Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 23 April 2003

87 articles found

WB to end RI railways reform project

WB to end RI railways reform project The World Bank will end its loan program to Indonesia's State Railway Company PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) in September and cancel unused funds because of "unsatisfactory" efforts to reform the ailing state enterprise, sources said on Tuesday. "The World Bank has several times assessed the Indonesian government's and KAI's performance as unsatisfactory.

Belu people criticize E.Timor visa ruling

Belu people criticize E.Timor visa ruling The Jakarta Post, Jakarta People in the East Timor regency of Belu expressed disappointment over the country's recent ruling to impose a US$25 visa on visitors from Indonesia, which it borders. A number of local figures warned on Tuesday that the visa ruling, which took effect on April 19, would burden East Timor more than it would Indonesia.

SEA Games in question due to SARS outbreak

SEA Games in question due to SARS outbreak Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The National Sports Council (KONI) is monitoring developments in the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and will wait until September to decide whether to send athletes to the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games scheduled for this December in Vietnam. "We will see how SARS develops and the World Health Organization (WHO)'s account of the disease. Is Vietnam already free of SARS?

Megawati calls for closer ties with Russia

Megawati calls for closer ties with Russia Agencies Jakarta After years of fluctuating bilateral relations with Russia, President Megawati Soekarnoputri on Tuesday called for a new beginning, hoping to boost bilateral trade, which has averaged a mere US$120 million annually for the last five years. Speaking at a Russian-Indonesian business forum in Moscow, Megawati said that Indonesia had to start from the beginning to improve relations with the former communist state.

Bulog accused of hoarding sugar to reap profit

Bulog accused of hoarding sugar to reap profit The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The National Economic Recovery Committee (KPEN) on Tuesday accused the State Logistics Agency (Bulog), the main distributor of imported sugar, of hoarding the commodity in a bid to prop up the price to gain profit. KPEN chairman Sofyan Wanandi said the move had created scarcity in the market, which led to the current hike in sugar prices. "Bulog is not serious in distributing sugar to the markets.

Minister says Cemex agrees to SG spin-off proposal

Minister says Cemex agrees to SG spin-off proposal Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Confusion surrounding the proposed split of cement makers PT Semen Padang and PT Semen Tonasa from parent company PT Semen Gresik continued following a statement that a key minority shareholder had approved the plan. Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Yusuf Kalla said on Tuesday that Cemex SA de CV had given its approval.

Govt, GAM to meet in Geneva

Govt, GAM to meet in Geneva Tiarma Siboro and Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Banda Aceh The government has agreed to hold a Joint Council meeting with the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) in Geneva, Switzerland, on April 25 in a bid to salvage the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA). Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said here on Tuesday that he would lead the government delegation.

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3 x 18 Troops readied for security operation in troubled Aceh JP/2/SUMMIT 2 x 25 ASEAN ministers to hold talks in Malaysia on SARS prevention JP/2/sars 1 x 45 Govt imposes travel ban on suspected SARS patients 1 x 30 Earth Day celebrated in many ways

NGOs start education campaign

NGOs start education campaign JAKARTA: Nine non-governmental organizations belonging to the Plural Community Group (KUMPUL), and hailing from Jakarta, Yogyakarta and Bogor, have joined forces to organize a one-month education campaign from April 21 through May 20.

Malaysian PM's office raps 'AWSJ' over picture mix-up

Malaysian PM's office raps 'AWSJ' over picture mix-up Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's office on Tuesday complained to The Asian Wall Street Journal after it ran a picture of a top terrorist suspect which it identified as Mahathir. The illustration of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, allegedly the al- Qaeda mastermind behind the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States, was carried in an article on Malaysia in the AWSJ on Monday and captioned "Mahathir Mohamad".

