Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 28 February 2003

90 articles found

1. INSIGHT: 1 x 45

1. INSIGHT: 1 x 45 Giving peace a chance to take root in Aceh 2. ACEH: 1 x 40 More foreigners arrive to bolster peace 3. CBS: 2 x 25 'CBS', U.S. govt in flap over Saddam interview 4. CHINA: 2 x 25 Reticent China straddles UNSC debate on Iraq

1. MEGA: 4 x 12

1. MEGA: 4 x 12 RI promises to attract investment, lacks action 2. ELECTION: 2 x 24 KPU to stick with own 2004 elections schedule 3. IRAQ: 1 x 50 War with Iraq not against Islam: Religious leaders 4. KOREA: 2 x 24 N. Korea again fires up reactor, fueling jitters or N. Korea again fires up reactor, ire of Washington

I have the time for KONI, says Agum

I have the time for KONI, says Agum The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The newly elected chairman of the National Sports Council (KONI), Agum Gumelar, who is also the transportation minister, promised that he would be able to devote enough of his time to manage the organization. "Given my position at the transportation ministry people have expressed doubt that I have the time for KONI. Trust me, I have time for KONI," the transportation minister said after his election.

TV Today: Friday, Feb. 28, 2003

TV Today: Friday, Feb. 28, 2003 .TB.30" .90" 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 9:00 TV Drama: Budi Pekerti 10:00 Music 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 3:00 Children's Program: Pentas Ceria 3:30 Tourism 4:00 Sports 6:00 News: Berita...

Scholars win Australia Asia Award

Scholars win Australia Asia Award JAKARTA: An Islamic scholar and a former journalist have won the Australia Asia Award 2003, which will enable them to pursue a doctoral and master's degree respectively in Australia under a full scholarship program.

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.

Two ships collide off Malaysian coast

Two ships collide off Malaysian coast MALAYSIA: Two ships have collided off Malaysia's southern Johor coast, a marine office spokesman said on Thursday. The Sanko Robust, a cargo ship registered at Monrovia port, and the Tirta Mas, a semi-container registered in Jakarta collided Wednesday night near Kukup island, spokesman for the Marine Office's Malaysia Rescue and Coordination Center (MRCC) Hisham Ali was quoted as saying by the Bernama news agency. The Tirta Mas partially sank.

'Holiday changes encourage laziness'

'Holiday changes encourage laziness' Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The holiday shift introduced by the government in order to allow people to enjoy longer weekends is a bad precedent for the country's education, as it will discourage the cultivation of a hard-working culture, observers say.

Slamet's dossier return to police

Slamet's dossier return to police Chaidir Anwar Tanjung, The Jakarta Post, Pekanbaru, Riau Prosecutors said here on Thursday they had returned the case file of Mas Slamet bin Kastari, the alleged chief operative in Singapore of the Jamaah Islamiyah terrorist network, to police in Riau province for revision.

ASEAN, Japan to set up body to back bonds by Asian companies

ASEAN, Japan to set up body to back bonds by Asian companies Agence France-Presse, Tokyo The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries and Japan plan to set up a new body in two years to guarantee bonds issued by major Asian companies to help them raise stable long-term funds, a report said Thursday. They believe the scheme would also help decrease the regional dependence on dollars if more bonds are issued in local currencies, the Nihon Keizai economic daily said.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Feb. 27. 2003:

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Feb. 27. 2003: ---------------------------------------------------------- Name Close Change Volume ---------------------------------------------------------- Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 550 0 2,500 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 45 0 29,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 135 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 105 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 700 0 48,000 Alter Abadi Tbk 10 0 0 Alumindo Light 190 0 0 Andhi Chandra 460 0 12,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 450 0 0...

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.

BP may get extension of its Kangean gas contract

BP may get extension of its Kangean gas contract A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite a well-publicized gas pipe leak, Anglo-American energy giant BP Plc is likely to get an extension from the government for its Kangean gas contract in East Java.

JP/4/scene

JP/4/scene Samudra's dossier returned to police DENPASAR, Bali: Prosecutors returned to police on Thursday the dossier of Imam Samudra, alias Abdul Aziz, the alleged mastermind behind the terrorist attacks on the resort island of Bali last October, due to lack of evidence. Head of the Bali Prosecutor's Office I Ketut Yona said the police had to provide more evidence in the 1,501-page case file, saying it was "incomplete".

