Archive: 29 November 2003
89 articles found
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Displaced N. Malukans to receive special IDs
Displaced N. Malukans to receive special IDs M. Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon, Maluku As the security situation has largely become more stable in North Maluku province, some 5,100 displaced North Malukans will be sent to their hometowns in early December, an official has said. Head of Maluku Displaced Persons Embarkation Team Rahman Soumena said that they would receive special ID cards before they could board boats that will take them home. The card will also entitle them to financial aid.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Roadside vendors
Roadside vendors This year's Idul Fitri festivities in Jakarta have been observed solemnly and peacefully. So say the police and other city officials. Indeed, most Jakartans would agree with the assessment, with one striking exception -- the roadside vendors and victims of forced demolition. For them, the Islamic holy days were likely colorless and sorrowful.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Chronic garbage mess in Mampang
Chronic garbage mess in Mampang From Koran Tempo Citizens of Mampang Prapatan, particularly Tegal Parang subdistrict, South Jakarta, have been complaining about poor garbage handling in the area, which has remained unsolved despite all the reports to relevant authorities. For quite some time, people in the subdistrict neighborhoods have been messing their streets with garbage, which not only creates unpleasant sights but also poses health hazards.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Pelindo III to four sell subsidiaries next year
Pelindo III to four sell subsidiaries next year Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned seaport operator PT Pelabuhan Indonesia III (Pelindo III) plans to sell three of its subsidiaries next year as part of efforts to raise cash to help finance the expansion of its ports, a senior official said.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
PBB scraps celebrities for election
PBB scraps celebrities for election JAKARTA: Unlike other parties, the Crescent Star Party (PBB) will not nominate celebrities as legislative candidates in the upcoming general election, its chairman says. PBB chairman Yusril Ihza Mahendra said recently the party would count on its own members during the elections. He claimed his Muslim-based party had more than six million registered members. Targeting Muslim voters, the party would maintain sharia as its platform.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
13 parties may be unable to contest 2004 elections
13 parties may be unable to contest 2004 elections Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta At least 13 political parties look destined to miss next year's elections as they have failed to meet the minimum requirement of having a board of executives in 21 provinces.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Japanese FM to visit Indonesia
Japanese FM to visit Indonesia JAKARTA: Japanese foreign minister Yuriko Kawaguchi is slated to make a three-day official visit to Indonesia starting on Tuesday, the Japanese embassy said. It said that during his visit Kawaguchi would discuss with Indonesian government officials the Japan-Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) Commemorative Summit in Tokyo on Dec. 11 and Dec. 12.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
1. SUNGKEM 1x35
1. SUNGKEM 1x35 Sungkeman tradition continues in Yogya 2. PAWN 1x40 Private pawn shops help students raise cash 3. SIDE1 1x30 Police out in force during holidays 4. SIDE2 1x30 Sultan holds thanksgiving party
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
b]Correction:
b]Correction: In the article titled on Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales on this page, in Friday edition, we mistakenly refer to him as a cardinal in the heading. We apologized for this mistake. --Editor--
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Sungkeman tradition continues in Yogyakarta
Sungkeman tradition continues in Yogyakarta Tarko Sudiarno, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta The Sungkeman ritual is still preserved in the palaces of Yogyakarta and Surakarta, Central Java, where the sultans are believed to be the heirs of the ancient Mataram kingdom. This ritual allows commoners to show their respect to the sultan, to wish the sultan and court officials a happy Idul Fitri, and to ask forgiveness from each other.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Putu Oka finds no life without hope
Putu Oka finds no life without hope For Nov. 30 Christina Schott Contributor Jakarta There are three things associated with Putu Oka Sukanta's name -- literature, traditional health treatment and commitment to human rights -- but none stands out over the others. The 64-year-old Balinese is one of the country's most important authors; a well-known acupuncturist; and second chairman of the National Naturopathic Association of Indonesia.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Robbers break into factory
Robbers break into factory JAKARTA: A group of robbers broke into PT Vinitex yarnfactory early on Friday and took away a computer, a photocopy machine, a printer and Rp 1 million (US$ 117.65) in cash. West Jakarta Police detective chief Comr. Hendri Nahak said due to the long holiday only a few security guards had been on duty and the robbers had entered through the back of the factory.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Export, investment teams
