Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 14 February 2003

69 articles found

Dry El Nino conditions persist in region

Dry El Nino conditions persist in region Deutsche Presse-Agentur, Bangkok The El Nino climate phenomenon will continue to bring dry weather to Indonesia, Micronesia and northern and northeastern Australia in early 2003, although with a lesser impact than in 1997-98, according to a report issued Thursday by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Simple living difficult concept

Simple living difficult concept From Kompas Upon reading an article titled Plain living: Easier said than done published in the Jan. 14 issue of this newspaper, I became immensely annoyed at the behavior of most of our leaders as they fail to live a simple life, let alone live poorly, while the majority of our people are still suffering from the squeeze of the protracted economic crisis. To make matters worse, many wealthy people shamelessly flaunt their wealth.

Govt drags heels on telecommunications regulatory body

Govt drags heels on telecommunications regulatory body Arya Abhiseka, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The current telecommunications law should be amended to allow for the establishment of an independent regulatory body in the sector as demanded by the industry players, a senior governmental official said on Thursday. Jamhari Sirat, Director General of Post and Telecommunications at the Ministry of Transportation said under the Telecommunications Law No.

Villagers' participation in Riaupulp's community forestry project

Villagers' participation in Riaupulp's community forestry project Thousands of villagers in Riau province benefit from PT Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper's (Riaupulp) community forestry project, under which they allow the company to plant acacia trees on their land on a revenue-sharing basis.

Ryaas faults govt over Lampung

Ryaas faults govt over Lampung JAKARTA: Former regional autonomy minister Ryaas Rasyid criticized the government for not swearing in Lampung's governor- elect because of corruption allegations, saying this violated the regional autonomy law. "The minister of home affairs is obliged to swear in Alzier Dianis Thabrani even though the corruption case is still being investigated.

Top seeds through to Cigna quarterfinals

Top seeds through to Cigna quarterfinals The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Suwandi and Febi Widhiyanto, who failed to bring Indonesia to the next stage in the Davis Cup matches, chalked up easy wins over their opponents to reach the Cigna Open tennis tournament quarterfinals here on Thursday.

NGO warns of unrestrained privatization of public services

NGO warns of unrestrained privatization of public services The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Selling state companies that provide public services may help Indonesia's economic reforms, but not necessarily the public who must let private companies treat them as consumers and the service as commodities, according to a report by a non-government organization. Business Watch Indonesia (BWI) issued on Thursday its study on Indonesia's privatization program in the sectors of water, energy and health.

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, Feb. 14, 2003

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, Feb. 14, 2003 Exhibitions * Painting, Donated Prize Winning Paintings, 100 percent proceeds to Charity, at Gallery Cafe Linggar, Kemang Timur No. 36, South Jakarta, (Tel. 021-71790008), until Feb. 20, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.. * Photo, Arsitektur Jepang Kontemporer, Gallery Mini, The Japan Foundation, Summitmas 1, 2nd, Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 61-62 Jakarta, (Tel. 021-5201266), until Feb. 28, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m..

Fixing business environment is what counts

Fixing business environment is what counts Todd Callahan and Andri Manuwoto, PT Jasa Cita, Jakarta We are over a month into a new year and Indonesia watchers have generally given President Megawati's administration a B+ for sound macroeconomic management and improved fiscal sustainability. The government has made substantive progress in reducing its dependence on foreign loans -- its domestic debt situation is a different story -- and looks set to achieve a balanced budget by 2005.

Govt warns GAM of total breakdown in peace process

Govt warns GAM of total breakdown in peace process Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Banda Aceh The Indonesian government warned the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) of a total breakdown in the peace deal as both sides failed to build mutual confidence in implementing the cessation of hostilities agreement they signed two months ago to end 26 years of hostility.

