Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 19 November 2003

81 articles found

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.

Four suspected drug dealers arrested

Four suspected drug dealers arrested Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jakarta Police announced on Tuesday they had arrested four suspected drug dealers and confiscated 4.2 kilograms of shabu- shabu (crystal methamphetamine), a liter of liquid methamphetamine, 50 grams of heroin and six kilograms of marijuana. "The suspects were arrested over the last two weeks. They are part of three different drug rings," the Jakarta Police's top drug cop, Adj. Sr. Comr. Anjan P. Putra, said.

Key suspect in

Key suspect in BNI scam spills a few beans Abdul Khalik The Jakarta Post Jakarta One of the prime suspects in the Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) scandal, one Edi Santoso, admitted in a letter released to reporters on Tuesday that Adrian Waworuntu and Maria Pauline Lumowa, two other key suspects in the scandal, promised him the position of BNI director as an incentive for him to execute the false letters of credit disbursement process.

JP/5/TKI

JP/5/TKI Worker killed in Yokohama train accident Yuli Tri Suwarni The Jakarta Post Bandung An Indonesian worker was killed in a train accident on Monday evening in Yokohama, said the head of the West Java's Manpower and Transmigration Office. Sukarto Karnen said the body of Didin Rapiudin, 24, a resident of Majelengka, West Java, arrived in the country on Tuesday at 5 p.m. He cited Japan police reports that detailed the main probable cause of Didin's death. The accident occurred at 8:20 p.m.

Benefits of certification

Benefits of certification Many forest-based companies in developing countries like Indonesia have attacked forest certification as a market tool used by their competitors in the industrialized markets to fight against the comparative advantages tropical forests possess.

Tax chief won't back down on controversial policy

Tax chief won't back down on controversial policy Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite criticism from business players, the government is sticking by its policy of sending allegedly recalcitrant tax evaders to jail without trial if they continue not to pay the taxes they owe, a senior tax official has said.

1. PHONES: 1 line, 26 ounts

1. PHONES: 1 line, 26 ounts Govt hangs up phone rate plan 2. PDIP: 1 line, 30 COUNTS Mega tells PDI-P politicians to behave 3. YATIM: 1 LINE, 35 COUNTS Flood leave Bohorok children stranded 4. ELECT: 3 LINES Survey finds Muslim voters favor pluralism

Mega signs Aceh martial law decree

Mega signs Aceh martial law decree The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri signed on Tuesday a decree extending the military operation in Aceh for another period of six months. According to the presidential decree No. 97/2003, a copy of which was made available to The Jakarta Post, the first six-month operation had made "developments in Aceh which must be maintained and increased for the sake of the Unitary Republic of Indonesia".

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.

Police deploy over 120,000 personnel to secure Idul Fitri

Police deploy over 120,000 personnel to secure Idul Fitri Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The National Police will deploy 124,635 personnel nationwide to provide security for the millions of people expected to be traveling home for the Idul Fitri holiday. Over 82,000 of the officers will be deployed in seven provinces -- Lampung (3,915 personnel), West Java (15,096), Jakarta (15,026), Central Java (16,209), East Java (19,952), Yogyakarta (5,284) and Bali (6,800).

1. MUDIK: 48 pt, 3 cols, 3 x 18

1. MUDIK: 48 pt, 3 cols, 3 x 18 Police deploy 124,635 personnel to secure Idul Fitri 2. ACEH: 36 pt, 4 cols, 2 x 28 Megawati signs decree extending Aceh martial law 3. KOMNAS: 30 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 25 Pulogadung sidewalk vendors file complaint with Komnas HAM 4. DRUGS: 28 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 28 Jakarta Police arrest four suspected drug dealers 5. TRAIN: 28 pt, 4 cols, 2 x 38 Kota-Serpong train catches fire, pregnant woman hurt escaping blaze 6. ODD: 20 pt, 2 cols, 1 x 28 Train driver probed for snaps

Lesson from Larantuka

Lesson from Larantuka The Larantuka mob that set ablaze the local district courthouse in East Nusa Tenggara was certainly acting against the law. But things will not end by punishing the suspects, who are supporters of Frans Amanuen, a local priest. The court sentenced Amanuen to two months' imprisonment and five month's probation for defamation.

