Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 19 December 2003

79 articles found

U.S. agents leave Papua

U.S. agents leave Papua JAKARTA: A team of United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents has left Papua after questioning a number of witnesses in connection with the ambush in which three teachers, including two Americans, were killed in August 2002.Papua Police chief Insp. Gen.

House to endorse BI law amendment

House to endorse BI law amendmentThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta After years of wrangling and disagreements, the deliberation on the amendment to the existing Bank Indonesia Law has been completed, with the House of Representatives plenary session expected to pass it into law on Friday.

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.

Marubeni to build RI power plants

Marubeni to build RI power plantsTOKYO: Japan's Marubeni Corp. will jointly develop geothermal power plants in Indonesia with state-run oil firms from Indonesia and the Philippines, a leading Japanese financial daily reported on Thursday.

Fast action promised for poll violations

Fast action promised for poll violationsMoch. N. Kurniawan and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Election Supervisory Committee (Panwaslu), the Attorney General's Office and the National Police signed an agreement on Thursday to ensure speedy investigation into and prosecution...

Poor executive

Poor executive train serviceFrom Bisnis Indonesia I had a bad experience traveling on an executive train during the recent Lebaran holiday. The expensive ticket was not worth the service provided.I took the Bima executive train from Yogyakarta to Jakarta on Nov. 30.

Would-be pilgrims protest departure cancellations

Would-be pilgrims protest departure cancellationsAndi Hajramurni and ID Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Makassar/Surabaya More prospective pilgrims lodged protests in several parts of Indonesia against the government over the cancellation of their departures to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for the haj...

[b]

Interreligious dialog most urgent and needed Aloys Budi Purnomo Rector St. Peter Major Seminary Pematang Siantar, North Sumatra aloybudipurnomo@plasa.com2. WSF -- Social Forums here to stay 2 x 30 Social Forums: the preservation of democratic structures Paul Kingsnorth Guardian News Service London

1 x 35

1 x 35Mayor warned not to take full controlJP/5/PLANES3 x 18Councillors allege corruption in plane purchases JP/5/Haji2 x 26Would-be pilgrims protest departure cancellations

TV stations issue guidelines on ethics

TV stations issue guidelines on ethicsThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta In response to public criticism over television broadcasting content, the association of private televisions issued on Thursday a guideline on ethics for broadcasting content and ethics on the business.

Rupiah Retes Dec.18

Rupiah Retes Dec.18 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 6,651.12 5,907.13 6,312.20 6,245.82 Brunei dollar 1 5,263.53 4,675.17 4,995.32 4,943.23 Canadian dollar 1 6,775.73 6,017.33 6,430.46 6,362.34 Swiss franc 1 7,169.18 6,369.00 6,803.86 6,734.

Trial for Dutch woman begins

Trial for Dutch woman begins TANGERANG: The trial involving a Dutch woman charged with possession of 4,885 ecstasy pills started on Thursday at Tangerang District Court after being postponed twice due to the absence of a Dutch-Indonesian language interpreter.

South Bengkulu gets new regent

South Bengkulu gets new regent BENGKULU, Bengkulu: The legislative council here elected on Thursday the pairing of H. Fauzan Djamil and Jani Hairin as the new regent of South Bengkulu and his deputy respectively for the 2004 to 2009 period.

The moral of Malin Kundang is don't forget your Mom

The moral of Malin Kundang is don't forget your MomDebra H. Yatim, Contributor, Jakarta The city is in for a treat this Friday (Dec. 19) and Saturday (Dec.20), with a home-grown musical conveying a local story in a contemporary format.

Mega tells Korpri to stay neutral in 2004 elections

Mega tells Korpri to stay neutral in 2004 electionsYuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung President Megawati Soekarnoputri called on civil servants on Thursday to stay neutral in the 2004 elections, when the country holds both legislative elections and its first ever direct presidential...

House hearing with governor Sutiyoso turns farcical

House hearing with governor Sutiyoso turns farcicalEvi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A hearing on evictions between Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso and House of Representatives Commission II for home affairs turned into a farce on Thursday as commission deputy chairman Abdul Rachman Gaffar, who...

RCTI driver held by GAM reunited with family

RCTI driver held by GAM reunited with familyTeuku Agam Muzakkir and Nani Farida The Jakarta Post Lhokseumawe/Banda AcehAfter about six months held by the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), a driver of the RCTI television crew was rescued by marine troops in an ambush in East Aceh on Wednesday.

