Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 12 April 2003

73 articles found

Models complain of voyeurism

Models complain of voyeurism Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The modest house on Jl. Asem Baris Raya in South Jakarta may not look particularly impressive, but it is in the center of a tale that has grabbed the nation's attention with its combination of sex and celebrities. The house is actually a well-known photo studio that specializes in print advertisement shoots, and allegedly the location were secret videos were taken of models as they went through wardrobe changes.

Unhygienic drinking

Unhygienic drinking water for sale? From Pos Kota There is a place in Jatikramat, Bekasi, that sells drinking water without first boiling or processing it hygienically. To attract customers, particularly children, they add coloring (red, green, yellow, etc., known to be unhealthy and harmful) and sweeten the bottled drink. Vendors usually sell a glass of the colorful drinking water around schools at Rp 500 or Rp 1000. They pour the water into glasses and then put some ice into it.

Fear of SARS prompts tryout cancellations

Fear of SARS prompts tryout cancellations The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Amateur Athletics Association (PASI) has canceled its plan to give its athletes outings in neighboring countries due to the threat of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), an official said on Friday.

JP/16/Money

JP/16/Money RI's March new vehicle sales rise JAKARTA: New vehicle sales in the country rose 8.1 percent on month to 29,297 units in March, the car assemblers' association Gaikindo said on Thursday. Of the total, commercial vehicles accounted for 26,676 units in March, up 6.1 percent from 25,133 in February, Gaikindo said. Passenger car sales - a barometer of consumer confidence - also rose, to 2,621 units from 1,978 units in February.

Indian Artistes Network brings cultural richness to Indonesia

Indian Artistes Network brings cultural richness to Indonesia Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta India has one of the oldest and richest cultures in the world as can be seen today from many art forms ranging from architecture and literature to dancing and painting. Reflections of this can also be found here as India has influenced Indonesian culture right from the early stages of recorded history.

SARS alert causes fall in Jakarta hotel occupancy rates

SARS alert causes fall in Jakarta hotel occupancy rates Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The world alert on the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) has caused the occupancy rates of hotels in Jakarta to drop by 15 to 20 percent. Chairwoman of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI), Yanti Sukamdani Hardjoprakoso, told The Jakarta Post on Friday that the drop followed the decrease in the number of tourists to the city.

Company donates 50,000 masks

Company donates 50,000 masks JAKARTA: The health ministry received on Friday 50,000 masks provided by PT Johnson Home Hygiene to help the government fight the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in the country. The masks were presented by the company's production manager, Achim Hupperts, to the ministry's secretary-general, Dadi S. Argadiredja.

Rupiah Rates April 11

Rupiah Rates April 11 Australian dollar 5,677.28 5,067.20 5,400.99 5,343.26 Brunei dollar 5,277.09 4,712.57 5,020.27 4,969.31 Canadian dollar 6,440.31 5,751.00 6,126.88 6,064.31 Swiss franc 6,750.23 6,027.65 6,421.73 6,356.04 Danish krone 1,359.88 1,213.87 1,293.70 1,280.00 Euro 10,100.86 9,014.49 9,609.29 9,505.60 Poundsterling 14,708.09 13,136.13 13,992.31 13,852.41 Hong Kong dollar 1,201.42 1,073.13 1,142.95 1,131.60 Japanese yen 7,822.02 6,984.31 7,441.36 7,364.82 Malaysian ringgit -- --...

Ba'asyir's trial to start soon

Ba'asyir's trial to start soon JAKARTA: The Central Jakarta Prosecutor's Office will submit to the court on Monday the case file on Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Ba'asyir who is charged with immigration and subversion offenses, The handover of the files to the Central Jakarta District Court will start the countdown to the much-awaited trial of Ba'asyir, who is suspected of being the spiritual leader of the Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) terrorist group. Ba'asyir has been detained for almost six months.

