Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 26 April 2003

85 articles found

The opportunity for Indonesians to vote for candidates of their

The opportunity for Indonesians to vote for candidates of their choice in the 2004 presidential election is under threat, as the two largest factions in the House of Representatives have sought to limit the number of parties participating in the election.

~Message from the Editor

~Message from the Editor For a newspaper in Indonesia, passing the 20-year mark is a historic milestone. The last 100 years have seen the launch and closure -- by government decree or otherwise -- of hundreds of newspapers across the country.

UNDP pledges to raise $30m for elections

UNDP pledges to raise $30m for elections JAKARTA (JP): The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) announced the contribution of US$36 million to 24 Indonesian organizations for electoral activities.

Asian monies end down on N Korea talks failure, SARS

Asian monies end down on N Korea talks failure, SARSDow Jones JakartaConcerns over North Korea's nuclear weapons program drove down the South Korean won on Friday, as other Asian currencies also ended lower as fears over the mystery SARS virus gripped the region.

Pindo Deli defaults on debt

Pindo Deli defaults on debt JAKARTA: PT Pindo Deli Pulp and Paper Mills has reportedly defaulted on its obligation to Bank Permata, which has reported the matter to the Surabaya Stock Exchange.According to reports, Pindo Deli was supposed to pay some Rp 8.

City administration will proceed with reclamation

City administration will proceed with reclamationBambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city administration seems likely to proceed with a controversial reclamation project along the northern coast after an administration-organized panel discussion gave a green light to the project on...

Correction: The photo appearing on page B24 of our special

Correction: The photo appearing on page B24 of our special section on Friday, April 25, is not of Kurtubi but of electricity analyst I Nengah Sudja. The left photo is the correct photo of Kurtubi. We regret the error and apologize for any inconvenience.-- Editor

Holiday changes

Holiday changes will cause problemsFrom Kompas As a teacher, I find it difficult to understand the rationale behind the government's decision to shift religious holidays to other days closer to weekends on the grounds that this will prevent absenteeism when a religious holy day happens to be in the...

* Headlines: RI-Russia bilateral relations warm up2

* Headlines: RI-Russia bilateral relations warm up2 * National:Parties seek closed presidential race 4 * Archipelago:Over 60 separatists arrested in Maluku5 * Opinion:Sangiran: Preserving history, heritage7 * City:Jakarta to proceed with reclamation project 8 * Sports:RI to face China, Japan to...

Sangiran: Preserving history and heritage

Sangiran: Preserving history and heritageFrangois Simah, Institut de, Paliontologie Humaine, Paris and Truman Simanjuntak, Center for Archaeological Research, Jakarta Thoroughly studied for almost 70 years, the Sangiran dome, Central Java, one of the most important places to understand the history...

Jakarta traffic woes

Jakarta traffic woes The Jakarta administration's efforts to deal with the city's traffic woes deserves the close attention of the public. Unfortunately, the many policies that are supposed to support the efforts have been contradictory.

What a difference five years makes. The mining industry, which

What a difference five years makes. The mining industry, which prospered during the Soeharto administration from the late 1960s until the authoritarian leader's resignation in 1998, is now languishing in a mire of new government policies, opposition from environmentalists and hostility of local...

'Law hampers press freedom'

'Law hampers press freedom'Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Press Council vice chairman R.H. Siregar says loopholes in press law No. 40/1999 hamper freedom of the press in Indonesia by treating journalists as criminals.

Officials pilfer rice for the poor

Officials pilfer rice for the poor BOGOR: Thirteen village chiefs in Jasinga district of Bogor regency have admitted to selling 88.42 tons of rice designated for poor families.Adj. Comr. Yayan Sopyan of the Bogor Police said the village heads told police interrogators on Wednesday that they had...

Parties seek closed presidential race

Parties seek closed presidential raceKurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The opportunity for Indonesians to vote for candidates of their choice in the 2004 presidential election is under threat, as the two largest factions in the House of Representatives have sought to limit the number of...

ool B

ool B Indonesia (x2) 3 Malaysia 0 Wynne Prakusya (INA) bt Liaw Chen-Yee (MAS) 6-1, 6-2 Angelique Widjaja (INA) bt Khoo Chin-Bee (MAS) 6-3, 6-0 Sandy Gumulya/Suzanna Anggarkusuma (INA) bt Taufek Norzafirah/Liaw Chen-Yee (MAS) 6-1, 6-1

Megawati takes home pledges of arms ties

Megawati takes home pledges of arms tiesAgencies, Warsaw President Megawati Soekarnoputri prepared on Friday to return home from a week-long visit to Russia and Poland, laden with promises of military cooperation and prospective arms deals.

