Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 27 May 2003

87 articles found

'Rupiah's surge not good for business'

'Rupiah's surge not good for business' Dow Jones, Jakarta A rapid strengthening of the rupiah could hurt the country's exporters, Bank Indonesia Governor Burhanuddin Abdullah said on Monday. "A too rapid rupiah appreciation is not good for business," he told reporters. But Burhanuddin said the market should set the rupiah's level, indicating the central bank was not yet considering significant intervention in the foreign exchange markets.

1. RECLAIM: 1 LINE, 38 COUNTS

1. RECLAIM: 1 LINE, 38 COUNTS Reclamation project jinxed from the outset 2. IMPACT: 1 LINE, 35 COUNTS Planned reclamation worries the poor 3. OTDA: 2 LINES, 27 COUNTS Autonomy often leads central, local governments to feud

'Twixt orangutans and puppets

'Twixt orangutans and puppets Tarko Sudiarno, The Jakarta Post, Balikpapan, East Kalimantan Each time he starts his leather puppet show in English, Ki Peter Karsono, always quote Shakespeare: "The world is but a stage and we are only players." Then, he will also quote from Nawaruci, an ancient leather puppet book: "We are but dolls and the puppet master controls our movements.

'Busway project to be operational by 2010'

'Busway project to be operational by 2010' Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city administration revealed on Monday its transportation system concept -- bus rapid transit (BRT) or busway and railway -- and said it expected it to be fully operational by 2010. The busway project, which so far only has one corridor from Blok M in South Jakarta to Kota in West Central Jakarta, will be expanded to at least 15 corridors by 2010, connecting nearly all major areas in the city.

1. NGO: 2 x 28

1. NGO: 2 x 28 Int'l NGOs will continue to aid Aceh, despite ban 2. RIGHTS: 1 x 44 Rights body asks for access to monitor Aceh 3. MEDIA: 2 x 31 Legislators back TNI position against media coverage in Aceh 4. ACTIVIST: 1 x 36 Arrest of rights activists condemned

Kuala Lumpur hazed over

Kuala Lumpur hazed over MALAYSIA: Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur was shrouded on Monday in a smoky blanket of haze caused by a prolonged dry spell, as well as smoke from forest fires in Indonesia, environmental officers said. Visibility levels in Sepang district, where Kuala Lumpur International Airport is located, were dangerously low at 6 kilometers, a spokesman for the Meteorological Department said.

Managing customer expectations no easy job

Managing customer expectations no easy job Taufik Hidayat Contributor Jakarta When business is thriving and customers are lining up for your products, you feel deeply contented and think that you are going in the right direction. But when there is a downturn in the market and your customers switch over to the competition, you are suddenly awakened and startled by this harsh new reality. Only then do you start to contemplate and think over what may have gone wrong.

Rights body asks for access to monitor Aceh

Rights body asks for access to monitor Aceh Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With the war in Aceh entering its second week, the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) plans to dispatch an ad hoc team to monitor the military operation in the province, as reports on human rights violations are rife. "The team will focus on suspected rights abuses during the implementation of the military offensive in the province," M.M.

Chinese coach to lead RI divers to SEA Games

Chinese coach to lead RI divers to SEA Games Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian aquatic sport authority has turned to China in an effort to step up the performance of its divers ahead of the upcoming Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. "China's (aquatic sport body) has informed us of the coach's name: Zhang Gyun.

U.S. tired misunderstanding of SE Asia

U.S. tired misunderstanding of SE Asia Michael J. Montesano, Assistant Professor, Southeast Asian Studies Program, The National University of Singapore For all its glitter and buzz, Monday's White House state dinner in honor of Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo could not conceal the tired, misconceived nature of America's approach to Southeast Asia.

Minister predicts agriculture growth in 2004

Minister predicts agriculture growth in 2004 The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The country's agriculture sector is expected to grow by 2 percent in 2004, up from than this year's estimate of 1.9 percent, mainly due to an increase in farmer's productivity, Minister of Agriculture Bungaran Saragih said on Monday.

Parties differ on election debates

Parties differ on election debates JAKARTA: The issue of whether presidential candidates in 2004 should be required to take part in public debates has yet to be resolved by legislators deliberating the bill on presidential elections. All of the factions except for the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) agree that presidential candidates should take part in debates, to explain their programs to the public.

