Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 13 March 2003

85 articles found

Robbers kill for motorcycle

Robbers kill for motorcycle TANGERANG: Four robbers on two motorcycles shot and killed an ojek (motorcycle taxi) driver and stole his motorcycle near Larasati Hospital on Wednesday morning, police said. Juki, 45, was shot in the head after refusing to hand over his motorcycle. He died on his way to hospital, Batuceper Police chief Adj. Comr. Hendro Subagyo said. The four men are still at large.

~(Caption for Spotlight column. Client: Hotel Borobudur. For March

~(Caption for Spotlight column. Client: Hotel Borobudur. For March 13, 2003) THE SIXTH AUSTRALIA-INDONESIA MINISTERIAL FORUM: The Honorable Mr. Alexander Downer, Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs, and seven other Australian ministers participated in the Ministerial Forum at Hotel Borobudur Jakarta from March 9 to 12, 2003. Pictured above: Hon. Mr. Alexander Downer is greeted by the hotel's General Manager, Mr. Poul E. Bitsch, on his arrival at the hotel.

DHL Provides Integrated Logistics Solutions Services

DHL Provides Integrated Logistics Solutions Services It is undeniable that DHL's remarkable achievements in international air express delivery have turned it into a global market leader. However, slowly but surely the company has evolved into a logistics service provider in response to the growing demand for logistic services from customers whose needs are becoming increasingly complex and sophisticated.

Jakarta high-risk zone for TB disease

Jakarta high-risk zone for TB disease Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Biyan (not his real name) is a keyboardist with a famous music band in Jakarta, who earns a good income, lives in a luxurious house in a prestigious neighborhood in Jakarta, and whose father is an internist. It never occurred to him that he might be infected with TB. The 23-year-old was therefore very much surprised when his doctor told him two years ago that he had tuberculosis, better known as TB.

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.

Manila finds bomb plot, links Asian group to blast

Manila finds bomb plot, links Asian group to blast John O'Callaghan and Ruben Alabastro, Reuters, Manila The Philippines said on Wednesday it uncovered a plan by Moro rebels to stage reprisal attacks if the United States invades Iraq and suggested a radical Southeast Asian group may be linked to a deadly blast last week.

Minister corrects arrest report

Minister corrects arrest report JAKARTA: Minister for Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda played down on Wednesday reports on the arrest of Indonesian citizens in the United States, saying it was merely the 24-hour detention part of the registration policy. "It was not an arrest, it was part of the registration process and they were released within 24 hours," Hassan said after meeting with President Megawati Soekarnoputri on Wednesday.

Asian monies fall, won at 5 month low

Asian monies fall, won at 5 month low Dow Jones, Singapore The Korean won ended at a five month trough and the Philippine peso dived to yet another historic closing low as most Asian currencies weakened in tandem with the yen Wednesday. North Korea tensions and accounting scandals at SK Global weighed on the won while domestic security concerns and fears of a war in Iraq again took a toll on the peso.

Better treatment for street vendors sought

Better treatment for street vendors sought M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Analysts are calling on the city administration to manage street vendors in Jakarta appropriately because since the start of the economic crisis they have served as a social safety valve for many of Jakarta's poor. Economist Didik J.

Words won't lure investors

Words won't lure investors Kornelius Purba, Staff Writer, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta, korpur@yahoo.com Recently, the growing beard of Japanese envoy Yutaka Iimura gave the impression among Indonesians that he probably had a nadar (vow) -- that he would not shave until he succeeded in convincing President Megawati Soekarnoputri that Japanese investors would continue to flee from Indonesia, unless she took extraordinary economic policies to woo back investment from the world's second most powerful...

Military fires 38 soldiers

Military fires 38 soldiers JAYAPURA, Papua: The Papua-based Trikora Military Command has dishonorably discharged 38 soldiers over the past year for various violations, mostly desertion. Another 87 soldiers are standing trial at the local military tribunal for disciplinary violations and criminal offenses. Outgoing military commander Maj. Gen.

