Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 21 March 2003

67 articles found

Lawyers urge trials for councillors and officials

Lawyers urge trials for councillors and officials Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Lawyers in Yogyakarta demanded on Thursday that all provincial councillors and public officials involved in a bribery scandal be brought to justice. The Yogyakarta branch of the Indonesian Advocates Association (Ikadin) said it was unfair that only one councillor had been brought to court, when many others had also taken bribes.

List of Securities Quotation:

List of Securities Quotation: Day/Date:Thursday, March 20, 2003 Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on March 20, 2003: -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 525 0 7,500 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 50 0 105,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 125 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 105 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 700...

Violence peppers Taufik's career

Violence peppers Taufik's career Kornelius Purba, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As a journalist for Tempo weekly, Ahmad Taufik endured the hardship of prison life for two years during the Soeharto regime for activism that was deemed subversive. However, compared to state violence, for Taufik, the savage behavior of people working for business tycoon Tomy Winata toward the magazine was more violent than anything he experienced during the Soeharto era.

Agribusiness problems hamper fair competition

Agribusiness problems hamper fair competition M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A small scale businessman from Brastagi, North Sumatra, who sells agricultural produce in Jakarta, complained about extortion by both officials and thugs. "Business these days is very hard," said Edi Purba, 42.

Three flyovers inaugurated

Three flyovers inaugurated JAKARTA: City residents still have to face chronic traffic congestion in many parts of the city despite the inauguration of three flyovers costing Rp 81.97 billion by Governor Sutiyoso on Wednesday. The governor said that the problem would remain due to the lack of mass transportation. The three overpasses are in Penggilingan, Galur and Kalibata. Later this year, the city administration will start the construction of similar projects in Cawang, Senen and Tomang.

TotalFinaElf clarifies

TotalFinaElf clarifies As regards the article TotalFinaElf may cancel RI bid due to war, published on March 20, allow us to make the following clarification: * What was really said to your journalist during the telephone interview on March 19 was that, though war is a factor of concern, the decision to bid for new blocks offered by the Indonesian government would have no connection whatsoever with the situation in the Middle East.

`RI-U.S. ties remain intact despite war'

`RI-U.S. ties remain intact despite war' Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Foreign minister Hassan Wirayuda believes that Indonesia's stance opposing the United States' decision to attack Iraq will not harm bilateral ties between the two countries as Washington is aware that Jakarta has to stick by its antiwar principles. Hassan said on Thursday that the war concerned international affairs and was not a bilateral issue between Indonesia on the one side and the U.S.

Police to get helicopters

Police to get helicopters PONTIANAK: Every regional police headquarters is to get one helicopter by the end of 2003. "We will provide the helicopters for 26 provincial police headquarters," said Director of Air Police Brig. Gen. Sudarsono in Pontianak on Thursday as reported by Antara. Meanwhile, Insp. Gen. Chairul Rasjid, deputy chairman of security, said the procurement of the helicopters would be conducted through an export credit facility.

Airlines reroute flights, suspend services

Airlines reroute flights, suspend services Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Garuda Airlines said on Thursday it had rerouted flights to Europe to avoid the war in Iraq, and was considering imposing a surcharge on passengers. Other airlines in Asia have also taken similar action, while Singapore Airlines has suspended and cut back services to many big cities across the world.

War will hamper economic recovery: Bank Indonesia

War will hamper economic recovery: Bank Indonesia The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bank Indonesia senior deputy governor Anwar Nasution said on Thursday the war in Iraq would hamper Indonesia's economic recovery. He said the war would inevitably affect the country's economic fundamentals. "If exports fall sharply ... it will affect the economic recovery process," Anwar was quoted by Antara as saying during a lecture at a university in Malang, East Java.

Asian currencies mostly up late

Asian currencies mostly up late Nirmala Menon, Dow Jones, Singapore Asian currencies bounced off early troughs and were mostly stronger late Thursday after the initial spate of dollar buying that came as the U.S. launched military action in Iraq fizzled out. Traders said the market was spooked by U.S. President George W. Bush's comment that the war could be longer and more difficult than predicted.

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.

