Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 22 March 2003

86 articles found

Protesters target U.S. fast-food outlets

Protesters target U.S. fast-food outlets The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Hundreds of Muslims activists forced the closure of an American fast-food franchise in Surabaya, East Java, as nationwide rallies to protest the U.S.-led war in Iraq continued on Friday. The Muslim protesters, who represented the Indonesian Muslim Student Association (KAMMI) and the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), forced the McDonald's restaurant in Darmo Raya area to close at around 3:15 p.m. under the eyes of police officers.

;JP;zph;

;JP;zph; ANPAf..r.. Rupiah-conversion-rates Rupiah Rates March 21 JP/13/13Rupiah Rupiah Rates March 21 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp Australian dollar 1 5,654.04 5,056.18 5,383.95 5,326.04 Brunei dollar 1 5,395.99 4,828.39 5,138.23 5,086.09 Canadian dollar 1 6,431.47 5,752.36 6,124.24 6,059.38 Swiss franc 1 6,859.43 6,137.07 6,531.76 6,464.62 Danish krone 1 1,360.29 1,217.09 1,295.31 1,282.05 Euro 1 10,106.03 9,040.76 9,623.27 9,523.29 Poundsterling 1...

Asian monies mixed, markets focused on Iraq

Asian monies mixed, markets focused on Iraq Dow Jones, Singapore Asian currencies drifted in tight ranges with no real direction as market players fixated on the war in Iraq and hesitated to take strong positions ahead of the weekend. Late Friday, the South Korean won and the New Taiwan dollar were weaker, while the Philippine peso, the Indonesian rupiah and the Singapore dollar were firmer. The Thai baht was little changed.

Democracy very bad for corruption

Democracy very bad for corruption Berlin-based Transparency International (TI) said in its 2002 annual report that based on its corruption perceptions index, Indonesia, together with Kenya, is the world's fourth most corrupt country. The following are excerpts of an interview with TI chairman Peter Eigen, a former World Bank director for Kenya, during a visit to Jakarta earlier this month. He talked to The Jakarta Post's contributor Rikza Abdullah.

TV Program: Monday, March 24, 2003

TV Program: Monday, March 24, 2003 TVRI .TB.30" .90" 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 Entertainment 10:00 Quiz: Dibisikin 11:00 News: Berita Daerah 11:30 Music: Konteswara 12:00 p.m.News: Berita Siang 1:00 Talk Show: Konsultasi Keluarga: Kesehatan 2:00 News: Metro Indonesia 2:30 Music: Pop Daerah 3:00 Children's Program: Bando (Live) 4:00 Music: Grenek 5:00 Comedy...

Astra Otoparts's profit slightly up

Astra Otoparts's profit slightly up JAKARTA: PT Astra Otoparts, the spare autoparts unit of PT Astra International, said Friday its consolidated net profit in 2002 rose 0.7 percent from a year earlier to Rp 257.38 billion (about US$28 million) . The slight increase came about thanks to a boost to extraordinary income to Rp 35.95 billion from Rp 7.89 billion. The company was unavailable for comment on the jump in extraordinary income.

Jakartans longing for clean and cheap water

Jakartans longing for clean and cheap water Debbie A. Lubis, Contributor, Jakarta "Buying water has made a hole in my pocket," says an ordinary woman in an advertisement broadcast by Indonesian private televisions. Her grievance seems to be exaggerated, but it is true for most Jakarta residents. It was the same grievance young mother Yayah felt.

Mega seeks cordial ties with the media

Mega seeks cordial ties with the media JAKARTA: President Megawati Soekarnoputri hosted a luncheon for senior editors from several media on Friday, with an eye toward building more amicable relations with the press. State Minister for Communications and Information Syamsul Muarif, who also attended the luncheon, said the government would like the media to understand the government's stand on certain security issues such as Aceh, Papua and the Iraq war.