Old visa policy still in effect, no guidelines for new ruling

Old visa policy still in effect, no guidelines for new ruling Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Legal confusion has emerged regarding the new policy revoking the free-visa-on-arrival facility extended to nationals of 48 countries, with an immigration official saying the ruling would not come into effect until executory guidelines had been issued. Directorate General of Immigration spokesman Ade E.

IBRA set to gain little from bank assets

IBRA set to gain little from bank assets A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) said on Friday that the recovery rate of collateral assets surrendered by indebted former bank owners was very low. The head of the agency's asset management investment division, Edi Sinaga, said that the commercial value of the assets was only about Rp 10.5 trillion, compared to the Rp 107 trillion book value of the assets when they were surrendered to the government.

Palu police arrest another Makassar bomb suspect

Palu police arrest another Makassar bomb suspect Andi Hasjramurni and Erick W., The Jakarta Post, Palu/Makassar Police in the Central Sulawesi capital of Palu have arrested a suspect in the Makassar bombings who has been on the run since December last year. The suspect, identified as Wirahadi alias Hadi, 21, was apprehended on Thursday at his boarding house on Jl. Sisimangaraja in East Palu district, chief of the provincial police Brig. Gen. Taufiq Ridha on Friday.

'Lampung Post' terrorized

'Lampung Post' terrorized Oyos Saroso H.N., The Jakarta Post, Bandar Lampung Dissatisfied with the Lampung Post daily's coverage of governor elect Alzier Dianis Thabranie, whose inauguration was delayed by a corruption case, around 50 supporters of Alzier terrorized the newspaper's office on Jl. Soekarno-Hatta here on Friday, demanding a correction.

The award, war and SARS: Enduring Indonesia's tourism

The award, war and SARS: Enduring Indonesia's tourism JP/6/CHRIS Weathering the war and SARS: Indonesian tourism endures I. Christianto Journalist Jakarta Violence and disease are most undesirable in tourism. But anything can happen anywhere, any time, such as with the war in Iraq and the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS.

Afghanistan

Afghanistan When commenting on an interim government in postwar Iraq, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda was referring to Indonesia's stance of not recognizing the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, not the current government of Hamid Karzai as appeared on the front page of The Jakarta Post edition on April 11, 2003. We apologize for the mistake. -- Editor

U.S. envoy calls for RI role in postwar Iraq

U.S. envoy calls for RI role in postwar Iraq Berni K. Moestafa and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia should participate in the reconstruction of Iraq, said the United States Ambassador to Indonesia Ralph L. Boyce on Friday, as countries worldwide scrambled for a share of lucrative contracts to rebuild postwar Iraq.

JP/7/IGNAS

JP/7/IGNAS Politics can't be justified without concern for public good Political parties and political issues in Indonesia Ignas Kleden The Center for East Indonesian Affairs (CEIA) Jakarta It is an age-old truism that politics has something to do with power. Yet this only half the truth.

U.S. embassy staff return to capital as security improves

U.S. embassy staff return to capital as security improves Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The United States allowed on Friday its embassy staff to return to Jakarta after a six-month-long evacuation due to the threat of terrorism, signaling the return of security despite ongoing antiwar protests and deep anti-American sentiment. "The State Department has authorized nonemergency U.S. employees to return to their diplomatic postings in Indonesia," said a State Department statement.

Lack of awareness slows voter registration: BPS

Lack of awareness slows voter registration: BPS Arya Abhiseka, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Lack of public awareness about the voter registration process has led to delays raising fears that registration of the country's voters will not be competed by the April 30 deadline, the National Statistics Agency (BPS) says.

FKM defies Maluku authorities

FKM defies Maluku authorities Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon, Maluku The Maluku Sovereignty Front (FKM), affiliated with the South Maluku Republic (RMS) separatist movement, said 2,500 supporters would raise the RMS flag in observance of the group's 54th anniversary on April 25, in defiance of the Maluku authorities.

Lawmakers back revisions to MPR decrees on defense

Lawmakers back revisions to MPR decrees on defense Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The military's attempt to revise Decrees No. 6/2000 and No. 7/2000 of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), the country's highest legislative body, has received strong backing from members of the House of Representatives (DPR). MPR Decree No. 6/2000 establishes the National Police and the Indonesian military (TNI) as two separate entities, while Decree No.

