Archive: 22 May 2003
89 articles found
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
[b]
No Indonesia without Aceh Lela E. Madjiah Staff Writer The Jakarta Post Jakarta 2. Inqui22 -- A more balanced Mindanao agenda 1 X 30 A more balanced Mindanao agenda Amando Doronila Philippine Daily Inquirer Asia News Network Manila 3. Asahi22 -- Stop bloodshed in Aceh 1 X 30 Stop the bloodshed in Aceh Bloodshed no answer for Aceh The Asahi Shimbun Tokyo
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Malaysia boosts patrols near Aceh to stop refugees fleeing
Malaysia boosts patrols near Aceh to stop refugees fleeing fighting Associated Press Kuala Lumpur Malaysian authorities said Wednesday they have increased patrols along the border with Indonesia's Sumatra island to intercept people who try to may flee fighting in Aceh province.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
'KPU lacks transparency'
'KPU lacks transparency' Arya Abhiseka, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The General Elections Commission (KPU) announced on Wednesday 150 members of all 30 provincial General Elections Commissions (KPUDs), including the Jakarta KPUD, after the commission conducted a suitability test on 300 candidates nationwide, which ended last week. However, an analyst said the KPU has failed to be accountable in the selection of members of the KPUDs.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Yogyakarta hosts int'l meeting on sustainable development
Yogyakarta hosts int'l meeting on sustainable development Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Experts, government officials and activists representing the Asia Pacific region gathered on Wednesday in Yogykarta for a three day meeting to discuss cleaner production methods and a sustainable consumption pattern in the region.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
On visa policy
On visa policy I refer to the article by Junita Sitorus titled Why we need changes in RI's visa policy published in The Jakarta Post on May 19, 2003. If a 60-day visa facility resulted in criminal offenses such as drug smuggling, how is a 30-day facility going to curb this? Would you please explain this? And if people want to enter this country as commercial sex workers, how is the 30-day period going to change this?
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Economic fallout of Aceh war will spread
Economic fallout of Aceh war will spread Martin P.H. Panggabean Visiting Researcher Institute of Southeast Asian Studies The Straits Times Asia News Network Singapore It shouldn't just be the people of Aceh who are concerned that last-minute peace negotiations have failed in Tokyo. And that war is now going on. People in neighboring Sumatran provinces, as well as those in countries such as Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand should be concerned too.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Web portal to boost trade with Singapore
Web portal to boost trade with Singapore The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In a bid to help improve bilateral economic relations between Indonesia and Singapore, a special web portal called Network Indonesia Portal (http://www.iesingapore.com/networkindonesia) was launched late on Tuesday. The launch was jointly assisted by visiting Singaporean Minister for Trade and Industry George Yeo and Indonesian Coordinating Minister for the Economy Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
KPU elects members of Jakarta KPUD
KPU elects members of Jakarta KPUD Arya Abhiseka The Jakarta Post Jakarta The General Elections Commission (KPU) has failed to be accountable in the selection of members of the provincial General Elections Commissions (KPUD), according to an analyst. The KPU announced on Wednesday 150 members of all 30 provincial KPUDs, including the Jakarta KPUD, after the commission conducted a suitability test on 300 candidates nationwide, which ended last week.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Ambon Police arrest seven suspects over Acehnese murders
Ambon Police arrest seven suspects over Acehnese murders Muhammad Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon, Maluku Police arrested on Wednesday seven men who are suspected of being behind the recent kidnapping and murder of three Acehnese men, but officers remained in the dark over the motive. The suspects led police officers to the graves of the three Acehnese in the hills of Batumerah near the provincial capital of Ambon.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
QSAR, a pebble in the shoe for Hamzah Haz