E. Timor denies indicting RI generals

E. Timor denies indicting RI generals Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The East Timor government denied on Thursday news reports that it has indicted former Indonesian Military chief Gen. (ret) Wiranto and five other generals for crimes against humanity, ending concerns of a diplomatic rift. Minister for Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda said he had called East Timor's Ambassador to Indonesia Arlindo Marcel to his office on Thursday morning to explain reports over the indictment.

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.

City chalks up 3.87% growth in 2002

City chalks up 3.87% growth in 2002 JAKARTA: The capital city enjoyed a 3.87 percent economic growth rate, slightly higher than the national figure of 3.66 percent last year. This year, however, the figure is expected to decline, especially since the fire at Tanah Abang textile market, Central Jakarta, on Feb. 19 The information was revealed by the Jakarta branch of the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) on Wednesday, as quoted by city-owned news portal beritajakarta.com.

`Mr. Moms', wives dealing with odd territory

`Mr. Moms', wives dealing with odd territory Bruce Emond, Contributor, Jakarta After 12 years shouldering the burden as the sole bread-winner in her family, "Nita" committed a quiet act of rebellion. With her husband at home perfecting his Playstation skills in between helping the housemaid care for their three young children, she went out on payday and splurged on a new handbag, spending most of her wages for the purchase.

Kupang councillor's residence stoned

Kupang councillor's residence stoned KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Unidentified vandals hurled stones at the official residence of deputy chairman of the Kupang city council, Edwin, early on Thursday. Edwin, also chairman of the Kupang branch of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), reported the case to the Kupang police on the same day. First Insp.

Bali prosecutors return Samudra's dossier to police

Bali prosecutors return Samudra's dossier to police Prosecutors returned to police on Thursday the dossier of Imam Samudra, alias Abdul Aziz, the alleged mastermind behind the terrorist attacks on the resort island of Bali last October, due to lack of evidence. Head of the Bali Prosecutor's Office I Ketut Yona said the police had to provide more evidence in the 1,501-page case file, saying it was "incomplete".

Inul contributes to the state

Inul contributes to the state When I read in the newspaper and saw on TV the hullabaloo about Inul, the singer/dancer, I remembered the mid 1950s, the so-called Elvis Presley era. At that time, the U.S.'s Rev. Billy Graham condemned the dynamic and gyrating movements of Elvis Presley while he was singing, labeling it an immoral act and urging the people not to watch or attend Elvis Presley's concerts. Probably now the Rev.

Grant projects ignore the public

Grant projects ignore the public JP/4/scene JAKARTA: The Indonesian Corruption Watch (ICW) said on Thursday that the implementation of projects involving foreign grants in the country still ignored public participation and transparency. Teten Masduki of ICW said foreign countries had indeed new concepts that demanded that the government carry out grant projects transparently, but they closed their eyes to the poor project implementation.

BCA signs a deal to improve service

BCA signs a deal to improve service JAKARTA: Bank Central Asia (BCA), a leading private bank in the country, has signed an agreement with Reuters, to implement Reuters Automated Dealing services across its large retail banking network. "The market is rapidly evolving and Reuters increased investment in dealing with technology will ensure that we have an open solution that can fully address our current and future needs," BCA general manager Darius Wanardi said in a statement on Thursday.

Grant projects ignore the public

Grant projects ignore the public JAKARTA: The Indonesian Corruption Watch (ICW) said on Thursday that the implementation of projects involving foreign grants in the country still ignored public participation and transparency. Teten Masduki of ICW said foreign countries had indeed new concepts that demanded that the government carry out grant projects transparently, but they closed their eyes to the poor project implementation.

Tanah Abang traders ask for free rent until 2010

Tanah Abang traders ask for free rent until 2010 Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Occupants of destroyed kiosks in the Tanah Abang textile market in Central Jakarta, whose rents are due next year, are asking market officials to delay their rents until 2010 at the earliest.

From Pikiran Rakyat

From Pikiran Rakyat I feel deeply concerned over Zaenudin M.Z.'s recent tricks and political maneuvers. To most Muslims, Zaenudin M.Z. is a good preacher, but unfortunately now he pays more attention to the political arena. While before he belonged to all Muslims, now he belongs only to his own party. Politics are cruel as they seek position and money. So, Zaenudin M.Z., where are you taking the Muslims? Zaenudin M.Z. is not true to his word.

