Archive: 20 March 2003
98 articles found
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Indosat ties up with Mega Asia
Indosat ties up with Mega Asia JAKARTA: Telecommunications firm Indosat signed on Wednesday a preliminary agreement with Mega Asia Consortium for the development of a fixed wireless network in Jakarta and Surabaya over the next three years. Under the preliminary agreement, the consortium will develop 450,000 fixed wireless lines in Jakarta and surrounding areas and another 250,000 lines in Surabaya and surrounding areas during the three-year period, Indosat said in a statement.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Fire incompetent civil servants
Fire incompetent civil servants From Suara Karya With regard to a number of quotations in papers presented during the national coordination meeting held by the Office of the State Minister of Administrative Reforms from Feb. 17 to Feb.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
1. PBHI - 4x10
1. PBHI - 4x10 Dispute over Pluit apartments turns ugly 2. Sutiyoso - 2x 22 Sutiyoso has no policy for eradicating thuggery 3. Preman - 2x 25 Hoodlumism has deep roots in Pulo Gadung bus terminal 4. RSCM - 2x 20 Dismal hospital services for poor 5. Speak - 2x20 'Thugs should be shot, if necessary'
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Death sentence for murderers
Death sentence for murderers BOGOR: The Cibinong District Court sentenced two men to death on Wednesday for murdering a man and then mutilating his body to conceal their crime on June 20 last year. "The murder was premeditated as the defendants planned to steal the victim's motorcycle," presiding judge Marsudin Nainggolan told the court.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
'No new candidates for BI governor'
'No new candidates for BI governor' JAKARTA: President Megawati Soekarnoputri will not add any names to the list of candidates for Central Bank governor given the absence of an official request from the House of Representatives (DPR). State Secretary Bambang Kesowo said on Wednesday that the presidential office would only respond to an official request from the House. "To my knowledge, additional candidates can only be requested by several legislators and not the House," he said.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
War, pneumonia scare a double blow to tourism
War, pneumonia scare a double blow to tourism Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A new pneumonia scare affecting the region and a war in Iraq will deal a severe blow to the country's already fragile tourism sector, which has just started to recover from the impact of last year's Bali bombings, a senior government official said. "The impact of the mystery illness will actually be much greater than the Iraq war," Indonesian Culture and Tourism Board (ICTB) chairman Setyanto P.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Grow tomatoes at home: Police chief
Grow tomatoes at home: Police chief BOGOR: Bogor Regional Police Chief Sr. Comr. Anton Bachrul Alam has urged all his police officers in Bogor to grow their own tomatoes using hydroponics in their yards as a way to increase their income. "It is my hope that all police officers will grow tomatoes. It will help them to raise their income and prevent them from taking bribes," he said on Wednesday. Bogor regional police covers Bogor, Sukabumi and Cianjur, which are all in West Java province.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
RI among ICC's Global Award winners
RI among ICC's Global Award winners JAKARTA: The Indonesian Cricket Foundation has been named a recipient of the 2002 Global Development Program Award from the International Cricket Council (ICC), along with similar foundations from other East Asia-Pacific countries, an ICC media statement said.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Govt sends new LoI to IMF
Govt sends new LoI to IMF The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has sent its latest letter of intent (LoI) to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington in a bid to obtain the fund's next loan tranche of around US$450 million. The LoI contains a set of economic targets and a reform agenda that must be completed within a certain period of time by the government in exchange for IMF money.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Sutiyoso has no policy for eradicating thuggery
Sutiyoso has no policy for eradicating thuggery Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The problem of thugs is very real in the city, with their presence to be found anywhere and everywhere, such as in markets, entertainment centers and public transportation terminals. Unfortunately, the city administration has no program to deal with them. "We only have civilian police assistants. It is impossible for them to face temperament thugs," Governor Sutiyoso said on Wednesday.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Govt moves to calm people over Iraq
Govt moves to calm people over Iraq Evi Mariani and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post Jakarta Worried about a possible backlash from the impending Iraqi war, the government has moved to assure the public that such an war is not directed against Islam or the Iraqi people as a whole, but against all of humanity.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on March 19,2003
Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on March 19,2003 -------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------------- Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 525 0 6,000 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 50 5 15,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 125 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 105 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 700 0 0 Alter Abadi Tbk 15 5 501,000 Alumindo Light 155 0 0 Andhi Chandra 455 0 0 Aneka Kimia...
