Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 27 April 2003

50 articles found

A continuing journey to meet future challenges

A continuing journey to meet future challenges Jusuf Wanandi, Co-founder and member, Board of Trustees Centre for Strategic and International Studies Before The Jakarta Post was established in 1983, there were two English dailies, The Indonesian Observer and The Jakarta Times (later The Indonesian Times). Both were considered weak in influence and capacity due to limited resources, human and capital.

A must read to understand ever-changing RI landscape

A must read to understand ever-changing RI landscape Barry Desker, Singapore I worked in Jakarta from 1976 to 1980 in the Singapore Embassy and returned as the Ambassador from 1986 to 1993. Between these two sojourns in Jakarta, the establishment of The Jakarta Post in 1982 made a major difference to the diplomatic community in Jakarta.

U.S. diplomat families return to Indonesia

U.S. diplomat families return to Indonesia The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As security conditions in the country continue to improve, the United States allowed on Friday family members of U.S. diplomats to return to Indonesia, after they had been ordered to leave last year following the Bali bombings. The State Department warned, however, that the country was still not safe for Americans and that its citizens should defer nonessential travel here.

Taking time and effort to shape our identity

Taking time and effort to shape our identity The toughest problem a new publication faces is searching for a personality, a distinct identity that gradually will be accepted by its readers as its trademark. I faced this problem during those first years after out launch on April 25, 1983. Given the constrained role of English newspapers in non- English speaking societies, an equally tough problem was to establish The Jakarta Post as a paper rooted in the Indonesian social political environment.

In this special eight-page pull-out supplement, we take a

In this special eight-page pull-out supplement, we take a brief look at the 20-year journey of The Jakarta Post. Besides articles written by our directors and former and current chief editors, we invited some longtime readers and former employees to share their thoughts with us. The supplement also features old and new photos taken from the Post's family album.

A modest business proposition makes its mark

A modest business proposition makes its mark Looking back over 20 years, we can take pride that The Jakarta Post has come a long way in establishing itself not only as the English-language daily of record in the country, but also earned a place among the major national newspapers. Our readership profile today attests to these achievements.

Opening a window into little-known Indonesia

Opening a window into little-known Indonesia Ed Masters, Washington DC I join the many other friends and admirers of The Jakarta Post in extending my very best wishes and congratulations on the happy occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Post. I have been an avid reader of the Post since it began publishing 20 years ago, and the newspaper is unquestionably the best way for those of us far removed from Jakarta to keep up with fast-moving developments in Indonesia.

E. Timor fighter Duarte dies at 69

E. Timor fighter Duarte dies at 69 INDONESIA: Jose Manuel Duarte, an East Timorese who fought for integration with Indonesia, died at the age of 69 at Harum Hospital in East Jakarta on Friday morning. Born in Dili on March 14, 1934, Duarte is survived by a wife and five children, Antara news agency reported on Saturday. The Indonesian government awarded Duarte the Veteran Republik Indonesia medal in 1995 and the Satya Lencana Pergerakan Kemerdekaan medal in 1996.

Higher education still perceived as status symbol

Higher education still perceived as status symbol Hera Diani and Moch. N. Kurniawan The Jakarta Post Jakarta Andri Wongso, founder of Harvest Card, the Indonesian version of Hallmark, was not prepared for the questions that came from students at a recent career day held at state SMUN 35 high school, Central Jakarta. Andri had just finished telling his rags-to-riches story to a total of 650 students from SMUN 7, SMUN 24 and SMUN 35 senior high schools at an event arranged by General Electric.

Maluku remains calm following RMS anniversary

Maluku remains calm following RMS anniversary The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The situation in Maluku is calm following the separatist South Maluku Republic (RMS)'s 53rd anniversary on Friday, which saw the arrest of more than 300 supporters of the outlawed group. It was business as usual on Saturday in traditional markets and shopping centers, including those in Ambon, the provincial capital, and Central Maluku, a stronghold of the RMS.