QSAR, a pebble in the shoe for Hamzah Haz A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Support is mounting for Hamzah Haz to be reelected as chairman of the United Development Party (PPP), but his journey to the top will not be as smooth as expected. At least three provincial chapters questioned on Wednesday his accountability speech presented in the ongoing party congress, demanding that Hamzah and other executive board members be more transparent in the high profile QSAR scandal.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Prosecutor sentenced for fraud
Prosecutor sentenced for fraud Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In another slap in the face for justice in Indonesia, a court sentenced a whistle-blowing prosecutor on Wednesday to a lenient jail term for fraud involving Rp 480 million (US$56,470). The South Jakarta District Court jailed prosecutor Kito Irkhamni for one month and 23 days, minus the time the defendant had spent in detention during the legal proceedings, which happened to be exactly one month and 23 days.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
[b]Election candidates
Election candidates should be tested From Kompas Top management of banks and state-owned enterprises, as well as officials at some state institutions now undergo a test of their suitability. If this test had been conducted much earlier, many of the banks in this country would not have gone bankrupt due to poor management. The same goes for state-owned enterprises and some state institutions. They would not have had to sustain losses or suffer misuse of funds.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Bajaj Auto, TVS may open plants in Asia, Latin America
Bajaj Auto, TVS may open plants in Asia, Latin America Bloomberg, Mumbai, India Bajaj Auto Ltd. and TVS Motor Co., India's second- and third- biggest motorcycle makers, may open factories in Latin America and Southeast Asia, where they say customers demand a similar type of product as at home. TVS Motor is studying the possibility of setting up a plant in Thailand, Indonesia or Vietnam, said Chairman and Managing Director Venu Srinivasan in an interview.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Stop the bloodshed in Aceh
Stop the bloodshed in Aceh The Asahi Shimbun, Tokyo Peace talks between the Indonesian government and separatist rebels from Aceh province held in Tokyo broke off Sunday with no agreement. Within hours, Indonesia's President Megawati Soekarnoputri declared effective martial law in Aceh and ordered an army assault on the Free Aceh Movement, the pro-independence rebel group, known locally as GAM. Strife in Aceh, the resource- rich region of northern Sumatra, began a quarter-century ago.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Economic fallout of Aceh war will spread
Economic fallout of Aceh war will spread Martin P.H. Panggabean, Visiting Researcher, Institute of Southeast Asian, StudiesThe Straits Times, Asia News Network, Singapore It shouldn't just be the people of Aceh who are concerned that last- minute peace negotiations have failed in Tokyo, and that war is now imminent. People in neighboring Sumatran provinces, as well as those in countries such as Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand should be concerned too.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
E. Nusa Tenggara short teachers
E. Nusa Tenggara short teachers ~ KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Children throughout East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) face a shortage of teachers from kindergarten to senior high school, officials said. The deputy secretary of the provincial teachers support committee, Ismail Kasim, said on Wednesday the committee had invited the head of the education department in each regency to outline their demand for teachers. The meeting is slated for next week.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Election commission appoints members of provincial boards
Election commission appoints members of provincial boards A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The General Elections Commission (KPU) appointed on Wednesday 150 people in 30 provinces as members of provincial elections commissions (KPUDs). The appointment was completed after two-day plenary meetings at the KPU headquarters in Jakarta. The meetings were attended by all nine KPU members, except KPU chairman Nazaruddin Sjamsudin, who was still out of the country.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
On visa policy
On visa policy I refer to the article by Junita Sitorus titled Why we need changes in RI's visa policy published in The Jakarta Post on May 19, 2003. If a 60-day visa facility resulted in criminal offenses such as drug smuggling, how is a 30-day facility going to curb this? Would you please explain this? And if people want to enter this country as commercial sex workers, how is the 30-day period going to change this?