TV Program: Wednesday, April 23, 2003

TV Program: Wednesday, April 23, 2003 .TB.30" 1.00" TVRI .TB.30" .90" 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 English News Service 9:00 Documentary 9:30 Cooking Program: Menu Sehat 10:00 Quiz: Dibisikin 11:00 News: Berita Daerah 12:00 p.m.News: Berita Siang 1:00 Talk Show: Konsultasi Keluarga 2:30 Music: Pop Daerah 4:00 Children's Program: Pentas Ceria 4:30 Documentary 5:00 Game Show: Yang Brilian 6:00 News: Berita Petang 7:00 Quiz: Ekspresi Gaya Pelajar 9:00 News: Berita Malam 9:30 Music: Dangdut Pro...

Work hard to overcome crisis

Work hard to overcome crisis From Suara Karya There is still a long way to go before Indonesia is truly crises free, despite the ongoing reform and democratization. The government's recent decision to raise the rates of electricity, telephone and gasoline has only meant a greater burden for the people of the middle and lower classes. This decision has led to hikes in daily necessities.

KPU admits to flaws in registration process

KPU admits to flaws in registration process Arya Abhiseka, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The General Elections Commission (KPU) admitted on Tuesday that many flaws were evident in the voter registration process as revealed by a resistance to the program in some regions.

Indonesia, Thailand post easy victories in Federation Cup

Indonesia, Thailand post easy victories in Federation Cup Agence France-Presse, Tokyo Angelique "Angie" Widjaja and Tamarine Tanasugarn posted easy singles wins to give their countries second straight wins in the Federation Cup tennis Asia-Oceania zone Group One preliminary round on Tuesday. Angie whitewashed Karina Jarlkaganova 6-0, 6-0 to add to Wynne Adiati Prakusya's 6-1, 6-0 win over Marina Shpak for Indonesia before the two joined hands to win the doubles 6-2, 6-1.

Telkom turns a deaf ear

Telkom turns a deaf ear From Bisnis Indonesia On March 1, 2003, I went to telecommunications company PT Telkom's service center on Jl. Iskandarsyah to cancel Telkom telephone connection No. 72788479. I was required to provide a security deposit as a guarantee for the February telephone bill. Unfortunately, I was also required to provide a security deposit for the March bill as well. I went to the service center on March 1 to ensure that calculating the bill would be easy.

Semen Gresik's imbroglio

Semen Gresik's imbroglio There is nothing substantially new, nor legally meaningful in State Minister for State Enterprises Laksamana Sukardi's letter of April 16 addressed to West Sumatra Governor Zainal Bakar, yet politicians in this province had prematurely rejoiced, strongly confident that Semen Padang would soon be spun off from its holding company, publicly-traded Semen Gresik.

checked

checked Hope lives on for ailing tourism industry Sudibyo M. Wiradji The Jakarta Post Worldwide travel fears resulting from the war in Iraq and the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) have come as further setbacks for Indonesia's battered tourism industry. Tourism officials and executives of the country's star-rated hotels acknowledge they are already seeing repercussions from the war and the spread of the killer disease, with travelers canceling planned visits.

GAM is untrustworthy

GAM is untrustworthy 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.

S'pore keeps neighborly with RI investment

S'pore keeps neighborly with RI investment Kornelius Purba The Jakarta Post Jakarta Tiny but wealthy Singapore wields its financial might in the region, including in investment in Indonesia. The city state is the third largest foreign investor in the country after Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. In 2001, Singapore companies were involved in 154 projects with investment value worth US$1.139 million. Singapore has been one of the top six foreign investors in Indonesia for the last five years.

~Consumers still left hanging in telecom development

~Consumers still left hanging in telecom development It was a long time coming, but the people of Senggigi in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, are now able to dash off an e-mail or get in a bit of cyber surfing at one of the several warnet (kiosks offering Internet-connected computers) operating in the beach resort area.

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~ Fire at Sabang Hotel: A small fire broke out at Sabang Hotel in Central Jakarta on Tuesday evening at 10:30 p.m. The fire damaged the hotel's administration room on the third floor. No casualties were reported as all the hotel guests were immediately evacuated after the fire alarms were sounded. Firefighters put out the fire around an hour later. -- Antara

Dubai-Malaysian joint venture threatens S'pore shipping hub

Dubai-Malaysian joint venture threatens S'pore shipping hub Agence France-Presse, Singapore Malaysian and Dubai businessmen are planning to build a new logistics hub in Malaysia in a move that could challenge Singapore's position as the region's leading shipping and logistics center, a report said Tuesday.