17 inmates escape from detention in Bekasi

17 inmates escape from detention in Bekasi Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Two days after two inmates escaped from a detention cell at the Matraman Police station in East Jakarta, 17 detainees made good their escape from the Bekasi Police station on Monday morning by sawing through the steel bars of their detention cell. At the time the incident took place, at between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m., two of the four police officers who should have been on duty were not at the station.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________ Rupiah Rates 23 May ______________________________________________________________________________________ Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 5,794.50 5,133.98 5,493.77 5,434.48 Brunei dollar 1 5,126.34 4,542.82 4,860.30 4,808.71 Canadian dollar 1 6,435.03 5,703.77 6,101.06 6,037.61 Swiss franc 1 6,803.64 6,030.36 6,450.54 6,383.32 Danish krone 1 1,388.93 1,230.58...

Mine clearing to begin in Ambon

Mine clearing to begin in Ambon AMBON, Maluku: Soldiers are set to clean scores of land mines in Sirimau district, outside the provincial capital of Ambon, that were planted during the three-year sectarian clash. Assigned to the mine clearing task is the North Sumatra Bukit Barisan Arhanudse Battalion. Its commander, Col. Haris Sarjana, said the area of Ahuru in Sirimau was infested with land mines.

A broader perspective on Aceh

A broader perspective on Aceh Students turned out to be among the first victims of violence in Aceh (since the military operations). More than 300 school buildings in the troubled province of Aceh were set ablaze as of Sunday, May 25, forcing about 100,000 children to stay at home. If the arson was committed by the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM), the people will certainly no longer respect the rebels.

Agriculture sector to grow by 2% next year

Agriculture sector to grow by 2% next year The Jakarta Post Jakarta The country's agriculture sector is expected to grow by 2 percent in 2004, up from than this year's estimate of 1.9 percent, mainly due to an increase in farmer's productivity, Minister of Agriculture Bungaran Saragih said on Monday.

Antam may issue $150m bond in 3Q

Antam may issue $150m bond in 3Q JAKARTA: Indonesia's state-owned gold and nickel miner PT Aneka Tambang (Antam) may issue US$150 million in bonds in the third quarter to help finance a new ferronickel smelter project, an official with the company said over the weekend. Company President Director Dedi Aditya Sumanegara told reporters that it's in the process of selecting underwriters for the proposed issue, which is expected to be listed overseas.

2. AIDS 2 lines x 20

2. AIDS 2 lines x 20 HIV/AIDS cases in Papua reach alarming level 3. Papua 2 lines x 18 Govt orders split of Papua into 3 provinces

Ay Tjoe brings new luster to graphic art

Ay Tjoe brings new luster to graphic art Carla Bianpoen, Contributor, Jakarta At a time when graphic art have been left to artists with clear ideals and great integrity, such as Marida Nasution (born 1956) and a few other senior artists, Ay Tjoe Christine (born 1974) fills the spaces of Edwin Galeri in Jakarta and Cemeti in Yogyakarta with work in which her command of the drypoint technique shines through, even in her mixed media pieces.

Int'l NGOs will continue to aid Aceh, despite ban

Int'l NGOs will continue to aid Aceh, despite ban Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta International organizations will continue providing humanitarian assistance for Aceh people, despite the government's ban imposed on foreign agencies wishing to enter the war-torn province.

Govt orders split of Papua into 3 provinces

Govt orders split of Papua into 3 provinces Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura, Papua Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno has asked Papua Governor Jaap Solossa to enforce a controversial law enacted in 1999 that orders the province of Papua be split in three. The government says the law will allow effective public administration of the country's easternmost island.

Reclamation project jinxed from the outset

Reclamation project jinxed from the outset The Jakarta City administration's plan to reclaim part of the Jakarta Bay for commercial projects has sparked controversy. The Jakarta Post's reporters Bambang Nurbianto and Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak look into the issue. Jakarta has witnessed rapid development in the last three decades, making it increasingly more difficult and expensive to acquire land for development.