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Legislators urge rehab for drug addicts
Legislators urge rehab for drug addicts JAMBI, Jambi: Parents with drug-addicted children should bring them to the mental hospital for rehabilitation, urged councillors dismayed by the lack of drug addicts undergoing treatment. Councillors of the provincial legislature recently visited Jambi mental hospital and found only two people being treated for their drug habits.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
JP/13/Blum
JP/13/Blum SBI rate down to 10.68% The Jakarta Post Jakarta Bank Indonesia on Wednesday cut its benchmark interest rate to 10.68 percent, a day after newly-appointed central bank Governor Burhanuddin Abdullah pledged to maintain the current declining trend in the rate. The interest rate on one-month Bank Indonesia SBI promissory notes was previously at 10.80 percent.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
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.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Casualties rise as offensive intensifies
Casualties rise as offensive intensifies The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Lhokseumawe Casualties rose on Wednesday as the Indonesian Military (TNI) mounted massive attacks on strongholds of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) in Bireuen, North Aceh, and Aceh Besar. Senior army officers said soldiers killed nine rebels on the third and bloodiest day of the assault, but separatists put the death toll at 13, including 10 civilians. There was no independent source to verify the claims.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Mega asked to change envoy posts
Mega asked to change envoy posts Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives (DPR) has recommended that President Megawati Soekarnoputri change the country destinations of four ambassadorial candidates on the ground that they were unfit for their respective posts designated by the head of state. "We want to know how the government follows up our recommendation.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
BNI plans to double dollar bonds issue
BNI plans to double dollar bonds issue Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI), the country's second largest bank in terms of assets, plans to double the size of its U.S. dollar-denominated bond offering amid strong demand from investors, according to one key official.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
SBI rate down to 10.68%
SBI rate down to 10.68% The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bank Indonesia cut its benchmark interest rate on Wednesday to 10.68 percent, a day after newly appointed central bank Governor Burhanuddin Abdullah pledged to maintain the current declining trend in the rate. The interest rate on one-month Bank Indonesia SBI promissory notes was previously 10.80 percent.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Aspac looking for IBL crown
Aspac looking for IBL crown JAKARTA: Aspac Texmaco is seeking to continue its winning form, which has given it three consecutive championships in the now-obsolete professional competition known as Kobatama, in the newly established Indonesian Basketball League (IBL). "We want to become champion five times. Now that three are already in our hands, we need another two.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
W. Java councillors named suspects
W. Java councillors named suspects Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung Prosecutors named three West Java deputy council speakers as suspects in a graft case related to last year's controversy over a Rp 25 billion (US$2.9 million) gift to all 100 councillors. The announcement came on Wednesday, a day before the council was to elect the West Java governor, prompting suspicions that it was an attempt to influence the election's outcome.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
No Indonesia without Aceh
No Indonesia without Aceh Lela E. Madjiah, Staff Writer, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Force won't solve Indonesia's problems in Aceh- U.S. Australia concerned about loss of life in Aceh. U.S. calls for resumption of negotiations in separatist conflict. These May 20th headlines from Reuters, AFP and dpa news agencies respectively reflect the view of Western governments on Indonesia's crackdown on Acehnese separatist rebels. These Western views, that of the U.S.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
East Nusa Tenggara lacks teachers
East Nusa Tenggara lacks teachers KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Children throughout East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) face a shortage of teachers, totaling 18,000 from kindergarten to senior high school, officials said. How many teachers were needed for each school remained unclear. "We still don't know the exact number of teachers needed in this province," the deputy secretary of the provincial teachers support committee, Ismail Kasim, said on Wednesday.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
W. Lombok nets biggest drug cache
W. Lombok nets biggest drug cache MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: Police in West Lombok regency seized 3.6 kilograms of marijuana from a suspected drug dealer, the regency's biggest drug catch so far this year. Police arrested on Wednesday morning Ahwan Tanwir, 34, and found in his possession three one-kilogram pouches of marijuana and smaller pouches weighing about 600 grams total.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
W. Lombok nets biggest drug cache
W. Lombok nets biggest drug cache MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: Police in West Lombok regency seized 3.6 kilograms of marijuana from a suspected drug dealer, the regency's biggest drug catch so far this year. Police arrested on Wednesday morning Ahwan Tanwir, 34, and found in his possession three one-kilogram pouches of marijuana and smaller pouches weighing about 600 grams total.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Police shut file on McDonald's boss