Troops readied for security operation in troubled Aceh

Troops readied for security operation in troubled Aceh Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta At least two battalions of marines and 6,000 members of the feared Mobile Brigade (Brimob) have been told to stand by for a possible security operation in Aceh should the April 25 Joint Council meeting fail to salvage the peace agreement signed last year.

Volleyballers begin SEAG camp on Sunday

Volleyballers begin SEAG camp on Sunday The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Volleyball Association (PBVSI) will open its training camp on Sunday for the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games scheduled for Vietnam in December. Seventeen men and 16 women will take part in the camp at the Sentul Training Center in Bogor, West Java. The athletes come from seven provinces: Jakarta, West Java, Central Java, East Java, Yogyakarta, Lampung and Papua.

Soeharto's brother sentenced to four years

Soeharto's brother sentenced to four years M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Central Jakarta District Court on Tuesday sentenced tycoon Probosutedjo, the half-brother of former President Soeharto, to four-years imprisonment after finding him guilty of embezzling state reforestation funds. Presiding Judge Muhammad Saleh also ordered that Probo return Rp 100.9 billion (US$11.2 million) to the state and to pay a fine of Rp 30 million.

RI seeks UN Human Rights Commission membership

RI seeks UN Human Rights Commission membership Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia is seeking one of the 53 seats on the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) for 2003-2004, hoping that its own poor human rights track record will not count against it. A spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Marty Natalegawa, said on Tuesday that despite its shortcomings, Indonesia deserved the nomination because it was a recognized democracy.

BNI Q1 net profit soars slightly

BNI Q1 net profit soars slightly JAKARTA: PT. Bank Negara Indonesia's (BNI) net profit for the first three months of this year rose slightly to Rp 850 billion (US$96.5 million) from Rp 842 billion in the same period last year, Chief Executive Saifuddien Hasan said on Tuesday. The bank's loan-to-deposit ratio stood at 40 percent in the first quarter, Saifuddien said.

* Headlines: Earth Day: The future of our livelihood 3

* Headlines: Earth Day: The future of our livelihood 3 * National: RI seeks UN Human Rights Commission membership 4 * Archipelago: Belu people criticize E.

Respect for the law

Respect for the law Disrespect for the law in Indonesia has become clearer. In the last two days law enforcers have made efforts to uphold the law appear feeble. The police arrested governor-elect of Lampung Alzier Dianis Thabrani for criminal acts he had allegedly committed before he passed the mandatory test. Alzier also participated in public debate before he was elected governor.

BNI Q1 net profit soars slightly

BNI Q1 net profit soars slightly JAKARTA: PT. Bank Negara Indonesia's (BNI) net profit for the first three months of this year rose slightly to Rp 850 billion (US$96.5 million) from Rp 842 billion in the same period last year, Chief Executive Saifuddien Hasan said on Tuesday. The bank's loan-to-deposit ratio stood at 40 percent in the first quarter, Saifuddien said.

~Titles:

~Titles: Note : No Customer First's Logo TNT Indonesia : "Nobody does Logistics & Express Delivery better..." TNT Indonesia has grown rapidly and has now become the most reliable provider of express and logistics service in the country thanks to the company's relentless efforts and strong commitment to meet the every the needs of its customers. This might explain why the number of TNT's customers in Indonesia continue to increase from year to year.

Maintaining the waistline while enjoying a holiday

Maintaining the waistline while enjoying a holiday Melissa Southern-Garcia, Dietitian, Jakarta, SouthernDietitian@yahoo.com When holidays and the end of the school year are all here or around the corner, these occasions usually mean food, fun, traveling and eating out. Here are some tips on how to enjoy your holidays while still maintaining your waistline: When traveling: Plan ahead. Some of the worst nutritional choices are made when a person is hungry and in a hurry.

