Archive: 20 December 2003
95 articles found
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Minimum wage policy 'bad for workers'
Minimum wage policy 'bad for workers' Dewi Santoso, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Researchers have suggested that the government limit its minimum wage policy as their findings showed that the existing practice of annually raising the wage was counterproductive for the overall employment situation in the country.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, December 20, 2003
Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, December 20, 2003 Exhibitions * 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. * Architecture Asia Architecture and Dutch Cultural Teaching and Planning Methodes, Erasmus Huis, Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said, Kav S-3, Kuningan, South Jakarta (Tel. 5241069), until Dec. 31.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
RP economy grows 4.2% in 2003
RP economy grows 4.2% in 2003 MANILA: The Philippine economy is estimated to have grown at least 4.2 percent in 2003, just hitting the government target, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Romulo Neri said on Friday. The country's gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 4.2 percent this year would just hit the low-end of Manila's target of 4.2 to 5.2 percent.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
139 diseased cattle destroyed
139 diseased cattle destroyed BANDUNG: At least 139 cattle infected with Brucellosis have been destroyed this year in West Java, the local animal husbandry office said on Friday. Tine Nuarasih, head of animal disease observation and investigation at the husbandry office, said the infected cattle had to be slaughtered to prevent the bacteria from infecting other livestock and consumers. "Brucellosis is an infectious disease.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Deported students funded terrorist attacks, police say
Deported students funded terrorist attacks, police say Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Four students recently deported from Pakistan financed terrorist activities across the country and provided training for terrorists, police investigators said on Friday. "They helped and supported terror suspects with funds and training. We will find out how much and from where they got the money," said National Police Anti-Terror Division chief Brig. Gen. Pranowo.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Failed parties protest KPU decision
Failed parties protest KPU decision Moch. N. Kurniawan, Jakarta Post, Jakarta The executives of political parties that have failed to pass General Elections Commission (KPU) screening rallied on Friday to demand that the commission overturn its decisions. The Reform Savior Party of Struggle (PPP Reformasi), the Marhaenisme National Party, the Indonesian Nationalist Unity Party (PPNI), and the Bhinneka Party were among the protesting parties.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Apalagi
Apalagi kepergiannya itu untuk mencari dukungan luar negeri. Penegasan itu disampaikan Wakil Presiden Indonesia Hamzah Haz kepada wartawan, usai perayaan halal bi balal Bersama masyarakat Maluku di Lapangan Merdeka, Ambon, Rabu (17/12). Dia katakan, permasalahan tokoh FKM yang ingin mendirikan Republik Maluku Selatan (RMS) merupakan masalah nasional dan akan ditangani secara diplomatik, karena yang bersangkutan kini berada di luar negeri.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Treasury law leaves room for graft
Treasury law leaves room for graft Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Chairman of the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) Satrio B. Judono expressed disappointment on Friday with the newly endorsed State Treasury Law as it fails to empower state treasurers to reject any unscrupulous demands from their superiors that may lead to the corruption of state funds or assets.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Irate passengers take Batavia crew hostage
Irate passengers take Batavia crew hostage ID Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya At least 31 angry passengers held several crew members of a Batavia Air airplane hostage here after their flight to Jakarta was delayed for around nine hours at Juanda Airport until Friday morning. Rudy Herlambang, one of the protesters, said the passengers had to take action because Batavia broke its promise and tried to deliberately cancel the flight as fewer than half of the plane's 100 seats were filled.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
ASEAN to boost energy security
ASEAN to boost energy security Agence France-Presse Kuala Lumpur ASEAN countries hope to adopt a five-year blueprint in 2004 to boost energy security, encourage investment and build capacity in the sector, Malaysia's energy ministry said on Friday.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
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 presented with a prototype of the project.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, Dec. 19, 2003
Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, Dec. 19, 2003 Exhibitions * 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. * Architecture Asia Architecture and Dutch Cultural Teaching and Planning Methodes, Erasmus Huis, Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said, Kav S-3, Kuningan, South Jakarta (Tel. 5241069), until Dec. 31.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Fewer cases solved as police focus on terrorism
Fewer cases solved as police focus on terrorism Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A year-end report by the Jakarta Police implies that city police did not perform well this year because they failed to improve services to the public. The report, made available to The Jakarta Post, shows that the police only managed to solve 33 percent of the total 34,463 cases recorded this year, or 11,492 cases.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Novotel plants trees for children
Novotel plants trees for children YOGYAKARTA: Yogyakarta's Novotel Hotel, an Accor four-star rated hotel located on Jl. Sudirman, carried out community work at the state-run SDN I elementary school in Krapyak, Sleman, on Friday as part of its routine social programs.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Who will be the winners in the 2004 elections?