Is this GAM's tactic?

Is this GAM's tactic? From Koran Tempo The Cessation of Hostilities Agreement between the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and the Indonesian government, inked in Geneva, Switzerland, some time ago, has allowed free rein to GAM's activities. Since the signing of the agreement GAM has openly committed some 300 acts of violence in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam (NAD). Why have we let it happen? Four months have elapsed and nothing of significance has been achieved.

Minister under fire for deforestation

Minister under fire for deforestation PEKANBARU, Riau: Thirty activists from three environmental protection groups here lodged a protest against rampant deforestation with State Minister for the Environment Nabiel Makarim on Friday.

People turn to Chinese herbs in fear of SARS

People turn to Chinese herbs in fear of SARS Apriadi Gunawan, Contributor, Medan As Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) haunts the world with no cure yet in sight, fear grips people everywhere. In Medan, apart from equipping themselves with masks, some have even found themselves turning to traditional medicine to fight off the virus. A traditional Chinese medicine seller, Halim, currently enjoys brisk business as people flock to buy his concoctions.

Elevate status of

Elevate status of Jakarta governor From Warta Kota I agree with President Megawati Soekarnoputri's plan to carry on the pursuit of the late first president Sukarno (Bung Karno), such as to make Medan Merdeka Utara a museum zone, restore the Gelora Bung Karno stadium as an international sports venue and rebuild banteng (bull) statues once erected in the national monument square. Bung Karno also had futuristic ideas.

Singapore traces SARS "super spreader"

Singapore traces SARS "super spreader" Jason Szep Reuters Singapore Singapore's largest hospital struggled to contain the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) virus on Friday after tracing the origin of a mysterious batch of infections -- a man in his 60s whose multiple ailments masked the illness while he unwittingly passed it on to 19 people.

Who's not ready?

Who's not ready? Naman, a 60-year-old sidewalk vendor, has been eagerly awaiting the time when direct gubernatorial elections would become a reality. This ostensibly trivial reality in fact represents a very interesting phenomenon: That a roadside vendor is keenly aware of the importance of direct elections. This issue of a direct gubernatorial election for Jakarta surfaced amid initiatives in the House of Representatives to revise Law No.34/1999 regarding the Jakarta City administration.

SEPERTI BIASANYA - YANG LOKAL DIBAGI DUA SABTU-SENIN

SEPERTI BIASANYA - YANG LOKAL DIBAGI DUA SABTU-SENIN The fear of SARS The public's fear of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) has yet to diminish despite the measures being taken by the government. In Pesanggrahan, South Jakarta, a woman who had just returned from Singapore was almost 'expelled' by neighbors who suspected that she was carrying the deadly SARS virus.

RI reports first probable case of SARS

RI reports first probable case of SARS Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia recorded one probable case of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) on Friday, and appeared for the first time on the World Health Organization (WHO)'s cumulative list of SARS cases. "The man with the probable SARS case is an English citizen, aged 47.

Graft resurfaces in subdistrict councils

Graft resurfaces in subdistrict councils The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Four cases of corruption are suspected to have taken place with the funds for the subdistrict community empowerment program (PPMK), disbursed last year and managed by the subdistrict council, an official said on Friday.

Danamon bidders urged to raise offers

Danamon bidders urged to raise offers The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) expects the three bidders shortlisted for a majority stake in Bank Danamon to raise their bidding prices. "The (preliminary) bids are not yet final. They will still need to discuss that further, so there is still a possibility for changes," IBRA deputy chairman for bank restructuring I Nyoman Sender told reporters on Friday.