'Bill shuts out alternative presidential candidates'

'Bill shuts out alternative presidential candidates' The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Prodemocracy activists, analysts and mass media are certainly not the only ones longing for the emergence of a strong, fair and wise national leader to bring the nation out of its prolonged crisis, uphold justice and build peace.

Oil, gas producers miss 2002 output target

Oil, gas producers miss 2002 output target A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The country's oil and gas production in 2002 did not meet the government's target, due to slowing investment, security concerns and natural disasters, a top government official said.

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2.(2 x 24) Over 70,000 students take UGM entrance exams 3. Rights (1 x 45) RI seeks UN Human Rights Commission membership 3. Capres (1 x 50) Chances slim for emergence of alternative candidates

Over 70,000 students take UGM entrance exams

Over 70,000 students take UGM entrance exams Sri Wahyuni and Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta/Jakarta Some 76,000 high school students and graduates took admission tests on Tuesday for the Yogyakarta-based Gadjah Mada University, which were given simultaneously in 17 cities across the country. The tests, which run through Wednesday, will determine which participants will secure one of 4,000 seats at the university.

~Oei Eng Goan

~Oei Eng Goan The Jakarta Post Jakarta Political and economic relations between China and Indonesia have enjoyed such rapid progress that Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Lu Shumin calls it the best period of development following the resumption of full diplomatic ties in 1990. Ambassador Lu attributed the solid ties to both sides adopting a policy of mutual trust and respect, good neighborhood and comprehensive cooperation, boosted by the support of neighboring countries in the region.

Concern for good of the public needed to justify politics

Concern for good of the public needed to justify politics Ignas Kleden, The Center for East, Indonesian Affairs (CEIA), Jakarta It is an age-old truism that politics has something to do with power; but this is only half the truth. The fact that someone -- the president for example -- is entitled to such great power over others can only be understood and justified if the power given to him or her is used for the common good of as many citizens as possible.

French envoy discusses investor staying power

French envoy discusses investor staying power Berni K. Moestafa The Jakarta Post Jakarta According to French Ambassador to Indonesia Herve Ladsous, French companies are here to stay. Neither the 1997 economic crisis nor the subsequent political turmoil that ended a three- decade authoritarian regime could scare them away. Most companies, Ladsous said, decided to stay.

'Molenvliet' marked Batavia's golden age

'Molenvliet' marked Batavia's golden age Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Molenvliet area -- now the area along Jl. Gajah Mada and Jl. Hayam Wuruk, West Jakarta -- was once the most prestigious area in Southeast Asia. The name Molenvliet, according to historian Alwi Shahab, was still used until the early 1960s.

PT KAI admits corruption

PT KAI admits corruption Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung, West Java State railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (PT KAI) has accepted the irregularities identified by the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) in the company but stopped short of launching an investigation into the graft. Patria Supriyoso, a spokesman for PT KAI, confirmed here on Tuesday that the company had admitted that a number of irregularities had occurred in the company in 2001 and 2002.

RI to host meeting on children

RI to host meeting on children JAKARTA: Indonesia will host the sixth East Asia and Pacific Ministerial Consultation on Children in Nusa Dua on the resort island of Bali from May 5 through May 7. The ministerial consultation is being jointly organized by the Indonesian government and UNICEF.

3 x 18

3 x 18 Troops readied for security operation in troubled Aceh JP/2/SUMMIT 2 x 25 ASEAN ministers to hold talks in Malaysia on SARS prevention JP/2/sars 1 x 45 Govt imposes travel ban on suspected SARS patients 1 x 30 Earth Day celebrated in many ways

Motorcycle sales expected to be flat this year

Motorcycle sales expected to be flat this year The Jakarta Post, Jakarta New motorcycles sales will remain flat this year on weaker consumer spending, the Indonesian Motorcycle Industry Association (AISI) says. "For the last three years we have enjoyed significant growth of up to 25 percent per year, but this year, in line with the decline in people's purchasing power, motorcycle sales are predicted to be flat," AISI deputy chairman Gunadi Sindhuwinata told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday.