Who will be the winners in the 2004 elections? Hank Valentino, Senior advisor, the International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES), Jakarta When Indonesia staged successful elections in 1999, a milestone in democratization was achieved. Voters and citizens celebrated the transparent and public counting of ballot papers at more than 300,000 polling places throughout the country.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Stitch in time,
Stitch in time, fire nine? From Media Indonesia One of the aspects of corruption that has not received the attention it deserves is that of time. Post-Idul Fitri spot checks conducted by the minister for administrative reforms (Menpan) have revealed high rates of absenteeism among civil servants despite the length of the holidays. This should serve as a basis for evaluating the extent of the losses suffered by society in connection with the effort to create good governance.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Police strengthen anti-terror cooperation with Singapore
Police strengthen anti-terror cooperation with Singapore Agencies, Jakarta Indonesia and Singapore agreed on Friday to strengthen cooperation in fighting rampant attacks by pirates on ships and tankers in the Malacca Straits, the world busiest shipping lane which separates the two neighbors.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Illuminating the dark side
Illuminating the dark side of our sense of humanity Benny Susetyo, Pr Catholic Priest Malang 2. Kasus -- Police-military clash, a repeatedly unsettled old story 2 X 30 Police-military repeated clashes: The untold and unsettled problems Imanuddin Razak The Jakarta Post Jakarta
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Para Games to open Sunday in Vietnam
Para Games to open Sunday in Vietnam HANOI: Vietnam will host the second ASEAN Para Games from Sunday, eight days after the closing ceremony of the Southeast Asian Games. More than 700 athletes from the 10 ASEAN countries and East Timor are expected to participate in the competition. Medals will be distributed in athletics, swimming, table- tennis, badminton and weight-lifting. "The most difficult thing in organizing Para Games is our lack of experience as we've never done it before," Dr.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
It seems that political confusion in the present reform era
It seems that political confusion in the present reform era has become a vicious circle. Corruption, violence, intrigue and other calamities have battered us time and again, close to paralyzing us as a nation. We have become a nation without wit, powerless against a host of problems. Amid the anti-graft campaign that religious movements have launched, we are stunned by reports of banking scams at BNI and BRI. No parties wish to assume responsibility. Instead, they are blaming one another.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
IBRA names U.S. company preliminary buyer of APP debt
IBRA names U.S. company preliminary buyer of APP debt Dow Jones, Jakarta The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency, or IBRA, has named Orleans Investment, a U.S. company, as preliminary winner in the bidding for Asia Pulp & Paper Co. debt held by the agency, IBRA's chairman said late Thursday. APP, a Singapore-based paper maker with operations in Indonesia and China, defaulted on US$13.9 billion in March 2001. APP originally owed around $1 billion to IBRA, making the agency its largest creditor.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Access for disabled mere decoration
Access for disabled mere decoration M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A considerable number of state and private-owned buildings in the capital have provided access for people with disabilities, but according to an advocacy group, they are little more than decoration as most of them are useless.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Redefining education as inherent to human growth
Redefining education as inherent to human growth LSF Josephus, Teachers, Gandhi Memorial International School, Jakarta In a limited seminar on Education Research Design held by Pasacsarjana students of philosophy from the University of Indonesia, I once stated that "Education is not a matter of transferring knowledge! It's an ongoing formation in an ongoing process." Many hands were raised, many questions were addressed, but all had me surprised. The questions were far from what I meant.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Imported wheat held at Surabaya port
Imported wheat held at Surabaya port SURABAYA: At least 108 tons of wheat imported by an animal husbandry firm in East Java are being held at Tanjung Perak Port, as the owner failed to show the necessary documents, local customs officials said on Friday. If the owners failed to produce a goods registration certificate (SPB), the wheat would be destroyed, Surabaya customs and excise head Heryanto Budi Santoso said. He said the wheat, shipped in 54 containers, arrived at the port on Thursday.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Govt installs BRTI members
Govt installs BRTI members Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Minister of Communications officially installed on Friday the five members of the Indonesian Telecommunications Regulatory Body (BRTI), the country's new telecommunications sector watchdog. Director General of Telecommunications Djamhari Sirat was installed as chairman of the body. The other four members are Koesmarihati, Soetjipto (both telecommunications experts), Hery Nugroho (economist) and Suryadi Azis (sociologist).