Prosecutors seeks 7 years for student killer

Prosecutors seeks 7 years for student killer BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Prosecutors in Aceh demanded a seven-year jail sentence for the alleged killer of Muhammad Iqbal, a student at the University of Syiah Kuala, who was shot last year in a motorcycle chase following a traffic accident. State prosecutor Kamaruzzaman said on Monday that the defendant Aspardi, who confessed to the shooting, deliberately shot Iqbal after he chased the student on his motorcycle in the city of Banda Aceh on July 2002.

BII to issue Rp 2t of bonds

BII to issue Rp 2t of bonds JAKARTA: Nationalized PT Bank Internasional Indonesia plans to issue Rp 2 trillion (US$227 million) of bonds in the second half of this year, an official with the bank said Wednesday. BII's President Director Sigit Pramono told reporters that the planned bond issuance is part of the bank's measures to switch more financing into longer maturities. However, he stopped short of revealing the maturity of the bond.

JP/ /

JP/ / 1. Military (1 x 35) TNI to step up security in Papua, Aceh 2. Survey (3 x 18) Sultan Hamengkubuwono, Kalla top poll as most ideal leaders 3. Amrozi (1 x 24) Amrozi denies attacking RP envoy 4. KPU (1 x 27) KPU to increase budget by Rp 40b 5. Papua (1 x 40) Papua split would lead to corruption: Analysts

Beware when you hire a new maid

Beware when you hire a new maid I have read The Jakarta Post and watched TV over the last two weeks about maids stealing things. It seems this crime has been on the increase lately, especially in Jakarta. So I would like to share my bad experience with those who might be looking for a new maid. I got a new maid on Jan. 30 from my massage lady who is living in Senen.

Customs office launches new payment system for imports

Customs office launches new payment system for imports Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Starting April 1, 2003, all importers will have to pay their customs duties and import taxes via government-appointed banks, a move that is expected to help curb corruption and expedite customs clearance. To facilitate the new policy, the directorate general of customs and excise signed a cooperation agreement with 45 state- owned and private-owned banks on Wednesday.

Forgotten village shakes off poverty and disease with help

Forgotten village shakes off poverty and disease with help In the mountains of eastern Bali lies a district that, until recently, went unnoticed by the rest of the world. There, children died of diseases that are easily cured in the world outside. People starved and access to clean water was severely limited.

ASEAN lawmakers to meet in Yogya

ASEAN lawmakers to meet in Yogya YOGYAKARTA: Lawmakers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will convene for a two-day meeting in Yogyakarta on Thursday to discuss establishing an ASEAN antipoverty bank and combating drug abuse. House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung, in his capacity as president of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Organization (AIPO), is scheduled to officially open the meeting on Thursday.

`Mission impossible' in Sudirman Cup

`Mission impossible' in Sudirman Cup The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) conceded that it would be next to impossible for the national team to take the Sudirman Cup, but asked team members not to lose their grit when playing in the mixed-event tournament. "I know this will be like mission impossible, but they must have a strong desire to bring home the Sudirman trophy," PBSI chairman Chairul Tanjung said here on Wednesday.

Upper class luxury destroying civil society

Upper class luxury destroying civil society Ignas Kleden, The Center for East Indonesian Affairs/CEIA, Jakarta Ever since the early 1990s and even some time before that, discussion about civil society has become intellectually and academically fashionable, especially in our big cities. This might express a conscious or unconscious reaction to the main characteristics of the New Order Regime.

Terry Macalister, Deutsche Presse Agentur, London

Terry Macalister, Deutsche Presse Agentur, London BP HAS BEEN warned by a panel of experts led by the US senator, George Mitchell, that it could trigger human rights abuses if it proceeds with a US$2 billion gas scheme in Indonesia. Concern centers on the role of the military which could be brought in to guard the Tangguh LNG facilities to be built in the Papua region.

TNI to step up security in Papua, Aceh

TNI to step up security in Papua, Aceh Tiarma Siboro and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Leaders of the Indonesian military (TNI) have agreed to pay more attention to sea security and secessionist movements in Papua and Aceh provinces in 2003. "Separatism remains our concern this year, particularly in Aceh and Papua," TNI spokesman Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Syamsoeddin told a press conference marking the end of a two-day military leaders' meeting in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Subdistrict chiefs seek clean leader

Subdistrict chiefs seek clean leader PURWOKERTO, Central Java: No less than 200 subdistrict chiefs across the Central Java regency of Banyumas have threatened to campaign for a tax boycott if they think the upcoming regental election is marred by bribery and vote-buying. The subdistrict chiefs issued their warning during a rally in front of the local legislature on Wednesday. Dressed in their white official uniforms, the subdistrict chiefs went to the legislative building in a motorcade.

