Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 5 February 2003

75 articles found

Papua airline begins flying cargo

Papua airline begins flying cargo JAYAPURA, Papua (JP): PT Papua Indonesia Air System began on Monday to service the remote areas of Indonesia's easternmost province of Papua, Antara reported. For mow, the company is transporting cargo from Wamena to Jayapura using a Fokker 27. The company's operation was marked by prayer and a gathering at Sentani Airport, attended by Papua Governor Jaap Solossa.

Rp 70 billion for 1,000 villages

Rp 70 billion for 1,000 villages BANDUNG, West Java: West Java province has announced Rp 70 billion (about US$7.86 million) in aid for the improvement of infrastructure in 1,000 villages throughout the province, said Governor R. Nuriana on Tuesday. He said that each village would receive Rp 70 million, explaining that 60 percent of the funds would go on local economic development with the remainder being spent on infrastructural improvements.

1. Sayid -- 'Unavoidable' attack

1. Sayid -- 'Unavoidable' attack on Iraq and its global consequences 2. Mahathir -- Overcoming hatred, greed: Mahathir

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;JP;dan; ANPAf..r.. Rupiah-conversion-rates Rupiah Rates Feb. 4 JP/13/Conver Rupiah Rates Feb.

Golkar strives to contain internal rift over Akbar

Golkar strives to contain internal rift over Akbar Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As demands from within Golkar grow for chairman Akbar Tandjung to quit his post, party leaders are now scrambling to save the organization from falling apart by diverting attention away from Akbar's corruption case.

IBRA starts legal action against five ex-bank owners

IBRA starts legal action against five ex-bank owners Dadan Wijaksana and Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In an apparent bid to appease public criticism, the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) started another round of legal action against five former bank owners who have been deemed uncooperative in settling their debts to the state.

4 x 10

4 x 10 Civilians demand role in fragile Aceh peace JP/5/Bentrok 2 x 25 Two policemen injured in clash with soldiers in Riau JP/5/sumut 1 x 45 Massive floods to hit North Sumatra, experts warn JP/5/lampung 1 x 48 Minister names acting Lampung governor

Councillor barred from leaving town

Councillor barred from leaving town RANTAU, South Kalimantan: Prosecutors here placed the secretary of the local legislative council here, Muhammad Effendy, under city arrest on Tuesday and named him a key suspect in a graft case involving Rp 3 billion (about US$337,000) in state funds. The head of the Rantau prosecutor's office, Yusuf Supardi, said investigators had obtained sufficient evidence to declare Effendy a suspect.

Little money for school repairs

Little money for school repairs JAKARTA: The city administration says it can only provide Rp 10 billion (US$ 1.1 million) for the renovation of 10 dilapidated elementary schools. Meanwhile, 58 others will be left in a dangerous condition. The 10 schools will only get Rp 1 billion each while the money needed for their full rehabilitation is well above this amount.

Parking lot subsidy questioned

Parking lot subsidy questioned Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city council questioned on Tuesday the allocation of Rp 20 billion (US$2.2 million) from the 2003 city budget, which it approved last week, to subsidize the city parking body (BP Parkir) because it works in cooperation with a private parking operator.

Govt determined to push exports higher: Dorodjatun

Govt determined to push exports higher: Dorodjatun The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government is determined to continue to improve the competitiveness of the country's export industries in a bid to boost exports amid tougher global competition, Coordinating Minister for the Economy Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti has said. "Indonesia is the most open economy in the world, judging from the fact that more than half of our gross domestic product (GDP) is generated from international trade.

RP exports rose 9% in 2002

RP exports rose 9% in 2002 MANILA: Philippine merchandise exports rose by a better than expected 9.0 percent from a year earlier in 2002, figures released by the National Statistics Office showed Tuesday. January-December export receipts rose to US$35.061 billion compared to $32.15 billion in 2001, the government agency said in a statement. The result was slightly above the full-year target of between five and eight percent growth.