Community health

Community health From Republika The government has declared the national health vision under the name of "Indonesia Sehat 2010" (Healthy Indonesia 2010) but this will remain just a hope, a reason why Health Minister Ahmad Sujudi has said it will be very difficult to empower the community in the health sector under the national health system.

;JP;EVA;

;JP;EVA; ANPAf..r.. 24 Hours JP/1/SGRESIK Gresik to finish 2002 report in March: The country's largest cement maker PT Semen Gresik hopes to be able to complete the audit of its consolidated 2002 financial accounts by March 2004, three months later than originally planned. Company president Satriyo did not provide clear reasons for the delay. He said on Tuesday a new auditor would be selected next week from three candidates including PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young, and KPMG.

Photo-spot-Borobudur

Photo-spot-Borobudur Hotel Borobudur Jakarta IMPORTANT GUEST: Vice Mayor of Beijing H.E. Zhang Mao (center) is greeted by Resident Manager of Hotel Borobudur Jakarta Wayan Astawa (right) upon his arrival. The hotel was honored to host the visit of the Vice Mayor and his delegation during their official trip to Indonesia on Nov. 13 through Nov.16.

Govt to set up special unit to take over role of IBRA

Govt to set up special unit to take over role of IBRA The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A special unit under the Ministry of Finance will be established to take over the role of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) in implementing the government blanket guarantee program on bank deposits, when the agency's mandate expires by Feb. 27 next year, a senior official at the ministry said.

Imprisoned Tommy once again fails to testify

Imprisoned Tommy once again fails to testify M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra, the youngest son of former president Soeharto, failed to testify for the second time on Tuesday in the Central Jakarta District Court in the trial of Islamic boarding school leader Abdullah Sidiq Muin.

Idul Fitri is drawing near. Many people have struggled to get

Idul Fitri is drawing near. Many people have struggled to get tickets to go home by train, bus, ship or plane and some are still trying to find tickets. Traveling on public transport during this time can be uncomfortable, tiring and even dangerous. But these factors are overlooked, as spending Idul Fitri at home with the extended family is a year-long goal. The Jakarta Post talked to several people on going home for the holiday.

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

1. IBRA: 48 pt, 4 cols, 2 x 24 Govt to set up special unit to take over role of IBRA 2. WASHINGTON: 36 pt, 4 cols, 2 x 28 Rich nations flunk test when it comes to aiding poor students 3. GENEVA: 30 pt, 4 cols, 2 x 38 'Peter' rabbit endangered, RI tops list for most species on brink of extinction 4. BANGKOK: 28 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 28 Thai minister accuses RI police of corruption, foils fishing permits 5. SUSUL: 28 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 28 Warmer U.S. ties offer Vietnam a big Chinese counterweight

Vendor robbed by hypnotist

Vendor robbed by hypnotist JAKARTA: A vegetable vendor, Ijah, 45, was selling produce on Tuesday morning near a housing complex in Jatimakmur, Pondok Gede, East Jakarta, when she was hypnotized by a customer. Several housewives passing the area later found Ijah and shook her out of her stupor as she sat on the curb, looking confused. Ijah cried when she discovered that she was missing Rp 250,000 (US$29.40).

BATAM, Riau: The Muslim community here has been warned about

BATAM, Riau: The Muslim community here has been warned about restaurants that claim to serve halal (allowed by Islamic law) food but do not have a halal certificate from the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI). "We must be cautious about halal labels in restaurants that do not have a certificate from the food survey department of the MUI," the chairman of the Batam Muslim Consumers Foundation, Imbalo Iman Sakti, said here on Tuesday.

