Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 25 February 2003

82 articles found

TNI promises tighter border security after militia attack

TNI promises tighter border security after militia attack Yemris Fointuna and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post Jakarta/Kuala Lumpur The military commander overseeing the West Timor province promised tighter security along its border with East Timor where one person died on Monday in an attack allegedly staged by pro Jakarta militia who crossed the border to West Timor. East Nusa Tenggara military chief Col.

ISSI to host world MTB race

ISSI to host world MTB race JAKARTA: Indonesia will host an International Mountain Bike (MTB) Championship race near Borobudur, the world's biggest temple, in Central Java, according to an official of the Indonesian Cycling Association (ISSI). The championship will be staged on June 15 in coincidence with the Borobudur festival.

Pakistanis arrested for possession of 12 bombs

Pakistanis arrested for possession of 12 bombs Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura, Papua A Pakistani citizen was arrested by police in Sorong, Papua, for the possession of 12 hand-made bombs, 1,650 arrows, and a large number of slingshots. And police in Masohi, Central Maluku, have deported four Pakistanis for immigration documents, in relation to giving Muslim sermons, which authorities say could reignite the bloody civil war. The chief of Papua Provincial Police Insp. Gen.

Non-aligned nations line up against war with Iraq, urge Baghdad to disarm

Non-aligned nations line up against war with Iraq, urge Baghdad to disarm Saif Eldin Hamdan, Reuters, Kuala Lumpur Leaders of the developing world lined up in Malaysia on Monday to oppose war in Iraq and urge Baghdad to disarm. Host Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, opening a summit of the Non-Aligned Movement, set the tone with a fierce condemnation of war and an attack on what he called the West's hypocrisy and warmongering of richer nations.

Malaysia to export 5,000 cars to Iraq: Rafidah

Malaysia to export 5,000 cars to Iraq: Rafidah Agence France-Presse, Manila Malaysian carmaker Proton will export 5,000 cars to Iraq in August after selling a similar number to the embattled country last year, Malaysian Trade Minister Rafidah Aziz said here Monday. She said Malaysia was prepared to sell Iraq buses and trucks if requested.

Rulling on property sector must be relaxed

Rulling on property sector must be relaxed The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government needs to simplify the current procedures for foreigners to own property assets here amid rising global competition, according to an industry expert. President of property consultant ERA Indonesia Moedjianto ST was quoted by Antara as saying on Monday that the existing regulations were discouraging foreigners from purchasing property in Indonesia.

'Fire is the most effective way to evict people'

'Fire is the most effective way to evict people' The recent Tanah Abang blaze was one of 98 fires that have broken out in the city since January this year, which have claimed a total of seven lives. The fires occurred due in part to the absence of appropriate fire prevention equipment and above all, public ignorance and indifference. But, many people suspect arson. The following people shared their views with The Jakarta Post: Haryanto, 40, is a shop assistant in Central Jakarta.

Digital printing more cost effective

Digital printing more cost effective By Rangga Ivananda Contributor Jakarta Digital printing technology is a continuation of digital imaging. Once digital imaging is completed on a computer, its result can be then printed on digital printers. Various printed materials, such as company profiles, presentation sheets, calendars, posters and the like for certain businesses are printed only in limited quantities, which would be costly if printed by conventional printing companies.

Minister of Foreign Affairs

Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon.Tyronne Fernando, P.C.,M.P. "We look forward with confidence on a robust growth this year" We are celebrating today, the 55th anniversary of our independence amidst growing optimism and confidence in our quest for a durable peace to end the conflict that has ravaged our country for two decades. Firmly anchored in the people's mandate and sustained by their consistent support, the peace process has made substantial progress.

Is NAM still relevance in post-Clod War world?