North coast highways damaged

North coast highways damaged SEMARANG, Central Java: Incessant rain across Central Java has damaged highways along the northern coast of the province, delaying vehicles traveling along the Semarang-Jakarta route. As of Thursday, roads damaged by the rain included stretches through Tegal, Pemalang, Batang, Kendal and as far as Weleri. Central Java Governor H.

Presidential instruction

Presidential instruction From Koran Tempo This nation has been turned upside down by endless conflicts and various vested interests, ranging from the hike in fuel prices to conflicts of interest among our public representatives opposing the issuance of Presidential Instruction No 1/2003 as an executory regulation for Law No. 45/1999 on the division of Papua into three provinces.

Dancer showcases peace and tranquility

Dancer showcases peace and tranquility Kartika Bagus C., The Jakarta Post, Solo, Central Java An enthusiastic ovation marked the end of Indian dancer Astad Deboo's last performance of the evening, Every Fragment of Dust is Wakened, in the theater of the Indonesian Arts Institute in the Central Java town of Surakarta. Performed to an arrangement by Japanese musician Yoichiro Yoshikawa, the dance was one of three -- besides Aahavan and Stepping Out -- recently presented by Deboo in Surakarta.

Integrated transportation sought in Greater Jakarta

Integrated transportation sought in Greater Jakarta Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Driving a car or taking public transportation within Greater Jakarta can be an ordeal for most of us, as neither is enjoyable, especially at peak hours. A study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) showed that commuters from Jakarta's adjacent cities took one-and-a-half-hours on average to reach their workplace in Jakarta due to traffic congestion.

Mystery disease affects 230 in Bandung area

Mystery disease affects 230 in Bandung area Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung An unidentified disease has continued to spread in Bandung regency, Cikalongwetan district, affecting more than 230 residents in the villages of Mandalamukti and Ciptagumati. According to data from the public health center in Cikalongwetan, the number of people affected by the disease, which is being called Chikungunya, has increased to 231 from 90 last December.

Muslim pilgrims start trek home

Muslim pilgrims start trek home SAUDI ARABIA: Muslim worshipers began leaving holy Islamic sites in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, the fifth and final day of the haj pilgrimage which was overshadowed this year by a looming U.S.-led war on Iraq. The bulk of the two million pilgrims started trekking out of Mina, in western Saudi Arabia, for the nearby Muslim holy city of Mecca where they will perform a final ritual of circling the revered Kaaba, Islam's most sacred shrine, before heading home.

Elza could face seven years behind bars

Elza could face seven years behind bars Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Elza Syarief, one of the lawyers who defended flamboyant convict Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra, the youngest son of former president Soeharto, may face a seven-year prison sentence over alleged false statements made under oath, and bribery. "We have completed the dossiers. We shall submit the dossiers, as well the suspect, to the Jakarta Prosecutors Office soon.

Residents brave floods to protect belongings

Residents brave floods to protect belongings The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Floodwaters have been rising in a number of residential areas across the city since Thursday morning, but many residents have chosen not to leave their houses belongings due to fears that their belongings might be stolen.

Stock Prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Feb. 13, 2002:

Stock Prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Feb. 13, 2002: -------------------------------------------------------- Name Close Change Volume -------------------------------------------------------- Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 575 0 2,500 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 45 0 5,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 180 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 105 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 725 0 115,500 Alter Abadi Tbk 10 0 0 Alumindo Light 150 0 0 Andhi Chandra 455 5 500 Aneka Kimia Raya 450 0 0 Aneka...

Export costs will 'soar' if war in Iraq breaks out

Export costs will 'soar' if war in Iraq breaks out Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The cost of shipping exports to the Middle East, Europe and Africa will soar by at least 35 percent if a war against Iraq comes to pass, according to an expert. Indonesian Shipowners' Association (INSA) chairman Barens Th. Saragih told The Jakarta Post on Thursday that the higher costs would result from increased operating costs and war-risk surcharges imposed by shipping companies.

