Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 6 November 2003

69 articles found

Hospitals, doctors should try to understand needs of patients:

Hospitals, doctors should try to understand needs of patients: Ministry Dewi Santoso The Jakarta Post Jakarta Cynthia finally had to make a trip to Singapore after endless disappointment with her local gynecologist at a hospital in South Jakarta who could not solve her nagging problems. "The main thing that makes some people, including me, seek medical treatment overseas is because of poor standard of health services here," the mother of two said on Tuesday.

A pointless decision

A pointless decision The government's decision, as announced by Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono this week, to extend martial law in the special territory of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam is a perfect study in contradiction.

Pegayaman villagers welcome Ramadhan

Pegayaman villagers welcome Ramadhan Metriani, Contributor, Buleleng, North Bali Pegayaman village in Buleleng regency, North Bali, is not physically different from other hamlets in Bali. Entering the village, visitors pass through a gate built in the form of a candi bentar -- a split gate ornamented with refined stone carvings.

Asian monies up as investors overseas seek to buy stocks

Asian monies up as investors overseas seek to buy stocks Bloomberg, Singapore/Jakarta The South Korean won and Singapore dollar rose on expectations investors abroad will buy more Asian stocks as they bet growth in the U.S. economy spurs demand for exports, helping the region's economic expansion. Overseas money managers yesterday bought a net $288 million of South Korea's equities and NT$5.3 billion (US$156 million) of Taiwan's stocks. The purchases were the most for both markets in a week.

Tangerang to have fishery port

Tangerang to have fishery port TANGERANG: Tangerang regency administration is set to build a fishery port at the Cituis river estuary in Pakuhaji district, Tangerang, which construction will start early next year, regent Ismet Iskandar said on Wednesday. Ismet said the total funds required to build the new port was estimated to reach Rp 700.1 billions (US$83 million), which would be jointly provided by the central government, Banten provincial administration and his administration.

20 officials for VP Secretariat

20 officials for VP Secretariat JAKARTA: At least 20 new officials were sworn in on Tuesday for the Vice Presidential Secretariat, including Echelon I officers. Acting head of the Mass Media Bureau for the Vice Presidential Office Bambang Yudho Satrio said Wednesday that the 20 officials were sworn in by Vice President Hamzah Haz's Secretary Prijono Tjiptoherijanto.

Conflict in Aceh and agenda-setting by TV

Conflict in Aceh and agenda-setting by TV Agus Sudibyo, Coordinator, Program Monitoring of Aceh ISAI, Jakarta In performing its social function, the mass media is more than just a source of information for the public. Ideally, the mass media must possess a particular framework or adopt a particular strategy to ensure that reporting will not be oriented only toward day-to-day events and issues, but will also be geared towards molding public opinion about a particular subject.

U.S. experts train Indonesian police

U.S. experts train Indonesian police HONG KONG: U.S. security experts are training, funding and arming a crack squad of specially screened Indonesian police to lead the country's fight against terrorism, a report seen here Wednesday said. When operational by 2005, the team of 400 officers, called Detachment 88, will be able to respond to everything from bomb scares to hostage crises to armed assaults, the Far Eastern Economic Review reports in its Nov. 13 edition out Thursday.

Scientists receive UNESCO awards

Scientists receive UNESCO awards Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Five young Indonesian scientists were awarded with the Man and Biosphere (MAB) Certificate from the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Wednesday for their work and contribution to the environment. They were also granted an incentive fund of US$1,000 and an opportunity to publish their work through UNESCO.

Govt will increase telephone rates before 2004

Govt will increase telephone rates before 2004 Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After being delayed for about 10 months, the government said on Wednesday that it would raise telephone rates by an average 15 percent before the end of the year. Ministry of Communications' post and telecommunications director-general Djamhari Sirat said a similar hike, the third 15 percent increase, would also be implemented next year.

Many criticize transportation bylaw

Many criticize transportation bylaw Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Transportation experts expressed pessimism that the newly approved bylaw on city transportation would not be a strong framework to create an efficient transportation system in the city as it gives too much authority to the governor, opening the door to further abuse of power.

Impact of busway project

Impact of busway project From Media Indonesia The construction of busway facilities is apparently underway, with bus-stops and cross bridges being erected in several places. This will be followed by curbs to separate the right busway lane from the other two (in the middle and on the left), beside the far-left slow lane. The question is whether the decision to use the right lane has been based on research rather than assumption.