Workers still marginalized

Workers still marginalizedRidwan Max Sijabat The Jakarta Post JakartaIn the new global economy, multinational corporations contract with firms all over the world to manufacture their electronic parts, their garments, foods and beverages, furniture, toys or footwear.

Aussie investors still keen on RI: IABC

Aussie investors still keen on RI: IABCAdianto P. Simamora The Jakarta Post JakartaAustralian investors are still eager to invest in Indonesia, but the government must swiftly take action to resolve pressing problems in doing business here, the Indonesia-Australia Business Council (IABC) said.

Three more Medan suspects arrested

Three more Medan suspects arrestedApriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan, North Sumatra The police in Medan, North Sumatra, arrested three more members of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), who were allegedly responsible for the two recent bombing incidents in the city.

Man gets two years for planting bomb

Man gets two years for planting bombMuninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A man was sentenced to two years in prison on Thursday for planting a bomb in Cijantung Mall, East Jakarta, last year.

By Todd Callahan

By Todd CallahanCongratulations to The Jakarta Post on twenty years of excellent reporting. It is an honor to contribute this commentary on developments in the Indonesian cement industry. In this special edition, I have been asked to comment on the considerable foreign investments that have been...

Over 60 separatists arrested in Maluku

Over 60 separatists arrested in MalukuAzis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon/Jakarta Security authorities in Maluku arrested more than 60 people accused of trying to celebrate the 53rd anniversary of the South Maluku Republic (RMS) separatist movement.

Pindo Deli defaults on debt

Pindo Deli defaults on debt JAKARTA: PT Pindo Deli Pulp and Paper Mills has reportedly defaulted on its obligation to Bank Permata, which has reported the matter to the Surabaya Stock Exchange.According to reports, Pindo Deli was supposed to pay some Rp 8.

The `Post' celebrates 20th anniversary

The `Post' celebrates 20th anniversaryThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta Up to 1,000 friends and distinguished guests of The Jakarta Post joined in the celebration of the daily's 20th anniversary, which fell on April 25, reaffirming once again its life-long commitment to press freedom and a better Indonesia.

Dialog remains possible on Aceh, say scholars

Dialog remains possible on Aceh, say scholarsFabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) have come under mounting domestic pressure to reschedule the Joint Council meeting in a bid to keep the peace process in the troubled province intact.

Concrete Steps to Put Investors at Ease

Concrete Steps to Put Investors at EaseBy Tom A. Clough, President Director, PT Semen CibinongMany people are overly critical of what is now happening in Indonesia, expecting overnight changes in areas that took hundreds of years to be accomplished in European countries.

BP awards Tangguh construction to JGC

BP awards Tangguh construction to JGCAgencies, Jakarta British oil giant BP Plc. (BP) said on Friday it has selected a consortium including Japan's JGC Corp. to develop its Tangguh liquefied natural gas project in the remote Indonesian province of Papua.

Retail keeps 'em coming despite uncertainty

Retail keeps 'em coming despite uncertainty OR Uncertainty no stop to retail expansionRandy Witular Hendarsyah Tarmizi Jakarta Post JakartaWith a population of more than 215 million, Indonesia continues to beckon to retailers even as the country's economic fundamentals remain woefully uncertain.

JAKARTA (JP): The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) announced the contribution of US$36 million to 24 Indonesian orga

JAKARTA (JP): The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) announced the contribution of US$36 million to 24 Indonesian organizations for electoral activities. In a statement received by The Jakarta Post on Thursday, UNDP said the largest share of the funds was received by the General Elections...

Grabbed at the creation - my years at the 'Post'

Grabbed at the creation - my years at the 'Post' The toughest problem that a new publication faces is searching for a personality, a soul that gradually will be accepted as its trademark, its own distinct persona.

Airlines earn their wings in crowded skies

Airlines earn their wings in crowded skiesAirlines worldwide are reeling from the double blow of the war in Iraq and the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), but Indonesian carriers have two other problems to deal with: a cut-throat airfare war and the loss of the visa free...

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?Apparently, it is common practice in Aceh for a company that has won a tender...