Police shut file on McDonald's boss JAKARTA: Police said on Wednesday that they had closed the file on the Rp 40 billion corruption case implicating the American fast-food restaurant boss, Bambang Rachmadi, as they had failed to find any strong evidence to prove a violation. "We cannot proceed with the case as we have found no violation in the case," said Adj. Sr. Comr. Anton Wahono, chief of the city corruption crime division.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
JP/14/brief
JP/14/brief Danamon pays Rp 568.8b dividend JAKARTA: Bank Danamon said it would pay out some 60 percent of its Rp 948 billion (about US$112 million) net profit from 2002 in dividend payments. The decision was reached during an annual shareholders meeting on Wednesday, the first since a consortium led by Singapore's Temasek Holdings Ltd. acquired the bank's 51 percent stake earlier this month.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Police round up activists, claiming GAM link
Police round up activists, claiming GAM link Apriadi Gunawan and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Medan/Jakarta In support of the government's pledge to quash the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), the police rounded up activists and other individuals and charged them with subversion over their alleged connection with the separatist group.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Jakarta Police begin hunt for alleged GAM operatives
Jakarta Police begin hunt for alleged GAM operatives Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Makbul Padmanegara said that the police already knew about the venues allegedly used by members of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) as hideouts and where they might carry out retaliatory attacks in the city, following the military operation in Aceh province.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Arroyo warns "evil" elements trying to kill US-Philippines ties
Arroyo warns "evil" elements trying to kill US-Philippines ties Agencies Washington/Manila Philippine President Gloria Arroyo on late Tuesday warned "evil" elements were bent on crushing the alliance between Washington and Manila but promised to confront and destroy fear and terror. Winding up her state visit to Washington, a day after meeting President George W.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
TV Program: Thursday, May 22, 2003
TV Program: Thursday, May 22, 2003 .TB.30" .90" TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 English News Service 9:00 Music 11:00 News: Berita Daerah 12:00 p.m. News: Berita Siang 1:00 Talk Show: Konsultasi Keluarga 2:00 News: Metro Indonesia 4:00 Religious Teachings 4:30 Documentary 5:00 TV Series: Amru bin Ash 6:00 News: Berita Petang 8:00 Comedy Drama 9:00 News: Berita Malam 9:30 Music: Country Road 11:00 Talk Show: Bincang Bincang Malam TPI 6:00 a.m.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Sex books outsell the rest: Ikapi
Sex books outsell the rest: Ikapi Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta What sort of books are people in the capital most likely to buy? Any book that is about sex, according to an official from the Jakarta Chapter of the Indonesian Publishers Association (Ikapi).
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
ACEH: 1 x 40
ACEH: 1 x 40 Casualties rise as offensive intensifies 2. RAID: 4 x 14 Jakarta Police begin hunt for alleged GAM operatives 3. SCHOOL: 1 x 40 Schools not priority for TNI operation 4. DEMO: 2 x 21 Celebrations of 1998 reform turn violent
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
House approves toll rate hike: The House of Representatives (DPR)
House approves toll rate hike: The House of Representatives (DPR) endorsed a proposal on Wednesday from Minister of Settlement and Regional Infrastructure Soenarno for a 25 percent increase in toll rates. The House's special team to deliberate the toll rate suggested that the toll hike should not apply to public transport vehicles or to vehicles passing through toll roads that were already enjoying a profit such as Jagorawi and Sedyatmo toll roads.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Indian coast guard tries to contain spill: The Indian coast guard
Indian coast guard tries to contain spill: The Indian coast guard on Wednesday spread chemicals in the Bay of Bengal in hopes of containing oil spilling from an Indonesian ship that sunk near the coast last week, officials said. The ship, hauling oil and soda ash used to make detergent, is "slowly sinking into the sand" around 200 kilometers (125 miles) south of Calcutta, Indian Coast Guard Commandant R.K. Wadhwa said.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Flood victims face food shortage
Flood victims face food shortage MAUMERE, East Nusa Tenggara: Around 250,000 people in Sikka regency face a shortage of food following the April flood disaster that damaged about 3,000 hectares of crops. The flooding damaged two vital irrigation facilities that led to the destruction of 3,000 hectares of rice paddy, corn and other crops. At least 61 people died in the regencies of Ende, Sikka and East Flores when floods hit the area from March 30 to April 4 this year.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
School not priority for TNI operation
School not priority for TNI operation The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With the burning of at least 248 schools, the Indonesian Military (TNI) has apparently failed to anticipate attacks on schools by the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), if the military claim is indeed true that the arson was conducted by the rebels.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Danamon pays Rp 568.8b dividend