Pele gives advice for Indonesian soccer's future

Pele gives advice for Indonesian soccer's future Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta World soccer legend Pele suggests that Indonesia should organize more tournaments and carry out friendly games against strong teams if the country wants to build a strong national team. In a tele-conference organized by MasterCard, the former Brazilian World Cup star said on Wednesday that there were many factors weighing on a country's soccer team.

E. Nusa Tenggara ship routes suspended

E. Nusa Tenggara ship routes suspended KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: State-shipping company PT Angkutan Sungai Danau dan Penyeberangan says it has suspended operating in waters of East Nusa Tenggara amid fears that bad weather will worsen this month. With waves reaching 3.5-meters tall, traveling at sea was too dangerous, F. Matitaputty, the operational branch manager of ASDP in Kupang, said on Wednesday.

Battery firm executives gets one year in jail

Battery firm executives gets one year in jail JAKARTA: A court convicted on Wednesday two executives of a company, which produces the ABC brand batteries, to one year in jail and a fine of Rp 100 million (about US$11,200) for dumping chemical waste into a river in North Sumatra. The province's district court found director of PT Everbright Sumito and factory manager Darsono Halim guilty of violating government regulation No. 85/1999 on the handling of toxic waste.

Amrozi denies attacking RP envoy

Amrozi denies attacking RP envoy Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali Bali bomb suspect Amrozi denied on Wednesday police charges that he took part in the bombing of the Philippine ambassador's residence in August 2000, but admitted to knowing the people who did it. Amrozi's lawyer Suyanto said his client told him that he had nothing to do with the bombing that killed two and seriously injured then Philippine ambassador to Indonesia Leonids T Caday.

No other choice but to sell our souls

No other choice but to sell our souls Yanuar Nugroho, Director, Business Watch Indonesia, Surakarta, yanuar-n@unisosdem.org From 161 state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in Indonesia, only 145 are registered and the other 16 are unregistered as SOEs, yet they hold the status of state body corporations (perusahaan jawatan or perjan). Only 11 of the 145 registered SOEs handed over dividends worth Rp 21 trillion to the state. The other 134 SOEs, contributed nothing financially to the state.

(Caption for Spotlight column. Client: Hotel Borobudur. For March

(Caption for Spotlight column. Client: Hotel Borobudur. For March 13, 2003) THE SIXTH AUSTRALIA-INDONESIA MINISTERIAL FORUM: The Honorable Mr. Alexander Downer, Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs, and seven other Australian ministers participated in the Ministerial Forum at Hotel Borobudur Jakarta from March 9 to 12, 2003. Pictured above: Hon. Mr. Alexander Downer is greeted by the hotel's General Manager, Mr. Poul E. Bitsch, on his arrival at the hotel.

Broadcasters seek review of new law

Broadcasters seek review of new law Muninggar Sri Saraswati and Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Six associations of broadcasting professionals on Wednesday officially asked the Supreme Court (MA) to review Law No. 32/2002 on broadcasting on the grounds that the new legislation would infringe the public's right to information. They said the creation of the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI), which is equipped with censorship powers under the law, could threaten press freedom.

Polluters gets one year in jail

Polluters gets one year in jail JAKARTA: A court in North Sumatra sentenced two senior officials of battery producer PT Everbright to one year in prison and fined them Rp 100 million (US$11,000) each for pollution. The Office of the State Minister for the Environment said in a statement on Thursday that PT Everbright director Sumito and factory manager K. Darsono Halim had been convicted of releasing toxic waste from the company into the Krio River.

War could have ripple effect across the Pacific: Analysts

War could have ripple effect across the Pacific: Analysts David Briscoe, Associated Press, Honolulu, Hawaii War in Iraq could have a heavy impact across the Pacific, cutting off Japanese tourism from Indonesia to Hawaii, escalating tension on the Korean peninsula, and possibly increasing fuel costs everywhere, analysts said in a forum.