Is NAM still relevance in post-Clod War world? Kavi Chongkittavorn, The Nation, Asia News Network, Bangkok Since its establishment in 1961, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) has never enjoyed high expectations from its 114 members and the world at large. Being the world's largest gathering after the United Nations, the NAM has to take its multiple roles seriously. Disturbing questions arise about the movement. Will it be able to stop the pending war in Iraq?

Orders from local residents on upward trend

Orders from local residents on upward trend Ari Darmawan, Contributor, Jakarta The word "moving" -- be it home, office or factory -- immediately conjures up a variety of images of all the trouble and hardship that you have to go through. Perhaps moving within the same city poses less problems, but just imagine the hassle of moving to another city or country. Therefore, moving and relocation companies are highly appreciated.

Market still dominated by foreign players

Market still dominated by foreign players When H. Johari Zein, chief executive officer of PT Tiki Jalur Nugraha Ekakurir (Tiki JNE), started his moving and relocation company, one of his first orders was moving the household belongings of a military general. The distance was not too long as he moved from Kuningan to Cilodong area, both within Jakarta. One of the valuable pieces in the assignment was a huge arwana fish, the general's favorite pet.

White paper on defense strategy ready in March

White paper on defense strategy ready in March The Ministry of Defense is in the final stages of preparing a white paper on defense strategy that gives a greater role to the Army to handle security disturbances and internal threats over the next decade, says a minister.

COUNTRY PROFILE: Kuwait

COUNTRY PROFILE: Kuwait ADVERTORIAL Hemoco's oil refinery project in Selayar Island makes significant progress The development of the Hemoco International Oil Refinery Project in Selayar Island, South Sulawesi, has entered a crucial stage. In January, the management of Hemoco appointed international financial institution ABN AMRO Bank NV as its financial advisor. The selection of ABN AMRO Bank was due to the bank's expertise in advising the oil and gas sector in the region and internationally.

Workers demand severance pay

Workers demand severance pay TANGERANG: Hundreds of workers of bag producer PT Tasindo in Carewet village of Cikupa district and security guard supplier for Soekarno-Hatta International Airport PT Tri Otomat Pratama Guard staged separate rallies on Monday, demanding severance pay. Some 650 workers of PT Tasindo staged a rally at the Tangerang regency council office in Tigaraksa, asking the council to order the company to pay their severance pay as regulated in minister of manpower decree No.

TV Program: Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2003

TV Program: Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2003 TVRI .TB.30" .90" 5:00 a.m.Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 English News Service 7:30 Children's Program: Pentas Ceria 8:00 Talk Show: RT / RW 8:30 DRTV Indonesia 9:00 Documentary 9:30 Comedy: Paviliun 21 10:00 Entertainment 11:00 News: Berita Daerah 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 3:00 Kid Channel 4:00 TV Comedy 5:03 Talk Show: Agro Bisnis...

House examines justice candidates

House examines justice candidates JAKARTA: House of Representatives Commission II for legal and home affairs began on Monday an eight-day examination of 63 justice candidates for the Supreme Court. Each candidate presented their papers to the commission and answered questions from the legislators about law enforcement and the eradication of corruption.

Where to go in Bandung for Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2003

Where to go in Bandung for Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2003 Performances * Drama, Toto dan Titi 4, by Anton Yustian J.R., at Gedung Kesenian Rumentang Siang, Jl.Baranang Siang 1, Kosambi, Bandung, (Tel. 022-4233562), March. 1 to March. 5, 10 a.m., 2 p.m., & 4 p.m.. Film * Documentary Film, Architecture / Arsitektur, Auditorium CCF, French Cultural Center, Jl. Purnawarman 32 (Tel. 022-4212417), Feb. 25 & Feb. 27, 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m..

