Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 19 May 2003

69 articles found

Where to go in Jakarta:Monday, May 19, 2003

Where to go in Jakarta:Monday, May 19, 2003 Exhibitions * Visual Arts: 50 ans d'estampes (50 tahun seni cetak di atas kertas), Galeri Nasional Indonesia (the National Gallery of Indonesia), Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur 14, Gambir, Central Jakarta (Tel. 34833954), 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., until May 29. Discussion with Ade Dermawan, 4 p.m., May 23. * Photo Japanese Face, Pusat Kebudayaan Jepang - The Japan Foundation, Summitmas I, Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 61-62 South Jakarta (Tel. 5201266), 10 a.m.

TNI operations the only solution

TNI operations the only solution I'm referring to the article published in The Jakarta Post on May 9, titled Military operations never achieve results. I don't know for sure whether this is about military operations in Aceh or military operations in general in Indonesia. The military operations conducted in Indonesia are to crush law violators.

Facing the religious dilemma in education

Facing the religious dilemma in education Simon Marcus Gower Director Research and Development Harapan Bangsa School Banten, Tangerang Moral issues always have the potential to degenerate into a hazardous quagmire. The likelihood for disagreements to arise, and even the potential for conflict to rear its ugly head, is considerable. What one man deems to be his morality may be construed as immoral by the next man.

Jamsostek reports surge in profits

Jamsostek reports surge in profits JAKARTA: Indonesia's state insurance company, PT Jamsostek, recorded a profit of Rp 1.1 trillion (US$126 million) last year, a 242 percent jump over profits in 2001, news reports said on Sunday. Jamsostek President Djunaidi attributed the leap in profits to the effective moves made by the state firm's new board of directors, resulting in a higher collection from insured workers from Rp 12.6 trillion in 2000 to Rp 21.3 trillion in 2002.

'Inul' pencil in demand

'Inul' pencil in demand JAKARTA: Rubber pencils called "Inul" pencils, in reference to dangdut sensation Inul Daratista, are the hottest-selling item in the capital. "In one day, I can sell more than 50 pencils," Ujang, an "Inul" pencil vendor on the train connecting Tanah Abang in Central Jakarta and Serpong in Tangerang, told Antara on Sunday, adding that on his train alone there were at least four pencil vendors.

Jamsostek requires competent leaders to put a stop to theft

Jamsostek requires competent leaders to put a stop to theft Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Extremely hard hit by the drastic decrease in foreign investment as well as rampant corruption, the state-owned social security insurance company PT Jamsostek needs professional leaders to continue its internal reform and to save the public funds totaling Rp 23 trillion.

House set to select new central bank deputy chief

House set to select new central bank deputy chief Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta One week after Burhanuddin Abdullah was elected as the new governor of Bank Indonesia (BI), the House of Representatives is set to select a new deputy governor to replace Miranda S. Goeltom, whose term ended on May 17.

Pancur Kasih promotes ethnic harmony

Pancur Kasih promotes ethnic harmony Bambang Bider, Contributor, Pontianak, West Kalimantan Unique handicrafts made by the Dayak tribe decorate the reception of a likewise unique credit union. Two glass paintings on either side of the entrance depict a dancing Dayak couple dressed in traditional costume. Their hospitable faces radiate a warm welcome to visitors.

Thai fishermen invade RI waters

Thai fishermen invade RI waters CIREBON, West Java: Indonesia loses about US$4 billion a year to illegal fishing by Thais, Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Affairs Rokhmin Dahuri says. "Thai fishermen control nearly 80 percent of Indonesian waters using vessels that fly the Indonesian flag," Rokhmin told reporters on Saturday. Data from his ministry shows that every year around 3,200 vessels flying the Indonesian flag enter the country's waters.

Public campaign for busway needed

Public campaign for busway needed Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Although busway systems have been developed successfully in many cities of the world, the city administration has been advised not to apply it without securing public support and making comprehensive preparations.

Blok M-Kota buses to be replaced

Blok M-Kota buses to be replaced JAKARTA: Buses currently plying the Blok M-Kota route will be replaced once the busway project begins in December 2003, as currently scheduled, a project leader said on Friday. "We plan to use the buses currently serving the Blok M-Kota route as feeder buses for the busway project," said Irzal Djamal, chief coordinator of the busway project. The Blok M-Kota route is currently served by PPD P1, Patas AC B1 and Steady Safe 938 buses.

