Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 5 December 2003

84 articles found

Govt to issue Rp 2.5t worth of bonds on Dec. 16

Govt to issue Rp 2.5t worth of bonds on Dec. 16 The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government is set to undertake its fourth and final bond issue this year, worth around Rp 2.5 trillion, on Dec. 16 to help finance this year's state budget. A press statement from the Ministry of Finance revealed on Thursday that the bond would mature on Oct. 15, 2010, and carry a fixed-rate coupon of 12 percent to be payable twice a year.

SEA Games medal race officially opens today

SEA Games medal race officially opens today Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Hanoi The battle for gold medal honors begins in earnest Friday with the formal opening of the 22nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Vietnam. However, after an impressive start in the pre-opening ceremony competition, Indonesia failed to add another medal to its collection on Thursday, which offered two golds in gymnastics and archery.

Elephant fossils found in Tangerang hamlet

Elephant fossils found in Tangerang hamlet Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang Fossils, most likely those of a giant elephant, were discovered buried six meters under the ground by a sand miner recently, in Balencong hamlet, Ketapang village, Mauk district in Tangerang regency. Tangerang regency Tourism and Culture Agency chief, Muhyi Syarifudin, said on Thursday that the discovery had been reported to the agency, which later sent officials to survey the site.

Jakarta dump site plan meets tough resistance

Jakarta dump site plan meets tough resistance Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor Bogor policemen fired warning shots at hundreds of residents of Bojong and Situsari subdistricts and arrested four who showed strong resistance to the plan to establish a dump site for the capital Jakarta in the neighborhood.

Japan, Vietnam lay out action plan to boost FDI

Japan, Vietnam lay out action plan to boost FDI Agence France-Presse Hanoi, Vietnam Japan and Vietnam signed into force on Thursday a bilateral action plan aimed at boosting flagging Japanese investment in the communist nation. The Japan-Vietnam Joint Initiative was sanctioned in April this year during talks in Tokyo between Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and his Vietnamese counterpart Phan Van Khai.

TV Today: Friday, Dec. 5, 2003

TV Today: Friday, Dec. 5, 2003 .TB.30" .90" TVRI .tb .30" .90" 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 10:00 Quiz: Dibisikin 12:30 p.m. Music 1:00 News: Berita Siang 3:00 News 3:30 Documentary 4:00 English News Service 7:00 News 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 10:00 Music: Dangdut Kristal 11:00 Talk Show: Bincang Malam 12:00 a.m. News TPI 6:00 a.m.

GAM violently defies ban on anniversary observance

GAM violently defies ban on anniversary observance Nani Farida and Teuku Agam Muzakkir, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh/Lhokseumawe Celebrations marking the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) anniversary proceeded in the province on Thursday despite the heavy military presence there to prevent the observance.

Robbers tie up family, take Rp 17m

Robbers tie up family, take Rp 17m JAKARTA: After neglecting to lock the front door and gate, four people found themselves locked in a single bathroom for several hours while four armed men robbed the house and took jewelry and cash worth a total of Rp 17 million (about US$2,000). Edy Susanto, 50, and his wife, Linda, 50, were with a guest, Ria Yuni, 46, when four unidentified men casually walked into their house in East Kelapa Gading, East Jakarta, and, pointing a pistol, told them to lie down.

Jakarta hosts international Koran reading contest

Jakarta hosts international Koran reading contest Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Participants from 45 countries are expected to compete in an international Koran reading contest from Saturday through until Monday next week, the first competition since the event was recently declared two-yearly.

Polls won't harm RI economy: Banker

Polls won't harm RI economy: Banker Dow Jones, Bali, Indonesia Indonesia's elections next year aren't likely to affect the direction of the government's economic and fiscal policies and so the economy should continue to grow, the chief economist for Asia at Deutsche Bank AG said Thursday. "I think (Indonesia's) economy will function just fine," Michael Spencer told Dow Jones Newswires in an interview. "The elections will be colorful and eventful but policy continuity is certain," he said.

