Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 18 December 2003

85 articles found

Funds prepared to defend PGN shares

Funds prepared to defend PGN sharesThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned gas utility PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) said the government and the company's underwriters had prepared funds to help prevent its share price from falling below the initial public offering (IPO) price of Rp 1,500 per share.

Badawi to tour ASEAN countries

Badawi to tour ASEAN countries MALAYSIA: Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is to embark on a tour of ASEAN countries in January, a trip seen as a tradition for newly-installed regional leaders to cement ties, a report said on Wednesday.

Scaling new heights in ASEAN-Japan ties

Scaling new heights in ASEAN-Japan tiesS. Pushpanathan, Head, ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation, Jakarta The ASEAN-Japan Summit in Tokyo last week concluded on a high note and with resounding success for both ASEAN and Japan in every aspect of their cooperation.

Affordable Avanza and Xenia hit RI streets

Affordable Avanza and Xenia hit RI streetsNovan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Japanese carmakers Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) and Daihatsu Motor Co. Ltd., together with their Indonesian partner PT Astra International, launched on Dec.

On waste management

On waste management We are referring to the brief on page five of The Jakarta Post, Dec. 11, Govt criticized on waste management price. Aris Muryasani, coordinator of a Batam-based non-governmental organization referred to a company called the Industrial Waste Management Installation based in...

S. Pushpanathan

S. Pushpanathan Head Plus Three Relations Jakarta2. nation -- Radicalism the big threat to Asia-Pacific 1 x 45 Radicalism the big threat to Asia-Pacific Don Pathan The Nation Asia News Network Bangkok3.

City soft loans leave residents in dark

City soft loans leave residents in darkTony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Subdistrict Community Empowerment Program (PPMK), often touted as one of the Jakarta administration's key programs, remains a mystery to many city residents.

IBRA to sell Bank Permata in January

IBRA to sell Bank Permata in JanuaryThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) said on Wednesday that it would sell up to 71 percent stake in Bank Permata in January next year.

'Witnesses not to sign vote reports'

'Witnesses not to sign vote reports' JAKARTA: The General Elections Commission (KPU) said on Wednesday that monitors of the 2004 general election would not be required to sign the reports on ballot counts in order to speed up the election process.

Migrant workers seek more protection

Migrant workers seek more protection A three-day international conference on Indonesian migrant workers ended on Wednesday with a list of demands, including that the government enact a law on migrant workers to ratify the migrant workers' rights convention, help settle disputes involving migrant...

Workers protest at council building;

Workers protest at council building; TANGERANG: Hundreds of workers of shoe producer PT Dongha Perkasa staged a rally at the Tangerang Municipal Council building on Wednesday starting at around 10:30 a.m., demanding their right to better welfare.

Ex-policeman arrested for car theft

Ex-policeman arrested for car theft BANDUNG: A former policeman, from Darmaraja village in Darmaraja subdistrict, Sumedang regency, was caught on Wednesday by the West Bandung Police for his alleged role in a car theft network.

Nationalist spirit needed

Nationalist spirit neededFrom Suara KaryaThe human rights (HAM) institution in settling national issues arising in Indonesia applies methods that lack a sense of nationalism. In other words, it has apparently never struggled for national interests.

1. JOIN: 1 line 42 counts

1. JOIN: 1 line 42 countsJP/17/JOINTAffordable Avanza and Xenia hit RI streets

Anticorruption chief to target law enforcement institutions

Anticorruption chief to target law enforcement institutionsMuninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Newly elected chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Taufieqqurrochman Ruki vowed on Wednesday to develop the commission into a credible institution to lead the country in...

Manila, rebels restore truce

Manila, rebels restore truce PHILIPPINES: Troops and Muslim rebels in the southern Philippines have reestablished a shaky, five-month truce after three days of pitched battles, both sides said on Wednesday.

b]* Headlines:Papuans demand cancellation of disputed law 2

b]* Headlines:Papuans demand cancellation of disputed law 2 * National:KPU sparks controversy on DPD 4 * Archipelago:Council dismisses Cirebon mayor 5 * Opinion:Genuine multilateralism vital to world security 6 * City:More rape victims speak out 8 * Sports:Arsenal and Bolton win to advance to...

3-in-1 extension to start on Monday

3-in-1 extension to start on MondayBambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta administration will kick off on Monday the tryout of an extended three-in-one traffic policy along the 12.9-kilometer corridor of the bus rapid transit (BRT) or busway, from Blok M, South Jakarta, to Kota,...