* The Acehnese people deserve much better conditions -- Page 3

* The Acehnese people deserve much better conditions -- Page 3 * Reporters urged to discard military uniforms -- Page 3 * Antiviolence activists speak for justice in Aceh -- Page 3 * Resource-rich Aceh suffers prolonged violence -- Page 3 * On the brink of war? -- Page 6 * Peace, a priority in Aceh -- Page 6

Be vigilant for GAM attacks: Sutiyoso

Be vigilant for GAM attacks: Sutiyoso Governor Sutiyoso warned Jakartans to remain alert for possible revenge attacks from the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) as the central government has planned a military operation against the rebel group. "We will anticipate all possibilities. It is in the nature of separatist rebels to spread fear among the public. It has happened before, and the targets they chose were the center of government, such as Jakarta," Sutiyoso said at his office on Sunday.

Sutiyoso's request

Sutiyoso's request From Bisnis Indonesia A Jakarta-based newspaper reported on March 16 and March 17, 2003, that director of traffic affairs of the National Police Headquarters Brig. Gen. Anang Budiardjo had said Jakarta governor Sutiyoso had asked that he be given the plate number B-I-DKI for is official automobile. I support the rejection of this request by several parties.

Gubernatorial election sees further delay

Gubernatorial election sees further delay Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan, North Sumatra The North Sumatra gubernatorial election rescheduled for May 26 will likely be delayed again, due to administrative and legal problems all the candidates are facing in their candidacy, says the chief legislator.

KL to brief envoys on security

KL to brief envoys on security MALAYSIA: The government will hold a security briefing for all foreign ambassadors in Malaysia to assure them the country is safe after the United States renewed warnings about possible terror attacks in Southeast Asia, a senior official said on Sunday. Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the briefing was necessary because some foreign governments "have the perception that since our country is an Islamic country, we are considered unsafe." The U.S.

Rival Indonesian gangs clash in Malaysia, one person killed

Rival Indonesian gangs clash in Malaysia, one person killed Agencies, Kuala Lumpur Malaysian authorities detained 350 Indonesian immigrant workers armed with machetes after one man was fatally slashed in a clash between rival gangs, police said on Sunday.

Antiviolence activists speak for justice in Aceh

Antiviolence activists speak for justice in Aceh Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With the high-scale military operation in Aceh looming, national campaigns against violence in the westernmost province have been few compared to the number of protests against the United States- led attack on Iraq.

Talks by cellular phone

Talks by cellular phone Acehnese separatists prevented by Indonesian police from attending last-ditch peace talks in Tokyo joined the negotiations by telephone Sunday. In a stuffy hotel room where plates of chopped mango and bananas sat ready to fuel his efforts, Sofyan Ibrahim Tiba, the lead negotiator for the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) rebels, stood in sandals with his left hand in his pants pocket and his right hand holding a small cellular telephone to his ear.

Beware of foreign

Beware of foreign intervention From Media Indonesia Foreign intervention will perhaps become increasingly sophisticated and difficult to avoid as it is one of the main features of globalization, in which a national issue is also seen as a global problem. Therefore, it becomes even harder to identify forms of such intervention, as is now taking place in Aceh. The Henry Dunant Center (HDC) and the Joint Security Committee (JSC) certainly regard their tasks as serving a humanitarian cause.

Flights on several routes fully booked

Flights on several routes fully booked The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Flights to Jakarta from several parts of the country are fully booked until Monday noon as vacationers rush back to the capital city after spending a long weekend out of town. Hotasi Nababan, President Director of state-owned airline company Merpati Nusantara Airlines, said the company had to add two extra flights for the Jakarta-Denpasar and Denpasar-Jakarta routes to respond to the high demand.

1. DISCOURSE: 1 x 50

1. DISCOURSE: 1 x 50 'The Acehnese people deserve much better conditions' 2. AJI: 1 x 40 Reporters urged to discard military uniforms 3. ANTIWAR: 1 x 45 Antiviolence activists speak for justice in Aceh 4. NATURAL: 2 x 27 Resource-rich Aceh suffers prolonged violence

On the brink of war?

On the brink of war? Ever since disruption of the operations of the Joint Security Council in the middle of last month, it has been obvious that President Megawati's government has lost its trust in the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA), only four months after the document was signed. The last-ditch "peace" talks that were held over the weekend in Tokyo as a result of very high-level international pressure clearly showed that the government of Indonesia is not very keen to pursue dialog.