Convicted drug dealers to be executed soon

Convicted drug dealers to be executed soon The Attorney General's Office will execute six drug dealers in the near future after President Megawati Soekarnoputri refused to pardon the convicts on death row. "We will execute them soon after we settle administrative matters. It's about time," spokesman Andi Syarifuddin told reporters during a press conference on Tuesday.

Two policemen injured in clash with soldiers in Riau

Two policemen injured in clash with soldiers in Riau Haidir Anwar Tanjung, The Jakarta Post, Pekanbaru, Riau Security personnel in Riau clearly failed to learn from the Sept. 28, 2002, Binjai incident, as a group of soldiers and police officers were involved in a clash on Tuesday that left two police officers injured. First Insp. Bromindu, Bengkali Police's chief of detectives, suffered minor injuries, while Second Brig. Aswin Nugroho received a gunshot wound to the neck.

Howard to make third visit to Jakarta

Howard to make third visit to Jakarta Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Australian Prime Minister John Howard is scheduled to arrive in Jakarta on Valentine's Day for talks with President Megawati Soekarnoputri, marking a new turn in the love-hate relationship between the two countries. The Indonesian visit was abruptly added to Howard's overseas itinerary, which was initially only for the United States and England.

At least four expected to run for KONI post

At least four expected to run for KONI post Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Four candidates have expressed their intention of running for the chairmanship of the National Sports Council (KONI), according to the head of the screening team. "But they have yet to notify us formally. They will have to register in order to formally declare their candidacies," Oyong Karmayuda said at the KONI offices here on Tuesday.

Toyo wins Pertamina's contract

Toyo wins Pertamina's contract JAKARTA: Indonesia's state-owned oil and gas company Pertamina has appointed PT Rekayasa Industri and Japan's Toyo Engineering Corp. to modify its Balongan refinery. The modification will enable the refinery to produce unleaded gasoline, an official with Pertamina said Tuesday. Ari Nunuk, a senior official at Pertamina, told reporters that the project will cost around US$153 million. He said the work is expected to be completed in early 2005.

Supporters rally for Mega, Hamzah

Supporters rally for Mega, Hamzah JAKARTA: Over 1,000 supporters of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) held a rally here on Tuesday to show their support for the administration of President Megawati Soekarnoputri and Vice President Hamzah Haz. They held the rally in front of PDI Perjuangan headquarters in Lenteng Agung, South Jakarta, tying up traffic on nearby roads.

Job seekers stranded in Jeddah

Job seekers stranded in Jeddah JAKARTA: Fifty-six Indonesian job seekers are stranded in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, after applying in Jakarta for what they thought was employment as stewardesses. Yunus Yamani, who heads an association that provides Indonesian workers overseas, said the Indonesians belonged to a group of 200 job seekers from several countries who came to Jeddah under the same promise of becoming stewardesses at an airline named Falcon.

1. BOMB: 50 PT, 3 COLS, 2 X 20

1. BOMB: 50 PT, 3 COLS, 2 X 20 Bomb at police HQ like those used in Eksotis 2. PARKIR: 36 pt, 3 cols, 1 x 29 Parking lot subsidy questioned 3. PANGDAM: 28 pt, 2 cols, 2 x 16 Jakarta has new TNI commander 4. SERPONG: 28 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 45 PT KAI to launch Serpong-Kota express train 5. SPEAK: 28 pt, 3 cols, 1 x 37 'Bombing a serious lesson for police'

Oil contractors' warning

Oil contractors' warning Foreign oil and natural gas companies' warning of the worsening investment climate in Indonesia served only to substantiate the complaints domestic and foreign investors in other industries have often raised.

CNOOC buys stake in Tangguh LNG project

CNOOC buys stake in Tangguh LNG project Dow Jones, Hong Kong China's largest offshore oil and gas producer, CNOOC Ltd., said Tuesday it has completed the acquisition of a 12.5 percent stake in the reserves related to Indonesia's Tangguh liquefied natural gas (LNG) project. CNOOC said in September it would pay US$275 million to buy a 12.5 percent stake in the project from BP PLC. The Tangguh LNG Project comprises three production sharing contract (PSC) areas: the Berau, Muturi and Wiriagar PSCs.