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
RP officials to meet MILF rebels in KL
RP officials to meet MILF rebels in KL Agencies, Cotabato, Philippines Philippine government negotiators said on Wednesday they expected to meet with Muslim separatist leaders later this month in hopes of restarting peace talks, despite continuing clashes and a deadly ambush a day earlier.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian airline opens flights to Ipoh
Indonesian airline opens flights to Ipoh JAKARTA: Indonesia's Jatayu Airlines has opened a new route linking Medan in North Sumatra to the north Malaysian city of Ipoh, a report said Wednesday. A Boeing 737-200 will fly the route on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, the manager of Jatayu's Medan office, Kanida, told the state Antara news agency. The first flight to Ipoh took off on Tuesday, Kanida said. Jatayu already has daily flights linking Medan to another Malaysian destination, Penang.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
`Thugs should be shot dead, if necessary'
`Thugs should be shot dead, if necessary' Many people fear that Jakarta could become a city of fear if the authorities do not take action against thugs. They envision a city where good, honest citizens cannot leave their homes, held prisoner by emboldened thugs who roam the streets with absolute impunity. The Jakarta Post spoke with several city residents who have had run-ins with hoodlums. Sahrul, 29, is a sidewalk vendor in Jatinegara, East Jakarta, who sells toys.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
War won't sever RI ties with U.S.: Minister
War won't sever RI ties with U.S.: Minister Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Kurniawan Hari The Jakarta Post Jakarta Despite its antiwar stance, Indonesia is opting to take the pragmatic route in response to an imminent U.S. strike on Iraq by maintaining amicable ties with Washington. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono underlined on Wednesday the importance of maintaining good relations with the U.S.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Saudi Arabia proposes exile for Saddam to stop war: U.S. ally
Saudi Arabia proposes exile for Saddam to stop war: U.S. ally Saudi Arabia has proposed for the first time that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein should go into exile as a last-ditch effort to avert war, a Saudi diplomatic source said on Wednesday. "The kingdom, and other parties, are exerting maximum effort to prevent a devastating war and they have proposed the idea of exile for Saddam and securing a safe haven for him and his family," the source said.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Antiwar protesters begin targeting U.S. interests
Antiwar protesters begin targeting U.S. interests Damar Harsanto and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With a war in Iraq apparently drawing closer, anti-American protesters began to target United States' interests on Wednesday as the police here announced they were ready to protect foreigners and foreign assets in the capital. Dozens of youths grouped in the Islamic Youth Movement (GPI) rallied in front of a McDonald's outlet on Jl. MH.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
CORPORATE PARTY AT HOTEL BOROBUDUR JAKARTA: The Hotel Borobudur
CORPORATE PARTY AT HOTEL BOROBUDUR JAKARTA: The Hotel Borobudur Jakarta, in cooperation with the Hungarian Embassy, invited some 350 honored guests from corporate accounts and embassies to attend a concert by the Hungarian Academy String Quartet on March 17. The musicians performed a selection of Brahms and Weiner classics to the great enjoyment of the audience. The evening continued with a sumptuous Hungarian-themed dinner and dancing.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
The imminent U.S.-Iraq war, the UN and international politics
The imminent U.S.-Iraq war, the UN and international politics J. Soedjati Djiwandono, Political Analyst, Jakarta An ultimatum has finally been given to President Saddam Hussein by President George W. Bush to leave his country within 48 hours or risk U.S. attack at a time of its own choosing. The second U.S.-Iraq war is thus likely to break out in a matter of hours as of the appearance of this writing.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Various efforts have been made by the government to help
Various efforts have been made by the government to help destitute families access health services. Public health centers, which provide cheap services and affordable medicines, have been made available in most parts of the archipelago. Recently the government issued a 'free card' for poor families. Deprived people with the card get health treatment or services for free. Unfortunately, not all people have been informed about the new scheme.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
U.S., British embassies suspend services to public
U.S., British embassies suspend services to public Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Some embassies in the capital suspended their services to the public on Wednesday amid heightened security concerns and continuing antiwar rallies following the U.S. ultimatum to Iraqi President Saddam Hussein to leave his country within 48 hours or face attack. The U.S.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Only Muslims welcome
Only Muslims welcome From Pikiran Rakyat Regardless of their origins, anybody may aspire to be West Java governor as long as they are devout Muslims and can open up employment opportunities for West Javanese. The position of a governor is a noble one as a governor must account for his performance both in this world and in the hereafter. The most important thing for a governor is that he must be able to ensure that his people enjoy prosperity.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Papuans demand rights trial for Theys' murderers