27 percent bus fare increase proposed

27 percent bus fare increase proposed Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta City Governor Sutiyoso has proposed to increase city bus fares by up to 27 percent from current fares in response to the request made by public transport operators last month. In his letter to the City Council on Wednesday, Sutiyoso proposed to increase fares for regular buses to Rp 1,150 from Rp 900, for limited express buses to Rp 1,400 from Rp 1,200, and for medium-sized buses to Rp 1,250 from Rp 1,000.

Diarrhea to affect 6 million people this year

Diarrhea to affect 6 million people this year Moch. N. Kurniawan The Jakarta Post Jakarta Up to 6.2 million people out of the total Indonesian population of 215 million will suffer diarrhea this year, mainly due to poor access to clean water, a senior government official says. "Diarrhea is the worst water-borne disease that hits Indonesians, followed by typhoid and other water-borne illnesses," Ministry of Health water and sanitation director Hening Darpito told The Jakarta Post on Thursday.

RI says attack on Iraq an act of aggression

RI says attack on Iraq an act of aggression Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia joined the worldwide uproar against the United States' unilateral attack on Iraq on Thursday, and called for an immediate end to the war. Branding the U.S. move an act of aggression, Indonesia urged the United Nations to call an emergency meeting to force the U.S. to stop the war as soon as possible.

Certain police officers protect hoodlums, Koesparmono says

Certain police officers protect hoodlums, Koesparmono says Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A former prominent police officer said on Thursday that certaian officers in the force were providing security for high level gangster figures and warned that the widespread organized crime in the country was getting out of control. "I think there are (many police officers in collusion with organized crime gangsters). But, I don't think the entire police force is," said Maj. Gen.

Looking toward a transatlantic relationship meltdown

Looking toward a transatlantic relationship meltdown Bantarto Bandoro, Editor 'The Indonesian Quarterly', Centre For Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Jakarta, bandoro@csis.or.id The emergency summit in Azore, Portugal, on Sunday between the U.S. president and the British and Spanish prime ministers produced a 24-hour deadline for the United Nations to enforce its own Iraq disarmament resolution or accept war within days. Bush's statement that "the U.S.

Nation weeps for Iraq after attack

Nation weeps for Iraq after attack The Jakarta Post, Jakarta When the United States and its allies started their attack on Iraq at about 10 a.m. Jakarta time on Thursday, thousands of people took turns demonstrating outside the U.S. Embassy to demand a stop to what they called an attack on humanity.

RI expects IMF loan at the end of March

RI expects IMF loan at the end of March The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister of Finance Boediono said on Thursday it was expected that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) would disburse its next loan tranche at the end of this month. "God Willing, (the loan will be disbursed) by the end of March," he said. The IMF is expected to disburse some US$450 million to help strengthen the country's balance of payment.

KPU members get over 25% of 2003 budget

KPU members get over 25% of 2003 budget Arya Abhiseka The Jakarta Post Jakarta The General Elections Commission (KPU) staff will receive Rp 649 billion (US$72.9 million) or more than 25 percent of the commission's 2003 budget of Rp 2.3 trillion. Anshari Ritonga, director general for budget at the Ministry of Finance, said on Thursday that the budget would be used for expenses incurred by the members of KPU.

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.

U-12 heat involves 4,300 players

U-12 heat involves 4,300 players JAKARTA: Around 400 teams with 4,300 players of under 12 years old will be involved in the qualifying stage of the Danone Nations Cup, the organizing committee confirmed here on Thursday. The qualifying matches will be held in 12 towns and cities from March 22 to April 13. The qualifying venues include Jakarta, Bogor, Bandung, Medan, Padang, Yogyakarta, Semarang, Surabaya, Denpasar, Malang, Makassar and Banjarmasin.

Taiwan banks ready to help ailing textile makers

Taiwan banks ready to help ailing textile makers Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Ministry of Industry and Trade said it would facilitate a meeting between West Java textile producers and several Taiwanese banks to help the producers seek financing to replace outdated machinery.

Local autonomy creating high-cost economy

Local autonomy creating high-cost economy Arya Abhiseka, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The chaotic implementation of local autonomy policies could become a threat to the nation's economy as they are creating a high cost economy and deterring new investment, an expert has argued.