Special team preparing evacuation from Mideast

Special team preparing evacuation from Mideast Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A special team set up to deal with the effects of a potential crisis in Iraq embarked on a two-week visit to eight countries in the Middle East on Thursday to make arrangements in the event of a war. Team leader Adm. (ret) Widodo Adisucipto said that Indonesia would likely evacuate its citizens in dangerous areas to Syria, Qatar and Saudi Arabia which were considered to be relatively safe.

Prince Charles, John Howard attend Bali memorial service

Prince Charles, John Howard attend Bali memorial service Agencies, London "I don't think I can forgive," said Amanda Braden, whose son Daniel was killed along with 190 other Westerners when a bomb exploded on the Indonesian holiday island of Bali in October. Braden, speaking after a memorial service on Wednesday, was rejecting an appeal for forgiveness by a suspect in her son's killing and said she did not believe the man was sincere.

Prince wants Cirebon to have say

Prince wants Cirebon to have say CIREBON, West Java: The prince of West Java's Cirebon Kasepuhan Court, PRA Arief Natadiningrat, has warned against sidelining gubernatorial candidates from Cirebon or the area may break away from the province. "If there are no representatives from Cirebon among the candidates for the posts of West Java governor and vice governor, Cirebon is likely to declare itself a separate province.

Stock Prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Feb. 13, 2002:

Stock Prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Feb. 13, 2002: -------------------------------------------------------- Name Close Change Volume -------------------------------------------------------- Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 575 0 2,500 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 45 0 5,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 180 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 105 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 725 0 115,500 Alter Abadi Tbk 10 0 0 Alumindo Light 150 0 0 Andhi Chandra 455 5 500 Aneka Kimia Raya 450 0 0 Aneka...

Navy's stern action

Navy's stern action From Media Indonesia This newspaper carried a report on Jan. 29, 2003 under the title of Indonesian navy sinks four vessels for illegal fishing. What the navy has done deserves our support for several reasons. First, law enforcement requires firmness and courage in action as otherwise evil practices such as corruption, collusion, nepotism, piracy and blackmailing will continue to flourish.

Presidential instruction

Presidential instruction From Koran Tempo This nation has been turned upside down by endless conflicts and various vested interests, ranging from the hike in fuel prices to conflicts of interest among our public representatives opposing the issuance of Presidential Instruction No 1/2003 as an executory regulation for Law No. 45/1999 on the division of Papua into three provinces.

RP approves key money laundering amendments

RP approves key money laundering amendments Agence France-Presse, Manila Philippine legislators have approved changes to strengthen an anti-money laundering law in a last minute move to escape threatened sanctions from western nations, officials said Thursday.

Oriental violence?

Oriental violence? I am deeply disturbed by the article which appeared on Feb. 7 (p. 18) entitled Islam in Madura and the tradition of violence. In it Adbur Rozaki revives tired stereotypes of sickle- wielding Madurese led by thugs under the eyes of approving Muslim clerics. The inclusion of a figure depicting a Madurese brandishing a sickle over an unarmed man is particularly regrettable.

Say your love via SMS on Valentine's Day

Say your love via SMS on Valentine's Day Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta "Ooh, an SMS!" a colleague exclaimed one night, her face suddenly brightening from the previous after-work gloom when she heard the tell-tale beep of her mobile phone. It was close to midnight and her phone had been silent for hours, making her feel a little neglected. How could a simple short message service (SMS) have such an impact on a person's mood and emotions?

Tons of used medical gloves rejected

Tons of used medical gloves rejected THAILAND: Bangkok will ask the country of origin of two tons of used medical gloves abandoned at a port to take back the waste, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said on Thursday amid increased concerns about dumping. Thaksin did not say where the rubber gloves had come from, but it was widely reported in the Thai-language media that they came from Britain.

Asian central bankers to discuss innovations, economic outlook

Asian central bankers to discuss innovations, economic outlook Dow Jones, Manila Financial innovations amid the challenges facing monetary authorities and the outlook on the world economy are expected to dominate a closed-door meeting of Asian central bankers in Manila, a Philippine central bank official said Thursday. "Our agenda includes world economic outlook, financial innovations, and the implication of the Basel accord," said Alberto Reyes, a deputy governor of the Philippine central bank.