'Peter' rabbit endangered, RI tops list for most species on brink of extinction

'Peter' rabbit endangered, RI tops list for most species on brink of extinction Erica Bulman, Associated Press, Geneva Imagine having to tell your children that it's the end of the line for Peter Rabbit, and that he and the rest of the Cottontail family had nowhere to live and were decimated by trappers and wild animals. That's what conservationists are having to do in South Africa, where the riverine rabbit is on the brink of extinction.

Only 40 pass 2nd screening for KPK posts

Only 40 pass 2nd screening for KPK posts Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Only 40, or less than one fifth, of 218 aspirants vying for posts on the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), have passed the second screening, a selection committee member said on Tuesday. Romli Atmasasmita, the selection committee chairman, told a press conference that the 40 were judged based on their papers, detailing their views on corrupt practices in the country and how to eradicate corruption.

Govt hangs up phone rate plan

Govt hangs up phone rate plan Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In what might be seen as bowing to public pressure ahead of the general election, the government on Tuesday delayed plans to raise telephone rates before the end of this year. "There will be no price hike for telephone rates (in the remaining period of) this year," Minister of Communications Agum Gumelar said, following a meeting with the House of Representatives Commission IV on telecommunications and transportation.

Excise revenue may exceed target

Excise revenue may exceed target The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government said on Tuesday that excise revenue for this year was likely to exceed the revised target of Rp 26.1 trillion (about US$3 billion). Director General of Customs and Excise Eddy Abdurrahman said that excise revenue was expected to exceed the target by Rp 200 billion at Rp 26.3 trillion.

Deported RI migrants arrive in Makassar

Deported RI migrants arrive in Makassar MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Some 670 illegal workers from South Sulawesi who were deported from Malaysia have arrived in Parepare district here, a local immigration official said. The Malaysian government deported the Indonesian workers because they did not have proper documents, the official, Kaharuddin, said here on Tuesday.

Flood leaves Bahorok children stranded

Flood leaves Bahorok children stranded Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Bahorok, North Sumatra The recent Bahorok flood, which killed some 150 people, has brought grief and misery to at least 75 children whose parents were killed in the deadly natural disaster. Most of the children are still traumatized by the flash flood, which two weeks ago ripped through their homes and a tourist resort in Bahorok district, Langkat regency.

Impoverished folk get free holiday kerosene

Impoverished folk get free holiday kerosene Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post, Makassar, South Sulawesi The Central Sulawesi administration began on Tuesday a week-long distribution of 45,000 liters of free kerosene to poor people in three areas across the province in order to help them during Idul Fitri celebrations.

Eviction a primitive move

Eviction a primitive move Marco Kusumawijaya, Architect and Urban Planner, Jakarta Eviction, if continued, will fail Indonesia on its way to modernizing the economy, the law and urban development. Behind it is the issue of state failure to organize affordable urban housing, which involves many modernization issues: land reform, social cohesion, good governance, poverty reduction.

The homecoming tradition during 'Lebaran'

The homecoming tradition during 'Lebaran' Going back home for the Idul Fitri (Lebaran) festivities is a great tradition, whether in normal or critical economic situations. Time changes as our nation hails the arrival of globalization. Our countrymen can be overwhelmed by modernization in every aspect of their lives, but the homecoming tradition during Lebaran goes on.

KPU to form more electoral districts

KPU to form more electoral districts JAKARTA: The General Elections Commission (KPU) agreed on Tuesday with the House of Representatives (DPR) proposal to form electoral districts in the planned 24 new regencies and municipalities. KPU deputy chairman Ramlan Surbakti said, however, the commission would not establish new regional elections commissions (KPUDs) in those regencies and municipalities.

Jailing tax officials?

Jailing tax officials? The recent jailing of an Indonesian businessman and an expatriate executive without prior trial, for failing to settle at least 50 percent of their back taxes, could serve as a powerful warning to taxpayers to fulfill their obligations properly.