BP warned over potential abuses

BP warned over potential abuses Terry Macalister, Deutsche Presse Agentur, London BP has been warned by a panel of experts led by the US senator, George Mitchell, that it could trigger human rights abuses if it proceeds with a US$2 billion gas scheme in Indonesia. Concern centers on the role of the military which could be brought in to guard the Tangguh LNG facilities to be built in the Papua region.

Power industry watchdog expected in September: Official

Power industry watchdog expected in September: Official A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Anyer, Banten The government hopes to set up a power industry watchdog, to be called the Power Market Supervisory Agency, by September, a senior government official said. The director for electricity business supervision at the directorate general of electricity and energy, J.

DPA ready to dissolve: Chairman

DPA ready to dissolve: Chairman JAKARTA: The Supreme Advisory Council (DPA) is ready to dissolve itself as soon as the law on its dissolution is enacted, DPA chairman Achmad Titosudiro said on Wednesday. "We understand that perhaps the House and the government are still pre-occupied with the newly endorsed bills, therefore we are willing to wait," Achmad was quoted by Antara as saying on Wednesday.

Pitting people

Pitting people against each other From Kompas As an ordinary citizen, I was sad and disappointed to learn of the establishment of the Message of the People's Plight Front (Ampera) as I find it hard to understand why those claiming to be community figures always set a bad example for the people. Why do they always say they are speaking on behalf of the people when they try to topple the legitimate government? Why do they enjoy bickering and arguing without respecting the law?

Intruder in 'Reuters' bureau arrested

Intruder in 'Reuters' bureau arrested CHINA: A man who said he had a bomb burst into the Reuters news bureau in Beijing on Wednesday and held a number of journalists hostage for about two hours before releasing them unharmed. He was later arrested. The intruder, complaining he had been wrongly diagnosed as mentally ill, demanded to be interviewed on camera about official corruption and other grievances. Around two hours after he freed the last of the Reuters staff, armed police arrested him.

Papua split would lead to corruption: Analysts

Papua split would lead to corruption: Analysts Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The decision to split Papua into three smaller provinces will only benefit a few wealthy people and increase corruption among public officials who do not have the support of the Papuan people, analysts said.

1. Purba -- Mega's speech not enough to lure investors

1. Purba -- Mega's speech not enough to lure investors 1 x 23 Speech not enough for investors OR Mere words won't lure investors OR Invest in Indonesia Year mere words Kornelius Purba Staff Writer The Jakarta Post Jakarta korpur@yahoo.com 2. Weapon -- U.S. threat to use chemical weapons illegal 1 X 30 Rumsfeld's proposal illegal Alastair Hay Professor, Environmental Toxicology Leeds University United Kingdom Guardian News Service London 2.

FIFA rejects Iraq request

FIFA rejects Iraq request KUALA LUMPUR: FIFA, football's world governing body, has told Iraq it must play its 2004 Olympic qualifier against Vietnam next month at a neutral venue as the threat of war looms closer, an official said Wednesday. Iraq had been due to play Vietnam in Baghdad in their first leg match on April 5, but Iraqi officials have now been ordered to find another venue for the game, the Asian Football Confederation spokesman said.

;JP;zph;

;JP;zph; ANPAf..r.. Rupiah-conversion-rates Rupiah Rates March 12 JP/13/13Rupiah Rupiah Rates March 12 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp Australian dollar 1 5,674.90 5,065.71 5,399.02 5,341.36 Brunei dollar 1 5,388.95 4,811.67 5,126.97 5,073.50 Canadian dollar 1 6,367.09 5,686.37 6,057.56 5,995.79 Swiss franc 1 7,048.39 6,294.60 6,705.74 6,637.12 Danish krone 1 1,392.87 1,244.10 1,325.16 1,311.80 Euro 1 10,346.14 9,238.95 9,843.17 9,741.69 Poundsterling 1...