Indonesian Muslim-Islam gap

Indonesian Muslim-Islam gap From Koran Tempo Rhoma Irama's warning to Inul Daratista has led to criticisms from many parties. Even former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid has come to the defense of Inul and has criticized Rhoma Irama. The association of TV film artists and many other parties have also defended Inul and launched criticisms against Rhoma Irama. What is really going on? The world is upside-down now.

Ex-soldier linked to bank robbery

Ex-soldier linked to bank robbery MEDAN, North Sumatra: Medan Police suspect a former member of the Army's Special Forces (Kopassus) played a role in a recent bank robbery that claimed three lives. Maj. M. Ginting, a senior officer at Bukit Barisan Military Command overseeing the province, said on Saturday that he was informed by police that a sketch of one of the suspects resembled that of a soldier identified as Somson.

Stock investors to cash in gains, rupiah to strengthen

Stock investors to cash in gains, rupiah to strengthen M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Profit-taking is expected to dominate transactions on the Jakarta Stock Exchange this week as investors try to cash in on recent gains, an analyst has said. But overall sentiment would remain positive on the back of good financial results published by listed companies, said analyst Prasti Rindrawati on Sunday.

Export tax plan for commodities not effective: Experts

Export tax plan for commodities not effective: Experts Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government's plan to impose export tax on certain commodities such as raw leather and cocoa products will not be effective in curbing the export of the commodities, industry associations said. The tax is supposed to discourage export of the commodities to help provide domestic manufacturers with sufficient supply of raw materials at affordable prices.

Australia nabs 19 RI fishing boats

Australia nabs 19 RI fishing boats AUSTRALIA: Nineteen Indonesian boats have been impounded in Australia's latest crackdown on foreign vessels that poach fish in its northern waters, officials said on Sunday. Some poachers compound their crime by catching protected species like dolphins and dugongs and cutting them up for bait, Queensland Primary Industries Minister Henry Palaszczuk said. Authorities expected a record catch of illegal boats this year, with 53 foreign vessels caught so far.

~Presidential Decree No. 28/2003

~Presidential Decree No. 28/2003 declaring a state of emergency and martial law for Aceh President of the Republic of Indonesia Considering: a. A series of peace initiatives by the government, including the implementation of special autonomy law for Aceh, an integrated development approach as well as dialogs, including those carried out overseas, did not stop the intention and actions of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) to separate from the Unitary State of Indonesia (NKRI). b.

Sukarno or Soeharto

Sukarno or Soeharto From Kompas I wish to question my fellow citizens across the country, particularly the political elite. Is there anybody out there who has the capacity of a Sukarno or a Suharto, who is respected both at home and overseas, and who considers Indonesia's territorial integrity as not being up for negotiation?

Indosat's new owner calls for fair play in telecommunications sector

Indosat's new owner calls for fair play in telecommunications sector After acquiring a 41.9 percent stake in the country's second largest telecommunication company PT Indosat from the government in December last year, Singapore Technologies Telemedia (STT) has a tough task ahead to boost the performance of the company in competing with rival state-owned PT Telkom. The Jakarta Post's Rendi A.

War returns to Aceh as peace talks fail

War returns to Aceh as peace talks fail The Jakarta Post, Jakarta War looks set to return to Aceh after two days of talks to save a peace pact between the Indonesian government and separatist rebels broke down, with the government responding through the imposition of martial law in the province.

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

1. BUS: 50 pt, 2 cols, 4 x 12 Public campaign for busway needed 2. HIV: 36 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 25 Hundreds of demonstrators demand subsidy for ARVs 3. UNIVERS: 28 pt, 2 cols, 2 x 20 Extra costs incurred to secure university seats 4. SPEAK: 28 pt, 5 cols, 1 x 48 'Govt has failed to serve public in transportation'

Luring new customers and maintaining existing customers

Luring new customers and maintaining existing customers Burhanuddin Abe Contributor Jakarta Even for purchases of basic daily needs like soap and toothpaste, Maya does not mind the longer distance to Matahari department store instead of a nearby mini market. The main reason is by using her Matahari Club Card (MCC) she is rewarded with points that can be exchanged with free shopping vouchers. "I have always loved discounts," said the 29-year-old mother.