Govt urged to settle island dispute

Govt urged to settle island dispute JAKARTA: The city administration and the Banten provincial administration agreed on Monday to allow the central government to resolve their dispute over ownership of the Thousand Islands regency. "The ownership problem arose because each administration uses different law to justify their claim of ownership," Governor Sutiyoso said at City Hall. "We use the 1999 Law No.

FBI starts inquiry into Freeport attack

FBI starts inquiry into Freeport attack Nethy Dharma Somba and Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura/Jakarta The Indonesian Military (TNI) has insisted that none of its members were involved in the killing of two American citizens and an Indonesian in the Aug. 31, 2002 Timika, Papua ambush. Meanwhile, the United States' Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has began its investigation into the incident. TNI Commander Gen.

Police slapped in face

Police slapped in face We are again shocked by a bomb blast. This time it was not the number of fatalities which stunned us but the place where the homemade bomb exploded -- the National Police Headquarters complex in South Jakarta. A place which should be safe from any kind of crime. No one was injured in Monday's attack, which caused minor damage. But the bottom line is that the bomb exploded in the vicinity of an institution which should be scary for criminals and terrorists.

IPB to watch anthrax during Idul Adha

IPB to watch anthrax during Idul Adha BOGOR: Some 600 students and lecturers of the Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB) will be monitoring the possibility of a repeat anthrax outbreak during the upcoming Islamic holiday of Idul Adha. Idul Adha, which falls on Feb. 12., calls for the sacrificial slaughter of livestock, such as cows, goats or sheep, with the animal's meat distributed to the needy.

Jakarta has new TNI commander

Jakarta has new TNI commander Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Maj. Gen. Djoko Santoso, a former Pattimura Military commander, replaced Maj. Gen. Achmad Yahya as the new Jakarta Military commander on Tuesday. The Indonesian Military (TNI) Headquarters said Djoko's transfer to Jakarta was part of the regular rotation of top- ranking officers.

Malaysian nabbed for illegal recruitment

Malaysian nabbed for illegal recruitment PONTIANAK, West Kalimantan: Police said on Tuesday they had arrested a Malaysian man for recruiting Indonesian workers from West Kalimantan province without a permit. Thirty-one-year-old Lee Horg from East Malaysia was apprehended last Saturday in the province's Kapuas Hulu district, said West Kalimantan Police spokesman Comr. Suhadi. Police also arrested Bie Bak Long, 65, an Indonesian, who helped find the workers for Horg. Arriving in Indonesia on Jan.

Ceplak-Kronjo road repair begins

Ceplak-Kronjo road repair begins TANGERANG: In response to protests by angry residents who blocked a main road that connects three districts in Tangerang regency last week, the regency administration appointed a new contractor to continue the temporarily halted road repair project.

Some of the facilities and souvenirs in the Sleman regency that

Some of the facilities and souvenirs in the Sleman regency that make your MICE most memorable: star-rated hotels, sophisticated meeting rooms and unique traditional handicrafts.

Govt to up subsidy for civil service medical insurance

Govt to up subsidy for civil service medical insurance Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A new government regulation obliging the government to increase its subsidy for civil servants' health insurance premiums is now being drafted, an official revealed on Tuesday.

East Timor prosecutors indict RI troops, militia over atrocities

East Timor prosecutors indict RI troops, militia over atrocities Agencies, Jakarta United Nations prosecutors in East Timor on Tuesday indicted four Indonesian military officers and a former militia commander, among others, over atrocities in the territory in 1999. The indictment issued in the East Timor capital Dili charges 15 Indonesian soldiers and 17 militia members with crimes against humanity.