Govt says it's 'on right track' for fiscal sustainability

Govt says it's 'on right track' for fiscal sustainability Dadan Wijaksana and Reiner S. The Jakarta Post Jakarta The government has been applauded for making substantial progress in managing its post-crisis fiscal challenges, but dangers stemming largely from the crisis persist. Minister of Finance Boediono said the government remained committed to continuing the fiscal consolidation process, which often requires taking difficult and unpopular measures.

Reason must prevail

Reason must prevail From Kompas Protests against the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq have flared up across the country, involving nearly all social groups. Regrettably, some protesters who have held their rallies in front of several U.S. companies, have also damaged U.S.-based franchise restaurants selling fast foods. In addition, some university students threw rotten eggs and paint at the American Express Building on Jl. Rasuna Said, Jakarta, on March 26, 2003.

Forestry taxes fall short in Riau: Timber expert

Forestry taxes fall short in Riau: Timber expert Haidir Anwar Tanjung, The Jakarta Post, Pekanbaru, Riau A timber association executive warned of irregularities in the local tax payments on forestry products to the province of Riau, saying pulp and paper companies should have paid six times more than they had done so far.

~Rita A. Widiadana

~Rita A. Widiadana and I Wayan Juniartha The Jakarta Post Denpasar, Bali Nothing cuts deeper than the loss of image and a shattered peace, especially when the victim is not to blame. It is what happened to the once tranquil island of Bali, a venerated paradise for the world's tourists. Overnight, the bombings of Oct.

Earth Day: Rethinking our approach to the earth

Earth Day: Rethinking our approach to the earth Yanuar Nugroho, Director, The Business Watch Indonesia, Surakarta, yanuar-n@unisosdem.org Founded in 1970 by Gaylord Nelson, a former United States senator from Wisconsin, Earth Day has grown into a global event. This year, April 22 marks the 33rd celebration of Earth Day, a day when people around the world hold events to honor our planet and to remind everyone about the importance of our ecosystem.

NGOs start education campaign

NGOs start education campaign JAKARTA: Nine non-governmental organizations belonging to the Plural Community Group (KUMPUL), and hailing from Jakarta, Yogyakarta and Bogor, have joined forces to organize a one-month education campaign from April 21 through May 20.

Candra Naya: A heritage already forgotten?

Candra Naya: A heritage already forgotten? Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta It is not easy to find the building even though it was once one of the grandest Chinese houses in Batavia (old Jakarta). The building is listed as being located at Jl. Gajah Mada no. 188, but it does not help much as what one finds is not what one would expect of a cultural heritage. Candra Naya, which is a cultural heritage building as stipulated by Gubernatorial Decree No.

~Drawing up the balance sheet of Indonesian economic performance

~Drawing up the balance sheet of Indonesian economic performance is a discouraging job. How can it be otherwise when we hear incessant complaints and cynical comments on the sorry state affairs. For five years we have been mired in economic crisis, our fortunes rising or falling in concert with the rupiah. Although the rupiah has strengthened to around Rp 8,800 to the U.S.

'I often violate the 3-in-1 traffic rule'

'I often violate the 3-in-1 traffic rule' The city administration is considering expanding the three-in-one traffic policy for motorists later this year with the launching of the busway project. Currently, vehicles with less than three passengers are not allowed to pass the main thoroughfares of Jl. Jend. Sudirman and Jl. MH Thamrin between certain hours. But there are frequent violations, as told to The Jakarta Post. Arleta, 33, is an executive of an English language school on Jl.

More join family planning in Lampung

More join family planning in Lampung BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: The provincial administration of Lampung said it expected more couples to join the state sponsored family program this year, after almost 70 percent of 1.2 million couples in the province joined the program last year.

Jakarta to introduce new parking system

Jakarta to introduce new parking system Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city administration will introduce on a limited basis next month a new on-street parking system that will employ prepaid cards, with the goal of increasing the annually disappointing parking revenue.