'Govt has failed to serve public in transportation'

'Govt has failed to serve public in transportation' The government policy to shift national holidays this year is generally welcomed by holidaymakers. However, many also complain about the poor condition of the transportation systems. They also said that the government had failed to anticipate the increase of passengers during the long weekend. They shared their experiences with The Jakarta Post: Bagas, 29, is a kindergarten teacher at a private school in Salemba, Central Jakarta.

'Export tax plan on commodities ineffective'

'Export tax plan on commodities ineffective' Adianto P. Simamora The Jakarta Post Jakarta The government's plan to impose export tax on certain commodities such as raw leather and cocoa products will not be effective in curbing the export of the commodities, industry associations said. The tax is supposed to discourage export of the commodities to help provide domestic manufacturers with sufficient supply of raw materials at affordable prices.

Firm action

Firm action needed against GAM From Media Indonesia The greater part of the Aceh population supports the peace- making process in the region and the outcome of conflict settlement so far. But certain elements in society are attempting to spoil the process and ruin the chance of compromise. Recent public protests at several offices of the Joint Security Committee (JSC) in Aceh have mostly been triggered by abduction and extortion committed by the Free Aceh Movement (GAM).

Reporters urged to discard military uniforms

Reporters urged to discard military uniforms The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) has urged reporters embedded with the Indonesian Military (TNI) in Aceh to avoid wearing military uniforms, warning that the separatists may target the reporters in any gunfight. AJI called on journalists to wear civilian clothes with a label clearly reading "press" to avoid being shot at by Free Aceh Movement (GAM) soldiers.

Why we need changes in RI's visa policy

Why we need changes in RI's visa policy Junita Sitorus, Directorate General of Immigration, Jakarta, junita_st@yahoo.com A parade of reactions against the new visa policy released by the government on March 31 were recently published in The Jakarta Post and other media. Proposals to revise (not to revoke) visa-free-entries were initiated by the administration of then president Abdurrahman Wahid in December 1999.

Labor rallies

Labor rallies From Media Indonesia On May Day this year, many labor unions in Indonesia took to the streets to object to the recently ratified law on manpower. Signed by President Megawati Soekarnoputri on April 25, 2003, this law is believed to be harmful to workers' interests, particularly in its clause on the authority of a company to lay off workers deemed unproductive. Besides, the law is said to fail to arrange social insurance for laid-off workers.

On the brink of war?

On the brink of war? Ever since disruption of the operations of the Joint Security Council in the middle of last month, it has been obvious that President Megawati's government has lost its trust in the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA), only four months after the document was signed. The last-ditch "peace" talks that were held over the weekend in Tokyo as a result of very high-level international pressure clearly showed that the government of Indonesia is not very keen to pursue dialog.

Thai fishermen invade RI waters

Thai fishermen invade RI waters CIREBON, West Java: Indonesia loses about US$4 billion a year to illegal fishing by Thais, Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Affairs Rokhmin Dahuri says. "Thai fishermen control nearly 80 percent of Indonesian waters using vessels that fly the Indonesian flag," Rokhmin told reporters on Saturday. Data from his ministry shows that every year around 3,200 vessels flying the Indonesian flag enter the country's waters.

1. ACEH: 1 x 38

1. ACEH: 1 x 38 Peace talks fail, war returns to Aceh 2. PHONE: 1 x 24 Talks by cellular phone 3. SUTIYOSO: 1 x 35 Be vigilant for GAM attacks: Sutiyoso 4. SECURITY: 1 x 50 SE Asian security at risk if insurgences blow up

SE Asian security at risk if insurgencies blow up

SE Asian security at risk if insurgencies blow up P. Parameswaran, Agence France-Presse, Manila Separatist insurgences in the Philippines and Indonesia are threatening to flare up into full scale wars that could unhinge Southeast Asian security and hinder the region's battle against terrorism, officials and analysts say.

* Headlines: Long vacation not all fun for Jakartans 2

* Headlines: Long vacation not all fun for Jakartans 2 * National: Interfaith figures call for review of education bill4 * City: Public campaign for busway needed5 * Opinion: New visa policy ill-timed 8 * Sports: Schumacher survives fire to claim Austrian win 10 * World: RP troops kill 50 rebels in antiterror push 11 * Business: World travel forum confronts crisis 16 * Features: Pancur Kasih promotes ethnic harmony 19

1 PANCUR: 1 LINE, 38 COUNTS

1 PANCUR: 1 LINE, 38 COUNTS Pancur Kasih promotes ethnic harmony 2. STILT: 1 LINE, 40 COUNTS 'Venice of Hong Kong' may eventually fade

'Inul' pencil in demand

'Inul' pencil in demand JAKARTA: Rubber pencils called "Inul" pencils, in reference to dangdut sensation Inul Daratista, are the hottest-selling item in the capital. "In one day, I can sell more than 50 pencils," Ujang, an "Inul" pencil vendor on the train connecting Tanah Abang in Central Jakarta and Serpong in Tangerang, told Antara on Sunday, adding that on his train alone there were at least four pencil vendors.