Govt urged to focus on humanitarian operations in Aceh

Govt urged to focus on humanitarian operations in Aceh Urip Hudiono The Jakarta Post Jakarta A non-governmental organization urged the government on Tuesday to focus on non-military operations in Aceh, saying the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) no longer poses a threat to security in the war-torn province.

Oil eases as funds take profits from bull run

Oil eases as funds take profits from bull run Reuters London Oil prices eased on Monday as speculative hedge funds took profits from recent strong gains made on supply concerns for the northern winter and violence in the Middle East. Benchmark Brent crude dropped 51 U.S. cents to US$29.05 a barrel in London and U.S. light crude for December delivery fell 67 U.S. cents to $31.70 a barrel.

Bill to open door to foreign doctors, but requirements strict

Bill to open door to foreign doctors, but requirements strict Dewi Santoso, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The bill on medical practice proposed by the House of Representatives will enable foreign doctors to open private clinics in Indonesia as a result of the liberalization of the world's labor market, something that Indonesia has pledged itself to.

'Bedug' still in demand despite ban on parades

'Bedug' still in demand despite ban on parades Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite the City Administration's ban on impromptu people parades along the streets for takbiran (a time for Muslims to march and chant Allahu Akbar, or God is Great) on the eve of Idul Fitri, people are still eager to join the festivities this year.

Rupiah Rates Nov.18

Rupiah Rates Nov.18 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 6,423.38 5,704.48 6,095.95 6,031.68 Brunei dollar 1 5,216.26 4,633.01 4,950.36 4,898.75 Canadian dollar 1 6,847.80 6,081.03 6,498.74 6,429.82 Swiss franc 1 6,798.58 6,039.63 6,452.03 6,386.05 Danish krone 1 1,423.93 1,264.45 1,351.35 1,336.98 Euro 1 10,590.62 9,407.93 10,050.77 9,947.54 Poundsterling 1 15,231.37 13,532.18 14,454.97 14,308.35 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,157.64 1,028.73 1,098.63 1,087.74...

Oil eases as funds take profits from bull run

Oil eases as funds take profits from bull run Reuters, London Oil prices eased on Monday as speculative hedge funds took profits from recent strong gains made on supply concerns for the northern winter and violence in the Middle East. Benchmark Brent crude dropped 51 U.S. cents to US$29.05 a barrel in London and U.S. light crude for December delivery fell 67 U.S. cents to $31.70 a barrel.

The homecoming tradition during 'Lebaran'

The homecoming tradition during 'Lebaran' Going back home for the Idul Fitri (Lebaran) festivities is a great tradition, whether in normal or critical economic situations. Time changes as our nation hails the arrival of globalization. Our countrymen can be overwhelmed by modernization in every aspect of their lives, but the homecoming tradition during Lebaran goes on.

Survey finds Muslim voters favor pluralism

Survey finds Muslim voters favor pluralism Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Muslim voters in Indonesia tend to favor moderate, pluralistic and democratic parties rather than those parties fighting for Islamic law or an Islamic state, a poll conducted by the Indonesian Survey Institute (LSI) found. The survey was conducted by the LSI between Aug. 1 and Aug. 20 and involved 2,240 respondents, of which 89.1 percent, or 1,996, were Muslim.

41 die of malaria in 11 months

41 die of malaria in 11 months BANDUNG, West Java: Malaria has claimed 41 lives in the past 11 months in the West Java town of Sukabumi. Fatimah Resmiati from the local health office said on Tuesday her office was trying to stop the spread of the disease, and called on anyone with symptoms of malaria to go to the nearest health post. "Malaria symptoms include high fever, headache and vomiting for nine to 14 days. The disease can be fatal if treatment comes too late," Fatimah said.