Export, investment teams The business community reacted skeptically to the recent issuance of a presidential decree on the establishment of an Export and Investment Promotion Team, saying that this move would not significantly improve policy coordination -- nor would it expedite the decision-making process within the government.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Initiating security sector reform for Aceh
Initiating security sector reform for Aceh Andi Widjajanto, Researcher, Center for International Relations Studies, University of Indonesia, Jakarta Societies with experience of violence are faced with many diverse tasks. In Aceh, the political and economic systems have become dysfunctional because local government has little legitimacy and the state apparatus is overcentralized, and cannot provide its citizens security and prosperity.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, November 29, 2003
Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, November 29, 2003 Exhibitions * Exhibition of antiquarian maps and prints of Indonesia form the 16th century to the present time, at Gedung Arsip Nasional (the National Archive Building), Jl. Gajah Mada 111, Central Jakarta, (Tel. 6347744), 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Dec. 2. * An exhibition of over 100 terracotta's from the Majapahit Kingdom period, 13th-15th century, East Java and other parts of the archipelago.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Jakarta undermines support for Papua autonomy law
Jakarta undermines support for Papua autonomy law Neles Tebay, Pontifical University of Urbaniana, Rome Despite strong opposition from Papua, the government of Indonesia installed Brig. Gen. (ret) Abraham O. Ataruri as acting governor of West Irian Jaya, on Nov. 14. The installation clearly marks the official split of West Irian Jaya from Papua province. This very inauguration clearly undermines Papuan support for Law No. 21/2001 on special autonomy for Papua province.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, November 29, 2003
Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, November 29, 2003 Exhibitions * Exhibition of antiquarian maps and prints of Indonesia form the 16th century to the present time, at Gedung Arsip Nasional (the National Archive Building), Jl. Gajah Mada 111, Central Jakarta, (Tel. 6347744), 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Dec. 2. * An exhibition of over 100 terracotta's from the Majapahit Kingdom period, 13th-15th century, East Java and other parts of the archipelago.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
RI athletes off to Vietnam for SEA Games
RI athletes off to Vietnam for SEA Games The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The first batch of the Indonesian team for the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games left for Hanoi, Vietnam, on a chartered Garuda flight on Friday. The first batch, which consists of 191 athletes and 51 officials, was part of an overall team that comprised 597 athletes and 269 officials, Indonesian Sports Council (KONI) spokesman Sumohadi Marsis said.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Houses burgled during holiday
Houses burgled during holiday BOGOR: Robbers broke into two houses and a boarding house for students of the Bogor Institute of Agriculture in Bogor City. The houses were left empty as both owners and students had returned to their hometowns to celebrate the Idul Fitri holiday, which fell on Nov. 25 and Nov. 26. Rasadi, a construction developer living in Bogor Baru complex, Tegallega subdistrict, North Bogor district, lost 200 grams of gold jewelry and Rp 2.5 millions (US$294.12) in cash.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Pickpockets in Pasar Senen
Pickpockets in Pasar Senen From Media Indonesia I was shopping among a crowd somewhere in Pasar Senen on Oct. 27 when a pickpocket cut open the bag I was carrying on my back and took my purse, mobile phone and my favorite bracelet. I did not realize that I had lost all these things until I was on my bus. So, be very careful when you are in Senen, a place long notorious as a den of pickpockets. CHRISTILIA Jakarta
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
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.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Bribery cases divulged in the run up to 2004 poll
Bribery cases divulged in the run up to 2004 poll Oyos Saroso H.N., The Jakarta Post, Bandar Lampung A number of political party representatives as well as election commission members have revealed the acceptance of bribes by the regional and municipal election commissions.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Mahathir appointed Petronas advisor
Mahathir appointed Petronas advisor KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad has been appointed advisor to national oil firm Petronas, a report said Friday. "(Mahathir) has agreed to be a Petronas advisor for quite some time," Petronas chairman Azizan Zainul Abidin was quoted as saying by the Malay-language Utusan Malaysia. Mahathir's appointment as advisor was appropriate because he had contributed many ideas to improve Petronas' operations previously, Azizan said.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Seasonal housemaids reap benefit of the holidays