1. PUBLIC: 48 pt, 5 cols, 1 x 30

1. PUBLIC: 48 pt, 5 cols, 1 x 30 Network asks govt to pursue reforms 2. KEMAYORAN: 36 pt, 5 cols, 1 x 35 President's son mute on graft allegation 3. BELT: 30 pt, 2 cols, 2 x 18 Public indifferent about the benefits of safety belts 4. AUTONOMY: 28 pt, 3 cols, 1 x 30 Govt prepares to revise autonomy 6. ODD: 20 pt, 2 cols, 1 x 28 Norway won't budge on state aid Lawyer fails in court sex bid Woman gives birth in Cairo courtroom 4. PUBLIC: 5. ODD:

City minimum wage up Rp 40,000

City minimum wage up Rp 40,000 Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta minimum wage is to increase by 6.3 percent next year from this year's Rp 631,000 (US$75.1) to Rp 671,550. The increase is expected to be effective starting Jan. 1. Head of the Jakarta Manpower and Transmigration Agency Ali Zubeir told the press at City Hall on Thursday that the increase in the minimum wage was stipulated in Gubernatorial Decree No. 3654/2003 issued on Oct. 31.

1. ACEH ( 1 x 30)

1. ACEH ( 1 x 30) Aceh needs referendum: Komnas HAM 2. Security ( 3 x 21 ) Police to tighten security prior to upcoming holidays 3. KPU ( 2 x 24) Elections Commission names winners of two tenders 4. SBY (2 x 27) Susilo Bambang denies plans to resign from the cabinet 5. Falun ( 2 x 20) Falun Gong wants its rights recognized 6. Environment (1 x 32) Scientists receive UNESCO awards

'Seat belt law is just ok, but will cops be?

'Seat belt law is just ok, but will cops be? Starting Nov. 5, all automobile drivers and passengers in the front seats must use seat belts as stipulated by the 1992 traffic law. In the initial six-month trial period, the police will only issue warnings and record the driver's license of violators. Some motorists shared their views with The Jakarta Post on the issue. Destiyadi, 33, is an employee with a company in Mega Kuningan, South Jakarta.

Indonesia rolls over former world champs

Indonesia rolls over former world champs The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian ladies contract bridge team put on an impressive performance by beating the Netherlands, England and the United States -- all three are former world champions -- on the second day of the World Bridge Championships in Monte Carlo, Monaco, on Tuesday. Indonesia, which fielded Lusje Bojoh/Joice Mandolang and Elita Sofyan/Amelia Amri in the third round, scraped to a 18-12 win over the Netherlands.

U.S. to train Indonesian police

U.S. to train Indonesian police HONG KONG: U.S. security experts are training, funding and arming a crack squad of specially screened Indonesian police to lead the country's fight against terrorism, a report seen here Wednesday said. When operational by 2005, the team of 400 officers, called Detachment 88, will be able to respond to everything from bomb scares to hostage crises to armed assaults, the Far Eastern Economic Review reports in its Nov. 13 edition out Thursday.

Police warn rising robberies

Police warn rising robberies JAKARTA: City Police Chief Insp. Gen. Makbul Padmanagara on Wednesday called on the public to keep vigilant to the rising trend of robbery which targetting bank customers during the Ramadhan fasting month. Makbul said many holidaymakers would take much money from banks in preparation for the Idul Fitri and Christmas celebrations which made them easy prey for criminals to rob.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov.5, 2003

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov.5, 2003 ____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,175 150 500 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 90 5 146,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 70 -10 510,000 Alakasa Industrindo 150 5 18,500 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 1,225 0 0 Alter Abadi Tbk 30 5 548,000 Alumindo Light...

Rights court set to try Abepura case

Rights court set to try Abepura case Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post, Makassar, South Sulawesi The Makassar ad hoc human rights court says it is ready to try two of Indonesia's most senior police officers who have been charged with committing serious human rights violations in Papua province three years ago. Brig. Gen. Johny Wainal Usman, the current deputy chief of the police Mobile Brigade (Brimob), and Adj. Sr. Comr. Daud Sihombing, have been named suspects in the Abepura case.

Plaza Semanggi opening worsen traffic congestion

Plaza Semanggi opening worsen traffic congestion P.C. Naommy, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The soft opening of Plaza Semanggi on Wednesday raised concern over exacerbation of already severe traffic jams and the management's commitment to addressing the problem. Non-governmental organizations are expressing concern over the traffic problem. "The mall will no doubt worsen the already severe traffic jams," said Indah Suksmaningsih, chairwoman of the Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI).