Danamon pays Rp 568.8b dividend JAKARTA: Bank Danamon said it would pay out some 60 percent of its Rp 948 billion (about US$112 million) net profit from 2002 in dividend payments. The decision was reached during an annual shareholders meeting on Wednesday, the first since a consortium led by Singapore's Temasek Holdings Ltd. acquired the bank's 51 percent stake earlier this month. Danamon president Arwin Rasyid said that the dividend payment meant that shareholders would get Rp 20.9 per share.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Hundreds of 'ojek' drivers stage rally
Hundreds of 'ojek' drivers stage rally TANGERANG: Hundreds of motorcycle taxi (ojek) drivers blocked Jl. Rawa Bokor near the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Wednesday as part of their rally to protest PT Angkasa Pura's decision to ban them from entering the airport. During the rally, they blocked the road that links the airport with Jl. Daan Mogot in West Jakarta with their motorcycles, causing heavy congestion on both sides of the road for almost three hours.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Clove cigaretteexcise-related price must be halted: Gappri
Clove cigaretteexcise-related price must be halted: Gappri Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Association of Clove-Blended Cigarette Manufacturers (Gappri) is urging the government to delay for at least two years a plan to increase its excise revenue by hiking the price of clove cigarettes in order to help the ailing industry recover. "We're not asking the government to cut cigarette prices, but to delay raising them.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Bandung-Semarang railway reopened
Bandung-Semarang railway reopened BANDUNG, West Java: State-owned railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia reopened on Tuesday its Bandung-Semarang route after a three-year shutdown because of declining passenger load. KAI spokesman Akhmad Sujadi said the all-executive class train Harina began its operation on Tuesday night. Harina runs every night from Bandung and Semarang over a 7.5- hour route.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Canberra denies 'flying squads' plan
Canberra denies 'flying squads' plan AUSTRALIA: Australian police denied on Wednesday reports that it planned to deploy "flying squads" of counter-terrorism agents in Southeast Asia. The denial came a day after Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad warned Australia its policemen would not be welcome in his country.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Canberra denies 'flying squads' plan
Canberra denies 'flying squads' plan AUSTRALIA: Australian police denied on Wednesday reports that it planned to deploy "flying squads" of counter-terrorism agents in Southeast Asia. The denial came a day after Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad warned Australia its policemen would not be welcome in his country.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
andung: 1 line x 33
andung: 1 line x 33 W. Java leaders suspects in graft case Ambon: 3 lines x 19 Ambon Police arrest seven suspects over Acehnese murders Yogya 2 lines x 30 Yogyakarta hosts int'l meeting on sustainable development
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Balinese experience intense soul-searching
Balinese experience intense soul-searching Dewi Anggraeni, Contributor, Kuta, Bali Against a green corrugated iron sheet blocking off the vacant lot along Jl. Legian in Kuta, which once had been Sari Club, leaned three bouquets of flowers. Stuck between the first and second bouquets was a piece of paper inside a protective plastic sleeve, bearing a poem. The poem was a heart-rending appeal to God not to abandon Bali, and to forgive the Balinese. "...
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Samudra to stand trial
Samudra to stand trial DENPASAR, BALI: The alleged mastermind of the devastating terrorist attack in Bali is expected to stand trial next week, the Denpasar District Court said Wednesday. Abdul Azis, alias Imam Samudra, will become the second suspect after Amrozi to stand trial for the attacks after prosecutors submitted his indictment to the court on Wednesday. Samudra is charged with masterminding the Oct. 12, 2002 bomb blasts on the resort island.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Acehnese cry for education after schools burned
Acehnese cry for education after schools burned Achmad Sukarsono Reuters Banda Aceh Nine-year-old Acehnese schoolgirl Chaerani fears she could end up without an education after her school was set ablaze late on Monday, the first day of martial law in Indonesia's restive Aceh province.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Garuda technicians to go on strike
Garuda technicians to go on strike Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang PT Garuda Aircraft Technicians Association (ITPU) threatened on Wednesday that 600 technicians from the association would hold a three-day strike, starting next Tuesday, in protest at a PT Garuda management decision to transfer them to a new private company.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
'I prefer Soeharto, despite corruption'
'I prefer Soeharto, despite corruption' In the five years that have passed since the downfall of former president Soeharto, three presidents have been at the helm of the country to try and implement the reforms demanded by the people. However, some people on the streets complain that their lives are now more difficult than before. They told The Jakarta Post how they missed the "good old times" under Soeharto, when asked who they preferred among the past four presidents.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Samudra to stand trial