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Gus Dur to attend Jerusalem conference
Gus Dur to attend Jerusalem conference JERUSALEM: Former President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid is to join an array of international political and religious figures in Jerusalem next week for an interfaith peace conference. Gus Dur and another 3,000 delegates from around the world will attend the two-day conference, which starts with an opening banquet at the Sheraton Plaza hotel in the holy city Friday night.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
RI maritime issues get greater attention:
RI maritime issues get greater attention: Jan R. Scheele, Maritime Consultant, Jakarta Is empowerment of the maritime transportation services the only medicine the government is willing to inject in the ailing national maritime industry? Which quality assurances are built in to guarantee successful results and in how far will this empowerment heal the current ailments of this so long neglected industry sector? The undersigned wishes to comment on the publication in The Jakarta Post on Dec.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
BCA clarifies
BCA clarifies With regards to the circulating news that several accounts belonging to the alleged suspects of the most recent BRI bank scam have been located in various branches of Bank BCA, we would like to inform the public that in principle, BCA fully supports every effort of the Chief Public Prosecutor of DKI Jakarta in prosecuting the case.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Koran reciting competition
Koran reciting competition The Jakarta Post should be congratulated for its coverage of the first international Koran recitation competition from Dec. 6 to Dec. 8 in Jakarta. The Post neglected to note, however, that first place for the finest woman reciter went to Indonesian Nazirah Hasan. Indonesian women reciters are known internationally and nationally in Koran competitions, and contestants in all categories, from calligraphy to memorization, are evenly divided along gender lines.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Pertamina to expand geothermal business
Pertamina to expand geothermal business The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State oil and gas company PT Pertamina plans to include the geothermal sector as a future core business, as it sees bright prospects for the geothermal business in Indonesia. "We shall strengthen our foothold in the geothermal sector because of its huge potential reserves in Indonesia, most of which remain undeveloped," Pertamina upstream director Bambang Nugroho told reporters on Thursday.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
1. TRAFFIC: 1 LINE, 25 COUNTS
1. TRAFFIC: 1 LINE, 25 COUNTS Sutiyoso puts brakes on 3-in-1 2. LIPI: 1 LINE, 28 COUNTS Research on fenol wins competition 3. CORRUPT: 3 LINEAS, 16 COUNTS Indonesia signs UN Convention Against Corruption 4. WAGES: 1 LINE, 33 COUNTS Minimum wage policy 'bad for workers' 5. FLIGHT: 1 LINE, 37 COUNTS Irate passengers take Batavia crew hostage
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Ex-cop, politician form group
Ex-cop, politician form group JAKARTA: A number of figures announced on Friday the establishment of the Alliance of Indonesia's Saviors, with the aim of campaigning for a peaceful election. Former Jakarta Police chief Comr. Gen.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
New anticorruption chairman vows to be firm
New anticorruption chairman vows to be firm Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Newly elected chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Insp. Gen. (ret) Taufieqqurochman Ruki vowed on Friday to deal firmly with anyone suspected of committing corruption, regardless of his or her position.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Experience the life of the royals at Rumah Sleman
Experience the life of the royals at Rumah Sleman Tarko Sudiarno, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta As you open the window, the sound of chirping birds and mooing cows can be heard in the distance. The green rice paddies and tiny homes in the far away kampong are visible on the horizon. Fresh air and the warm morning-sunshine are a delightful atmosphere to partake in various traditional snacks and hot tea served in antique cups. Welcome to the lifestyle of the Javanese royal family.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Darkness over nation brings rage
Darkness over nation brings rage Illuminating the Dark Side of Our Humanity Benny Susetyo, Pr Catholic Priest Malang It seems that the political confusion in the present reform era has become a vicious circle. Corruption, violence, intrigues and calamities have battered us time and again, close to paralyzing us as a nation. We have become a nation without wit, powerless against a host of problems.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Fashion show for Santika birthday
Fashion show for Santika birthday YOGYAKARTA: To mark its 13th anniversary on Dec. 19, 2003, the Yogyakarta Santika Hotel on Jl Sudirman is to hold a fashion luncheon entitled Parade Trend Fashion 2004 (Fashion Trends Parade 2004) on Dec. 20, presenting the works of 15 local designers, who are each to present five of their latest creations. The luncheon, which will last from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Gus Dur to attend Jerusalem conference