New policy on national exams for junior, senior high schools

New policy on national exams for junior, senior high schoolsSari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta administration will implement a new policy on the upcoming final examinations for junior and senior high schools.

POBSI looking to keep KL run at next SEAG

POBSI looking to keep KL run at next SEAGMusthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Billiards Association (POBSI), which began the players' training workouts in January, will be heading to Vietnam, simply content to maintain its achievement at the 2001 Kuala Lumpur Southeast Asian (SEA)...

Indonesia-Russia bilateral relations warm up

Indonesia-Russia bilateral relations warm upKurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia and Russia seem to have found a new path in their bilateral relations, particularly with the recent signing of memorandums of understanding for closer cooperation in the military, technology and trade...

Muslim and Arab aliens in a dilemma

Muslim and Arab aliens in a dilemmaUNITED STATES: As the deadline loomed for immigrants from five Arab or Muslim nations to register with U.S. authorities, immigration rights advocates complained that many of their clients are caught in a difficult dilemma. Friday is the deadline set by the U.S.

24 organizations receive UNDP funds for elections

24 organizations receive UNDP funds for elections JAKARTA (JP): The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) announced the contribution of US$36 million to 24 Indonesian organizations for electoral activities.

Copycat cannibal arrested

Copycat cannibal arrested PALU, Central Sulawesi: Villagers caught on Friday a man grave- robbing, and told the police they had captured a copycat of cannibal Sumanto.A West Palu district villager, whose name was not given, saw Yunus busy shoveling dirt with his bare hands from a plot at the...

NO PEACE BY VIOLENCE: A student carries a poster with pictures of

NO PEACE BY VIOLENCE: A student carries a poster with pictures of Indonesian leaders during a protest against a government threat to launch a military operation in the troubled province of Aceh. The protest took place on Friday in Jakarta as international aid donors said they were deeply...

Women and politics

Women and politicsFrom Media Indonesia Every year we celebrate Kartini Day on April 21 in memory of Kartini, a woman born in the late 19th century who fought for women's emancipation in this country.Feminists have also fought very hard to encourage Indonesian women to be more than just housewives.

Ministry and UI cooperate on defense

Ministry and UI cooperate on defense JAKARTA: The Ministry of Defense and the University of Indonesia (UI) signed on Thursday a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on research and development of the country's defense equipment industry.

Jakarta Post Anniversary Article

Jakarta Post Anniversary ArticleIs it time to bid goodbye to the IMF?I was honored and pleased when I was requested to contribute to this special anniversary supplement. I thought I could most usefully take advantage of the space offered to me by commenting on one of the most controversial aspects...

Sutiyoso admits water deal unfair

Sutiyoso admits water deal unfair JAKARTA: Governor Sutiyoso said here on Friday that he once hired consultants from Singapore to study the contract between the city tap water company PT Pam Jaya and its two foreign partners.

Gus Dur and magnanimity

Gus Dur and magnanimityFrom KompasAs a sympathizer of the National Awakening Party (PKB) I welcomed enthusiastically the party's idea to nominate Nurcholish Madjid as an alternative presidential candidate, but was greatly disappointed to learn that former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid had...

Bank Indonesia says stronger rupiah not a threat to export

Bank Indonesia says stronger rupiah not a threat to exportThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bank Indonesia Governor Sjahril Sabirin said on Friday that the current sharp appreciation in the rupiah against the U.S. dollar would not threaten the competitiveness of the country's export products overseas.

BKPM aims to turn up the power to draw investors

BKPM aims to turn up the power to draw investors Or BKPM tries to pull rank to bolster investmentRikza Abdullah ContributorIndonesia, with its abundant natural and human resources, once ranked as an exotic choice for investment, but the unrelenting bureaucratic, social, economic and political...

JP/7/Jaweng

JP/7/Jaweng Ahead of 2004, we see reckless establishment of new regions Robert Endi Jaweng Regional Autonomy Watch KPPOD Jakarta Early this year, a plenary session of the House of Representatives again approved the ratification of 10 laws regarding the establishment of 25 new autonomous regions.

Ban on import

Ban on import of used clothes From Warta Kota The Department of Industry and Commerce seems to have made every effort to ban the importation of used clothes into the country. They have even burned bales of imported secondhand clothes recently, arguing that they were potentially contaminated with...

United Nations team should visit Iraq before deciding on sanctions

United Nations team should visit Iraq before deciding on sanctionsFabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia has urged the United Nations weapons inspection team to visit Iraq prior to the UN Security Council (UNSC) decision on whether or not to lift the long-standing economic...