Thai government asks regulators to closely monitor booming bourse

Thai government asks regulators to closely monitor booming bourse Agence France-Presse, Bangkok Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has ordered a close watch for signs of manipulation in trade on Thailand's booming stock exchange which is running at record-high turnover, a minister said on Wednesday.

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Conflict in Aceh and agenda-setting by TV Agus Sudibyo Coordinator Program Monitoring of Aceh ISAI Jakarta 2. Pro -- Training for stability 2 X 30 Vocational education and training development contribute to stability Peter de Rooij Director European Union's European Training Foundation Turin, Italy Project Syndicate

Government completes autonomy revision

Government completes autonomy revision Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has completed the draft revision of the 1999 autonomy law, which will take back some of the power it dispensed to local authorities. Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno said on Wednesday that the revision would ease difficulties facing the central government in managing the country with autonomy placed in the hands of regents.

Angie opens Volvo defense with victory over Napaporn

Angie opens Volvo defense with victory over Napaporn The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Angelique 'Angie' Widjaja of Indonesia got off to a winning start in her defense of the US$110,000 Volvo Open women's tennis tournament in Pattaya, Thailand, on Wednesday. Angie, seeded eighth, overcame second set jitters to book a 6- 2, 4-6, 6-3 victory over local wildcard Napaporn Tongsalee, her manager Virginia Rusli reported.

RESCUE EFFORTS: A man offers his hand to help a search and rescue

RESCUE EFFORTS: A man offers his hand to help a search and rescue worker steady himself as he carries a body from the wreckage caused by Sunday's flash flood in Bukit Lawang park in Langkat regency, North Sumatra. After three days of efforts, rescue workers were still removing bodies from the rubble on Wednesday. Dozens of people are still unaccounted for.

Network asks govt to pursue reforms

Network asks govt to pursue reforms Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A national network of some 40 non-governmental organizations, mass media, government institutions and political parties called on the government on Wednesday to pursue badly needed reforms to dig the country out of the current multidimensional crises. They also expressed a commitment to assisting public policy makers in policy reform after next year's elections.

Rupiah Rates Nov.5

Rupiah Rates Nov.5 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar------1 6,379.68 5,665.89 6,054.59 5,990.75 Brunei dollar----------1 5,164.03 4,586.85 4,900.89 4,849.84 Canadian dollar--------1 6,757.89 6,004.21 6,413.53 6,348.47 Swiss franc------------1 6,587.99 5,852.87 6,252.29 6,188.45 Danish krone-----------1 1,389.46 1,232.81 1,318.66 1,303.50 Euro-------------------1 10,320.02 9,167.83 9,794.15 9,693.47 Poundsterling----------1 15,142.98 13,454.19 14,371.34...

Indonesia shamed for failing to address the homeless, slums

Indonesia shamed for failing to address the homeless, slums Agence France-Presse, Geneva Indonesia, Guatemala and Serbia-Montenegro won an award on Wednesday for failing to address a massive problem of homelessness and slums, while Scotland was praised for its "rare" protection of the right to housing, an advocacy group said.

Megawati joins the chorus blaming forest destruction

Megawati joins the chorus blaming forest destruction Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Bahorok President Megawati Soekarnoputri expressed her condolences on Wednesday to the relatives of more than 100 people killed in devastating floods in North Sumatra, and ordered her ministers to ease the sufferings of the victims.

* Headlines:Network asks govt to pursue reforms 2

* Headlines:Network asks govt to pursue reforms 2 * National:Aceh needs referendum: Rights body 4 * Archipelago:PTDI workers rally over pay cuts 5 * Opinion:Security and prosperity in the 21st century 7 * City:Many criticize new transportation law 8 * Sports:Indonesia rolls over former world champs 10 * World:Iraqi city on strike over chaos 11 * Business:Global recovery to fizzle out : Morgan 16 * Features:Pengayaman villagers welcome Ramadhan 18

PLN workers threaten to strike

PLN workers threaten to strike Fitri Wulandari , The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Employees of state-owned electricity company PT PLN have threatened to strike if the government goes ahead with plans to sell the company's core business. Ahmad Daryoko, chairman of PLN labor union, argued that the sale of the company's core business would burden the public with skyrocketing power rates.

