Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 1 April 2003

82 articles found

Some residents in dark about start of voter registration

Some residents in dark about start of voter registration Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The month-long registration of voters for the 2004 general election starts on Tuesday, but not all Jakartans are aware of the nationwide program despite administration officials' claim that they had disseminated information well ahead of the registration.

Ramayana net profit fell last year

Ramayana net profit fell last year JAKARTA: Indonesian retailer PT Ramayana Lestari Sentosa said on Monday that its net profit fell to Rp 299.68 billion in 2002 from Rp 320.08 billion a year earlier, mainly due to declining interest income. The company, whose customers are mainly those at the lower end of the middle-income group, said interest income slipped to Rp 58.26 billion from Rp 74.34 billion due to falling interest rates in the country.

JP/6/BANDORO

JP/6/BANDORO Bantarto Bandoro Editor, 'The Indonesian Quarterly', Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Jakarta bandoro@csis.or.id In an article in this newspaper on March 20, Soedjati Djiwandono wrote that the war on Iraq could lead to a new world order, a multipolar one without a single major power occupying a dominant position. In this new world order, no single power would act unilaterally, especially in military terms.

Iraq and Indonesia's "fruitless" policies

Iraq and Indonesia's "fruitless" policies Max Lane Visiting Fellow Center for Asia Pacific Social Transformation Studies (CAPSTRANS) University of Wollongong Australia Todung Mulya Lubis makes some sensible points in his interview with The Jakarta Post on March 31. For example, he is correct to question the usefulness of a boycott of American goods -- at least, at this point of time. The anti-war movement in the United States itself has not yet called for such a boycott.

Komnas HAM attackers sent to jail

Komnas HAM attackers sent to jail JAKARTA: The Central Jakarta District Court sentenced six members of the Betawi Brotherhood Forum (FBR) on Monday to six months in jail for an attack on the offices of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) last year.

Stop U.S.-Iraq war

Stop U.S.-Iraq war From Media Indonesia The U.S. has invaded Iraq, which has created very unfavorable circumstances for Indonesia to escape its economic crisis. The disrupted flows of people and goods will affect tourism and the real sector, while the country badly needs the development of these areas for job creation. At present, over 40 million Indonesians are in need of proper employment.

Water charges up 40%, bus fares 20%

Water charges up 40%, bus fares 20% Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Life for Jakartans will get tougher starting this month as they face a 40 percent increase in water charges and a 20 percent increase in bus fares.

Balinese people prepare Nyepi rituals for recovery

Balinese people prepare Nyepi rituals for recovery I Wayan Juniartha and Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali Balinese Hindu followers on Monday made necessary preparations for the Tawur Agung Kesanga and Nyepi rituals that would mark the beginning of the Saka New Year 1925 amid a somber atmosphere of economic difficulties that have been gradually choking the island ever since the Oct. 12, 2002 terror bombings.

United Nations credibility at stake over Iraq: RI foreign minister

United Nations credibility at stake over Iraq: RI foreign minister Dean Yates and Jerry Norton, Reuters, Jakarta The Indonesian government said on Monday the credibility of the United Nations was on the line over Iraq, adding the world body would regain some prestige if it played a central role in running and rebuilding the nation after the war.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on March 31, 2003:

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on March 31, 2003: -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 550 0 20,500 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 50 5 1,002,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 125 0 3,000 Alakasa Industrindo 105 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 700 0 0 Alter Abadi Tbk 15 0 0 Alumindo Light 155 -15 45,000...

Astra reports 330% jump in net profits

Astra reports 330% jump in net profits The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The country's largest automotive conglomerate, PT Astra International, reported on Monday a 330 percent jump in its 2002 net profits to Rp 3.64 trillion (about US$409 million) from Rp 845 billion in 2001. The president of the publicly listed company, Budi Setiadharma, told Antara that the audited figure was the company's highest record so far.