Police to quiz Batam mayor over gambling

Police to quiz Batam mayor over gambling Fadli, The Jakarta Post, Batam, Riau Following strong protests against gambling activities on Batam Island, the local police are set to question Batam Mayor Nyat Kadir who has issued a license for PT Dewa Menara Wisata to organize a gambling center in Tering Bay, a tourist resort in Nongsa subdistrict. Chief of Batam Police, Sr. Comr.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Feb. 24, 2003:

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Feb. 24, 2003: --------------------------------------------------------- Shares Close Change Volume --------------------------------------------------------- Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 575 0 0 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 45 0 70,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 180 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 105 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 750 0 0 Alter Abadi Tbk 10 0 0 Alumindo Light 190 0 0 Andhi Chandra 460 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 450 0 0 Aneka Tambang...

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.

Megawati says 'no' to war

Megawati says 'no' to war Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Kuala Lumpur President Megawati Soekarnoputri made her first address on the Iraq crisis when she spoke before the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit which opened on Monday, but she fell short of detailing initiatives to prevent war.

Hay Group named as Indosat consultant

Hay Group named as Indosat consultant Dow Jones, Jakarta State-owned telecommunications company PT Indosat said on Monday it has named U.S. company Hay Group Ltd. as its strategic management consultant. Indosat plans to change its focus from overseas and domestic fixed-line services to cellular services. Indosat's chief executive Widya Purnama said Hay Group will advise Indosat in this transformation process.

Today's cameras and printers: Fully digitalized

Today's cameras and printers: Fully digitalized By Megy Magdalena Contributor Jakarta Compact, quick and practical. These are only some of the superior features of today's digital cameras. One does not have to waste time for the entire process of printing photos. Connecting a digital camera to the computer is all it takes to view and send pictures by e-mail. With your own printer, of course, the printing can be processed in the comfort of your home.

;JP;sps;

;JP;sps; ANPAf..r.. Rupiah-conversion-rates Rupiah Rates Feb.24 JP/13/Conver Rupiah Rates Feb.24 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp Australian dollar 1 5,636.67 5,033.96 5,364.36 5,306.05 Brunei dollar 1 5,408.91 4,831.82 5,147.60 5,092.99 Canadian dollar 1 6,271.14 5,601.54 5,968.17 5,904.31 Swiss franc 1 6,887.52 6,153.51 6,554.78 6,486.11 Danish krone 1 1,361.20 1,216.28 1,295.44 1,282.02 Euro 1 10,115.87 9,037.56 9,627.16 9,526.05 Poundsterling 1 14,863.49...

A common malpractice

A common malpractice I'm referring to the letter from Patrick Schwarz titled Leave workers out of it published in The Jakarta Post on Feb. 20. It seems the writer of this article is out of his mind and not at all familiar with the current problems the Indonesian export industry is facing. Corruption, in whatever form, is known to be a common malpractice in all the countries Indonesia is competing with. In some places less, but in other places more (like here).

KPU told to work harder

KPU told to work harder JAKARTA: The Crescent Star Party (PBB) called on the General Elections Commission (KPU) on Monday to work harder in preparing for the 2004 general election, in order to ensure no delay in the election of the president and vice president. PBB secretary-general MS Ka'ban said he was optimistic the country would be able to elect a new president by Oct. 2004, when President Megawati Soekarnoputri's term ends.

Kopassus ends Papua duty

Kopassus ends Papua duty JAYAPURA, Papua: Some 250 soldiers of the Army's Special Forces (Kopassus) left Papua on Monday after around 12 months of duty in the troubled province. A farewell ceremony was led by Trikora regional military chief Maj. Gen. Mahidin Simbolon at the Porasko seaport in the provincial capital of Jayapura. Mahidin said no replacement troops would be sent to the province as security had greatly improved.

Former KONI candidate calls for clean poll

Former KONI candidate calls for clean poll Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Joko Pramono, a onetime candidate for the National Sports Council (KONI)'s chairmanship, has called for a clean and transparent election process this time around. "I'd like to warn the election committee to be sportsmanlike. No fabrications," Joko, who heads the National Water Ski Association (POSI), said at the Century Hotel here on Monday. "This is important because it has to do with the future of national sports.