Seasonal housemaids reap benefit of the holidays P.C. Naommy, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Friday was a day of never-ending phone calls for Ruminah, 33, who has run her domestic help agency for 14 years. She said the demand for temporary or permanent housemaids has reached almost one thousand as many people's housemaids have not come back from spending the long Idul Fitri holiday in their hometowns. "This is from my agency only," she emphasized. "I have run out of potential workers now.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Garbage dump in Bekasi
Garbage dump in Bekasi From Warta Kota As a Bekasi resident, I will really thank God if the Jakarta provincial administration no longer renews its contract to use Bantar Gebang as a garbage dump site for Jakarta. The provincial administration of Jakarta must prepare its own dump site within the territory of Jakarta and should not dump its garbage in Bekasi. The garbage sends off a foul smell and garbage trucks spill dirty garbage on the roads in Bekasi.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Fire razes 16 market stalls
Fire razes 16 market stalls BOGOR: At least 16 stalls in Gobang traditional market in Rumpin district, Bogor regency, caught fire at around 10:30 p.m, on Thursday and were burned to the ground. No fatalities were reported but material losses were estimated at Rp 250 million (US$29,411.77). Rumpin Police deputy chief, Second Insp. Agus Hidayat, said on Friday that the fire allegedly started from a staple-food stall owned by Zainudi Saputra.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
A face-lift for Jakarta
A face-lift for Jakarta From Warta Kota The renovated image of Arjuna Wijaya enhances the beauty of Jakarta. The Parkir Timur Senayan and National Monument (Monas) squares, now being replanted, will hopefully also make Jakarta greener. Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso apparently wishes to make the Monas area, including Jl. Merdeka Timur, Merdeka Utara, Merdeka Barat and Merdeka Selatan, more attractive.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Education and nation's identity
Education and nation's identity An article by a foreign contributor published in The Jakarta Post on Nov. 15, 2003, expressed deep concern over the present state of education in Jakarta and in Indonesia in general. It is interesting because most Indonesian educational experts have so far not considered this matter important.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Al-Zaytun critics file complaint against intelligence chief
Al-Zaytun critics file complaint against intelligence chief Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Authors of published material critical of the Al-Zaytun Islamic boarding school in West Java filed a complaint with the police on Friday against National Intelligence Agency (BIN) chief A.M. Hendropriyono for defamation and alleged intimidation towards them.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
TV Today: Saturday, November 29, 2003
TV Today: Saturday, November 29, 2003 TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:30 Music 8:30 Documentary 10:30 Talk Show 11:30 Singing Contest: Konteswara 12:00 p.m. Battle of Wits 1:00 News: Berita Siang 2:00 Children Drama 3:00 City News 3:30 Documentary 4:00 Children Show: Pentas Ceria 5:00 Music 6:00 English News Service 7:00 National News 8:00 Music 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 9:30 TV Drama 10:30 Puppet Show TPI 6:00 a.m.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Private pawn shops helping students raise cash
Private pawn shops helping students raise cash Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta The white painted house on Jl. Pangeran Mangkubumi in Yogyakarta is filled to bursting with people, mostly students. A piece of cardboard placed at the door reads: "Cell phones, computers and vouchers are not accepted". As the door opens, there is a whiteboard reading: "Customers must show original identity card and leave a copy".
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Pelindo III to sell subsidiaries next year
Pelindo III to sell subsidiaries next year Rendi A. Witular The Jakarta Post Jakarta State-owned seaport operator PT Pelabuhan Indonesia III (Pelindo III) plans to sell three of its subsidiaries next year as part of efforts to raise cash to help finance the expansion of its ports, a senior official said. Pelindo III president Bambang Darwoto said recently that the divestment program would also include a further sale of stakes in container terminal operator PT Terminal Petikemas Surabaya (TPS).
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Mismanaged state assets sources of corruption
Mismanaged state assets sources of corruption Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Take a sightseeing trip in any major city or other urban area and you will perhaps find on a piece of deserted land or unoccupied buildings placards reading, "Tanah ini milik Depsos" (this land belongs to the Social Affairs Ministry), "Tanah ini milik Kostrad" (this land belongs to the Army's Strategic Reserves Command), or "Gedung kosong ini milik Dinas Pertambangan" (this deserted building belongs to...