Expatriates monitoring situation, confident of safety

Expatriates monitoring situation, confident of safety A'an Suryana and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite a wave of demonstrations protesting the United States attack on Iraq here, expatriates living in Indonesia say they are not worried about being targeted by violence. However, they admit to keeping an eye on developments so that they can prepare for all eventualities. Christopher P.A.

New health scheme for poor

New health scheme for poor 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.

Protesters target U.S. fast-food outlets

Protesters target U.S. fast-food outlets The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Hundreds of Muslims activists forced the closure of an American fast-food franchise in Surabaya, East Java, as nationwide rallies to protest the U.S.-led war in Iraq continued on Friday. The Muslim protesters, who represented the Indonesian Muslim Student Association (KAMMI) and the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), forced the McDonald's restaurant in Darmo Raya area to close at around 3:15 p.m. under the eyes of police officers.

Intimidation and press freedom

Intimidation and press freedom Ignas Kleden Sociologist The Center for East Indonesian Affairs (CEIA) Jakarta It is generally believed that one of the main reasons why democracy is desirable is to prevent the use of physical violence, both in the state-society relationship as well as in social, interindividual and intergroup intercourse. This is achieved by substituting the power of physical force with the power of debate.

[b]GATS: Threat to public

GATS: Threat to public as their rights ignored Henry Heyneardhi Business Watch Indonesia Surakarta heyneardhi@watchbusiness.org 2. Pro22 -- Saddam's Stalingrad strategy 2 X 30 Saddam's Stalingrad strategy uses scorched earth approach Edward N. Luttwack Military strategist and Consultant Senior Fellow Center for Strategic and International Studies Washington, D.C. Project Syndicate

Damage to Asian economies likely limited if U.S.-Iraq war is short

Damage to Asian economies likely limited if U.S.-Iraq war is short Associated Press, Hong Kong Airlines are cutting flights, some shoppers and tourists are staying home, and exporters predict shrinking orders. But analysts said Friday damage to Asian economies from the war in Iraq is likely to be minimal and short-lived, assuming the conflict ends quickly. The key is how long it lasts, how bad it gets - and whether it leads to any retaliatory terror strikes in the region.

JP/4/caption

JP/4/caption Antara NO TO THUGGERY: Newsmen belonging to Journalists against Violence Solidarity (SWAK) put their signatures to a banner to protest against thuggery outside the offices of the Cirebon administration in West Java. Both print and electronic journalists joined the protest on Friday. Following attacks on the offices and journalists of Tempo news weekly, newsmen have launched nationwide protests against thuggery.

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;AP;KOD; ANPAu..r.. Aglance-Thai-Cambodia-border Thai-Cambodia border crossings reopened nearly two months after JP/10/ASEAN Thai-Cambodia border reopened THAILAND: Border crossings between Thailand and Cambodia were fully reopened on Friday, almost two months after anti-Thai riots in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh severely damaged bilateral relations.

Australian farmers threaten to sue over lost Iraq wheat sales

Australian farmers threaten to sue over lost Iraq wheat sales Agence France-Presse Sydney An alliance of Australian farmers warned Friday that they will sue the government if the valuable Iraqi market is lost after the war. The farmers, from South Australia and Western Australia, have called on the government to protect their arrangements with Iraq, long one of their biggest and most valued markets, claiming future trade with post war Iraq is under threat.

Exel launches RI operation

Exel launches RI operation JAKARTA: Supply chain management company Exel has officially opened in Indonesia. The establishment of PT Exel Indonesia marked Exel's fourth expansion in Asia Pacific in the last six months. Last year, the company set up or expanded operations in Cambodia, China, India and Pakistan, the company said in a statement.

`Asian nations must brace for retaliation from terrorists'

`Asian nations must brace for retaliation from terrorists' Eileen Ng, Agence France-Presse, Karambunai, Malaysia Asia must brace itself for retaliatory terrorist attacks on "soft targets" following the U.S.-led attack on Iraq, experts at a security meeting here warned on Friday.

Business community seeks help during war

Business community seeks help during war A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Business leaders demanded on Friday the government and the central bank take immediate action to mitigate the impact of the Iraq war on the country's business sector and the overall economy. These measures might include tax breaks and a loosening of Bank Indonesia's monetary and banking policies.