Aceh needs referendum: Rights body

Aceh needs referendum: Rights body Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) urged the government on Wednesday to reconsider its plan to extend martial law in war-torn Aceh, saying that it would only worsen rampant rights violations in the province. M.M.

Media not sensitive

Media not sensitive in reporting rape From Warta Kota The front-page report in Warta Kota, Oct. 17, on a maid raped by three men "in turns" is sensational. The phrase "raped in turns" is also a description that totally disregards the trauma this woman must be suffering. The report also identifies itself as a pornographic account. It describes the act of rape as less than a crime. So, what is the benefit of such a report? It prompts male readers to demonstrate power and domination over women.

PTDI workers rally over pay cuts

PTDI workers rally over pay cuts Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung Thousands of suspended workers of state-owned aircraft maker PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) again staged a rally here on Wednesday, demanding that their salaries be paid in full. AM Bone, secretary-general of the Communication Forum for PTDI Employees, said that the 3,900 suspended workers had only received 10 percent of their salaries, or between Rp 30,000 (US$3.5) and Rp 200,000 this month. "It's inhumane.

TNI troops kill 10 Papua rebels

TNI troops kill 10 Papua rebels Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura, Papua The Indonesian Military (TNI) personnel shot dead 10 Papua rebels, including rebel leader Yustinus Murib, in a predawn raid on Wednesday in Jayawijaya regency here, some 650 kilometers west of Jayapura, the capital of Papua.

BALI 1x35

BALI 1x35 Pegayaman comes alive in holy month or Pengayaman villagers welcome Ramadhan

BNI scam exposes new risk in banking sector: PIB

BNI scam exposes new risk in banking sector: PIB Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The New Indonesia Alliance (PIB) said on Wednesday that the Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) lending scam had exposed poor internal control on the part of the bank, as well as the impotence of Bank Indonesia's supervisory mechanism. As such it would pose a worrying threat to the still-fragile banking industry and put at risk hard-won public confidence in the sector, PIB told a media briefing here.

Elections commission names winners of two tenders

Elections commission names winners of two tenders Moch. N . Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The General Elections Commission (KPU) announced on Wednesday PT Pura Barutama and PT Survindo Indah Prestasi as the winners of the tenders for voter-registration cards and ballot boxes respectively, amid complaints of non-transparent processes. The two companies will be named the definite winners if no complaints are filed with and accepted by the KPU, within the coming five days.

More shocking medical abuse cases revealed, law needed

More shocking medical abuse cases revealed, law needed Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government needs to make and implement new regulations to clearly specify the obligations and rights of hospitals regarding the treatment for the poor, the Jakarta Metropolitan Hospital Association (Irsjam) said on Wednesday.

IBRA provides 237 hectares of land for low-cost housing

IBRA provides 237 hectares of land for low-cost housing Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) has designated some 237 hectares of land on Jakarta's outskirts to build low- cost housing for families earing less than Rp 1.5 million (US$177) a month. IBRA also committed 351 hectares of land for low-cost housing in several municipalities and regencies throughout Indonesia.

Abuse of Timor militiamen probed

Abuse of Timor militiamen probed AUSTRALIA: Australia's army said on Wednesday it would investigate allegations that Australian soldiers mistreated East Timor militiamen after it led an intervention force to the territory in 1999. Three former militiamen interviewed by Australia's SBS television station have alleged they were hit, their faces were covered with faeces and they were exposed to a nest of wasps. They also claim that one man with them in a group of six has not been seen again. Lt.

Sexual abuse victim seeks help from women group

Sexual abuse victim seeks help from women group The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Lawyers acting for the victim of a sexual assault allegedly carried out by a TV drama actor reported the incident to the National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) on Wednesday, seeking support and solidarity for the victim.

Govt to revise 3G mobile service license

Govt to revise 3G mobile service license The Jakarta Post, Jakarta House of Representatives Commission IV said on Wednesday that the government had ignored warnings it had issued regarding a flawed 3G mobile service license bidding process, which might lead to the cancellation of the license. The process, in October, was carried out by the Directorate General of Posts and Telecommunications and a team of consultants from Bandung Institute of Technology.

Public indifferent about benefits of safety belts

Public indifferent about benefits of safety belts Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indifference and unawareness marked the first day of the reintroduction of vehicle seat belt laws on Wednesday. The Jakarta Post observed many drivers failing to wear seat belts, let alone police giving warnings. "What ruling? Isn't that the old one? I thought it had been revoked," said a driver, Teddi, 28.