The Acehnese people deserve much better conditions

The Acehnese people deserve much better conditions Before his return to Bangkok on Wednesday, Thai Maj. Gen. Tanongsuk Tuvinum talked to The Jakarta Post's Kornelius Purba about his five-month experience in Aceh as the head of the Joint Security Committee (JSC), and his view about the future of peace in the troubled province. Question : You had to leave Aceh while your team was trying to create peace in the province. How do you feel about the territory?

Investment rises despite low demand

Investment rises despite low demand Sudibyo M. Wiradji, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The fall in overall business as a result of the downturn in the global economy has also affected courier and cargo businesses in Indonesia. But the lower demand does not mean the companies have to reduce their activities. Most of the big players have invested more money in the business either by establishing new branches or putting in place new technology.

Stock investors to cash in gains, rupiah to strengthen

Stock investors to cash in gains, rupiah to strengthen M. Taufiqurrahman The Jakarta Post Jakarta Profit-taking is expected to dominate transactions on the Jakarta Stock Exchange this week as investors try to cash in on recent gains, an analyst has said. But overall sentiment would remain positive on the back of good financial results published by listed companies, said analyst Prasti Rindrawati on Sunday.

CNOOC to get stake in Aussie project

CNOOC to get stake in Aussie project PERTH: China's national offshore oil and gas company CNOOC will pay A$544 million (US$348 million) for a 5.3 percent stake in the massive North West Shelf (NWS) gas project off the Western Australian coast, it was announced here on Friday. CNOOC Ltd.

Australia nabs 19 RI fishing boats

Australia nabs 19 RI fishing boats AUSTRALIA: Nineteen Indonesian boats have been impounded in Australia's latest crackdown on foreign vessels that poach fish in its northern waters, officials said on Sunday. Some poachers compound their crime by catching protected species like dolphins and dugongs and cutting them up for bait, Queensland Primary Industries Minister Henry Palaszczuk said. Authorities expected a record catch of illegal boats this year, with 53 foreign vessels caught so far.

Extra costs incurred to secure university seats

Extra costs incurred to secure university seats Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Many high school students who have just completed their final examinations are worrying about whether they can get into a quality university due to the limited number of seats. But Amanda is still confused even though she has been accepted at Atma Jaya Catholic University here. She has been given a seat in the accounting department of the School of Economy, which was her second choice.

Resource-rich Aceh suffers from prolonged violence

Resource-rich Aceh suffers from prolonged violence A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The war-torn province of Aceh is known for its rich natural resources, notably oil and gas, and yet its people are among the poorest in the country. World oil and gas giant ExxonMobil Oil has been operating for years in Aceh, tapping oil and gas from the region. The profitable business earns the government around US$1 billion per year.

Millions to attend national exams

Millions to attend national exams JAKARTA: Around 4 million junior high school students nationwide begin national final examinations on Monday, a senior government official said. Indra Djati Sidi, the director general for elementary and high school education at the Ministry of National Education, said on Sunday that three subjects, namely Indonesian, English and mathematics, would be mandatory during the exams.

;JP;

;JP; ANPAv..r.. Photo-documents-order Photo caption JP/Mulkan Salmona RECEIVING ORDERS: A DHL clerk in one of the company's branches in Jakarta receives an order from a client. Documents or packages are then sorted out according to type before being dispatched. FedEx MOTORBIKE SQUAD: Like other major air express companies, FedEx also deploys a special motorbike fleet to ensure the rapid delivery of the documents or packages being sent through the firm.

Indonesia hosts world forwarders' congress

Indonesia hosts world forwarders' congress The Indonesian Forwarders Association (INFA) will host the 41st annual congress of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders, which will be held in Nusa Dua, Bali, from Sept. 29 to Oct. 3.