List of Securities Quotation:

List of Securities Quotation: Day/Date:Friday, March 21, 2003 Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on March 21, 2003: -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 525 0 5,000 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 45 -5 50,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 125 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 105 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 700 0...

Emirates maintains normal services

Emirates maintains normal services JAKARTA: Emirates, the Dubai-based international airline, will continue to operate normally except for services to Kuwait, which have been temporarily suspended, the company said in a statement on Friday. It urges passengers, as a precaution, to check departure times with their travel agents or with one of the airline's call centers before leaving for the airport.

Former VP Umar Wirahadikusumah dies at 79

Former VP Umar Wirahadikusumah dies at 79 The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Umar Wirahadikusumah, Indonesia's former vice president known for his calmness and integrity, died on Friday at the age of 79 from heart complications in Jakarta. He died at 7:53 a.m. at Gatot Soebroto Army Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment for the past two weeks for his heart problem. The retired general was vice president from 1983 until 1988 under then-president Soeharto.

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, March 22, 2003

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, March 22, 2003 Performance * Ramayana Dance (episodes) every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, Open Air Stage, Prambanan Temple, Jl. Raya Yogya-Solo Km 16 Prambanan (Tel. 0274-496408), 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Hotels & Restaurants: * Malioboro Ibis Hotel, Jl Malioboro 52-58 (Tel. 0274-516974, fax: 0274-516977, e-mail:ibisyogyakarta@bali-paradise.com, http://www.bali-paradise.com/ibisyogyakarta). * Sheraton Mustika Yogyakarta Resort & Spa, Jl.

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.

Miranda quizzed over liquidity funds

Miranda quizzed over liquidity funds JAKARTA: The Attorney General's Office questioned on Friday Bank Indonesia deputy governor Miranda Goeltom in connection with the misuse of central bank liquidity support funds from 1997 through 1999. Deputy Attorney General Hariyadi Widiyasa said that Miranda, one of three candidates for BI governor, was questioned as a witness in the case against former BI governor Sudrajat Djiwandono.

List of Securities Quotation:

List of Securities Quotation: Day/Date:Friday, March 21, 2003 Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on March 21, 2003: -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 525 0 5,000 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 45 -5 50,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 125 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 105 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 700 0...

Saving eagles through insemination

Saving eagles through insemination Ridlo Aryanto, Contributor, Yogyakarta How do Indonesian bird-lovers differ from their German counterparts? This question has often been asked of Edi Boedi Santosa, a veterinary surgeon teaching at Gadjah Mada's school of Veterinary Medicine, Yogyakarta. The question has been posed by local songbird-lovers since his return from doctoral studies in Germany in 2000.

Photo-water-sales

Photo-water-sales Photo caption JP/Mulkan Salmona WATER FOR SALE: A man draws water from a public water tap to sell later to residents in Sunter, North Jakarta. This business is common in North Jakarta where the supply of clean water is limited due to the intrusion of salt water into the groundwater source. INTRODUCTION The Jakarta Post is publishing this special page to coincide with the celebration of World Water Day on March 22 (today).

Expats in E.Kalimantan to pay fee

Expats in E.Kalimantan to pay fee BALIKPAPAN, East Kalimantan: Expatriates working and living in Balikpapan must obtain an ID card and pay US$300 a year to the city, home to offices of several foreign oil and gas companies. The requirement is part of a new municipal regulation on the management of the city population, said Balikpapan mayor Imdaad Hamid on Friday. He did not say when the ruling was issued.

China's big thirst for oil makes war with Iraq a serious concern

China's big thirst for oil makes war with Iraq a serious concern William Foreman, Associated Press, Beijing A long, messy war against Iraq that causes a spike in oil prices could pose a threat to China - a key economy with a growing thirst for fuel and increasingly tighter ties to global markets, analysts said. The conflict also puts additional pressure on the new leaders who took over China this week, pledging to keep stoking economic growth.