Gus Dur to attend Jerusalem conference JERUSALEM: Former President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid is to join an array of international political and religious figures in Jerusalem next week for an interfaith peace conference. Gus Dur and another 3,000 delegates from around the world will attend the two-day conference, which starts with an opening banquet at the Sheraton Plaza hotel in the holy city Friday night.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
EC eases grip on RI sack products
EC eases grip on RI sack products The Jakarta Post Jakarta The European Committee (EC) has terminated its antidumping investigation into Indonesian sacks and bags exported to Europe, a senior trade official said. With the EC decision, made on Nov. 18, Indonesian sack and bag products could enter the European market without having to pay antidumping duty, said Pos M.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Nationalist spirit needed
Nationalist spirit needed From Suara Karya The 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. Based on the 1945 Constitution, the HAM law and the HAM judicial procedure, the HAM institution functions not only as a means to try rights violation cases but also a means to prevent such violations.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Flood menace
Flood menace The Jakarta administration's efforts to control flooding deserve our appreciation. The "river normalization" program, costing Rp 53 billion, and the Rp 77 billion set aside for the maintenance of sluices, may be cited as some of the major projects being undertaken to improve the flood control system. And these projects do not include the East Flood Canal, scheduled to be completed in seven years time.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Penjaringan residents hope to get clean water soon
Penjaringan residents hope to get clean water soon Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Abdul Gafar turns on the tap above the sink. Only air oozes out. Water had flowed freely since one week before Idul Fitri, which fell on Nov. 25 and Nov. 26, and the residents of community unit (RW) 17 of Penjaringan subdistrict in North Jakarta were blissfully happy. But two days after the holiday, the taps went dry again.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Mega calls for higher morals in military
Mega calls for higher morals in military The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri called on Friday on young officers from the Indonesian Military (TNI) and police to set a high moral standard, especially during the country's reform process. "Only with a high moral standard will you be able to achieve admirable leadership," Megawati said during the initiation of 816 new young military and police officers at the State Palace.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Students fund terrorist attacks: Police
Students fund terrorist attacks: Police Abdul Khalik The Jakarta Post Jakarta Four students recently deported from Pakistan financed terrorist activities across the country and provided training for terrorists, police investigators said on Friday. "They helped and supported terror suspects with funds and training. We will find out how much and from where they got the money," said National Police Anti-Terror Division chief Brig. Gen. Pranowo.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Aceh voter census to end soon
Aceh voter census to end soon Nani Farida and Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh/Jakarta Amid controversy over whether Aceh, currently under martial law, could hold the 2004 elections democratically, the local statistics agency (BPS) promised on Friday to complete voter registration next month, 30 days after the December deadline. Aceh BPS head Iskandar Asyek said that the population census had reached 98.3 percent of a total 10,130 residential areas in the province.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Tangguh LNG supplier BP, scores coup in U.S.
Tangguh LNG supplier BP, scores coup in U.S. Johannes Simbolon, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Anglo-American energy giant BP Plc. has signed a multibillion dollar agreement with U.S.-based Sempra Energy to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the United States' West Coast and Mexico. The preliminary contract was signed on Thursday in Washington in a ceremony involving Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro, U.S.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Separatists face up to 15 years in jail
Separatists face up to 15 years in jail The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Ambon Prosecutors charged on Friday nine separatist in Maluku province with treason for allegedly agitating and encouraging people to establish a South Maluku emergency authority. Speaking before the Ambon District Court, the prosecutors demanded that the nine defendants from the secessionist South Maluku Republic (RMS) movement be sentenced to between 13 and 15 years in prison.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
CGI slammed
CGI slammed The hypocrisy never ceases to amaze. The International NGO Forum on Indonesian Development (INFID) and Vice President Hamzah Haz have the unmitigated gall to complain that the Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI) has failed to address measures needed to tackle the country's huge debt. In fact, the CGI meeting emphasized strongly throughout that the initiation of the debt was corruption and that the continuing problem is still corruption.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
TV Today: Saturday, December 20, 2003