N. Sumatra gubernatorial candidates to present views

N. Sumatra gubernatorial candidates to present views Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan, North Sumatra The North Sumatra provincial legislative council has picked three candidates to contend the gubernatorial election scheduled for May 15. Of 40 gubernatorial candidates and 33 deputy gubernatorial candidates, the provincial legislature in its plenary meeting here selected on Monday incumbent governor T.

Where to go in Surabaya, for Wednesday, April 23, 2003

Where to go in Surabaya, for Wednesday, April 23, 2003 Exhibition * Painting, Imajinasi Tentang Perempuan (Fantasy On Women) by Agus Kucing, at Galeri Surabaya, Jl. Pemuda 15 (Tel. 031- 5454120), 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., until April 23. Film * Film, La Vie est belle (Life is Beautiful), directed by Etienne Chatillez, at CCCL - French Cultural Center, Jl. Darmokali 10 (Tel. 031-5615246), 6 p.m., April 24, April 28, and April 30.

Boatpeople issue could sour RI-Australia ties

Boatpeople issue could sour RI-Australia ties Agence France-Presse, Sydney, Australia/Jakarta The decision of Indonesian authorities to allow the boat to sail to Australia has raised concerns the episode could sour an already sensitive relationship ahead of a people-smuggling conference being hosted by the two countries in Bali next week.

RI wants closer ties with Russia

RI wants closer ties with Russia Agencies, Jakarta After years of fluctuating bilateral relations with Russia, President Megawati Soekarnoputri on Tuesday called for a new beginning, hoping to boost bilateral trade, which has averaged a mere US$120 million annually for the last five years. Speaking at a Russian-Indonesian business forum in Moscow, Megawati said that Indonesia had to start from the beginning to improve relations with the former communist state.

Minister takes over Lampung govt

Minister takes over Lampung govt JAKARTA: Home minister Hari Sabarno has temporarily taken control of public administration in Lampung province following the arrest of governor-elect Alzier Dianis Thabranie on criminal charges. The ministry's director general for regional autonomy, Oentarto Sindung Mawardi, made a statement to that effect here on Tuesday while explaining the government's stance over Thabranie's arrest.

Civilians must be more aware of defense needs

Civilians must be more aware of defense needs Sayidiman Suryohadiprojo, Former Governor, National Resilience Institute, (Lemhanas), Jakarta Earlier this month, the Ministry of Defense published its first Defense White Book, titled The Defense of the Nation in the 21st Century. This is a commendable performance by the ministry that deserves our praise.

Megawati awarded honorary doctorate

Megawati awarded honorary doctorate Moscow's Institute of International Relations rector Alexander Turkunov presented Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri with an honorary doctorate on Tuesday for her contribution to "the development of mutual understanding between peoples and interaction between civilizations." During the presentation, Megawati shared her experiences of preserving a national consensus in the multi-ethnic and multi- religious country and briefed the audience on...

`Tempo' chief editor testifies to assault by Tomy backers

`Tempo' chief editor testifies to assault by Tomy backers M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Tempo chief editor Bambang Harymurti told the Central Jakarta District Court on Tuesday that he was assaulted by David Tjioe alias A Miauw, a minion of tycoon Tomy Winata, at the Central Jakarta Police station, under the watchful eyes of policemen. He made the statement in the trial of David, who along with other supporters of Tomy, stormed the weekly's office on Jl.

Regional autonomy has not lived up to expectations: Minister

Regional autonomy has not lived up to expectations: Minister Tiarma Siboro The Jakarta Post Jakarta Regional autonomy has sparked disputes between the central government and local governments, local governments and the public and even among the local administrations since it came into effect more than three years ago. To make matters worse, the government intends to revise the ruling, which, to many, signals a move to transfer the power back to the central government.

Students mark Earth Day

Students mark Earth Day CIREBON, West Java: Hundreds of students marked Earth Day on Tuesday by imposing a "no-pollution" zone along Jl. Siliwangi in the West Java town of Cirebon, where motorists were required to turn off their engines while the students pushed their cars down the street. The students also asked motorcyclists to get off their bikes and push them through the street's no-pollution zone.

