised to take political power 3. ISTANBUL: 30 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 38 Al-Qaeda says it behind Turkey blasts

AP/Dita Alangkara

AP/Dita Alangkara QUEUING FOR CHANGE: An armed police officer stands guard as Indonesians queue to convert their money into small denominations to give to relatives, especially children, during the upcoming Idul Fitri celebration, at a money changer in Jakarta. Muslims are now preparing for the celebration that marks the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadhan. The picture was taken on Monday.

IBRA to be closed next year

IBRA to be closed next year Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government will close down the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) on Feb. 27 next year as scheduled, although the agency has yet to complete the difficult task of forcing big debtors to repay the state. "A limited Cabinet meeting decided that the term of duty of IBRA remains as scheduled.

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

1. ACEH: 48 pt, 4 cols, 2 x 24 Govt backs down on plan to list GAM as terrorist group Fabiola Desy Unidjaja The Jakarta Post Jakarta The government has backed down on its plan to have the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) listed as a terrorist organization by the United Nations to avoid turning Aceh into an international issue. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said on Monday the government would resolve the Aceh problem in its own way.

Officers questioned over collision

Officers questioned over collision SINGAPORE: Two navy officers went on trial on Monday for a collision between their patrol vessel and a Dutch container ship that killed four servicewomen in January. Lt. Ng Keng Yong and Lt. Chua Chue Teng face charges of negligence causing death in connection with the accident between the RSS Courageous, a submarine hunter, and the 52,000-ton ANL Indonesia.

1 x 34

1 x 34 Suspects arrested over Flores riot JP/5/POLICE 2 x 18 3 top officers axed for jailhouse death 1 x 58 Cirebon deploys standby doctors, paramedics for Idul Fitri JP//JOGJA 1 x 47 Students win int'l prize with banana-root cracker

Three drug trafficker suspects shot dead

Three drug trafficker suspects shot dead Damar Harsanto The Jakarta Post Jakarta South Jakarta Police shot dead three drug trafficker suspects on Monday as a part of efforts to stamp out drug abuse and trafficking. The shootings increased the death toll of suspected drug dealers to nine in the first month of an increased crack down, since being initiated on Oct. 16.

Consumers push economy higher

Consumers push economy higher The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian economy grew faster at 3.93 percent in the third quarter of this year compared to the same period last year, driven mainly by consumer and government spending, the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reported on Monday. The agency is optimistic that the government's full-year growth target of 4 percent can be achieved. "I think it (the growth target) can be achieved.

Inquiry call over treatment of Acehnese

Inquiry call over treatment of Acehnese MALAYSIA: Amnesty International on Monday called for an investigation into reports that camp guards at a Malaysian detention center beat up seven Acehnese asylum seekers for refusing to be repatriated.

House to set up team to monitor KPU action

House to set up team to monitor KPU action Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives Commission II agreed on Monday to set up a monitoring team to supervise the performance of the General Elections Commission (KPU), including the ongoing procurement tenders. The establishment of the monitoring team was decided during a hearing between the commission and KPU members amid public calls for the KPU to be transparent in tender processes.

[b]Eradication of corruption

Eradication of corruption requires clean legal system Frans H. Winarta Member National Law Commission (KHN) Jakarta 2. Pro -- Toppling the Arab Berlin wall 2 X 30 Toppling the Arab 'Berlin Wall' to make way for global community Shafeeq Ghabra Professor of Political Science President American University of Kuwait Project Syndicate

LG launches digital TV production line

LG launches digital TV production line Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta PT LG Electronics Indonesia (LGEIN) has invested US$1 million to open a new production line capable of producing 12,000 digital projection TVs a year. The new production line, which is the fourth line at the company's Tangerang factory, is expected to boost LG's market share in Indonesia from 10 percent in 2003 to 20 percent in 2004.

'It's strange celebrating Idul Fitri without family'

'It's strange celebrating Idul Fitri without family' Idul Fitri is only a week away. Many people have struggled to get tickets to go home by train, bus, ship or plane. The difficulties during the journey is no longer a consideration as they think they must celebrate Idul Fitri in their hometowns. The Jakarta Post talked to several people about the issue. Nuraiah, 38, sells fresh juice in Senayan, Central Jakarta. She lives in Palmerah with her youngest daughter.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov.17, 2003

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov.17, 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 80 0 40,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 65 0 10,000 Alakasa Industrindo 150 0 15,000 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 1,150 -50 11,500 Alter Abadi Tbk 25 0 0 Alumindo Light 200 0 0...

RI stresses continuity to potential investors

RI stresses continuity to potential investors Dow Jones, Singapore As Indonesia prepares to sell a global bond next year, an A- list of the country's economic decision-makers stressed to potential investors Monday the country will continue to stabilize economically, even as it graduates from the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) loan program at the end of this year.

