Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 27 November 2003

87 articles found

Part 1 of 2: Will revision of the law on regional autonomy fail?

Part 1 of 2: Will revision of the law on regional autonomy fail?P. Agung Pambudhi, Executive Director, Monitoring Committee of Regional Autonomy Implementation (KPPOD), Jakarta The White Paper of the government's economic policies after the ending of its cooperation with the International Monetary...

Government to implement national ecolabeling plan

Government to implement national ecolabeling planUrip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government is planning to implement its own ecolabeling measures for domestic manufactured and agricultural products starting in June next year following an agreement signed on Nov.

Fak-Fak tribe in Papua maintains holiday traditions

Fak-Fak tribe in Papua maintains holiday traditionsNethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura, Papua Visiting friends and families at Idul Fitri has been a long- standing tradition for the Fak-Fak tribe, the majority of whom are Muslim.

Controversial tenders put KPU credibility at risk

Controversial tenders put KPU credibility at riskMoch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The nine members of the General Elections Commission (KPU) may be breathing sighs of relief as most tenders for the procurement of goods have been completed.

RI to sign UN anticorruption pact

RI to sign UN anticorruption pactMuninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia is slated to sign the new United Nations Convention against Corruption in Mexico in December, expecting that it would strengthen the country's drive against rampant and prolonged corruption.

Management of women migrant workers

Management of women migrant workersFrom Media Indonesia With great enthusiasm and hope, a number of Indonesian women -- married or single -- register themselves at workers recruitment agencies to work overseas and help feed their families.

Aussie Labor leader warns of 'Islamist RI'

Aussie Labor leader warns of 'Islamist RI'Agence France-Presse, Sydney, Australia Australia's most powerful Labor Party leader and the premier of its largest state has warned the country to prepare for the threat of an aggressive Islamic government in Indonesia.

Bomb, village attack mar Idul Fitri in Poso

Bomb, village attack mar Idul Fitri in PosoIrvan NR, The Jakarta Post, Palu, Central Sulawesi Tension marred the Idul Fitri celebration in Poso as a bomb exploded near a housing complex in Lawanga subdistrict early on Wednesday, just hours after a group of unidentified men opened fire in a...

Ba'asyir unable to deliver sermon at Idul Fitri prayers

Ba'asyir unable to deliver sermon at Idul Fitri prayersDamar Harsanto The Jakarta Post JakartaConvicted Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Ba'asyir, leader of Surakarta- based Ngruki Islamic boarding school, Central Java, celebrated his first Idul Fitri at the Salemba Penitentiary, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday...

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, November 27, 2003

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, November 27, 2003.TB.30" 1.0" Exhibitions* Signs paintings exhibition, new works of I Ketut Sugantika, at Werddhi Budaya Art Center, Jl. Nusa Indah-Denpasar, until Nov. 28.

Babel to host Malay, Islamic festival

Babel to host Malay, Islamic festival PANGKALPINANG, Babel: Bangka-Belitung (Babel) province will host the Malay and Islamic World Festival from Dec. 13 to Dec. 17, an official said."We should take advantage of the upcoming festival to promote Babel's potential," the head of the provincial tourism...

Ba'asyir sermon in prison canceled

Ba'asyir sermon in prison canceledDamar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Convicted Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Ba'asyir, leader of Surakarta- based Ngruki Islamic boarding school, Central Java, celebrated his first Idul Fitri at the Salemba Penitentiary, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday by presiding over...

Peaceful, safe celebrations mark Idul Fitri across country

Peaceful, safe celebrations mark Idul Fitri across countryThe Jakarta Post, Indramayu/Ambon/Semarang Despite a string of road accidents and a bombing incident, Indonesian Muslims celebrated Idul Fitri in relative peace and safety across the archipelago, including restive areas.

Recreation places see increase in numbers of visitors

Recreation places see increase in numbers of visitorsEvi Mariani and Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Bogor Unlike previous years when Greater Jakarta was unusually quiet during Idul Fitri holidays, an increase in the number of visitors to popular recreation sites all over the capital has...

Old crime, new crisis

Old crime, new crisis Of all the human rights abuses committed under the authoritarian former Indonesian president Soeharto, why has one military massacre of Muslim civilians been singled out for accountability, almost two decades after the fact? The answer is as much entwined in the present day...

No leave for troops near E. Timor

No leave for troops near E. Timor ATAMBUA, East Nusa Tenggara: A total of 1,500 Indonesian Military (TNI) troops remained on duty to guard the border with East Timor during the Idul Fitri holiday.The soldiers returned to their posts after performing the Idul Fitri prayer, the commander for...