Tip of the iceberg?

Tip of the iceberg? Young grassroots supporters, including party guards, of the country's two most influential political parties -- the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-Perjuangan) and the Golkar Party -- clashed recently in the regency of Buleleng, Bali, leaving two persons dead. The irony was that they came there for the same purpose; to commemorate the lofty ideals of Youth Pledge Day, Oct. 28.

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, November 6, 2003

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, November 6, 2003 .TB.30" 1.0" Exhibitions * Painting: The Fine Art of Fine Arts, featuring works of seven artists including Huang Fong, Bambang Rahardjo and Mozes Misdy, at Puri Seminyak Gallery, Seminyak (Tel. 0361-730814), 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., until Nov. 20. * Painting: The Silent Painting, featuring works of 21 artists including Arie Smit, Srihadi Soedarsono, Djirna, Sutawijaya, Mangu Putra and Nyoman Tusan Griya Santrian Gallery, Sanur, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Nov.

President's son mute on graft allegation

President's son mute on graft allegation Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The President's son and the State Secretary have refused to comment on a real estate contract between the State Secretariat and the first family that was not put up for tender.

Police to tighten security prior to upcoming holiday

Police to tighten security prior to upcoming holiday Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Authorities are planning to enhance overall security across the country for the upcoming Idul Fitri, Christmas and New Year holiday season, particularly neighborhood security. National Police chief Da'i Bachtiar said Wednesday police would give special attention to security at a local level.

Falun Gong wants its rights recognized

Falun Gong wants its rights recognized M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Followers of Falun Gong Indonesia filed a complaint with the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) Wednesday for what they called restrictions and a clampdown on the freedom of their association by the government. Secretary of the Association of Falun Gong Indonesia, Liman Kurniawan, said that the complaint reflected the peak of the group's frustration.

Traffic jams and no police

Traffic jams and no police From Bisnis Indonesia The recent downpour in Jakarta caused traffic jams afterward, as is usually the case. But, despite the fact that traffic lights were functioning the congestion caused further flooding, this time that of major arterials. Worse still, no police were to be found regulating the traffic flow during the busy afternoon.

Govt seek ways to ease debt burden

Govt seek ways to ease debt burden The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister of Finance Boediono said on Wednesday the government would seek ways to help ease the burden of the 2004 state budget in repaying government debts, including foreign ones. "Every effort to reduce the debt burden will be made," he was quoted by Antara as saying, but quickly added that any measures taken, particularly in relation to foreign debts, must be acceptable to international creditors.

'Ruwatan', a means to purify people and their surroundings

'Ruwatan', a means to purify people and their surroundings The Jakarta Post Sanur, Bali Human beings face daily ups and downs. For those who believe in a karma, good fortune may come and go in accordance with one's destiny. While our destiny may not be thwarted, the Javanese have developed an age-old ritual to cleanse the path of one's fate. "Sometimes, people think they are so unlucky or are trapped in bad situation.

Bombs and analysts

Bombs and analysts From Kompas Jakarta and other strategic places are the now the targets of terrorist bombings after the Bali blasts last year. As with previous incidents, plenty of so-called experts will soon appear with their convincing analyses that certain countries are behind the terrorist acts, without presenting any evidence. Following the Bali bombing tragedy, some "analysts" accused America of being behind the explosions, but later it was proved that the perpetrators were Indonesians.

New govt ruling on procurement signed

New govt ruling on procurement signed The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri has signed a ruling which tightens procedures for procurement in the public sector, to help curb flourishing corruption, according to a government official.

TV Program: Thursday, 6, 2003

TV Program: Thursday, 6, 2003 .TB.30" .90" TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 8:00 TV Drama: Mat Angin 9:00 Entertainment News: Business Magazine 10:05 TV Drama 11:30 Music 12:00 p.m. Talk Show 1:00 News: Berita Siang 2:00 TV Series: Orange Boy 3:00 City News 3:30 Documentary 4:00 English News Service 5:30 Religious Teachings 6:00 Religious Songs 7:00 News: Berita Nasional 8:00 Talk Show 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 10:00 Music: Country Road 12:00 a.m.

Cambodian parties form new govt

Cambodian parties form new govt CAMBODIA: Cambodia's three main political parties have agreed to form a coalition government with Prime Minister Hun Sen as leader, the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) said on Wednesday. The agreement, which ended a three-month impasse after the July national elections, was forged at a meeting of the parties' leaders on Wednesday that was called by King Norodom Sihanouk.

