Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 27 December 2003

81 articles found

Slum areas have plenty of potential to alleviate poverty

Slum areas have plenty of potential to alleviate poverty Evi Mariani The Jakarta Post Jakarta The absence of legal certainty and acknowledgement from the Jakarta administration has left people living in the capital's slums vulnerable to eviction, even though they may have the economic and social potential to lift themselves from poverty and improve their own housing environment.

Hostage drama ends with injured workers

Hostage drama ends with injured workers Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor The hostage drama at textile manufacturer PT Idea Karya Indah (IKI), located at the 41.2 kilometer mark on the old Jakarta- Bogor road in Cibinong, ended on Thursday evening when dozens of police officers used force to free director Agung Nugroho, injuring a number of the workers in the process. At least five of the workers, who were sleeping near the entrance, were injured during the two-hour operation.

Slum areas have plenty of potential to alleviate poverty

Slum areas have plenty of potential to alleviate poverty Evi Mariani The Jakarta Post Jakarta The absence of legal certainty and acknowledgement from the Jakarta administration has left people living in the capital's slums vulnerable to eviction, even though they may have the economic and social potential to lift themselves from poverty and improve their own housing environment.

KPU needs Rp 800b for second-round election

KPU needs Rp 800b for second-round election Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The General Elections Commission (KPU) will need Rp 800 billion to organize the second stage of the presidential elections, should this be necessary, KPU secretary-general Safder Yusacc said Friday. "We have calculated the 2004 budget, and so far we don't have enough money for the second round of the presidential election," Safder Yusacc said on Friday.

Waste begins to pile up before Bantar Gebang closure date

Waste begins to pile up before Bantar Gebang closure date P.C. Naommy, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Five days prior to the end of the contract to use Bantar Gebang dump in Bekasi municipality, garbage has started to pile up at temporary sites across the capital. "The garbage has not been taken for about three or four days," said Surati, a street vendor along the street near the temporary dump site in Palmerah Market, Central Jakarta.

JP/13/ENVIRO

JP/13/ENVIRO Benefits Beyond Boundaries and Crisis Within A Review of Indonesia's Conservation Efforts in 2003 Reed Merrill Contributor Jakarta Indonesia is known around the world for its rich and beautiful natural heritage. And, sadly, the country is also known for the rapid degradation of this natural heritage. Since the beginning of the multidimensional political and economic crisis that started in 1997, the rate of environmental damage has sky-rocketed.

Evictions to carry over into 2004

Evictions to carry over into 2004 Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta More than 2,500 families will be evicted from their houses along Jl. Tanah Merah, Rawa Badak subdistrict, North Jakarta, and Pinang Ranti subdistrict, East Jakarta, in January.

Legislators or gods?

Legislators or gods? From Kompas An editorial in Kompas (Sept. 3), questioning the propriety of legislators' behavior, truly resounds the voices of the helpless Indonesian people vis-a-vis the House of Representatives (DPR). House members today are practically gods, and will mete out judgment on any one or any act that causes their displeasure. But instead of acting as gods of virtue, they are vengeful gods, summoning those considered to have caused offense to negotiate a deal in their favor.

Impact of mad cow report played down

Impact of mad cow report played down Sari P. Setiogi and A. Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The temporary ban on beef imports from the United States due to a report of mad cow disease will have little impact on Indonesia's hotel and restaurant business, a businesswoman says. "We will follow the government policy suspending U.S. beef imports. No hotels and restaurants will use U.S.

Busway shelter construction still a work in progress

Busway shelter construction still a work in progress Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Two workers rhythmically swing their hammers, smashing the concrete steps of the west stairway of the bridge in front of Bank Indonesia on Jl. MH Thamrin, Central Jakarta. They need to demolish the stairs to make way for the west ramp, part of the busway's bus stop infrastructure.

Reporter accuses soldier of brutality

Reporter accuses soldier of brutality Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam A local reporter working for SCTV private television station, Muhammad Nasier, filed a complaint on Friday with the Aceh Military Operation Command in Lhokseumawe, North Aceh, after a soldier slapped him across the face the previous day. In his complaint, Nasier said he was slapped when he argued with the soldier during a routine inspection.