Asuransi Allianz Life responds

Asuransi Allianz Life responds Referring to the letter from Benny Sudjati entitled Experience with Allianz Insurance in The Jakarta Post on Feb. 4, 2003, we would like to explain as follows. On Dec. 12, 2002 Benny Sudjati, with a prescription from a physician for Zinaxin High Strength, went to pick up his medicine at the dispensary of Omni Medical Center.

House endorses division of Papua province

House endorses division of Papua province Kurniawan Hari and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives (DPR) endorsed on Thursday the government's controversial move to divide Papua into three provinces, thus giving more legitimacy to the government in moving ahead with the plan despite strong opposition from Papuans.

Union blasts fleeing footwear companies

Union blasts fleeing footwear companies The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Like loggers who exploit resources, lay waste to and area an then move on, many footwear companies, who for the past fifteen years, have sourced their goods in the low-wage haven of Soeharto's Indonesia, are now fleeing the country in search of a cheaper and more compliant workforce, according to a global union representing workers in the sector.

Experts doubt Bali suspect's claims

Experts doubt Bali suspect's claims The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Some experts expressed skepticism on Thursday over claims by a key suspect in the Bali bombings that the terrorists had used a homemade bomb in the attack on the Sari Club, saying the devastation wrought at the scene looked more like the result of a manufactured bomb.

Seram people demand separate regencies

Seram people demand separate regencies Aziz Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon, Maluku Hundreds of people in Seram greeted House of Representatives' legislators with a rally to urge the lawmakers to support their demands for new regencies on Maluku island.

Laksamana to promote Danamon in London

Laksamana to promote Danamon in London The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State Minister of State Enterprises Laksamana Sukardi and Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) chairman Syafruddin Temenggung will meet with European investors in London on Friday to interest buyers in a majority stake in publicly-listed Bank Danamon. IBRA deputy chairman I Nyoman Sender said on Thursday that the overseas trip was part of an international roadshow to test the market's appetite toward Bank Danamon.

Aussie ambassador presents credentials

Aussie ambassador presents credentials Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta On the eve of a visit by Australian Prime Minister John Howard to Indonesia, the country's new ambassador to Jakarta, David James Ritchie, finally got to present his credentials to President Megawati Soekarnoputri on Thursday after a three-month delay. Ritchie now fills the vacant ambassadorial post in Jakarta left empty since October last year when then ambassador Richard W.

Attorney General's Office criticized over Pertamina corruption probe

Attorney General's Office criticized over Pertamina corruption probe A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Legislators lambasted the Attorney General's Office for being slow in the investigation of alleged corruption cases in the country's oil and gas projects.

Ulil goes against fundamentalism

Ulil goes against fundamentalism Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Relatively small but vocal, Indonesia's Muslim fundamentalists are a thorn in the side to the country's majority of Muslim moderates. But recently, the hardliners are complaining of an annoying sting. It goes by the name Ulil Abshar-Abdalla.

JCCI, Batam sign promotion pact

JCCI, Batam sign promotion pact BATAM, Riau (JP): Chairman of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) in Singapore Takashi Muraki said here on Thursday that it was ready to provide information and help Batam Industrial Development Authority to attract more Japanese companies to invest here.

Kepri regental election 'invalid'

Kepri regental election 'invalid' PEKANBARU, Riau: The Riau Island (Kepri) regency legislative council has asked Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno to accept the Supreme Court ruling that the election for regent on Oct. 23, 2002, was invalid. The Supreme Court recently accepted a suit filed by 14 political parties against the government for its acceptance of the results of the election, which the parties said was not held in line with the instructions of the Riau governor.