'Treat your maids well and with respect'

'Treat your maids well and with respect' The lack of registered housemaids, manpower supplier agencies and their sponsors are to blame for the rise in domestic crime by dishonest servants. Employers' disrespectful treatment of maids is another important factor to consider as it could cause maids to become dishonest. The Jakarta Post talked to some residents who have worked as domestic helpers. Winarso, 30, is unemployed and looking for a job.

Poor attendance delays bill talks

Poor attendance delays bill talks JAKARTA: Initial discussion on the formation of a special committee to deliberate the bill on direct presidential and vice presidential elections was delayed on Thursday because of poor attendance at the House's steering committee. The delay is feared to be consuming valuable time allocated for the bill deliberation, which in turn could affect the preparations for the presidential and vice presidential elections in 2004.

Philippines seeks oil supply assurance from Asian neighbors

Philippines seeks oil supply assurance from Asian neighbors Agence France-Presse, Manila The Philippines is seeking commitments for steady oil supplies from Asian neighbors amid a possible embargo from the 48-member Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), an official said Thursday.

KPU to stick with own 2004 election schedule

KPU to stick with own 2004 election schedule Berni K. Moestafa and Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The General Elections Commission (KPU) declined to bow just yet to a government proposal for an earlier election schedule, as the final decision hinged on the passage of the direct presidential election bill, a KPU member said on Thursday. "For now, we will proceed with our preparation schedule," said KPU member Ramlan Surbakti.

Dropping IMF would weaken RI's credibility: Economist

Dropping IMF would weaken RI's credibility: Economist Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia is not yet ready to terminate the current role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as such a move would risk the country losing crucial foreign financing sources and damage investor confidence, say experts. They also argue that the IMF's approval for the government's ongoing economic reform program is still needed in order to maintain its credibility.

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.

Govt to review controversial highway project in Aceh

Govt to review controversial highway project in Aceh Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri has ordered her ministers to review the planned construction of a road that will pass through Leuser National Park in Aceh.

b]* Headlines: E. Timor denies indicting RI generals 2

b]* Headlines: E. Timor denies indicting RI generals 2 * National: TNI chief stands by controversial bill4 * Archipelago: Police reported over violence against press5 * Opinion: Replace Lippo management6 * City:Tanah Abang traders ask for free rent8 * Sports:Woods wins, Els loses at World Matchplay 9 * World: Roh unveils reformist Cabinet 11 * Business:War on Iraq will cost Bali tourism $224m13 * Features:Thai PM basks in economic glory20

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.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Feb. 27. 2003:

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Feb. 27. 2003: ---------------------------------------------------------- Name Close Change Volume ---------------------------------------------------------- Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 550 0 2,500 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 45 0 29,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 135 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 105 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 700 0 48,000 Alter Abadi Tbk 10 0 0 Alumindo Light 190 0 0 Andhi Chandra 460 0 12,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 450 0 0...

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.

Megawati must learn from history

Megawati must learn from history Ignas Kleden, The Center for East, Indonesian Affairs/CEIA, Jakarta From time to time Indonesia has had to grapple with serious questions when public concern rises to a certain point. One such question is of national leadership. During Sukarno's time, nation-building was the main concern.

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.

House kills motion against convicted corruptor Akbar

House kills motion against convicted corruptor Akbar Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite pressure from the public and legislators, the House of Representatives (DPR) failed again on Thursday to decide on a motion brought against criminal convict Akbar Tandjung, speaker of the House. Akbar was found guilty of corruption and sentenced to three years in jail in 2002 for his role in a Rp 40 billion (US$4.7 million) financial scandal involving the State Logistics Agency (Bulog).

40,000 people in C. Sulawesi illiterate

40,000 people in C. Sulawesi illiterate PALU, Central Sulawesi: At least 40,000 people between the ages of 10 to 45 of eight regencies in Central Sulawesi are illiterate, the provincial education office in Palu revealed. Uhra Lamaraunda, head of the office, said in Palu on Thursday that except in the provincial capital, the illiterate citizens were distributed almost evenly across the regencies of Donggala, Poso, Banggai, Tolitoli, Morowali, Buol, the Banggai Islands and Parigi Moutong.

Mahatir urges use of currencies other than U.S. dollar

Mahatir urges use of currencies other than U.S. dollar Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur The U.S. dollar's dominance in global trade and transactions has distorted the world economy including that of the United States, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said Thursday. "When you put too much value on a certain currency, it becomes very powerful and that currency works against us," Mahathir was quoted as saying by the Bernama news agency.