Samudra to stand trial DENPASAR, BALI: The alleged mastermind of the devastating terrorist attack in Bali is expected to stand trial next week, the Denpasar District Court said Wednesday. Abdul Azis, alias Imam Samudra, will become the second suspect after Amrozi to stand trial for the attacks after prosecutors submitted his indictment to the court on Wednesday. Samudra is charged with masterminding the Oct. 12, 2002 bomb blasts on the resort island.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Malaysia warned of GAM infiltration
Malaysia warned of GAM infiltration JAKARTA: National Police have warned Malaysian Police to watch out for Free Aceh Movement (GAM) separatists attempting to flee to the neighboring country. "We have asked them to increase their patrols along our sea borders in an attempt to prevent GAM members from seeking safety in the country," National Police Chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar said Wednesday.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Aceh Besar: Din Syehman, GAM commander for Cot Keueng Darussalam
Aceh Besar: Din Syehman, GAM commander for Cot Keueng Darussalam in Kuta Baro district and bodyguard M. Isa killed in Leupung district. 3 TNI helicopters fired missiles at suspected rebel bases on two islands off Banda Aceh; Marines landed on islands, but no information on casualties immediately available. Bireun: 7 GAM members killed, 1 TNI soldier injured. GAM reported 10 civilians, 2 rebels and 1 soldier killed in a clash 2 kilometers east of Bireun.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
PKB the only NU political link
PKB the only NU political link JAKARTA: National Awakening Party (PKB) patron Abdurrahman Wahid asked on Wednesday that Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) members channel their political energy to the party. Underlining the fact that PKB was established by NU figures, including himself, to accommodate the political aspirations of members of the country's largest Muslim organization, Abdurrahman said it was logical that NU used PKB as its political vehicle.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Megawati honors 500 blood donors
Megawati honors 500 blood donors JAKARTA: President Megawati Soekarnoputri on Wednesday awarded medals to 500 people who have donated their blood more than 100 times. The donors were conferred with Satyalencana medals, an award for social work. Megawati said donating blood could enhance brotherhood among people, given the fact that donors never designated to whom their blood should be given. The president called on the rest of the nation to follow in the footsteps of the donors.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Malaysia sets aside $1.9b to counter SARS outbreak
Malaysia sets aside $1.9b to counter SARS outbreak M.Jegathesan, Agence France-Presse, Malaysia Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Wednesday unveiled a 7.3 billion ringgit (US$1.92 billion) stimulus package to mitigate the impact of SARS and revive a sluggish economy. Mahathir said the package, comprising 90 measures, was "necessary to stimulate the economy and to lift confidence", boost foreign investment, raise competitiveness and mobilize new sources of growth.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
'JP' journalist goes to Harvard
'JP' journalist goes to Harvard JAKARTA: The Jakarta Post's deputy chief editor, Endy M. Bayuni, will be going to Harvard University this coming academic year for the prestigious Nieman Fellowship program. The Nieman Foundation announced in Boston, Massachusetts, on Tuesday that Endy would be among 25 journalists who will take part in the 10-month program starting in August. Thirteen Americans and 12 non-Americans have been picked for the 66th class of Nieman Fellows at Harvard.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
EU bids to cut down illegal timber trade
EU bids to cut down illegal timber trade Robin Pomeroy, Reuters, Brussels The European Union is to urge timber exporting countries to certify their wood does not come from illegal logging which is ravaging the world's priceless rainforests. The European Commission is to launch a voluntary timber certification system that might lead to a global agreement to clean up the US$150 billion global forest product trade, according to a draft proposal obtained by Reuters on Tuesday.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Activists arrested as they rally against war in Aceh
Activists arrested as they rally against war in Aceh Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta An antiwar rally here ended in the arrest of four foreign and two Indonesian participants on Wednesday while they were expressing solidarity for the Acehnese people who have seen violence return to their home soil.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Pertamina to sell $100m bonds
Pertamina to sell $100m bonds JAKARTA: Pertamina, Indonesia's state oil company, said the US$100 million-denominated bonds it plans to sell to fund construction of oil tankers will mature in between seven and 10 years. The company plans to sell the bonds in the third-quarter of this year and will next month name advisers for the sale, Finance Director Ainun Naim told reporters. "We're planning to issue more bonds in the future as a source of investment," Naim said.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
JP/7/F02
JP/7/F02 From Suara Karya It is really regrettable that Indonesia, a country endowed with rich natural resources, is in crisis in practically all aspects of national life, as shown by the country's weak human resources and poor economic condition. Unfortunately, the government, in its attempt to lift the country out of this multidimensional crisis, relies on policies that do not side with the little people.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Celebrations of 1998 reform turn violent