Big names qualify as DPD candidates

Big names qualify as DPD candidates Bambang Nurbianto The Jakarta Post Jakarta The Jakarta General Elections Commission (KPUD) announced some big names among the 36 candidates that qualified for the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) for next year's general election.

Evi Mariani

Evi Mariani The Jakarta Post Jakarta The owners of hundreds of shanty homes near a reservoir in East Jakarta have been given until Sunday or Monday to dismantle their homes before city officials tear them down. Residents meanwhile voiced disillusion with their favorite political party in a situation becoming all too familiar across the city.

Latham tries to mend fences with U.S.

Latham tries to mend fences with U.S. AUSTRALIA: Australia's outspoken new opposition leader, Mark Latham, met on Thursday with the U.S. ambassador in a bid to mend fences after branding President George W. Bush "incompetent and dangerous". Latham said he told Ambassador Tom Schieffer that Australia's alliance with the United States was vital to the nation's security but did not mean an automatic "rubber stamp" of approval for all U.S. policies. "For Labor, our alliance with the U.S.

Japan, ASEAN anti-terror meet ends

Japan, ASEAN anti-terror meet ends JAPAN: Japan and ASEAN nations wound up a two-day closed-door meeting here on Thursday to discuss joint measures against terrorism in the region, a foreign ministry official said. "We do not make any announcement on what has been discussed in concrete terms because of the nature of the topic which is terrorism," the official said.

KPU issues guidelines for recruiting legislative candidates

KPU issues guidelines for recruiting legislative candidates Tiarma Siboro and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The General Elections Commission (KPU) has issued guidelines on recruiting legislative candidates for political parties participating in the 2004 elections. KPU chairman Nazaruddin Syamsuddin said on Thursday that the guidelines aimed at netting qualified individuals through a democratic and transparent process.

Australia joins U.S.-led missile defense system

Australia joins U.S.-led missile defense system Belinda Goldsmith, Reuters, Canberra Australia has joined a controversial U.S.-led "Son of Star Wars" defense program designed to shoot down ballistic missiles, strengthening military ties with its key ally despite a risk of Asian displeasure.

Over 160 migrants seek safety

Over 160 migrants seek safety Rusman, The Jakarta Post, Samarinda, East Kalimantan Following a recent clash between two groups of migrants, in which two people were killed and another injured, more than 160 migrants from West Nusa Tenggara are seeking refuge at the Samarinda Police station in fear of further violence. East Kalimantan Police said they had arrested eight people accused of taking part in the brawl, which broke out on Nov. 30, and were questioning the suspects.

Railway ticket

Railway ticket scalping rife From Warta Kota Ticket scalpers are now operating at railway stations and reservation centers, as public demand is rising, particularly in the days approaching Idul Fitri when ticket supplies are limited. Meanwhile, the system applied by the state railway company still enables widespread ticket scalping to take place. A variety of methods already employed to eliminate the practice have failed.

Govt finalizing draft for new state accounting standard

Govt finalizing draft for new state accounting standard The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A new accounting standard in the drawing up of state financial reports is being drafted and is expected to be finalized in June next year, before coming into effect in 2005, according to Minister of Finance Boediono. "There is still time left, but we need to work hard to prepare the whole thing," Boediono told a seminar on state accounting on Thursday.

Big names qualify to run for DPD candidates

Big names qualify to run for DPD candidates Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta General Elections Commission (KPUD) announced some big names among the 36 candidates that qualified for the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) for next year's general election.

If I were Tutut Soeharto

If I were Tutut Soeharto Kornelius Purba, Staff Writer, The Jakarta Post Jakarta, korpur@yahoo.com Read my lips! That will be the theme of my presidential campaign next year. I made up my mind about the theme when I walked to my father's house in Menteng, Central Jakarta. My father Soeharto smiled broadly when we met for breakfast on Thursday morning.

U.S. provides $24m for elections

U.S. provides $24m for elections JAKARTA: U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia Ralph L. Boyce handed over on Thursday financial assistance worth US$24 million for the upcoming elections to the General Elections Commission (KPU). "It is a tremendous undertaking (the elections). We are providing assistance to our fellow country Indonesia, and yet, the foreign assistance is a tiny part of the overall cost of the elections, which will be three times the 1999 election," Boyce told reporters.