1. DUIT (4 x 12)

1. DUIT (4 x 12) Asian monies mostly up, rupiah at record high 2. OPEC (2 x 21) OPEC to cut output to avoid price collapse

Witnesses recall horror of Bali bombings

Witnesses recall horror of Bali bombings Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali Nine survivors who took the witness stand on Monday had one thing in common. They have still not overcome the trauma that has haunted them for the eight months since bombs destroyed two popular nightclubs in Bali, killing at least 202 people. On Monday, the nine recounted their horrific experience before the Denpasar District Court during the first trial, of Amrozi, one of the bombing suspects.

* Headlines: Mega says she got fake medicine from doctors 2

* Headlines: Mega says she got fake medicine from doctors 2 * National: RI seeks better security synergy among ASEAN 4 * Archipelago: N. Sumatra reelects Rizal Nurdin as governor 5 * Opinion: U.S. tired misunderstanding of SE Asia 7 * City: 17 inmates escape from Bekasi prison 8 * Sports: Chinese coach to lead RI divers to SEA Games 10 * World: Cousins, former minister betrayed Saddam 12 * Business: 'Rupiah's surge not good for business' 13 * Features: Soros back doing what he does best 20

Crew blamed for ferry tragedy

Crew blamed for ferry tragedy PHILIPPINES: Rescuers searched rough seas off the Philippine capital on Monday for survivors of a ferry collision that claimed at least 28 lives, as officials blamed crew incompetence for the accident. Naval and coastguard ships and military helicopters were pursuing the search at the mouth of Manila Bay, while marine divers searched underwater for bodies from the San Nicholas ferry, said Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes.

Students ask police to release friends

Students ask police to release friends JAKARTA: A number of students demanded on Monday that police release eight of their colleagues under police detention following their arrest on May 21 in front of the House of Representatives and the People's Consultative Assembly. "We demand that the police release our friends," said JJ Armstrong Sembiring, a lawyer representing the student group Students Action Front for Reform and Democracy (Famred).

136 people treated for food poisoning

136 people treated for food poisoning BOGOR: A total of 136 residents of Pasir Datar hamlet in Cibening village, Pamijahan district, Bogor regency, were taken to community health centers last Friday morning with food poisoning. Four of the people were still being treated at the center on Monday.

Toyota, Honda lift ban on trips to Guangzhou

Toyota, Honda lift ban on trips to Guangzhou Deutsche Presse-Agentur, Tokyo Honda Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp. announced on Monday the lift of a business trip ban to Chinese production bases in Guangdong province, hit hard by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The moves came as the World Health Organization (WHO) last Friday lifted its travel warning to the SARS-hit region.

Bank Sumsel to issue Rp 200b worth of bonds

Bank Sumsel to issue Rp 200b worth of bonds Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The development bank of South Sumatra, Bank Sumsel, is to issue five-year bonds worth Rp 200 billion (about US$24 million) with fixed interest rates ranging from 14.25 percent to 14.75 percent per annum.

Polygamous councillor sentenced to jail

Polygamous councillor sentenced to jail SURABAYA, East Java: An East Java deputy council speaker from the Police and the Indonesian Military (TNI) faction was sentenced on Monday to four months in jail by a local military court on charges of fraud, carried out to enable him to take a second wife. The Surabaya military court granted councillor Col. Masduki, 54, a six-month probationary period, during which time he will remain free, unless he commits another crime.

Please refer to computer column counting

Please refer to computer column counting 1. Aceh -- 5 cols, 1 line, 60 pts MB, 25 counts Students in Aceh sit final exams 2. Amrozi -- 2 cols, 3 lines, 36 pts MB, 51 counts (17 each) Witnesses recall horror of Bali bombings 3. Bank -- 3 cols, 1 lines, 36 pts MB, 26 counts Deposit guarantee set at Rp100m

Golkar begins presidential screening

Golkar begins presidential screening JAKARTA: Hasta Karya, a forum of eight organizations under the Golkar Party, began screening four presidential hopefuls on Monday at the Mulia Hotel here, months before the party holds national congresses in October 2003 and February 2004.

President says she got fake medicine

President says she got fake medicine The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri disclosed here on Monday that she was once given fake medicine by presidential doctors, an incident that draws attention to the widespread distribution of such medicine within the country. Speaking at the opening ceremony of a national pharmacists meeting, the President said she had been informed by her friend, a medical doctor, about the fake medicine. "My friend said that the medicine was fake.