Working group to help distribute AIDS drug

Working group to help distribute AIDS drug Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta People living with HIV/AIDS in Indonesia have a new hope for alleviating symptoms and delaying the onset of full-blown AIDS for those with the HIV virus as the government has arranged the supply of inexpensive generic AIDS drugs across the country.

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.

Probe against Tangerang mayor sought

Probe against Tangerang mayor sought TANGERANG: Some 150 residents of Bencongan subdistrict, in Curug district of Tangerang regency staged a rally at the Tangerang Prosecutors Office on Wednesday, demanding that the investigation into Mayor Mochamad Thamrin be started soon.

Minister elected KONI's new chairman

Minister elected KONI's new chairman Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Transportation Minister Agum Gumelar was voted in as the new chairman of the National Sports Council (KONI) as a three-day congress ended here on Thursday. The retired four-star Army general, who also heads the country's soccer governing body PSSI, won the majority of the 79 votes in its first election. Agum beat the other three candidates by taking 42 votes.

Taxi cooperative urged to settle dispute

Taxi cooperative urged to settle dispute Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta City Council Commission B on economic affairs suggested that disputing parties within the Kosti Jaya taxi cooperative settle their differences internally and peacefully through talks, during which they should take into consideration the law on cooperatives.

;JP;sps;

;JP;sps; ANPAf..r.. Rupiah-conversion-rates Rupiah Rates Feb.27 JP/13/Conver Rupiah Rates Feb.27 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp Australian dollar 1 5,723.00 5,110.10 5,446.04 5,386.83 Brunei dollar 1 5,423.40 4,845.16 5,160.94 5,107.55 Canadian dollar 1 6,302.03 5,627.97 5,997.05 5,932.75 Swiss franc 1 6,943.87 6,201.65 6,607.83 6,537.50 Danish krone 1 1,366.87 1,220.60 1,300.72 1,286.70 Euro 1 10,152.28 9,067.44 9,660.97 9,558.47 Poundsterling 1 14,916.27...

Int'l agencies support family planning

Int'l agencies support family planning KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Four international agencies are providing aid to support the implementation of family planning and population programs in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) thus year, the provincial planned parenthood board has announced in Palu.

Southern RP blacked out by rebels

Southern RP blacked out by rebels PHILIPPINES: Moro separatists blacked out the southern third of the Philippines in overnight sabotage attacks, leaving about 18 million people in the dark for hours, officials said on Thursday. Electricity supply was restored to most of Mindanao island by Thursday as the government fired up emergency generating stations to temporarily replace baseload plants disabled by the toppling of transmission pylons overnight Wednesday, they said.

'OPEC won't use oil as a weapon in any Iraq war'

'OPEC won't use oil as a weapon in any Iraq war' The OPEC oil producers' group "won't use oil as a weapon" if war breaks out in Iraq and could increase production to offset price increases, the organization's Secretary General Alvaro Silva Calderon said here on Thursday. "We have around four million barrels per day of spare capacity. We are ready to put this amount on the market if necessary," Calderon said, in a bid to calm concern that a possible Iraq war would send crude prices spiraling.

Tangerang gets new regent for 2003/2008

Tangerang gets new regent for 2003/2008 Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tigaraksa, Banten At the council building in the Tangerang regency capital of Tigaraksa on Thursday, the legislative council elected Ismet Iskandar as the new regent of Tangerang for the 2003-2008 term and Norodom Sukarno as his deputy regent.

Big hotel allegedly steals water

Big hotel allegedly steals water BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: The tap water company (PDAM) in Banjarmasin, the capital of South Kalimantan, has reported the management of star-rated Hotel Arum Kalimantan to the local police for alleged theft of water over the last three months.

Technology offers alternative to foil floods

Technology offers alternative to foil floods Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Considering that experts say that Jakarta will never be free from flooding, no matter how many canals were built, widened or deepened, Baginda Patar Sitorus, a cloud-seedling specialist at the Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT), is offering the city "weather modification technology" (TMC) to prevent flooding.

'War on Iraq will cost Bali tourism US$224m'

'War on Iraq will cost Bali tourism US$224m' I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali The tourism industry in the famous resort island of Bali will suffer at least US$224 million in lost revenue this year if a U.S.-Iraq war erupts, industry expert Nyoman Erawan said on Thursday. Erawan warned that a war would derail efforts to restore the industry to health following the devastating impact of the Oct. 12 terrorist bombings.