A slice of life with Johnny Andrean

A slice of life with Johnny AndreanBruce James, Contributor, Jakarta While the tough may get going when the going gets tough, hairstylist-cum-bread store owner Johnny Andrean is firmly convinced that it's better to have a plan B at the ready.

TV Program: Monday, April 28, 2003

TV Program: Monday, April 28, 2003TVRI .TB.30" .90" 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi7:00 English News Service 7:30 Children's Program: Pentas Ceria10:00 Quiz: Dibisikin11:00 News: Berita Daerah 11:30 Music: Konteswara12:00 p.m.

Another explosion in Jakarta

Another explosion in Jakarta Since the Bali bombings, two "small" bombs have exploded in the country; one at a building belonging to the National Police Headquarters in February, the other one at the Medan's mayor office in March.

In view of the changes that are happening in Indonesia at the

In view of the changes that are happening in Indonesia at the moment -- the country's movement from an autocratic government to one that is more democratic, the change from a very centralized system to a decentralized one - and the fact that the country is still trying to recover from the conomic...

Six local governments chosen as role models

Six local governments chosen as role modelsSri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Three municipalities and three regencies have been chosen to act as role models due to their successful implementation of a "performance based budget", which improves transparency and efficiency in the use of state...

Former BI governor to be prosecuted

Former BI governor to be prosecuted JAKARTA: A former governor of the central bank will be prosecuted soon in connection with the alleged misuse of Bank Indonesia liquidity support (BLBI) funds from 1997 through 1999, an official said.

Gandhi acquisition plan rejected

Gandhi acquisition plan rejected JAKARTA: The city's elementary education office has turned down the request of Gandhi Memorial School in Ancol, North Jakarta, to acquire nearby plots where the SDN 01 and SDN 02 elementary schools currently stand.Iing A.

Antigovt rally staged in Yogyakarta

Antigovt rally staged in Yogyakarta YOGYAKARTA: Some 5,000 students and people of different organizations took to the streets here on Friday to demand President Megawati Soekarnoputri and Vice President Hamzah Haz step down for failing to produce policies that best serve the public.

TV Today: Saturday, April 26, 2003

TV Today: Saturday, April 26, 2003TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi7:00 English News Service8:30 Talk Show: Ibu, Bayi dan Balita9:00 Music: Pesona Music Indonesia 11:00 News: Berita Daerah11:30 Music: Konteswara12:00 p.m.

Indonesia moving in the right direction, at `glacial' speed

Indonesia moving in the right direction, at `glacial' speedManaging relations between Indonesia and the United States has never been easy, and these last few years it has been even more challenging. The terrorist attack against the United States on Sept.

By Todd Callahan

By Todd CallahanCongratulations to The Jakarta Post on twenty years of excellent reporting. It is an honor to contribute this commentary on developments in the Indonesian cement industry. In this special edition, I have been asked to comment on the considerable foreign investments that have been...

Boediono expects recovery in investment in 2004

Boediono expects recovery in investment in 2004The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister of Finance Boediono said on Friday that investment activities in the country would improve significantly after the 2004 general election had been completed and a new administration is in place.

INKINDO to assist Papua consultancies

INKINDO to assist Papua consultancies JAYAPURA, Papua: Some 3,000 consulting firms might flood the resource-rich provinces in Papua to capitalize on their economic potential, said the Association of Indonesian Consultants (INKINDO) on Friday.

Russian fighters promise RI air superiority and massive bill

Russian fighters promise RI air superiority and massive billBerni K. Moestafa and Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Six years after the original purchase was aborted, advanced Russian Sukhoi 27 and Sukhoi 30 jet fighters will soon enter service with the Indonesian Air Force.

Indonesia, with its abundant natural and human resources, once

Indonesia, with its abundant natural and human resources, once ranked as an exotic choice for investment, but the unrelenting bureaucratic, social, economic and political problems of the last five years have pretty much put paid to that designation.

Be firm with separatism

Be firm with separatismFrom Koran Tempo The signing of the Treaty on the Cessation of Hostilities on Dec. 9, 2002, in Geneva by the Republic of Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) led to the hope that the conflict in Aceh, which has been going on for 26 year, would end and peace would...

RI, GAM asked to save peace

RI, GAM asked to save peaceTiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia's international aid donors are putting pressure on Jakarta and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) to continue with their plan to hold a Joint Council meeting to salvage the fragile peace in Aceh.