Milk warehouse robbed

Milk warehouse robbed BOGOR: Eleven men, armed with machetes and sickles, made off with Rp 50 million and a truck after robbing the warehouse of the Bendera milk factory in the Semplak district of Bogor regency on Friday. A security guard for PT Infra Mega, which owns the warehouse, told police in the Kemang area of Bogor that the theft occurred at about 2 a.m.

BoK sees lower SKorea's growth

BoK sees lower SKorea's growth SEOUL: South Korea's central bank on Friday said economic growth in the first quarter to March would be much lower than expected because of uncertainty linked to the buildup towards the just begun war on Iraq. The central Bank of Korea (BoK) said the year-on-year growth rate for the first quarter would be below five percent, down from the earlier forecast of a 5.6 percent expansion.

Where to go in Jakarta: Monday, March 24, 2003

Where to go in Jakarta: Monday, March 24, 2003 Exhibitions * Photo, Varanus Komodoensis, by Volker Kess, at GoetheHaus, Jl. Sam Ratulangi 9-15, Central Jakarta,(Tel. 021-23550208), until April 2, at 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, at 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. * Painting, Monolog, by Mas Dibyo at Lobby Hotel Ciputra, Jl. Jend.

Central Aceh isolated after Takengon violence

Central Aceh isolated after Takengon violence Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh/Jakarta Central Aceh regency remains isolated, with the main highway connecting the regency with other regencies blockaded by residents following two recent violent incidents in the regency this month.

U.S. claims contact with Iraqi troops, elite guard

U.S. claims contact with Iraqi troops, elite guard Will Dunham, Reuters, Washington The United States on Thursday said it was in touch with Iraqi forces, including members of Saddam Hussein's elite Republican Guard, over what they had to do to surrender without a fight.

Experts back national health plan

Experts back national health plan Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Yayan, who runs a small business in Bekasi, West Java, was a initially skeptical when told about a government program to give every citizen health insurance. However, he could not hide his interest in hearing more. "Every citizen will have such insurance? Well, if that's the case, I would like to join the program.

`Bush is arrogant, a coward; Saddam, pig-headed'

`Bush is arrogant, a coward; Saddam, pig-headed' U.S. President George Bush commenced his preliminary attacks on Iraq with around 40 missiles on Thursday, despite the heavy antiwar protests worldwide. Many deem the U.S.-led war to be unfair, and as the result of an incentive to remove Saddam Hussein from power -- but for unclear reasons. The Jakarta Post talked to some people on the streets for their response to the war.

JP/3/DISCOurse

JP/3/DISCOurse Berlin-based Transparency International (TI) said in its 2002 annual report that based on its corruption perceptions index, Indonesia, together with Kenya, is the world's fourth most corrupt country. The following are excerpts of an interview with TI chairman Peter Eigen, a former World Bank director for Kenya, during a visit to Jakarta earlier this month. He talked to The Jakarta Post's contributor Rikza Abdullah. Question: Is there any hope of curbing corruption here?

Religious leaders urge govt action to stop Iraq war

Religious leaders urge govt action to stop Iraq war Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Religious leaders urged the government on Friday to take immediate and concrete action to stop United States-led attack on Iraq through the United Nations. Solahuddin Wahid, the deputy chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the country's largest Muslim organization with 40 million members, said the government had to do more than just issue a statement deploring the war.

KPU to start screening local commission members soon

KPU to start screening local commission members soon Arya Abhiseka, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The General Elections Commission (KPU) announced on Friday that it was now ready to establish local election commissions, meaning that significant progress has been made as the general election draws closer. KPU member Mulyana W.

Unocal starts drilling in West Seno

Unocal starts drilling in West Seno JAKARTA: American energy firm Unocal Corporation says its subsidiary Unocal Makassar Ltd has started the first phase of its drilling program to develop the deepwater West Seno field offshore East Kalimantan. "This is a significant milestone towards first deepwater production for Unocal and Indonesia," said Brian W.G. Marcotte, president of Unocal Makassar Ltd in a statement on Thursday.