Among the expert council members, there is a number of media

Among the expert council members, there is a number of media figure names, such as Hariman Siregar, Dahlan Iskan, Ian Situmorang, Bramono and Suryopratomo. However, according to some reports Suryopratomo, Kompas daily chief editor, has rejected the post saying that he would give better inputs for the national football as an outsider.

Thousands to guard city over holiday

Thousands to guard city over holiday Damar Harsanto and Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Tangerang In order to secure the capital during Idul Fitri, police and the military will deploy a total of 15,174 personnel at public places prone to terrorist attacks and crimes. City Police acting spokesman Adj. Sr. Comr.

PSSI needs organizational, not political skills: Secretary

PSSI needs organizational, not political skills: Secretary Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) needs their newly recruited political figures for their organizational skills, not their political background, the organization's secretary-general has said.

[b]Market-based

Market-based instrument curbs deforestation Vincent Lingga Senior Editor The Jakarta Post Jakarta 2. Hutan2 -- The benefits of forest certification 1 X 21 Benefits of certification 2. Nation -- Latest victims of terror are Muslims 1 X 30 Latest victims of terror are Muslims The Nation Asia News Network Bangkok

Flood destroys houses, ugly weather disrupts flights

Flood destroys houses, ugly weather disrupts flights Slamet Susanto and Suherdjoko, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta/Semarang A flash flood and a mudslide swept away at least two houses and inundated dozens of hectares of farmland in Semarang, Central Java, over the past 24 hours, while bad weather forced airlines to cancel or delay flights in neighboring Yogyakarta, officials said on Tuesday. No casualties were reported after the flood hit the Tarukan area of Ambarawa subdistrict on Monday night.

BNI scandal

BNI scandal The public outcry following the shocking allegations (or discovery, if you will) of a scam at state bank BNI involving a fictitious letter of credit for about Rp 2 trillion, masterminded by a group of the bank's officials in collusion with some its clients, has been audible in every corner of the country: Somebody must be hanged for it! Already, 22 accomplices have been detained and interrogated.

Indomobil expects sales growth despite national elections

Indomobil expects sales growth despite national elections Sandy Darmosumarto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Next year's general elections are not a factor for Gunadi Sindhuwinata, president of automobile maker PT Indomobil Sukses Makmur, to maintain his confidence that his company will enjoy sales growth in 2004. "Our targeted sales in 2003 is for 82,000 units. We expect to sell 85,000 cars next year," said Gunadi on Tuesday at the launching ceremony of the Renault showroom renovation project.

Market-based instrument curbs deforestation

Market-based instrument curbs deforestation Vincent Lingga, Senior Editor, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The devastating flash floods at Bahorok, North Sumatra, early this month that killed more than 150 people, are another strong reminder of how the traditional approach to protecting forests through a regulatory system has failed miserably due to a corrupt system of governance and inadequate institutional capacity.

RI lobbies foreign politicians

RI lobbies foreign politicians Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Secretary general of the defense ministry Rear Marshal Suprihadi, said on Tuesday that his ministry had lobbied politicians in Europe and the United States against supporting separatist groups in Indonesia. He also said that his office had improved coordination with Indonesian representatives in foreign countries for a similar purpose. "We lobby members of the European parliament and U.S.

Mega tells PDI-P politicians to behave

Mega tells PDI-P politicians to behave Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Fed up with internal rifts in her party, the chairwoman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) Megawati Soekarnoputri threatened to dismiss members who continued to show defiance. Opening the party's national meeting here on Tuesday, Megawati said that she had often been angered by such defiance.

Govt announces minimum wage hike

Govt announces minimum wage hike SURABAYA: The East Java provincial administration said on Tuesday it would raise the minimum wage in the province's five regencies/mayoralties by 6.5 percent beginning on Jan. 1, 2004. "By raising the minimum wage 6.5 percent, the minimum wage in the five regencies/mayoralties will stand at Rp 550,700 (US$64.80) per month," M. Djaelani, the head of provincial manpower office, said here.