The Haj and Ministry of Religious Affairs

The Haj and Ministry of Religious Affairs Some 30,000 would-be Indonesian haj pilgrims in 2004 will fail to depart for the holy land following the Saudi Arabian government's rejection of Indonesia's request for an additional quota allocation.

Senayan vendors uncertain over relocation

Senayan vendors uncertain over relocationLeony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Uncertainty still looms over hundreds of street vendors who used to do business in the east parking lot of Bung Karno Sports Complex in Senayan, Central Jakarta.

Hyundai executives offer to resign

Hyundai executives offer to resign SEOUL: Eight top executives from the Hyundai group of companies tendered their resignations on Thursday, officials said, amid a heated family feud for control of the ailing South Korean conglomerate.

'Ideological map' in Indonesian politics

'Ideological map' in Indonesian politics J. Soedjati Djiwandono Political analyst JakartaLater on, the Islamic-based political parties set up an "Islamic caucus" to promote unity among the Islamic parties, which seemed as remote as ever.

Court again delays trial of JI member

Court again delays trial of JI member PALU, Central Sulawesi: The Palu District Court again delayed the trial on Thursday of Fauzan, a suspected member of Jamaah Islamiyah (JI), after key witness Mustafa failed to appear there for health reasons.

Pertamina raise investment, aims higher profit

Pertamina raise investment, aims higher profitFitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State oil and gas company PT Pertamina is planning to increase its investment for exploration and production next year, which will be the company's first full year of operation as a limited liability company.

Bukit Sentul provides site to cleric Aa' Gym

Bukit Sentul provides site to cleric Aa' GymTheresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor Publicly-listed developer PT Bukit Sentul granted a one-hectare plot of land to the Daarut Tauhiid Foundation, established by noted Muslim cleric Abdullah Gymnastiar, better known as Aa' Gym.

Semarang to revitalize Chinatown

Semarang to revitalize Chinatown SEMARANG: The city administration has plans to extend the area of China town in the Central Java capital of Semarang next year.China town, called the Pecinan area, would cover Gang Pinggir, Gang Lombok, Gang Warung and Gang Baru under the new plans.

Increase in House seats unlikely

Increase in House seats unlikelyKurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A group of legislators gave up in their effort to amend the election law that would enable an increase in the number of House of Representatives (DPR) seats from 550 to 556 due to time constraints.

1. DEBRA -- 2 x 30

1. DEBRA -- 2 x 30 The moral of Malin Kundang is don't forget your Mom 2. TEATER -- 1 x 56 Theater gathering 2003 opens curtain to opportunity 3. OPERA -- 1 x 46 'Moses und Aron' back for a rare performance

Govt launches rural phone line project

Govt launches rural phone line projectThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government officially launched on Thursday the initial stage of a Rp 475 billion (US$528 million) telecommunications project aimed at 72,000 villages across the country.

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, December 19, 2003

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, December 19, 2003Exhibitions* Painting Sentuhan Kepedulian Lingkungan Hidup by 100 female painters, InterContinental MidPlaza Jakarta, Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 10 - 11, South Jakarta (Tel. 2510888), until Dec. 22.

Seat belts issue misunderstood

Seat belts issue misunderstoodFrom Media IndonesiaTV stations have popularized the mandatory wearing of seat belts for motorists from Nov. 5. But some have conveyed the wrong message: "Drivers and all passengers of four-wheeled motorized vehicles are obliged to use seat belts".Based on Law No.

Theater gathering 2003 opens curtain to opportunity

Theater gathering 2003 opens curtain to opportunityYusuf Susilo Hartono, Contributor, Jakarta The Drama Committee of the Jakarta Arts Council (DKJ), for the first time, organized a gathering of theatrical groups in Silaturahmi Teater 2003, which brought together 14 drama troupes from all over the...

Man arrested with fake money

Man arrested with fake money DEPOK: Depok Police arrested a 45-year-old man on Wednesday at 6 p.m. for possessing counterfeit Rp 50,000 banknotes in a black bag on Jl. Margonda Raya, Depok.The suspect, Soetarno, earlier took a taxi driven by Budi Sutarwo, 41, from Lenteng Agung railway station,...