1. ACEH: 3 x 15

1. ACEH: 3 x 15 RP recalls peace monitors from Banda Aceh 2. IRAQ: 1 x 40 Baghdad hospitals in catastrophic state 3. SARS: 1 x 43 RI reports first probable case of SARS

Politicians back transparency of campaign funds

Politicians back transparency of campaign funds Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Politicians backed on Friday calls for presidential hopefuls to provide detailed information on the sources of their campaign funds to promote transparency. They, however, shied away from setting the limit of campaign funds, a move that could prevent money politics in the upcoming elections. "It is high time for presidential candidates to disclose in details their campaign funds.

Rp 1b allotted in thwart spread of SARS

Rp 1b allotted in thwart spread of SARS JAKARTA: The city administration has made an emergency allocation of Rp 1 billion to counteract the threat of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, a health official said. City Health Agency director A. Chalik Masulili said that the money was being taken from the disaster relief fund maintained by his agency, beritajakarta.com reported. He also said that people should not panic due to the lack of masks on the market as not everybody needed a mask.

1. FKM: 10 x 3 lines:

1. FKM: 10 x 3 lines: FKM defies Maluku authorities The Maluku Sovereignty Front (FKM), affiliated with the South Maluku Republic (RMS) separatist movement, said 2,500 supporters would raise the RMS flag in observance of the group's 54th anniversary on April 25, in defiance of the Maluku authorities.

BPK to audit SOEs to curb financial irregularities

BPK to audit SOEs to curb financial irregularities Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) will audit all state-owned enterprises (SOEs), both those under the central government and those under regional administrations, starting in 2006 as stipulated in the new state finance bill. BPK Chairman Satrio B.

Yulianti dreams of sweet career close

Yulianti dreams of sweet career close Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Fauziah Yulianti, who has been a regular player in the national table tennis team for the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games since 1995, expects a memorable ending to her career when she competes in Vietnam for her last appearance. "I want to win a gold medal at the SEA Games.

Schools take part in debate c'ships

Schools take part in debate c'ships JAKARTA: The 2003 National School Debating Championships began on Friday with 32 teams from 19 provinces. Jointly organized by the Ministry of National Education and the Association for Critical Thinking, this is the biggest competition of its kind ever held in Indonesia. The competition will feature teams of three trying to outwit one another in parliamentary-style debates, with one team defending a motion and the other attacking it.

Small-scale businesspeople get aid

Small-scale businesspeople get aid JAYAPURA, Papua: Bank Papua will make available loans totaling Rp 555 billion (US$62.5 million) to small-scale businesspeople in different sectors this year. Onesias Fairyo, director of the bank, said on Friday the amount of loans to be provided this year was an increase from the Rp 486.9 billion allocated last year, when credit arrears reached only Rp 7.8 billion or 1.48 percent.

Indonesian sailor escapes from Philippine rebels

Indonesian sailor escapes from Philippine rebels Agencies Zamboanga, Philippines An Indonesian sailor fled Moro rebels in the southern Philippines on Friday after being held hostage for nearly 10 months, the military said. Peter Lerrich, one of four Indonesians seized by Abu Sayyaf guerrillas from a tugboat in June 2002, was the third to escape. One of the sailors fled soon after the kidnapping and another, Julkipli, dashed from his captors in late March.

Is this GAM's tactic?

Is this GAM's tactic? From Koran Tempo The Cessation of Hostilities Agreement between the Indonesian government and Aceh Freedom Movement (GAM) inked in Geneva on Dec. 9, 2002 has yet to bring about the desired results as there have been violations of the agreement by both sides -- the Indonesian police/military and GAM. However, according to media reports, most violations of the agreement have been perpetrated by GAM.

Action needed to implement WSSD

Action needed to implement WSSD JAKARTA: Experts said on Friday the results of the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) would remain mere words on paper if no concrete action was taken at home. Noted environmentalist Emil Salim urged the relevant ministers to draw up action plans to implement the recommendations of the WSSD, and to stick to them.

JP/5/cap-12

JP/5/cap-12 Antara ON A ROLL: Two steamrollers crush thousands of bottles of liquor and illegal substances in an open field in Cirebon. The local police have intensified their operation to crack down on food and beverage stands selling liquor and to stop the trafficking of illicit drugs in the regency.