Airplane passenger volume to grow 25%

Airplane passenger volume to grow 25%The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Ministry of Communications has predicted that the number of air passengers in the country will increase by 25 percent next year on the back of cheaper airfares and rising public confidence in the local airline industry.

Seeking a new paradigm, cooperation for female migrants

Seeking a new paradigm, cooperation for female migrantsMore than half of some 20 million Asian migrant workers are women. The Jakarta Post's Kanis Dursin interviewed Jean D' Cunha, Regional Program Manager/Technical Advisor of the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), during a...

One killed, 3 buildings burned in Solok brawl

One killed, 3 buildings burned in Solok brawlKasparman Piliang, The Jakarta Post, Padang, West Sumatra At least one man was killed, and three kiosks and a local community health center (Puskesmas) were set ablaze during a clash between residents from two villages in West Sumatra, witnesses said on...

SCTV inks exclusive rights for World Cup

SCTV inks exclusive rights for World CupZakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Surya Citra Televisi (SCTV) has become the exclusive and official TV broadcast partner in Indonesia for the FIFA World Cup 2006, according to a release here on Wednesday.

UT predicts 10% sales rise, plans $75m rights issue

UT predicts 10% sales rise, plans $75m rights issueSandy Darmosumarto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta PT United Tractors (UT), a subsidiary of automobile company PT Astra International, sees a 10 percent growth in sales next year and the possibility to offer a rights issue worth US$75 million.

Seeking new cooperation for women migrants

Seeking new cooperation for women migrants More than half of some 20 million Asian migrant workers are women. The Jakarta Post's Kanis Dursin interviewed Jean D' Cunha, Regional Program Manager/Technical Advisor of the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), during a regional conference...

One-round election mooted

One-round election mooted JAKARTA: Members of the Constitutional Commission (MK) agreed on Wednesday that the presidential election should involve only one round in an attempt to reduce expense and political tension.

SBI down to 8.41%

SBI down to 8.41% Bank Indonesia said that its benchmark interest rate declined slightly to 8.41 percent during the Wednesday weekly auction of Bank Indonesia SBI promissory notes, compared with 8.42 percent the previous week.

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

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec.17, 2003 ______________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume _______________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades...

Workers protest at council building;

Workers protest at council building; TANGERANG: Hundreds of workers of shoe producer PT Dongha Perkasa staged a rally at the Tangerang Municipal Council building on Wednesday starting at around 10:30 a.m., demanding their right to better welfare.

'Cops, jockeys and 'ojek' to benefit from 3-in-1'

'Cops, jockeys and 'ojek' to benefit from 3-in-1' Governor Sutiyoso will issue on Saturday a decree to extend the three-in-one traffic policy along the busway route, from Blok M in South Jakarta to Kota in West Jakarta, from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

S. Korea helps Bogor's farmers

S. Korea helps Bogor's farmers BOGOR: South Korea Ambassador to Indonesia Yun Hai-jung handed over farming equipment and seeds to Bogor regent Agus Utara Effendi on Wednesday at Singabraga village, Tenjo district, Bogor regency.

Papuans ask govt to establish the MRP,

Papuans ask govt to establish the MRP, revoke controversial lawNethy Dharma Somba The Jakarta Post Jayapura, PapuaPapuan people concluded a two-day meeting here on Tuesday, recommending that the central government speed up the establishment of the Papuan People's Assembly (MRP) as mandated by the...

Nursyahbani joins PKB

Nursyahbani joins PKB JAKARTA: The secretary-general of the Indonesian Women's Coalition for Justice and Democracy, Nursyahbani Katjasungkana, said here on Wednesday that her five-year term as secretary- general had expired and that it was time for someone new to take over.

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

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec.17, 2003 ______________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume _______________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades...

Supporters occupy PDI-P office

Supporters occupy PDI-P office KLATEN, Central Java: Hundreds of supporters of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) occupied and seized the party's local office in Klaten regency, Central Java, on Wednesday.The incident was in protest against the dismissal on Dec.

Antara

AntaraPAPUAN PROTESTERS: A number of Papuan university students of the Mee tribe in Java and Bali stage a protest in front of the headquarters of Timika-based PT Freeport Indonesia copper and gold mining firm on Jl. HR Rasuna Said in South Jakarta.

House delays endorsing water bill

House delays endorsing water billThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta House Commission IV for settlement and telecommunications failed on Wednesday to endorse the controversial water resource bill, ordering the Ministry of Settlement and Infrastructure to promote the draft among other state ministries and the...