Celebrations of 1998 reform turn violent Zakki Hakim and Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Thousands of people across Indonesia took part in violent demonstrations on Wednesday to demand heads of state resign as the beginning of a drive to complete reforms that began with the downfall of former authoritarian president Soeharto on May 21, 1998.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Malaysian skies shrouded in haze
Malaysian skies shrouded in haze Thick haze has returned to shroud Malaysian skies in a yearly occurrence brought on by dry weather as well as increased fires in the Indonesian island of Sumatra, environmental officers said on Wednesday. The Department of Environment reported that satellite images on Tuesday detected 49 hot spots -- areas showing high levels of heat caused by burning -- in Sumatra, which were believed to be forest fires.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Bali for Thursday, May 22, 2003
Where to go in Bali for Thursday, May 22, 2003 Museums and Galleries * Sika Galery, Jl. Raya Campuhan Sanggingan, Ubud (Tel. 0361 975727, 975085) * Blue Moon Gallery, Jl. Tirta Tawar, Banjar Kutuh Kaja, Ubud (Tel. 0361 976727), daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. * Museum Puri Lukisan, Jl. Raya Ubud, Gianyar (Tel. 0361 975136), daily, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. * Museum of Bali, Jl. Letkol Wisnu, downtown of Denpasar (Tel. 0361 2277271), Tuesday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Need for law on pornography
Need for law on pornography Pornography is rife in Indonesia, where the majority of the population is Muslim. It has been said that investing in pornographic publications is more lucrative than "serious" publications. Like drug abuse, pornography has reached an alarming level, and thus our deep concern and worry are justified. The sale of pornographic video compact discs (VCDs) is open and unchecked.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Malaysia boosts border patrols
Malaysia boosts border patrols MALAYSIA: Malaysian authorities said on Wednesday that they had increased patrols along the border with Indonesia's Sumatra island to intercept people who try to may flee fighting in Aceh province. "We are concerned that if the situation in Aceh becomes chaotic, some of the Acehnese may resort to entering our country illegally," Malaysia's national police chief Norian Mai was quoted as saying by the Bernama national news agency.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
PLN hopes not to raise rates due to strong rupiah
PLN hopes not to raise rates due to strong rupiah M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State electricity company PT PLN said if the positive trend of the rupiah's value against the U.S. dollar stayed consistent through December, another increase in electricity charges would likely be called off.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
APEC ministers to seek tariff cuts on produce
APEC ministers to seek tariff cuts on produce Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Trade ministers from the 21 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member countries will meet in Thailand next month with the main agenda of seeking ways to resolve some of the wide differences with regard to trade liberalization in the sensitive agriculture sector, a top official at the Ministry of Industry and Trade said.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
'Aceh operation will end in anticlimax'
'Aceh operation will end in anticlimax' Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Many in military circles believe that the outcome of the military operation in Aceh will end in an anticlimax, believing that Free Aceh Movement (GAM) rebels will not choose to head into a cold- blooded struggle. A senior military officer said that many rebel leaders had in fact fled Aceh and headed for safer places such as North Sumatra and Malaysia.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
UBS, Bahana to underwrite BRI sale
UBS, Bahana to underwrite BRI sale JAKARTA : Indonesia said on Wednesday it has named PT UBS Warburg Indonesia and PT Bahana Securities as lead underwriters for its plan to sell a 30 percent stake in PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia via an initial public offering in the third quarter of this year. State Enterprises Minister Laksamana Sukardi told reporters the government also plans to sell a stake in natural gas transporting company PT Perusahaan Gas Negara in the third quarter of this year.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Reform movement will affect political elite
Reform movement will affect political elite The fall of president Soeharto five years ago resulted in a national commitment to reform. The Jakarta Post's Soeryo Winoto interviewed noted lawyer and human rights activist Todung Mulya Lubis on law reform, the main objectives of which are eradication of corruption and the resolution of human rights violations allegedly committed by government agencies. Below is an excerpt of the interview. Question: The reform movement is five year old now.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
S'pore launches 'SARS TV' channel
S'pore launches 'SARS TV' channel SINGAPORE: Singapore on Wednesday launched a special TV channel dedicated to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) crisis as it stepped up efforts to fight the epidemic. The free-to-air channel, to run 12 hours daily, will feature educational messages, latest updates on the global epidemic and how other countries are handling their outbreaks of SARS.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Police shut file on McDonald's boss
