Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 27 February 2003

91 articles found

One conjoined twin dies after surgery

One conjoined twin dies after surgery Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Ten-month-old Perani Nuraida is now alone in the children's intensive care unit (ICU) at Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital in Central Jakarta since her conjoined sister, Perina Nurfarida, died on Wednesday morning after eight hours surgery to separate the two. "Perina died at 8:35 a.m. mostly due to post-surgery stress.

Govt wants earlier elections

Govt wants earlier elections The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government proposed on Wednesday that next year's general election be held in March and the presidential election in June, three months earlier than planned, so as to avoid stretching out President Megawati Soekarnoputri's term in office. Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno said that the country should have inaugurated a new president by October, when Megawati's term will end.

Wish to express our deepest

Wish to express our deepest condolences on the passing of Sumo Pawiro (90 years of age) father of Pandaya our Feature Editor on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2003 in Yogyakarta Burial was held later in the evening in Padanan Cemetery, Padanan Village, Semin, Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta May God Almighty bless and keep him always. The Management and Staff of The Jakarta Post

Economists say RI is better off without IMF

Economists say RI is better off without IMF Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Campaigns to end the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the country intensified on Wednesday after a group of 35 leading economists said the economy would fare better without the IMF.

1. BUPATI -- a line, 5 col, 35 pts

1. BUPATI -- a line, 5 col, 35 pts Regent successfully attracts investors 2. SADDAM -- A line, 5 col, 40 pts Cornered Saddam faces gravest test ============= 3. Guess What

Acehnese set to celebrate Muharram

Acehnese set to celebrate Muharram BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Thousands of members of Islamic organizations and youth, student and women's groups will take part in a procession and prayer service to mark Muharram 1, 1424, the first month of the Muslim year, in Banda Aceh on March 3. According to the Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam information office, Minister of Religious Affairs Said Agil Munawar, Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno and Minister of Justice Yusril Ihza Mahendra will attend the event.

Regent successfully attracts investors

Regent successfully attracts investors Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta No many people would give up a promising career in a big city like Jakarta to work back in their native village. But that is not the case with Master P. Tumanggor, the current regent of Dairi regency, North Sumatra province. He left Jakarta in 1999, while still holding a key position as director of planning at the Office of the State Minister of State Enterprises and won the election for the position of regent.

Public services, schools take holiday on Monday

Public services, schools take holiday on Monday Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Complying with a government policy to shift a number of national holidays in order to give longer weekends, the central bank, the Jakarta Stock Exchange, public services and most schools in the city will take the Islamic New Year holiday on Monday, March 3.

RP, RI, Japan, to hold anti-piracy and anti-pollution drills:

RP, RI, Japan, to hold anti-piracy and anti-pollution drills: Coast guard personnel from the Philippines, Indonesia and Japan will take part in exercises later this week to combat marine pollution and piracy, the Philippine coast guard said on Wednesday. The anti-pollution exercise, which start Saturday in Subic Bay near Manila, will involve 600 coast guard personnel. It will simulate a major oil spill from a burning ship and airborne evacuation of its crew, a coast guard statement said.

Religious leaders criticize govt for shifting holiday dates

Religious leaders criticize govt for shifting holiday dates Bambang Nurbianto and Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Yogyakarta The Indonesian Council of Ulemas (MUI) and Indonesian Bishops' Conference (KWI) on Wednesday criticized the government's decision to move a number of religious holidays to other dates in order to give longer weekends.

Finding Sjahril Sabirin's successor

Finding Sjahril Sabirin's successor Pitan Daslani, Publisher, indocapital.com, Jakarta Who would be the right candidate to replace Sjahril Sabirin, the incumbent governor of Bank Indonesia now approaching retirement age? Should it be one of the three senior bankers that President Megawati Soekarnoputri handpicked for a fit and proper test? Logically and officially, yes. But wait a minute. More important is the question of the fit and proper test itself.

Sutiyoso to go ahead with candidacy

Sutiyoso to go ahead with candidacy Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso, who seems undeterred by the obstacles to his candidacy, signaled that, should he be elected chairman of the National Sports Council (KONI), he would leave the day-to-day duties to his designated aides. "I will appoint someone to team up with Djoko Pramono," he said on the sidelines of the KONI congress here on Wednesday.