Muhammadiyah cool on Islamic bank edict

Muhammadiyah cool on Islamic bank edictSri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Muhammadiyah chairman Ahmad Syafii Maarif called on Muslims on Wednesday to play down an edict that bans bank interest and suggested that they continue using conventional banks.

Genuine multilateralism vital to world security

Genuine multilateralism vital to world securityBantarto Bandoro, Editor, The Indonesian Quarterly, Centre For Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Jakarta, bandoro@csis.or.id From the strategic and military points of view, the war in Iraq is over.

Voting for political parties

Voting for political partiesFrom Tempo Indonesia is facing a lot of problems now, among other concerns, ongoing financial woes, the threat of national disintegration (in Aceh and Papua), and terrorist acts.

KPU to declare controversial DPD aspirants fit to run

KPU to declare controversial DPD aspirants fit to runMoch. N. Kurniawan The Jakarta Post JakartaThe General Elections Commission (KPU) looks set to endorse the nomination of three former state officials under the New Order as candidates for the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) representing...

b]* Headlines:Papuans demand cancellation of disputed law 2

b]* Headlines:Papuans demand cancellation of disputed law 2 * National:KPU sparks controversy on DPD 4 * Archipelago:Council dismisses Cirebon mayor 5 * Opinion:Genuine multilateralism vital to world security 6 * City:More rape victims speak out 8 * Sports:Arsenal and Bolton win to advance to...

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, Dec. 18, 2003

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, Dec. 18, 2003.TB.30" 1.0" Exhibitions* Video-Painting-Kadek installation by Filippo Sciascia, the Gaya gallery, Jl. Raya Sayan-Ubud, until Dec. 28. * Painting: The Silent Painting, featuring works of 21 artists including Arie Smit, Srihadi Soedarsono, Djirna,...

KPU sparks controvery on DPD

KPU sparks controvery on DPDMoch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The General Elections Commission (KPU) looks set to endorse the nomination of three former state officials under the New Order as candidates for the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) representing South Sulawesi.

Employers, labor unions accept new labor law

Employers, labor unions accept new labor lawRidwan Max Sijabat The Jakarta Post JakartaEmployers and labor unions put their weight behind the newly endorsed bill on the settlement of industrial disputes, which they say gives legal certainty both to workers and employers and encourages harmonious...

1 x 30

1 x 30Council dismisses Cirebon mayor 2 x 23One killed, 3 buildings burned in Solok brawl JP/5/buruh2 x 26Protests erupt in Bandung and Medan for wage rises JP/5/Ayam2 x 22Poultry farmers forced to go out of business

China takes Wall Street bull by the horns

China takes Wall Street bull by the hornsSteve James, Reuters, New York Call it the new "China Syndrome."The Peoples' Republic is 'de rigueur' on Wall Street this week -- a visit to the floor of the New York Stock Exchange by Premier Wen Jiabao on Monday, two hot initial public offerings grabbing...

East Timor fires 27 soldiers

East Timor fires 27 soldiers EAST TIMOR: East Timor's tiny military has discharged 27 soldiers and will soon fire more than 60 others for being absent without leave or skipping training, a spokesman said on Wednesday.

Pertamina threatens to go it alone in Cepu block

Pertamina threatens to go it alone in Cepu blockFitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned oil and gas firm PT Pertamina officials said they would be fully prepared to run the Cepu oil and gas block in Central Java by themselves if negotiations with U.S. energy giant ExxonMobil failed.

Logistics agency sued for bad report

Logistics agency sued for bad report TANGERANG: Some 26 district chiefs in Tangerang regency will file a lawsuit against Banten provincial logistics agency for its alleged inaccurate report on the distribution of rice for the poor that had been submitted to the Tangerang Regency Council.

Manila, rebels restore truce

Manila, rebels restore truce PHILIPPINES: Troops and Muslim rebels in the southern Philippines have reestablished a shaky, five-month truce after three days of pitched battles, both sides said on Wednesday.

Raid nabs illegal foreign workers

Raid nabs illegal foreign workers SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: Fifty-two foreigners were netted in a raid by the Balikpapan municipal administration in East Kalimantan for failing to show their work permits and temporary identity cards.

Dwi Marianto goes beyond theories

Dwi Marianto goes beyond theoriesTarko Sudiarno, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Today the public has often judged artists graduating from the reputable Indonesian Institute of Arts of Yogyakarta (ISI Yogyakarta), particularly fine arts major, as being of a lower caliber than their predecessors.