Replace Lippo management

Replace Lippo management Arya B. Gaduh, Department of Economics Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Jakarta, abgaduh@csis.or.id The past two months have seen Lippo Bank, once again, become that annoying pebble in the shoes of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA). With huge divestment responsibilities ahead, and a deadline for IBRA that is approaching fast, the Lippo case threatens more than just IBRA's 2003 financial target for bank restructuring.

Two ships collide off Malaysian coast

Two ships collide off Malaysian coast MALAYSIA: Two ships have collided off Malaysia's southern Johor coast, a marine office spokesman said on Thursday. The Sanko Robust, a cargo ship registered at Monrovia port, and the Tirta Mas, a semi-container registered in Jakarta collided Wednesday night near Kukup island, spokesman for the Marine Office's Malaysia Rescue and Coordination Center (MRCC) Hisham Ali was quoted as saying by the Bernama news agency. The Tirta Mas partially sank.

BCA signs a deal to improve service

BCA signs a deal to improve service JAKARTA: Bank Central Asia (BCA), a leading private bank in the country, has signed an agreement with Reuters, to implement Reuters Automated Dealing services across its large retail banking network. "The market is rapidly evolving and Reuters increased investment in dealing with technology will ensure that we have an open solution that can fully address our current and future needs," BCA general manager Darius Wanardi said in a statement on Thursday.

Siemens to construct railway in Riau

Siemens to construct railway in Riau Arya Abhiseka and Haidir Anwar Tanjung, The Jakarta Post, Pekanbaru The Riau provincial government plans to allocate Rp 10 trillion (US$1.1 billion) for the construction of a railway connecting the oil-rich province and neighboring provinces. Head of the province's investment promotion board Harliyan Saleh said the 1,350 kilometer-long railway would connect all regencies in the province and some areas in West and North Sumatra.

Only 890 firms join Jamsostek

Only 890 firms join Jamsostek TANGERANG: Only about 28 percent of a total of 3,214 companies in Tangerang have registered their workers with Jamsostek (state workers insurance). Jamsostek Tangerang branch chief Achmad Ansyori said that there were 3,214 industrial firms in Tangerang, but as of this month only 890 firms had joined the Jamsostek program amounting to a total of 42,969 workers. But he said that of the 890 firms, some 320 had not paid their monthly premiums during the last few months.

Ever illusive justice

Ever illusive justice Many Indonesian officials and legal experts have gone up in arms after hearing the news on Tuesday that East Timor has indicted seven top Indonesian Military (TNI) officers on charges of crimes against humanity. The typical official response was that since East Timor has no authority to issue such an indictment, Jakarta would ignore the summonses issued for the Army generals. Experts in international laws backed the government's stance.

RI promises to attract investment, lacks action

RI promises to attract investment, lacks action Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Officially launching the Invest in Indonesia Year 2003, President Megawati Soekarnoputri pledged on Thursday to improve the investment climate to woo foreign investors to help improve the battered economy and create jobs. Megawati, however, failed to outline measures to address investors' concerns on security, legal certainty and law enforcement.

;JP;sps;

;JP;sps; ANPAf..r.. Rupiah-conversion-rates Rupiah Rates Feb.27 JP/13/Conver Rupiah Rates Feb.27 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp Australian dollar 1 5,723.00 5,110.10 5,446.04 5,386.83 Brunei dollar 1 5,423.40 4,845.16 5,160.94 5,107.55 Canadian dollar 1 6,302.03 5,627.97 5,997.05 5,932.75 Swiss franc 1 6,943.87 6,201.65 6,607.83 6,537.50 Danish krone 1 1,366.87 1,220.60 1,300.72 1,286.70 Euro 1 10,152.28 9,067.44 9,660.97 9,558.47 Poundsterling 1 14,916.27...

Restructuring of

Restructuring of state agencies From Media Indonesia In restructuring the state agencies, the government needs to ensure that its administration acts not only in accordance with existing laws, regulations and stipulations, but also in a way that would be better than before. In this respect, the goal of this restructuring would not be fully reached if the government only raises the salaries of civil servants. There is more to this restructuring effort than just money.