We need another 'Bung' Karno

We need another 'Bung' Karno From Rakyat Merdeka Indonesia's first president Sukarno, better known as Bung (Brother) Karno, was excellent at uniting this nation by means of, among other things, identifying a common enemy. He diverted the attention of the nation to Papua and made The Netherlands the country's common enemy. Temporarily, we forgot inter-ethnic conflicts and our poverty as the people were busy training as volunteers to fight for the return of Papua to Jakarta's control.

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.

No more safe haven for Wiranto

No more safe haven for Wiranto The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The failure of Indonesia's rights tribunal to bow to international demands for the prosecution of the alleged perpetrators of human rights abuses in East Timor has prompted the indictment of several high-ranking officers, including former military chief Gen. (ret) Wiranto, observers said.

Terror in the guise of culture

Terror in the guise of culture I Ngurah Suryawan, Anthropology Department School of Letters, Udayana University, Denpasar Ahmad Mislan, a migrant working in Bali said, "We're very disappointed. We have come here not to colonize the land but to earn a living." (Kompas, Jan. 7) "Sweeping" and raids against those considered "migrants" in Bali have been unusually intensive following the bomb blast in Kuta last Oct.

;JP;sps;

;JP;sps; ANPAf..r.. Rupiah-conversion-rates Rupiah Rates Feb.26 JP/13/Conver Rupiah Rates Feb.26 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp Australian dollar 1 5,683.10 5,073.80 5,407.17 5,349.50 Brunei dollar 1 5,416.69 4,837.17 5,153.70 5,100.01 Canadian dollar 1 6,278.91 5,606.63 5,974.06 5,911.28 Swiss franc 1 6,916.05 6,176.04 6,580.27 6,511.63 Danish krone 1 1,360.02 1,214.93 1,293.98 1,280.95 Euro 1 10,102.04 9,023.92 9,611.56 9,514.25 Poundsterling 1 14,799.91...

No Blocks Govt Portion Contractor Portion

No Blocks Govt Portion Contractor Portion Oil Gas Oil Gas 1. Merangin I-Onshore 75 60 25 40 Central Sumatera 2. Merangin II-Onshore 75 60 25 40 Central Sumatera 3. Rembang-Offshore 75 60 25 40 North Central Java 4. Bulu-Offshore 80 65 20 35 North Central Java 5. South Madura- 80 65 20 35 Offshore East Java 6. North East Madura I- 80 65 20 35 Offshore East Java 7. North East Madura II- 75 60 25 40 Offshore East Java 8. East Kangean- 75 60 25 40 Offshore East Java 9.

Elections law has no basis to end status quo

Elections law has no basis to end status quo Satya Arinanto, Lecturer, Faculty of Law University of Indonesia, Jakarta, arinanto@cbn.net.id After a long debate, the House of Representatives and the government finally passed the elections law into effect on Feb. 18. Previously, at the end of 2002, the House and the government had passed Law No. 31/2002 on political parties.

Pitan Daslani

Pitan Daslani Publisher indocapital.com Jakarta 2. nGURAH -- Terror in the guise of culture 1 x 30 Terror in the guise of culture I Ngurah Suryawan Anthropology Department School of Letters Udayana University Denpasar

RI's democracy held hostage by undemocratic parties

RI's democracy held hostage by undemocratic parties Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia's nascent democracy will remain fragile if political parties continue to show little respect for the democratic rights of the members of their own organizations, according to a new book examining the history of the country's general elections.

1. PARTY: 2 x 28

1. PARTY: 2 x 28 RI's democracy held hostage by undemocratic parties 2. HOLIDAY: 2 x 33 Religious leaders criticize govt for shifting holiday dates 3. PUBLIC: 2 x 25 Public services, schools to take holiday on Monday 4. POST: 2 x30 Press activists hail TNI-U.S. newspaper case resolution 5. ODD: 1 x 30 Air force fights mosquitoes

Agence France-Presse, Singapore

Agence France-Presse, Singapore Singapore's Neptune Orient Lines' (NOL) said Wednesday it will cut over 1,000 jobs worldwide after its net loss in 2002 widened to US$330.156 million from $56.366 million a year ago. The deterioration in the company's financial accounts was due mainly to a charge of $109 million for exceptional items and depressed freight rates, the state-linked shipping liner said in a statement.