Papuans demand rights trial for Theys' murderers Nethy Dharma Somba The Jakarta Post Jayapura, Papua The Papuan Presidium Council (PDP) has demanded that the seven Army Special Forces (Kopassus) members and a former member standing trial for the murder of the council's former chairman be put on trial at a human rights court.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Nations plan to evacuate workers ahead of Iraq war
Nations plan to evacuate workers ahead of Iraq war Daniel Lovering, Associated Press, Bangkok Asian nations have drawn up plans to evacuate thousands of their citizens from the Middle East as time runs out on a deadline for Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein to seek exile or face war.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
1. Ardimas -- Flag carrier universities initiate reform
1. Ardimas -- Flag carrier universities initiate reform 1 X 38 Leading universities initiate reforms Ardimas Sasdi Staff Writer The Jakarta Post Jakarta ardimas@thejakartapost.com 2. Inqui -- Making water work for development 2 X 21 Kyoto: Making water work for development Vipul Bhagat Country Manager International Finance Corp. (IFC) Philippine Daily Inquirer 3.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Papuans demand rights trial for Theys' murderers
Papuans demand rights trial for Theys' murderers Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura, Papua The Papuan Presidium Council (PDP) has demanded that the seven Army Special Forces (Kopassus) members and a former member standing trial for the murder of the council's former chairman be put on trial at a human rights court.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Compensation row delays truth bill
Compensation row delays truth bill Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Disagreement among Cabinet ministers over compensation for the victims of past human rights abuses has delayed the submission of the truth and reconciliation commission bill to the House of Representatives, a government official says.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Army intervene on behalf of company
Army intervene on behalf of company JAKARTA: Security forces, including members of the Army, intervened on behalf of property company PT Jakarta Propertindo in a dispute involving 480 families living in low-cost homes on Wednesday. The ugly incident follows outrage over thuggery in Indonesia and revelations companies pay the Indonesian Military (TNI) protection money.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
MoHA-IPAC INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP: Pictured above are members of
MoHA-IPAC INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP: Pictured above are members of the Canadian delegation participating in the MoHA-IPAC International Workshop on Local Government Enterprises, held at the Hotel Borobudur Jakarta from March 11 to March 13. The event was opened with speeches by Canadian Ambassador to Indonesia His Excellency Ferry de Kerckhove and Indonesian Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Divided ASEAN foreign ministers cut short retreat as war looms
Divided ASEAN foreign ministers cut short retreat as war looms Eileen Ng, Agence France-Presse, Karambunai, Malaysia Southeast Asian foreign ministers, divided over a looming U.S.- led attack on Iraq, cut short informal talks here Wednesday to fly home before war breaks.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
CORPORATE PARTY AT HOTEL BOROBUDUR JAKARTA: The Hotel Borobudur
CORPORATE PARTY AT HOTEL BOROBUDUR JAKARTA: The Hotel Borobudur Jakarta, in cooperation with the Hungarian Embassy, invited some 350 honored guests from corporate accounts and embassies to attend a concert by the Hungarian Academy String Quartet on March 17. The musicians performed a selection of Brahms and Weiner classics to the great enjoyment of the audience. The evening continued with a sumptuous Hungarian-themed dinner and dancing.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Parapat palace, Sukarno's former residence
Parapat palace, Sukarno's former residence Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Parapat, Medan Just like Digul, Bangka and other towns that have gone down in history as places where Indonesia's first president Sukarno was exiled to by Dutch colonial rulers, the North Sumatra town of Parapat boasts that it was one of them. Located about 165 kilometers from the provincial capital of Medan, the town is home to a palace where Sukarno had to stay in during his exile.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
[b]
'Untouchable' Tomy should thank Saddam Kornelius Purba Staff Writer The Jakarta Post Jakarta korpur@yahoo.com 2. Troops -- Against the invasion but supporting our troops 2 X 30 The fear of what victory to cost and what will happen afterwards Jonathan Freedland Guardian News Service London
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Plan to prevent oil shortage unveiled
Plan to prevent oil shortage unveiled The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State oil and gas company Pertamina will urge the government to request production-sharing contractors not to export crude oil in case of an oil shortage caused by an increasingly likely war in Iraq, a Pertamina official said on Wednesday. "The contractors should focus on meeting the Indonesian domestic oil demand, if the war breaks out and leads to an oil shortage," Pertamina's spokesman Ridwan Nyak Baik told The Jakarta Post.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah Rates March.19
Rupiah Rates March.19 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp Australian dollar 1 5,656.90 5,058.74 5,386.67 5,328.73 Brunei dollar 1 5,395.99 4,828.39 5,138.23 5,086.09 Canadian dollar 1 6,465.08 5,782.41 6,156.25 6,091.03 Swiss franc 1 6,897.18 6,170.83 6,567.70 6,500.18 Danish krone 1 1,365.55 1,221.31 1,300.32 1,286.50 Euro 1 10,142.22 9,074.01 9,657.74 9,558.31 Poundsterling 1 14,933.30 13,359.53 14,219.95 14,072.56 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,221.31 1,093.05 1,162.97...