Thai minister accuses RI police of corruption, foils fishing permits

Thai minister accuses RI police of corruption, foils fishing permits Agence France-Presse, Bangkok A Thai minister on Tuesday accused Indonesian navy and marine police of corruption for demanding bribes from Thai fishermen operating in Indonesian waters. Deputy Agriculture Minister Newin Chidchob claimed the Indonesian officials demanded kick-backs from Thai fishermen including those who already had permission from the Jakarta government.

Poor flock to flea market, yet sales fall

Poor flock to flea market, yet sales fall P.C. Naommy, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Enthusiasm shone on the faces of the Muara Angke couple as they rummaged through piles of secondhand clothes at Pasar Baru flea market, Central Jakarta. No crisp, fancy new clothes nor shiny new shoes were peeking from the woman's black plastic shopping bag, but their enjoyment was clear.

41 die of malaria in 11 months

41 die of malaria in 11 months BANDUNG, West Java: Malaria has claimed 41 lives in the past 11 months in the West Java town of Sukabumi. Fatimah Resmiati from the local health office said on Tuesday her office was trying to stop the spread of the disease, and called on anyone with symptoms of malaria to go to the nearest health post. "Malaria symptoms include high fever, headache and vomiting for nine to 14 days. The disease can be fatal if treatment comes too late," Fatimah said.

Men in fatigues rob driver

Men in fatigues rob driver TANGERANG: Two unidentified men clad in military-style uniforms robbed the driver of a truck owned by a soft drink company along Jl. Garuda in Batu Ceper district late on Monday, making off with Rp 9 million (US$1,058) in cash. The driver, Hasanudin, 24, of Karawaci subdistrict, along with his assistant, Budi, had just finished collecting money from several soft drink agents in Jakarta when two men on a motorcycle forced the truck to stop.

Bank Indonesia to close transactions for a week

Bank Indonesia to close transactions for a week The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In relation to the upcoming Idul Fitri holiday, the central bank announced on Tuesday that it all banking transactions would close for a week starting on Nov. 24. Bank Indonesia would resume normal banking transactions on Dec. 1, a press statement said. The central bank policy is in accordance with the government's policy on the long holiday. Idul Fitri will officially fall on Nov.

Poso falling back into cycle of violance

Poso falling back into cycle of violance Irvan NR, The Jakarta Post, Palu, Central Sulawesi Security forces escorted public vehicles traveling through Poso regency, Central Sulawesi, following the disappearance of a civil servant and a wave of renewed violence, amid the deployment of reinforcement forces, Poso Police said on Tuesday. On Monday, Husain Garusu, a 46-year-old local civil servant, was reported missing.

Rupiah Rates Nov.18

Rupiah Rates Nov.18 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 6,423.38 5,704.48 6,095.95 6,031.68 Brunei dollar 1 5,216.26 4,633.01 4,950.36 4,898.75 Canadian dollar 1 6,847.80 6,081.03 6,498.74 6,429.82 Swiss franc 1 6,798.58 6,039.63 6,452.03 6,386.05 Danish krone 1 1,423.93 1,264.45 1,351.35 1,336.98 Euro 1 10,590.62 9,407.93 10,050.77 9,947.54 Poundsterling 1 15,231.37 13,532.18 14,454.97 14,308.35 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,157.64 1,028.73 1,098.63 1,087.74...

Bomb victim lives in agony

Bomb victim lives in agony JAKARTA: A victim of the Santa Anna Catholic Church bombing testified at the East Jakarta District Court on Tuesday, saying that she underwent numerous operations during a 40-day stay in hospital in the wake of the attack. Nila Perwitasari, 55, testifying against Malaysian Nor Misuari, alias Nurdin, recalled that she saw thick smoke rising after the blast and that she was carried outside by some men.