136 people treated for food poisoning

136 people treated for food poisoning BOGOR: A total of 136 residents of Pasir Datar hamlet in Cibening village, Pamijahan district, Bogor regency, were taken to community health centers last Friday morning with food poisoning. Four of the people were still being treated at the center on Monday.

Description of 'indigenous'

Description of 'indigenous' From Koran Tempo There has been much discussion of late on presidential candidates, though the law regulating this matter has yet to be thoroughly discussed by the House of Representatives. Debates over candidates' required educational levels or his/her status in legal cases are legitimate, as long as they are meant to find the best leaders for the country.

TPJ urged not to cut water supply

TPJ urged not to cut water supply JAKARTA: The City Council urged water operator PT Thames PAM Jaya (TPJ) not to cut the water supply to low-cost apartments in Klender, East Jakarta, stressing that the tenants should not become victims of alleged corruption by the management. "We hope that TPJ is patient as we hope there is still a way out of the problem," Chairman of the Council Commission D for development affairs Koeswadi Soesilohardjo told a hearing on Monday.

Conflict in Aceh

Conflict in Aceh * Another Timor massacre must be avoided -- Page 6 * Int'l NGOs will continue assistance for Aceh despite ban -- Page 3 * Legislators back TNI position against media coverage -- Page 3 * Scholar condemns arrest of right activists -- Page 3

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________ Rupiah Rates May 26 ______________________________________________________________________________________ Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 5,709.37 5,046.64 5,406.96 5,348.84 Brunei dollar 1 5,036.33 4,452.51 4,769.54 4,719.14 Canadian dollar 1 6,299.07 5,568.07 5,965.40 5,901.50 Swiss franc 1 6,709.25 5,932.66 6,353.85 6,287.93 Danish krone 1 1,379.54 1,219.36...

Govt reportedly fails to pay fertilizer subsidy

Govt reportedly fails to pay fertilizer subsidy M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta An association of fertilizer producers revealed on Monday the government has yet to meet its obligation to disburse a subsidy aimed at producing affordable fertilizers for the domestic market.

'Rapid appreciation of rupiah not good for exporters'

'Rapid appreciation of rupiah not good for exporters' Dow Jones Jakarta A rapid strengthening of the rupiah could hurt the country's exporters, Bank Indonesia Governor Burhanuddin Abdullah said on Monday. "A too rapid rupiah appreciation is not good for business," he told reporters. But Burhanuddin said the market should set the rupiah's level, indicating the central bank was not yet considering significant intervention in the foreign exchange markets.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________ Rupiah Rates May 26 ______________________________________________________________________________________ Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 5,709.37 5,046.64 5,406.96 5,348.84 Brunei dollar 1 5,036.33 4,452.51 4,769.54 4,719.14 Canadian dollar 1 6,299.07 5,568.07 5,965.40 5,901.50 Swiss franc 1 6,709.25 5,932.66 6,353.85 6,287.93 Danish krone 1 1,379.54 1,219.36...

PKB may not name presidential candidates soon

PKB may not name presidential candidates soon A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The National Awakening Party (PKB)'s national meeting, scheduled to take place from Tuesday to Thursday this week, may end without the party having named its candidates for the 2004 presidential election. PKB secretary-general Syaifullah Yusuf said here on Monday it was too early to name the party's presidential candidates because the criteria for the candidates had yet to be set.

Surakarta to host Olympic 10K

Surakarta to host Olympic 10K JAKARTA: Surakarta, a Sultanate town in Central Java, is likely to host a 10K Olympic Day run in early July, a top official of the National Sports Council (KONI) said on Monday. The program is part of the worldwide Olympic movement pursued by the International Olympic Council (IOC), which will donate to each of the organizing countries US$2,500 in financial assistance.

Indonesia seeks more cooperation in ASEAN

Indonesia seeks more cooperation in ASEAN Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia will propose the establishment of a stronger, more effective Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) security agreement to be further discussed at a ministerial meeting in June.