[b]U.S. Dollar Rates Feb. 13

U.S. Dollar Rates Feb. 13 Latest %Change Yen 121.17-22 -0.17 Euro* 1.0766-69 +0.58 Sterling* 1.6191-96 +0.23 Swiss franc 1.3642-47 -0.55 Canadian dollar 1.5241-44 -0.44 Australian dollar* 0.5904-09 +0.51 New Zealand dollar* 0.5506-09 +0.64 Czech koruna 29.265-95 -0.86 Hungary forint 226.48-05 -0.78 Danish krone 6.9006-26 -0.61 Norwegian krone 6.9531-81 -0.40 Polish zloty 3.8595-25 +0.07 Russian ruble 31.642-52 +0.09 Swedish krona 8.4725-85 -0.73 Hong Kong dollar 7.7993-98 +.001 Malaysian...

Unresolved issues in electoral bill to be voted on

Unresolved issues in electoral bill to be voted on Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With only four days remaining to resolve 21 contentious articles in the electoral bill, all nine factions in the House of Representatives have agreed to vote on the articles if they are still deadlocked when they meet for the final time on Tuesday.

Muara Angke Park to get mangroves

Muara Angke Park to get mangroves JAKARTA: A non-governmental organization, the Mangrove Development and Analysis Institute (LPP Mangrove), said on Thursday it would plant 3,000 mangrove seeds in Muara Angke Wildlife Park starting on Feb. 15. Nyoto Santoso of LPP Mangrove said the project, which will commemorate International Wetland Day on Feb. 2, was part of efforts to rehabilitate the park.

MILF rebels take hostages, fighting spreads in RP south

MILF rebels take hostages, fighting spreads in RP south Agence France-Presse, Cotabato, Philippines Fighting spread in the southern Philippines on Thursday, three days into a major military offensive as Muslim separatist guerrillas took civilian hostages and combat deaths soared past 100, officials said.

Be ware of domestic servants

Be ware of domestic servants The police foiled a theft ring involving domestic servants on Saturday. The syndicate's leaders, consisting of dozens of people, were nabbed while hiding in their lair, but unfortunately the chief of the operation, known only as Gegep, escaped.

'Bus fare hikes will hit low-income people hard'

'Bus fare hikes will hit low-income people hard' The proposal by the city's Land Transportation Owners' Association (Organda) to increase bus fares has met with strong public resistance as it would further raise the cost of living amid the country's ongoing crisis. The city administration postponed announcing the fare hike earlier this week, but it is likely that it will be announced in the near future. The Jakarta Post asked some residents about the issue.

Megawati to seek Mahathir meeting

Megawati to seek Mahathir meeting KUALA LUMPUR: President Megawati Sukarnoputri hopes to hold a bilateral meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on the fringes of the Non-Aligned Movement summit, a local daily reports. The NAM summit will take place from Feb. 20 to Feb. 25 in Kuala Lumpur. Megawati will attend the summit from Feb. 23 to 25 and will be accompanied by a delegation of 90 people, including some of her ministers, according to the New Straits Times.

1. ULIL: 1 LINE, 28 COUNTS

1. ULIL: 1 LINE, 28 COUNTS Ulil goes against fundamentalism Tiny but vocal, Indonesia's Muslim fundamentalists are a thorn to the country's vast majority of Muslim moderates. But recently, they too complain about an annoying sting. It goes by the name Ulil Abshar-Abdalla. The 36-year old activist from the country's largest Muslim organization, Nahdlatul Ulama, has broken the majority silence over the growing influence of fundamentalism here since Soeharto fell in 1998.

Wiranto defends TNI on E. Timor

Wiranto defends TNI on E. Timor JAKARTA: Former Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. (ret) Wiranto defended on Thursday the armed forces' account of the 1999 mayhem in East Timor, saying anticipatory measures by the military had prevented more casualties in the former Indonesian province. "We anticipated that if the proindependence East Timorese won the referendum, the prointegration militias would run amok, which could have led to a civil war.