Employers hail new labor bill, unions divided

Employers hail new labor bill, unions divided Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta An employers association hailed on Monday the planned endorsement of the labor bill, but trade unions remained divided over the draft. Djimanto of the Indonesian Employers Association said the final draft of the bill accommodated both employers and trade unions. "Basically we welcome the new labor protection and development bill.

Governor urged to panish PD Pasar Jaya

Governor urged to panish PD Pasar Jaya Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta City councillors asked Governor Sutiyoso on Monday to punish the management of city-owned market operator PD Pasar Jaya for its negligence which "had contributed" to the fire of the country's largest textile market in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, last Wednesday.

Kopassus ends Papua duty

Kopassus ends Papua duty JAYAPURA, Papua: Some 250 soldiers of the Army's Special Forces (Kopassus) left Papua on Monday after around 12 months of duty in the troubled province. A farewell ceremony was led by Trikora regional military chief Maj. Gen. Mahidin Simbolon at the Porasko seaport in the provincial capital of Jayapura. Mahidin said no replacement troops would be sent to the province as security had greatly improved.

Srilankan: An Airline with Many Awards

Srilankan: An Airline with Many Awards SriLankan Airlines has a route network spanning 30 cities in 20 countries from Europe, through the Middle East and Indian sub continent to South East Asia and the Far East. The airlines is party owned by Emirates airlines of the UAE. SriLankan is an all-Airbus carrier with a fleet comprising two A302s, four A330s and three A340s. The A330s and A340s offer a superior in flight product with telephones and 17-channel TVs in every seat.

Probe into governor demanded

Probe into governor demanded KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: Activists from 12 non- governmental organizations urged on Monday the Southeast Sulawesi Prosecutor's Office to continue investigating alleged vote-buying by the elected governor, Ali Mazi. They also demanded a probe into councillors who reportedly accepted money from Ali Mazi and Yusran Silondae to win their candidacy as governor and deputy governor for the 2003-2008 term.

Tangerang regency faces educational problems

Tangerang regency faces educational problems Multa Fidrus The Jakarta Post Tangerang, Banten Hasanah has worked for years as a substitute teacher at Ceplak elementary school in Balaraja subdistrict, Tangerang regency, making only Rp 7,000 (80 US cents) per hour. She teaches five hours a week at the school, so to make ends meet she also teaches at a number of other schools.

Message from SriLankan Airlines Country Manager

Message from SriLankan Airlines Country Manager SriLankan Airlines is pleased to be of service to Indonesia and has been a long-standing member of the Jakarta community. Our operating schedule has changed over the years but in the year 2000 we took a conscious decision to increase our presence in Indonesia, adding 50 percent more capacity with the introduction of our third weekly flight.

In memory of Dullah, the 'King of Realist Art'

In memory of Dullah, the 'King of Realist Art' Yusuf Susilo Hartono, Contributor, Jakarta Indonesia's "King of Realist Art", Dullah, who died of a stroke on Jan. 1, 1996, enjoyed the honor of being a palace artist between 1950 and 1960, when Indonesia was under its first president, Sukarno, aka Bung Karno. Born in Solo, Central Java in 1919, Dullah was a guerrilla fighter, who fought alongside Adam Malik against the Dutch colonial rulers and the Japanese occupational forces.

Small parties seek review of election law

Small parties seek review of election law The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In what could mark the country's first judicial review under the amended 1945 Constitution, six political parties, each with less than 2 percent of seats at the House of Representatives, plans to request that the Supreme Court review the new elections law, which had been described as "unfair".

(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.