1. HOTEL -- 1 x 52

1. HOTEL -- 1 x 52 Yogyakarta hotels gear up for year-end festivities

Poso remains calm after bomb blast

Poso remains calm after bomb blast POSO, Central Sulawesi: The situation remained calm on Friday in the Central Sulawesi town of Poso following a bomb blast in a field two days ahead of Christmas. The police are continuing their investigation of the case. To prevent a similar incident, security officers said that they would intensify their efforts to guard churches, hospitals and a number of vital installations ahead of the New Year.

1. ENVIRO 1x35

1. ENVIRO 1x35 One tiny step forward in conservation effort 2. POLUSI 1x56 In Asia, pollution spreads as economies boom

RI-Malaysia relations remain strong in 2003

RI-Malaysia relations remain strong in 2003 Veeramalla Anjaiah, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The relations between Indonesia and its neighbor Malaysia displayed a great deal of maturity and activity in 2003. The dispute over Ligitan and Sipadan islands, the mass deportation of illegal Indonesian workers and Malaysia's first leadership change in a generation all failed to dent the strong relations between the two Muslim-majority democratic states.

Power crisis getting worse, darker than ever

Power crisis getting worse, darker than ever Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The power crisis, which started several years ago, became worse this year and the problem is likely to continue haunting the nation in upcoming years.

Kia to launch new models to take on Malaysian carmakers

Kia to launch new models to take on Malaysian carmakers Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur South Korea's Kia Motors and its Malaysian partner Naza Kia will launch four new car models next year mainly to take on national carmakers Proton and Perodua, a report said on Friday. The four models included a one-liter car, similar to Kia's Picanto, and three higher-capacity models, the Financial Daily quoted sources as saying.

1. Water ( 1 X 30 )

1. Water ( 1 X 30 ) 'Water bill needs more debate' 2. Terror ( 2 X 21) Police name two more suspects in Marriott blast 3. BRI2 (2 X 21 ) Prosecutors recover Rp 68.5b in BRI scam 4. KPU ( 1 X 32 ) KPU needs Rp 800b for second-round election 5. Asmuni ( 1 X 36 ) Police capture suspect in PKB murder

In Asia, pollution spreads as economies boom

In Asia, pollution spreads as economies boom Jason Szep Reuters Singapore Every two years, Indonesia loses about four million hectares of forest, an area roughly the size of Switzerland, to rapacious logging. Skies in northern China glow orange in sandstorms that cross the Pacific and lay dust on the western United States. In Hong Kong, raw sewage bobs in its pearl-blue harbor.

No smoking, spitting in buses

No smoking, spitting in buses BOGOR: The municipal administration kicked off a public campaign on Friday against smoking and spitting inside public minivans -- which each can carry a maximum of 12 passengers -- much to the relief of non-smoking and salivating passengers. "We hope Bogor residents can benefit from a healthy environment," said Bogor health agency head Triwandha Elan. The campaign is being marked by the distribution of stickers to public minivan drivers by scouts. -- Antara

MUI's ruling on bank interest

MUI's ruling on bank interest From Media Indonesia I was surprised by a recent private TV program's running text regarding a ruling by the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI), which said that interest in conventional banks was not permitted by Islamic law. An interview followed later with Vice President Hamzah Haz, who said the ruling was not binding. My conclusion: Making deals with conventional banks is all right.

Police name two more suspects in Marriott bombing

Police name two more suspects in Marriott bombing Abdul Khalik The Jakarta Post Jakarta Police announced the names on Friday of two more suspects in the deadly JW Marriott Hotel bombing as the result of a reenactment by two detained suspects, Ismail and Tohir, on Wednesday. National Police deputy chief of public relations Brig.

Short-listing of candidates blamed for legislative registration delay

Short-listing of candidates blamed for legislative registration delay Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Various difficulties concerning the documents required of legislative candidates have prompted political parties to take longer before submitting their lists of candidates to the General Elections Commission (KPU). The KPU had set Dec. 29 as the deadline for parties to have submitted the names of their legislative candidates.