Australia worried about Vietnamese boatpeople sailing from

Australia worried about Vietnamese boatpeople sailing from Indonesia Agence France-Presse Sydney, Australia/Jakarta Australian authorities has expressed concern to Indonesia over its decision to allow 42 Vietnamese boatpeople to sail for Australia in an unsafe and overcrowded wooden boat, officials said on Tuesday.

City to build Manggarai apartment

City to build Manggarai apartment JAKARTA: The city administration will proceed with the construction of a low-cost apartment complex in Manggarai, South Jakarta, where about 4,000 people lost their houses to a fire last month. However, a number of local residents have objected to the plan. "They should realize that they have illegally occupied the land, and understand that this plan is for the betterment of their lives," Governor Sutiyoso was quoted by Antara as saying here on Tuesday.

SARS to finally hit investment in China

SARS to finally hit investment in China Owen Brown, Dow Jones, Beijing As health authorities Tuesday continued to upgrade the extent of the spread of a potentially fatal respiratory virus, a key concern for China's economy remains the possible downside for foreign investment. So far analysts expect China's tourism and hospitality industries to be the hardest hit by public health concerns arising from severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS.

Rupiah Rates April 22

Rupiah Rates April 22 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 5,669.99 5,051.57 5,389.87 5,331.47 Brunei dollar 1 5,200.00 4,634.01 4,943.10 4,890.77 Canadian dollar 1 6,341.03 5,650.14 6,027.75 5,963.20 Swiss franc 1 6,642.68 5,919.59 6,314.50 6,247.57 Danish krone 1 1,349.51 1,202.92 1,282.84 1,269.57 Euro 1 10,020.09 8,931.20 9,525.05 9,426.05 Poundsterling 1 14,432.03 12,865.96 13,719.03 13,578.82 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,183.41 1,055.13 1,124.94 1,203.05...

Bogor crying out for undertakers

Bogor crying out for undertakers BOGOR: The town of Bogor is in dire need of undertakers who know how to tend to the dead in accordance with Islamic law. Mayor Iswara Natanegara said on Tuesday that very few people were interested in learning the profession, Antara reported. On average, there is only one undertaker assigned to each subdistrict, and they are usually very old, he said at the opening of a training seminar on how to tend to the dead here.

Officials given surprise drug test

Officials given surprise drug test PONTIANAK, West Kalimantan: Senior officials in the West Kalimantan provincial government were given surprise drug tests on Tuesday when they showed up for what they thought was a regular morning meeting with the governor. Governor Usman Ja'far, Deputy Governor Herman Kadir and 46 high-ranking officials were given urine tests as part of the province's drive to combat narcotics.

1. INSIGHT: 1 x 50

1. INSIGHT: 1 x 50 Earth Day: Rethinking our approach to the earth 2. RUSSIA: 1 x 35 RI wants closer ties with Russia 3. MEGA: 1 x 38 Megawati awarded honorary doctorate 4. BOAT: 1 x 43 Boat people issue could sour Australia ties

IBRA launches property sale program

IBRA launches property sale program The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) said on Tuesday that it had started the sale of property assets taken from its debtors. The debtors are mostly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The registration period to participate in the sale program, called the Crash Program Property (CPP), was held from April 21 until April 20, an agency press statement said.

Concern SARS To Eventually Hit Investment In China

Concern SARS To Eventually Hit Investment In China Owen Brown Dow Jones Beijing As health authorities Tuesday continued to upgrade the extent of the spread of a potentially fatal respiratory virus, a key concern for China's economy remains the possible downside for foreign investment. So far analysts expect China's tourism and hospitality industries to be the hardest hit by public health concerns arising from severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS.

Earth Day celebrated in many ways

Earth Day celebrated in many ways The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta/Jakarta Indonesians marked Earth Day on Tuesday in various ways including stopping motorists and asking them to switch off their engines, asking smokers to put out their cigarettes and pulling down banners in green areas. In Jakarta, about 100 environmentalists staged a rally at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle, and called on people to care for the earth and conserve water.