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Syringe share boosts HIV spread
Syringe share boosts HIV spread JAKARTA: Ninety percent of drug users in Indonesia use unsterilized needles, while less than 10 percent of men who had frequent sex used condoms, contributing to a growing number of HIV/AIDS cases in Indonesia, the United Nations (UN) warns. A report by United Nations AIDS, released on Friday ahead of the World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, said that as a consequence HIV/AIDS prevalence among sex workers had steadily increased in Kalimantan, Papua and Riau.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Hamzah visits hometown for Idul Fitri
Hamzah visits hometown for Idul Fitri PONTIANAK, West Kalimantan: Vice President Hamzah Haz returned to his hometown here on Friday for post-Ramadhan celebrations with his relatives and mother. Hamzah, accompanied by his wife Asmaniah and son Iman Ifrian Haz, visted the graves of his in-laws, before visiting Mujahidin Grand Mosque to perform Friday prayers with local people and to donate money to the mosque.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Govt to evict hundreds to build shopping mall
Govt to evict hundreds to build shopping mall Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Hundreds of families living in makeshift houses in Kebon Kosong subdistrict in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, are to be evicted as the land will be used for the construction of a shopping mall. The land, where the shanties are located, is part of a vast tract of land owned by the Kemayoran New Town Authority (DPPPKK), a state agency which is controlled by the State Secretariat.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Hotel occupancy drops in Pekanbaru
Hotel occupancy drops in Pekanbaru PEKANBARU, Riau: Contrary to other big cities, hotel occupancy in Pekanbaru dropped below 50 percent during the Idul Fitri holiday. It was a huge drop, compared to normal days, when occupancy rates in hotels in Pekanbaru could reach up to 90 percent. The drop in occupancy, for example, was experienced in the five-star hotel of Arya Duta and three-star hotel of Pangeran.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
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.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Hamzah Haz calls on Aceh rebels to surrender
Hamzah Haz calls on Aceh rebels to surrender The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Vice President Hamzah Haz called on members of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) on Friday to give up their struggle for independence and accept the government's planned clemency. Stating that the government had promised to pardon those who agreed to give up the fight, Hamzah said that it was up to the separatist movement to end the conflict in the province.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
San Miguel eyes investment in RI
San Miguel eyes investment in RI Dow Jones, Manila San Miguel Corp., the Philippines' largest food and beverage conglomerate, on Friday said it is studying investment opportunities in Indonesia as part of its expansion program. The company didn't provide details, saying it will make the appropriate disclosure after a more definite agreement is reached.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
TV viewing tastes find unity in diversity
TV viewing tastes find unity in diversity Bruce Emond The Jakarta Post Jakarta For Nov. 30 If it's Palembang and Saturday night then it must be time to head for the couch, put your feet up and sit back for one of the variety shows featuring dangdut, the hybrid of Malay, Indian and Arab music. Then again, every night is pretty much dangdut night in the South Sumatran capital: eight of the top 10 shows recorded in the period July-September of this year featured sultry singers showing their moves.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Geographics, illiteracy threaten election in Papua
Geographics, illiteracy threaten election in Papua Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura, Papua Contrary to the general fear that security issues could be the major threat to the success of the 2004 general elections in Papua, a local election official cited the province's geographical condition as the most serious electoral constraint.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
EU-India business meet to up trade, knock down barriers
EU-India business meet to up trade, knock down barriers Uttara Choudhury, Agence-France Presse, New Delhi The European Union and India hope to shore up 27 billion euros (US$32.2 billion) worth of annual bilateral trade at a two-day meeting starting on Friday by increasing business-to-business links and knocking down trade barriers.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Sultan holds thanksgiving party
Sultan holds thanksgiving party A giant traditional offering of fruits and vegetables highlighted the Grebeg Syawal thanksgiving party held by Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X of Yogyakarta for Idul Fitri. About 10 members of the palace's traditional troop, led by Commander GBPH Yudaningrat, carried the two-meter-high offering, called gunungan jaler, from the palace to the nearby Kauman Grand Mosque on Tuesday at 9 a.m.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Flood of people not all sailing after Idul Fitri