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
PIB to hold national convention
PIB to hold national convention JAKARTA: The New Indonesian Party (PIB) plans to hold a series of seminars followed by its first national convention between March 20 and 23 at the Hotel Indonesia, Jakarta. Sjahrir, the party's leader and presidential candidate will open the three-day seminar on Thursday, discussing regional autonomy and the party's agenda in facing the next general election.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
RP imports jump 45 percent
RP imports jump 45 percent MANILA: Philippine merchandise imports jumped 45.1 percent in January from a year earlier, official data showed Wednesday, with local manufacturers seen stocking up electronics parts and fuel ahead of a looming war in Iraq. The import value rose to US$2.92 billion in January, the National Statistics Office (NSO) said in a statement. Imports in December rose 19.8 percent to $2.57 billion.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
'Tempo' violence intolerable
'Tempo' violence intolerable From Koran Tempo I feel concerned over and wish to condemn an assault on the office of Tempo magazine. This was an example of bad and shameful behavior that cannot be tolerated. Do not let the freedom of the press, after being trampled upon for so long, be destroyed again by street thugs. The community must really be made aware that when a difference of opinion cannot be resolved in an amicable manner, it should be settled in a court of law.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
RI among ICC's Global Award winners
RI among ICC's Global Award winners JAKARTA: The Indonesian Cricket Foundation has been named a recipient of the 2002 Global Development Program Award from the International Cricket Council (ICC), along with similar foundations from other East Asia-Pacific countries, an ICC media statement said.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Bali for Thursday March 20, 2003
Where to go in Bali for Thursday March 20, 2003 Exhibitions * Painting, Dream Land, by Made Wianta, Bali's Contemporary Art Space, at Gaya Fusion Of Senses, Jl. Raya Sayan, Ubud Bali, (Tel. 0361- 979252, Fax: 0361- 975895), until May 15, at 7 p.m. * Painting, Batuan Style, by I Made Djata & I Wayan Rajin,at Ganesha Gallery at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, (Tel: 0361 - 701010, Fax: 0361 - 701020) until April 18, at 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Museums and Galleries * Sika Galery, Jl.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
`Untouchable' Tomy should thank Saddam
`Untouchable' Tomy should thank Saddam Kornelius Purba, Staff Writer, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta, korpur@yahoo.com The live TV coverage of the "consultation meeting" of notorious businessman Tomy Winata with the House of Representatives Commission I on Monday brought to mind the appearance of the legendary Mafioso Al Capone in the Untouchables movie and TV series; of course, without the presence of federal agent Elliot Ness.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
150 climbers take part in MOCC
150 climbers take part in MOCC JAKARTA: Around 150 climbers are taking part in the Mega Open Climbing Competition (MOCC), which began on Monday here. The competition is being held at the parking lot of Tarumanegara University, West Jakarta, and will run until Thursday. Andi Gunawan, from the organizing committee, said the participants had come from a number of provinces in Indonesia, including East Nusa Tenggara and South Sulawesi.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Magazine to highlight exploitation
Magazine to highlight exploitation BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: Reporters in South Kalimantan are joining forces to publish an environmental magazine amid heightened concerns of over-exploitation in the province. Suara Lingkungan (the voice of the environment) or Suling, will be published monthly by local environmental reporters. The Kehati Foundation, an environmental watchdog co-founded by noted economist Emil Salim, is offering support.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
'No new candidates for BI governor'
'No new candidates for BI governor' JAKARTA: President Megawati Soekarnoputri will not add any names to the list of candidates for Central Bank governor given the absence of an official request from the House of Representatives (DPR). State Secretary Bambang Kesowo said on Wednesday that the presidential office would only respond to an official request from the House. "To my knowledge, additional candidates can only be requested by several legislators and not the House," he said.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Learning how to make batik the Balinese way
Learning how to make batik the Balinese way Damaso Reyes, Contributor, Ubud, Bali If Santa Claus was Balinese, he may well be artist and teacher I Nyoman Suradnya who bears more than a passing resemblance to the jolly man in the red suit, although Nyoman prefers a sarong. There may be as many places to learn batik, the traditional Indonesian art form for making textiles, as there are places to eat nasi goreng (fried rice), but it is hard to imagine one more fun than Suradnya's compound in Ubud.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
TotalFinaElf may cancel RI bid due to war
TotalFinaElf may cancel RI bid due to war A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta French oil and gas giant TotalFinaElf might not proceed with bidding for 11 oil and gas blocks being offered by the Indonesian government because of the imminent war in Iraq, a company official said. "Our management is no longer enthusiastic to proceed further with the bidding process," Ananda Idris, spokesman of TotalFinaElf in Indonesia told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Wife of suspected bomber quizzed
Wife of suspected bomber quizzed MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Police here questioned on Wednesday the first wife of a key suspect in the bombing of a McDonald's fast food outlet last year, who remains at large. During the four-hour session, the police asked Etty Suharti if she knew the whereabouts of her husband, Agung Abdul Hamid, who disappeared after the bombing that killed three people and injured 11 others.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Government to freeze privatization if war erupts
Government to freeze privatization if war erupts The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government would be forced to temporarily halt its privatization program if a war breaks out in Iraq, the deputy head of the Office of State Minister of State Enterprises, Mahmudin Yasin, said Wednesday. He said war would scare investors and it would be impossible for the government to sell assets in such a bearish financial market. "If tomorrow the war erupts, then forget it (privatization). Until when?