[b]Is post-Kantian order

Is post-Kantian order beginning to emerge? Bantarto Bandoro Editor, the Indonesian Quarterly, Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) bandoro@csis.or.id 2. Pro28 -- Europe's overdue reformation 2 X 30 Less productive Europe now overdue for reform Alberto Alesina and Francesco Giavazzi Project Syndicate

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on March 31, 2003:

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on March 31, 2003: -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 550 0 20,500 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 50 5 1,002,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 125 0 3,000 Alakasa Industrindo 105 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 700 0 0 Alter Abadi Tbk 15 0 0 Alumindo Light 155 -15 45,000...

Bridge League enters semifinal round

Bridge League enters semifinal round Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The National Bridge League (LBN) will enter the semifinal and final rounds next week, with organizers promising the winners and runners-up will be sent to the Pacific Asia Bridge Federation (PABF) Pairs Championship in Manila.

Exhibition reveals artists' view of love

Exhibition reveals artists' view of love Carla Bianpoen, Contributor, Jakarta Amid the horrors of war and a multitude of other acts of violence against humanity, the Love Bomb by Agus Suwage comes as a wonderful turn on the deadly weapon used to destroy. Made of wrought iron, the bomb, within which "love" shines out in neon letters, is carried by a four-wheeled vehicle.

FBI watches al-Qaeda funds in SE Asia

FBI watches al-Qaeda funds in SE Asia SINGAPORE: The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is monitoring al-Qaeda's financial activities in Southeast Asia after the terrorist network's Middle East channels were disrupted, diplomats said. Dennis Lormel, chief of the FBI's anti-terrorist financing unit, visited the region recently to meet with security officials and bankers in order to share the bureau's experience in choking terrorist funding, they said.

'Bill on SOEs needs revision'

'Bill on SOEs needs revision' A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The draft law on state-owned enterprises (SOEs) will not provide certainty for the government's crucial privatization program because some of the articles lack clarity, analysts say. Institute for Development Economic and Finance (Indef) economist Dradjat Wibowo singled out articles 73 to 78 of the draft law.

Lake Tempe hit by sedimentation

Lake Tempe hit by sedimentation Yusrianti, Contributor, Makassar, South Sulawesi Lake Tempe, in Wajo regency, is attractive to both domestic and foreign tourists for its beauty. The eutrophic lake, whose presence leads to the formation of tidal agricultural land, is a haven for species of fish rarely found in other lakes. At present, however, Lake Tempe, registered as a unique site, is like a mother who has been taken ill.

Homemade bomb explodes in Medan

Homemade bomb explodes in Medan MEDAN, North Sumatra: A homemade bomb placed in the backyard of the Medan mayor's office exploded on Monday, damaging three cars parked in the compound. No casualties were reported in the blast. The chief of the North Sumatra Police, Insp. Gen. Dewa Astika, said that the bomb squad had collected bomb fragments to study the nature of the bomb.

Regent hotel employees want their fate decided

Regent hotel employees want their fate decided M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Life for Heri, 35, has become increasingly uncertain. After waiting one year for his job to resume, he has received no assurance that the hotel which he works for will reopen in the near future. Worse still, he does not know if he will be receiving his full salary in the coming months.

PT Indonesian Satellite Corp. (Indosat) Monday said its net

PT Indonesian Satellite Corp. (Indosat) Monday said its net profit for 2002 fell significantly to Rp 336.25 billion (US$37.7 million) from Rp 1.453 trillion the previous year due to the higher cost of goodwill amortization. The cost of goodwill amortization rose to Rp 753.5 billion from Rp 321.2 billion after the company acquired cellular unit PT Satelit Palapa Indonesia last year.

Hoodlums rely on muscle

Hoodlums rely on muscle From Suara Karya I'm concerned by the increasing violence being committed by hoodlums in the country. While years before it was easy to guess if an organization was practicing hoodlumism, today there is a tendency to legalize hoodlumism in the interest of political parties, the products of democracy through general elections. Now hoodlumism is connected with business practices, just like the mafia in Italy.