JP/17/TRAFFIC

JP/17/TRAFFIC Understanding the causes of Jakarta traffic jams To understand traffic problems thoroughly is the first step toward an attempt to solve this royal mess, right? Here are several corroborating fact(or)s, which contribute to the horrendous traffic conditions in the city.1.

Texmaco can build vehicles: Minister

Texmaco can build vehicles: Minister JAKARTA: The government has finished a technological audit of ailing textile company PT Texmaco's machines, and confirmed that the equipment can be used to manufacture large-sized vehicles.

Part 2 of 2

Part 2 of 2Will revision of the law on regional autonomy fail?P. Agung Pambudhi, Executive Director, Monitoring Committee of Regional Autonomy Implementation (KPPOD), Jakarta Although the plan to revise the law on regional autonomy has often been publicly discussed, the public is yet to be...

Megawati holds open house, gives alms to well-wishers

Megawati holds open house, gives alms to well-wishersFabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Top government officials, including President Megawati Soekarnoputri and Vice President Hamzah Haz, received well- wishers at their official residences on Tuesday, the first day of Idul Fitri.

Health checks

Health checks on bus driversFrom Warta Kota The communications ministry requires bus drivers to have a health check to ensure that they can drive passengers safely, especially in connection with the Muslim post-fasting (Lebaran) festivities.

Evicted families celebrate low-key Idul Fitri

Evicted families celebrate low-key Idul FitriEvi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Hundreds of evicted families in the capital celebrated Idul Fitri on Tuesday in a very modest way as most of them only hung around their makeshift tents or stayed on board their boats.

Pirates attack three oil tankers offshore Nigeria and Indonesia

Pirates attack three oil tankers offshore Nigeria and IndonesiaBloomberg, London Three oil tankers offshore Indonesia and Nigeria were among five ships targeted by pirates last week, extending the worst year of violence on the seas in more than a decade, the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) said.

Indonesia's political Islam finds voice, limitations

Indonesia's political Islam finds voice, limitationsEndy M. Bayuni, Deputy Chief Editor, The Jakarta Post, Cambridge, Massachusetts Political Islam has been making significant inroads ever since Indonesia embarked on democracy in 1998.

Bajaj will set up plant in Indonesia

Bajaj will set up plant in Indonesia NEW DELHI: Bajaj Auto Ltd. will set up a plant near Jakarta in Indonesia to manufacture three-wheelers, the Economic Times reported, citing Rajiv Bajaj, joint managing director of the company.

1. YUSRIL: 48 pt, 7 cols, 1 x 42

1. YUSRIL: 48 pt, 7 cols, 1 x 42 Human rights minister complains over salary 2. BOM: 36 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 22 Bomb, village attack mar Idul Fitri in Poso 3. KEMAYORAN: 32 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 32 Mega under fire over Kemayoran project 4.

'Becak' driver, orphans get gifts

'Becak' driver, orphans get gifts BEKASI: Some 3,000 becak (pedicab) drivers and 1,500 orphans received Idul Fitri gifts from two different political parties in Bekasi on Monday, the last day of the Ramadhan fasting month.

Human rights minister complains over salary

Human rights minister complains over salaryMuninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Justice and Human Rights Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra has complained about his monthly salary, saying his basic salary of Rp 19 million does not reflect his workload.

Boat capsizes in Makassar, six dead

Boat capsizes in Makassar, six dead MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Six people died and three others were injured when the boat carrying them capsized in the Jeneberang River here on Tuesday.The accident occurred at about 1 p.m.

Automobile sales receive boost from seasonal festivities, bonuses

Automobile sales receive boost from seasonal festivities, bonusesSandy Darmosumarto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Some of the factors that may explain the correlation between the rise in car sales and the occurrence of three festive occasions, namely Idul Fitri, Christmas and New Year, concern...

Controversy over bill on water resources

Controversy over bill on water resourcesNila Ardhianie, Coordinator, Indonesian Forum on Globalization, Surakarta, Central Java With the delayed discussion of the bill on Water Resources (RUU-SDA) by the House of Representatives (DPR) and the proposed article on irrigation considered by the World...

Celebrating Idul Fitri

Celebrating Idul Fitri Millions of Muslims throughout the country gathered for prayers and family reunions on Tuesday to celebrate Idul Fitri, the end the holy month of Ramadhan.The holiday, which began on Monday evening, was marked by the breaking of the fast for the last time this Ramadhan.