JP/5/bupati

JP/5/bupati Regent faces jail for graft KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: Prosecutors have demanded that Kendari Regent Razak Porosi be sentenced to three years in prison for corruption involving almost Rp 300 million. Reading out a 90-page indictment, prosecutor Antonius Sudiarto told the Kendari District Court on Wednesday that the defendant must also pay a Rp 30 million fine if found guilty in the ongoing trial.

Sand mining criticized by expert

Sand mining criticized by expert PEKANBARU, Riau: The impact of sand mining on the environment in Riau, not territorial considerations, should serve as the basis for the suspension of all sand mining activities in the province, a university expert said here on Wednesday.

19 injured as police clash with students in Bandung

19 injured as police clash with students in Bandung Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung, West Java At least 19 people, including a journalist and a police officer, were injured in a violent student demonstration on Wednesday to protest the hike in utility prices, which demonstrators said overburdened the public.

Public must monitor bill deliberation

Public must monitor bill deliberation JAKARTA: Deputy House Speaker Muhaimin Iskandar invited the public on Wednesday to intensively monitor the deliberation of the freedom of information bill. Muhaimin said that public scrutiny was needed to put pressure on both legislators and the government. "Legislators often follow the government's proposal if there is no public criticism," Muhaimin said during a hearing with a coalition for freedom of information here.

City urged to involve public is busway plan

City urged to involve public is busway plan Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta An activist and urban transportation experts asked the city administration on Wednesday to involve the public in its endeavor to fix the transportation problems in the capital, now that the controversial busway project had been postponed indefinitely.

Stock Prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Feb. 26, 2003:

Stock Prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Feb. 26, 2003: ----------------------------------------------------------- Name Close Change Volume ----------------------------------------------------------- Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 550 -25 1,000 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 45 0 69,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 135 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 105 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 700 0 0 Alter Abadi Tbk 10 0 0 Alumindo Light 190 0 0 Andhi Chandra 460 0 75,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 450 0 0...

Commissioners' accountability

Commissioners' accountability The controversy over the two substantially different audited financial reports of publicly listed Bank Lippo for the third quarter of 2002 is once again raising big questions about the government's practice of using positions on the boards of commissioners of state companies primarily as an additional source of income for senior officials.

Stock Prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Feb. 26, 2003:

Stock Prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Feb. 26, 2003: ----------------------------------------------------------- Name Close Change Volume ----------------------------------------------------------- Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 550 -25 1,000 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 45 0 69,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 135 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 105 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 700 0 0 Alter Abadi Tbk 10 0 0 Alumindo Light 190 0 0 Andhi Chandra 460 0 75,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 450 0 0...

Bengkala villagers live happily in a silent world

Bengkala villagers live happily in a silent world Alpha Savitri, Contributor, Buleleng, North Bali Among all the villages in Bali, Bengkala village is probably the quietest. Located some 14 kilometers from Singaraja in North Bali, the village is home to many deaf-mute people, who communicate in sign language. According to an official of the village administrative office I Wayan Rupaka, from around 2,000 residents living in the village, many of them are deaf and mute, as were their parents.

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.

More new cars hit the street this year

More new cars hit the street this year I. Christianto, Contributor, Jakarta A whole range of new car models will converge upon the Indonesian automotive market this year, amid signs of healthy growth in car sales in the domestic market. Among the new models will include the Toyota Vios, which has already hit the streets in a few other Asian countries.

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.

Akbar reported to police for libel

Akbar reported to police for libel JAKARTA: Former Golkar deputy secretary-general Muchyar Yara reported Golkar chairman Akbar Tandjung to the police on Wednesday for defamation. Muchyar, who was fired by Akbar in February 2002, said Akbar had accused him of influencing the Jakarta High Court, which decided to uphold Akbar's three-year jail term for corruption. "That is not true, the allegation tarnishes my reputation," Muchyar was quoted was Antara as saying.