Students to get thermometers

Students to get thermometers SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Education will distribute as many as 500,000 thermometers to the city-state's students so they will be able to check themselves for fever every day to prevent the spread of SARS, local media reported on Tuesday. The campaign will be launched in elementary schools next week and then extended to high schools and junior colleges, said Singapore NewsRadio 93.8.

Aceh administration

Aceh administration must be audited From Rakyat Merdeka The central government has channeled trillions of rupiah to Aceh, but the province has hardly enjoyed the fruits of development. What is wrong with this situation?

Bangkok to destroy land mines

Bangkok to destroy land mines THAILAND: Thailand this week will become the first country in mainland Southeast Asia to complete the destruction of its land mine stockpiles, but its border areas remain contaminated with the buried weapons, the UN said on Tuesday.

Govt imposes travel ban on SARS patients

Govt imposes travel ban on SARS patients Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government decided on Tuesday to impose a travel ban on suspected Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) cases in an attempt to control the spread of the disease, which has claimed more than 200 hundred lives worldwide.

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

1. TEMPO: 50 pt, 2 cols, 4 x 12 'Tempo' editor testifies to assault by Tomy supporters 2. CANDRA: 36 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 26 Candra Naya: A heritage already forgotten? 3. MOLEN: 30 pt, 5 cols, 1 x 45 'Molenvliet' marked Batavia's golden age 4. SPEAK: 28 pt, 2 cols, 2 x 20 'I often violate the 3-in-1 traffic rule'

Bus attack revives security fears

Bus attack revives security fears LAOS: The bloody weekend ambush of a bus in Laos has revived security fears in Vietnam's tiny western neighbor and left diplomats in the Laotian capital Vientiane puzzling over the identify of the assailants. There has been no claim of responsibility for Sunday's attack which left at least 12 people dead and another 31 wounded, according to a toll published by the state-owned English-language Vientiane Times on Tuesday.

Respect for the law

Respect for the law Disrespect for the law in Indonesia has become clearer. In the last two days law enforcers have made efforts to uphold the law appear feeble. The police arrested governor-elect of Lampung Alzier Dianis Thabrani for criminal acts he had allegedly committed before he passed the mandatory test. Alzier also participated in public debate before he was elected governor.

Community guards train for psy-ops

Community guards train for psy-ops JAKARTA: As many as 1,700 of some 30,000 community security guards who are members of the Hansip force in the city will receive training on how to handle demonstrators. Among the subjects to learn are the mob psychology and techniques to calm down large groups and to find the provocateurs, Head of the City Public Order and People's Protection Office, Subagio, said Tuesday.

Panin Bank to issue Rp 650b in bonds

Panin Bank to issue Rp 650b in bonds JAKARTA: PT Bank Pan Indonesia, or Panin Bank, officially announced Tuesday that it will issue up to Rp 650 billion (US$73.8 million) in subordinated bonds in June to diversify the maturity profile of its debt. The amount is higher than the Rp 500 billion indicated by an official at the bank. The bond will have a 10-year maturity callable after five years, the bank said in a prospectus published in a local newspaper on Tuesday.

ASEAN health ministers to hold talks in Malaysia

ASEAN health ministers to hold talks in Malaysia Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur Southeast Asian health ministers will gather here on Saturday for a meeting to discuss ways of combating the SARS virus, a Malaysian minister said on Tuesday. Health Minister Chua Jui Meng said ministers from China, Hong Kong, South Korea and Japan have also been invited to the meeting, which would be opened by acting Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

More join family planning in Lampung

More join family planning in Lampung BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: The provincial administration of Lampung said it expected more couples to join the state sponsored family program this year, after almost 70 percent of 1.2 million couples in the province joined the program last year.

Bogor crying out for undertakers

Bogor crying out for undertakers BOGOR: The town of Bogor is in dire need of undertakers who know how to tend to the dead in accordance with Islamic law. Mayor Iswara Natanegara said on Tuesday that very few people were interested in learning the profession, Antara reported. On average, there is only one undertaker assigned to each subdistrict, and they are usually very old, he said at the opening of a training seminar on how to tend to the dead here.