Balinese break silence over Iraq

Balinese break silence over Iraq The Jakarta Post, Denpasar/Jakarta The Balinese Hindu community joined the antiwar campaign on Monday as they prepared for the Day of Silence, with dozens of students taking to the streets to protest the United States-led attack on Iraq.

Banpu to post higher revenues

Banpu to post higher revenues BANGKOK: Banpu PCL, a Thai coal miner and power producer, expects to post higher sales this year due to rising production from its Indonesian coal mines, the company's chief executive said. Banpu's sales this year will likely reach 13 billion baht with a net profit around 1.4 billion baht, said Chanin Vongkusolkit late on Friday. In 2002, its sales totaled 10.91 billion baht, with a net profit of 1.45 billion baht.

* Headlines: RI must urge U.S. to issue road map on Palestine 2

* Headlines: RI must urge U.S. to issue road map on Palestine 2 * National: Govt launches white paper on nat'l defense 4 * Archipelago: Balinese prepare Nyepi rituals for recovery 5 * Opinion: Defending global essentials: Notes from Kyoto 7 * City: Regent Hotel employees want their fate decided 8 * Sports: Agassi claims record sixth Nasdaq-100 title 9 * World: Pneumonia virus more infectious than Ebola: expert 10 * Business: U.S., Europe face slowdown in consumer spending 16 * Features: A...

Govt mulls move to curb tax corruption

Govt mulls move to curb tax corruption Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government is planning to revise Tax Law No. 16/2000 in a bid to help curb corruption by tax officials and secure tax revenue for the state. Minister of Finance Boediono said on Monday that the revision would be proposed to the House of Representatives early next year.

FBI watches al-Qaeda funds in SE Asia

FBI watches al-Qaeda funds in SE Asia SINGAPORE: The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is monitoring al-Qaeda's financial activities in Southeast Asia after the terrorist network's Middle East channels were disrupted, diplomats said. Dennis Lormel, chief of the FBI's anti-terrorist financing unit, visited the region recently to meet with security officials and bankers in order to share the bureau's experience in choking terrorist funding, they said.

Advocates unite to fight corruption

Advocates unite to fight corruption JAKARTA: Indonesian lawyers have moved to unite seven bar associations to improve professionalism among lawyers so as to help restore a sense of respect in the country's judiciary. Senior lawyer Adnan Buyung Nasution said on Monday that consolidation among the bar associations would contribute to efforts to reduce corruption and collusion between lawyers and judges.

Coral reefs in S.E. Sulawesi damaged

Coral reefs in S.E. Sulawesi damaged KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: Only half of the coral reefs in Southeast Sulawesi waters are in a good condition while the rest have been damaged due to improper fishing methods, a senior researcher warned on Monday. Dr. La Ode M. Aslan of Haluolo University said in Kendari unless the authorities acted immediately to put an end to the use of dynamite and chemicals for fishing, the coral environment in the region's waters would be totally destroyed.

A day of silence

A day of silence Amid the turmoil that is currently pervading this country and the world, the Balinese and other Indonesians who adhere to the Hindu Dharma faith across the archipelago, will tomorrow, on April 2, once again be observing Nyepi -- that special day that most international tourists to the island know as the Hindu (Balinese) "day of silence".

~SUITE SUCCESS - CEO SUITE

~SUITE SUCCESS - CEO SUITE Setting up a business, especially in a foreign land, can be both an exciting and stressful experience. There are more than a million things that need your attention. At the top of the businessperson's list of essential "Things to Do", is finding an office, the "right" office for the new venture on unfamiliar ground.

'I deserve good water service'

'I deserve good water service' In response to demands from foreign water operators PT Thames Pam Jaya of Britain and PT Pam Lyonaise Jaya of France, Governor Sutiyoso proposed a 45 percent water price increase to the City Council. This has not gone over well with many tap water customers, who complain about the poor quality of the water and disrupted distribution due partly to the high level of water leakage and other inefficiencies.