Privatization needed to boost water distribution, says WB

Privatization needed to boost water distribution, says WB Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The World Bank is calling on the government to proceed with its higly criticized plan to actively involve the private sector in managing clean water services to help improve people's access to water. Richard M.

Legislators face probe over PDI-P attack

Legislators face probe over PDI-P attack PALU, Central Sulawesi: Police have vowed to summon three councillors for questioning over allegations they attacked demonstrators during an antigovernment rally in Palu, Central Sulawesi. Adj. Sr. Comr. Ricky F.

Banks remain unstable: Minister

Banks remain unstable: Minister The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The country's banking sector remains in a weak condition despite the government's costly bailout program launched five years ago, according to State Minister of National Development Planning Kwik Kian Gie. "After the costly effort on the part of the government to bail them out, the condition of our banks is still far from healthy.

Focus more on your business by renting your vehicles

Focus more on your business by renting your vehicles Most of today's major companies that are always on the move, such as banks, agricultural, mining and manufacturing firms, require reliable vehicles for their businesses. Most of these companies are relying on services provided by car rentals. Edi Gunawan, the Marketing Manager of TRAC-ASTRA RENT-A-CAR, said that renting cars allows companies to reap numerous benefits.

SriLankan Airlines is pleased to be of service to Indonesia and

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.

Police HQ bomb same as Kota disco device

Police HQ bomb same as Kota disco device Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Some of the explosive substances used in Monday's bomb attack on Wisma Bhayangkari at the National Police Headquarters, South Jakarta, bore similarities to those found at the Eksotis discotheque in Jakarta last year and in the Christmas 2000 bombing in Medan. "From the blast site, we collected evidence, including sulfur, nitrate, black powder, a timer, small fragments of steel bars and wires.

JP/13/WB

JP/13/WB WB urges speedier legal and governance reforms The Jakarta Post Jakarta World Bank country director Andrew Steer said on Tuesday it was now time for the Indonesian government to take the political resolve it had demonstrated in its sound macroeconomic management and its prompt response to the terrorist bomb attack on Bali, and focus on improving the investment climate, reforming the legal system and developing good governance.

Sleman regency: A world-class site for MICE

Sleman regency: A world-class site for MICE With more and more local companies and multinational corporations requiring Meeting Incentive Convention and Exhibition (MICE) facilities, a number of holiday destinations are going out of their way to meet the needs of these companies. Yogyakarta is one Indonesian city that is extremely suitable for MICE. Besides its rich cultural heritage and scenic panoramas, it also boasts all the high-quality facilities required for MICE.

Denmark to reschedule RI debts

Denmark to reschedule RI debts JAKARTA: Indonesia and Denmark are scheduled to sign an agreement on Wednesday that would allow the rescheduling of the former's US$30.8 million debt, scheduled to mature between April 2002 and December 2003. A media release said on Tuesday that the amount to be rescheduled comprised $2.8 million in soft loans and $28 million in commercial credits.

Legislators must choose judge with integrity, say experts

Legislators must choose judge with integrity, say experts Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Supreme Court justice candidates must not only have the ability to resolve legal cases efficiently, but must also be equipped with the capacity to bring about sweeping reforms in the country's highest judiciary body, legal analyst Rizqi S. Assegaff says.

Denmark to reschedule RI debts

Denmark to reschedule RI debts JAKARTA: Indonesia and Denmark are scheduled to sign an agreement on Wednesday that would allow the rescheduling of the former's US$30.8 million debt, scheduled to mature between April 2002 and December 2003. A media release said on Tuesday that the amount to be rescheduled comprised $2.8 million in soft loans and $28 million in commercial credits.

PT KAI to launch Serpong-Kota express train

PT KAI to launch Serpong-Kota express train Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Greater Jakarta division of state-owned railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) will launch an express train plying the route between Kota station, West Jakarta, and Serpong district, Tangerang, Banten, sometime next month, with a view to capturing business from the upper end of the market.