Flood of people not all sailing after Idul Fitri The Jakarta Post, Cirebon/Yogyakarta/Surabaya People began to pour into bus terminals, seaports and train stations around the country to return to the country's cities after celebrating Idul Fitri in their hometowns. However, a string of accidents sent a strong reminder to travelers that such journeys could be fraught with danger and delays.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Search for flood victims resumes
Search for flood victims resumes MEDAN, North Sumatra: Search and rescue workers on Friday resumed their efforts to locate dozens of people who had gone missing in the flash flood that wiped out a popular resort in North Sumatra province on Nov. 2, Antara reported. "Beginning today (Friday), we resume our search for the missing people after a break on the occasion of the Idul Fitri festivities," Jaya Sitepu, head of the Bahorok subdistrict administration, told the news agency.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Cooking up something new with modern kitchen design
Cooking up something new with modern kitchen design For Nov. 30 Maria Endah Hulupi The Jakarta Post Jakarta It's no longer enough to have a well-organized kitchen to accommodate basic functions for cooking and preparation of meals. There is a growing awareness that the kitchen, like the people who use it, is a dynamic space, with the ability to change and, sometimes, needing a bit of freshening up.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian worker killed in fight
Indonesian worker killed in fight MALAYSIA: A party for the Muslim Eid al-Fitr holiday in Malaysia turned ugly when a fight broke out, leaving an Indonesian worker dead, a report said on Friday. More than 1,000 Indonesian immigrants had gathered on Thursday at a beach in the eastern Sarawak state for a party when the fight was sparked, police told the New Straits Times daily. The 30-year-old victim died of multiple stab wounds. Two other party-goers were injured.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Reform in the Arab world
Reform in the Arab world The Egyptian ambassador to Indonesia, Ezzat Saad (On Sudarsono's article, The Jakarta Post, Nov. 19), clearly has his head buried in the sands of the Nile when he asserts that the Israel-Palestine conflict is "the main root cause of violence and extremism in the region and in the Muslim world". It is certainly a major and tragic contributory factor, but to deny that reform in the Arab world has never been an issue for al-Qaeda is to ignore the facts.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Old crime, new crisis
Old crime, new crisis JP/6/E05 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 threat posed by extremist Islam - and its terrorist offshoots - as in popular demands to right past wrongs.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Police out in force during holidays
Police out in force during holidays The Yogyakarta Police is to deploy 3,687 officers from various units to safeguard the year-end Christmas and New Year holidays, provincial police chief Brig. Gen. Sudirman said recently. The Yogyakarta Police commenced its seasonal security measures with the Ketupat Operation to safeguard Idul Fitri and the traffic of holidaymakers.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
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 threat posed by extremist Islam - and its terrorist offshoots - as in popular demands to right past wrongs.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Beware politicians
Beware politicians bearing gifts From Media Indonesia As the 2004 general election nears, we should be alert for various political occurrences that could prevent the people from going to the polls, such as political violence and security disturbances. Behind the tension and violence that may arise, some politicians may be trying to benefit their own interests.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Twenty four hours on the road to get to Solo
Twenty four hours on the road to get to Solo Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Solo After waiting for almost six hours, 59 passengers traveling on a back-up bus finally departed for Solo, Central Java, from the Lebak Bulus bus station at 4.00 on Sunday afternoon. "I have waited since 10 in the morning. How could they sell tickets to us when the bus hadn't even arrived?" complained Mujianto, 42, one of the passengers.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
8,000 KPU computers held in port
8,000 KPU computers held in port JAKARTA: The General Elections Commission (KPU) admitted on Friday that more than 8,000 imported computers it intends to use for next year's election had been stuck at Tanjung Priok port in Jakarta for the last 10 days. "We can do nothing because port workers are on Idul Fitri holidays," KPU member Chusnul Mar'iyah said. The KPU, she said, did not anticipate the problem as port workers used to work a half-day during Idul Fitri holiday.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
'Extended holiday disrupts all public services'
'Extended holiday disrupts all public services' The government has ordered a long Idul Fitri holiday, which means state administration and public service offices will be closed until Dec. 1. Though many private companies are following the government policy, some employees still find themselves having to work during the holiday. The Jakarta Post spoke with several people about this issue. Tubari, 53, has worked at a Jakarta communications agency since 1979.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Laundry services popular with college students