Police shut file on McDonald's boss JAKARTA: Police said on Wednesday that they had closed the file on the Rp 40 billion corruption case implicating the American fast-food restaurant boss, Bambang Rachmadi, as they had failed to find any strong evidence to prove a violation. "We cannot proceed with the case as we have found no violation in the case," said Adj. Sr. Comr. Anton Wahono, chief of the city corruption crime division.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Truth becomes casualty of war as military restricts media
Truth becomes casualty of war as military restricts media Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Truth risks becoming another casualty in the conflict in Aceh after the military ruler instructed the media not to print statements from the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) members. Media groups quickly raised strong objections to the new guideline on Wednesday, branding it news censorship, and a violation of a journalist's basic principle of covering both sides.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
BRI II receives another bomb threat
BRI II receives another bomb threat JAKARTA: The Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) II building received a bomb threat on Wednesday afternoon from an anonymous caller who said that an explosive had been planted on the 24th floor, forcing the building management to evacuate all tenants. The threat turned out to be a hoax. Imran S., an employee at BRI, said the bomb threat was the second this year; the first occurrence was in March, when the U.S.-led coalition forces attacked Iraq.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
* Headlines: Reform movement will affect political elite 2
* Headlines: Reform movement will affect political elite 2 * National:Mega asked to change envoy posts 4 * Archipelago:W. Java councillors suspects in graft case 5 * Opinion:A more balanced Mindanao agenda 6 * City:Sex books outsell the rest: Ikapi8 * Sports:Spain knocked out of World Team Cup 9 * World:Abbas scraps tour, Bush may visit Mideast11 * Business:Govt, House agree to issue more T-bonds13 * Features:Balinese experience intense soul-searching 17
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Government, House agree to issue more T-Bonds
Government, House agree to issue more T-Bonds Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government is to issue more medium-term bonds, or T-bonds, rather than the planned short-term bonds, in response to a successful issuing of the bonds in April. The new plan was approved by the House of Representatives on Wednesday.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Structural reform lagging
Structural reform lagging Indonesia has come a long way in reforming its economy, which has been battered since 1998 by the multidimensional crisis amid the transition from a centralized, authoritarian government to a decentralized, more democratic one. A more consistent implementation of reforms has been strengthening macroeconomic stability, as can be seen from the steady decline in both interest rates and inflation.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Another RI worker infected with SARS in Taiwan
Another RI worker infected with SARS in Taiwan Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Another Indonesian worker has been infected with the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) bug in Taiwan, bringing the number of Indonesians suffering from the potentially lethal disease in the territory to 15 people, including three who died in late April and early May.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Biodiversity can tackle poverty'
Biodiversity can tackle poverty' Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta People in Indonesia may be familiar with a traditional drug from a plant root in Kalimantan called pasak bumi that is said to enhance sexual performance, but many seemingly prefer to use the international brand viagra. Indeed, pasak bumi which is taken from a root of a tree called Eurychoma Latifolia, contains aphrodisiac, a substance that can stimulate a man's libido.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
RP's FM invited to OIC conference
RP's FM invited to OIC conference PHILIPPINES: Philippine Foreign Secretary Blas Ople has been invited to attend a plenary meeting of his Islamic counterparts in Iran next week, an official said on Wednesday. The invitation was forwarded to Ople's office by Iranian envoy to Manila Gholamreza Yousefi, who said Iran wanted Ople to be a "guest" of the conference from May 28 to 31 in Tehran.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Trade ministers from the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member countries will meet in Thailand next month with a main agenda to seek ways of resolving wide differences over trade liberalization of sensitive agriculture sector, a top official at the Ministry of Industry and Trade said.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Artist tries for world's longest batik painting
Artist tries for world's longest batik painting Sleeping two hours a day for the past five days, a 62-year-old Singapore artist hopes to enter the record books with the world's longest batik painting. A visibly tired Sarkasi Said had finished the 100 metre by 0.7 metre Indonesian-style painting of orchids on Tuesday morning and planned to submit the entry to the Guinness Book of World Records, a spokeswoman for Sarkasi said.
Thu, 22 May 2003, 00:00 WIB
Cash problem slows massacre trial
Cash problem slows massacre trial JAKARTA: The Attorney General's Office said on Wednesday that it could not speed up the prosecution of those allegedly involved in the 1984 Tanjung Priok massacre due to a lack of funds. B.R. Pangaribuan, chief of the office's human rights working unit, told the House of Representatives Commission II overseeing legal affairs that the office was waiting for government funds to proceed with the prosecutions in an ad hoc human rights tribunal.