After successful start, Lion Air eyes more expansion

After successful start, Lion Air eyes more expansion Budget airline Lion Air is considered to be one of Indonesia's success stories since the economic crisis hit the nation in 1997 and plunged many businesses into bankruptcy. The firm, which started operating in 2000, continued its expansion this year and has now become the second largest airline in the country after national flag carrier PT Garuda Indonesia. The Jakarta Post's Sari P.

Uncertainties linger in petroleum sector

Uncertainties linger in petroleum sector Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The oil and gas sector started to pick up slowly this year after experiencing a slump last year, but uncertainties in the country's business environment will remain the main constraint for some time into the future.

1. Sugar ( 1 x 35)

1. Sugar ( 1 x 35) Farmers take swipe at sugar producers 2. japan ( 2 x 17) Robust exports support Japan output 3. Mad (2 x 20) U.S. mad cow case tests consumer confidence 4. Jams (1 x 50) Jamsostek to increase bonds in 2004 asset composition

City parking joke

City parking joke If there were a competition for the most puzzling institution, the trophy could well go to the Jakarta City Administration for its puzzling flood control policy, the busway and the "three-in- one" traffic rule, but one that stands out most notably as a microcosm of all that is bizarre is its parking policies. The only clear thing about the administration's policies in these matters is that nothing is clear.

Banking sector picks up, flaws remain

Banking sector picks up, flaws remain Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta It has been six years since the banking sector started its restructuring efforts. Still, while improvement in its financial health is undeniable, certain flaws remain -- indicating that the recovery process is still a long way off.

Suspected drug dealer shot dead

Suspected drug dealer shot dead JAKARTA: South Jakarta Police shot dead a drug dealer on Thursday night in Pancoran, bringing the death toll of suspected drug dealers in their jurisdiction to 10 this year. Stefanus, 30, was caught red-handed selling illegal drugs to undercover police officers. Police seized from Stefanus 60 packages of putauw (low-grade heroine) and shabu-shabu (crystal metamphetamine) which were said to be worth Rp 3 million (US$352) and Rp 500,000 respectively.

Renewing and revitalizing the cities

Renewing and revitalizing the cities Sri-Edi Swasono, Economist, Jakarta We are witnessing cities in Indonesia becoming more and more haphazard in nature. Additionally, these cities lack specific characteristics and do not have a clear role nor function toward improving the welfare of residents. Life in cities has become increasingly tough and claims more sacrifices from humans in their standard of living.

TV Today: Saturday, Dec. 27, 2003

TV Today: Saturday, Dec. 27, 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 4:00 Indonesian Film 6:00 Christmas Celebration 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 10:30 Puppet Show 12:30 a.m. News TPI 6:00 a.m.

[b]Legal aid at the crossroads

Legal aid at the crossroads as YLBHI remains in limbo Frans H. Winarta Member of the Board of Trustees Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) Jakarta 2. Pro29 -- Latin America's failed macroeconomic dictatorships 2 X 30 Macroeconomic dictatorship has failed in Latin America Enrique Dussel Peters Professor of Economics Universidad Nacional Autsnoma de Mixico Project Syndicate

[b]Pakistan's

Pakistan's unhealthy dependence Iffat Idris The Dawn Asia News Network Karachi 2. Swa -- Indonesian Perspective: Renewing and revitalizing the cities 1 X 30 Renewing and revitalizing the cities Sri-Edi Swasono

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, Dec. 27, 2003

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, Dec. 27, 2003 Exhibitions * Photo: Fratelli Alinari Italy: The One and Only - a Century of Phtography 1900/2000, National Museum, Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat No. 12, Central Jakarta (Tel. 3812346, 3868172), Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., until Jan. 6. * Painting: Dari Abas sampai Dumas, Galeri Milenium, D'Best Shopping Center, Blok B-23, Jl. R.S. Fatmawati No. 15, South Jakarta (Tel. 7507828), until Jan. 31.

;JP;TARKO SUDIARNO

;JP;TARKO SUDIARNO ANPAc..r.. Kudu-Statue-Theft JP/19/KUDU Kudu statues from Dieng draws thief's interest Charming Kudu statues at Javanese oldest temple Tarko Sudiarno The Jakarta Post Wonosobo, Central Java For locals and adherents of the Javanese mysticism, Bima Temple is the most sacred of all temples in Dieng plateau here. The temple is a home to the infamous Kudu statues.