WB urges speedier legal reforms

WB urges speedier legal reforms The Jakarta Post, Jakarta World Bank country director Andrew Steer said on Tuesday it was now time for the Indonesian government to take the political resolve it had demonstrated in its sound macroeconomic management and its prompt response to the terrorist bomb attack on Bali, and focus on improving the investment climate, reforming the legal system and developing good governance.

TNI has contingency plan for Aceh

TNI has contingency plan for Aceh JAKARTA: National Military (TNI) chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto said on Tuesday that TNI had a contingency plan, should Indonesia withdraw from the peace deal it signed with Aceh rebels, whom he charged with continuously violating the truce. "If GAM (Free Aceh Movement) continues to violate the truce and the violation reaches an intolerable level, TNI will propose that the government withdraw from the peace agreement," he told legislators at a hearing.

* Headlines:E. Timor prosecutors indict RI troops, militia 2

* Headlines:E. Timor prosecutors indict RI troops, militia 2 * National: TNI announces major reshuffle 4 * Archipelago:Two policemen injured in clash with soldiers5 * Opinion: Attack on Iraq and its global consequences7 * City: Bomb at police HQ like those used in Eksotis 8 * Sports: Dorfmeister storms to more Austrian gold 9 * World: Thailand strives to normalize ties with Cambodia 11 * Business:Govt determined to push exports higher 13 * Features:Rusli, a painter of principle 20

Minister names acting Lampung governor

Minister names acting Lampung governor The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno has made one of his aides the acting governor of Lampung and has suspended swearing in the elected head of the province's administration as the latter faces corruption charges, local officials said on Tuesday. Spokesman for the Lampung government Adehan confirmed the appointment of Tursandi Alwi, current head of research and development at Hari's office, to the post.

KL arrests alleged RI drug traffickers

KL arrests alleged RI drug traffickers JAKARTA: Malaysian authorities have detained two Indonesians suspected of being involved in drug trafficking, a senior police official said on Tuesday. "We have arrested a 17-year-old Indonesian of Acehnese origin who was carrying 20 kilograms of cannabis in a bag," Selangor Police chief Mohamad Noor Hamat said. Mohamad said police had seized the drugs and more than Rp 81 million (US$9,210), from the suspect.

ExxonMobil pipeline repaired

ExxonMobil pipeline repaired SINGAPORE: ExxonMobil Oil Indonesia Inc. has fixed a gas pipeline leak detected Jan. 20 at the Arun natural gas field in North Aceh and taking all necessary steps to prevent the gas leakage from spreading, company spokeswoman Deva Rachman said Tuesday.

Massive floods to hit North Sumatra, experts warn

Massive floods to hit North Sumatra, experts warn Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan, North Sumatra Weather and environmental experts and officials have warned people in North Sumatra to be ready for possible flooding and landslides across the province this month. Head of the provincial forestry office, Prie Supriadi, said on Tuesday that because of deforestation, floods and landslides would be unavoidable if the province experienced heavy rains.

Where to go in Surabaya, for Wednesday, February 5, 2003

Where to go in Surabaya, for Wednesday, February 5, 2003 Exhibitions * Design, Cikrak, at Auditorium CCCL, CCCL-French Cultural Center, Jl. Darmokali 10, Surabaya, (Tel. 031-5615246), Feb. 19, to Feb. 28, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.. * Photografie, Nyanyian Periferal by Oscar Motuloh, CCCL-French Cultural Center, Jl. Darmokali 10, Surabaya, (Tel. 031-5615246), Feb. 5 to Feb 15, 9 a.m. 8 p.m. Performances * Party, New Spirit Of Love, by Jendela Gallery, at Jendela Resto Gallery, Jl. Sonokembang No.

Problematic issues may hold up electoral bill yet again

Problematic issues may hold up electoral bill yet again Kurniawan Hari The Jakarta Post Jakarta The endorsement of the electoral bill may be delayed again as the factions in the House of Representatives (DPR) have still not reached an agreement on which institution the General Elections Commission (KPU) should be accountable to.