Renting warehouses to reduce operating costs

Renting warehouses to reduce operating costs Debbie A. Lubis, Contributor, Jakarta "Wanted: a warehouse for rent with 1,200 sq meters of floor- space and 10-m ceiling height. Preferably in secured, tranquil location in Greater Jakarta, complete with spacious parking lot, electricity and telephone utilities. Contact: Mr. Z at xxx," reads a classified advertisement. Warehouses are much sought after by companies in Jakarta.

Sultan, Jusuf top national poll as most ideal leaders

Sultan, Jusuf top national poll as most ideal leaders Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Yogyakarta Governor Sultan Hamengkubuwono X and Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Jusuf Kalla of Golkar would be an ideal duo to lead the nation in 2004, according to one survey. Of the 10,000 respondents from various educational backgrounds in 14 regencies and 15 municipalities nationwide, 29.7 percent favored the two Golkar figures proposed.

BII to issue Rp 2t of bonds

BII to issue Rp 2t of bonds JAKARTA: Nationalized PT Bank Internasional Indonesia plans to issue Rp 2 trillion (US$227 million) of bonds in the second half of this year, an official with the bank said Wednesday. BII's President Director Sigit Pramono told reporters that the planned bond issuance is part of the bank's measures to switch more financing into longer maturities. However, he stopped short of revealing the maturity of the bond.

Victim tells of ordeal during mob protest against `Tempo'

Victim tells of ordeal during mob protest against `Tempo' Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A victim of the recent mob protest at Tempo weekly news magazine recounted on Wednesday the intimidation he experienced at the hands of some 200 people claiming to be supporters of businessman Tomy Winata. Ahmad Taufik, one of the magazine's editors, admitted that he was terrified and depressed by the incident.

Paiton deal may improve investor confidence

Paiton deal may improve investor confidence The Jakarta Post, Washington U.S.-ASEAN Business Council president Ernest Z. Bower says the successful debt restructuring of power producer PT Paiton Energy will send a positive signal to foreign investors in the country. "The treatment of existing investors is crucial to Indonesia's ability to attract future investment," Bower said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

Police submit case files of bomb suspects

Police submit case files of bomb suspects Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post, Makassar, South Sulawesi. Police on Wednesday submitted to state prosecutors the case files of three men suspected of involvement in the bombing of a McDonald's restaurant in the South Sulawesi capital of Makassar that killed three people and injured 11 others last year.

LIPI to hold science congress

LIPI to hold science congress JAKARTA: The Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) will host the eighth National Science Congress from Sept. 9 through Sept. 11 in Jakarta. The congress will promote the independence and competitiveness of Indonesian scientists, and will serve as a vehicle to increase communication between scientists, the government and the public.

'In-Between' the medium and the message

'In-Between' the medium and the message Farah Wardani, Contributor, Jakarta What does it take to be an artist in Indonesia? There are three choices. First, you can be a painter, and if you paint really well, this bodes well with collectors -- you won't have to worry about anything else, since your talent would guarantee your security, at least financially.

Analysts slam Sutiyoso's insistence on reclamation

Analysts slam Sutiyoso's insistence on reclamation Damar Harsanto and Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Environmental analysts blasted on Wednesday Governor Sutiyoso's insistence to go ahead with a reclamation project in the northern coastal area of Jakarta, saying that he showed no sensitivity to the ecological problems that would ensue.

Moeis gets five years in jail but remains free

Moeis gets five years in jail but remains free Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The ad hoc rights tribunal sentenced former East Timor military commander Brig. Gen. Noer Moeis to five years in jail on Wednesday for gross human rights violations in the territory in 1999, but, as usual, fell short of sending the officer to jail immediately.

DPR seeks to end `rubber stamp' role in military budget

DPR seeks to end `rubber stamp' role in military budget Djoko Susilo, Legislator, Jakarta For many years, the military in Indonesia has enjoyed "freedom" in budgeting. They can spend the money without proper control from the parliament as stipulated in the Constitution. The government allocated the budget for the military and the amount was duly approved by the legislature (DPR). The DPR would then be discouraged from questioning or investigating how they spend the budget.

Where to go in Bali for Thursday March 13, 2003

Where to go in Bali for Thursday March 13, 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.