1. MEGA: 1 x 30

1. MEGA: 1 x 30 Megawati says 'no' to war 2. OIC: 1 x 37 President to attend OIC forum on Iraq 3. TNI: 1 x 48 More analysts give thumbs-down to military bill 4. LABOR: 3 x 15 Employers hail new labor bill, unions divided 5. GRAMMY: 1 x 30 Debutant Jones sweeps Grammys

Hunted, sexually lazy eagles face extinction

Hunted, sexually lazy eagles face extinction Bambang M., Contributor, Yogyakarta Among the endangered eagle species of Accipitridae, the black eagle (Ictinaetus malayensis) may be the most fierce-looking, with a large, jet-black, raptorial body that can grow to almost 70 cm long. Fierce though it may look, it is rather meek when it comes to reproduction, laying eggs only once in two years.

ISSI to host world MTB race

ISSI to host world MTB race JAKARTA: Indonesia will host an International Mountain Bike (MTB) Championship race near Borobudur, the world's biggest temple, in Central Java, according to an official of the Indonesian Cycling Association (ISSI). The championship will be staged on June 15 in coincidence with the Borobudur festival.

Chinese firm to develop power plants in RI

Chinese firm to develop power plants in RI Arya Abhiseka, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta China Huadian Engineering Company (CHEC) signed an agreement on Monday with local companies PT Dana Mulia Sukses and PT Radu Pratama to construct power plants in Indonesia. The planned power projects may include coal fired, hydro, combined cycle, geothermal, and gas-fired power plants.

Chief councillors held for corruption

Chief councillors held for corruption Ainur R. Sophiaan, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya Prosecutors arrested on Monday top councillors in the country's second largest city of Surabaya on charges of corruption involving more than Rp 22.5 billion (US$2.5 million). Speaker of the Surabaya legislative council Muhammad Basuki and his deputy Ali Burhan are being held at Madaeng prison in the city.

Asia to have biggest number of IT programmers by 2005: report

Asia to have biggest number of IT programmers by 2005: report Agence France-Presse Singapore The Asia-Pacific region will have more computer programmers and other professional developers than North America in two years' time, an industry monitor said on Monday. North America was the region with the most developers in 2001, followed by the Asia Pacific which dislodged Europe from the number two slot.

Don't leave your maid at home alone: Police

Don't leave your maid at home alone: Police Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak and Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The lesson to be learned from a recent string of robberies involving maids seems clear: Know who you are employing before leaving them home alone with the silverware.

No reason to give power back to the Army

No reason to give power back to the Army Philips J. Vermonte, Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Jakarta, pjvermonte@csis.or.id The statement made by the Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu last week clearly showed the lack of understanding on the part of the Indonesian Military (TNI) about the nature of objective civilian control over the military.

Tangerang faces teacher shortage

Tangerang faces teacher shortage Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang, Banten Hasanah has worked for years as a substitute teacher at Ceplak elementary school in Balaraja subdistrict, Tangerang regency, making only Rp 7,000 (80 US cents) per hour. She teaches five hours a week at the school, so to make ends meet she also teaches at a number of other schools.

GINSI urges importers to apply new customs license

GINSI urges importers to apply new customs license Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Importers Association of Indonesia (GINSI) urged importers to register at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise in its effort to curb the fraudulent use of import documents.

Checked

Checked COUNTRY PROFILE: Kuwait ADVERTORIAL Hemoco's oil refinery project in Selayar Island, South Sulawesi, makes significant progress The development of the Hemoco International Oil Refinery Project in Selayar Island, South Sulawesi, has entered a crucial stage. In January, the management of Hemoco appointed international financial institution ABN AMRO Bank NV as its financial advisor.

Business leaders to meet in Vietnam

Business leaders to meet in Vietnam HANOI: Government and business leaders from the Asia-Pacific, Europe and the United States will gather in Hanoi next week at a conference examining Vietnam's role in the Asian economy, organizers said on Monday. Former top U.S. diplomat Richard Holbrooke, Australian Trade Minister Mark Vaile and Robert Madelin, director of the European Commission's trade department, are due to speak at the March 5-7 meeting.