PIB clarifies

PIB clarifies We are writing with regards to a short article published on May 24, 2003, on page 4 of The Jakarta Post entitled: PIB registers for 2004 election. We regret to inform you that there were several mistakes about crucial facts printed in the article. Firstly, the name of our political party was incorrectly translated. Partai Perhimpunan Indonesia Baru is officially translated as New Indonesia Alliance Party (PIB party).

'Antara' lashes out at subscribers

'Antara' lashes out at subscribers JAKARTA: Most subscribers to state-owned news agency Antara use the agency's news reports as raw material only, Antara chief editor Mohammad Sobary said on Monday. "Thus our soul has been murdered by our subscribers," Sobary said during a hearing with House of Representatives Commission I for media and defense affairs.

Reckless cop shoots two girls to death

Reckless cop shoots two girls to death Two girls, a toddler and a 12-year-old, were killed by stray bullets shot by a plainclothes police officer who was chasing a suspected criminal in the Taman Sari area of West Jakarta on Monday afternoon. Both girls died of their wounds before reaching the hospital. Another woman remained seriously wounded, but alive. Jakarta Police Chief Insp. Gen.

Arrest of rights activists condemned

Arrest of rights activists condemned A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A human rights activist criticized on Monday the arrest of Aceh students and rights activists during the first week of a major military campaign against rebels in Aceh, warning it could worsen human rights violations by the military and the police.

Arroyo declares victory in campaign against rebels

Arroyo declares victory in campaign against rebels Agence France-Presse, Manila President Gloria Arroyo on Monday declared victory in a 10-day- old military campaign against "terrorist cells" allegedly sheltered by the largest Moro separatist group in the southern Philippines.

Malaysia set to launch antiterror center

Malaysia set to launch antiterror center Agencies, Kuala Lumpur A Southeast Asian antiterrorism center that was proposed by the United States will begin operating in Malaysia before the end of the year, a diplomat heading the project said on Monday. Malaysia has picked a senior diplomat to head a regional antiterrorism center which it hopes to launch by the end of the year in partnership with the United States, reports said on Monday.

Asia's Q1 server sales up

Asia's Q1 server sales up SINGAPORE: Computer server sales in the Asia Pacific increased 7 percent to US$ 1.12 billion in the first quarter from a year ago but the SARS outbreak could hit demand in the June quarter, an industry monitor said on Monday. Technology research house Gartner Inc. said regional economies severely affected by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) epidemic could see weaker demand in the second quarter.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________ Rupiah Rates May 26 ______________________________________________________________________________________ Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 5,709.37 5,046.64 5,406.96 5,348.84 Brunei dollar 1 5,036.33 4,452.51 4,769.54 4,719.14 Canadian dollar 1 6,299.07 5,568.07 5,965.40 5,901.50 Swiss franc 1 6,709.25 5,932.66 6,353.85 6,287.93 Danish krone 1 1,379.54 1,219.36...

JP/1/MAP26

JP/1/MAP26 Day 8: Conflict in Aceh Pidie: An Army infantry unit led by Capt. Arifin clashed with some 40 Free Aceh Movement (GAM) members in Lhok Ulam hamlet at around 11:20 a.m. local time. One of the government troops, First Sgt. Andrian Basidu was injured. Bireuen: A joint military unit under Second Lt. A.P. Simatupang chased five armed rebels in Pato Cut village in Peusangan district at 12:15 p.m.

Batam running short of water

Batam running short of water BATAM, Riau Islands: A local water company warned that drought might hit the industrial island of Batam, as water catchment areas were shrinking, giving way to business complexes. Director of water company PT Adhya Tirta Batam Piter Robin said on Monday that the water level in several reservoirs had dropped despite continued rainfall. "The rain water does not flow into the reservoirs because forests have been felled to give way for business complexes," he said.

Motorcycle thieves arrested

Motorcycle thieves arrested SEMARANG, Central Java: Police here arrested five alleged members of a gang specializing in motorcycle thefts in the regencies of Kudus and Jepara. A joint team of the Kudus and Jepara police precincts raided the suspects' hiding place in the village of Muryolobo in Jepara, said Kudus police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Bimo Anggoro Seno on Monday. He said that along with the five suspects, police seized seven motorcycles.

Genuine excellence or just lip service?