Important Dates

Important Dates April 25, 1983: The Jakarta Post is launched, consisting of an eight-page edition in broadsheet format. 1992: The 12-page edition begins printing daily. 1994: The Post goes global, with its content becoming available through major international database companies on the same day of printing. Sept. 18, 1994: The Sunday Post, a 12-page, color edition, is launched. 1996: Edition moves up to 16-page daily. May 1999: The Jakarta Post website, www.thejakartapost.com goes online. Oct.

Comments

Comments from readers A newspaper cannot exist without the support of its community of readers. The Jakarta Post owes its success -- if surviving for 20 years in the newspaper industry is deemed a success story -- to its loyal readers, as well as to the commitment of its employees, past and present. For this page and the opposite one, we asked a selected number of longtime readers, some of whom no longer reside in Jakarta, to share with us their thoughts about the newspaper.

In this special eight-page pull-out supplement, we take a

In this special eight-page pull-out supplement, we take a brief look at the 20-year journey of The Jakarta Post. Besides articles written by our directors and former and current chief editors, we invited some longtime readers and former employees to share their thoughts with us. The supplement also features old and new photos taken from the Post's family album.

Branding: A vital part of marketing strategy

Branding: A vital part of marketing strategy Cepi Husada Contributor Jakarta When shopping in the well-known malls of neighboring countries, many Indonesians come in for an unpleasant surprise. Dresses bearing brands like Kenzo, St. Michael and Nino Cerruti or shoes carrying Reebok tags are in fact made in Indonesia. Clothes from other major brands are also made in countries like India, China and other developing countries.

Keeping up in Indonesia halfway round the world

Keeping up in Indonesia halfway round the world Barbara Harvey, Washington The Jakarta Post provides a lifeline to news of Indonesia for those of us who are no longer physically in Indonesia, but wish to, or need to, keep current on matters in this complex and fascinating country. I find both the news and editorials essential reading because of the accuracy and lack of bias in the reporting, and thoughtfulness in the editorials.

TV Program: Sunday, April 27, 2003

TV Program: Sunday, April 27, 2003 .TB.30" .90" TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 English New Service 9:00 Children's Program: Media Kids 11:00 Variety Show: Maskum Show 12:00 p.m. News: Berita Siang 12:30 Traditional Comedy: Mustika Campur Sari 2:00 Grand Final Pro Liga Volly (Live) 6:00 News: Berita Petang 7:00 Comedy: Paviliun 21 7:30 Music: Dansa Yo Dansa 9:00 News: Berita Malam 9:30 Wayang Orang TPI 6:00 a.m.

Costly marketing strategy but fruitful in long term

Costly marketing strategy but fruitful in long term By Burhanuddin Abe Contributor Jakarta Only a couple of years ago wheat flour was a generic or unbranded commodity, but today go to any supermarket and you will find various brands to choose from, including Cakra Kembar (Twin Wheels), Segitiga Biru (Blue Triangle), Kunci Biru (Blue Key), Gunung Bromo (Mount Bromo), Roda Biru (Blue Tire) and many others.

JP/9/YUSUF

JP/9/YUSUF Romo Mangunwijaya's dreams for education Yusup Priyasudiarja Contributor Yogyakarta Impian dari Yogyakarta (Dreams from Yogyakarta) by Y.B. Mangunwijaya, Penerbit Buku Kompas, Feb. 2003, 308 pp Romo Mangun was widely known as an architect, priest, intellectual, social worker and novelist and also regarded by many as a fighter for the liberation of the poor from stupidity, powerlessness and injustice.

The delay in the implementation of the law on free trade zone in

The delay in the implementation of the law on free trade zone in Batam has upset almost all businessmen on the island. They hope that the government will soon implement the law to help further stimulate economic activities on the island. Below are excerpts taken from interviews with local business leaders on their views on the future of the island.

Indonesia, Japan advance to World Group playoffs

Indonesia, Japan advance to World Group playoffs Agence France-Presse, Tokyo Asia's top two countries Japan and Indonesia underlined their better seeding against Thailand and China on Saturday to make berths in the playoffs for the Fed Cup tennis World Group. Japan's ace Ai Sugiyama emerged victorious in a battle of Asia's top two women against Tamarine Tanasugarn 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 for an insurmountable 2-0 lead in the best-of-three contest.