Palyja gets 10 new water trucks

Palyja gets 10 new water trucks JAKARTA: PT PAM Lionnaise Jaya (Palyja) has 10 new water trucks with a capacity of 5,000 liters, bring its water-truck fleet to 29 trucks with a total capacity of around 100,000 liters. The company said in a press release on Friday that the new trucks would mainly be used for distributing water to 48 water stations in the city, for emergency water distribution, flood victims and to support social and government activities.

Curbing corruption

Curbing corruption in customs offices It is staggering to hear that corruption is widespread within the Customs, Excise and Tax Directorate General, Ministry of Finance. The Jakarta Post revealed on March 31 the modus operandi of corrupt retired officials connected to the more than 1,500 "phantom" import companies, whose licenses were recently suspended by the government. State revenue lost due to unpaid customs duties and import taxes amounts to Rp 8 trillion per year.

Sutiyoso to pursue reclamation project

Sutiyoso to pursue reclamation project Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso has voiced his determination to go ahead with the plan to reclaim land from the city's northern coast. Amid criticism from two ministers concerned with the environmental impact of the project, Sutiyoso stressed on Friday that he would proceed with plans to reclaim some 2,700 hectares of land from a 32-kilometer stretch along the north coast.

RI becomes 17th country on WHO's SARS list

RI becomes 17th country on WHO's SARS list Evi Mariani The Jakarta Post Jakarta Indonesia recorded one probable case of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) on Friday, becoming the 17th country to be put on the World Health Organization (WHO)'s list of SARS-affected countries. "The man with the probable SARS case is an English citizen, aged 47.

Organized theft of bags uncovered at airport

Organized theft of bags uncovered at airport Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang An organized ring of thieves who had been stealing valuables from baggage at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport was broken up on Friday. Those arrested included three baggage handlers, a security supervisor and a check-in staff member, all of whom worked at the airport.

PWI raises funds for congress

PWI raises funds for congress Jakarta Post, Jakarta Organizers of the 21st Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) congress have been traveling around Central Kalimantan asking for donations from regental administrations across the province. The chairman of the congress' organizing committee, M. Wahyudie, told Antara on Friday that the regional administration of Murung Raya, South Barito and Pulang Pisau had donated a total of Rp 55 million (US$6,193) to organizers.

[b]The award, war and SARS:

The award, war and SARS: RI's tourism endures 2. Pro -- Coalition forces vs. Iraq marks the fall of the United Nations

1. RECLAIM: 50 pt, 5 cols, 1 x 31

1. RECLAIM: 50 pt, 5 cols, 1 x 31 Sutiyoso to pursue land reclamation project 2. AIRPORT: 36 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 26 Organized theft of bags uncovered at airport 3. DEKEL: 28 pt, 3 cols, 1 x 40 Graft resurfaces in subdistrict councils 4. VCD: 28 pt, 3 cols, 1 x 30 Models complain of voyeurism 5. SPEAK: 28 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 36 'Why should we be worrying about SARS?'

Bank Mandiri bonds receives strong market demand

Bank Mandiri bonds receives strong market demand Dow Jones, Jakarta The giant state-owned Bank Mandiri sold US$300 million in senior bonds on Friday, more than the planned $200 million due to strong demand from the market, a banker familiar with the deal said. The solid interest in the bonds also allowed the bank to offer a lower yield-to-maturity of 7.125 percent from earlier indications of a 7.25 percent to 7.50 percent range.

[b]The agribusiness

The agribusiness system approach to agriculture Pantjar Simatupang Director Center for Agro Socio Economic Research and Development Bogor, West Java 2. Kurds -- Dream of the homeless 1 X 30 Dream of the homeless Kurds The Kurds are spread in four countries, Iraq, Turkey, Iran and Syria, and the fall of Saddam has rekindled their hopes of a homeland they can call their own, writes JK DUTT The Statesman

Art surfaces outside galleries - in the bookshop

Art surfaces outside galleries - in the bookshop Carla Bianpoen, Contributor, Jakarta As exhibitions these days are not limited to museums and galleries anymore, art that previously remained within the confines of the artist's living quarters now has a chance to surface in prestigious spaces like five-star hotels, modern shopping malls and quality bookshops.