JP/12/Tally

JP/12/Tally Vietnam (JP): Medal standing after pre-opening competition on Thursday 1. Malaysia 1 2 0 3 2. Indonesia 1 0 1 2 3. Thailand 1 0 0 1 4. Singapore 0 1 0 1 5. Philippines 0 0 2 2 6. East Timor 0 0 0 0 7. Vietnam 0 0 0 0 8. Laos 0 0 0 0 9. Myanmar 0 0 0 0 10. Brunei 0 0 0 0 11. Cambodia 0 0 0 0

Police officers held for drug

Police officers held for drug PALU, Central Sulawesi: The Central Sulawesi provincial police are questioning two police officers over drug charges. The two police officers in question were Adj. Sr. Comr. Ndang Supriatna, the deputy head of the provincial's police traffic division, and Adj. Sr. Comr. Suko Haradi, the head of the Criminal Analysis Division at the provincial police.

Focus on the poor

Focus on the poor The focus of the World Bank Group's Country Assistance Strategy (CAS) for Indonesia for the 2004 to 2007 period will be, by and large, very similar to that of the 2001 to 2003 CAS -- that was, to reduce poverty through improving the investment climate, service delivery and governance.

A new opportunity in Cancun's failure

A new opportunity in Cancun's failure Balakrishnan Rajagopal, Director, Program on Human Rights and Justice, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, U.S.A, Yale Center for the Study of Globalization In 1955, twenty-nine nations from Africa and Asia gathered in Bandung, Indonesia in the first-ever meeting of the former- colonized, non-white nations.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec.4, 2003

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec.4, 2003 ____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,025 -25 37,500 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 90 0 0 Akbar Indo Makmur 70 0 107,500 Alakasa Industrindo 150 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 1,250 0 0 Alter Abadi Tbk 25 0 50,500 Alumindo Light 190 0 0...

East Jakarta delays Pulomas reservoir eviction

East Jakarta delays Pulomas reservoir eviction Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The owners of hundreds of shanty homes near a reservoir in East Jakarta have been given until Sunday or Monday to dismantle their homes before city officials tear them down. Residents meanwhile voiced disillusion with their favorite political party in a situation becoming all too familiar across the city.

Thursday's result

Thursday's result Archery Men's individual finals: M.M. Marbawi (Mas) bt Loh Wen Liang (Sin) 104-102 Third-fourth playoff: Florente Mantan (Phi) bt Tun Ling Aung (Mya) 108-103 1. M. Marbawi (Mas) 2. Loh Wen Liang (Sin) 3.

Lion Air, Garuda to fly to Vietnam this month

Lion Air, Garuda to fly to Vietnam this month Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The country's flagship carrier Garuda Indonesia, and local no- frills airline Lion Air will launch flights to Vietnam starting this month. For the past five years, no Indonesian airline has served the route. Lion Air's maiden flight to Ho Chi Minh City will be on Dec. 19. It will be an extension of its Jakarta to Singapore route, which started last month.

Article focuses on Tomy: Witness

Article focuses on Tomy: Witness JAKARTA: Expert witness Tjipta Lesmana testified on Thursday at the South Jakarta District Court in the civil suit case between businessman Tomy Winata against Tempo daily. Tomy filed the libel suit over a Feb. 6, 2003 article about Tomy and Governor of Southeast Sulawesi Ali Mazi. Tjipta, a lecturer at the University of Indonesia, said the article focused more on Tomy than the governor.

Indonesia, play good music, please!

Indonesia, play good music, please! Thang D. Nguyen, Program Coordinator, United in Diversity Forum, Jakarta The celebration of Idul Fitri -- which is fondly known as Lebaran -- recently in Indonesia would have been perfect, if it were not for a bomb explosion and an open gunfire in Poso, Central Sulawesi. According to The Jakarta Post, the explosion took place near a housing complex in the sub-district Lawanga on Nov.