President to sue daily for defamation

President to sue daily for defamation JAKARTA: President Megawati Soekarnoputri plans to sue Rakyat Merdeka daily for comparing her to Soemanto, a man who confessed to eating parts of dead human bodies. "The President herself said she could not sleep after reading the newspaper's headline and decided to file a lawsuit against the paper," journalist Susanto Pudjomartono told The Jakarta Post on Friday.

Fresh from the mountain springs...

Fresh from the mountain springs... Sudibyo M. Wiradji, Contributor, Jakarta Unlike tap water providers, companies involved in the lucrative bottled water business have no difficulty in finding their source of water. Most of the country's bottled water companies use mountain springs as their source. However, it could take years to ensure that a new mountain spring is capable of providing enough water for mass production.

Water privatization a controversial step around the world

Water privatization a controversial step around the world Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Phnom Penh, Cambodia The privatization of water distribution has caused controversy not only in Indonesia but also in other parts of the world, particularly in neighboring Asian countries. Most people doubt that the privatization of water services will result in the people having greater access to clean water.

Archery body fails to elect new chairman

Archery body fails to elect new chairman JAKARTA: The Indonesian Archery Association failed to elect a new chairman during its congress which ended here on Friday. The director of the Sports Academy, IGK Manila, Minister of Industry and Trade Rini Soewandi and politician Arifin Panigoro had been mentioned as possible successors to outgoing chairman Hayono Isman.

Business as usual at int'l schools, but security upped

Business as usual at int'l schools, but security upped Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With government pledges to guarantee the safety of the expatriate community and to protect their interests and assets following the war in Iraq, international schools here continue to operate. British International School principal Peter Hoggins said the school remained open and that the Indonesian government had sufficiently secured the school. "The school will remain open next week.

Jakarta rejects U.S. call to expel Iraqi diplomats

Jakarta rejects U.S. call to expel Iraqi diplomats Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia flatly rejected on Friday the United States' call for the expulsion of Iraqi diplomats here, saying that ties between Jakarta and Baghdad was not Washington's concern. Jakarta firmly stated that there was no need for Indonesia to suspend ties with Iraq and expel its diplomats.

GATS: Threat to public as their rights ignored

GATS: Threat to public as their rights ignored Henry Heyneardhi, Business Watch Indonesia, Surakarta, heyneardhi@watchbusiness.org The General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) is being negotiated by the World Trade Organizations. At the WTO Ministerial meeting in Doha, Qatar in November 2001, deadlines were set for GATS negotiations.

TV Today: Saturday, March 22, 2003

TV Today: Saturday, March 22, 2003 TVRI 5:03 a.m.Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 English News Service 7:30 Children's Program: Pentas Ceria 8:30 Talk Show: Ibu, Bayi dan Balita 9:00 Music: Pesona Music Indonesia 10:00 TV Drama: Mujizat 10:30 Talk Show: Live Clip 11:00 News: Berita Daerah 11:30 Music: Konteswara 12:00 p.m.News: Berita Siang 1:00 Talk Show: Konsultasi Keluarga: Pengobatan Alternatif 2:00 News: Metro Indonesia 2:30 Kid Action 3:00 Oto Screen 6:00 News: Berita...

Traditional house's originality puts it on map

Traditional house's originality puts it on map Heru Prasetya, Contributor, Yogyakarta Visitors touring the grounds of the Yogyakarta Palace fortress, also known as the jeron benteng area, will find an old traditional house at Jl. Siliran 1 in the Panembahan area. With its well-maintained exterior and some 200 different plants around the house, one would not suspect that the house is nearly 150 years old.

BI says forex reserves enough to defend rupiah

BI says forex reserves enough to defend rupiah The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bank Indonesia said on Friday it was ready to intervene in the currency market to protect the rupiah amid worries that domestic antiwar protests could turn violent. Bank Indonesia Governor Sjahril Sabirin said on Friday that the country currently had more than enough foreign exchange reserves to defend the local currency.