1. KAMPUNG: 1 LINE, 38 COUNTS

1. KAMPUNG: 1 LINE, 38 COUNTS Balinese nurture cultural identity in Langkat 2. FOOD: 1 LINE, 35 COUNTS Squashing bugs in the food we eat

1. INSIGHT: 1 x 50

1. INSIGHT: 1 x 50 Looking toward a transatlantic relationship meltdown 2. TIES: 1 x 40 'RI-U.S. ties remain intact despite war' 3. LEADERS: 2 x 32 Religious leaders condemn war, call for prayers for Iraqis 4. WIDODO: 2 x 30 Govt ready to evacuate 35,000 Indonesians from the Mideast

Govt ready to evacuate 50,000 Indonesians from Middle East

Govt ready to evacuate 50,000 Indonesians from Middle East Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri has sent former Indonesian Military (TNI) commander Adm. (ret) Widodo Adisucipto to Kuwait to oversee the possible evacuation of around 50,000 Indonesians living in the Middle East.

Pickpockets at bus stop

Pickpockets at bus stop From Warta Kota Always be on your guard when you are waiting for a bus at Atmajaya bus stop (central Jakarta) or you will fall prey to pickpockets. My son had his cell phone stolen while waiting for a bus there at about 3 p.m. on March 9. He said three men approached him and one of them suddenly pulled at his jeans and held his calves. Thinking that this man was crazy, my son moved his position.

U-12 heat involves 4,300 players

U-12 heat involves 4,300 players JAKARTA: Around 400 teams with 4,300 players, all under 12, will be involved in the qualifying stage of the Danone Nations Cup, the organizing committee confirmed here on Thursday. The qualifying matches will be held in 12 towns and cities from March 22 to April 13. The qualifying venues include Jakarta, Bogor, Bandung, Medan, Padang, Yogyakarta, Semarang, Surabaya, Denpasar, Malang, Makassar and Banjarmasin.

b]

b] Mentally ill trapped in hospital MANADO, North Sulawesi: More than 50 patients had called the Manado Psychiatric Hospital home for more than a decade because families refused to accept them or the patients refused to leave, hospital director Thomarius said Thursday. He said the hospital's 130 patients had been staying for between two years and 30 years. "If they are sent home, their families and communities will not accept them.

Three new flyovers; in Kalibata, South Jakarta; Penggilingan,

Three new flyovers; in Kalibata, South Jakarta; Penggilingan, East Jakarta and Galur in Central Jakarta, opened last Wednesday in a bid to ease traffic congestion. Several other flyovers and underpasses are and will be built in the five mayoralties overseen by the Jakarta administration. Traffic jams occur in almost parts of the city, and the flyover and underpass projects have certainly worsened the situation during the construction phase.

Indonesia beats England 3-2

Indonesia beats England 3-2 JAKARTA: Indonesia beats England 3-2 in Group 1B of the Sudirman Cup while China swept away Sweden with a 5-0 win in their Group 1A matches of Sudirman Cup in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, on Wednesday. Indonesia's points were contributed in the singles and women's doubles. Taufik Hidayat beat Colin Haughton 15-2, 15-12, according to www.badminton.net.

Kelapa Gading developer fails to meet obligations

Kelapa Gading developer fails to meet obligations Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta PT Summarecon Agung, the main property developer in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta, has failed to give some 34.3 hectares of land back to the city with social facilities, as part of its contractural obligation.

Snipers to guard Bali bomb trials

Snipers to guard Bali bomb trials DENPASAR: Snipers and police dogs will be deployed to guard the trials of the Bali bombing suspects, which are expected to start next month, police said Thursday. "We will position snipers around the court ... we will also use police dogs, especially around large crowds," said Bali police spokesman Yatim Suyatmo. Thirty suspects are in police custody.

;JP;zph;

;JP;zph; ANPAf..r.. Rupiah-conversion-rates Rupiah Rates March 20 JP/13/13Rupiah Rupiah Rates March 20 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp Australian dollar 1 5,690.23 5,094.42 5,421.69 5,362.73 Brunei dollar 1 5,438.41 4,870.33 5,181.75 5,126.84 Canadian dollar 1 6,475.06 5,800.03 6,169.48 6,105.50 Swiss franc 1 6,911.91 6,191.19 6,585.72 6,517.27 Danish krone 1 1,370.06 1,227.24 1,305.40 1,291.87 Euro 1 10,177.96 9,117.37 9,697.63 9,597.57 Poundsterling 1...