Laundry services popular with college students Debbie A. Lubis, Contributor, Jakarta Laundry services are perhaps most popular with those who have clothes or textile items made of silk, fur, or suede, as well as curtains. However, the service is also popular now with college students living in boarding houses nearby campuses in Depok, a suburb in southern Jakarta.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
An idea of a general
An idea of a general Warning for tardy civil servants Civil servants who fail to return to work in the days after the Idul Fitri holiday will be punished. State Minister of Administrative Reforms Feisal Tamin revealed the government's policy on Monday, saying that anyone not on official leave must be at their desk on Dec. 1, 2003. Idul Fitri will fall on Nov. 25 and Nov. 26, but the government has declared an extended holiday, from Nov. 22 through Nov.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Police investigating Bekasi fire
Police investigating Bekasi fire BEKASI: Police are investigating the fire that burned down PT Prima Jasa building on Jl. Raya Narogong, Bekasi. The fire started on Thursday at around 1 p.m, no fatalities were reported. Bekasi Police detective chief Comr. Hendro Pandowo said on Friday that the fire was probably caused by a short circuit. However, he said that a thorough investigation, including a laboratory test, was still needed to determine the cause of the blaze.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Inter-religious marriage defended
Inter-religious marriage defended Dewi Santoso, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Over the last three decades, marriages between couples of different religions have generally sparked controversy as the state does not recognize inter-religious marriage. A graphic designer with a foreign advertising company said he "converted" to Islam and the next day his Muslim girlfriend took an oath before a priest in a Catholic church to officiate their marriage.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
JP/18/SUNGKEM
JP/18/SUNGKEM Sungkeman marks Idul Fitri festivities in Yogyakarta Tarko Sudiarno The Jakarta Post Yogyakarta The Sungkeman ritual is still preserved in the palaces of Yogyakarta and Surakarta, Central Java, where the sultans are believed to be the heirs of the ancient Mataram kingdom. This ritual allows commoners to show their respect to the sultan, to wish the sultan and court officials a happy Idul Fitri, and to ask forgiveness from each other.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Pelindo III to sell subsidiaries next year
Pelindo III to sell subsidiaries next year Rendi A. Witular The Jakarta Post Jakarta State-owned seaport operator PT Pelabuhan Indonesia III (Pelindo III) plans to sell three of its subsidiaries next year as part of efforts to raise cash to help finance the expansion of its ports, a senior official said. Pelindo III president Bambang Darwoto said recently that the divestment program would also include a further sale of stakes in container terminal operator PT Terminal Petikemas Surabaya (TPS).
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Mail carriers still busy in holiday season
Mail carriers still busy in holiday season The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite more practical and sophisticated ways of sending festive greetings, such as via the Internet or short message service (SMS), to loved ones and relatives, the old snail mail tradition of sending cards or letters with a personal touch seemed to keep the mail carriers busy during the holidays.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Sales of cellular phone vouchers soar
Sales of cellular phone vouchers soar SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: Traders of cellular phone recharge vouchers have reaped windfall profits during the Idul Fitri holiday, as the vouchers were on high demand. The high demand was attributed to people's habit of text messages or calling their friends or relatives during the Idul Fitri holiday, which fell on Tuesday and Wednesday. Komaruddin, a trader on Jl.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Security guards get meager bonuses
Security guards get meager bonuses Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta While many merrily traveled out of the city to celebrate the long holiday, a few tough guys were left behind. They stay awake day and night to secure housing complexes: They are Hansip (community guards). Ironically, however, most of them only receive meager tips from residents compared to the heightened risks they face during the holiday.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Govt blamed for low quality of RI cocoa
Govt blamed for low quality of RI cocoa Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesian cocoa exports have been labeled as low quality in the international market, due to the lack of quality inspection by the authorities, said Zulhefy Sikumbang, chairman of the Indonesian Cocoa Association (Askindo), on Friday.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Seven declared suspects for flying independence flags