Government insists on separate legislative, presidential elections

Government insists on separate legislative, presidential elections Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite opposition from several factions at the House of Representatives (DPR), the government is insisting that the presidential election be held after the election of the members of the DPR, the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) and the regional legislature (DPRD).

1. DISCOURSE: 1 x 50

1. DISCOURSE: 1 x 50 RI must pressure U.S. to publish road map on Palestine 2. RALLY: 1 x 40 Balinese break silence over Iraq 3. COMMENT: 1 x 50 Government told to do more to stop war in Iraq 4. HASSAN: 2 x 30 UN credibility at stake over Iraq: Foreign minister 5.6. ODD: 1 x 33 Woman seeks eligible bachelor 6. ODD: 1 x 33 Elderly woman nabbed for stealing

1. WAR: 1 x 30

1. WAR: 1 x 30 Fierce fight rages near Baghdad 2. TARIFF: 1 x 36 Water charges up 40%, bus fares 20% 3. SARS: 2 x 23 Government intensifies measures against SARS

U.S.-led forces are colonialists aiming to partition Iraq: FM

U.S.-led forces are colonialists aiming to partition Iraq: FM Agencies, Baghdad The U.S.-led forces waging war on Iraq are colonialists aiming to "partition" the country, Iraqi Foreign Minister Naji Sabri charged at a press conference here on Monday. "The colonial forces are seeking to achieve their dreams that are to partition Iraq so that there is no longer a unified Iraq," Sabri said.

Remember Tanah Abang

Remember Tanah Abang The American invasion of Iraq has grabbed the attention of the world, including Indonesia. Television stations here have been showing images of people from all levels of society protesting against the war. I think it would be good for the protesters also to raise the issue of Tanah Abang, which was recently gutted by fire that was allegedly set on purpose.

Defending global essentials: Notes from Kyoto

Defending global essentials: Notes from Kyoto 1 X 38 defend Defending global property Yanuar Nugroho Director, The Business Watch Indonesia Lecturer, Sahid University, Surakarta Researcher, Uni Sosial Demokrat, Jakarta yanuar-n@unisosdem.org 2. Riza -- Impact of U.S. aggression in Iraq 1 X 30 Impact of U.S. aggression in Iraq Riza Sihbudi Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) Jakarta 3. Pro -- Between Pax Americana and Pax Africana 2 X 21 Between Pax Americana and Pax Africana Ali A.

Migrant workers sue President

Migrant workers sue President JAKARTA: A group of migrant workers filed a lawsuit against President Megawati Soekarnoputri and her administration on Monday for their failure to provide assistance to hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants expelled from Malaysia last year. Instead of demanding compensation, the plaintiffs are asking the court to order the government to enact a law on migrant worker protection and to ratify United Nations conventions on migrant workers.

EU trade boss visit SE Asia, misses WTO farm deadline

EU trade boss visit SE Asia, misses WTO farm deadline deadline Agence France-Presse, Bangkok EU Trade Commissioner Pascal Lamy on Monday began a three-nation tour of Southeast Asia in major agricultural exporter Thailand, as the World Trade Organization was set to miss a key deadline on negotiations for farm reform. Lamy met with Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra here before sitting down for talks with Commerce Minister Adisai Bhotharamik.

Where to go in Bandung for Tuesday, April 1, 2003

Where to go in Bandung for Tuesday, April 1, 2003 Performances * Teater, Dukun Pelet 2, by Sanggar Seni Ringkang Gumiwang, Directed by Wa Kabul, at Teater Terbuka Balai Pengelolaan Taman Budaya, Jl. Bukit Dago Utara, Bandung,(Tel. 022-2504912) April 5, 7:30 p.m. * Teater, Sasagon,by Sasagon Teater, Chaired by Dalang Asep Sunandar Sunarya at Gedung Kesenian Rumentang Siang, Jl. Baranang Siang 1, Kosambi, Bandung, (Tel. 022 - 4233562), April 13, 8 p.m.