Terrorism and realism

Terrorism and realism The articles in The Jakarta Post by Ambassador to the UK Juwono Sudarsono (Nov. 4) and by Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda (Dec. 11) and Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (Dec.

Ex-New Order officials 'unfit' to run in legislative election

Ex-New Order officials 'unfit' to run in legislative electionMoch. N. Kurniawan and Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Makassar The General Elections Commission (KPU) declared on Thursday three former state officials from the New Order unfit to contest the Regional Representatives Council...

Ministry, NGO cooperation on forest

Ministry, NGO cooperation on forest The Ministry of Forestry has signed a cooperation agreement with non-governmental organizations Indonesia Corruption Watch and Greenomics Indonesia to ensure transparency in the awarding of licenses in the forestry industry.

Controversial busway lane

Controversial busway lane From Media Indonesia Jakarta will soon have its special busway, a project that, according to the Jakarta provincial administration, meets the aspirations of Jakarta's residents as was evident from the great enthusiasm visitors to the Jakarta Fair expressed when they were...

Women urged to get into politics

Women urged to get into politics JAKARTA: A political analyst suggested on Thursday that more Indonesian women should take part in the country's political life to avoid being marginalized.Dewi Fortuna Anwar said that many women see politics as a struggle for power, therefore they refuse to enter...

City nabs 29 alleged sex workers

City nabs 29 alleged sex workers JAKARTA: Some 24 women and five men dressed as women were arrested by the city administration's joint team for allegedly operating as sex workers on the streets during a raid that started late on Wednesday evening and ended early Thursday.

Industry, govt, consumers to boost product standards

Industry, govt, consumers to boost product standardsSandy Darmosumarto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Top government and industry officials, consumer groupings and scholars gathered on Thursday to endorse the formation of the Indonesian Standardization Society (MASTAN) in an attempt to raise public...

Elections won't bring change for the better: ICG

Elections won't bring change for the better: ICGAgence France-Presse JakartaThe elections in 2004 are unlikely to improve the country's fortunes as people grow increasingly disillusioned with the new political order, a research group warned Friday.

Interreligious dialog most urgent and needed

Interreligious dialog most urgent and neededAloys Budi Purnomo, Rector, St. Peter Major Seminary, Pematang Siantar, North Sumatra, aloybudipurnomo@plasa.com Our society is marked by the twofold reality of religious pluralism and social injustice, which provides ample opportunities for all religions...

Sutiyoso wants dawn-to-dusk three-in-one

Sutiyoso wants dawn-to-dusk three-in-oneBambang Nurbianto and Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso has chosen to extend the three-in-one traffic policy throughout the day, from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., to support the implementation of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) or busway.

Regional govt behavior contradicting aims of local autonomy law

Regional govt behavior contradicting aims of local autonomy law Ignas Kleden Sociologist Director Center for East Indonesian Affairs Jakarta After three years of implementation, regional autonomy has produced a number of unintended results that will very likely negate its original aim.

House lifts hurdle to judicial liberty

House lifts hurdle to judicial libertyThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives (DPR) has removed one major hurdle to judicial independence by placing all courts under the direct supervision of the Supreme Court, but a noted legal expert warned that an independent and clean judicial...

Bogus policemen raid a house

Bogus policemen raid a house JAKARTA: Four people, claimed to be policemen, knocked on the door of a house in Cilandak Bawah, Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, at about 3 a.m. on Thursday and told the house occupants they had a warrant to search the house.

TV Today: Friday, December 19, 2003

TV Today: Friday, December 19, 2003 .TB.30" .90"TVRI .tb .30" .90" 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi7:30 Music8:00 TV Drama: Kemelut Cinta10:00 Quiz: Dibisikin11:00 Religious Teachings12:30 p.m. Music1:00 News: Berita Siang1:30 Documentary2:00 Music2:30 English News Service3:00 Comedy Drama4:00 News4:30...

'Worsening traffic jams caused by busway project'

'Worsening traffic jams caused by busway project' The city administration will soon extend the three-in-one traffic policy along the full length of the busway from Blok M in South Jakarta to Kota in West Jakarta from 6:30 a.m. through 8 p.m. to support the much vaunted busway project.