TNI mulls boosting border security

TNI mulls boosting border security JAKARTA: Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto said on Tuesday that TNI leaders were considering stationing military battalions along borders with neighboring countries to improve security. "The planned battalions would ensure security along the borders," Endriartono said. He did not say when or where the battalions would be positioned.

JP/7/MAHATHIR

JP/7/MAHATHIR The subject for today is "Trust and Governance for a New Era". Mahathir Mohamad Prime Minister Malaysia In the world today there is no trust or little trust and governance, world governance that is, is not good. We have in fact made a mess of the world. Two millennium of experience and mountains of knowledge have not made us much more capable at managing our affairs than stone age people. We now live in fear, every one of us.

Rusli, a painter of principle

Rusli, a painter of principle Tarko Sudiarno, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Rusli's eyes shone brightly and were moist with great emotion behind his glasses. As his trembling hands tightly gripped the microphone, the old man clearly addressed the audience in a halting voice from his wheelchair. His booming voice and substance of his address captivated the hundreds of guests present at the recent 53rd anniversary ceremony of Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta.

RP exports rose 9% in 2002

RP exports rose 9% in 2002 JP/16/Money MANILA: Philippine merchandise exports rose by a better than expected 9.0 percent from a year earlier in 2002, figures released by the National Statistics Office showed Tuesday. January-December export receipts rose to US$35.061 billion compared to $32.15 billion in 2001, the government agency said in a statement. The result was slightly above the full-year target of between five and eight percent growth.

Astra Agro CPO sales soar by 6.7%

Astra Agro CPO sales soar by 6.7% JAKARTA: Indonesia's crude palm oil (CPO) producer PT Astra Agro Lestari said Tuesday its crude palm oil sales volume in 2002 rose 6.7 percent from a year earlier to 465,152 metric tons. The average price it obtained for its CPO sales increased more than 40 percent last year, to Rp 3,077 (34 U.S. cent) per kilogram from Rp 2,192/kg in 2001, it said in a statement.

Indonesian fishing boats held in Australia: Two Indonesian

Indonesian fishing boats held in Australia: Two Indonesian fishing boats whose crews have been accused of illegally catching sharks and cutting off their fins have been detained by authorities off Australia's northeast coast, fisheries officials said on Tuesday. One boat found with 30 shark fins and seven crew on board was being escorted to Darwin.

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.

Foreign shipping companies protested for charging high fees

Foreign shipping companies protested for charging high fees Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian National Shipping Council (INSC) urged the government to take stern action against foreign shipping companies which had unilaterally imposed extra fees on local freight forwarders and exporters. The appeal was made during a meeting with the House commission for transportation and infrastructure on Tuesday.

Govt appears to be reluctant to end discriminatory policies

Govt appears to be reluctant to end discriminatory policies Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite increasing calls for an end to racial discrimination, the government appears reluctant to eradicate institutionalized discrimination against Chinese-Indonesians. This reluctance was amply demonstrated by a letter dated Sept.

Second wife's photo taken down

Second wife's photo taken down BRUNEI: The people of Brunei have begun taking down portraits of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's second wife from shops and offices after their divorce was announced, witnesses said on Tuesday. An announcement on state-run television late Sunday said Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has divorced his second wife, former flight stewardess Mariam Abdul Aziz, and ordered all her royal titles to be withdrawn.

Indonesian smokers ranked 7th in world

Indonesian smokers ranked 7th in world The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Almost 60 percent of Indonesia's population of 215 million are smokers, making it the seventh-largest smoking country in the world, an official told Antara. Deputy Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Farid W.

Black flags in Tamil city of Jaffna as Sri Lanka president calls

Black flags in Tamil city of Jaffna as Sri Lanka president calls for a new start for war-battered nation Agencies Colombo For the first time in 20 years, Sri Lanka marked its independence day on Tuesday without the specter of civil war. But in the once troubled Jaffna Peninsula, home to most of Sri Lanka's 3.2 million Tamil minority, the mood was subdued. Black flags fluttered over homes as most refused to take part in the government-arranged celebrations.