Lippo sale relaunched, old bidders given priority

Lippo sale relaunched, old bidders given priority The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) has relaunched the sale of a 52 percent stake in the publicly listed Bank Lippo, through a strategic sale mechanism it expects to complete by February. IBRA was scheduled to complete the sale in October, but it was postponed due to the low prices offered by three bidders.

Thursday's result

Thursday's result Archery Men's individual finals: M.M. Marbawi (Mas) bt Loh Wen Liang (Sin) 104-102 Third-fourth playoff: Florente Mantan (Phi) bt Tun Ling Aung (Mya) 108-103 Medalists: 1. M. Marbawi (Mas) 2. Loh Wen Liang (Sin) 3. Florente F.

Bali bombers file appeals with SC

Bali bombers file appeals with SC Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali Six convicted Bali bombers, including the mastermind of the bombings Abdul Aziz alias Imam Samudra, have appealed to the Supreme Court, their lawyer said on Thursday. "We submitted the appeal motions on behalf of Imam Samudra, Abdul Rauf, Junaedi, Andi Hidayat, Bambang Setiono and Musyafak," Qadhar Faisal Ruskanda of the Muslim Lawyers Team (TPM) said.

1. BRI: 2 LINES, 16 COUNTS

1. BRI: 2 LINES, 16 COUNTS Bank scandals may destabilize economy 2. GAMES: 2 lINES, 17 COUNTS Phoney war over as SEA Games heats up 3. ACEH: 2 lINES, 20 COUNTS GAM violently defies ban on anniversary observance 4. CLASH: 1 line, 32 COUNTS Soldiers, police clash in S. Sulawesi

TV Today: Friday, Dec. 5, 2003

TV Today: Friday, Dec. 5, 2003 .TB.30" .90" TVRI .tb .30" .90" 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 10:00 Quiz: Dibisikin 12:30 p.m. Music 1:00 News: Berita Siang 3:00 News 3:30 Documentary 4:00 English News Service 7:00 News 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 10:00 Music: Dangdut Kristal 11:00 Talk Show: Bincang Malam 12:00 a.m. News TPI 6:00 a.m.

1. ELECTION: 48 pt, 3 cols, 3 x 18

1. ELECTION: 48 pt, 3 cols, 3 x 18 (to be sent later) 2. BANK: 36 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 30 BRI tried to cover up scam: AGO 3. WASTE: 32 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 24 Jakarta dump plan meets tough resistance 4. AIDS: 28 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 38 Govt ponders controversial AIDS program 5. EVICT: 28 pt, 5 cols, 1 x 48 East Jakarta delays Pulomas reservoir evictions 6. ODD: 20 pt, 2 cols, 1 x 28 Father auctions his kidney

Contractors or brokers?

Contractors or brokers? From Koran Tempo Three months ago, a transaction concerning the right to a toll road construction project was reported. According to Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Jusuf Kalla, it was a normal transaction and the origin of the money was unknown. The statement was made in connection with rumors that the funds derived from the scam at Bank Negara Indonesia went to two presidential aspirants of the Golkar Party.

1. 5 columns, 1 line, 35

1. 5 columns, 1 line, 35 Polls won't harm RI economy: Banker 2. 2 columns, 2 lines, 20 Euro snaps rally against U.S. dollar 3. 3 columns, 1 line, 33 Japan's corporate sentiment better

Indonesia loses to Vietnam

Indonesia loses to Vietnam The Jakarta Post Hanoi Ten-man Indonesia went down to Vietnam 1-0 on Thursday leaving it with mounting task in its last match in Group A against defending champion Thailand. The only scorer in the game at the My Dinh Stadium was Phan Thanh Binh in the 34th minute. Earlier, Thailand routed Laos 6-0. Thailand and Vietnam have collected four points each with the former heading at the top thanks to its better goal difference.