Learning-on-the-go is the newsroom's modus operandi

Learning-on-the-go is the newsroom's modus operandi Adam Schwarz, McKinsey&Company, Jakarta When I first walked into The Jakarta Post's old (pre-air conditioning) newsroom in September 1987, three things made an immediate impression: the sound of manual typewriters clacking away, the smell of kreteks, and the heat of the air. As I glanced around, my eyes settled on Budi, the sports editor and my soon-to-be newsroom neighbor.

Domestic happenings put in proper perspective

Domestic happenings put in proper perspective Prof. Moh. Sadli, Jakarta When in the morning I reach for the newspapers, I often have a quick look first at The Jakarta Post. With its 20 pages, a somewhat larger character size and line spacing, it is easier reading. The editors have to be commended for capturing the important happenings, both international as well as domestic, in a balanced way. Also for their choice of informative and educational op-ed pieces on international affairs.

A few words for 'The Jakarta Post'

A few words for 'The Jakarta Post' Debra H. Yatim, Communications for the Arts (KOMSENI), Jakarta Wow, 20 years, eh? I still remember the flurry we, the first batch of reporters, writers, and editors, had the evening before the big publication date. All of us wanted at least one piece of our writing published in that very first issue. Whew, mine just made it, bumping out somebody else's, I believe.

E. Timor fighter Duarte dies at 69

E. Timor fighter Duarte dies at 69 INDONESIA: Jose Manuel Duarte, an East Timorese who fought for integration with Indonesia, died at the age of 69 at Harum Hospital in East Jakarta on Friday morning. Born in Dili on March 14, 1934, Duarte is survived by a wife and five children, Antara news agency reported on Saturday. The Indonesian government awarded Duarte the Veteran Republik Indonesia medal in 1995 and the Satya Lencana Pergerakan Kemerdekaan medal in 1996.

Building a newspaper on the public's trust

Building a newspaper on the public's trust Raymond Toruan, Executive Director, PT Bina Media Tenggara and Chief Editor The Jakarta Post "I QUIT" The unusually large, nine-column headline splashed across The Jakarta Post's front page on Friday, May 22, 1998, was more than just a report on then president Soeharto's announcement the day before. Technically, the five-star Gen.

~A.

~A. JP/24/W33 B: FIRST EDITIONS: Four first editions of The Jakarta Post (clockwise from top left): The maiden daily edition of April 25, 1983; the first Sunday edition of Sept. 18, 1994; the debut edition of the redesigned paper, Oct. 1, 2001; and the first Sunday edition with the new look, Oct. 7, 2001 JP C: JP D: TAKING A STAND: Fikri Jufri, affiliated to The Jakarta Post and Tempo newsmagazine, joins a demonstration to protest thuggery and violence against journalists in Jakarta in March.

JP/24/W02

JP/24/W02 'Grabbed' at the creation It must have been either in late 1982 or early 1983 that Jusuf Wanandi, one of the founders of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), started talking about the need to publish an English-language newspaper in Indonesia. I was used to Jusuf's exuberance in venting his bubbling ideas that could range from the Middle East situation, disarmament issues, regional issues of Southeast Asia to problems of Indonesia's economic development.

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. That was the most difficult problem I faced during those first years after April 25, 1983, to develop the infrastructure, meaning the editorial mechanism, of The Jakarta Post.

'Color of our souls' captured by Kemang 104

'Color of our souls' captured by Kemang 104 Pavan Kapoor, Contributor, Jakarta In all the mayhem and racy commercialism of the world today, there is little time or inclination for one to step off the spinning wheel of life and reconnect with one's innate and pristine soul. However, when one visits the Kemang 104 art group, the restive calm is poignant in the atmosphere, as each of the 10 artists attempts to draw out their soul on colorful easels with a profusion of creative artistic materials.