'Ideological map' in Indonesian politics (1)

'Ideological map' in Indonesian politics (1)J. Soedjati Djiwandono Political analyst JakartaThe ideological alignment of Indonesian politics since independence has been one of "nationalism," in support of the Pancasila ideology, versus Islam, striving for the establishment of an Islamic state on...

Four students named terror suspects

Four students named terror suspectsAbdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Four of the six students recently deported from Pakistan have been declared suspects for their roles in a series of terrorist attacks here in the past several years.

The 2004 elections: The enemy within

The 2004 elections: The enemy withinSatish Mishra UNSFIR Jakarta2004 is an important year. This is the year when Indonesian democracy either opens its doors to a new wave of consolidation and reform or retreats along the historically familiar path towards a new kind of authoritarianism.

Minister casts doubt on success of busway, 3-in-1

Minister casts doubt on success of busway, 3-in-1Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister of Communications Agum Gumelar expressed doubts on Thursday about the likely success of the busway project and the three-in-one traffic policy extension by the Jakarta administration.

'RCTI' driver held by GAM reunited with family

'RCTI' driver held by GAM reunited with familyTeuku Agam Muzakkir and Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Lhokseumawe/Banda Aceh After about six months held by the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), a driver of the RCTI television crew was rescued by marine troops in an ambush in East Aceh on Wednesday.

JITF ends mandate, completes most tasks

JITF ends mandate, completes most tasksDadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government, without much fanfare, dissolved on Thursday the Jakarta Initiative Task Force (JITF) after it completed a fairly successful five-year mandate of restructuring most of the private sector's huge debts as...

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.

'Decentralization affects family planning program'

'Decentralization affects family planning program'Dewi Santoso, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The National Family Planning Board (BKKBN) has expressed concern about the future of the family planning program after a transfer of the responsibility to regional governments next year.

Small-scale business ignore Islamic bank edict

Small-scale business ignore Islamic bank edictM. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Some small-scale businesspeople expressed on Thursday indifference to the proposed Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) edict that prohibits bank interest, saying such an instruction might hamper business.

[i]Malin Kundang is being staged on Dec. 19 and Dec. 20 at Gedung

Malin Kundang is being staged on Dec. 19 and Dec. 20 at Gedung Kesenian Jakarta in Central Jakarta. Tickets are available at Bel Canto (telp. 8316808). For further information, contact dayagroup@cbn.net.id or www.geocities.com/malin_kundang2003/

RI needs fair trade, investment, not new debts

RI needs fair trade, investment, not new debtsDavid E. Sumual, Analyst, Danareksa Research Institute, Jakarta Nothing unusual took place at the annual CGI meeting last week. As expected, the Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI) concluded its annual ritual, pledging US$3.

Police secure Christmas, New Year

Police secure Christmas, New YearDamar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jakarta Police officials said they planned to deploy around 12,200 personnel, or half of their full force of 23,000, to guard the capital during Christmas and New Year celebrations from Dec. 24 to Jan.

Govt told to hold dialog with Papuans

Govt told to hold dialog with Papuans JAYAPURA, Papua: Golkar's presidential hopeful Sultan Hamengkubuwono X urged on Thursday the central government to open a dialog with the people of troubled Papua province in order to solve their problems.

b]* Headlines:Ex-New Order officials 'unfit' for DPD membership 2

b]* Headlines:Ex-New Order officials 'unfit' for DPD membership 2 * National:Fast action promised for poll violations 4 * Archipelago:Councillors allege corruption in plane purchases 5 * Opinion:Indonesia needs fair trade, investment, not new debts 7 * City:Minister casts doubt on success of...

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

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah ) on Dec. 18, 2003 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Close Change Trading Volume _____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades...

Indonesia needs

Indonesia needs fair trade and investment - or - RI needs fair trade, investment, not new debts David E. Sumual Analyst Danareksa Research Institute Jakarta2. Saddam -- Captive Saddam -- A new headache for Washington 2 X 21 Captive Saddam a new headache for Washington Viktor Liktovkin military...

b]* Headlines:Ex-New Order officials 'unfit' for DPD membership 2

b]* Headlines:Ex-New Order officials 'unfit' for DPD membership 2 * National:Fast action promised for poll violations 4 * Archipelago:Councillors allege corruption in plane purchases 5 * Opinion:Indonesia needs fair trade, investment, not new debts 7 * City:Minister casts doubt on success of...