2. 1 x 56

2. 1 x 56 Pirates attack three oil tankers offshore Nigeria and RI 3. 1 x 48 OPEC fails to reach oil cutbacks: PetroLogistics 4. 2 x 24 Japan ready to counter U.S. steel safeguards

On national plus schools

On national plus schools While I generally read Simon Gower's frequent articles in The Jakarta Post with mild interest, I was somewhat incredulous at some of the comments made in his most recent article RI's schools should target higher standards (the Post, Nov. 15).

TV Program: Thursday, November 27, 2003

TV Program: Thursday, November 27, 2003 .TB.30" .90"TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi7:30 Music8:30 Comedy Drama9:00 Entertainment News: Business Magazine10:00 Music11:00 Flora and Fauna11:30 Singing Contest12:00 p.m.

Fitch upgrades ratings of RI banks

Fitch upgrades ratings of RI banksThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta International rating agency Fitch Ratings has upgraded a number of local banks following recent upgrade in the country's sovereign ratings.The agency said in statement issued on Tuesday that it had upgraded the long-term foreign currency...

When there's a will ...

When there's a will ... We are German citizens, living in Indonesia. My husband is working in the field of education development with the German government. Our daughter is a medical student, who wanted to visit us for two weeks. Upon her arrival, I could not find her at Soekarno-Hatta airport.

Courts Mammoth to open stores in RI

Courts Mammoth to open stores in RI KUALA LUMPUR: Courts Mammoth Bhd., the Malaysian unit of Courts Plc, plans to more than double its stores in Indonesia within the next five years, the Star newspaper said.

Rebirth of Constitution without legitimacy

Rebirth of Constitution without legitimacyDenny Indrayana, Lecturer, Constitutional Law, University of Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta When a constitution lacks legitimacy, it is but a worthless document. Legitimacy must be present in the drafting of every constitution.

Old crime, new crisis

Old crime, new crisisJP/6/E05authoritarian former Indonesian president Soeharto, why has one military massacre of Muslim civilians been singled out for accountability, almost two decades after the fact? The answer is as much entwined in the present day threat posed by extremist Islam - and its...

The politics of religious pluralism

The politics of religious pluralism Muhamad Ali, Lecturer, Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University (UIN), Jakarta, muhamad@hawaii.edu Religion has become part of not only private but also public life in Indonesia as elsewhere.

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...

Legislative candidates told to donate

Legislative candidates told to donate JAKARTA: The National Mandate Party (PAN) has admitted to requiring each of its legislative candidates to "donate" Rp 3 million (US$353) for the party's election campaign.

Mega holds open house, gives alms to well-wishers

Mega holds open house, gives alms to well-wishersFabiola Desy Unidjaja The Jakarta Post JakartaTop officials, including President Megawati Soekarnoputri and Vice President Hamzah Haz, received well-wishers in their official residences on the first day of the Idul Fitri celebration on Tuesday.

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.

Traffic in Jakarta

Traffic in Jakarta During the last few months road traffic in Jakarta has been going from bad to worse; with the arrival of the rainy season it has been further worsened. It takes a lot of energy, patience and utmost use of your logic and math skills to reach your destination a bit earlier than...

Old crime, new crisis

Old crime, new crisis Of all the human rights abuses committed under the authoritarian former Indonesian president Soeharto, why has one military massacre of Muslim civilians been singled out for accountability, almost two decades after the fact? The answer is as much entwined in the present day...

RI cocoa output to decline by 7.7%

RI cocoa output to decline by 7.7%Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesian cocoa production could decline by 7.7 percent this year due to the severe drought in the second quarter of the year, Indonesian Cocoa Association (Askindo) chairman Zulhefy Sikumbang says.

Controversial tenders put KPU credibility at risk

Controversial tenders put KPU credibility at riskMoch. N. Kurniawan The Jakarta Post JakartaThe nine members of the General Elections Commission (KPU) may be breathing sighs of relief as most tenders for the procurement of goods have been completed.

Fire destroys houses in Koja

Fire destroys houses in Koja JAKARTA: Fire destroyed at least three houses on Jl. Duku Barat, Koja, North Jakarta, on Wednesday evening. No fatalities were reported.The fire started at about 7:50 p.m. in one house, before spreading to the neighboring houses.

Minister pays visit to injured migrant workers

Minister pays visit to injured migrant workersThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Jacob Nuwa Wea visited Indonesian migrant workers at the Soekanto Police Hospital in Kramat Jati, East Jakarta, on Tuesday.