KL lifts ban on Iban-language Bible

KL lifts ban on Iban-language Bible MALAYSIA: The government of mainly-Muslim Malaysia has agreed to lift a ban on an edition of the Bible published in the language of the indigenous Iban tribe, acting Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said. "I have decided that the ban be lifted," Abdullah was quoted as saying by the official Bernama news agency late Friday. The decision to review the ban comes after a protest and an appeal by Malaysia's Council of Churches.

U.S. denies it is cutting aid to E Timor

U.S. denies it is cutting aid to E Timor UNITED STATES: The United States on Friday denied a report that it was thinking of cutting aid to East Timor by 40 percent to divert the funds to the operation to rebuild Iraq. "Our economic support to East Timor is not decreasing," said the State Department in a written answer to a question taken at spokesman Richard Boucher's daily press briefing.

In this special eight-page pull-out supplement, we take a

In this special eight-page pull-out supplement, we take a brief look at the 20-year journey of The Jakarta Post. Besides articles written by our directors and former and current chief editors, we invited some longtime readers and former employees to share their thoughts with us. The supplement also features old and new photos taken from the Post's family album.

Surviving our own years of living dangerously

Surviving our own years of living dangerously Susanto Pudjomartono, Chief Editor 1991-2001 It was August 1991, and the authoritarian regime of Soeharto was at the peak of its power. With the help of the military, he controlled the country with an iron fist that swiftly crushed any form of dissent. Politicians and activists who dared to oppose him were thrown into prison, many on trumped-up charges. As the newly appointed editor in chief of The Jakarta Post, I had two options.

Anniversary

Anniversary The Jakarta Post has gone through many ups and downs during its first 20 years of existence, with an expectation of many more years to come. The Post celebrated its 20th anniversary with a cocktail party in the ballroom of Shangri-La hotel on Friday. The party was attended, not only by the Post's own employees, but also by friends of the paper, including business clients, prominent figures from a variety of backgrounds and many diplomats. Below are some images of the party:

Discovering a great friend in a newspaper

Discovering a great friend in a newspaper Dominique Girard, New Delhi From 1992 to 1995, The Jakarta Post was for me much more than a source of information, even though it was convenient to rely on such a well written and professionally managed English-language daily despite all my best efforts to improve my Indonesian. Actually, the Post was a real companion in my job as the ambassador of France. Indonesia was different then. Information was still controlled and transparency limited.

In this special eight-page pull-out supplement, we take a

In this special eight-page pull-out supplement, we take a brief look at the 20-year journey of The Jakarta Post. Besides articles written by our directors and former and current chief editors, we invited some longtime readers and former employees to share their thoughts with us. The supplement also features old and new photos taken from the Post's family album.

Bank Indonesia Deputy Governor Miranda Goeltom is sickeningly

Bank Indonesia Deputy Governor Miranda Goeltom is sickeningly good at everything she does. Aside from her impeccable professional credentials, she also cooks, sings, plays the piano and speaks a number of languages, which is only a partial list of her interests and talents. Page 3 Thai treasure Pattaya has more to offer visitors than what is suggested by the stories of overindulgence concerning the city.

Early days -- of strong coffee and tight censorship

Early days -- of strong coffee and tight censorship Bill Tarrant, Singapore The phone call came at around 10:30 p.m., after the paper had been put to bed. The voice on the other end of the line identified himself as an Indonesian military spokesman. The Jakarta Post had just started publication a few weeks before. I was the late duty editor, a young consultant armed with a master's degree in journalism and a few years on a Florida newspaper.

RI, GAM must resume Aceh peace talks: Hamzah

RI, GAM must resume Aceh peace talks: Hamzah The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Banda Aceh Vice President Hamzah Haz called on the government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) on Saturday to resume peace talks to save the peace agreement signed in December 2002. He also suggested that the meeting, which the government had requested to discuss violations to the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA) signed last December, be held in Indonesia.

Mangunwijaya's dreams for education

Mangunwijaya's dreams for education Yusup Priyasudiarja, Contributor, Yogyakarta Mangunwijaya or affectionately called as Romo Mangun was widely known as an architect, priest, intellectual, social worker and novelist and also regarded by many as a fighter for the liberation of the poor from stupidity, powerlessness and injustice. He toiled to help poor children and people in repressive situations to be independent and to act on their own choices.