Politicians welcome Tutut's bid for presidential seat in 2004

Politicians welcome Tutut's bid for presidential seat in 2004 The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State officials and politicians welcomed on Thursday former president Soeharto's eldest daughter Siti "Tutut" Hardiyanti Rukmana's plans to run for the presidency in next year's elections, stressing that democracy allowed anyone to join the presidential election.

BRI tried to cover up scam: AGO

BRI tried to cover up scam: AGO Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Attorney General's Office (AGO) said on Thursday that the management of state-owned Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) tried to keep the Rp 294 billion (US$34.5 million) loan fraud a secret when prosecutors investigated the case in October.

Water refill business to keep gushing

Water refill business to keep gushing Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Several owners of water refill outlets in the city said on Thursday that business would still continue despite the Minister of Industry and Trade's recent ruling, which prohibits refill outlets from refilling branded bottles of drinking water. "How will they (the ministry officials) monitor (the implementation)?" said Iwan, who sells water in Bendungan Hilir, Central Jakarta.

FBI team arrives to investigate bloody Timika ambush

FBI team arrives to investigate bloody Timika ambush Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A team of the United States's Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is expected to arrive here in the next two days to continue the probe into the Timika ambush that killed two Americans in August 2002.

* Headlines: BRI tried to cover up scam 2

* Headlines: BRI tried to cover up scam 2 * National: Test fails to reveal KPK candidates' track records 4 * Archipelago: HIV/AIDS, a clear danger in Papua 5 * Opinion: Indonesia, play good music, please 6 * City: Water refill business to keep gushing 8 * Sports: Bryant leads Lakers rally against struggling Spurs 11 * World: Israel-U.S. tension rising over symbolic accord 10 * Business: Elections won't affect Indonesia's economy 14 * Features: Mystic River named best film of the year 20

Contractors or brokers?

Contractors or brokers? From Koran Tempo Three months ago, a transaction concerning the right to a toll road construction project was reported. According to Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Jusuf Kalla, it was a normal transaction and the origin of the money was unknown. The statement was made in connection with rumors that the funds derived from the scam at Bank Negara Indonesia went to two presidential aspirants of the Golkar Party.

KPU: For money or devotion?

KPU: For money or devotion? From Kompas The news that the monthly salary of members of the General Elections Commission (KPU) is over Rp 10 million and that the KPU will also build 10 houses worth about Rp 1 billion each surprised me. The question arises: Is service on the commission meant to earn a living or for devotion to the country?

Alzier's win annuled, revote planned

Alzier's win annuled, revote planned Oyos Saroso H.N., The Jakarta Post, Bandarlampung, Lampung After almost one year of leadership standoff in Lampung, the central government has finally issued a ministerial decree annulling the gubernatorial election of Alzier Dianis Thabrani and ordering a revote to elect a new governor for the province.

Pertamina president defends cancellation of planned fleet

Pertamina president defends cancellation of planned fleet Sandy Darmosumarto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned oil and gas company PT Pertamina defended on Thursday the cancellation of a plan to build its own shipping fleet during a hearing with House of Representative Commission IX on financial affairs. Pertamina President Arrifi Nawawi told legislators that the cost of the project would be too high for the company.

House screens KPI candidates

House screens KPI candidates Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives subcommission for communications and information began to assess on Thursday the suitability of candidates for membership of the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI), paying much attention to their integrity and independence. When grilling Bimo Nugroho, Mochamad Sukarna, Mahayoni, Wahyu S.

Mega calls for 'fair' campaign

Mega calls for 'fair' campaign JAKARTA: President Megawati Soekarnoputri urged political parties on Thursday to be fair in appraising the current administration and not to denounce the government to gain votes in the upcoming elections. Speaking during the inauguration of the first double-track railway line in Cikampek, West Java, the President said election campaigns could be conducted without damaging the government's image.

Test fails to reveal KPK candidates' track records

Test fails to reveal KPK candidates' track records Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The final test to select five members of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) executive body was off to a disappointing start on Thursday as it failed to dig into the candidates' track records.