Alleged terror leader to be tried for fake passport

Alleged terror leader to be tried for fake passport An alleged Singaporean terror leader arrested in Indonesia will be tried for using a fake passport, Riau police said Thursday. Mas Selamat bin Kastari, a Singaporean, is wanted by his home country over an alleged plot to hijack a plane and crash it into the island state's Changi airport.

Antiwar group to take peace message to foreign envoys

Antiwar group to take peace message to foreign envoys M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta An Indonesian antiwar group will hold a peace rally on Friday at the Chinese and Russian embassies to appeal to the two countries to put more pressure on the United States to thwart a possible war Iraq. China and Russia, two of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council with veto powers, have generally opposed the possibility of U.S.

Top economist backs IMF's continued role in Indonesia

Top economist backs IMF's continued role in Indonesia The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Adding weight to the prolonged debate over the International Monetary Fund (IMF)'s role in the country, noted economists said that Indonesia still needed the Fund to help ensure continued confidence from creditors and investors in the country's economy.

;JP;sps;

;JP;sps; ANPAf..r.. Rupiah-conversion-rates Rupiah Rates Feb.13 JP/13/Conver Rupiah Rates Feb.13 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp Australian dollar 1 5,583.51 4,989.68 5,315.24 5,257.72 Brunei dollar 1 5,395.09 4,824.01 5,135.87 5,083.15 Canadian dollar 1 6,187.92 5,530.89 5,890.62 5,828.00 Swiss franc 1 6,922.01 6,187.45 6,589.43 6,519.83 Danish krone 1 1,367.53 1,222.73 1,301.82 1,288.42 Euro 1 10,166.05 9,089.16 9,677.60 9,577.42 Poundsterling 1 15,316.78...

Police question student leader

Police question student leader JAKARTA: The Central Jakarta Police questioned student activist Rico Marbun for over 10 hours on Thursday about his involvement in an antigovernment rally last week during which a police officer was assaulted. Rico's lawyer, Ecoline Situmorang, said police charged his client with violating Article 214 of the Criminal Code for acts against a law enforcer, which carries a maximum penalty of six years in jail.

TV Today: Friday, Feb. 14, 2003

TV Today: Friday, Feb. 14, 2003 .TB.30" .90" TVRI .tb .30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 6:30 English News Service 7:30 Children's Program 8:00 Talk Show: RT/RW 9:00 TV Drama: Budi Pekerti 10:30 Entertainment 11:00 News: Berita Dearah 11:30 Music: Konteswara 12:00 p.m.News: Berita Siang 1:00 Talk Show: Konsultasi Keluarga 2:00 News: Metro Indonesia 2:30 Music: Pop Daerah 3:03 Children's Program 4:00 Sports 6:00 News: Berita Petang 7:00 Talk Show: Halo Pers Indonesia...

Police destroy 700 grams of heroin

Police destroy 700 grams of heroin JAKARTA: City police destroyed on Thursday two packages of heroin, weighing a total of 700 grams, which were seized last month during a drug raid involving three suspects -- two Indonesians and a Nigerian. "We destroyed the evidence (heroin) as required by the law, so that it cannot be used for any other purpose," said head of the city police drug squad Adj. Sr. Comr. Carlo B. Tewu.

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, Feb. 14, 2003

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, Feb. 14, 2003 Exhibitions * Painting, Donated Prize Winning Paintings, 100 percent proceeds to Charity, at Gallery Cafe Linggar, Kemang Timur No. 36, South Jakarta, (Tel. 021-71790008), until Feb. 20, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.. * Photo, Arsitektur Jepang Kontemporer, Gallery Mini, The Japan Foundation, Summitmas 1, 2nd, Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 61-62 Jakarta, (Tel. 021-5201266), until Feb. 28, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m..