Press activists hail TNI-U.S. newspaper case resolution

Press activists hail TNI-U.S. newspaper case resolution Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Press organizations hailed on Thursday the out-of-court settlement reached between the Indonesian Military (TNI) and The Washington Post, saying it was the best way possible to resolve a dispute over media reports. The organizations said the legal measures pursued by the TNI set a good precedence that would replace the rampant use of intimidation in the past.

Incentives needed to push investment in eastern regions

Incentives needed to push investment in eastern regions Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State Minister for Eastern Indonesian Development Manuel Kaisiepo said on Wednesday tax incentives were badly needed to attract investors to eastern Indonesia and accelerate economic development in the region. He said incentives must be offered particularly for the fishery and agribusiness sectors.

Police name sunk ship's crew men as suspects

Police name sunk ship's crew men as suspects Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan, North Sumatra Police said on Wednesday they had officially named two senior crew members of an overloaded ferry as suspects over the sinking of the boat in rough seas off North Sumatra province, leaving at least 28 people dead and 46 others missing and feared drowned.

Glodok remains messy

Glodok remains messy From Warta Kota The area in front of the Harco Building in Glodok, West Jakarta, remains messy despite the iron fence and traffic signs. Clearly, local authorities have failed to exercise proper control over this area. Dozens of sidewalk vendors crowd the entry to this shopping compound, while the slow lane in Pinangsia Raya Road, the road leading to the entry of this compound, is crowded with parked motorcycles and taxis despite the "No-Parking" signs.

KL defends tariff policy on steel

KL defends tariff policy on steel The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Malaysia's Minister of International Trade and Industry Rafidah Aziz on Wednesday defended her government's policy to impose a 50 percent import duty on imported steel products from Indonesia. She said the import duty was aimed at protecting Malaysia's steel industry from cheaper imported products. "This is a protection tariff imposed on all imported steel products, not only from Indonesia," Rafidah said at an investment forum here.

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.

Can a 'Perry process' defuse North Korea?

Can a 'Perry process' defuse North Korea? Yoichi Funabashi, The Asahi Shimbun, Tokyo The time is not yet ripe for creative initiatives such as Carter diplomacy and the Perry process. I recently interviewed Stanford University professor William Perry, who served as former United States President Bill Clinton's secretary of defense.

Roh gets boost amid N.Korea crisis

Roh gets boost amid N.Korea crisis Agencies, Seoul South Korea's new President Roh Moo-hyun got an early boost at a time of tension over North Korea's suspected nuclear ambitions when the opposition-dominated parliament approved his candidate for prime minister on Wednesday. Predicting that a U.S. invasion of Iraq was "just a matter of time," North Korea said on Wednesday that it could be the U.S. military's next target and urged its armed forces to be ready for war.

Legislators upset with envoy candidates

Legislators upset with envoy candidates Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A number of legislators taking part in selection hearings for 19 ambassadorial candidates have expressed their disappointment with the government for proposing candidates whom the legislators claimed were of low quality. House defense and foreign affairs commission deputy chairman Effendy Choirie blamed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the candidates' alleged shortcomings.

No Blocks Govt Portion Contractor Portion

No Blocks Govt Portion Contractor Portion Oil Gas Oil Gas 1. Merangin I-Onshore 75 60 25 40 Central Sumatera 2. Merangin II-Onshore 75 60 25 40 Central Sumatera 3. Rembang-Offshore 75 60 25 40 North Central Java 4. Bulu-Offshore 80 65 20 35 North Central Java 5. South Madura- 80 65 20 35 Offshore East Java 6. North East Madura I- 80 65 20 35 Offshore East Java 7. North East Madura II- 75 60 25 40 Offshore East Java 8. East Kangean- 75 60 25 40 Offshore East Java 9.

No more safe haven for Wiranto

No more safe haven for Wiranto The Jakarta Post Jakarta The failure of Indonesia's rights tribunal to bow to international demands for the prosecution of the alleged perpetrators of human rights abuses in East Timor prompted the indictment of several high-ranking officers, including former military chief Gen. (ret) Wiranto.