Rupiah Retes Dec.4

Rupiah Retes Dec.4 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 6,621.46 5,880.77 6,284.05 6,217.95 Brunei dollar 1 5,239.29 4,653.66 4,972.31 4,920.48 Canadian dollar 1 6,908.53 6,135.18 6,556.50 6,486.94 Swiss franc 1 6,978.26 6,199.46 6,622.67 6,554.91 Danish krone 1 1,463.34 1,300.13 1,388.78 1,374.67 Euro 1 10,890.76 9,675.07 10,335.80 10,229.80 Poundsterling 1 15,508.79 13,777.70 14,718.52 14,567.66 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,157.80 1,028.85 1,098.80 1,087.84...

On visa-free entry

On visa-free entry Your article headlined Govt delays implementation of new visa policy again (The Jakarta Post, Nov. 28) quotes the immigration department as saying that Indonesia plans to "adopt a simple visa-on-arrival procedure, as applied in Thailand". In recent years I have entered Thailand several times by land, sea and air from Malaysia, Laos, Vietnam and Indonesia but I have never been asked to pay for an entry visa.

[b]

If I were Tutut Soeharto Kornelius Purba Staff Writer The Jakarta Post Jakarta korpur@yahoo.com 2. Pro -- Is the market moral? 1 x 30 Is the market moral or capitalist? Jerry Z. Muller Professor of history Catholic University of America Washington, DC Project Syndicate 3. Thang -- Indonesia play good music! 1 x 30 Indonesia, play good music, please! Thang D. Nguyen Program Coordinator United in Diversity Forum Jakarta

Jakarta dump site plan meets tough resistance

Jakarta dump site plan meets tough resistance Theresia Sufa The Jakarta Post Bogor Bogor policemen fired warning shots at hundreds of residents of Bojong and Situsari subdistricts and arrested four who showed strong resistance to the plan to establish a dump site for the capital Jakarta in the neighborhood.

Extension of martial law

Extension of martial law From Media Indonesia The government has decided to extend martial law in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam for another six months. At this moment the Indonesian government and the Indonesian people have only one goal, namely to restore order in the province as soon as possible without any political calculations that have links with the upcoming 2004 general election. Ideally, the Acehnese will be able to take part in this election freely and peacefully.

Myanmar's 'road map' to be discussed

Myanmar's 'road map' to be discussed THAILAND: Thailand will host a 10-nation meeting to discuss Myanmar's proposed "road map" toward democratic reform in Bangkok this month, officials and reports said on Thursday. The Nation newspaper said Austria, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia and Singapore had been invited to send representatives to the talks due to be held on Dec. 15.

Court throws out school's civil suit against ministry

Court throws out school's civil suit against ministry P.C. Naommy, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The panel of judges at the South Jakarta District Court threw out a civil suit against the Ministry of National Education and private firm PT Tata Disantara as students protested outside the courthouse on Thursday. The court ruled that the civil suit against the ministry and the firm was obscure.

Govt urged to seek lenient terms from CGI

Govt urged to seek lenient terms from CGI Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Less than a week before the annual meeting of the Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI) takes place, the government is being urged to be tougher on the group and refrain from bowing to its burdensome loan requirements.

Japan, Vietnam lay out action plan to boost FDI

Japan, Vietnam lay out action plan to boost FDI Agence France-Presse Hanoi, Vietnam Japan and Vietnam signed into force on Thursday a bilateral action plan aimed at boosting flagging Japanese investment in the communist nation. The Japan-Vietnam Joint Initiative was sanctioned in April this year during talks in Tokyo between Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and his Vietnamese counterpart Phan Van Khai.

Soldiers, police clash in South Sulawesi

Soldiers, police clash in South Sulawesi Andi Hajramurni and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Makassar/Jakarta A soldier and a policeman were wounded on Thursday in shoot-outs between troops and police in the town of Palopo, Luwu regency, South Sulawesi, officials and residents said. The clash erupted briefly near the Luwu Police station at around 9:30 a.m., and ended after Army commanders arrived at the scene.