Mall construction continues

Mall construction continues TANGERANG: The construction of Metropolitan mall in Modernland housing estate on Jl. Sudirman in Cikokol subdistrict continues although developer PT Modernland Realty has not obtained permits yet from the Municipal Permit and Capital Investment Office (KPPM). Dozens of workers were seen busily working on the construction site on Monday morning.

Woolcott's

Woolcott's 'Hot Seat' The veteran Australian senior diplomat, my good friend Ambassador Richard "Dick" Woolcott, has published a most interesting memoir. His book: Hot Seat -- Reflections in Diplomacy from Stalin's Death to the Bali Bombing, published by HarperCollins Publishing, was launched in a festive manner in early March, in Sydney. Unfortunately, the book contains an erroneous reference of a serious nature about The Jakarta Post daily.

Remember Tanah Abang

Remember Tanah Abang The American invasion of Iraq has grabbed the attention of the world, including Indonesia. Television stations here have been showing images of people from all levels of society protesting against the war. I think it would be good for the protesters also to raise the issue of Tanah Abang, which was recently gutted by fire that was allegedly set on purpose.

TV Program: Wednesday, April 2, 2003

TV Program: Wednesday, April 2, 2003 .TB.30" 1.00" 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 TV Drama: Janji Cinta 9:30 Cooking Program: Menu Sehat 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 2:00 News: Metro Indonesia 2:30 Music: Pop Daerah 3:00 Kid Channel 4:00...

Telkom's profit doubled last year

Telkom's profit doubled last year JAKARTA: PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (PT Telkom), a state- controlled telecommunication company, on Monday said 2002 net profit nearly doubled from a year earlier, thanks to higher revenue contributions from its cellular and fixed-line divisions. Net profit surged to Rp 8.345 trillion from Rp 4.250 trillion in 2001, while revenue rose 33 percent to Rp 21.399 trillion from Rp 16.131 trillion.

Impact of U.S. agression in Iraq

Impact of U.S. agression in Iraq Riza Sihbudi, Indonesian Institute of Sciences, (LIPI), Jakarta The United Nations (UN) Security Council finally held its emergency meeting on March 27, following strong pressure from the Arab League and the Non-Aligned Movement. Indonesia was among those UN member countries which actively pushed for an open emergency meeting, one in which all UN members could participate, to debate the U.S.-led aggression against Iraq.

Komnas HAM attackers sent to jail

Komnas HAM attackers sent to jail JAKARTA: The Central Jakarta District Court sentenced six members of the Betawi Brotherhood Forum (FBR) on Monday to six months in jail for an attack on the offices of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) last year.

Government intensifies measures against SARS

Government intensifies measures against SARS The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia has intensified measures against possible outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) amid increasing fatalities across the world and reports that an Indonesian student was infected with the killer disease in Singapore. In Jakarta, Bali and Batam, airport officials have started wearing masks to protect them against SARS.

30 Indonesians nabbed for rampage

30 Indonesians nabbed for rampage MALAYSIA: Thirty Indonesian factory workers have been detained for sparking a major rampage that seriously injured three people, police said on Monday. The men, who work at a local textile factory in the southern Malacca state, were arrested after police were called in to break up a vicious fight believed to have started as a feud between two Indonesian gangs, said state police chief Christopher Wan Soo Kee.

Indonesian Red Cross opens bank account for Iraqis

Indonesian Red Cross opens bank account for Iraqis Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) has opened a bank account to mobilize funds for Iraqis whose country is currently under heavy bombardment from the United States and its allies Britain and Australia. The organization has also enlisted the service of some medical doctors who are ready to depart once there is a request from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on March 31, 2003:

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on March 31, 2003: -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 550 0 20,500 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 50 5 1,002,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 125 0 3,000 Alakasa Industrindo 105 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 700 0 0 Alter Abadi Tbk 15 0 0 Alumindo Light 155 -15 45,000...