Danamon to issue subdebt

Danamon to issue subdebt PT Bank Danamon Indonesia, the country's fifth-largest bank in asset terms, plans to issue Rp 500 billion (US$56.8 million) to Rp 1 trillion of subordinated bonds this year, its director, Riswinandi, told Dow Jones Wednesday. "The issuance of the sub-debt is aimed at strengthening the bank's working capital and to increase its capital adequacy ratio," said Riswinandi. As of Dec 31, 2002, the bank's capital adequacy ratio was at 25.3 percent.

Religious leaders criticize holiday shifts

Religious leaders criticize holiday shifts Bambang Nurbianto and Sri Wahyuni The Jakarta Post Jakarta/Yogyakarta The Indonesian Council of Ulemas (MUI) and Indonesian Bishops' Conference (KWI) on Wednesday criticized the government's decision to move a number of religious holidays to other dates in order to give longer weekends.

How about buying used but first class sedans

How about buying used but first class sedans Sudibyo M.Wiradji, Contributor, Jakarta If you want to enjoy the comfort of driving a real luxury car but don't have enough cash to purchase a new one, buying from the second-hand car market might be the right alternative. Just name your favorite cars -- BMW, Volvo, Mercedes Benz or Peugeot, you will easily find them on the used car market around town. Not all cars sold in such a market are exactly vintage models.

Farmers condemn globalization

Farmers condemn globalization Fidelito Ahmad, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya Some 1,500 farmers from across the country arrived here on Wednesday to attend the second congress of the Federation of All- Indonesia Farmers Unions (FSPI), where they will declare their opposition to privatization and globalization. Dressed in black, participants at the congress marched from the Surabaya Institute of Technology campus to the Surabaya Convention Hall on Jl.

[b]Dili indictment based on

Dili indictment based on command responsibility Nug Katjasungkana Contributor Dili 2. Frans -- SBKRI: A practice of segregation 1 X 30 SBKRI: Segregation in practice Frans H. Winarta Council Member Human Rights Institute International Bar Association (IBA) Jakarta 3. A new 'Perry process' to defuse North Korea? 1 X 35 Can a 'Perry process' defuse N. Korea? Yoichi Funabashi The Asahi Shimbun Tokyo

'Check out maids yourself before hiring them'

'Check out maids yourself before hiring them' A string of robberies involving dishonest domestic helpers has added to the already high crime rate in the city. Police recently busted a syndicate specializing in robberies with the help of a maid planted in the household. The Jakarta Post talked to several city residents over the latest trend in robberies. Santi, 28, is a working mother.

Sutiyoso cancels meetings for congress

Sutiyoso cancels meetings for congress JAKARTA: Governor Sutiyoso has canceled all of his appointments from Tuesday until Thursday as he is concentrating on the congress of the National Sports Council (KONI) in which he is the one of the candidates to head the council. Sutiyoso, for example, canceled a planned meeting on Tuesday afternoon with the tax director general, to request tax exemption for Tanah Abang traders following the Feb. 19 fire.

Police get US$4.35 million from U.S.

Police get US$4.35 million from U.S. JAKARTA: The United States provided the National Police with US$4.352 million on Wednesday to assist the police's transition from a military unit to a professional, civilian law enforcement agency. The funds would be used to finance various projects including field training, police-labor relations training, fighting against people-trafficking and personnel transport vehicles. The aid was handed over by the U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia Ralph L.

More favorable economic conditions expected to further boost car sales

More favorable economic conditions expected to further boost car sales Rikza Abdullah, Contributor, Jakarta More favorable economic conditions are predicted to further boost domestic sales of automotive vehicles this year but possible political instability prior to the 2004 general election could reverse that trend. Falling interest rates on bank loans and a stable foreign exchange rate helped raise domestic sales of automobiles last year.

City to get integrated passenger terminal

City to get integrated passenger terminal Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite the decreasing trend of passengers using the Tanjung Priok seaport in North Jakarta, state-owned seaport operator PT Pelindo II is working together with city-owned property company Jakarta Propertindo to build an integrated passenger terminal in Ancol Timur, next to the current seaport, a report said.