TV Today: Friday, March 21, 2003

TV Today: Friday, March 21, 2003 .TB.30" .90" TVRI .tb .30" .90" 5:00 a.m.Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 English News Service 7:30 Children's Program: Pentas Ceria 8:00 Talk Show: RT/RW 8:30 DRTV Indonesia 9:00 Budi Pekerti 10:00 Quiz: Dibisikin 11:00 News: Berita Dearah 11:30 Music: Konteswara 12:00 p.m.News: Berita Siang 1:00 Talk Show: Konsultasi Keluarga 2:00 News: Metro Indonesia 2:30 Music: Pop Daerah 3:00 Children's Program: Pentas Ceria 4:00 Sports 6:00 News: Berita...

Laws insufficient to combat corruption, officials say

Laws insufficient to combat corruption, officials say Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The lack of political will among Indonesian leaders to combat corruption had made efforts to enforce the country's numerous anti-corruption laws useless, senior government officials say. Ministry of Justice and Human Rights national law advancement head Romli Atmasasmita said here on Thursday that corruption practices were rampant at virtually all levels of government.

Ten bills await government response

Ten bills await government response JAKARTA: The House of Representatives (DPR) complained that the government was slow to respond to draft bills initiated by legislators, and that it would cause more delays in the deliberations. House legislation body chairman Zein Badjeber said on Thursday that the House had handed 10 draft bills for the government to review, but had not received any responses yet.

Selling our water: Unethical, yet unstoppable?

Selling our water: Unethical, yet unstoppable? Budi Widianarko, Head, Graduate School of Environment and Urban Studies, Soegijapranata Catholic University, Semarang Privatization has become a magical buzzword in the water arena. Globally, in just a decade the number of consumers has risen eightfold, from 51 million in 1990 to 460 million at present. Many analysts have predicted that the trend of water privatization will continue to accelerate.

JSC blamed over extortion in Aceh

JSC blamed over extortion in Aceh Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh/Jakarta Acehnese people have lambasted the Joint Security Committee (JSC) enforcing the cessation of hostilities agreement in Aceh, for its failure to stop the rampant extortion committed both by the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and security personnel.

Govt disburses resettlement fund

Govt disburses resettlement fund JAKARTA: Minister of Social Affairs Bachtiar Chamsyah said on Wednesday that the government had disbursed resettlement funds for 4,300 Acehnese refugee families in North Sumatra, out of a total of 12,000 families. "The funds have already been delivered to the North Sumatra administration, which will distribute the money to 4,300 refugee families after verifying their eligibility," he said.

JAKARTA: Indonesian oil company Medco Energi International

JAKARTA: Indonesian oil company Medco Energi International said on Thursday that it will delay plans to issue US$150 million in seven-year bonds due to the looming war in Iraq. "We have decided to delay the roadshow that was planned" for the end of March, said Tendri Suprianto, a spokesman for the company. Medco, like many other Indonesian companies, are concerned global investors won't be interested in buying local debt due to the uncertainties of war.

`Regional autonomy must be properly implemented'

`Regional autonomy must be properly implemented' Arya Abhiseka, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Regional autonomy is clearly one of the best products of the reform movement; however, its implementation is tricky in nature as both the central and regional governments are still widely divided in their interests, say several experts.

Discipline for drivers

Discipline for drivers From Suara Karya One of the reasons why traffic jams are a daily scene in Jakarta is that the city buses wait for passengers just about anywhere on the road, only moving once the seats are fully occupied. Another reason is that bus drivers also stop to pick up or drop passengers anywhere along the road, but they are usually reluctant to stop at bus stops for fear they will miss out in getting more passengers. Bus drivers and passengers alike need to have better discipline.

Five found drowned in Central Java

Five found drowned in Central Java JP/ /Across Spate of drownings in C. Java SEMARANG, Central Java: Five people drowned in four towns in Central Java, including two small children who died together as they played in a pond, police here said on Thursday. The coordinating center for control, communications and information at the provincial police said that in Klaten eight- year-old Amsori and seven-year-old Arifin were found dead in a 1.5-meter deep pond.