Government ready to issue new bonds

Government ready to issue new bonds The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government is on track to issue a huge amount of treasury bonds later this month as the preparations are nearing completion, a senior finance ministry official said. Fuad Rachmany, head of the state bonds management center -- a body under the finance ministry, told reporters on Wednesday that what was left to be completed at the moment were just technical matters.

Megawati criticizes local officials' plush lifestyles

Megawati criticizes local officials' plush lifestyles Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri has lambasted local regional officials and councillors for their frequent overseas trips, saying their 'comparative studies' look more like picnics than working visits. She even said the local officials and councillors had brought nothing to their constituencies.

Fubon, HSBC bid for Danamon

Fubon, HSBC bid for Danamon SINGAPORE: International and regional financial institutions, including Taiwan's Fubon Financial and HSBC, are among the leading bidders for Indonesia's Bank Danamon, a Singapore newspaper said Wednesday. The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA), set up in the aftermath of the 1997 financial crisis to salvage the country's battered banking system, is currently seeking a buyer for Bank Danamon, in which it holds a majority stake.

Calpers completes sale of RI, KL, Thai stocks

Calpers completes sale of RI, KL, Thai stocks NEW YORK: The California Public Employees Retirement System has completed the sale of stocks in three emerging markets it decided to shun last year on the advice of a consultant.

FBI agents to return to probe Papua killing

FBI agents to return to probe Papua killing JAKARTA: US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents will return to Indonesia's Papua province within weeks, as part of an investigation into the murder of two Americans there, a senior military officer said Wednesday. The agents will compare the results of their questioning of civilians and military officers last month with the investigation carried out by the Indonesian military, said regional military police chief Colonel Sutarna.

3 X 15

3 X 15 DPR seeks to end "rubber stamp" role in military budget Djoko Susilo Legislator Jakarta 2. Yanuar -- No other choice but to sell our souls to market 1 X 35 No other choice but to sell our souls Yanuar Nugroho Director Business Watch Indonesia Surakarta yanuar-n@unisosdem.org

Proton to revive exports

Proton to revive exports KUALA LUMPUR: Exports of Malaysia's national car Proton are expected to rebound with the introduction of new models at the end of this year, a senior government official said Wednesday. Exports of Proton cars have fallen sharply over the past few years due to stiffer competition and old models, said International Trade and Industry Ministry's parliamentary secretary Fu Ah Kiow.

Fraser pays courtesy call on Mega

Fraser pays courtesy call on Mega Former Australian prime minister Malcolm Fraser paid a courtesy call on President Megawati Soekarnoputri on Wednesday, in which they discussed various issues, including the Iraqi crisis. During the 30-minute meeting, Fraser briefed Megawati on a two-day conference attended by former heads of state that called for a peaceful solution to the Iraqi crisis. "He was just telling the President that the meeting opposed unilateral acts from the U.S.

1. Pantura: 50 pt, 2 cols, 4 x12

1. Pantura: 50 pt, 2 cols, 4 x12 Analysts slam Sutiyoso's insistence on reclamation 2. Fire: 36 pt, 3 cols, 2x 25 Fire victims rebuild homes amid uncertainty 3. Vendor: 28 pt, 5 cols, 1x 42 Better treatment for street vendors sought 4. TB: 28 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 38 Jakarta high-risk zone for TB 5. Speak: 28 pt, 2 cols, 2x 20 'People are selfish and thoughtless'

Australia promises secret aid to seal Timor gas deal: Report

Australia promises secret aid to seal Timor gas deal: Report Agence France-Presse, Sydney Australia promised East Timor millions of dollars in a secret aid deal that convinced the world's newest nation to give up claims to a huge undersea gas field, a newspaper reported Wednesday.

1. BALI: 1 LINE, 38 COUNTS

1. BALI: 1 LINE, 38 COUNTS East Bali Poverty Project brings hope 2. EAST: 2 LINES, 27 COUNTS Forgotten village shakes off poverty and disease with help

Researchers unearth more of historic dam in Yogyakarta

Researchers unearth more of historic dam in Yogyakarta Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Archeologists examining the remains of what they believe was a dam built in the 19th century, have found that it was larger than expected, and plan to dig out the entire construction this week. A team of researchers from the provincial archeological preservation office on Tuesday uncovered more of the ruins found in the village of Sidorejo in Bantul regency late last month.