Berlin, Moscow want rebuilding of post-war Iraq under UN: Putin

Berlin, Moscow want rebuilding of post-war Iraq under UN: Putin Agencies Saint Petersburg, Russia Berlin and Moscow want the reconstruction of post-war Iraq to be under UN auspices, Russian President Vladimir Putin said here on Friday during talks with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder.

`RI should support Iraqis to rebuild their country'

`RI should support Iraqis to rebuild their country' Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia should support the Iraqi people to rebuild their country, following news reports over the fall of Baghdad to U.S.- led coalition forces and the absence of a functioning government in the country, analysts said on Friday.

TV Today: Saturday, April 12, 2003

TV Today: Saturday, April 12, 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 8:00 DRTV Indonesia 8:30 Talk Show: Ibu, Bayi dan Balita 9:00 Music: Pesona Music Indonesia 10:00 TV Drama: Mujizat 10:30 Talk Show: Life Clip 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 Kid Action 3:00 Oto Screen 3:30 Variety Show:...

China to groom 50 firms for global list

China to groom 50 firms for global list Agence France Presse, Beijing China plans to groom 50 companies to become among the world's top 500 multinationals within the next 12 years, state media reported on Friday. Officials want to achieve this ambitious objective via a "go- out" strategy that encourages local companies to invest more abroad, the China Daily said. But some state-employed economists think the government is not doing enough yet to implement this strategy, according to the paper.

Outlook for postwar Iraq: Diplomatic rifts

Outlook for postwar Iraq: Diplomatic rifts Bantarto Bandoro, Editor, 'The Indonesian Quarterly', Centre For Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Jakarta, bandoro@csis.or.id As U.S.-led troops tightened their grip in and around Baghdad, political leaders in several countries, including key parts of the coalition forces, have already begun to reposition themselves for the next phase of the drama.

No interruption, please

No interruption, please From Warta Kota Classical music has gained recognition in Indonesia, particularly after the regular early morning broadcasts by Metro TV. I believe this music is very inspiring. Sadly, the station's round-the-clock running texts can disturb the concentration of the classical music audience.

Where to go in Jakarta:Saturday, April 12, 2003

Where to go in Jakarta:Saturday, April 12, 2003 Exhibitions * Painting, Our Roots Are Our Wings, by Indian Artistes Network, at World Trade Centre, Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 29-31, South Jakarta, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., until April 13. * Painting, Kontemporer Russia 2 at Gallery Nasional, Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur 14, Central Jakarta, (Tel. 3813021) , 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., until April 17. * Painting, Milestones Of Modesty, by I Made Djirna, at Graha Paramita Building, Jl.

War as entertainment?

War as entertainment? From Republika The program aired by Lativi on March 26, 2003 was interesting to see. They raised a current and wicked issue to discuss: American invasion against Iraq. Adolf Posmah, as the host, presented British Ambassador to Indonesia, military analyst, Hasnan Habib and Nangogoy as resource persons. Through this letter I would like to call into question the careless "conclusion" made by the host at the end of the program.

Navy sinks Thai fishing boat

Navy sinks Thai fishing boat JAKARTA: The Indonesian Navy sank a Thai fishing boat and arrested 11 of its crew members off the eastern coast of Sumatra island, officers said on Friday. Lt. Col. Teguh Wahyono, a spokesman for the Navy's Western Fleet, said a patrol vessel arrested the crew after they were caught fishing illegally in the waters off Riau province on Sumatra island on Tuesday. It then fired on the vessel, the Minabakti, and sank it. "They stole a lot of fish there," Wahyono said.