JP/13/Econ

JP/13/Econ War will hamper economic recovery: BI The Jakarta Post Jakarta Bank Indonesia senior deputy governor Anwar Nasution said on Thursday the war in Iraq would hamper Indonesia's economic recovery. He said the war would inevitably affect the country's economic fundamentals. "If exports fall sharply ... it will affect the economic recovery process," Anwar was quoted by Antara as saying during a lecture at a university in Malang, East Java.

U.S., British, Aussie embassies remain open despite war

U.S., British, Aussie embassies remain open despite war Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The U.S., British and Australian Embassies in Jakarta kept their doors open on Thursday despite the Iraq war, which started earlier in the day. "The U.S. Embassy is open as normal today. Right now we plan to keep the embassy open for business, including processing visa applications," U.S. Public Affairs Attache Stan Harsha told the Post on Thursday.

Susanto wins second game by default

Susanto wins second game by default Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Susanto Megaranto got away with a win by default in the second round of the Japfa Chess Festival here on Thursday while Tuti Rahayu and Yulianti Tjindarbumi shared the top place in the women's competition. The 16-year-old Susanto, who is the top seed at the tournament, was getting outplayed as his opponent, veteran Fabian Lumentut, was looking unstoppable and on the verge of promoting his marching pawn.

Central Java leads in archery event

Central Java leads in archery event JAKARTA: Central Java won seven of the 10 gold medals on offer in the traditional events to take the lead in the National Archery Championship here on Thursday. The Central Javanese have collected eight golds to leave their rival East Kalimantan, which dominated the FITA round competition on the opening day, in a distant with five golds. Central Kalimantan remains in third place with three golds.

Religious leaders condemn war, call for prayer for Iraqis

Religious leaders condemn war, call for prayer for Iraqis Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Religious leaders condemned the U.S.-led attack on Iraq as it was an affront to humanity, and called on followers to pray for a quick end to the war so that it would not claim too many casualties. Ahmad Syafii Maarif, chairman of the country's second largest Muslim organization Muhammadiyah, branded the U.S. government as the aggressor against Iraq, a weak country.

Habibie blames UN for Timor melee

Habibie blames UN for Timor melee Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Former president B.J. Habibie blamed the United Nations for the human rights abuses during the 1999 post-ballot riots in East Timor because, he said, the international body did not notify him about the announcement of the ballot's result ahead of the schedule.

Expo opens with bright outlook

Expo opens with bright outlook JAKARTA: The limited US-led air strike on Baghdad which started on Thursday morning did not affect the businesspeople who were attending the opening of the Jakarta International China Expo 2003 at Kemayoran Fair Ground in Central Jakarta. Governor Sutiyoso said at the opening of the event, which would last until Sunday, that Jakarta was safe and conducive for foreign investment.

`Pak Ogah' offer unwanted services

`Pak Ogah' offer unwanted services The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Traffic jams are not the only problem faced by motorists in Jakarta. Another obstacle drivers must navigate is the presence of the so-called Pak Ogah, the people who "regulate" traffic in the hope of a small tip. Groups of Pak Ogah can be found at nearly every intersection, T-junction and U-turn in the city, except along the main thoroughfares. Some are helpful, but most just make the traffic worse.

Land reclamation

Land reclamation in Jakarta This is to remind Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso, who is going ahead with the Jakarta reclamation project, that even he knows the environmental impact assessment has elaborated the consequences in detail.

KPU members get over 25% of 2003 budget

KPU members get over 25% of 2003 budget Arya Abhiseka, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The General Elections Commission (KPU) staff will receive Rp 649 billion (US$72.9 million) or more than 25 percent of the commission's 2003 budget of Rp 2.3 trillion. Anshari Ritonga, director general for budget at the Ministry of Finance, said on Thursday that the budget would be used for expenses incurred by the members of KPU.

* Headlines: A meltdown in transatlantic relationship 2

* Headlines: A meltdown in transatlantic relationship 2 * National: Diarrhea to affect 6 million people this year 4 * Archipelago:JSC blamed for continued extortion in Aceh 5 * Opinion: Selling our water: Unethical yet unstoppable 7 * City: 27 percent bus fare increase proposed 8 * Sports: Glittering lineup in Champions League quarterfinals 9 * World: U.S.