'HIV/AIDS awareness campaign needed'

'HIV/AIDS awareness campaign needed' With HIV/AIDS emerging as an increasing threat, many still treat it as a personal problem, without realizing that the virus can infect anybody, whether they are living a lifestyle that exposes them to the infection or not. The lack of awareness causes the stigmatization and discrimination of people living with HIV/AIDS. The Jakarta Post talked to several people about the issue. Annie, 29, works at the Australian Embassy, South Jakarta.

Military school gets new chief

Military school gets new chief JAKARTA: The Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto inducted Vice Marshal Herman Prayitno as commander of the TNI Staff and Command School in the West Java capital of Bandung on Thursday, replacing Lt. Gen. Djaja Suparman. Prayitno is the fourth military officer to be appointed to the post since the Armed Forces (ABRI) Staff and Command School was renamed TNI Staff and Command School.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec.4, 2003

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec.4, 2003 ____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,025 -25 37,500 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 90 0 0 Akbar Indo Makmur 70 0 107,500 Alakasa Industrindo 150 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 1,250 0 0 Alter Abadi Tbk 25 0 50,500 Alumindo Light 190 0 0...

Old hand Jonathan fails to inspire in gymnastics

Old hand Jonathan fails to inspire in gymnastics Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Hanoi Jonathan Sianturi failed to inspire his younger teammates in Indonesia's bid in the men's gymnastics competition team event at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Hanoi. With other team members -- Restu Wahyudi and Mohammad Aldilla Akbar Endriadi -- Indonesia finished in fourth place behind Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines.

SE Asian tour a mission impossible for terror-wary Limp Bizkit

SE Asian tour a mission impossible for terror-wary Limp Bizkit American rock group Limp Bizkit has canceled appearances in four Southeast Asian countries due to security fears after a warning from the U.S. State Department, promoters said on Thursday. The band was supposed to perform in Singapore on Wednesday night followed by dates in the Indonesian resort of Bali, Thailand's capital Bangkok and Manila in the Philippines. It simply did not turn up in Singapore.

Nerves spoil Kuswantoro's battle in archery

Nerves spoil Kuswantoro's battle in archery The Jakarta Post, Hanoi The mood of the Indonesian archery team at the National Sports Training Center, about 15 kilometers west of downtown Hanoi, was in marked contrast on Thursday compared to its joyous mood on Wednesday. After celebrating victory in the women's individual event on Wednesday, the team failed to take a medal in the men's event as Kuswantoro, Indonesia's best prospect, suffered an upset defeat in the quarterfinals.

Beware politicians

Beware politicians bearing gifts From Media Indonesia As the 2004 general election nears, we should be alert for various political occurrences that could prevent the people from going to the polls, such as political violence and security disturbances. Behind the tension and violence that may arise, some politicians may be trying to benefit their own interests.

Indonesia has yet to add medals; SEAG set to kick off

Indonesia has yet to add medals; SEAG set to kick off Musthofid The Jakarta Post Hanoi The phoney war is over and the battle for gold medal honors begins in earnest Friday with the formal opening of the 22nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Vietnam. However, after an impressive start in the pre-opening ceremony competition, Indonesia failed to add another medal to its collection on Thursday, which offered two golds in gymnastics and archery.

Mysterious virus kills chicken in Yogya

Mysterious virus kills chicken in Yogya YOGYAKARTA: In the past few days, thousands of chicken died of being attacked by mysterious virus in Sentolo district, the Yogyakarta regency of Kulonprogo. Poniman, a poultry breeder, said that he had lost over 2,000 chicken over the deadly virus. "They were seen healthy, but they suddenly died," Poniman, a resident in Srikayangan village in Sentolo, said on Thursday. Suprat, Poniman's neighbor, shared the similar experience.

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, Dec. 5, 2003

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, Dec. 5, 2003 Exhibitions * An exhibition of over 100 terracotta's from the Majapahit Kingdom period, 13th-15th century, East Java and other parts of the archipelago. The Royal Treasures Room, Dharma Mulia Galleries, Jl. Ciputat Raya No. 50 (Tel. 7492850), 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., until Dec. 15. * 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), Dec.