Genuine excellence or just lip service? Andi Muh. Sadat Contributor Jakarta At certain hotels you may have experienced their royal treatment right from the moment you arrive. A friendly, smiling bellboy opens the door of your car and greets you. Your baggage is attended to with care, then you are escorted to your room and there a welcome drink and a basket of fresh fruit awaits you. During your stay at the hotel, you also find the entire management and staff helpful and courteous.

War in Aceh

War in Aceh Peace talks between the Indonesian government and separatist rebels from Aceh province held in Tokyo broke off 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. Indonesia is a multicultural, multiracial nation of many religions and languages.

Paradise lost?

Paradise lost? Leaving economic and political problems aside for a while, it must be admitted that Indonesia is a formidable geographical entity indeed. This country of more than 17,500 islands -- the largest archipelago in the world -- stretches for a distance of more than 6,400 kilometers across the equator, more than the distance from Casablanca to Moscow.

Legislators back TNI position against media coverage in Aceh

Legislators back TNI position against media coverage in Aceh Kurniawan Hari and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A number of legislators on Monday regretted most reports on Aceh by both domestic and international media, and demanded the government to find a mechanism to control media reporting in the troubled province.

The value of service lies in a moment of truth

The value of service lies in a moment of truth Roy Goni Contributor Jakarta Will services provide a competitive advantage for a company? The answer is a definite "yes". Today, companies realize that, in the long term, their products alone cannot bring in profits, but the intangible element of services -- or to be more precise, excellence in services -- assure lasting profitability.

HIV/AIDS cases in Papua reach alarming level

HIV/AIDS cases in Papua reach alarming level Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura, Papua Compared to Papua province's population of 2.1 million, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS cases in the province has reached an alarming level with a total of 1,263 people with HIV, including 539 who have contracted the fatal disease.

Mulia Senayan wins international award

Mulia Senayan wins international award The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences, the world's leading hotel rating agency, has granted the Hotel Mulia Senayan the 5- Star Diamond Award for its high standard of service. Mulia Senayan's project development manager Mario Setiawan said on Monday the award reflected international acknowledgement that a local hotel could compete in terms of services with famous hotel groups across the globe.

Security tight for joint Cabinet meet

Security tight for joint Cabinet meet THAILAND: Security will be tight at a forthcoming joint Cabinet meeting between Thailand and Cambodia after a threat against Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was revealed last week, a Thai official said on Monday. The Saturday meeting is to be split between a morning session in Siem Reap, the gateway town to Cambodia's famed Angkor Wat temple complex, and an afternoon session in northeastern Thailand's Ubon Ratchatani.

Mine clearing to begin in Ambon

Mine clearing to begin in Ambon AMBON, Maluku: Soldiers are set to clean scores of land mines in Sirimau district, outside the provincial capital of Ambon, that were planted during the three-year sectarian clash. Assigned to the mine clearing task is the North Sumatra Bukit Barisan Arhanudse Battalion. Its commander, Col. Haris Sarjana, said the area of Ahuru in Sirimau was infested with land mines.

Autonomy often leads central, local government to feud

Autonomy often leads central, local government to feud The ongoing saga between the city administration and State Minister of the Environment Nabiel Makarim is just another example of a dispute between central and regional administrations over who gets the last word in implementing regional autonomy.

Expo urges public to buy Indonesian goods

Expo urges public to buy Indonesian goods Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In silence, yet full of excitement, Herwantoko walked around the main exhibition hall, his face a picture of awe and appreciation. "I doubt that many Indonesians fully understand the significance of this "Buy Indonesian" drive. More campaigning is therefore needed to spread the idea," Herwantoko said.

Another Timor massacre must be avoided

Another Timor massacre must be avoided Aboeprijadi Santoso, Radio Netherlands, Amsterdam, aboeprijadi@yahoo.com Indonesia's past experience with East Timor has been a lesson of political, military and human disaster. Jakarta's assault in Aceh, a province suffering from human rights abuses, puts the locals' hearts and minds at stake. Far from solving the problems, it risks a greater danger.

Haze returns to Pontianak

Haze returns to Pontianak The start of this year's dry season in West Kalimantan was not only marked by the absence of rain over the past two weeks, but also by the return of thick haze over the provincial capital of Pontianak. Haze covers the city at night and lasted until early morning, Antara reported. A number of motorcycle drivers in Pontianak have begun to wear masks since the haze returned several days ago.