Cutting out the misinformation to tell the truth on touchy issues

Cutting out the misinformation to tell the truth on touchy issues Philip Flood, Sydney The Australia Indonesia Institute is delighted to congratulate The Jakarta Post on its 20th anniversary. Through outstanding editorials, impressive news coverage and excellent features, The Jakarta Post has played a major role in informing an English-speaking audience of developments in Indonesia and of global developments from an Indonesian perspective.

A community newspaper of sorts

A community newspaper of sorts Endy M. Bayuni, Deputy chief editor, The Jakarta Post If a newspaper's reputation is measured by the kind of scoops it has achieved, The Jakarta Post could rightfully claim to have landed the greatest triumph in Indonesian media history. Our edition on May 21, 1998, broke the story that then president Soeharto was preparing to announce his resignation that morning.

Once upon a time for a young reporter

Once upon a time for a young reporter Binny Buchori, Activist, Jakarta It was April 1983, I had just resigned from my job as a junior editor in a publishing company and was looking for a new job. Danny Yatim, an old friend from university, told me that his sister, Debra, had just joined an English newspaper, The Jakarta Post, that was going to be published very soon and that the paper may need some staff, maybe a librarian. Danny asked me to give him my CV.

Miranda S. Goeltom: a multi talented economist

Miranda S. Goeltom: a multi talented economist Carla Bianpoen, Contributor, Jakarta When I entered Miranda Swaray Goeltom's residence for the first time one early morning last week, I was impressed by her home's interior, which blends simplicity with exquisite taste, dignity with hominess, strength with elegance -- features that epitomize the persona of Miranda S. Goeltom.

ADVERTORIAL - FOR MONDAY

ADVERTORIAL - FOR MONDAY Investment Year Batam -- The right model in attracting foreign investments The unfavorable situation in the world's economy will undoubtedly make the task of the Batam Industrial Development Authority (BIDA) in attracting foreign investors more challenging. The task will be even more difficult given the lack of the government's supports.

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

Grabbed at the creation - my years at the 'Post' Sabam Siagian, Director, PT Bina Media Tenggara, Jakarta It must have been either in late 1982 or early 1983 that Jusuf Wanandi, one of the founders of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), started talking about the need to publish an English-language newspaper in Indonesia.

Higher education still a status symbol

Higher education still a status symbol Hera Diani and Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Andri Wongso, founder of Harvest Card, the Indonesian version of Hallmark, was not prepared for the questions that came from students at a recent career day held at state SMUN 35 high school, Central Jakarta. Andri had just finished telling his rags-to-riches story to a total of 650 students from SMUN 7, SMUN 24 and SMUN 35 senior high schools at an event arranged by General Electric.

East Asia steps up SARS cooperation

East Asia steps up SARS cooperation Eileen Ng, Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia East Asian countries including China agreed Saturday to coordinate their battle against SARS and called for strict screening at exit points to bar suspected carriers from leaving. Health ministers laying the groundwork for an extraordinary SARS summit on Tuesday in Bangkok issued a communique urging their governments to devote enough resources to fight the "global threat" posed by the disease.

The 'Ojek' Driver: The Ride Continues

The 'Ojek' Driver: The Ride Continues By Kirk Coningham The smile split Sharief's face like a melon. He had never been this happy. He had never even known such happiness could exist. He stepped out into the morning sun as another wave of happiness rippled through his system. Everyone who saw Sharief forgot their troubles and joined in his happiness. His smile washed over one and all in a contagious wave that tugged at the smile center of even the grumpiest soul.

Standing on the frontline for press freedom

Standing on the frontline for press freedom Fikri Jufri, Senior journalist, Member, Board of Directors of PT Bina Media Tenggara As The Jakarta Post celebrates its 20th anniversary today, Indonesia is no longer gripped by the euphoria of reform that fired up reformists' emotions to topple Soeharto from his 32-year rule. Now that their hopes have been shattered, many reformists have had to suffer despondency and bitterness in a state of helplessness.