KPU to increase budget by Rp 40b

KPU to increase budget by Rp 40b Arya Abhiseka, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In accordance with its plan to hold the 2004 general election ahead of schedule, the General Elections Commission (KPU) will increase its budget by Rp 40 billion (US$4.5 million), with most of the money going to speed up voter registration.

Minister corrects arrest report

Minister corrects arrest report JAKARTA: Minister for Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda played down on Wednesday reports on the arrest of Indonesian citizens in the United States, saying it was merely the 24-hour detention part of the registration policy. "It was not an arrest, it was part of the registration process and they were released within 24 hours," Hassan said after meeting with President Megawati Soekarnoputri on Wednesday.

Indonesia to send delegation to World Water Forum

Indonesia to send delegation to World Water Forum Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister of Resettlement and Regional Infrastructure Soenarno will lead an Indonesian delegation to the 3rd World Water Forum (WWF) in Kyoto, Japan from March 16 to 23. State Minister for the Environment Nabiel Makarim, Minister of Agriculture Bungaran Saragih and Minister of Forestry M.

No more discrimination: Shuttlers

No more discrimination: Shuttlers JAKARTA: Local badminton players, most of whom are of Chinese descent, urged the government on Wednesday to abolish regulations that discriminate against ethnic Chinese. "We must show proof of citizenship to enroll in school or when doing business," Tan Joe Hok, former All England Badminton champion, told reporters after meeting Vice President Hamzah Haz at vice presidential palace.

`People are selfish and thoughtless'

`People are selfish and thoughtless' Violence or intimidation against the media could hamper press freedom and eventually deprive the public of its right to information. If this were to occur the reform movement would come to nought and freedom of the press and freedom of information would disappear like so much dust in the wind. The Jakarta Post spoke to a number of residents about last Saturday's incident at Tempo magazine when a protest by supporters of businessman Tomy Winata turned violent.

RI to set up independent telecom body

RI to set up independent telecom body The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government will set up an independent body to regulate the country's telecommunications industry by the end of April, a senior official said on Wednesday. Director General for Post and Telecommunications Affairs Djamhari Sirat told reporters the creation of the Independent Regulatory Body (IRB) was in accordance with a government plan to liberalize the telecommunications sector.

New electric trains serving the Serpong to Sudirman route

New electric trains serving the Serpong to Sudirman route started to operate on Tuesday, March 11. It is a commuter train which stops at certain stations. The air-conditioned trains leave Serpong at 6:30 a.m. and 8:22 a.m., stop by in Sudimara and Pondok Ranji and drop the passengers at the Tanah Abang and Sudirman stations in Dukuh Atas district, Central Jakarta and vice versa in the evening. People welcome the new train service which they see as the answer to their daily needs.

Improving efficiency in collaboration with suppliers

Improving efficiency in collaboration with suppliers Arsi Aryanto, Contributor, Jakarta As companies search for new opportunities to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency, relationships with their supply base have become a key asset in improving profitability.

Our civil society is prone to friction

Our civil society is prone to friction Ignas Kleden The Center for East Indonesian Affairs/CEIA Jakarta Ever since the early 1990s and even some time before that, discussion about civil society has become intellectually and academically fashionable, especially in our big cities. This might express a conscious or unconscious reaction to the main characteristics of the New Order Regime.

TV Program: Thursday, March. 13, 2003

TV Program: Thursday, March. 13, 2003 .TB.30" .90" TVRI 5:03 a.m.Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 English News Service 7:30 Children's Program: Pentas Ceria 8:00 Talk Show: RT / RW 8:30 DRTV Indonesia 9:00 TV Drama: Canda 9:30 Tourism 10:00 Entertainment 11:00 News: Berita Daerah 11:30 Music: Konteswara 12:00 p.m.News: Berita Siang 1:00 Talk Show: Konsultasi Keluarga 2:00 News: Metro Indonesia 2:30 Music: Pop Daerah 3:00 Bando 4:00 Religious Teachings 4:30 Zooming 5:00 Film: Amru...