Integrated concept imperative

Integrated concept imperative From Warta Kota Jakarta has its own concept of public transportation, but as was reported in the mass media lately, it has no integrated planning, so that the consequent impacts and excesses are not taken into account. For instance, the extended 3-in-1 zones and times have triggered a lot of protests, because in certain areas the restriction forces passengers and motorists to use alternative routes, causing much difficulty and frustration.

Highlighting the year's dynamism in art development

Highlighting the year's dynamism in art development Carla Bianpoen, Contributor, Jakarta The year 2003 may well enter history as one of the most dynamic in terms of visual arts. At the same time, it also deserves to be called the year of the private sector in the arts. Marked by at least four events that sought to bring a new wind into the world of art, it saw private individuals and collectors invest large amounts of their own money into the development of the visual arts.

Water rate hike in January despite protests

Water rate hike in January despite protests Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After much debate and public criticism since November over a 30 percent tap water rate hike proposed by the city administration, councillors have decided that Jakartans will kick off the new year with an increased water bill.

Now or never!

Now or never! Hard as one may try to welcome New Year 2004 with a smile, the month of December has brought to many Indonesians, if I may speak on their behalf, pessimistic sentiments. Even the prospect of the new-style general elections, with new breed of national leaders and legislators in sight, has failed to clear the mind. Two burning issues will stay at the forefront in the coming year as leftovers of the present upheavals: The combats against terrorism and corruption.

Mutual funds enters second year of booming

Mutual funds enters second year of booming Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The country's mutual fund industry has entered another year of rapid growth. After its value soared to Rp 46 trillion (about US$540 million) in 2002, the industry has today almost doubled to Rp 90 trillion. It's quite an achievement considering the money circulating in the industry was still valued at Rp 8.5 trillion early last year.

In Asia bitter enemies gear up for peace

In Asia bitter enemies gear up for peace Tim Sullivan, Associated Press, New Delhi Asia heads into 2004 with two of its bitterest enemies dancing delicately around a novel concept: peace. But while India and Pakistan reach out tentatively to one another, issues ranging from terrorism to SARS to sluggish economies remain driving concerns across much of the continent. Countries that have faced recent terrorist attacks will be on the watch for further violence in the new year.

Banking sector makes progress, challenges remain

Banking sector makes progress, challenges remain Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta It has been six years since the banking sector started its restructuring efforts. Still, while improvement in its financial health is undeniable, certain flaws remain -- indicating that the recovery process is still a long way off.

Floods mostly subside, residents still enduring effects

Floods mostly subside, residents still enduring effects The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Although floods had largely subsided in most of parts of Indonesia on Friday, residents in several other areas here are still badly affected by the annual deluge. Floods hit four regencies in Sulawesi island, affecting hundreds of residents in the areas, Antara news agency reported.

* Headlines:Floods subside, residents still enduring effects 2

* Headlines:Floods subside, residents still enduring effects 2 * National:Police name two more suspects in Marriott blast 3 * City:Waste begins to pile up before Bantar Gebang closure date 4 * Sports:WADA urged to get with the times 5 * Opinion:Democratic public service: Key to Indonesian recovery 6 * Features:'Mona Lisa Smile' somewhat facile and trite 9 * Business:Farmers take swipe at sugar producers 10 * World:Mideast foes moving toward more violence 12

Democratic public service: Key to Indonesian recovery

Democratic public service: Key to Indonesian recovery Edi Suhardi, Program Advisor, Partnership for Governance Reform in Indonesia, Jakarta The public service in Indonesia has been called many things, including lethargic, unproductive and mired in red tape. An undemocratic and inward-looking public service ends up concentrating power in the public service system as an inevitable consequence, which then leads to endemic corruption.

Hang bank corruptors

Hang bank corruptors From Republika The Indonesian people have recently been stunned by reports of huge bank scams at BNI (Rp 1.7 trillion) and BRI (Rp 294 billion). Quite easily these two government banks released such huge amounts of funds without following proper procedures.

Donations to help the poor

Donations to help the poor From Pos Kota Born and bred in Jakarta, I am always deeply moved by the plight of Jakarta residents when their residences are flooded or when they are evicted from their homes. In fact, the Jakarta city administration can set up a special institution to collect donation/charity from private employees, civil servants, businessmen, large-scale vendors and government officials in this capital city.