More analysts give thumbs-down to military bill

More analysts give thumbs-down to military bill Tiarma Siboro and Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Two more military analysts have criticized the draft law on the military currently being prepared by the government, saying the bull, which gives more power to the military, could jeopardize democracy. Daniel Sparringa of Airlangga University in Surabaya, East Java, said the bill was a reflection of the generals' distaste for civilian supremacy over the military.

Australia tourism players support Bali recovery

Australia tourism players support Bali recovery Rita A.Widiadana and I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Sanur, Bali Despite the travel advisory imposed by the Australian government, that country's travel and tourism industry leaders, currently meeting in the Sanur resort area, have expressed their full confidence in Bali's market and indicated that significant marketing of the destination would commence soon.

Eight die, 15 missing after ferry catches fire, sinks off Medan

Eight die, 15 missing after ferry catches fire, sinks off Medan Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan, North Sumatra At least eight people were dead and 15 others, mostly children, are missing and feared drowned after a fire swept through a ferry before it capsized early on Monday in rough seas off Tanjung Balai Asahan, North Sumatra, officials said.

Message from Country Manager

Message from Country Manager SriLankan Airlines is pleased to be of service to Indonesia and has been a longstanding member of the Jakarta community. Our operating schedule has changed over the years but in the year 2000 we took a conscious decision to increase our presence and added 50% more capacity with the introduction of our 3rd weekly flight. To further meet the needs of our customers, one flight operates to Colombo via Singapore while the other two fly direct from Jakarta to Colombo.

NAM and corruption

NAM and corruption The Nonaligned Movement (NAM) summit was officially opened in Kuala Lumpur on Monday with most of the member countries voicing their concern for a peace settlement with Iraq through the United Nations. Therefore, it would be diplomatically smart if the summit takes the Iraq-U.S. issue as part of NAM's revitalization program. But we cannot expect much pressure from the summit on the Iraq standoff as many poor countries who are members of NAM are still dependent on the North.

RI, Australia share close ties

RI, Australia share close ties The recent visits of Australian Prime Minister John Howard and an Australian political party leader to Indonesia, whether they were welcome guests or not, has shown that relations between the two neighboring countries are close. It also shows that there is great mutual interest between the two nations, although some may see it as meddling in the country's internal affairs.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Feb. 24, 2003:

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Feb. 24, 2003: --------------------------------------------------------- Shares Close Change Volume --------------------------------------------------------- Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 575 0 0 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 45 0 70,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 180 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 105 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 750 0 0 Alter Abadi Tbk 10 0 0 Alumindo Light 190 0 0 Andhi Chandra 460 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 450 0 0 Aneka Tambang...

Projects worth billions completed

Projects worth billions completed TANGERANG: In conjunction with the Tangerang municipality's 10th anniversary, the municipal administration will inaugurate on Friday a new Tangerang administration office center, a new Grand Mosque and a new overpass in Cikokol. Mayor M. Thamrin said on Monday that the funding for the three projects, costing some Rp 300 billion, had been taken from the administration's annual budget.

Agency rapped over drugs importation

Agency rapped over drugs importation Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government needs to reformulate procedures for the importation of medical materials, psychotropic drugs and narcotics to avoid excessive procurement that may lead to illegal drug production and trafficking.

Diarrhea kills 18 in E. Nusa Tenggara

Diarrhea kills 18 in E. Nusa Tenggara KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Diarrhea outbreaks in two regencies in West Nusa Tenggara have claimed at least 18 lives over the past month. Another 110 people are being treated for the condition. South Timor Tengah Regent Wellen Nope told The Jakarta Post on Monday that he had visited the villages of Loab and Fatukopa, where 11 people had died of the disease. Previously, seven people died in Kupang regency.

BI, JSX to close on Monday

BI, JSX to close on Monday JAKARTA: Bank Indonesia and the Jakarta Stock Exchange have announced that they will mark next week's public holiday on Monday rather than Tuesday, in accordance with a new government policy of encouraging public holidays to be moved to ensure a three-day weekend. The central bank and the stock exchange said in separate statements that there would be no transactions on March 3, but they would resume normal operations on March 4, detik.com reported.