Cost to be a teacher

Cost to be a teacher From Kompas As in the New Order period, graft practices continue to prevail in the recruitment of teachers, school principals and other civil servants throughout Indonesia. The selection of teachers as government employees in Cirebon and the surrounding regency during 2000/2001 is an example. The recruitment committee demanded between Rp 20 million and Rp 35 million, depending on the position, without issuing receipts.

Protesters march on to Jakarta

Protesters march on to Jakarta BANDUNG: At least 300 people, mostly students, workers, farmers and fishermen from Bandung, West Java, continued on Saturday their long march to Jakarta, where they intend to stage a rally. The demonstrators, who left Bandung -- about 120 km east of Jakarta -- on Thursday, planned to arrive in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Interfaith figures call for review of education bill

Interfaith figures call for review of education bill Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Leaders of various religions on Sunday jointly urged the House of Representatives (DPR) to delay endorsing the much-debated national education system bill and suggested that more discussions be held to settle controversy surrounding the bill. The interfaith leaders asserted that national unity and social harmony would be jeopardized should the lawmakers insist on passing the bill into law as it is.

New visa policy ill-timed

New visa policy ill-timed Dewi Anggraeni, Journalist, Melbourne Indonesia is not the only country where state departments appear not to speak to one another. However this inter- departmental autism became acutely obvious when the government announced the presidential decree to revoke the 60-day, free on- arrival visa policy to 48 countries, including Australia, the Netherlands, the USA and other Western European countries, notably where most of Indonesia's much-needed tourists come from.

JP/8/holiday

JP/8/holiday 2 x Long vacation not all fun for Jakartans as preparations poor JP/13/Deputy 2 x 22 House set to select new central bank deputy chief JP/2/weekend 1 x 27 Flights on several routes fully booked JP/2/MALAYSIA 2 x 26 Rival Indonesian gangs clash in Malaysia, one person killed

Hundreds of demonstrators demand subsidy for ARVs

Hundreds of demonstrators demand subsidy for ARVs Arya Abhiseka, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Hundreds of people held a demonstration last Saturday, demanding the government disburse Rp 4.8 billion (US$539,325) as promised earlier, to help people with HIV/AIDS who need to buy antiretroviral (ARV) drugs. The protest at the traffic circle in front of Hotel Indonesia was supported by the Pelita Ilmu Foundation (YPI), a support group for people with HIV/AIDS.

Another marketing strategy to create buyer loyalty

Another marketing strategy to create buyer loyalty Syafruddin Chan Contributor Jakarta With competition in all kinds of businesses becoming tougher by the day, it is not surprising that marketers are racing to modify their marketing strategies. That customer loyalty is vital is now completely understood by every marketer. Hence, it is agreed the key is maintaining their loyalty, and, if necessary, pampering them so that they do not switch over to competitors' products.

'Workplace discrimination up in RI'

'Workplace discrimination up in RI' Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta An increasing amount of workplace discrimination in Indonesia, with gender discrimination topping the list, has at least one international organization very concerned. The International Labor Organization (ILO) said in a statement that based on data from the Statistics Indonesia (BPS) office, average female income was only 68 percent of average male salaries.

Students to hold public stage

Students to hold public stage BOGOR: Students from various universities in Bogor will hold a day-long public discussion, titled Panggung Rakyat (Public Stage), on Wednesday to reflect on the last five years of the reform movement students helped spark. Government critics, including economists Drajad Wibowo and Didiek J. Rachbini, and politicians Eros Djarot, Sri Bintang Pamungkas and Rachmawati Soekarnoputri, have been invited.

Long vacation not all fun for Jakartans as preparations poor

Long vacation not all fun for Jakartans as preparations poor Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jakartans appreciated last week's four consecutive days off but have questioned the government's preparations to make the most out of the long weekend in its efforts to boost domestic tourism. One major concern is how the government expects people to travel if tourism infrastructure is not conducive to taking a proper vacation.

Rights activists hail bill against domestic violence

Rights activists hail bill against domestic violence Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Women's rights activists are hailing a decision from the House of Representatives to draft a bill against domestic violence, saying that the move was a welcome start to providing legal protection for victims of violence in the home.

We must crush

We must crush GAM for peace From Warta Kota Various efforts have been made to find an amicable settlement of the Aceh question: Humanitarian Pauses I and II and the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, among others. As already expected, peace will never come to Aceh as long as the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) exists. GAM wants Aceh to be independent while the Indonesian government wants to keep it part of the Indonesian state.