Malaysia PM coy over his deputy

Malaysia PM coy over his deputy Simon Cameron-Moore, Reuters, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia's new Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said on Wednesday he was not yet ready to name his deputy, but sources close to ruling party leaders said Defense Minister Najib Razak was most likely to get the job. Badawi took over on Friday from Mahathir Mohamad, who led the country for 22 years, in a transfer of power which was announced in mid-2002.

Abu Rusdan admits chairing JI

Abu Rusdan admits chairing JI JAKARTA: Defendant Abu Rusdan admitted on Wednesday he was the caretaker head of the regional terrorist network Jamaah Islamiyah (JI), but said his aim was to dissuade members from violence. Rusdan, on trial for harboring Mukhlas, one of key suspects of the deadly Bali bombings, said in his defense plea that he was asked to become the caretaker emir, or leader.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov.5, 2003

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov.5, 2003 ____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,175 150 500 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 90 5 146,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 70 -10 510,000 Alakasa Industrindo 150 5 18,500 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 1,225 0 0 Alter Abadi Tbk 30 5 548,000 Alumindo Light...

Learning from the BNI case

Learning from the BNI case The loss of Rp1.7 trillion allegedly embezzled from the state- owned Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) is no laughing matter. The case has long been publicized and has been acknowledged by State Minister for State Enterprises Laksamana Sukardi. Ironically however, why was such a great case not disclosed during the bank's general shareholders' meeting last June?

'Tempo' vs Texmaco verdict delayed

'Tempo' vs Texmaco verdict delayed JAKARTA: The panel of judges at the Central Jakarta District Court failed to deliver on Wednesday the most-awaited verdict on defamation suit filed by Texmaco group owner Marimutu Sinivasan against Tempo magazine as one of panel members was absent. Presiding Judge Sylvester Djuma told the courtroom that judge Herry Swantoro was on leave and therefore the panel could not deliver the verdict.

Police seek Singaporean mastermind

Police seek Singaporean mastermind Haidir Anwar Tanjung, The Jakarta Post, Pekanbaru, Riau Riau Police said on Wednesday that they are searching for a Singaporean and his Indonesian accomplice suspected of trafficking women to work as prostitutes in Malaysia. Riau Police arrested five members of two gangs in Tanjung Pinang, Riau Islands province, over the weekend, including three Malaysians and two Indonesians, after a month-long surveillance operation. Riau Police chief Brig. Gen.

Komnas HAM office set up in Kupang

Komnas HAM office set up in Kupang Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) inaugurated on Wednesday its representative office in the East Nusa Tenggara capital of Kupang. The establishment is aimed at promoting human rights in the province of East Nusa Tenggara, which shares a border with East Timor.

Government to revise 3G mobile service license

Government to revise 3G mobile service license The Jakarta Post Jakarta House of Representatives Commission IV said on Wednesday that the government had ignored warnings it had issued regarding a flawed 3G mobile service license bidding process, which might lead to the cancellation of the license. The process, in October, was carried out by the Directorate General of Posts and Telecommunications and a team of consultants from Bandung Institute of Technology.

BI benchmark rate down to 8.46%

BI benchmark rate down to 8.46% The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The central bank's benchmark interest rate declined on Wednesday to 8.46 percent during the weekly auction of one-month Bank Indonesia SBI promissory notes. The rate was 8.48 percent a week ago. Bank Indonesia has been cutting the benchmark rate during the past year amid a benign inflation environment, thanks mainly to a relatively stronger exchange rate of the rupiah against the U.S. dollar.

Fire guts four houses in Cilincing

Fire guts four houses in Cilincing TANGERANG: Fire gutted four houses on Jl. Raya Cilincing, Kali Baru, North Jakarta on Wednesday morning, but no fatalities nor injuries were reported. Mrs. Rudi, who owns one of the houses swamped by the fire, said that the fire allegedly sparked from a falling candle at Kumpul's house. The area in the neighborhood had a blackout on Tuesday evening so that many residents used candles as lighting. Those four houses belonged to Mrs. Rudi, Yudi, Triso and Kumpul.

Susilo Bambang denies rumors to resign from the cabinet

Susilo Bambang denies rumors to resign from the cabinet Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono denied on Wednesday rumors that he will resign from the cabinet for the sake of his presidential bid. He said he will continue working as a cabinet minister and asserted that the rumors will not affect his state duties.