Security companies expect bigger business

Security companies expect bigger business 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.

Building a shrewder society by promoting political education

Building a shrewder society by promoting political education Mohammad Nasih, Researcher, KATALIS Foundation, Jakarta As scheduled by the General Elections Commission (KPU), the general election of 2004 will start on April 5, when people go to the polls to elect members of the House of Representatives (DPR), Regional Representative Councils (DPD) and Regional Legislatures (DPRD). This means that the election, held once every five years, is only a few months away.

Indramayu offers housing to evicted fishermen's families

Indramayu offers housing to evicted fishermen's families Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Fishermen evicted from the banks of Muara Angke River are to be provided low-cost housing in Indramayu regency, West Java. It is expected that the housing units will be ready in March. Indramayu regent Irianto M.S. Syafiuddin has approved the provision of a two-hectare vacant plot in Song Beach, Indramayu, for the development of low-cost housing by the central government for the 240 families.

Walhi pushes Ladia Galaksor suit for environmental damage

Walhi pushes Ladia Galaksor suit for environmental damage Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh The fate of a controversial road project partly blamed for the recent flash flood which claimed at least 151 lives in North Sumatra may be determined in court. The Indonesian Forum on Environment (Walhi) is pursuing its lawsuit against Aceh governor Abdullah Puteh in relation to the construction of the Ladia Galaska project, and wants the project stopped.

Students win prize with banana-root cracker

Students win prize with banana-root cracker Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Bananas are known to be rich in nutrients, but most people were probably unaware of the benefits of its root until three senior high school students from Yogyakarta found a use for it.

Fresh internal rift beleaguers PKB

Fresh internal rift beleaguers PKB JAKARTA: With general elections fast approaching, the Muslim- based National Awakening Party (PKB) must deal with another internal rift, following the party's decision to disband its branch executive board in Bondowoso, East Java early this month. According to the party's central executive board members, PKB Bondowoso had failed to settle a conflict over the formation of its board of leadership in early 2002.

[b]checked EJK

checked EJK FOR MARKETING PERSPECTIVE -- November 18 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]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.

Kwik doubts PDI-P can meet election target

Kwik doubts PDI-P can meet election target Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Senior Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) legislator Kwik Kian Gie expressed pessimism on Monday that the party would fulfill its target of garnering 42 percent of the vote in the 2004 elections. Citing the increasing level of disappointment among its supporters, Kwik said that it would be difficult for the party to even repeat its 1999 success.

Gas supply hoped to resume Tuesday afternoon

Gas supply hoped to resume Tuesday afternoon Sandy Darmosumarto The Jakarta Post Jakarta A ship sent to repair the leaking 650-kilometer pipeline that supplies natural gas from the Natuna islands in the South China Sea to Singapore is expected to arrive at the site of the leak late on Monday night. "We have not yet repaired the leak," said Trijana Kartoatmodjo, deputy chairman of Indonesian oil and gas regulator BP Migas. "Repair crews will not be able to do any work at night.

Japan, ASEAN officials hold talks in Tokyo

Japan, ASEAN officials hold talks in Tokyo Kenji Hall, Associated Press, Tokyo Japanese and Southeast Asian officials opened two days of meetings on Monday to finalize the agenda for a December summit expected to call for freer trade and closer security cooperation. The summit, which begins Dec. 11, is expected to give Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi a chance to nudge Japan closer to a free trade pact with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a major regional trading partner.

UGM to present Awards

UGM to present Awards YOGYAKARTA: Gadjah Mada University (UGM), Indonesia's oldest, will give Hamengkubuwono IX Awards to figures with outstanding achievements in their respective fields. The awards will be bestowed in conjunction with UGM's 54th anniversary, which falls on Dec. 19. Rector Sofian Effendi said over the weekend that the awards would be given to, among others, a student with the highest academic achievements and a lecturer with the best research outcome this year.

Delhaize Singapore sale raises doubt on Asia plans

Delhaize Singapore sale raises doubt on Asia plans Dow Jones, Brussels Delhaize Group's (DEG) sale Friday of its Singapore operations lightens the group's heavy debt load but raises questions over the retailer's strategy in Asia. The Belgian grocer is selling its 49 percent stake in Singapore's Shop N Save to Hong Kong-based Dairy Farm International Holdings Ltd. for 21.9 million euro, resulting in a 10 million euro capital gain.

Civil servants get Idul Fitri bonuses

Civil servants get Idul Fitri bonuses SURABAYA: Some 1,400 East Java provincial administration civil servants, often criticized for their poor performances, have received Idul Fitri bonuses totaling Rp 1 billion (US$117,647). The bonuses are equivalent to one month's pay, an official said. Mohammad Munir, the head of the personnel department at the provincial administration, said Monday that the bonuses, paid for by the taxpayer, were intended to increase the welfare of civil servants.