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Give new KONI board a chance, says Agum
Give new KONI board a chance, says Agum Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The new board of the National Sports Council (KONI) was announced on Wednesday, with chairman Agum Gumelar appealing to the sports community to give the members time to do their work. "Give us a chance to carry out our program to try to advance national sports," Agum said after announcing the members of the 39-strong board at KONI headquarters here.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
PT Freeport Indonesia paid a total of US$5.6 million in
PT Freeport Indonesia paid a total of US$5.6 million in security fees last year to the Indonesian Military (TNI) in Papua. It was apparently legal. There was no extortion. As a public company Freeport is only responsible for its expenditures on its annual report to share holders. Legally there is nothing wrong with that. The problem is that the company paid a state institution, which should have its own budget from the state.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
KONI wants more than three golds
KONI wants more than three golds The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The National Sports Council (KONI) has set a modest target for the Indonesian Chess Association (Percasi) at the upcoming Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in December. The next biennial games, which will be hosted by Vietnam, will mark the maiden inclusion of chess on the list of sports. The demand for a greater achievement was voiced by KONI chairman Agum Gumelar on Wednesday. "Why is it only three?
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
1. EMBASSY: 3 x 20
1. EMBASSY: 3 x 20 U.S., British embassies suspend services to public 2. PERTAMINA: 1 x 37 Plan to prevent oil shortage unveiled 3. WATER: 2 x 26 War threat overshadows water conference in Japan 4. BILL: 1 x 37 Govt urged to drop bill on education 5. ODD: 1 x 30 Forget the war, buy a Harley
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
TNI's credibility
TNI's credibility The response by the Indonesian Military (TNI) to the disclosure that the giant American mining company PT Freeport Indonesia has been giving millions of U.S. dollars in protection money was typical and expected. TNI Chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto dismissed the report as irrelevant; he did not deny it, but said the amount did not reach $5.6 million in 2002 as the report suggested. He did not venture to give an exact figure, but said that it was payment for soldiers' meals.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Dispute over Pluit apartments turns ugly
Dispute over Pluit apartments turns ugly Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Security forces, including members of the Army, intervened on behalf of property company PT Jakarta Propertindo in a dispute involving 480 families living in low-cost homes on Wednesday. The ugly incident follows outrage over thuggery in Indonesia and revelations companies pay the Indonesian Military (TNI) protection money.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Hamdiah comes to fore in archery meet
Hamdiah comes to fore in archery meet The Jakarta Post, Jakarta National archer Hamdiah won four golds to help the East Kalimantan team go to the front with five gold medals in the medal hunt at the ongoing National Archery Championship at the Bung Karno Sports Stadium here on Wednesday. The second day of the championship provided 12 gold medals in the FITA double round competition.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
NGOs fight against illegal logging
NGOs fight against illegal logging Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) launched on Wednesday a campaign to increase public support for the fight against illegal logging. "We are hopeful that every party concerned with the country's forests will join in this campaign against illegal logging," Forest Watch Indonesia director Togu Manurung said after the launch of the campaign, which was attended by hundreds of participants.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Leading universities initiate reforms
Leading universities initiate reforms Ardimas Sasdi, Staff Writer, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta, ardimas@thejakartapost.com As part of the long-awaited initiative expected to begin the process of reforming higher education, large state universities have established academic quality assurance mechanisms to help improve the quality of their institutions.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Gulf War II could lead to new world order
Gulf War II could lead to new world order J. Soedjati Djiwandono, Political Analyst, Jakarta An ultimatum has finally been given to President Saddam Hussein by President George W. Bush to leave his country within 48 hours or risk U.S. attack at a time of its own choosing. The second U.S.-Iraq war is thus likely to break out in a matter of hours as of the appearance of this writing.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
BHP Steel expands Asia production
BHP Steel expands Asia production MELBOURNE: BHP Steel Ltd. has opened two new plants in China, lifting its Asian network to 21 plants, The Age newspaper reports on Wednesday. One of the new roll-forming plants is near Beijing, located to capitalize on the construction activity prompted by the 2008 Olympic Games, while the second plant is based in the western province of Sichuan.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Bearish outlook for KL palm oil prices
Bearish outlook for KL palm oil prices Hazlin Hassan, Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur Crude palm oil (CPO) prices on Malaysia's Derivatives Exchange are likely to drop this year on weak demand after an uptrend for the whole of 2002, industry experts said on Wednesday.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Kendari rejects Tomy Winata money
Kendari rejects Tomy Winata money KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: In the third rally in six days, 100 reporters from the provincial capital of Kendari gathered on Wednesday to reject Tomy Winata's investment plans in the province as part of a nationwide protest against the Tempo incident in Jakarta. Local reporters raised concerns that investments from Tomy would invite thuggery into the province.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Hoodlumism has deep roots in Pulo Gadung bus terminal