Year-end

Year-end Special Edition Dynamism, regeneration and a testing of the boundaries showed on the country's movie screens, music stages and in its art galleries. Rejuvenated after years when its fortunes were in flux, the arts -- examined here in our third Review 2003 edition -- savored the opportunities that came from renewed investment and public interest in the sector.

'Use idle budget to build homes for evictees'

'Use idle budget to build homes for evictees' Many urban activists have criticized development in the capital, as it focuses more on decorative projects rather than infrastructure development and the welfare of the people. The budget performance is worse -- only 60 percent of the Rp 2.24 trillion (US$263 million) earmarked for development projects in the 2003 city budget was used. The Jakarta Post talked to some Jakartans on what should have been done with the idle money.

Police capture suspect in PKB murder

Police capture suspect in PKB murder ID Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya East Java Police said on Friday they had captured a suspect charged with hacking to death a Muslim cleric who was a politician from the National Awakening Party (PKB) in Lumajang regency in November. "It's true that Lora Anshori has been arrested in (neighboring) Jember regency. Currently, he is being interrogated by the police in Lumajang," East Java Police chief Firman Gani told The Jakarta Post in Surabaya.

One dies due to hospital negligence

One dies due to hospital negligence TANGERANG: A 24-year-old woman who attempted suicide late on Wednesday at her house in Jatiuwung district of Tangerang municipality, died one day later after her family was turned away by several hospitals. The woman, who tried to hang herself, was found by her three- year-old daughter who came to ask for water at about 11:30 p.m. The child's screams woke her father, who later, helped by neighbors, lowered his wife who was still breathing.

JP/13/Telco

JP/13/Telco Sari P. Setiogi The Jakarta Post Jakarta The year 2003 has been a bright year for the telecommunications industry. The number of cellular phone subscribers has increased steadily, prompting cellular phone manufacturers to intensify sales campaigns. Cellular phone operators are also fighting fiercely with new players introducing code division multiple access (CDMA) technology to compete with the old system that uses the global system for mobile communication (GSM) technology.

Police name two more suspects in Marriott blast

Police name two more suspects in Marriott blast Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Police announced the names on Friday of two more suspects in the deadly JW Marriott Hotel bombing as the result of a reenactment by two detained suspects, Ismail and Tohir, on Wednesday. National Police deputy chief of public relations Brig.

Robust growth brings digital era to RI

Robust growth brings digital era to RI Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The country's production of consumer electronics has been booming in the last three years. This is supported by continued investment by foreign companies, who are interested to expand their market share in the country of 220 million people. Minister of Industry and Trade Rini M.S. Soewandi predicts that electronic exports will reach US$7 billion this year, compared to last year's $6 billion.

Farmers take swipe at sugar producers

Farmers take swipe at sugar producers Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Growers have blamed the high cost of locally-produced sugar on the old and inefficient manufacturing facilities of producers, and accused them of deliberately organizing damaging and misleading campaigns designed to put the blame on growers in order to obtain profitable import licenses.

JSX performance in 2003

JSX performance in 2003 Jan. 1: The government lifts fuel prices by 22 percent, causing protests from the public. Jan. 7: The government increases minimum wages nationwide by between 5.3 percent and 28.79 percent. March 20: The U.S.-led coalition launches war on Iraq, causing a temporary slide in the local stock market. May 5: The government announces its decision to exit from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) economic bailout program.

MMC Hospital safe? Guess what!

MMC Hospital safe? Guess what! It is not!! Hospital MMC (Metropolitan Medical Center) is not a safe place to go for a medical check-up. Here is my sad experience on Dec. 13. My wife and I went to MMC Kuningan where we had an appointment with Dr. Damayanti (THT). As we were registered as 36th patient, we were asked to be there before 3 p.m. what we did. We remain seated in the "waiting room" for more than 3 hours before we got a chance that our number was called by the Doctor's assistant.