YLBHI files petition against R&D policy

YLBHI files petition against R&D policy The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) filed a petition with the Supreme Court on Wednesday to review a government policy aimed at allowing cooperative debtors to walk free from criminal chares. YLBHI said in a media release that the ruling, which was contained within a presidential instruction (Inpres), had to be annulled because it clearly ran contrary to existing legislation.

Choice of execution

Choice of execution From Kompas There are several methods for executing someone who has been sentenced to death: a firing squad, hanging, stoning, electrocution or fatal injection. The last choice would be suitable for Indonesia as this country is based on the five principles of Pancasila in which the second point is a just and civilized humanity. Only a police doctor would be needed to carry out the execution.

Observing Islamic holidays

Observing Islamic holidays From Pikiran Rakyat With regard to the two Islamic holy days -- Idul Fitri and Idul Adha -- each of which is observed on different days by Muslims here, I call on all Muslims in Indonesia and around the world to unite in celebrating them on the same dates. I know that would be hard to do, but we should have one revered religious leader or institution who could enable us to have a Muslim identity and be proud of it.

Most discotheques in Jakarta firetraps

Most discotheques in Jakarta firetraps The Jakarta Post, Jakarta About 75 percent of some 600 entertainment centers here are prone to fire, head of the city's fire department, Johnny Pangaribuan, disclosed here on Wednesday. "Most of the amusement centers do not have adequate fire extinguishers and fire escapes," Pangaribuan said during a hearing with city councillors.

Megawati tells U.S. not to invade Iraq

Megawati tells U.S. not to invade Iraq Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Kuala Lumpur Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri, leader of the world's most populous Muslim country, for the first time called on the United States not to invade Iraq unilaterally. She also called on the United States to apply the principles of democracy it always championed in regard to Iraq.

More dialogs sought for acceptance of new labor law

More dialogs sought for acceptance of new labor law Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Experts and legislators are calling on trade unions and employers to resolve peacefully their remaining objections to the new manpower bill, saying the new draft could be amended for the sake of both parties.

Shadow of suspicion

Shadow of suspicion The manpower bill has finally been endorsed into by the House of Representatives, amid pressure from labor activists. The bill's endorsement is an achievement for Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Jacob Nuwa Wea, because three previous manpower ministers had failed to get the bill passed. The question concerning the law, however, is not which parties endorsed it.

Punishment sought for travel agencies

Punishment sought for travel agencies JAKARTA: Three legislators here urged religious affairs minister Said Agil Hussein Al Munawar on Wednesday to revoke the permits of travel agencies that had mismanaged pilgrimages during the recent haj season. "We want the government to revoke the permits of travel agencies that have mistreated their clients," said Syahrul Azmir Matondang of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangn).

Stock Prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Feb. 26, 2003:

Stock Prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Feb. 26, 2003: ----------------------------------------------------------- Name Close Change Volume ----------------------------------------------------------- Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 550 -25 1,000 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 45 0 69,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 135 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 105 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 700 0 0 Alter Abadi Tbk 10 0 0 Alumindo Light 190 0 0 Andhi Chandra 460 0 75,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 450 0 0...

China, ASEAN to implement tariff reduction program in 2005

China, ASEAN to implement tariff reduction program in 2005 Agence France-Presse, Shanghai China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) plan to implement a round of tariff reductions beginning in January 2005 as part of their greater plan to create a free trade zone, state press reported Wednesday.

Dili indictment based on command responsibility

Dili indictment based on command responsibility Nug Katjasungkana, Contributor, Dili On Tuesday, the Dili-based Office of the Prosecutor General of Timor Leste issued an indictment of former military commander Gen. (ret) Wiranto and six other officers who served in East Timor, as well as former governor Abilio Jose Osorio Soares, of crimes against humanity. The following are excerpts of an interview with the Prosecutor of the Serious Crimes Unit, Stuart Alford.

JP/7/NUG

JP/7/NUG Dili indictment based on history of command responsibility Nug Katjasungkana Contributor Dili On Tuesday, the Dili-based Office of the Prosecutor General of Timor Leste issued an indictment of former military commander Gen. (ret) Wiranto and six other officers who served in East Timor, as well as former governor Abilio Jose Osorio Soares, of crimes against humanity. The following are excerpts of an interview with the Prosecutor of the Serious Crimes Unit, Stuart Alford.