4 x 12

4 x 12 Police reported over violence against press and students JP/4/leuser 2 x 25 Govt to review controversial highway project in Aceh JP/5/slamet 1 x 33 Slamet's dossier returned to police

Support to RI delegates in WTO

Support to RI delegates in WTO The formal assembly of the World Trade Organization (WTO), held from Feb. 24 until Feb. 28 in Geneva, was a display of organized bullying of the developing countries by the developed. The assembly was nothing more than a forceful effort of the developed countries to broaden their product marketing in third world countries, including Indonesia. The WTO was established on the foundations of capitalism ideology, creating an unfair international free trade system.

S'pore vies to be a recovery center

S'pore vies to be a recovery center Agence France-Presse, Singapore Singapore wants multinational corporations to use it as a base to back up their data and communications systems in the event of a terrorist attack elsewhere, a government minister said Thursday. Staff critical to a company's operation would also be given a place to work under the plan, Trade and Industry Minister George Yeo said at the opening of Indian software company Satyam's (SAY) disaster recovery center.

Nigerian drug traffickers could face capital charges

Nigerian drug traffickers could face capital charges Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After a week of interrogation, the Jakarta City Police revealed on Thursday that eight of the 37 Nigerians arrested last week could face the maximum death sentence for drug trafficking and immigration violations. "Those eight suspects have violated both the Immigration Law and the law on drug abuse," city police detectives chief for the drugs and narcotics division, Adj. Sr. Comr. Anjan P.

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 foreigners arrive to bolster peace

More foreigners arrive to bolster peace Ibnu Mat Noor, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh, Aceh A colonel and 18 new monitors landed here on Thursday to support the existing international component helping with the peace process in the rebellious province of Aceh. The new monitors come from the Royal Thai Military and have past peacekeeping experience.

TV station cleared of allegations

TV station cleared of allegations JAKARTA: Japanese television station NHK was cleared by the Tokyo District Court of an allegation that it had staged illegal dynamite fishing in South Sulawesi in 1997 for its television news report. A Japanese monthly magazine, Gendal, ran an article in October 2000 suggesting that former NHK Jakarta bureau chief Tsutomu Sakamoto paid local fishermen in 1997 to detonate dynamite in the sea.

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.

Wiranto: What to do with him?

Wiranto: What to do with him? Kornelius Purba, Staff Writer, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta korpur@yahoo.com When the Office of the Prosecutor General of Timor Leste indicted former Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. (ret) Wiranto, along with other six senior officers and a former East Timor governor for crimes against humanity, Indonesian officials responded to the indictment more as a matter of legal technicality rather than as touching the substance of justice.

BMW to sell cars under AFTA scheme

BMW to sell cars under AFTA scheme Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Singapore Automaker BMW said here on Thursday its Indonesian unit would begin exporting the BMW 530iA model to Thailand next month, and its Thai unit would begin exporting the 330iA model to Indonesia. BMW Group senior vice president for sales said the move would make the company the first premium automaker to sell cars under the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) scheme.

TNI chief stands by military bill

TNI chief stands by military bill Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite strong criticism from various sides, the Indonesian Military (TNI) commander Gen. Endriartono Sutarto insisted that the military had no plans to review a bill that would give the TNI commander authority to deploy the armed forces in an emergency without the necessity of seeking approval from the president.

Qualified KONI chairman wanted

Qualified KONI chairman wanted Indonesia has failed to live up to almost all its previous achievements, including those in sports. The country once enjoyed a glorious era in badminton. Now its rivals have emerged as new powers and all that Indonesia has now is simply the remnants of the past. Against this background, some figures are competing to chair the institution that is most responsible for the development of Indonesian sports -- the National Sports Committee (KONI).

Envoys lineup may be reshuffled

Envoys lineup may be reshuffled JAKARTA: Legislators will likely recommend that President Megawati Soekarnoputri review the lineup of ambassadorial candidates and their respective country of destination she had submitted to the House of Representatives (DPR) for approval. In the third day of the selection hearings on Thursday, some legislators said the reshuffling would help each country get more suitable envoys. Five candidates grilled by the House's foreign affairs commission were A.

War with Iraq not against Islams: Religious leaders

War with Iraq not against Islams: Religious leaders Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesian religious leaders rejected on Thursday a statement by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad describing a possible war on Iraq as a war against Islam, but called for a counterforce to balance the world's only superpower. The leaders, representing Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism, agreed however that a war in Iraq could undermine religious harmony in Indonesia and elsewhere.