1. MUSEUM 1x35

1. MUSEUM 1x35 Museum safeguards Bali heritage 2. CHILD 1x55 The sky is not blue in children's eyes

'Official Idul Fitri holiday only gives more headaches'

'Official Idul Fitri holiday only gives more headaches' Idul Fitri holidays were supposed to be for only two days. But as the government extended the official holidays until the end of this month, the city administration and state institutions have shut.

SEAG soccer tickets soar on black market

SEAG soccer tickets soar on black marketAgence France-Presse, Hanoi Ticket prices for Sunday's Southeast Asian Games clash in Hanoi between soccer-mad Vietnam and defending champion Thailand have soared to as much as US$50 on the blackmarket.

When Semar rides the Chinese dragon

When Semar rides the Chinese dragonYusuf Susilo Hartono, Contributor, Jakarta Semar Chinese Art Gallery, owned by Chinese-Indonesian, Christine Ivonella, was opened in Malang, East Java by noted Chinese Indonesian art collector, Dr. Oei Hong Djien of Magelang, Central Java in June.

* Headlines:Minister Yusril complain of low salary 2

* Headlines:Minister Yusril complain of low salary 2 * National:RI to sign UN anticorruption pact 4 * Archipelago:New parking rates in Medan denounced 5 * Opinion:Will revision of regional autonomy law fail? 7 * Sports:Ron Artest powers Pacers to 6th straight win 9 * World:Philippine "John Wayne"...

Kutai gets US$210m German loan

Kutai gets US$210m German loan SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: PT Tunggang Parangan, a company controlled by the Kutai Kertanegara regency administration, has received a US$210 million loan from German-based construction company Brohult Bijkerk Ltd., an official said.

City of shopping centers

City of shopping centers From Warta Kota Shopping centers have recently sprung up in almost every corner of Jakarta. While the construction of all these new shopping centers has made it easier for residents to go shopping, it is regrettable that they have been built with little heed for the...

Reform the tax service

Reform the tax serviceFrom Tempo In Tulungagung, Blitar and Kediri small-scale cattle breeders have for some time been frustrated by an acute cattle disease and the collection of income tax that tax collectors have said to be owing since the 1995 - 1996 fiscal year.

Two killed, 24 injured on eve of Idul Fitri

Two killed, 24 injured on eve of Idul FitriThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta Two people were killed and at least two dozen others were injured in traffic accidents across the capital before takbiran, the parade on the eve of Idul Fitri when people repeatedly chant Allahu Akbar (God is great), and over the...

During the first six months of martial law in Aceh, which ended

During the first six months of martial law in Aceh, which ended on Wednesday, the military captured 37 of about 140 top GAM figures. Also during that period, 1,106 suspected GAM members were killed and 488 weapons seized.

Train crews loyally serve the public on Idul Fitri

Train crews loyally serve the public on Idul FitriLeony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Zakir, a conductor on one of Jakarta's electric commuter trains, has been able to spend just one Idul Fitri with his family over the last 29 years because of his work.

JP/4/PARTY

JP/4/PARTYKPU may gradually announce parties eligible for electionsMoch. N. Kurniawan The Jakarta Post JakartaThe General Elections Commission (KPU) could stagger the announcement of which political parties qualified to contest the 2004 elections, another delay to its initial schedule.

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...

Policemen have tough job during 'Takbiran'

Policemen have tough job during 'Takbiran'P.C. Naommy, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The sound of pounding drums and the chanting of Allahu Akbar (God is great) echoed through the night, along with the pitter-patter of rain over Jakarta on Monday evening, the eve of Idul Fitri, marking the end of the...

Preelection lame duck syndrome

Preelection lame duck syndromeRachmad Bahari, Institute for Policy and Community Development Studies, Jakarta The countdown to the 2004 general election continues. Amid optimism and high hopes of a smooth and successful election that is free and fair, there is fear of an imminent stumbling block to...

2. Ecolabel (2 x 24)

2. Ecolabel (2 x 24) Government to implement national ecolabeling plan 3. Party ( 2 x 20) KPU may delay naming qualified parties 4. (1 x 50) Controversial tenders put KPU credibility at risk

Evictee names newborn 'Gusur'

Evictee names newborn 'Gusur' JAKARTA: A fishing family recently evicted from their makeshift house on the banks of the Muara Angke River, North Jakarta, have named their newborn baby Gusuryanto, nicknamed Gusur, which means to evict.

City of shopping centers

City of shopping centers From Warta Kota Shopping centers have recently sprung up in almost every corner of Jakarta. While the construction of all these new shopping centers has made it easier for residents to go shopping, it is regrettable that they have been built with little heed for the...