Veteran soldiers vs police in Makassar

Veteran soldiers vs police in Makassar MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Dozens of veteran soldiers and their families, whose their houses in Panakkukang area here were destroyed in May this year to allow the construction of a building office, clashed with police personnel on Thursday, leaving one person slightly injured.

Indonesia goes down to host Vietnam 1-0

Indonesia goes down to host Vietnam 1-0 The Jakarta Post, Hanoi A ten-man Indonesia squad went down 1-0 to Vietnam on Thursday leaving it with a difficult task in its last match in Group A against defending champion Thailand. The only scorer in the game at the My Dinh Stadium was Phan Thanh Binh in the 34th minute. Earlier, Thailand routed Laos 6-0. Thailand and Vietnam have collected four points each with the former topping the table thanks to goal difference.

Lawyers want single Asaba case file

Lawyers want single Asaba case file JAKARTA: Lawyers of businessman Gunawan Santosa, the prime suspect in the murder case of PT Aneka Sarana Bakti (Asaba) president director Boedyharto Angsono, asked police to compile his dossiers into a single case file for smoother proceedings. "We can shorten the legal proceedings by compiling the dossiers into one case file," head of Gunawan's legal team, Alamsyah Hanafiah, said on Thursday.

Achieving

Achieving national discipline It is amazing that the problem of transition toward democracy, which has characterized Indonesian political development during the past five years, has recently triggered a hectic debate between scholars and commentators. Also, the debate has involved an exchange of opposing arguments from differing perspectives, as manifest in a dozen lengthy articles published in Kompas, from Sept. 29 to date.

Govt ponders controversial AIDS program

Govt ponders controversial AIDS program Dewi Santoso, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government is considering a nationwide HIV/AIDS harm reduction program that will provide injecting drug users (IDU) with clean disposable needles and methadone treatment. Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Jusuf Kalla said on Thursday the program was an initiative to break the transmission chain of HIV/AIDS among IDUs.

Four Papuan students arrested in Java

Four Papuan students arrested in Java JAKARTA: Four students from Indonesia's easternmost province of Papua have been arrested in Central Java for flying a separatist flag tied to balloons, police said Thursday. The four were detained separately on Wednesday and could be charged with treason which carries up to 20 years in jail, said First Sergeant Edi, a policeman on duty in the city of Semarang.

Voting for political parties

Voting for political parties From TEMPO Indonesia is facing a lot of problems now, among other concerns, ongoing financial woes, the threat of national disintegration (in Aceh and Papua), and terrorist acts. Next year Indonesians will elect their representatives in the People's Consultative Assembly and the House of Representatives and also their new president. They are certainly hopeful that the winning political party will be able to solve the problems that the nation has been facing.

Bank scandals may destabilize economy

Bank scandals may destabilize economy The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Loan fraud at state-owned banks could further shatter public confidence in the country's banking sector and put the overall economy at risk if such cases were not immediately curbed, Minister of Finance Boediono warned on Thursday. "The fraud may have an impact on the country's economic stability if it cannot be contained immediately," he told reporters.

Major railway project completed

Major railway project completed Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Cikampek, West Java The government has completed the construction of the 135- kilometer double track railway linking Cikampek and Cirebon in West Java -- a project planned decades ago but shelved due to lobbying by politically-connected businessmen. The project was officially inaugurated on Thursday by Presi dent Megawati Soekarnoputri at Cikampek railway station..

Selecting bank managers

Selecting bank managers History has taught us that the collapse of the country's banking system, which cost the economy thousands of trillions of rupiahs until 2020, was among others caused by the reckless attitude of bank managers. Bank owners raised public funds and channeled them to their respective business groups without adequate collaterals. Bank managers, directors and commissioners alike are an integral part of this practice.

HIV/AIDS, a clear danger for Papuans

HIV/AIDS, a clear danger for Papuans Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura, Papua The number of people living with HIV/AIDS in Papua, Indonesia's easternmost province, has reached an alarming level. The province has a 2.3 million-strong population, and the number of people living with the potentially life-threatening virus, according to the latest data, is 1,018.