PAN to pick VP candidate in June

PAN to pick VP candidate in June JAKARTA: The National Mandate Party (PAN), the country's fifth largest political party, is expected to discuss its vice presidential candidate during a national congress in June. PAN vice chairman Abdillah Toha said on Friday his party would pick a candidate who would help the party garner more votes in the 2004 elections. "The person could be a politician or a nonpolitician," Abdillah said.

Govt goes ahead with bond issue plan

Govt goes ahead with bond issue plan The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government said on Friday it was moving ahead with its plans to issue new bonds later this month despite the ongoing war in Iraq which has caused jitters in the financial market. Fuad Rahmany, head of state bonds management center, said that the bonds would likely carry a fixed interest rate to help maintain investor appetites for the bonds.

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.

RI, Germany build water station

RI, Germany build water station JAKARTA: The Indonesian and German governments have established a water quality monitoring station in the East Java capital of Surabaya to assess the quality of the water in the Berantas river. The development, known as the "Mermaid-Brantas" project, is also aimed at providing recommendations on how to manage the quality of the river's water, the Germany Embassy in Jakarta said in a statement on Friday.

Telkom awards contract to Quantum

Telkom awards contract to Quantum JAKARTA: PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia and its joint-operating partner PT Bukaka Singtel International have awarded a contract to install 69,345 telephone lines in the South Sulawesi capital of Makasar to PT Quantum Bahana, the company said Friday. Investment in the project is expected to amount to around Rp 322 billion (about $35 million).

Presidential candidacy rule opposed

Presidential candidacy rule opposed Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Political experts and politicians have expressed disagreement with the presidential elections bill, which stipulates that only political parties winning at least 20 percent of the seats in the House of Representatives are allowed to nominate their own presidential and vice presidential candidates.

1. EXPEL: 1 x 50

1. EXPEL: 1 x 50 Jakarta rejects U.S. call to expel Iraqi diplomats 2. PROTEST: 1 x 43 People around world protest against Iraq war 4. ANTIWAR: 1 x 65 Antiwar protests erupt across United States, more than 1,000 arrested 5. REFUGEE: 2 x 30 No refugee flows out of Iraq, but borders open: UNHCR

Security across Asia's key spots tightened

Security across Asia's key spots tightened Agence France-Presse, Islamabad A security clampdown descended on cities across Asia on Friday as authorities sought to prevent anger over the Iraq war boiling over into violence and possible terrorist attacks. Police, paramilitaries and armies tightened control of key installations, embassies and other potential targets as many nations upped their threat-of-attack levels.

Three consortia compete for Danamon

Three consortia compete for Danamon Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) shortlisted on Friday three bidders who are competing for a majority stake in Bank Danamon, with the agency targeting to name the winning bidder in May. The three bidders are the Asia Financial Indonesia consortium, the Bank Artha Graha consortium and the Bhakti Capital Indonesia consortium, IBRA chairman Syafruddin Temmenggung said.

Water fees and the water bill

Water fees and the water bill The March 14 and March 15 editions of The Jakarta Post featured news on the water fees for farmers. It said that on March 14 a new draft of a government regulation was proposed, obliging farmers to pay for water used for irrigation. The following day, two legislators responded to the issue by vowing to reject this move as it is stipulated in the water resources bill the House of Represernatatives (DPR) has been deliberating on.

Winning the war

Winning the war for clean water Nirwono Joga Chairman Indonesian Landscape Architecture Study Group Jakarta While the United States is given free rein in its ambition to take control of Iraq and its oil refineries, an even fiercer war is going on: The war for clean water. March 22 is World Water Day as the world tries to cope with an increasingly greater clean water crisis.

Jakarta should learn about water from Cambodia

Jakarta should learn about water from Cambodia Unlike Jakarta and other cities in Indonesia, the tap water situation in Cambodia's capital of Phnom Penh is improving, as the state-owned water company is very hard working and dedicated to providing water to all citizens.