Indonesia, Singapore cooperate to fight international terrorism

Indonesia, Singapore cooperate to fight international terrorismAgence France-Presse, Jakarta Singapore will work closely with neighboring Indonesia to combat international terrorism, visiting Deputy Prime Minister Tony Tan said here Thursday.

Govt needs to prevent conflicts in 2004 elections

Govt needs to prevent conflicts in 2004 electionsIgnas Kleden Sociologist Director Center for East Indonesian Affairs Jakarta The upcoming 2004 elections is a new political venture. It is new not only in its goal to enable direct election at all levels, but also in terms of its preparation.

;AFP;

;AFP; ANPAf..r.. Asia-economy-survey Asia upbeat on economic recovery in 2004: FEER survey JP/16/SurvayAsia upbeat on economic recovery in 2004: FEER survey Agence France-Presse Hong KongBusiness confidence has made a strong recovery in Asia after a year in which the region was battered by the...

Students urge Akbar verdict

Students urge Akbar verdict JAKARTA: More than 100 university students rallied outside the Supreme Court on Thursday, demanding the court to process the case against Speaker of the House of Representatives Akbar Tandjung for his corruption conviction which he has appealed to the Supreme Court.

1. DPR: 3 LINES, 16 COUNTS

1. DPR: 3 LINES, 16 COUNTS House hearing with Sutiyoso turns farcical 2. KPU: 2 LINES, 25 COUNTS Ex-New Order officials 'unfit' to run in legislative election 3. BI: 1 LINE, 30 COUNTS House to endorse BI law amendment 4. GUNGUN: 1 LINE, 28 COUNTS Four students named terror suspects 5.

Evidence linked to misuse of BI funds found

Evidence linked to misuse of BI funds foundAbdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Having questioned 21 witnesses in the last few days, National Police concluded on Thursday that trillions of rupiah in Account No.

House passes state treasury bill on management of state funds

House passes state treasury bill on management of state fundsThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives passed on Thursday the long-awaited state treasury bill into law, which Minister of Finance Boediono claimed will greatly improve the management of state funds and assets and thus...

New law, new hope?

New law, new hope? Given this country's poor record in industrial relations in the past, it is not surprising that the new Law on the Settlement of Industrial Disputes, which the House of Representatives endorsed this week, is viewed with suspicion by activists in certain segments of the labor...

Mayor Subardi warned not to take full control

Mayor Subardi warned not to take full controlNana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon, West Java Mayor Subardi was not seen at his office on Thursday, the day after he was dismissed by the Cirebon Legislative Council, while council leaders warned him against issuing strategic and crucial policies...

Councillors allege corruption in plane purchases

Councillors allege corruption in plane purchasesRusman, The Jakarta Post, Samarinda, East Kalimantan The East Kalimantan Legislative Council disclosed on Thursday an alleged markup in the procurement of five Australian-made airplanes worth Rp 27.5 billion (US$31.2 million).

JP/30/WOMEN3

JP/30/WOMEN3 Urgent steps to increase women's political representation Make political parties democratic and accountable; amend the law on political parties and rule that 30 percent of parties' legislative candidates must be women.

Unilever 'most admired' this year

Unilever 'most admired' this year JAKARTA: Consumer product company Unilever Indonesia has been named as "Indonesia's most admired company in 2003" in the toiletries and cosmetics category.The award was bestowed on the firm by international magazines BusinessWeek and Frontier, according a press...

What's up with 'Eiffel... I'm in Love'

What's up with 'Eiffel... I'm in Love'Tony Ryanto, Contributor, Jakarta Eiffel... I'm In Love, like Ada Apa Dengan Cinta? (What's up with Love?), is a teen romantic comedy -- a genre which has been well received here for its effortless absorption, appealing narrative and elements of pop culture.

Muslim voters and Islamic parties in Indonesia

Muslim voters and Islamic parties in Indonesia Mochtar Buchori Legislator for Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle JakartaWhat do Muslim voters want to see as the outcome of their support for the political struggle carried out by their country, Indonesia? Do they want to have an Indonesian...

JP/30/WOMEN

JP/30/WOMEN Ati Nurbaiti The Jakarta Post Jakarta For each person, young and old, in the regency of Gresik, Central Java, the average annual budget for health is Rp 1,413, or not even 20 U.S. cents. This revelation emerged in a training session on the regional budget, aimed at female political...