No money for orphans

No money for orphans TANGERANG: Members of the Tangerang legislative council questioned the 2004 budget draft during a session on Tuesday, asking why it failed to include promised money to send orphans and poor children to school. Councillor Samsudin pointed out that the budget draft only allocate funds for "school development".

Ministry issues reforestation decree

Ministry issues reforestation decree JAKARTA: The Ministry of Forestry handed a decree on reforestation to a number of provinces on Tuesday, that will provide the legal ground for its efforts to rehabilitate damaged forests next year. The decree was handed over to 10 provinces -- Lampung, North Sumatra, West Sumatra, West Java, Central Java, East Java, North Sulawesi, Gorontalo, South Sulawesi, and South Kalimantan.

800 sidewalk vendors complain to rights body

800 sidewalk vendors complain to rights body Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Representatives of 800 sidewalk vendors operating near the Pulogadung bus terminal in East Jakarta filed a complaint on Tuesday with the National Commission for Human Rights (Komnas HAM). They reported violence allegedly committed by public order officers during an eviction by the East Jakarta municipal administration last week that left 29 people injured.

Azahari may enter Bali: Pastika

Azahari may enter Bali: Pastika DENPASAR: Bali Police chief Insp. Gen. I Made Mangku Pastika said on Tuesday that the most-wanted fugitive Malaysian Dr. Azahari may reenter Bali in the near future. "The Malaysian citizen may reenter Bali, either to escape arrest or to plan another attack," he said. Azahari is believed to have assembled the bombs that rocked two nightspots in Denpasar on Oct. 12, 2002, killing more than 200 people, mostly foreign tourists.

IBRA to sell Lippo, Permata in January

IBRA to sell Lippo, Permata in January The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) said on Tuesday it would divest its majority stakes in Bank Lippo and Bank Permata in January, only one month before its mandate expires. "The process of selling the stakes in the two banks will start later this month," IBRA chairman Syafruddin Temenggung said. The government, via IBRA, currently holds 54.9 percent and 91.3 percent stake in Lippo and Permata respectively.

1.

1. Non-military operations urged for Aceh 2. 2 x 27 40 pass second screening for KPK executive posts 3. 2 x 20 KPU defends Survindo as winner of ballot box bid 4. 2 x 20 Govt to revise conflicting legislation on Papua 5. 1 x 30 RI lobbies foreign politicians over separatism

2 x 26

2 x 26 Governor tries to reconcile as Flores remains very tense 1 x 35 Poso falling back into cycle of violence JP/5/KEROSENE 2 x 19 Impoverished folk get free holiday kerosene JP/5/TKI 1 x 25 Indonesian killed in Japan JP/5/FLOODS 1 x 45 Flood destroys houses, ugly weather disrupts flights

Govt to revise conflicting laws on Papua

Govt to revise conflicting laws on Papua Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government plans to launch revisions of two conflicting laws on Papua -- Law No.45/1999 and Law No.21/2001 -- and is preparing the draft of a government regulation on the establishment of the long-awaited Papuan People's Assembly (MRP). With the revision and amendment of the two conflicting laws, the government plans to legitimize the establishment of new provinces in Papua.

Kota-Serpong train catches fire, pregnant woman hurt escaping blaze

Kota-Serpong train catches fire, pregnant woman hurt escaping blaze The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Two cars of an economy-class electric commuter train traveling from Jakarta Kota railway station in West Jakarta to Serpong, Tangerang, caught fire near Permata Hijau railway station in Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta, late Tuesday. Terrified passengers jumped out of the cars while a pregnant woman broke her leg while trying to escape the blaze.

* Headlines: Jakarta Police nab four suspected drug dealers 2

* Headlines: Jakarta Police nab four suspected drug dealers 2 * National: Government to revise law on Papua 4 * Archipelago: Poso falls back into cycle of violence 5 * Opinion: Market-based instrument curbs deforestation 7 * City:Over 15,000 security personnel to guard Jakarta 8 * Sports: Golf finish line in sight for 2004 player honors 9 * World: U.S., Europe at odds over Iran's nuclear program 11 * Business: Tax chief sticks to controversial policy 16 * Features: Helping children cope with...