Headings

Headings 1. SURA: 24 x 1 line Surabaya legislature leadership dismissed 2. Nyepi: 30 x 1 line Balinese prepare Nyepi rituals for recovery

BII returns to profit in 2002

BII returns to profit in 2002 JAKARTA: Bank Internasional Indonesia (BII) said on Monday it posted a net profit of Rp 132.52 billion (US$14.9 million) last year against a loss of Rp 4.13 trillion in 2001 due to an asset write-back. The company booked interest income of Rp 3.09 trillion, down from Rp 3.33 trillion the previous year. It recorded a net interest loss of Rp 49.30 billion against a net interest profit of Rp 40.62 billion a year earlier.

Government told to do more to stop war in Iraq

Government told to do more to stop war in Iraq Damar Harsanto and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Observers urged the government to push for more diplomatic pressure to appeal to the United Nations to stop the war in Iraq in a bid to prevent possible domestic political instability.

Woolcott's

Woolcott's 'Hot Seat' The veteran Australian senior diplomat, my good friend Ambassador Richard "Dick" Woolcott, has published a most interesting memoir. His book: Hot Seat -- Reflections in Diplomacy from Stalin's Death to the Bali Bombing, published by HarperCollins Publishing, was launched in a festive manner in early March, in Sydney. Unfortunately, the book contains an erroneous reference of a serious nature about The Jakarta Post daily.

Surabaya legislature leadership dismissed

Surabaya legislature leadership dismissed Resi Fadjar Himawanti, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya The Surabaya legislative council replaced on Monday its chairman and three deputy chairmen because of their alleged involvement in a Rp 22.5 billion corruption scandal. The council agreed to appoint Herman Rifai of the Coalition faction and Pudji Astuti of the Indonesian Military/National Police faction as acting cochairs until new leadership is elected on April 4.

Financed by the iconoclastic emir of Qatar, the Gulf state where

Financed by the iconoclastic emir of Qatar, the Gulf state where U.S. war operations are based, Al Jazeera is the only independent broadcasting voice in the Arab world, watched by 35 million people. That is why the decision by the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq to bar the station's reporters is so repugnant. It is the only Arabic television station that regularly interviews Israeli officials. It is also an important forum for American officials.

;JP;

;JP; ANPAf..r.. U.S.-Dollar-Rates U.S. Dollar Rates March 31 JP/13/Dollar Latest %Change Yen 118.55-60 -1.07 Euro* 1.0897-02 +0.94 Sterling* 1.5800-06 +0.39 Swiss franc 1.3545-51 -0.95 Canadian dollar 1.4699-09 -0.07 Australian dollar* 0.6026-29 +0.43 New Zealand dollar* 0.5522-27 +0.44 Czech koruna 29.293-49 -0.83 Hungary forint 226.24-63 -0.99 Danish krone 6.8151-58 -0.88 Norwegian krone 7.2495-45 -0.64 Polish zloty 4.0510-50 -0.56 Russian ruble 31.377-85 +0.06 Swedish krona 8.4987-47 -0.36...

Indonesia,

Indonesia, country of hoodlums From Tempo If thuggery is perceived as He who is strong and has money will be the ruler" (Tempo, March 17 and March 23 editions), it can be inferred that our beloved country is already in the hands of hoodlums. I do not agree with Tempo saying, "It is our homework to prevent this country from falling into the hands of hoodlums." On the contrary, our task is to free the government from their grip.

No paper

No paper In observance of the Hindu Day of Silence, The Jakarta Post will not be published on Wednesday April 2, but our website will run as normal. The Post will appear again on Thursday. -- The Publisher

Corruption and the 2004 elections

Corruption and the 2004 elections From Koran Tempo I am very concerned by a statement made by the coordinator of the Indonesian Corruption Watch, Teten Marzuki, in a number of dailies on March 19. Teten said political corruption was expected to increase ahead of the 2004 general election. He said this corruption would be triggered by economically motivated politicians raising money by hook or by crook to help their parties win the elections.