South Korea's Kia Motors and its Malaysian partner Naza Kia

South Korea's Kia Motors and its Malaysian partner Naza Kia will launch four new car models next year mainly to take on national carmakers Proton and Perodua, a report said on Friday. The four models included a one-liter car, similar to Kia's Picanto, and three higher-capacity models, the Financial Daily quoted sources as saying.

Prosecutors recover Rp 68.5b in BRI scam

Prosecutors recover Rp 68.5b in BRI scam Abdul Khalik The Jakarta Post Jakarta The Jakarta Prosecutor's Office has recovered since September Rp 68.5 billion (US$8.1 million) of the Rp 294 billion lost in the Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) scandal, following a probe into over 30 accounts at several banks into which the money had been channeled.

A host of visitors brings Xmas cheer to recreational sites

A host of visitors brings Xmas cheer to recreational sites M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The extended Christmas holiday provides a good occasion to spend time outdoors, as seen in the increase of the number of visitors as of Friday at popular recreational sites in the capital. Ragunan Zoo in South Jakarta recorded over 17,000 visitors on Dec.

[b]Democratic public service:

Democratic public service: Key to Indonesian recovery Edi Suhardi Program Advisor Partnership for Governance Reform in Indonesia Jakarta 2. Amir -- 2 X 30 Trotsky's idea clearly similar to forced democracy upon Muslim world -or U.S. fails to distinguish battle for security from forced occupation Amir Butler Executive Director Australian Muslim Public Affairs Committee (AMPAC) Melbourne abutler@muslimaffairs.com.au

Yogyakarta hotels gear up for year-end festivities

Yogyakarta hotels gear up for year-end festivities Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta As the new year, 2004, is looming, star-rated hotels in Yogyakarta are busy preparing programs for year-end festivities, hoping to attract as many guests as possible during the holiday season. Five-star rated Yogyakarta Hyatt Regency on Jl.

Taxing kampong dwellers to relieve the blight

Taxing kampong dwellers to relieve the blight Growing slum areas and evictions in Jakarta have prompted some urban architects to further promote concepts of urban development that involve the local communities. Scholars from Delft University of Technology in Delft, the Netherlands, Jakarta's Erasmus Huis and other academics recently held a workshop involving young urban architects. One of the organizers, H.

Introduction to business, world year-end stories

Introduction to business, world year-end stories More than six years after the economic crisis hammered Indonesia and other countries in the region, the nation's economy is still struggling to make a full recovery as the rebuilding process remains slow. While progress is apparent in some macroeconomic indicators -- the stable rupiah, lower inflation and a steady decline in interest rates -- improvement in other areas, like the unemployment and poverty indices, remain hard to come by.

Water bill needs more debate: Activist

Water bill needs more debate: Activist Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A foreign activist has encouraged Indonesians to continue debating privatization and other issues concerning the bill on water resources, saying that people must have full control over the use of water resources. Samir Dossani of the Philippines said recently that a thorough debate within Indonesia was a must because water involved the interests of every Indonesian.

Jamsostek to increase bonds in 2004 asset composition

Jamsostek to increase bonds in 2004 asset composition Sandy Darmosumarto, The Jakarta Post, West Java State-owned social security firm PT Jamsostek will shift more of its investable funds in 2004 from deposits and stocks to government bonds amid declining interest rates and a possible volatile stock market due to the elections next year.

Listed firms enjoying earnings recovery

Listed firms enjoying earnings recovery Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The country's publicly-listed companies are enjoying better sales and operating profits this year on the back of improving macroeconomic stability and lower operating costs. This improvement should raise hopes that the corporate sector is on the verge of a revival after being decimated by the late 1990s economic crisis.

Now or never!

Now or never! Hard as one may try to welcome New Year 2004 with a smile, the month of December has brought to many Indonesians, if I may speak on their behalf, pessimistic sentiments. Even the prospect of the new-style general elections, with new breed of national leaders and legislators in sight, has failed to clear the mind. Two burning issues will stay at the forefront in the coming year as leftovers of the present upheavals: The combats against terrorism and corruption.

Donations to help the poor

Donations to help the poor From Pos Kota Born and bred in Jakarta, I am always deeply moved by the plight of Jakarta residents when their residences are flooded or when they are evicted from their homes. In fact, the Jakarta city administration can set up a special institution to collect donation/charity from private employees, civil servants, businessmen, large-scale vendors and government officials in this capital city.