TV Today: Saturday, December 20, 2003 TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Cartoon 8:00 Travel 10:30 Talk Show: Dialog Reformasi 11:00 Religious Teachings 12:30 p.m. Music 1:00 News: Berita Siang 1:30 Documentary 2:00 Drama: Paviliun 21 2:30 English News Service 3:00 Music 3:30 News 6:30 News 7:00 News 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 9:30 TV Drama 10:30 Puppet Show 12:30 a.m. News TPI 6:00 a.m.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Local govts sign agreement with GTZ
Local govts sign agreement with GTZ YOGYAKARTA: GTZ Urban Quality, a German project in Indonesia, and the joint secretariat of Yogyakarta municipality, Sleman regency, and Bantul regency (known collectively as "Kartamantul"), signed a cooperation agreement on institutional and capacity building in the three local governments at the Yogyakarta Melia Purosani Hotel on Thursday.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
LIPI scientific contest reaps young researchers
LIPI scientific contest reaps young researchers P.C. Naommy, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta This year's scientific contest for young researchers resulted in three winners for social sciences and human rights, a "surprising" achievement according to the organizing committee.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
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 Pagi 7:30 Music 8:00 TV Drama: Kemelut Cinta 10:00 Quiz: Dibisikin 11:00 Religious Teachings 12:30 p.m. Music 1:00 News: Berita Siang 1:30 Documentary 2:00 Music 2:30 English News Service 3:00 Comedy Drama 4:00 News 4:30 TV Drama 5:30 Film 7:00 News 8:00 TV Series: Love Talk 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 9:30 Music: Dangdut Kristal 10:30 Talk Show: Gelar Wicara 11:30 Music 12:30 a.m. News TPI 6:00 a.m.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
JP/5/
JP/5/ Imported wheat held at Surabaya port SURABAYA: At least 108 tons of wheat imported by an animal husbandry firm in East Java are being held at Tanjung Perak Port, as the owner failed to show the necessary documents, local customs officials said on Friday. If the owners failed to produce a goods registration certificate (SPB), the wheat would be destroyed, Surabaya customs and excise head Heryanto Budi Santoso said.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
1. RUMAH -- 1 x 48
1. RUMAH -- 1 x 48 Experience the life of the royals at Rumah Sleman 2. UGM -- 1 x 49 UGM marks 54th anniversary, pledges bright future
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Instant 'tiwul' produced in Gunungkidul
Instant 'tiwul' produced in Gunungkidul YOGYAKARTA: Yogyakarta Governor Sultan Hamegkubuwono X on Thursday officially opened an instant tiwul factory owned by PT Sinar Sukses Sentosa on Jl. Sudirman, Mungi, Semanu, Gunungkidul. Tiwul is a traditional staple food made of dried cassava, often used as a substitute for rice in the arid Gunungkidul area. Director Anton Juwardi said his company had made an initial investment of some Rp 3.57 billion in setting up the factory.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Mob executes man by burning alive
Mob executes man by burning alive TANGERANG: In yet another case of vigilante justice, a group of neighbors attacked and burned to death on Thursday night an unidentified man, after one person judged that a crime might be taking place and thus sent out the alarm to the neighborhood. It was suspected that the unidentified man was trying to steal a motorcycle from an ojek (motorcycle taxi) driver in Dumpit village, Jatiuwung district, Tangerang. Tangerang Police detective deputy chief Insp.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
National park to open in N. Sumatra
National park to open in N. Sumatra MEDAN, North Sumatra: North Sumatra Governor Tengku Rizal Nurdin said on Friday that his administration would declare Batang Gadis forest a national park next month. Tengku said President Megawati Soekarnoputri and international communities lauded the plan to declare the 108,000-hectare park in Mandailing Natal regency. "International response to it is positive.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Banish the hope of military reform
Banish the hope of military reform Kusnanto Anggoro Senior Researcher Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Jakarta As the military's official political role prepares to end in 2004, questions remain as to why the armed forces are withdrawing from politics and how this will further develop and affect democratic reform.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
3 x 13
3 x 13 9 separatists face up to 15 years in jail JP/5/pemilu 1 x 35 Aceh voter registration to end soon JP/5/FOREIGNERS 1 x 35 Surabaya targets 400,000 expats JP/5/ugm 2 x 26 Hundreds of students rally as UGM marks anniversary
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
No compromise for corruptors
No compromise for corruptors Corruption means committing a sin against a great number of people. It is, to some extent, more evil and wicked than an isolated sin because this crime depends on a network of conspirators that includes community figures, officials, government authorities and other abettors who receive "rewards". This adds to the crime of corruptors for multiplying the sin.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Fair and just trials still far away: Experts
Fair and just trials still far away: Experts The Jakarta Post, Jakarta While the revisions of the laws on judicial powers and the Supreme Court generally prevent government intervention, fair and just trials are still a long way off, experts say. Rizqi S.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Let them