Cambodian parties to hold talks

Cambodian parties to hold talks CAMBODIA: Cambodia's three main political parties will meet on Friday to discuss a shaky deal brokered by the revered King Norodom Sihanouk to break a months-long post-election deadlock, officials said on Monday. The octogenarian monarch mediated the deal earlier this month to pave the way for a new coalition government after weeks of wrangling over the results of the July 27 general election in the impoverished Southeast Asian nation.

Govt backs down on plan to list GAM as terror group

Govt backs down on plan to list GAM as terror group Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has backed down on its plan to have the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) listed as a terrorist organization by the United Nations to avoid turning Aceh into an international issue. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said on Monday the government would resolve the Aceh problem in its own way.

Breaking the fast in mosque at the heart of North Jakarta

Breaking the fast in mosque at the heart of North Jakarta Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Luar Batang Mosque is indeed the heart of the local community in the area, located near the Sunda Kelapa Harbor in Penjaringan subdistrict, North Jakarta. The mosque, which was built in 1739 by Habib Husin bin Abubakar Alaydrus, did not only attract Muslims in the area to pay a visit but also others from outside Jakarta.

Pelindo III sees lower 2003 profit

Pelindo III sees lower 2003 profit Rendi A. Witular The Jakarta Post Jakarta State-owned seaport operator PT Pelabuhan Indonesia III (Pelindo III) has said that its net profit for 2003 may decline by 14 percent, on lower trading activities and higher operational costs. Pelindo III president Bambang Darwoto said that the company's net profit until the end of this year was projected to decline to Rp 307 billion (US$36.1 million), from Rp 358 billion last year.

1. IBRA: 1 LINE, 26 COUNTS

1. IBRA: 1 LINE, 26 COUNTS IBRA to be closed next year 2. CORRUPT: 1 LINE, 32 COUNTS NGOs commit to anticorruption drive 3. MUDIK: 1 LINE, 40 COUNTS YLKI warns of rocky Idul Fitri journeys 4. DRUG: 3 LINES, 16 COUNTS Police shoot dead three suspected drug traffickers

Pessimistic tennis team heads to Vietnam

Pessimistic tennis team heads to Vietnam Zakki Hakim The Jakarta Post Jakarta The Indonesian tennis squad is pessimistic about its medal prospects at the upcoming 2003 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Vietnam, as most of the team members are younger players, an official has said. The squad's team manager, Kresno Merdiko, told reporters on Monday that the junior players had not yet shown much consistency.

NGOs commit to anticorruption drive

NGOs commit to anticorruption drive ID Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Malang, East Java Chairman of the Indonesian Corruption Watch (ICW) Teten Masduki proposed that both Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah issue election guides suggesting followers not to vote for legislative candidates and political parties with unclean track records.

Navy to build security posts in Maluku

Navy to build security posts in Maluku AMBON, Maluku: The Indonesian Navy is to build naval bases to monitor security on the borders with East Timor and Australia. Eastern Fleet Command chief Rear Adm. Slamet Subiyanto said Monday that the small bases would be built on Wetar and Kisar islands, hundreds of kilometers South West of Ambon, the capital of Maluku province.

Police shoot dead three suspected drug traffickers

Police shoot dead three suspected drug traffickers Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta South Jakarta Police shot dead three drug trafficker suspects on Monday as a part of efforts to stamp out drug abuse and trafficking. The shootings increased the death toll of suspected drug dealers to nine in the first month of an increased crack down, since being initiated on Oct. 16.

Commuters protest decision to halt route

Commuters protest decision to halt route Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor Hundreds of commuters who use trains from Bogor to Sukabumi, West Java, spontaneously staged a protest at Bogor station on Monday morning over the train operator's decision not to operate the route for two weeks, starting Tuesday. The protesters said they were told that nonoperation was due to too many freeriders, but station officials said the decision was taken due to security concerns.

JP/13/13LG

JP/13/13LG LG invests $1m for digital TV production line Eva C. Komandjaja The Jakarta Post Jakarta PT LG Electronics Indonesia (LGEIN) has invested US$1 million to open a new production line capable of producing 12,000 digital projection TVs a year. The new production line, which is the fourth line at the company's Tangerang factory, is expected to boost LG's market share in Indonesia from 10 percent in 2003 to 20 percent in 2004.

INFID responds

INFID responds In response to your editorial on Nov. 13, 2003, titled INFID's sweeping criticisms, we would like to give the following comments: * Your editorial claims that we are criticizing without giving alternatives, as stated in the paragraph: "If most of these measures will be useless, as INFID claims, are there better, alternative measures that are workable under the current conditions?" We do have an alternative.