Hoodlumism has deep roots in Pulo Gadung bus terminal M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta "Drivers have to pay a variety of illegal fees to thugs if they want to do their work in an orderly fashion and in peace," says Amin, 38, a driver plying the route from Pulo Gadung, East Jakarta, to Pasar Gaplok, Central Jakarta. He told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday that every day each driver plying the route had to pay around Rp 3,500 (US$ 0.39) to a gang that "ruled" the terminal.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Manado dressed in red and yellow
Manado dressed in red and yellow MANADO, North Sulawesi: Despite a year to go before the general elections, political parties in the provincial capital of Manado have already begun to fly their flags. Supporters of the two top parties in the 1999 election, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) and the Golkar party, are vying to place their respective party colors of red and yellow at various locations. On Wednesday, banners and posters fringed Manado's roads.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Six parties exempt from verification
Six parties exempt from verification Arya Abhiseka, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The General Election Commission (KPU) announced on Wednesday that it would exempt the six largest parties from the verification process in a bid to maintain its commitment in holding the general election ahead of time. "This decision is greatly influenced by our intention to meet the schedule of holding the general election on April 5, 2004," said Ramlan Surbakti, deputy chairman of the KPU.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
RI, Swaziland establish joint forum
RI, Swaziland establish joint forum JAKARTA: Indonesia and Swaziland agreed to establish a joint forum to strengthen bilateral ties especially in trade and investment. Visiting Swaziland King Mswati III and President Megawati Soekarnoputri witnessed the signing of the forum's establishment at the State Palace on Wednesday. "We also invite Swaziland to open its embassy here, as currently the embassy is located in Kuala Lumpur for Indonesia and Malaysia," Megawati said in a joint press statement.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
ASEAN looks to post-Saddam world
ASEAN looks to post-Saddam world Jane Macartney, Reuters, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia Southeast Asian nations, split over imminent war in Iraq, agreed on Wednesday to join forces to avert reprisal attacks by extremists in their region and to offer humanitarian assistance to a post-war Iraq. Foreign ministers of the 10-member Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) cut short a two-day annual retreat at a secluded resort in Malaysia's Sabah state to fly home as President George W.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
150 climbers take part in MOCC
150 climbers take part in MOCC JAKARTA: Around 150 climbers are taking part in the Mega Open Climbing Competition (MOCC), which began on Monday here. The competition is being held at the parking lot of Tarumanegara University, West Jakarta, and will run until Thursday. Andi Gunawan, from the organizing committee, said the participants had come from a number of provinces in Indonesia, including East Nusa Tenggara and South Sulawesi.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
150 climbers take part in MOCC
150 climbers take part in MOCC JAKARTA: Around 150 climbers are taking part in the Mega Open Climbing Competition (MOCC), which began on Monday here. The competition is being held at the parking lot of Tarumanegara University, West Jakarta, and will run until Thursday. Andi Gunawan, from the organizing committee, said the participants had come from a number of provinces in Indonesia, including East Nusa Tenggara and South Sulawesi.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Asian airlines prepare for further turmoil from Iraq war
Asian airlines prepare for further turmoil from Iraq war Agence France-Presse, Hong Kong Asian airlines are preparing to suspend flights and divert aircraft from Middle East routes as they brace for turbulence from a U.S.-led war against Iraq. The carriers are still recovering from the global economic downturn in 2001 and the fallout from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Again, they find themselves on the verge of a potential crisis.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
1. INSIGHT: 1 x 50
1. INSIGHT: 1 x 50 Gulf War II could lead to new world order 2. TIES: 2 x 27 War should not lead to bad ties with U.S.: Minister 3. ASEAN: 1 x 33 ASEAN looks to post-Saddam world 4. EXPATS: 1 x 65 Western companies, expatriates in Asia on alert as war nears
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
MoHA-IPAC INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP: Pictured above are members of
MoHA-IPAC INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP: Pictured above are members of the Canadian delegation participating in the MoHA-IPAC International Workshop on Local Government Enterprises, held at the Hotel Borobudur Jakarta from March 11 to March 13. The event was opened with speeches by Canadian Ambassador to Indonesia His Excellency Ferry de Kerckhove and Indonesian Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
W. Java gubernatorial hopefuls make glowing introduction
W. Java gubernatorial hopefuls make glowing introduction The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Candidates for the West Java governorship arrived in luxury cars, on a bike, alone and with dozens of cheering supporters at the provincial legislative building in Bandung on Wednesday, in their first public appearance to introduce themselves. Some of the 80 would-be governors and deputy governors made a public display of wealth and power.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
1. Ardimas -- Flag carrier universities initiate reform