Let them settle in From Warta Kota In 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. They are seen as imposing an extra burden and adding to the complexity of problems in Jakarta. The arrivals of our fellow citizens from various provinces in fact are favorable to the city in many ways.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Muhammadiyah launches website
Muhammadiyah launches website YOGYAKARTA: The country second largest Muslim organization, Muhammadiyah, launched a website for its Islam propagation council, the Majelis Tabligh dan Dakwah Khusus (MTDK), at its headquarters here. Muhammadiyah chairman Ahmad Syafii officiated at the launching ceremony for the website, www.muhammadiyah-tabligh.or.id.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Hundreds of students rally as UGM marks anniversary
Hundreds of students rally as UGM marks anniversary Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Some 400 students from Gadjah Mada University staged a protest during its 54th anniversary on Friday, demanding that the campus stop using students as what they termed "commercial objects." The protesters urged the campus to return to its original mission as a university serving the public.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
UGM marks 54th birthday, pledges bright future
UGM marks 54th birthday, pledges bright future Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta The country's oldest university, the Gadjah Mada University, turns 54 this year. On Dec. 20, the university will celebrate its anniversary by handing out a host of new awards to students, academics and even non-academic staff members.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Conny Semiawan, the true teacher
Conny Semiawan, the true teacher T. Sima Gunawan, Contributor, Jakarta Listening is important, but too much emphasis on listening and not enough practical experience can have a negative effect on the behavioral development of children.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
S'pore probes alleged fraud at Pertal
S'pore probes alleged fraud at Pertal Reuters, Singapore Singapore's white collar crime unit said on Friday it had been investigating for nearly eight months a case of possible fraud by the local trading arm of Pertamina, the state oil company of neighboring Indonesia. "A report has been lodged on this matter and police investigations are ongoing," Lim Lu-Ern, spokesman for the Commercial Affairs Department told Reuters.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
House approves amendment to central bank law
House approves amendment to central bank law The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives endorsed on Friday the amendment of the central bank law, which will require the establishment of a financial sector safety system in 2004, in addition to other items. The enactment of the new law, replacing the existing Law No. 23/1999 on Bank Indonesia, ends a lengthy deliberation process that started more than three years ago.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
LIPI scientific contest reaps young researchers
LIPI scientific contest reaps young researchers P.C. Naommy The Jakarta Post Jakarta The National Institute of Sciences (LIPI) initiated a scientific contest years ago to raise public awareness of the work of young researchers.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
'We have to take a longer route'
'We have to take a longer route' The city administration's plan to extend and expand the three-in- one traffic policy along the busway corridor from Blok M in South Jakarta to Kota in West Jakarta from 6:30 a.m. through 8 p.m. has sparked an uproar. The Jakarta Post asked some people what they thought of the new policy, the tryout of which was planned for Monday, but has since been delayed. Ola Wiranata, 50, is a housewife. She lives with her husband and daughter in Bintaro, South Jakarta.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
EC eases grip on RI sack products
EC eases grip on RI sack products The European Committee (EC) has terminated its antidumping investigation into Indonesian sacks and bags exported to Europe, a senior trade official said. With the EC decision, made on Nov. 18, Indonesian sack and bag products could enter the European market without having to pay antidumping duty, said Pos M. Hutabarat, Director General of International Trade and Industrial Cooperation at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, in a press statement issued on Friday.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Gus Dur to join Jerusalem conference
Gus Dur to join Jerusalem conference JERUSALEM: Former President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid is to join an array of international political and religious figures in Jerusalem next week for an interfaith peace conference. Gus Dur and another 3,000 delegates from around the world will attend the two-day conference, which starts with an opening banquet at the Sheraton Plaza hotel in the holy city Friday night.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
TV Today: Saturday, December 20, 2003
TV Today: Saturday, December 20, 2003 TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Cartoon 8:00 Travel 10:30 Talk Show: Dialog Reformasi 11:00 Religious Teachings 12:30 p.m. Music 1:00 News: Berita Siang 1:30 Documentary 2:00 Drama: Paviliun 21 2:30 English News Service 3:00 Music 3:30 News 6:30 News 7:00 News 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 9:30 TV Drama 10:30 Puppet Show 12:30 a.m. News TPI 6:00 a.m.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, Dec. 20, 2003
Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, Dec. 20, 2003 Exhibition * Contemporary art, Exploring Vacuum II presenting the works of mixed artists and other related professionals including Ade Darmawan, Asmudjo Jono Irianto, Arahmaiani, Bambang 'Toko' Witjaksono, FX Harsono, Krisnamurti, Samuel Indratma, Sigit Pius, Tisna Sanjaya, Yudhi Soeryoatmodjo at Cemeti Art House, Jl. DI Panjaitan 41 (Tel./fax: 0274-371015, e-mail: cemetiah@indosat.net.id, website: www.cemetiarthouse.com), everyday, 9 a.m.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Kevin Evans
Kevin Evans Elections really are the cheapest alternative At a recent Idul Fitri gathering a friend declared that "elections are really expensive. Is it worth it?" I suddenly recalled the days before we could use elections to change a government. In 1998 the President of the day was dutifully re- elected by every single participating member of the National Assembly (MPR). No questions, no dissent, not even an expressions of concern.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Permata Bank's biased service
Permata Bank's biased service Until my relocation to Batam earlier this year, I had been receiving monthly credit card statements from Permata Bank. Unfortunately, once I informed Permata Bank of my new mailing address, monthly statements were replaced by threatening phone calls from the Permata Bank Collections Department. One such phone call involved an employee calling me a pelacur, or prostitute, and my family a keluarga brengsek, or good-for- nothing family.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
E&Y named to fix BNI's internal controls
E&Y named to fix BNI's internal controls The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI), under intense public scrutiny following a recent high-profile lending scam, has named international consultants Ernst & Young as an advisor to improve its internal control mechanisms.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Govt. to sell 14% Aneka Tambang stake in 2004
Govt. to sell 14% Aneka Tambang stake in 2004 The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government plans to sell some of its shares in state mining firm PT Aneka Tambang (Antam) next year to cap the budget deficit, a senior official said on Friday. Deputy State Minister of State Enterprises Mahmuddin Yasin was quoted by Dow Jones as saying that the government plans to sell a 14 percent stake in the company. The government still has a 65 percent stake in Antam.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah Retes Dec.19
Rupiah Retes Dec.19 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 6,650.74 5,907.44 6,312.14 6,245.82 Brunei dollar 1 5,270.68 4,682.05 5,002.34 4,950.23 Canadian dollar 1 6,759.34 6,005.71 6,415.21 6,349.71 Swiss franc 1 7,190.47 6,388.62 6,824.39 6,754.55 Danish krone 1 1,500.18 1,333.13 1,423.81 1,409.49 Euro 1 11,165.84 9,920.64 10,597.37 10,488.88 Poundsterling 1 15,923.82 14,147.32 15,113.11 14,957.66 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,158.50 1,029.59 1,099.52 1,088.56...
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
JP//
JP// Kevin Evans, Jakarta Reforms to the Constitution make the voters more responsible for who leads the country as they will now vote for the president as well as regional representatives. The electoral system has also been changed. For the first time in history Indonesians will actually vote for human beings, not merely party symbols. The old days when the people had to select a pig in a poke or use the Indonesian expression "to buy a cat in a sack" are gone.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Sutiyoso puts brakes on 3-in-1 policy
Sutiyoso puts brakes on 3-in-1 policy Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The tryout of the new extended three-in-one traffic policy, slated for Monday, skidded to a stop on Friday during a five-hour closed-door discussion between Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso and the busway project team. Sutiyoso postponed the discussion on the controversial issue to Monday.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Akbar cracks joke, but House record no laughing matter
Akbar cracks joke, but House record no laughing matter Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives ended its last session in 2003 on Friday bedeviled by the same old problem: a total inability to meet its own legislative targets. Of the 45 bills listed for passage, the House could only finish 19, including a package of 13 bills on the establishment of 24 regencies and municipalities.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
China-Japan-ASEAN heralds new regional order
China-Japan-ASEAN heralds new regional order Park Sang-seek, The Korea Herald, Asia News Network, Seoul The Japan-ASEAN summit was held on Dec. 11-12 and issued the Tokyo Declaration. The declaration stated, among other things, that Japan and ASEAN will contribute to the creation of an East Asian community and will promote the development of regional and trans-national frameworks such as the ARF, the ASEAN Plus Three process, APEC and ASEM.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Evicted children get library
Evicted children get library JAKARTA: Children in Muara Angke, most of whom are victims of evictions, got a mini-library on Friday containing more than 100 children's books from British-based PT Wood Group Indonesia (WGI). The mini-library can be folded into a more portable form and has wheels so it can be pushed around the neighborhood.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
State treasury management