BI, JSX to close on Monday

BI, JSX to close on Monday JAKARTA: Bank Indonesia and the Jakarta Stock Exchange have announced that they will mark next week's public holiday on Monday rather than Tuesday, in accordance with a new government policy of encouraging public holidays to be moved to ensure a three-day weekend. The central bank and the stock exchange said in separate statements that there would be no transactions on March 3, but they would resume normal operations on March 4, detik.com reported.

U.S. daily to clarify report on Papua attack: Leading United

U.S. daily to clarify report on Papua attack: Leading United States daily The Washington Post will clarify its own report that implicated senior Indonesian Military officers in an attack on Freeport mine employees in Papua province. Post lawyer Todung Mulya Lubis said on Monday that his client had expressed regret and would publish its clarification by Feb. 28.

Minister and NGOs to sue firms over floods, landslides on Java

Minister and NGOs to sue firms over floods, landslides on Java Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State Minister for the Environment Nabiel Makarim said on Monday that his ministry, a number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and victims of landslides and floods in Java are set to sue parties responsible for the recent natural calamities.

Busway project should be postponed: Activists

Busway project should be postponed: Activists Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Activists from several non-governmental organizations (NGOs), a councillor and a police official who recently attended a transportation workshop in Bogota, Colombia, recommended on Monday that the city's controversial busway project should be postponed due to poor preparation.

* Headlines:Eight die, 15 missing as sinks off Medan2

* Headlines:Eight die, 15 missing as sinks off Medan2 * National:TNI promises tighter border security4 * Archipelago: Chief councillors held for corruption5 * Opinion: No reason to give power back to the Army6 * City: Governor urged to punish PD Pasar Jaya8 * Sports: Real Sociedad takes back lead9 * World:Vajpayee tears up NAM script to lash Musharraf11 * Business: Two plywood firms shut down, more to follow 13 * Features: Director Almodovar talks about himself 20

President to attend OIC forum on Iraq

President to attend OIC forum on Iraq President Megawati Soekarnoputri has expressed a willingness to participate in an emergency meeting on the Iraq crisis called by the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) in Qatar on March 5. Foreign ministry spokesman Marty Natalegawa said on Monday that Indonesia had been invited by Qatar, which currently chairs the pan-Islamic body, to the meeting. "We have responded to the invitation and we will actively participate in the meeting.

Peace deal in Aceh futile

Peace deal in Aceh futile From Koran Tempo To build peace, even with one's own fellow countrymen, has proven to be difficult. This is the case in Aceh. A peace treaty was signed in Geneva on Dec. 9, 2002, but a very strong commitment from the parties involved is needed to ensure that peace will really be felt by the community. To this end, both parties signing the peace treaty must adhere to all the items agreed upon in the deal. Otherwise, peace will only be a castle in the air.

Kwik speaks out to save PDI Perjuangan and RI

Kwik speaks out to save PDI Perjuangan and RI Mochtar Buchori, Legislator, PDI Perjuangan, Jakarta A professor back in college once told us that the decision to marry a certain person is made either from our conscience or an act that comes from a short-circuit situation. This evoked in my mind a marriage that requires either one or both partners to make a sacrifice, and another situation of a shotgun wedding.

Six killed in rebel attack on army

Six killed in rebel attack on army PHILIPPINES: Moro rebels fired grenades at an army detachment in the southern Philippines, setting off a clash that killed six guerrillas and wounded four soldiers, the military said on Monday. Eid Kabalu, a spokesman for the rebel Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), said its forces were responsible for the attack in the town of Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao province on Sunday. Regional army spokesman Maj.