Autoproducers to concentrate on underdeveloped component industry

Autoproducers to concentrate on underdeveloped component industry Sandy Darmosumarto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta An underdeveloped component industry and poor investor confidence has hampered Indonesia's efforts to construct a strong automotive sector and production base for the regional market, despite the country's advantages in terms of large population, low-cost labor, and abundant natural resources.

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, Dec. 27, 2003

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, Dec. 27, 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, web site: www.cemetiarthouse.com), everyday, 9 a.m.

Candidate sentenced for fake document

Candidate sentenced for fake document SEMARANG: The Semarang District Court has sentenced Siti Fatimah to three months in jail and fined her Rp 3 million (US$352.9) for using fake documents for her candidacy as a member of the Regional Representatives Council (DPD). Presiding Judge Edy Sudarmahono said that Fatimah had violated Law No.12/2003 on elections.

Daewoo wins $60m order from RI

Daewoo wins $60m order from RI SEOUL: South Korea's Daewoo International Corp. said on Friday it had secured jointly secured with affiliate Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering a US$60 million order to rebuild a submarine for Indonesia. Daewoo is to deliver the submarine to Indonesia's defense ministry by 2006 after upgrading its parts.

Ailing timber industry pays high cost of revival

Ailing timber industry pays high cost of revival Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The country's timber industry had been in the doldrums since the beginning of 2003, when the government launched efforts to restructure the industry to save the little that remain of country's natural forests and prevent them from being further overexploited.

Busway not to relieve congestion?

Busway not to relieve congestion? From Warta Kota Officials from the Jakarta provincial administration, including Governor Sutiyoso, have reiterated that in the first place, the busway project is not aimed at relieving traffic congestion. As a citizen frequently trapped in traffic jams, I wonder what the project is actually intended to do. Is it only for the purpose of making Jakarta look stylish, so that its leader will in the future be remembered as the initiator of this facility?

Sketches of bomber released

Sketches of bomber released Damar Harsanto and Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Police have moved quickly in their investigation into the bombing of the JW Marriott Hotel by releasing three composite sketches of the man who purchased the 1986 metallic blue Toyota Kijang minivan used in Tuesday's outrage. National Police detectives' chief Insp. Gen. Erwin Mapasseng told the press that the sketches were made based on the description given by the van's former owner.

Prosecutors recover Rp 68.5b in BRI scam

Prosecutors recover Rp 68.5b in BRI scam Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta Prosecutor's Office has recovered since September Rp 68.5 billion (US$8.1 million) of the Rp 294 billion lost in the Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) scandal, following a probe into over 30 accounts at several banks into which the money had been channeled.

Democratic public service: Key to Indonesian recovery

Democratic public service: Key to Indonesian recovery Edi Suhardi Program Advisor Partnership for Governance Reform in Indonesia Jakarta The public service in Indonesia has been called many things, including lethargic, unproductive and mired in red tape. An undemocratic and inward-looking public service ends up concentrating power in the public service system as an inevitable consequence, which then leads to endemic corruption.

Legal aid at the crossroads

Legal aid at the crossroads Frans H. Winarta, Member of the Board of Trustees, Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI), Jakarta The financial plight of the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) has been the subject of considerable discussion in the press in recent months. The concern is justified given the leading role this organization played in the struggle for human rights during the New Order regime.

Megawati approves establishments of KPK, KPI

Megawati approves establishments of KPK, KPI Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri signed on Friday two decrees, one on the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and another on the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI), allowing the new institutions to commence their work. "The president signed the decrees today," Erman Radjagukguk, deputy secretary of the Cabinet Secretary, told The Jakarta Post on Friday.

East Timor wins first ever medal

East Timor wins first ever medal HANOI: Handicapped East Timorese weightlifter Mateus Lukas was celebrating on Christmas Day after unexpectedly winning his country's first medal during the second ASEAN Para Games in Hanoi. Lukas grabbed the bronze medal in the men's 48kg weightlifting division on Tuesday after lifting 110 kilos at Hanoi's Trinh Hoai Duc Competition House, officials said. According to the government Vietnam News Agency (VNA), Lukas, 25, was born with congenital polio.