Independent KPU assures good governance: Observers

Independent KPU assures good governance: Observers Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia requires an independent elections commission to promote good governance and prevent money politics, members of the International Electoral Management Bodies said during a seminar here on Thursday. Visiting members of the international organization said an independent elections commission should not include a role for the government because that would create conflicts of interest.

Govt told to improve forestry sector data

Govt told to improve forestry sector data Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A non-governmental organization has called on the government to provide comprehensive data on the forestry sector to help improve the planning and monitoring of the country's fast-disappearing forests.

(For Caltex advertorial)

(For Caltex advertorial) Caltex's more than half a century of contribution A red elementary school cap is depicted in a television commercial with a line underneath: "The hat of the president." Maybe someday the owner of the cap might really become the country's president. Based along the same lines as the dream, PT Caltex Pacific Indonesia (Caltex) built the first senior high school (SMA I) in 1954 in Pakanbaru in the province of Riau.

Antipulp congress held in Porsea

Antipulp congress held in Porsea Medan, North Sumatra: Around 1,500 residents of Toba-Samosir regency in North Sumatra held a mass gathering in Porsea to establish agreement regarding their objections to the planned reopening of the PT Toba Pulp Lestari (TPL) pulp mill. Also attending the gathering held in Sirait Uruk, near the pulp plant, were legislator Tunggul Sirait, actress Ratna Sarumpaet, human rights and environmental activists and church ministers.

Fixing business environment is what counts

Fixing business environment is what counts Todd Callahan and Andri Manuwoto PT Jasa Cita Jakarta We are over a month into a new year and Indonesia watchers have generally given President Megawati Soekarnoputri's administration a B+ for sound macroeconomic management and improved fiscal sustainability. The government has made substantive progress in reducing its dependence on foreign loans -- its domestic debt situation is a different story -- and looks set to achieve a balanced budget by 2005.

Policeman dies while saving thief

Policeman dies while saving thief Jakarta: An Indonesian policeman died and five other officers were injured when their speeding getaway car smashed into a telephone pole while rescuing an alleged thief from an angry mob, news reports said on Thursday. The accident occurred on Wednesday in Makassar, South Sulawesi, 1,350 kilometers east of Jakarta, said Antara.

Vietnam pitches to co-host 2004 Cup

Vietnam pitches to co-host 2004 Cup HANOI: Soccer-mad Vietnam said Thursday it has formally notified the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) of its desire to co- host the 2004 Tiger Cup with Cambodia. Doan Thanh Lam, head of administrative affairs at the Vietnam Football Federation, said it would be the perfect partner for its neighbor, which was selected four years ago to host the biennial tournament.

* Headlines:Aussie envoy finally presents credentials2

* Headlines:Aussie envoy finally presents credentials2 * National:House to vote on key issues in electoral bill4 * Archipelago:Mystery disease affects 250 in Bandung5 * Opinion: Fixing business setting is what counts7 * City:Integrated transportation sought in Greater Jakarta8 * Sports: Els takes early lead in golf Classic 9 * World: North Korea says 'able to nuke U.S.'11 * Business: Emil backs IMF's continued role in RI 13 * Features: Ulil goes against fundamentalists20

b]Cathay Pacific flight returns to RI: A Hong Kong-bound Cathay

b]Cathay Pacific flight returns to RI: A Hong Kong-bound Cathay Pacific Airways jet carrying 263 passengers had to turn back to Indonesia after the crew learned the plane was carrying baggage from a traveler who wasn't aboard, the airline said on Thursday. It was the second such security lapse at Cathay in as many months. Flight CX780 returned to Surabaya airport on Monday morning after a passenger checked luggage but failed to get on the Airbus 330, said Cathay spokeswoman Rosita Ng.

City flood victims appeal against court ruling

City flood victims appeal against court ruling Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Disappointed with the Nov. 21, 2002 ruling of the Central Jakarta District Court, which rejected their class action suit against the defendants, including City Governor Sutiyoso, the plaintiffs announced on Thursday that they would file an appeal with the Jakarta High Court over the lower court's verdict.