RI must pressure U.S. to publish road map on Palestine

RI must pressure U.S. to publish road map on Palestine The following is an excerpt of an interview about the situation in Iraq, its global implications and its effect on Indonesia, with former foreign minister and President Megawati Soekarnoputri's adviser on foreign affairs, Ali Alatas, by The Jakarta Post's Kornelius Purba : Question : As war in Iraq can no longer be stopped, what still can be done by the UN with regard to the issue?

Advocates unite to fight corruption

Advocates unite to fight corruption JAKARTA: Indonesian lawyers have moved to unite seven bar associations to improve professionalism among lawyers so as to help restore a sense of respect in the country's judiciary. Senior lawyer Adnan Buyung Nasution said on Monday that consolidation among the bar associations would contribute to efforts to reduce corruption and collusion between lawyers and judges.

White paper on national defense policy launched

White paper on national defense policy launched Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government launched on Monday a white paper on defense strategy, which calls for maintaining the military's much- criticized territorial function. The territorial function, which includes Army bases and posts at all administration levels down to the village level, has been blamed for TNI's dominating political role during the leadership of former president Soeharto.

Ministry launches essential drug list

Ministry launches essential drug list JAKARTA: The Ministry of Health launched on Monday a book containing an essential drug list (DOEN) across the country, which is useful especially for health workers and institutions as a guide in choosing the most effective, quality and economical drugs. Minister of Health Achmad Sujudi said that the list was expected to enhance the availability of medicine and to make the drugs more affordable to all citizens in a fair way.

Defending global essentials: Notes from Kyoto

Defending global essentials: Notes from Kyoto Yanuar Nugroho, Director, The Business Watch Indonesia, Surakarta, Central Java, yanuar-n@unisosdem.org While 1.1 billion people do not have access to safe drinking water and almost 2.4 billion do not have adequate sanitation, according to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), only 1.6 percent of development assistance is spent on providing water and sanitation services.

Govt urges paramilitary dissolution

Govt urges paramilitary dissolution JAKARTA: The government has asked political parties and organizations to dissolve their paramilitary units ahead of the 2004 general election, saying these groups violated the principles of democracy. Speaking on Monday, Minister of Defense Matori Abdul Djalil said he would propose a regulation banning paramilitary groups affiliated with political parties and organizations.

Megawati plans to visit restive Aceh in April

Megawati plans to visit restive Aceh in April Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri is planning to visit conflict- torn Aceh in April, her second after the government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) signed a peace deal aimed at putting an end to decades-long conflict in the province.

KPU to start voter registration process Tuesday

KPU to start voter registration process Tuesday Arya Abhiseka, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Field officers representing the General Elections Commission (KPU) will start voter registration on Tuesday April 1, for all citizens 17 or older who wish to vote in the 2004 general election. KPU member Mudji Sutrisno told The Jakarta Post on Monday that all residents would be notified by each local neighborhood unit of the date when demographic information would be collected by field workers.

;JP;zph;

;JP;zph; ANPAf..r.. Rupiah-conversion-rates Rupiah Rates March 31 JP/13/13Rupiah Rupiah Rates March 31 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp Australian dollar 1 5,673.02 5,062.46 5,398.66 5,336.41 Brunei dollar 1 5,332.43 4,762.93 5,074.53 5,020.68 Canadian dollar 1 6,402.18 5,717.78 6,092.55 6,027.20 Swiss franc 1 6,891.80 6,157.00 6,558.49 6,490.19 Danish krone 1 1,370.03 1,224.12 1,303.77 1,290.36 Euro 1 10,176.63 9,090.73 9,684.46 9,582.68 Poundsterling 1...