Council likely to pass bill in favor of royal families

Council likely to pass bill in favor of royal families Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta The Yogyakarta provincial legislative council was almost to finish the deliberation of a bill giving the top posts in the provincial administration to the two royal families, the sultanate and the Pakualaman principality.

Central Jakarta gets new police chief

Central Jakarta gets new police chief JAKARTA: Central Jakarta municipality, home to important government offices and upmarket residential complexes, has a new police chief, Adj. Sr. Comr. Sukrawardi Dahlan, who replaced Sr. Comr. Edmon Ilyas. Sukrawardi previously served as the head of the noncommissioned police officers school in Lido, Sukabumi. He is being replaced by Adj. Anang Iskandar, who headed a similar school in Mojokerto, East Java.

Watchdog calls for prompt bill debate

Watchdog calls for prompt bill debate JAKARTA: The Independent Committee for Elections Monitoring (KIPP) has urged the House of Representatives (DPR) to quickly form a committee and start deliberating the bill on direct presidential and vice presidential elections. KIPP coordinator Ray Rangkuti said the sooner the House started deliberation on the bill the more time legislators would have to produce a better law.

University closed after seven hurt in mass brawl

University closed after seven hurt in mass brawl Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post, Makassar, South Sulawesi The State University of Makassar (UNM) in South Sulawesi was closed for three days starting Wednesday, after seven people were injured in a mass brawl involving hundreds of students from different faculties. The closure was aimed at clearing up the campus, located on Jl.

Election of BI governor

Election of BI governor From Media Indonesia For the first time in the history of the central bank, Bank Indonesia (BI), its governor will be elected on the basis of an agreement between the government and the House of Representatives. The election process is based on the new Law No. 23/1999 on Bank Indonesia. Clearly, all this shows that Bank Indonesia is an independent state institution free from any intervention from the government or any political parties. On Feb.

JP/5/bupati

JP/5/bupati Regent faces jail for graft KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: Prosecutors have demanded that Kendari Regent Razak Porosi be sentenced to three years in prison for corruption involving almost Rp 300 million. Reading out a 90-page indictment, prosecutor Antonius Sudiarto told the Kendari District Court on Wednesday that the defendant must also pay a Rp 30 million fine if found guilty in the ongoing trial.

4 x 10

4 x 10 Police name sunk ship's crew men as suspects JP/5/Yogya 2 x 25 Council likely to pass bill in favor of royal families JP/5/Luka 1 x 43 19 injured as police clash with students in Bandung JP/5/Demo 2 x 22 University closed after seven hurt in mass brawl

1. INSIGHT: 1 x 50

1. INSIGHT: 1 x 50 Elections law has no basis to end status quo 2. MEGA: 1 x 40 Megawati tells U.S. not to invade Iraq 3. OIC: 1 x 62 Islamic world supports France on Iraq, considers oil threat 4. AUSTRALIA: 2 x 29 Australia shapes defense for U.S.-led war on terror 5. DRUGS: 2 x 40 Illicit production of methamphetamines rising sharply in SE Asia: Report

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, Feb. 27, 2003

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, Feb. 27, 2003 Exhibitions * Photo, Self, by Rama Surya, at Paros Gallery Pantai Purnama Rd, Banjar Palak, Sukawati, Gianyar, until March 17, for further information, contact: Made Kaek, (Tel. 08123639148 or 0361- 298120) * Painting, Big, by artist like Aa.

JP/5/bupati

JP/5/bupati Regent faces jail for graft KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: Prosecutors have demanded that Kendari Regent Razak Porosi be sentenced to three years in prison for corruption involving almost Rp 300 million. Reading out a 90-page indictment, prosecutor Antonius Sudiarto told the Kendari District Court on Wednesday that the defendant must also pay a Rp 30 million fine if found guilty in the ongoing trial.

Water firms pressed to improve service

Water firms pressed to improve service Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jakartans may have to dig deeper into their wallets as soon as the city administration and City Council agree on an inevitable hike in tap water charges in the coming months, despite what consumer groups say is the continuing poor service provided.