Four players tied at top in Japfa chess tourney

Four players tied at top in Japfa chess tourney Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Four players are tied for first place after four rounds of the men's master competition at the Japfa Chess Festival here. Grand Master (GM) Edhi Handoko, International Master (IM) Dede Liu, FIDE Master (FM) Irwanto Sadikin and Suyud Hartoyo all won their matches on Friday to collect four points each, with the tournament to last another five rounds.

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday March 22, 2003

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday March 22, 2003 Exhibitions * Photo, Varanus Komodoensis, by Volker Kes, at GoetheHaus, Jl. Sam Ratulangi, 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. * Painting, Monolog, by Mas Dibyo at Lobby Hotel Ciputra, Jl. Jend.

Originality of traditional house puts it on the map

Originality of traditional house puts it on the map Heru Prasetya Contributor Yogyakarta Tourists visiting the inside of the Yogyakarta Palace fortress, also known as the jeron benteng area, will find an old traditional house at Jl. Siliran 1 in the Panembahan area. With its well-maintained exterior and some 200 different plants around the house, one would not suspect that the house is nearly 150 years old.

S&P welcomes Lippo Bank fine

S&P welcomes Lippo Bank fine JAKARTA: Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said Friday that a fine of Rp 2.5 billion (about US$277,000) imposed on Lippo Bank Tbk by the Indonesian Capital Market Supervisory Agency is an encouraging regulatory development. While an investigation into irregularities in the trading of shares in the bank continues, the fine nevertheless signaled a step towards tighter regulations for the financial system as a whole, S&P said in a statement.

List of Securities Quotation:

List of Securities Quotation: Day/Date:Friday, March 21, 2003 Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on March 21, 2003: -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 525 0 5,000 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 45 -5 50,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 125 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 105 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 700 0...

Ruang Rupa exhibition invites unique participation

Ruang Rupa exhibition invites unique participation Ade Tanesia, Contributor, Yogyakarta Many exhibitions place visitors in a passive position: they come, observe and appreciate works of arts on display, and that's it. But Lekker Eten Zonder Betalen (Nice Eating Without Paying), an ongoing exhibition organized by Ruang Rupa at Cemeti Art House, is quite different. At the exhibition's opening, the visitors were not taken around the exhibition hall to observe the exhibited works.

* Headlines: Business as usual at int'l schools 2

* Headlines: Business as usual at int'l schools 2 * National: Former VP Umar Wirahadikusumah dies at 79 4 * Archipelago: Central Aceh tense after Takengon violence5 * Opinion: Saga of Kalijodo red-light district 7 * City: Class action sought over water rate hike 8 * Sports: Schumacher puts Ferrari back on top 9 * World: Attacks hit U.S. forces in Afghanistan 10 * Business: BI says forex reserves enough to defend rupiah 13 * Features: Saving eagles through insemination 20

Free medical services in W. Jakarta

Free medical services in W. Jakarta JAKARTA: More than 170 physicians are providing free medical services for the public at Puri Indah, West Jakarta, from Friday through Sunday. The event, which is taking place behind the West Jakarta municipality office, is organized by the Jakarta Military Command in cooperation with the Association of the Alumni of the National Defense Institute and the Indonesian Buddhist Council.

To Indonesia: From China, with love

To Indonesia: From China, with love Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Ge Jianhua, general manager of Rizhao The East Industrial and Trading Co., Ltd., has come from Shandong province in China to offer his company's products to the Indonesian market. He enthusiastically presents a range of agricultural products, such as peanuts, chilies, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower and watermelon seeds to potential Indonesian buyers.

Indocement operates again

Indocement operates again CIREBON, West Java: Cement company PT Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa said on Friday it had resumed operations at one of its factories in Cirebon, after fixing what the local environmental office had described as damage causing a high amount of dust to leak to the atmosphere. Indocement corporate secretary Ria Sjahroni said the factory had ceased operations from March 12 to March 18. It had since resumed normal operations, she said.