1. Ardimas -- Flag carrier universities initiate reform 1 X 38 Leading universities initiate reforms Ardimas Sasdi Staff Writer The Jakarta Post Jakarta ardimas@thejakartapost.com 2. Inqui -- Making water work for development 2 X 21 Kyoto: Making water work for development Vipul Bhagat Country Manager International Finance Corp. (IFC) Philippine Daily Inquirer 3.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
PPP eyes non-politicians in 2004
PPP eyes non-politicians in 2004 JAKARTA: The Islamic-oriented United Development Party (PPP) is considering nominations of non-politicians from outside the party as legislative candidates in the 2004 general election. Party chairman Hamzah Haz came up with the idea during his meeting with party faithful here on Wednesday.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia according to Journalist Tim Dodd
Indonesia according to Journalist Tim Dodd Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta "Indonesian traffic is like a school of fish, it swims down the road and goes around things, and weaves in and out of the obstacles," outgoing Australian Financial Review correspondent Tim Dodd said about Jakarta's traffic.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Swaziland backs RI's UNSC bid
Swaziland backs RI's UNSC bid JAKARTA: Indonesia has won the support of Swaziland, a tiny kingdom in southern Africa, for its bid to be a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in 2006. President Megawati Soekarnoputri said in a joint press statement with visiting Swaziland King Mswati III here on Wednesday that Indonesia had submitted its candidacy as a member of UNSC in the next term. "Swaziland has lent its support for us over the candidacy," Megawati said.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
New firm buys out M-Web assets
New firm buys out M-Web assets JAKARTA: PT Indonesia Media Technologies (IMT), a newly-formed media technology company, has acquired Astaga.com, Kafegaul.com, satunet.com and other key assets owned by PT M-Web Indonesia, which has decided to pull out of Indonesia. IMT was formed by a group of local and foreign technology investors and entrepreneurs to capitalize on the business built up by M-Web over the last three years, IMT said in a statement on Tuesday.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
House denies meeting with Tomy
House denies meeting with Tomy Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives denied holding a secret meeting with businessman Tomy Winata before it sought a clarification about the recent attack on Tempo weekly's office from Tomy, Tempo executives and the Press Council on Monday. "My colleagues and I did not attend any meeting with Tomy before the hearing with the respective sides.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Central Aceh faces food crisis amid road block
Central Aceh faces food crisis amid road block The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Thousands of people in Central Aceh face a severe food shortage, as roads leading in and out of the regency have been blocked by residents in neighboring Bireuen following last week's killing of two people by a suspected pro-Jakarta militia group terrorizing the area.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
TNI's credibility
TNI's credibility The response by the Indonesian Military (TNI) to the disclosure that the giant American mining company PT Freeport Indonesia has been giving millions of U.S. dollars in protection money was typical and expected. TNI Chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto dismissed the report as irrelevant; he did not deny it, but said the amount did not reach $5.6 million in 2002 as the report suggested. He did not venture to give an exact figure, but said that it was payment for soldiers' meals.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Garuda receives award from Airbus
Garuda receives award from Airbus JAKARTA: National flag-carrier Garuda Indonesia has received an award from Europe aircraft maker Airbus Industrie for its performance in operating A-330 aircraft. Garuda said in a statement that the Operational Reliability Award was delivered by Airbus vice president for A-330/A-340 program John Grother to Garuda's technical director Richard B.S. here on Monday.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Wife of suspected bomber quizzed
Wife of suspected bomber quizzed MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Police here questioned on Wednesday the first wife of a key suspect in the bombing of a McDonald's fast food outlet last year, who remains at large. During the four-hour session, the police asked Etty Suharti if she knew the whereabouts of her husband, Agung Abdul Hamid, who disappeared after the bombing that killed three people and injured 11 others.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Montoya hopes to erase error with KL GP win
Montoya hopes to erase error with KL GP win M.Jegathesan, Agence France-Presse, Sungai Buloh, Malaysia Colombian Formula One star Pablo Montoya is hoping to erase his costly mistake at the Australian Grand Prix by clinching a win at Malaysia's Sepang circuit this weekend. The Williams driver was leading the season-opening Melbourne race when he span off 10 laps from the end, handing victory to David Coulthard of McClaren. "I made the mistake and I had to pay for it.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Prosecutors appointed for Bali trial
Prosecutors appointed for Bali trial JAKARTA: The Attorney General's Office appointed on Wednesday five prosecutors for the trial of a key suspect in the Bali bombing. A spokesman said the team would prosecute Amrozi -- the first suspect to be detained over the bombing which killed 202 people on Oct. 12 last year. "All five are Bali-based prosecutors and they will also be assisted by junior prosecutors who will be named later," spokesman Antasari Azhar said.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
BIWA lends a hand in fight against poverty and AIDS
BIWA lends a hand in fight against poverty and AIDS The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, Bali Over the last four months, Bali has been enshrouded in a gloomy atmosphere after the deadly bombings in October 2002, which caused overwhelming grief for the families and friends of the 202 victims, many of them foreign visitors.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Car thief caught red-handed