Navy's firm action

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.

City prepares for influx of migrants after Idul Fitri

City prepares for influx of migrants after Idul Fitri Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With about 2.11 million people estimated to be leaving the capital for Idul Fitri, the city administration is gearing up for an increasing number of migrants entering Jakarta after the festivities.

Manila court rejects Marcos claims

Manila court rejects Marcos claims PHILIPPINES: The Philippine Supreme Court said on Tuesday nearly US$700 million once held by late dictator Ferdinand Marcos in Swiss banks must be given to the government, but the ruling is unlikely to end a long-running legal battle. The money now lies in an escrow account at the Philippine National Bank (PNB) pending a decision on the rightful owners -- a matter complicated by a global freeze order on Marcos assets imposed by a judge in the U.S.

On Sudarsono's article

On Sudarsono's article Referring to the article The West and Islam in Indonesia published in The Jakarta Post on Nov. 4 and Nov. 5, we have the following comments. The author did not mention he was expressing his personal views. Although the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs clearly stated (in the Jakarta Post on Nov. 8) that "the opinions expressed in the article are personal in nature," both the Post and the author are to be blamed for such an error.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov. 18, 2003

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov. 18, 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 0 102,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 70 5 55,000 Alakasa Industrindo 150 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 1,150 0 31,500 Alter Abadi Tbk 25 0 0 Alumindo Light 200 0 0...

Advertisers' responsibility

Advertisers' responsibility From Kompas Many advertisements are indeed misleading. The complaint lodged by Anita O. from Cempaka Baru, Jakarta, about an Audio Plaza ad can be understood. In general, if advertisers have no intention of misleading consumers, whatever is printed in their ads must be fulfilled as a manifestation of manufacturers' responsibility.

Fate of Bahorok children uncertain after fatal flood

Fate of Bahorok children uncertain after fatal flood Apriadi Gunawan The Jakarta Post Bahorok, North Sumatra The recent Bahorok flood, which killed some 150 people, has brought grief and misery to at least 75 children whose parents were killed in the deadly natural disaster. Most of the children are still traumatized by the flash flood, which two weeks ago ripped through their homes and a tourist resort in Bahorok district, Langkat regency.

Governor tries to reconcile as East Flores remains tense

Governor tries to reconcile as East Flores remains tense Yemris Fointuna and Jacob J. Herin, The Jakarta Post, Kupang/Flores East Nusa Tenggara governor Piet A. Tallo met with local leaders, including religious leaders, in Larantuka Tuesday following the burning down of the town's courthouse and prosecutor's office on Saturday.

Achieving

Achieving national discipline It is amazing that the problem of transition toward democracy, which has characterized Indonesian political development during the past five years, has recently triggered a hectic debate between scholars and commentators. Also, the debate has involved an exchange of opposing arguments from differing perspectives, as manifest in a dozen lengthy articles published in Kompas, from Sept. 29 to date.

Eviction a primitive move

Eviction a primitive move Marco Kusumawijaya Architect and town planner Jakarta 2. Strait -- India, China aim to turn rivalry into partnership 1 X 30 India, China turn to partnership Sunanda K. Datta-Ray The Straits Times Asia News Network Singapore 3. Star -- All must play part to make education system a success 1 X 30 All must play role in education V.K. CHIN The Star Asia News Network Selangor, Malaysia

Survindo the winner of ballot box bid: KPU

Survindo the winner of ballot box bid: KPU Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite strong allegations of a non-transparent process, the General Elections Commission (KPU) finally declared on Tuesday the controversial Survindo Indah Prestasi consortium as the definitive winner of the Rp 324-billion ballot boxes tender. "KPU has decided upon Survindo ...