Dow Jones

Dow Jones Jakarta PT Indonesian Satellite Corp. (Indosat) Monday said its net profit for 2002 fell significantly to Rp 336.25 billion (US$37.7 million) from Rp 1.453 trillion the previous year due to the higher cost of goodwill amortization. The cost of goodwill amortization rose to Rp 753.5 billion from Rp 321.2 billion after the company acquired cellular unit PT Satelit Palapa Indonesia last year.

Ramayana net profit fell last year

Ramayana net profit fell last year JAKARTA: Indonesian retailer PT Ramayana Lestari Sentosa said on Monday that its net profit fell to Rp 299.68 billion in 2002 from Rp 320.08 billion a year earlier, mainly due to declining interest income. The company, whose customers are mainly those at the lower end of the middle-income group, said interest income slipped to Rp 58.26 billion from Rp 74.34 billion due to falling interest rates in the country.

A friend to tribespeople in need

A friend to tribespeople in need Haidir Anwar Tanjung, The Jakarta Post, Pekanbaru Most "modern" people might find it difficult getting on with people who live in the jungle, struggling to fill the silence with some polite small talk. And you can generally forget about city dwellers and jungle residents from becoming fast friends.

PKB politicians establish law firm

PKB politicians establish law firm JAKARTA: A law firm founded by several politicians from the Nation Awakening Party (PKB) was inaugurated on Monday. PKB chairman Alwi Shihab, leaders Moh. Mahfud MD, A.S. Hikam, H.Z. Arifin Junaidi, Khofifah Indar Parawansa, Saleh Abdul Malik and Ahmad Anas Yahya are the partners of the firm. Former president Abdurrahman Wahid is the adviser to the firm. The law firm is named Mahfud MD and Associates.

Questioning votes

Questioning votes of civil servants From Rakyat Merdeka With the 2004 general election approaching and candidates for the posts of president and vice president being proposed by political parties and even non-governmental organizations, political observers are still questioning the distribution of votes to be cast by civil servants.

Jailing tax evaders

Jailing tax evaders The Directorate General of Taxation will soon be able to put its money where its mouth is under a joint decree of the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Justice and Human Rights that allows for the jailing of uncooperative taxpayers for a maximum one year without prior trial.

New IMF loan shows confidence in RI reform program: Experts

New IMF loan shows confidence in RI reform program: Experts Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In spite of the lukewarm reaction from the financial market, recent approval from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to disburse its latest loan tranche to Indonesia reflects the Fund's continued confidence on the country's economy, experts said.

National Museum offers cheap tour of RI's past

National Museum offers cheap tour of RI's past Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Ronald Ong, a Singaporean, told The Jakarta Post that he was visiting the National Museum, better known as Museum Gajah, because he wanted to know more about Indonesia's heritage. "Singapore and Indonesia are neighbors and I wanted to know more about this country. It's like traveling around Indonesia for only Rp 750 (US$0.083), very cheap-lah..." the 56-year-old said one Saturday morning.

1. VOTE: 50 pt, 2 cols, 4 x 12

1. VOTE: 50 pt, 2 cols, 4 x 12 Some residents in dark about start of voter registration 2. HOTEL: 36 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 26 Regent Hotel employees want their fate decided 3. GAJAH: 28 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 45 National Museum offers cheap tour of RI's past 4. SPEAK: 28 pt, 3 cols, 1 x 30 'I deserve good water service'

Homemade bomb explodes in Medan

Homemade bomb explodes in Medan MEDAN, North Sumatra: A homemade bomb placed in the backyard of the Medan mayor's office exploded on Monday, damaging three cars parked in the compound. No casualties were reported in the blast. The chief of the North Sumatra Police, Insp. Gen. Dewa Astika, said that the bomb squad had collected bomb fragments to study the nature of the bomb.

2. AID: 2 x 28

2. AID: 2 x 28 Indonesian Red Cross opens bank account for Iraqi aid 3. MILITER: 1 x 35 False claims litter Iraq conflict 4. OSAMA: 2 x 27 Mubarak says Iraq war will produce 100 bin Ladens