GAM is untrustworthy

GAM is untrustworthyFrom Koran TempoThe 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.

Govt gets thumb-up over terrorist network bust

Govt gets thumb-up over terrorist network bustMoch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government's crackdown against an alleged terrorist network operating in the country has won praise from analysts and the United States.

RI to face China, Japan to see Thailand

RI to face China, Japan to see ThailandAgence France-Presse, Tokyo Angelique "Angie" Widjaja and Wynne Adiati Prakusya avenged their loss in the singles to win a doubles against Thailand and give Indonesia top place in Pool B at the Fed Cup tennis Asia-Oceania zone Group One on Friday.

On social-cultural visa

On social-cultural visa The visa for a foreigner married to an Indonesian citizen is called Visa Kunjungan Sosial Budaya (visa for social and cultural visit). The procedure involved to obtain this visa is similar to that of a business or KITAS visa.

24 organizations receive UNDP funds for elections

24 organizations receive UNDP funds for elections JAKARTA (JP): The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) announced the contribution of US$36 million to 24 Indonesian organizations for electoral activities.

JP/6/ED28

JP/6/ED28April 28, 2003 Exiting IMF programThere has been mounting pressure from economists, politicians and even some Cabinet ministers for the Indonesian government not to extend its program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) after its expiry later this year.

UNDP pledges to raise $30m for elections

UNDP pledges to raise $30m for electionsArya Abhiseka, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The international community has renewed its commitment to ensuring democratic elections in Indonesia, with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) agreeing on Friday to raise some US$30 million in grants from...

Bapepam to continue Lippo probe

Bapepam to continue Lippo probeZakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Capital Market Supervisory Agency (Bapepam) has finished a two-month investigation into 46 securities companies, allegedly involved in manipulation of the Bank Lippo share price.

U.S. must be counterbalanced

U.S. must be counterbalancedFabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia needs to strengthen its cooperation with countries in Asia and other regions following the United States' victory in the Iraq war, observers assert.

JP/6/DJATI1

JP/6/DJATI12004 ELECTION & THE REFORM PROCESS: In Search of a LeaderPart 1 of 2J. Soedjati Djiwandono Political Analyst Jakarta Under Soeharto's "New Order" regime a general election was held every five years from 1971, the last being the general election of 1997.

`I doubt new parking system will work'

`I doubt new parking system will work' Next month, the city administration will implement a new parking system in which motorists have to use prepaid parking cards. The plan aims at reducing the amount of parking revenue that is lost annually due to corruption.

Debating contest in English

Debating contest in English It was a pleasant surprise to read the news on the results of the 2003 National High School Debating Championship in the English language that was held from April 11 to April 16 in Jakarta (The Jakarta Post, April 19 and April 20).

Mt. Muller: A natural wonder

Mt. Muller: A natural wonder PURUKCAHU, Central Kalimantan: The Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) is to send four teams on an expedition to the Muller mountain in Central Kalimantan to document its flora and fauna for inclusion as a Natural World Heritage.

Eros changes his party's name

Eros changes his party's name JAKARTA: Eros Djarot announced on Friday a new name for his Bung Karno Nationalist Party (PNBK) during the party's two-day leadership meeting here.The party has been renamed the Banteng Kemerdekaan Nationalist Party, allowing the party to maintain its original acronym.

Anxiety clouds Aceh as peace talks canceled

Anxiety clouds Aceh as peace talks canceledNani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh, Aceh Following the cancellation of a Joint Council meeting between the government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), the military in Aceh has been put on high alert while awaiting possible deployments orders.

China gives police 1,000 motorbikes

China gives police 1,000 motorbikes JAKARTA: China pledged on Friday to donate 1,000 motorcycles worth US$1 million to help the cash-strapped National Police carry out its duties.Witnessed by National Police chief Gen.

`Police losing dignity and getting less respect'

`Police losing dignity and getting less respect'Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The police are losing their authority and many people do not respect them -- as was evident in the escape of Islam Defenders Front (FPI) chairman Habib Rizieq Shihab, as well as in the attack on Tempo...

Expert calls for lawsuit over Lampung governor debacle

Expert calls for lawsuit over Lampung governor debacleBerni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A constitutional law expert said the Lampung provincial council could sue the central government for overstepping its authority and causing a four-month delay in the inauguration of governor-elect...