`Fighting elite hoodlums is harder'

`Fighting elite hoodlums is harder' Thuggery is as a serious threat to legal certainty and press freedom as reflected in the attack on Tempo magazine on March 8. The issue drew nationwide condemnation from journalists and the public, including some legislators and government officials. Journalists even joined forces and declared an all-out-war against thuggery. The Jakarta Post spoke to several city residents on the issue: Yanto, 37, is a newspaper hawker who works along Jl.

Analysts warn of revolt over water

Analysts warn of revolt over water JAKARTA: A number of activists and analysts are warning the government of the potential for a social revolution should it go ahead with its large water privatization plan. Analyst Hendro Sungkoyo said on Thursday that privatizing water would force farmers to pay water charges and restrict the poor from access to clean water, as privatization would treat water as a commodity, and not as a basic right.

Porsea students stage strike to protest pulp mill

Porsea students stage strike to protest pulp mill Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan, North Sumatra Thousands of students from 21 elementary and high schools in Porsea, North Sumatra, have been refusing to go to school for two days to protest against the reopening of a pulp mill belonging to PT Toba Lestari Pulp (TPL) in the district.

On luring investors

On luring investors I would like to comment on the article Words won't lure investors published in The Jakarta Post on March 13. I was very surprised to read some of the comments in the article which seemed to ignore the reports of the successful launch of the Indonesian Investment Year 2003, which were reported by Adianto P. Simamora in the Post on Feb. 28.

Balinese nurture cultural identity in Langkat

Balinese nurture cultural identity in Langkat Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Langkat, North Sumatra "When in Rome, do as the Romans," so goes the well-known proverb. And Wayan Mangku Digejen, a Hindu priest who lives in Hamlet Bingei village, has done just that. Along with him are some 30 families of Balinese origin who have lived in this hamlet for many years. They live in harmony with the locals.

1. EMBASSY: 3 x 22

1. EMBASSY: 3 x 22 U.S., British, Aussie Embassies remain open despite war 2. RALLY: 1 x 35 Nation weeps for Iraq after attack 3. REGION: 2 x 27 'Regional autonomy must be properly implemented' 4. FIRMS: 1 x 35 Energy firms vow business as usual 5. AIRLINE: 1 x 44 Airlines reroute flights, suspend services 6. 7. ODD: 1 x 30 Chechens told to make babies 7. ODD: 1 x 30 Man smuggles coke in stomach

'TNI still welcomes Freeport aid'

'TNI still welcomes Freeport aid' JAKARTA: The Indonesian Military (TNI) would not ask U.S. gold and copper mining giant PT Freeport Indonesia to provide financial contributions to its soldiers. "It's up to Freeport (whether to continue giving the assistance or not); but we would welcome the good will from Freeport," TNI Chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto told reporters after a ceremony in the Navy's marine squad on Thursday.

Energy firms vow business as usual

Energy firms vow business as usual A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Regardless of the war in Iraq, which began yesterday morning, several multinational energy companies operating in Indonesia say their businesses are running as usual. They also underlined the fact that none of their expatriate employees had left Indonesia amid fears of anti-American demonstrations that may target them.

UNIDO, WHO promise to help miners

UNIDO, WHO promise to help miners Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the World Health organization (WHO) pledged to provide financial and technical assistance to the country's local gold miners who had been using mercury in their hunt for gold. The joint UNIDO-WHO aid package would include the transfer of technology aimed at reducing the use of hazardous materials in small-scale gold mining.

Man killed by train but saves 2 children

Man killed by train but saves 2 children JP/ /Across Man killed by train after saving 6 lives SIDOARJO, East Java: A railway crossing attendant in Simorame village in the town of Sidoarjo was struck and killed by a train on Thursday, after he saved the lives of six kindergartners crossing the railway track in a pedicab. The 35-year-old Zaenal died instantly. Pedicab driver Dwi Wongso, 35, sustained minor injuries while the six children, averaging five years old, were unharmed.

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday March 21, 2003

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday March 21, 2003 Exhibitions * Photo, Varanus Komodoensis, by Volker Kes, at GoetheHaus, Jl. Sam Ratulangi 9-15, Central Jakarta, (Tel. 021-23550208), until April 2, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. * Painting, From China With Art, at Galeri Nasional Indonesia, Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur No. 14, Central Jakarta, (Tel. 021- 34833954, 3813021, 3848791), until March 27, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. * Design, Design Bureau Opera, at Erasmus Huis, Jl. H.R.