RI under pressure over corruption

RI under pressure over corruption M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A United Nations official warned on Thursday that Indonesia must take serious action against corruption otherwise the country would have to face the possibility of concerted measures being taken by the international community.

Election of BI governor

Election of BI governor From Media Indonesia For the first time in the history of the central bank, Bank Indonesia (BI), its governor will be elected on the basis of an agreement between the government and the House of Representatives. The election process is based on the new Law No. 23/1999 on Bank Indonesia. Clearly, all this shows that Bank Indonesia is an independent state institution free from any intervention from the government or any political parties. On Feb.

SBKRI: Segregation in practice

SBKRI: Segregation in practice Frans H. Winarta, Council Member Human Rights Institute International Bar Association (IBA), Jakarta The document of citizenship affecting Chinese-Indonesians, the SBKRI, has been a nagging problem for the country, in addition to the 60 other regulations and decrees that discriminate against ethnic Chinese, who account for up to 3 percent of the total population.

Painting auction gains collectors' attention

Painting auction gains collectors' attention Yusuf Susilo Hartono, Contributor, Jakarta A painting by artist Srihadi Sudarsono depicting two dancers, titled Dinamika Legong (The Dynamics of Legong), was the center of attraction at the auction held at the National Museum here. The auctioning off of the painting marked the peak of an exhibition of 91 paintings by 31 artists from Bandung, Jakarta, Malang, Surabaya, Surakarta and Yogyakarta, which ran until Feb.

A lesson from Lippo

A lesson from Lippo The case of Bank Lippo has lately dominated the headlines of Indonesian dailies but there has been no significant effort on the part of the government to settle the matter. The Capital Market Supervisory Agency (Bapepam), which has a key role in settling the problem, has been collecting data about the bank's performance. The agency will announce the results of its investigation to the public in March. The Lippo case stems from two different financial reports.

Minister wants gambling canceled

Minister wants gambling canceled JAKARTA: Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno has told the Batam municipality in Riau province to revoke a gambling permit issued to Tering Bay Resort, Noah subdistrict. Untung Raharjo, general secretary of the National Commission to Monitor Autonomy, said the minister told him the gambling permit was illegal and should be scrapped. Hari would order Batam Mayor Nyat Kadir to withdraw the illegal permit, Untung said.

ADB sees modest growth for RI this year

ADB sees modest growth for RI this year The Jakarta Post, Jakarta While investment has yet to pick up this year due to both internal and external factors, domestic consumption will remain strong as the backbone of the economy, enough to drive growth by 3.7 percent, economists at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said.

Angelique cherishes her 'improved play'

Angelique cherishes her 'improved play' The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite modest runs in her tournaments so far, Angelique "Angie" Widjaja, who has just entered the second year of a sponsorship deal with an electronics company, says she has not been overcome by disappointment. "I'm not too disappointed. I lost, but by narrow defeats on many occasions.

Danamon to issue subdebt

Danamon to issue subdebt PT Bank Danamon Indonesia, the country's fifth-largest bank in asset terms, plans to issue Rp 500 billion (US$56.8 million) to Rp 1 trillion of subordinated bonds this year, its director, Riswinandi, told Dow Jones Wednesday. "The issuance of the sub-debt is aimed at strengthening the bank's working capital and to increase its capital adequacy ratio," said Riswinandi. As of Dec 31, 2002, the bank's capital adequacy ratio was at 25.3 percent.

Regent faces jail for graft

Regent faces jail for graft KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: Prosecutors have demanded that Kendari Regent Razak Porosi be sentenced to three years in prison for corruption involving almost Rp 300 million. Reading out a 90-page indictment, prosecutor Antonius Sudiarto told the Kendari District Court on Wednesday that the defendant must also pay a Rp 30 million fine if found guilty in the ongoing trial.

Government offers better oil and gas contracts

Government offers better oil and gas contracts A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Businesspeople willing to invest in the 11 oil and gas blocks currently being offered by the government could obtain a greater production split of up 25 percent for oil and 40 percent for gas, according to a government proposal released on Wednesday. The improved contractual terms are aimed at attracting more investment to the country's oil and gas sectors.