Seven declared suspects for flying independence flags Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura, Papua Seven of 42 Papuans arrested on Thursday for flying the Morning- Star independence flag in Manokwari have been declared suspects and will be charged with treason under the Criminal Code, a police officer says. Manokwari Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Taxi drivers profit from deserted roads
Taxi drivers profit from deserted roads M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The deserted roads in the capital and lack of public transportation has been a boon for taxi drivers. Some taxi drivers said Friday that they could reap up to three times their usual earnings. Pachrudin, a taxi driver for two years, said that on the first day of the Idul Fitri holiday he pocketed a Rp 150,000 (US$17.65) profit, three times higher than the Rp 50,000 he earned on regular weekdays.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Cannons to alert peope on Idul Fitri eve
Cannons to alert peope on Idul Fitri eve Bambang Bider, The Jakarta Post, Pontianak, West Kalimantan Standing on the Kapuas bridge at night and looking upstream, the luminescence of colorful lights on the calmly flowing Kapuas River creates an illusion that the water is a stretch of land, alive with merriment on the eve of the post-Ramadhan Idul Fitri celebration.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Laundry business optimistic about future prospects
Laundry business optimistic about future prospects Rudijanto, Contributor, Jakarta As Indonesia has struggled through multifaceted crises and developed over the years in its efforts to embrace the modern global era, Indonesians living in major cities have also embraced a more cosmopolitan lifestyle, thus opening the market to a necessary service: the professional laundry business.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
KPK candidates to face test of integrity
KPK candidates to face test of integrity Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As many as 40 aspirants for the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) executive body are slated to compete to pass the profile assessment test on Saturday, which is part of a series of examinations to net five people to lead the body. Only half of the candidates will make the grade to vie for the last test, an interview that will be open to the public on Dec. 4.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Pelindo III to sell subsidiaries next year
Pelindo III to sell subsidiaries next year Rendi A. Witular The Jakarta Post Jakarta State-owned seaport operator PT Pelabuhan Indonesia III (Pelindo III) plans to sell three of its subsidiaries next year as part of efforts to raise cash to help finance the expansion of its ports, a senior official said. Pelindo III president Bambang Darwoto said recently that the divestment program would also include a further sale of stakes in container terminal operator PT Terminal Petikemas Surabaya (TPS).
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
2000
2000 2001 2002 2003F GDP (Current prices, bt bn) 4,916.5 5,123.4 5,430.5 5,799.7 GDP growth (constant prices) 4.6% 1.9% 5.2% 4-5% Investment (%) .Private .Public 5.3 16.8 2.6 0.9 4.7 2.9 6.3 13.3 0.5 8.3 11.0 2.5 Exports (US$bn) .Growth 67.9 19.5 63.2 -6.9 66.9 5.7 72.6 8.5 Import (US$bn) .Growth 62.4 31.3 60.7 -2.8 63.4 4.6 69.3 9.2 Trade balance (US$bn) 5.5 2.5 3.5 3.3 Current account (US$bn) 9.3 6.2 7.6 6.6 Inflation (%) 1.3 2.2 0.7 1.8 Source: National Economic and Social Development Board
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
HIV/AIDS cases reach 370 in Bali
HIV/AIDS cases reach 370 in Bali DENPASAR, Bali: As of October this year, 370 people were living with the Human Immuno-deficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in Bali, an official has said. I Made Molin Yudiasa, the head of Bali Provincial Health Office, said on Friday that, out of the total 370, 321 people had HIV. "The remaining 49 people have AIDS," Yudiasa said. Out of the total 370 people, 21 were foreigners, he said.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Chronic garbage mess in Mampang
Chronic garbage mess in Mampang From Koran Tempo Citizens of Mampang Prapatan, particularly Tegal Parang subdistrict, South Jakarta, have been complaining about poor garbage handling in the area, which has remained unsolved despite all the reports to relevant authorities. For quite some time, people in the subdistrict neighborhoods have been messing their streets with garbage, which not only creates unpleasant sights but also poses health hazards.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Rusli brings governorship election victory back home
Rusli brings governorship election victory back home The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Nineteen years ago, on Sept. 2, 1985, Ismail Suko was elected as the governor of Riau after he defeated rival candidate Imam Munandar in the gubernatorial election. Imam was the incumbent governor of Riau at that time. But, the victory, which Ismail earned after a tense ballot in the Riau legislative council, was short-lived.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Profits surge at phone kiosks
Profits surge at phone kiosks GUNUNGKIDUL, Yogyakarta: Phone kiosks in Gunungkidul have enjoyed huge profits during the Idul Fitri holiday, as more people called their relatives or friends during the holidays. "We opened 24 hours during the Idul Fitri holiday," Ardi, the owner of a phone kiosk in Semanu district, said on Friday. On normal days, he estimated revenue at Rp 100,000 to Rp 200,000.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Six-hour delay colors homecoming