Bapepam: No travel bans in Lippo case

Bapepam: No travel bans in Lippo case The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Amid mounting public pressure to penalize the management of Bank Lippo, the Capital Market Supervisory Agency (Bapepam) said on Wednesday that it had yet to see any urgency in slapping an overseas travel ban on those responsible for allegedly cooking the books.

APP debt restructuring

APP debt restructuring Foreign creditors, who in the 1990s were falling all over each other to lend to the Singapore-based Asia Pulp & Paper Co., have asked their governments to pressure President Megawati Soekarnoputri to intervene in the process of restructuring US$6.5 billion in debt owed by APP's four paper subsidiaries in Indonesia. The wishes of the foreign creditors were conveyed in a letter co-signed by the ambassadors of Canada, nine European countries and Japan earlier this week.

PDI-P eying Muslim figures as Megawati's running mate

PDI-P eying Muslim figures as Megawati's running mate Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) was eying influential Muslim leaders, besides several noted politicians, to provide a running mate for President Megawati Soekarnoputri in the first direct presidential election in the predominantly Muslim country.

Fire razes 3 stores in Tangerang

Fire razes 3 stores in Tangerang TANGERANG: Fire razed three of six stores at Vila Mutiara Pluit housing estate, Periuk district, Tangerang municipality, on Wednesday morning. Amir, 40, owner of PT Aneka Jaya, which operates a welding workshop in one of the stores, was rushed to the clinic in Sangiang subdistrict, suffering severe burns. According to Sediaman, a worker in the welding workshop, some employees were welding at 9:30 a.m. when a can of thinner was spilt.

ADB grants US$600,000 for Jakarta

ADB grants US$600,000 for Jakarta JAKARTA: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said on Wednesday it has approved a US$600,000 grant to help combat the Indonesian capital's worsening air pollution. The technical assistance grant of $600,000 will be used to prepare the "Blue Skies" project to promote clean vehicle fuel in Jakarta, an ADB statement said.

East Bali Poverty Project brings hope

East Bali Poverty Project brings hope Simon Howland, Contributor, Jakarta Long regarded as one of the brightest jewels in the Indonesian crown, Bali has suffered its share of hardships of late, with the bombings in Kuta in October last year being the most publicized of these. Long before the terrible act of terrorism impacted the island of Bali and its economy, however, a group of people living in three hamlets in the district of Kubu in Karangasem, East Bali, had been suffering.

Fire victims rebuild homes amid uncertainty

Fire victims rebuild homes amid uncertainty Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Many squatters on the Ciliwung riverbank, whose homes were razed by a devastating fire last week, have started rebuilding them amid uncertainty over the fate of their future relocation. The squatters were busy rebuilding semi-permanent homes at the burned-out remains of their houses, or upon the ruins of their completely razed properties.

Unruly passenger arrested on plane

Unruly passenger arrested on plane MALAYSIA: Authorities arrested a man who tried to break into the cockpit of a Malaysia Airlines plane en route from Kuala Lumpur to Hong Kong, an airline official said on Wednesday. The man was detained by Hong Kong police upon landing, a Malaysia Airlines spokeswoman said on condition of anonymity. Malaysia's national news agency Bernama identified the man as Yu Naibin, a Chinese citizen.

b]* Headlines: Supreme Court urged to review broadcasting law2

b]* Headlines: Supreme Court urged to review broadcasting law2 * National:TNI to step up security in Papua, Aceh4 * Archipelago:Researchers unearth more of historic dam5 * Opinion: DPR seeks to end 'rubber stamp' role in 7 * City:Sutiyoso slammed for insistence on reclamation8 * Sports:Pele gives advice for RI soccer's future10 * World:RP finds bomb plot, links Asian group to blast11 * Business:New payment system for imports introduced 13 * Features:East Bali Poverty Project brings hope 18

Five injured in police attack

Five injured in police attack Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan Dozens of riot police ran amok in a housing complex here on Tuesday following a minor accident involving an officer and a local resident, leaving five people wounded. To the surprise of many, only one of the police personnel, Second Brig. Misri Kordian Telaumbanua, was detained on Wednesday for allegedly inciting the violence, the second incident to have involved riot police and residents within four days.