Dengue fever kills four in Majalengka

Dengue fever kills four in Majalengka MAJALENGKA, West Java: At least four people have died in an outbreak of dengue fever in the West Java regency of Majalengka, hospital sources said on Wednesday.They said the latest fatality was a five-year-old girl who died at a local hospital on Wednesday.

Council dismisses Cirebon mayor

Council dismisses Cirebon mayorNana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon, West Java The 30-member legislative council removed on Wednesday Cirebon Mayor Subardi and his deputy Agus Alwafier after only eight months in office, accusing them of misusing their position.

Papuans demand cancellation of disputed law

Papuans demand cancellation of disputed lawNethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura, Papua Papuan people concluded a two-day meeting here on Tuesday, recommending that the central government speed up the establishment of the Papuan People's Assembly (MRP) as mandated by the special autonomy...

Mega's son withdraws from disputed project

Mega's son withdraws from disputed projectKurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After coming under intense scrutiny by legislators, President Megawati Soekarnoputri's son Mohammad Rizki "Tatam" Pratama announced on Wednesday he had withdrawn from a business project in the Jakarta Fairground.

Employers, unions agree on new labor bill

Employers, unions agree on new labor billRidwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Employers and labor unions put their weight behind the newly endorsed bill on the settlement of industrial disputes, which they say gives legal certainty both to workers and employers and encourages harmonious...

Poultry farmers forced to go out of business

Poultry farmers forced to go out of businessSlamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta An outbreak of Newcastle disease, which attacks domestic fowl, over the past three weeks in Sleman and Kulonprogo regencies has forced hundreds of poultry farmers to go out of business.

AP/Achmad Ibrahim

AP/Achmad IbrahimANTITERROR DRILL: Members of the newly formed Antiterror Unit trained by U.S. instructors (left) line up after a hostage rescue drill at a police training ground in Bogor, West Java. The training session on Wednesday was part of the U.S.

Malaysia's Abdullah confirms: Multibillion dollar railway project is off

Malaysia's Abdullah confirms: Multibillion dollar railway project is offRohan Sullivan Associated Press Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi confirmed on Wednesday the government would shelve a 14.5 billion ringgit (US$3.

Pertamina unit hit by fraud

Pertamina unit hit by fraud Pertamina is investigating a possible fraud case at its crude oil trading arm in Singapore, company president Ariffi Nawawi said on Wednesday.Ariffi said the investigation was launched after an audit earlier this year found illegal disbursements of funds amounting to...

Changi to start budget terminal in '05

Changi to start budget terminal in '05Karl Malakunas, Agence France-Presse, Singapore Budget airlines may be able to operate out of Singapore's Changi airport within 18 months using a new no-frills terminal, the city-state's transport minister said on Wednesday.

More rape victims willing to speak out

More rape victims willing to speak outTony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The huge increase in the number of cases reported of rape and domestic violence against women and children is an indication of the growing level of willingness among the victims to speak to women's organizations about it.

Three ASEAN power grid projects ready to start

Three ASEAN power grid projects ready to startDow Jones, Bangkok Three power transmission projects involving member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are ready to be implemented as part of a plan to set up a transnational electricity supply grid system, a senior official of an...

Logistics agency sued for bad report

Logistics agency sued for bad report TANGERANG: Some 26 district chiefs in Tangerang regency will file a lawsuit against Banten provincial logistics agency for its alleged inaccurate report on the distribution of rice for the poor that had been submitted to the Tangerang Regency Council.

Access given to BRI accounts

Access given to BRI accountsAbdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Four Bank BCA branch managers have given prosecutors access to all accounts to which the money stolen from state-owned Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) was allegedly channeled, only after the Jakarta Prosecutor's Office threatened to...

Dengue fever kills four in Majalengka

Dengue fever kills four in Majalengka MAJALENGKA, West Java: At least four people have died in an outbreak of dengue fever in the West Java regency of Majalengka, hospital sources said on Wednesday. They said the latest fatality was a five-year-old girl who died at a local hospital on Wednesday.

One-round election mooted

One-round election mooted JAKARTA: Members of the Constitutional Commission (MK) agreed on Wednesday that the presidential election should involve only one round in an attempt to reduce expense and political tension.

Indonesia to host ex-Globetrotters

Indonesia to host ex-Globetrotters JAKARTA: Harlem MagicMasters Tour, an international basketball entertainment team, will perform in three cities in Indonesia starting next month, the organizers announced here on Wednesday.