Rural people display material success during Idul Fitri

Rural people display material success during Idul FitriAgus Maryono, The Jakarta Post, Banjarnegara, Central Java The age of the cell phone has not yet subsided. Maybe it has in large towns, where cell phones have become ubiquitous, and consequently, have lost their status as luxury goods.

No-frills airlines boost number of air passengers

No-frills airlines boost number of air passengersSari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Singapore In the last three years, Indonesian skies have seen a rising number of new airlines providing much cheaper fares.

Residents denounce new parking rates in Medan

Residents denounce new parking rates in MedanApriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan, North Sumatra The public have lashed out at exorbitant parking fees newly imposed by the local government at six spots in Medan, saying that the fees, seven times higher than previously, are a great burden on the...

Storms, floods dampen Idul Fitri celebration

Storms, floods dampen Idul Fitri celebrationYemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Storms and floods hampered Idul Fitri celebrations across the country, and left one person dead and hundreds of homes damaged.

Rubbish left to rot in Bogor

Rubbish left to rot in Bogor BOGOR: Piles of rotting refuse were left to rot throughout Bogor, particularly in front of traditional markets as garbage collectors from the City Sanitation Agency celebrated Idul Fitri.

Gunarsa's museum safeguards Bali's heritage

Gunarsa's museum safeguards Bali's heritageI Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Semarapura, Bali Nyoman Gunarsa carefully opened the rolled white cloth to reveal his museum's newest acquisition; an ancient Kamasan-style painting believed to be the collective creation of 15th century Balinese...

Megawati under fire over Kemayoran project

Megawati under fire over Kemayoran projectRidwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The adage that power, money and guns are three key elements that work in synergy with corruption, collusion and nepotism, has taken a new shape in the current regime with President Megawati Soekarnoputri's...

More evidence on GAM sent to Sweden

More evidence on GAM sent to SwedenFabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia has sent additional legal evidence to the Swedish government in a bid to complete the legal process against the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) leaders currently residing in Stockholm.

2. 1 x 56

2. 1 x 56 Pirates attack three oil tankers offshore Nigeria and RI 3. 1 x 48 OPEC fails to reach oil cutbacks: PetroLogistics 4. 2 x 24 Japan ready to counter U.S. steel safeguards

Journalist killed in accident: A cameraman with Indosiar

Journalist killed in accident: A cameraman with Indosiar television station died on Wednesday while covering the visit of Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu to South Aceh. The journalist, Ari Woylan Orah, was killed when the armored vehicle he was riding in met with an accident in...

Accepting cultural diversity part of Islamic civilisation

Accepting cultural diversity part of Islamic civilisationChandra Muzaffar, New Straits Times, Kuala Lumpur Like many other Islamic parties with a similar mindset, Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) has a tendency to insist upon religious purism. Its Nov.

Media figure Manuhua dies at 78

Media figure Manuhua dies at 78 MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Lazarus Edward Manuhua died on Tuesday at the Hikmah Hospital, where he was being treated for low blood pressure.Manuhua, who was 78, is survived by nine children. His wife passed away in 1997.

KPU may delay naming qualified parties

KPU may delay naming qualified partiesMoch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The General Elections Commission (KPU) could announce which political parties qualified to contest the 2004 elections in stages, another disruption to its initial schedule.

Consumer confidence rises quickly in Asia

Consumer confidence rises quickly in AsiaAgence France-Presse, Singapore Consumer confidence in the Asia Pacific has rebounded faster than expected from the severe slump in the first half of the year that was chiefly blamed on SARS, a survey released on Wednesday said.

Boy dies at Parangtritis resort

Boy dies at Parangtritis resort YOGYAKARTA: One of the thousands of people celebrating Idul Fitri at the Parangtritis Beach resort here died on Wednesday.The victim, Novi Budi Santosa, 10, was dragged into the sea by a large wave.

JP/17/LALIN

JP/17/LALIN How messed up is Jakarta's traffic?Damar Harsanto The Jakarta Post JakartaPeople often assume that if traffic is congested less accidents will occur, as the slower flow of vehicles will restrain reckless drivers.

Four killed in traffic accident

Four killed in traffic accident INDRAMAYU, West Java: Four people from the same family were killed instantly on Wednesday when a Sumber Alam bus crashed into their minivan in Indramayu.The four victims were Dani Sudani, 41, his wife Sunarsih, 39, and their two children Emi Asmi, 8, and Bagus, 6.

Threats to elections

Threats to elections The recent warning by Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Gen. Endriartono Sutarto about attempts by certain groups to obstruct next April's general election, including those who are now demanding judicial review of the election law, will echo strongly again next week.