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, Feb. 28, 2003

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, Feb. 28, 2003 Exhibitions * Jewelry, Jewelry Old & New, as well as the gemstone indigenous to Indonesia, at Koi Kafe Galeri, Saberro House, ground floor, Jl. Kemang Raya No. 10a, South Jakarta, March 12 to March 25, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.. * Painting, Sharaku, at Gallery Mini The Japan Foundation, Summitmas I lantai 3, Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 61-62, South Jakarta, (Tel. 021-5201266), March 5 to March 31, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m..

Police reported over violence against press and students

Police reported over violence against press and students Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung A local newspaper officially reported to police the maltreatment of its photographer by police during a violent demonstration in Bandung, West Java, on Thursday, as dozens of fellow journalists marched to denounce the incident.

On execution

On 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.

City chalks up 3.87% growth in 2002

City chalks up 3.87% growth in 2002 JAKARTA: The capital city enjoyed a 3.87 percent economic growth rate, slightly higher than the national figure of 3.66 percent last year. This year, however, the figure is expected to decline, especially since the fire at Tanah Abang textile market, Central Jakarta, on Feb. 19 The information was revealed by the Jakarta branch of the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) on Wednesday, as quoted by city-owned news portal beritajakarta.com.

Giving peace a chance to take root in Aceh

Giving peace a chance to take root in Aceh Martin Griffiths, Director, Henry Dunant Centre for Humanitarian Dialog Geneve On Sundays at the beach in Lampu near Banda Aceh, young couples stroll across the sand holding hands, laughing and flirting. Children frolic in the surf and sit on its foamy edge building sand castles. Families picnic. Games of football and volleyball seemingly break out spontaneously across the mile-long stretch of sand.

Siemens to construct railway in Riau

Siemens to construct railway in Riau Arya Abhiseka and Haidir Anwar Tanjung The Jakarta Post Pekanbaru The Riau provincial government plans to allocate Rp 10 trillion (US$1.1 billion) for the construction of a railway connecting the oil-rich province and neighboring provinces. Head of the province's investment promotion board Harliyan Saleh said the 1,350 kilometer-long railway would connect all regencies in the province and some areas in West and North Sumatra.

BP may get extension of its Kangean block

BP may get extension of its Kangean block A'an Suryana The Jakarta Post Jakarta Despite a well-publicized gas pipe leak, Anglo-American energy giant BP Plc is likely to get an extension from the government for its Kangean gas contract in East Java.

'Stop converting forest into plantation'

'Stop converting forest into plantation' Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are urging the government to stop converting forests into palm oil plantations, warning that the conversion would spark forest fires and floods.

INDEPENDENCE DAY MESSAGE OF H.E. THE AMBASSADOR OF

INDEPENDENCE DAY MESSAGE OF H.E. THE AMBASSADOR OF SRI LANKA Today, Feb. 4, 2003, Sri Lanka celebrates her 55th anniversary of gaining Independence from her colonial ruler. It is my great pleasure on this very special day to address our Indonesian friends, and the Sri Lankans and others living here who have roots in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka and Indonesia have had very close religious, political, cultural, economic and commercial relations over a millennium.

Virgin Mary, Madonna inspire dance

Virgin Mary, Madonna inspire dance Tarko Sudiarno, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Would you dare to compare the holy Virgin Mary with glamor celebrity Madonna? It could be interesting, especially if it is presented in the form of a dance. Four artists from Surakarta will be trying their hand at it, or rather their feet, and will stage a dance piece titled Pasamuan Maria dan Madonna (the Communion of Maria and Madonna) at Surakarta Cultural park in the Central Java town on Feb. 28.

Public holidays in 2003 calendars

Public holidays in 2003 calendars From Kompas The government, through a joint decree from the minister of religious affairs, the minister of manpower and transmigration and the state minister for administrative reforms, has stipulated changes in public holidays in 2003. Some public holidays have been moved either forward or back to ensure the people will have a longer holiday, while the observance of the events on these holidays remains on the same dates.

Kupang councillor's residence stoned

Kupang councillor's residence stoned KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Unidentified vandals hurled stones at the official residence of deputy chairman of the Kupang city council, Edwin, early on Thursday. Edwin, also chairman of the Kupang branch of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), reported the case to the Kupang police on the same day. First Insp.