Let them

Let them settle inFrom Warta KotaIn the post-Idul Fitri period the Jakarta metropolitan administration always launches operations ridding the capital of would-be settlers as well as squatters and vendors from other regions.

Walter van Oel shows his 'Spirit of Jewels'

Walter van Oel shows his 'Spirit of Jewels'Marian Caroll, Contributor, Denpasar, Bali He said his paintings were the first in the world that did not take the light, but gave the light.Specks of spittle fly out of his mouth as Dutch artist Walter van Oel gesticulates grandly with his arms, his...

East Asia economic bloc unlikely, Akrasanee says

East Asia economic bloc unlikely, Akrasanee saysThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta The East Asian economy will only get better and stronger and has the potential to become one of the world's most powerful economic forces, according to Thailand's former minister of commerce Narongchai Akrasanee.

Radicalism is the big threat to Asia-Pacific

Radicalism is the big threat to Asia-PacificDon Pathan, The Nation, Asia News Network, Bangkok Islam and the global war on terrorism continue to dominate discussions among the world's leading security analysts and policy makers and nowhere was this more evidence than in the just-concluded meeting...

Poultry farmers forced to go out of business

Poultry farmers forced to go out of businessSlamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta An outbreak of Newcastle disease, which attacks domestic fowl, over the past three weeks in Sleman and Kulonprogo regencies has forced hundreds of poultry farmers to go out of business.

Cooperation with Indonesia

Cooperation with Indonesia Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri's three-day visit to Pakistan is a milestone event in that it will not only help renew traditional ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries, but will lead to greater cooperation in areas that have long been...

1. PAPUA: 3 LINES, 16 COUNTS

1. PAPUA: 3 LINES, 16 COUNTS Papuans demand cancellation of disputed law2. KPK: 2 LINES, 25 COUNTSAnticorruption chief to target law enforcement institutions 3. CSIS: 2 LINES, 25 COUNTS East Asia economic bloc unlikely, Akrasanee says4.

Protests erupt in Bandung and Medan for wage rises

Protests erupt in Bandung and Medan for wage risesYuli Tri Suwarni and Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Bandung/Medan Labor protests erupted separately in Bandung and Medan on Wednesday after their respective 2004 minimum wage pay increases were apparently much less than they had hoped.

We wish to express our deepest

We wish to express our deepest sympathy on the passing ofLal Tahilramani (73 years of age)the father of Yogita Tahilramani, one of our reporters, on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2003, in Jakarta.He was buried in Jakarta on the same day, Tuesday.

Disadvantaged demand free health service

Disadvantaged demand free health serviceLeony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta It looked like just another rally on Wednesday, when about 50 people holding cardboard posters stood inside the Ministry of Health compound in South Jakarta, chanting their demands.

TV Program: Thursday, Dec. 18, 2003

TV Program: Thursday, Dec. 18, 2003 .TB.30" .90"TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi7:30 Music8:00 TV Drama: Kemelut Cinta9:00 Entertainment News: Pro Biz10:00 TV Drama11:30 Singing Contest: Konteswara 12:30 p.m.

Thailand may shun Airbus over 'unfair' EU trade

Thailand may shun Airbus over 'unfair' EU tradePanarat Thepgumpanat, Reuters, Bangkok Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said on Wednesday his government may review future plans to buy Airbus planes if the European Union continued to treat Thailand's agricultural exports "unfairly".

Numerology and Tarot add to Bali's tourist attractions

Numerology and Tarot add to Bali's tourist attractionsI. Christianto, Contributor, Denpasar The sun, seaside, panoramic views and the friendly smiles of its people have long been well-known attributes of Bali.

Anticorruption vanguards

Anticorruption vanguards The five leaders of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) were finally elected on Tuesday by the House of Representatives from ten candidates put forward by the government selection committee.

Rupiah Retes Dec.17

Rupiah Retes Dec.17 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 6,675.27 5,928.18 6,334.93 6,268.29 Brunei dollar 1 5,263.68 4,674.98 4,995.31 4,943.20 Canadian dollar 1 6,764.82 6,007.22 6,419.91 6,351.87 Swiss franc 1 7,130.50 6,332.70 6,766.95 6,696.

Rights watchdog warns RI it may lose credibility

Rights watchdog warns RI it may lose credibilityUrip Hudiono and Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Banda Aceh Indonesia risks losing its international credibility if it fails to stop abuses by the military against civilians in Aceh and ensure that perpetrators of the human rights violations...