S. Korean civic group plans damage suit against Microsoft

S. Korean civic group plans damage suit against Microsoft Associated Press, Seoul A major South Korean civic group is considering filing a damage suit against Microsoft Corp. over a virus-like attack that seriously disrupted Internet services in South Korea last month.

Caption for photo (Sleman advertorial)

Caption for photo (Sleman advertorial) Some of the facilities and souvenirs in the Sleman regency that make your meetings incentives conferences events (MICE) most memorable: star-rated hotels, sophisticated meeting rooms and unique traditional handicrafts.

Police examine role of suspected S'pore JI leader

Police examine role of suspected S'pore JI leader Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Police said on Tuesday that they were questioning the suspected leader of the Singapore branch of Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) for possible involvement in other "incidents" in Indonesia, while adding that they had no plan to extradite him. An Indonesian with Singapore citizenship, Mas Selamet Kastari, was arrested for carrying a fake passport and identification card on Bintan island in Riau on Sunday.

Iraq expels Indonesian journalist

Iraq expels Indonesian journalist The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Iraqi authorities have expelled an Indonesian journalist for visa violations, an Indonesian foreign ministry official said on Tuesday. Ministry spokesman Marty Natalegawa told The Jakarta Post that the journalist, Dahlan, who works for the Surabaya-based daily Surya, was briefly detained by Iraqi troops guarding the border with Jordan on Monday night before he was deported.

Unilever faces bankruptcy suit

Unilever faces bankruptcy suit A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Consumer goods manufacturing giant PT Unilever Indonesia is being sued for bankruptcy by PO Parma Djaja, a Makassar-based land transportation company. Parma Djaja filed a bankruptcy petition on Monday with the Jakarta Commercial Court on the grounds that Unilever had failed to fulfill its debts with the transportation firm. The case is scheduled to open next Monday in court.

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;JP;dan; ANPAf..r.. Rupiah-conversion-rates Rupiah Rates Feb. 4 JP/13/Conver Rupiah Rates Feb.

Civilians demand role in fragile Aceh peace

Civilians demand role in fragile Aceh peace Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh, Aceh Residents of the troubled Aceh are angry about what they see as their exclusion from the peace process, which has yet to bring a complete halt to separatist violence. Residents say that those in charge of the peace process are sidelining them and their efforts to get involved in implementing the Dec. 9 peace pact. "We are only spectators.

Kidnapper of three Indonesians slain

Kidnapper of three Indonesians slain PHILIPPINES: A Muslim gunman suspected of involvement in the abduction of three Indonesian seamen last year was shot dead by Philippine soldiers on the southern island of Jolo, a military statement said on Tuesday. There was no word on the three Indonesians now believed to be held by a gang of rebels led by Radulan Sahiron. Sarawi Mohamad Jamal, whose gang kidnapped the Indonesians at sea in June 2002, was shot dead in a gun battle on Monday in Patikul town.

TNI announces major reshuffle to 'promote regeneration'

TNI announces major reshuffle to 'promote regeneration' Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Military (TNI) is scheduled to carry out immediately a major reshuffle of 120 strategic positions, including three deputies to the chiefs of staff of the Army, Navy and Air Force. Declining to go into detail, TNI Commander Gen. Endriartono Sutarto confirmed on Tuesday that he had approved the proposed reshuffle on Monday, which, he said, was aimed at rejuvenating the Military.

'Bombing a serious lesson for police'

'Bombing a serious lesson for police' A bomb exploded in front of a building belonging to the National Police in South Jakarta on Monday. The explosion is an embarrassment for the police, which is making a concerted effort to combat terrorism in the country. But as the incident on Monday proved, security remains a major concern in Jakarta. The Jakarta Post talked to some residents about security in the capital. Tauhid, 30, is a part-time masseuse. He lives in Sunter, North Jakarta: Safety?