State treasury management Legislation alone will not be effective in preventing corruption and curbing inefficiency within public finance management, because the efficacy of the law, finally, depends on the mentality of the officials implementing it.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Comprehensive maritime foreign policy needed
Comprehensive maritime foreign policy needed Siswo Pramono, Deputy Director for Global Politics, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jakarta Navy Captain Alfred Thayer Mahan, an American historian and naval strategist, inferred in 1890, that whoever controlled the sea would likewise control global politics. If his theory applies to Indonesia, the world largest archipelago, then we need a comprehensive maritime policy.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Surabaya targets 400,000 expats
Surabaya targets 400,000 expats Indra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya About 400,000 foreigners living in the East Java capital, Surabaya, have failed to fulfill documentation requirements except for birth certificates, even though they have been living here for decades and have raised families from their marriages with locals. Provincial population office head A.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia signs UN Convention Against Corruption
Indonesia signs UN Convention Against Corruption Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government signed the United Nations Convention Against Corruption at the UN Headquarters in New York on Thursday (Friday Jakarta time), but critics doubted its commitment to implementing the pact in fighting against corruption.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Bantar Gebang dump
Bantar Gebang dump From Warta Kota The issue of the final dumping place for garbage from Jakarta in Bantar Gebang, Bekasi, has always been politicized. The Jakarta administration seems likely to continue using Bantar Gebang as a final dumping ground. As a Bekasi resident, I do not agree with allowing the Jakarta administration to use Bantar Gebang as Bekasi itself also needs a dump.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
KL to deport Iqbal to Jakarta
KL to deport Iqbal to Jakarta MALAYSIA: Malaysian authorities locked up Mohammad Iqbal Rahman as a top leader of an al-Qaeda-linked Muslim extremist group. And, the U.S. government called him the network's "primary recruiter and second in command." Now -- after 30 months' detention without trial -- Malaysia is preparing to release the Indonesian, giving him one condition: Get out of the country.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
PMI gives medicine to flood victims
PMI gives medicine to flood victims JAKARTA: The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) has supplied flood victims in Jambi and Riau with medicines to deal with diarrhea, skin irritations and respiratory diseases. PMI chairman Mar'ie Muhammad said on Friday he would inspect the flood-hit areas to assess in more detail what the victims needed. Floods hit areas in Jambi and Riau provinces on Sumatra since early this month and inundated hectares of paddy field and houses, forcing residents to take refuge.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Only 60% of development fund spent
Only 60% of development fund spent Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta Administration was only able to spend some 60 percent of the Rp 2.24 trillion (US$263.53 million) earmarked in the 2003 city budget for development projects.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Cab thief nabbed, beaten after chase
Cab thief nabbed, beaten after chase JAKARTA: A suspected car thief Deni Moses was arrested early on Friday after a chase while he was trying to steal a Kosti Jaya taxi that was parked on Jl. Sunda, close to Sarinah shopping center in Central Jakarta. The taxi driver, Khasan, said he left the car with the key in it and went to the nearest kiosk to buy cigarettes. "Then I saw my cab moving forward and backward before it fled the parking spot," he told reporters at the Jakarta Police headquarters.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah Retes Dec.19
Rupiah Retes Dec.19 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 6,650.74 5,907.44 6,312.14 6,245.82 Brunei dollar 1 5,270.68 4,682.05 5,002.34 4,950.23 Canadian dollar 1 6,759.34 6,005.71 6,415.21 6,349.71 Swiss franc 1 7,190.47 6,388.62 6,824.39 6,754.55 Danish krone 1 1,500.18 1,333.13 1,423.81 1,409.49 Euro 1 11,165.84 9,920.64 10,597.37 10,488.88 Poundsterling 1 15,923.82 14,147.32 15,113.11 14,957.66 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,158.50 1,029.59 1,099.52 1,088.56...
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
* Headlines:Irate passengers take Batavia crew hostage 2
* Headlines:Irate passengers take Batavia crew hostage 2 * National:Fair and just trials far away: Experts 4 * Archipelago:Nine separatists face up to 15 years in jail 5 * Opinion:Redefining education as inherent to human growth 6 * City:Sixty percent of fund spent for development 8 * Sports:Real Madrid relieved to avoid Cup elimination in Leganes 10 * World:Arroyo set to lose 4th cabinet member 11 * Business:Dollar teeters on the brink of new lows against euro 13 * Business:IBRA names U.S.
Sat, 20 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB
Puncak damage shown in water level
Puncak damage shown in water level Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor The water level in the Katulampa dam in Bogor has become a reliable yardstick to measure the environmental destruction in Puncak hills, an expert has concluded after extensive research.