Bulog says rice reserves enough for seven months

Bulog says rice reserves enough for seven months Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The State Logistics Agency (Bulog) said on Friday it had enough rice reserves to maintain price stability at home amid rising uncertainty on the international market as a result of the war in Iraq. Bulog chairman Widjanarko Puspoyo said that the agency's rice reserves of about 1.4 million tons was enough for seven months.

Indonesia and the North Korean crisis: Is there a role for ARF?

Indonesia and the North Korean crisis: Is there a role for ARF? No role for Indonesia in Korean peninsula Paulo Gorjao Lecturer Lusiada University Portugal paulogorjao@yahoo.com During the recent Australia-Indonesia Ministerial Forum held in Jakarta, Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer sought Indonesian support for a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' (ASEAN) Regional Forum to debate possible ways to solve the North Korean Crisis.

Police declare state of high alert nationwide

Police declare state of high alert nationwide Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A day after the U.S. mobilized its military against Iraq, Indonesian police declared on Friday a state of high alert across the nation in case of a possible threat to the country's security.

Security to be tightened along East Timor border

Security to be tightened along East Timor border Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara Indonesia and the United Nations Peace Keeping Force (UNPKF) have agreed to tighten security along the border of East Timor in the wake of alleged pro-Jakarta militia attacks operating in both countries, a military officer said on Friday. The measure will include increasing border patrols and building more police posts along the border. Kupang Military Commander Col. Inf.

Saga of Kalijodo red-light district

Saga of Kalijodo red-light district Eva K. Sundari, Lecturer in Economics, Researcher, Airlangga University, Surabaya The recent destruction of settlements and the eviction of people in Kalijodo, North Jakarta by city public order officers is tragic for the urban poor. Relations between the security apparatus and its victims was asymmetrical, relying solely on power.

Class action sought over water rate hike

Class action sought over water rate hike Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Some water consumers are threatening to file a class action against the city administration and the City Council if Governor Sutiyoso's proposal for a 45 percent rise in water charges is approved by councillors.

Telkom's lip service

Telkom's lip service From Kompas In August 2000, PT Telkom offered new telephone lines through its ads in the printed media, for which consumers could register by calling the company. I contacted them to secure one line for my new house in Pekayon, East Jakarta. Within several days, I was summoned to the Telkom office to submit documents for the connection, before a survey and installation could be conducted.

Four public toilets to be demolished

Four public toilets to be demolished JAKARTA: The Central Jakarta administration will soon demolish four public toilets constructed on the sidewalk of Jl. Senen Raya in the Senen area. Central Jakarta Mayor Hosea Petra Lumbun said the construction of the toilets had violated Bylaw No. 11/1988, on public order and Gubernatorial Decree No. 80/1998 on mobile toilets. "I've ordered the officials concerned to soon demolish the public toilets on Jl.

Bapedalda must be kept: Official

Bapedalda must be kept: Official JAKARTA: The Office of the State Minister for the Environment has come out in opposition to a new government regulation merging regional Environmental Assessment Agency (Bapedalda) offices with other offices. The deputy in charge of institutional policy, Hutomo, said on Friday that Bapedalda should be kept separate from other offices to avoid conflicts of interest.

Govt limits offices to boost efficiency

Govt limits offices to boost efficiency Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has issued a regulation limiting provincial and regency administration offices to 10 and 14 respectively, in the name of efficiency. "Currently, the government has an average of 19 provincial offices and 20 regental offices, which are too many and overlap," State Minister for Administrative Reforms Feisal Tamin said here on Friday.

List of Securities Quotation:

List of Securities Quotation: Day/Date:Friday, March 21, 2003 Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on March 21, 2003: -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 525 0 5,000 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 45 -5 50,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 125 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 105 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 700 0...

Textile, timber exports projected to fall

Textile, timber exports projected to fall Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Textile and timber exports would be the most badly affected by the ongoing war in Iraq, a senior official at the Ministry of Industry and Trade said on Friday. The director general of foreign trade at the ministry, Sudar SA, said that textile and garment exports to the U.S. this year could decline by between 10 percent and 15 percent. He did not give any estimate for timber products.