Laura denies Hamzah Haz link

Laura denies Hamzah Haz link JAKARTA: The identity of "Laura", rumored to be a daughter of Vice President Hamzah Haz, was partially revealed on Monday when she arrived at city police headquarters to give a statement on a drug case involving her boyfriend, actor and model Ibrahim Azhari. "I am not the daughter of Hamzah Haz, but Ibrahim has really been my boyfriend for about one year," Laura Wendari told reporters as quoted by online news portal detik.com.

Hun Sen, Thaksin hold talks on improving ties

Hun Sen, Thaksin hold talks on improving ties Associated Press, Kuala Lumpur Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra held talks on Monday on normalizing ties between their neighboring countries, a month after anti-Thai riots in Cambodia plunged relations to their lowest level in years.

APEC forms counter-terrorism task force

APEC forms counter-terrorism task force Agence France-Presse, Bangkok The 21 countries in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) have established a task force to oversee the implementation of measures to protect the region from terrorist attacks, APEC said Monday. The task force will help economies access information and resources required for counter-terrorism measures and cooperate with other international organizations on counter-terrorism issues, it said in a statement.

Two plywood companies shut down, more to follow

Two plywood companies shut down, more to follow Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Ministry of Forestry has revoked the licenses of two privately-owned plywood manufacturers for utilizing illegal logs and violating production capacity limits. The ministry is expected to prohibit more forestry-related firms from operating this year after it completed an inspection of some 44 companies, which are mostly engaged in plywood manufacturing.

Revitalizing NAM

Revitalizing NAM As expected, the summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) kicked off yesterday in Kuala Lumpur with the shadow of a possible war in Iraq hanging menacingly over the proceedings.

The magic of digitalization

The magic of digitalization By Ari Darmawan Contributor Jakarta One of the latest advances in technology is digitalization. The word "digital" has mesmerized almost everyone, from kids to adults.

1. SHIP: 3 x 22

1. SHIP: 3 x 22 Eight die, 15 missing after ferry catches fire, sinks off Medan 2. ELECTION: 1 x 42 Small parties seek review of election law 3. BUSWAY: 2 x 24 Busway project should be postponed: Activists 4. APEC: 1 x 40 APEC forms counter-terrorism task force 6. ODD: 1 x 32 Woman leaves $1.7m for cats, dogs

JP/6/PHILIPS

JP/6/PHILIPS No reason to give power back to the Army Philips J. Vermonte Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Jakarta pjvermonte@csis.or.id The statement made by the Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu last week clearly showed the lack of understanding on the part of the Indonesian Military (TNI) about the nature of objective civilian control over the military.

No-frills AirAsia to expand to ASEAN

No-frills AirAsia to expand to ASEAN KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's no-frills AirAsia will start flying regionally by January 2004 as its two-phase expansion plan broadens its network through joint ventures with airlines in Indonesia and Thailand, a report said on Monday. In the process, AirAsia plans to buy up to eight additional aircraft to service its new regional routes, AirAsia chairman Pahamin Rajab was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times.

Laura denies Hamzah Haz link

Laura denies Hamzah Haz link JAKARTA: The identity of "Laura", rumored to be a daughter of Vice President Hamzah Haz, was partially revealed on Monday when she arrived at city police headquarters to give a statement on a drug case involving her boyfriend, actor and model Ibrahim Azhari. "I am not the daughter of Hamzah Haz, but Ibrahim has really been my boyfriend for about one year," Laura Wendari told reporters as quoted by online news portal detik.com.

Dossiers of 8 suspects completed

Dossiers of 8 suspects completed DENPASAR, Bali: Bali Police deputy chief Brig. Gen. Herman Hidayat handed over the dossiers of eight suspects in the Bali bombings to the prosecutor's office on Monday. The dossiers are on Hernianto, Budi Wibowo, M. Nadjib Nawawi, Herlambang, Makmuri, Musyafak aka Abdul Hamid, Bambang Setiono aka Syaiful Suroso and Masykur Abdul Kadir.