Car thief caught red-handed JAKARTA: Police arrested on Wednesday a car thief, Adrian, 29, at the National Police Headquarters on Jl. Trunojoyo, South Jakarta, while he was attempting to open a car door. Adrian was nabbed after the car's owner, Adj. Sr. Comr. Helmy M. Daud of the elite mobile brigade (Brimob), who had left his car to make a phone call, saw that the former was trying to open his car. Aiming his pistol, Helmy apprehended Adrian.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Indosat ties up with Mega Asia
Indosat ties up with Mega Asia JAKARTA: Telecommunications firm Indosat signed on Wednesday a preliminary agreement with Mega Asia Consortium for the development of a fixed wireless network in Jakarta and Surabaya over the next three years. Under the preliminary agreement, the consortium will develop 450,000 fixed wireless lines in Jakarta and surrounding areas and another 250,000 lines in Surabaya and surrounding areas during the three-year period, Indosat said in a statement.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Dismal hospital services for poor
Dismal hospital services for poor Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Ibu Mardani had been waiting at Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital (RSCM) for two-and-a-half hours. It was lunchtime but she could not go and get some food. "I was asked to wait for the doctor. I have been waiting since 10 a.m.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Teachers hired to teach kids in troubled regions
Teachers hired to teach kids in troubled regions Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung, West Java The government has begun a program to provide additional training to contract teachers working in conflict zones. The Ministry of National Education is providing the training for 280 teachers hired three years ago on a contract basis to work in West and Central Kalimantan, Poso, Papua, Maluku and Aceh.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Western companies, expatriates in Asia on alert as war nears
Western companies, expatriates in Asia on alert as war nears Jason Szep, Reuters, Singapore Expatriates in Indonesia are dusting off evacuation plans. Air travel for some is off limits in parts of Asia. Security checks at offices for Western companies in Malaysia and China are getting tougher. The prospect of war in Iraq is forcing multinational companies in Asia, home to the world's largest Muslim population, to review security plans amid fears of reprisals by extremists.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
War should not lead to bad ties with U.S.: Minister
War should not lead to bad ties with U.S.: Minister Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite its antiwar stance, Indonesia is opting to take the pragmatic route in response to an imminent U.S. strike on Iraq by maintaining amicable ties with Washington. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono underlined on Wednesday the importance of maintaining good relations with the U.S.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Govt urged to drop bill on education
Govt urged to drop bill on education Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid has called on the government to drop the controversial education bill, warning democracy and the country would suffer unless the state and religion were separated. "The government should not go ahead with the controversial bill because it will certainly spark strong opposition from both Muslim and non-Muslim groups.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
'Time' magazine's service
'Time' magazine's service I renewed my subscription to Time magazine on Feb. 25 for another year at the cost of Rp 528,660 (receipt No. 41935). My previous subscription ended on March 3. To my surprise, upon my inquiry to Indoprom, staff member Wahyu said that my subscription had been canceled, and I would be considered a new subscriber. How come, Indoprom? Could you please give me a fair explanation? PRANAJAYA, Sawangan, West Java
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Car owners urged to save fuel
Car owners urged to save fuel The government called on Wednesday for car owners to restrain their penchant for traveling in order to cut down on fuel consumption, warning that the country could face a fuel shortage, should the Iraq war break out. Aside from urging people to cut down on fuel consumption, the government also planned to arrange a system to further cut down on the nation's fuel consumption.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
Bugging at French, German EU offices
Bugging at French, German EU offices BELGIUM: Telephone tapping systems have been found at offices used by France and Germany in the building where European Union leaders are due to hold a summit from Thursday, an EU spokesman said on Wednesday. He said other delegations were also affected at the EU Council Justus Lipsius building and it was not known who was behind the espionage.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
'No new candidates for BI governor'
'No new candidates for BI governor' JAKARTA: President Megawati Soekarnoputri will not add any names to the list of candidates for Central Bank governor given the absence of an official request from the House of Representatives (DPR). State Secretary Bambang Kesowo said on Wednesday that the presidential office would only respond to an official request from the House. "To my knowledge, additional candidates can only be requested by several legislators and not the House," he said.
Thu, 20 Mar 2003, 00:00 WIB
CORPORATE PARTY AT HOTEL BOROBUDUR JAKARTA: The Hotel Borobudur
CORPORATE PARTY AT HOTEL BOROBUDUR JAKARTA: The Hotel Borobudur Jakarta, in cooperation with the Hungarian Embassy, invited some 350 honored guests from corporate accounts and embassies to attend a concert by the Hungarian Academy String Quartet on March 17. The musicians performed a selection of Brahms and Weiner classics to the great enjoyment of the audience. The evening continued with a sumptuous Hungarian-themed dinner and dancing.