Six-hour delay colors homecoming Tony Hotland and Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A six-hour delay colored Friday's homecoming for travelers on economy-class trains as the number of returning holidaymakers remained low. The Gaya Baru Malam Selatan train was derailed in Cirebon, West Java, at around 4:45 a.m. when the wheels of one of its 12 cars came off the tracks.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Teacher training must promote communication skills
Teacher training must promote communication skills Simon Marcus Gower, Executive Principal, High/Scope Indonesia, Jakarta "I don't like my math teacher." "Why not?" "He's always angry with us. If we ask him a question he gets angry." "Why does he get angry?" "He says we should be able to understand when he explains but we don't. He says we are stupid if we always have to ask questions." The above brief interview represents a very sad predicament.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Presidential
Presidential candidates From Media Indonesia The emergence of candidates to participate in the race for the presidency would be something to be expected, if it involved those outside government circles. The candidates would learn to become independent, without relying on public facilities for their move to oppose government policies.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
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.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
1. PHONE: 48 pt, 7 cols, 1 X 42
1. PHONE: 48 pt, 7 cols, 1 X 42 Cell phone producers compete over designs 2. EVICTION: 36 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 21 Govt to evict hundreds to build shopping mall 3. PAPUA: 28 pt, 5 cols, 1 x 48 Seven declared suspects for flying independence flags 4. ASSET: 28 pt, 5 cols, 1 x 48 State assets mismanaged and sources of corruption 5. ODD: 20 pt, 2 cols, 1 x 28 Two soccer fans seal a contract
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Four feared dead in boat tragedy
Four feared dead in boat tragedy One person died and another three are missing after their overloaded boat capsized in waters off Belawan seaport in North Sumatra on Friday afternoon. Another 16 passengers were rescued. The dead were identified as Manijah, 33, from Deli Serdang regency. The missing were: Supriyadi, 30, Andika Syahputra, 5, and Juli, 13, who all came from the regency of Manijah. Police said the boat was only designed to carry 10 people.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian debtors sue lenders for stress over loans
Indonesian debtors sue lenders for stress over loans Bloomberg, Jakarta Asia Pulp & Paper Co., PT Danareksa Jakarta International Ltd. and other Indonesian borrowers, more than US$14 billion in arrears, are suing lenders for "emotional distress" and other complaints caused by creditors' efforts to get their money back. A unit of Asia Pulp is suing U.S. hedge fund Oaktree Capital Management LLC and 13 other companies for more than $850 million for damages and to recover payments.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Torch parade sweeps away divisiveness
Torch parade sweeps away divisiveness At least 300 young people carrying torches and chanting praise to God on malam takbiran (the eve of Idul Fitri) marched along the alleys of Kauman subdistrict, Pasar Kliwon, Surakarta, Central Java, becoming the main attraction as they crossed the streets. Most of them raised their oncor (bamboo torches) in their hands to light the way on the rainy night, while continually chanting takbir (praising God's name).
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
JP/10/UEFA2
JP/10/UEFA2 Separately, UEFA said on Thursday that Galatasaray's Champions League Group D match against Juventus will be held in the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund, Germany on Dec. 2. The game, initially scheduled to be played on Nov. 25, was switched from Istanbul following last week's attacks on the Turkish capital. European soccer's ruling body said on Tuesday that the fixture would be one of three moved away from Turkey to neutral venues for safety reasons.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Raising standard of national educational
Raising standard of national educational Andrew Vivian, Coordinator Principal, Sekolah Ciputra High School, Surabaya Indonesian education, like so many other sectors of Indonesian society, is facing enormous challenges in the effort to stay in touch with global trends.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
JI members wanted chaos on Thailand
JI members wanted chaos on Thailand Agence France-Presse, Bangkok Four Thais accused of belonging to the Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) terrorist group plotted to launch simultaneous attacks on embassies and tourist spots in the kingdom in June, a witness at their trial said on Friday.
Sat, 29 Nov 2003, 00:00 WIB
Cell phone producers compete over designs
Cell phone producers compete over designs Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta This has been quite a busy month for cell phone makers. First, earlier this month, global leader Nokia launched its latest model, the 6600. Several days later, SonyEricsson unveiled its latest model.