LBH offices allowed to raise funds

LBH offices allowed to raise funds JAKARTA: Legal Aid Institute (LBH) offices across the country will continue to provide pro bono services as their parent organization, the Indonesian Legal Aid Institute (YLBHI), has decided to allow them to raise funds following its financial difficulties. "We have agreed to let the LBH offices raise funds themselves as we can't play a central role any longer," Wirawan of LBH Bandung, who presided over the YLBHI national meeting, said on Friday.

New envoys presents credentials

New envoys presents credentials JAKARTA: President Megawati Soekarnoputri received credential letters from the nonresident ambassadors of Guinea and Ethiopia on Friday. New Ethiopian Ambassador to Indonesia Koang Tutiam Dung is stationed in Tokyo, while the Guinean Ambassador to Indonesia Mamadou Toure resides in Kuala Lumpur. The ceremony took place at Merdeka Palace and was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda.

Govt to set reference price for white pepper

Govt to set reference price for white pepper Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Ministry of Industry and Trade will set a base price for white pepper in a bid to help stabilize the current dwindling price of the commodity on the domestic market, a senior official said on Friday. "Minister Rini M.

`Why should we be panicking about SARS?'

`Why should we be panicking about SARS?' The government said that there had been a number of suspected Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) cases here, but none of them had been confirmed. Many people, however, told The Jakarta Post that they remain in the dark about the disease and complain about the lack of clear information from the government. Warta, 26, is bajaj (three-wheeled vehicle) driver who lives in Pulogadung, East Jakarta with his fellow drivers.

JP/7/SIMA

JP/7/SIMA Part 1 of 2 ON THE AGRIBUSINESS SYSTEM APPROACH TO AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT Pantjar Simatupang Director Center for Agro Socio Economic Research and Development Bogor The agribusiness system paradigm was first outlined by Davies and Goldberg in 1957, and was declared as the new strategy of agricultural development in Indonesia in the late 1980s. It was translated into sectoral policy framework by Bungaran Saragih, the current Minister of Agriculture.

Granny on trial for maid abuse

Granny on trial for maid abuse SINGAPORE: A 68-year-old grandmother on trial for maid abuse in Singapore has been accused of forcing an Indonesian domestic servant to eat human feces, among other offenses, a report said on Friday. Wong Mei Lin faces 10 counts of abusing her son's 26-year-old Indonesian maid, Lestari Riyanto, shortly after she started working for the man in July 2001, the Straits Times said.

JP/7/SIMA

JP/7/SIMA ON THE AGRIBUSINESS SYSTEM APPROACH TO AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT Pantjar Simatupang Director Center for Agro Socio Economic Research and Development Bogor The agribusiness system paradigm was first outlined by Davies and Goldberg in 1957, and was declared as the new strategy of agricultural development in Indonesia in the late 1980s. It was translated into sectoral policy framework by Bungaran Saragih, the current Minister of Agriculture.

Manila recalls peace monitors to Banda Aceh

Manila recalls peace monitors to Banda Aceh The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The lack of a security guarantee has prompted the Philippines to consider temporarily to recall its peace monitors from field operations in the strife-torn Indonesian province of Aceh. Filipino Foreign Secretary Blas Ople said their diplomats were working with the Indonesian government and the Geneva-based Henry Dunant Centre (HDC) to ensure the safety of the eight Filipino monitors.

Govt to set reference price for white pepper

Govt to set reference price for white pepper Adianto P. Simamora The Jakarta Post Jakarta The Ministry of Industry and Trade will set a base price for white pepper in a bid to help stabilize the current dwindling price of the commodity on the domestic market, a senior official said on Friday. "Minister Rini M.

Cataracts blind 200,000 people

Cataracts blind 200,000 people SURABAYA: At least 200,000 people in East Java have lost their eyesight due to cataracts, making it imperative to provide extensive eye disease prevention and treatment throughout the province, a senior health official said. Dr. Adi Wirachman, head of East Java's Public Health Center for Eye Care (BKMM), said in Surabaya on Thursday his institution was actively engaged in the prevention and treatment of eye disorders among the middle and lower classes.