Bill on health insurance covers all citizens

Bill on health insurance covers all citizens Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In a bid to improve the poor health insurance system, the House of Representatives has drafted an initiative do you mean "initial"? bill on national social health insurance that covers all citizens. "All factions will give their general views on the bill on May 27 at the House plenary session.

Antam may issue $150m bond in 3Q

Antam may issue $150m bond in 3Q JAKARTA: Indonesia's state-owned gold and nickel miner PT Aneka Tambang (Antam) may issue US$150 million in bonds in the third quarter to help finance a new ferronickel smelter project, an official with the company said over the weekend. Company President Director Dedi Aditya Sumanegara told reporters that it's in the process of selecting underwriters for the proposed issue, which is expected to be listed overseas.

Students in Aceh sit final exams

Students in Aceh sit final exams The Jakarta Post, Lhokseumawe/Banda Aceh Elementary school pupils in warn-torn Aceh crammed into mosques and partially burned classrooms on Monday to take their national final examinations, days after unidentified arsonists burned down hundreds of schools. Students from elementary school (SDN) II in Geurugok, Gandapura, Bireuen regency, had to take final examinations in a mosque, while sitting on the floor.

Agency sets individual bank deposit guarantee at Rp100m

Agency sets individual bank deposit guarantee at Rp100m Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The planned deposit guarantee agency may only guarantee individual bank deposits of not more than Rp 100 million (about US$11,628 at present rates), a senior finance ministry official said here on Monday. Firdaus Djaelani, who heads a team assigned to set up the agency, said that the main mission of the agency was to protect the money belonging to small depositors.

ADB grants $4m to fight SARS

ADB grants $4m to fight SARS Agence France-Presse, Manila The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved technical assistance grants totaling US$4 million to prevent the spread of SARS in China and several other countries in Asia-Pacific. A US$2 million grant will go to preventing the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in the Chinese provinces of Ningxia, Qinghai, Xinjiang and Yunnan, ADB officials said.

N. Sumatra reelects Rizal Nurdin as governor

N. Sumatra reelects Rizal Nurdin as governor Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan, North Sumatra The North Sumatra legislative council voted on Monday 51 to 33 to reelect Rizal Nurdin as governor for another five years, in one of the few major regional election victories for the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan). Rizal won the gubernatorial race along with his running mate Rudolf Pardede, who chairs the PDI Perjuangan's North Sumatra branch.

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

1. CELL: 50 pt, 2 cols, 4 x 12 17 inmates escape from detention in Bekasi 2. BETAWI: 36 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 25 Betawi Center is a work in progress' 3. PPI: 28 pt, 2 cols, 2 x 20 Expo urges public to buy Indonesian goods 4. SPEAK: 28 pt, 3 cols, 1 x 30 'Honestly, I don't like reading'

Parties differ on election debates

Parties differ on election debates JAKARTA: The issue of whether presidential candidates in 2004 should be required to take part in public debates has yet to be resolved by legislators deliberating the bill on presidential elections. All of the factions except for the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) agree that presidential candidates should take part in debates, to explain their programs to the public.

JP/4/head27

JP/4/head27 1. 5 columns, 1 X 44 Bill on health insurance covers all citizens 2. 2 columns, 3 X 20 PKB meeting may not name presidential candidates 3. 3 columns, 2 X 25 Celebrities told to support antitobacco drive 4. 2 columns, 2 X 20 Indonesia seeks more cooperation in ASEAN

Celebrities told to support antitobacco drive

Celebrities told to support antitobacco drive Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The latest survey on the smoking habits of high-school students should be a matter of concern to all: 42 percent of 2,047 students surveyed in Jakarta admitted to being active smokers, 43.9 percent said they had tried smoking and 13.6 percent said they had never tried it but would do so next year. Regardless of the validity of the survey, smoking has long been a fundamental part of teenagers' lives here.

IBRA expects APP restructuring deal in July

IBRA expects APP restructuring deal in July The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) expected Asia Pulp and Paper (APP) to reach a final debt restructuring agreement with its creditors in early July. IBRA Chairman Syafruddin Temenggung was quoted on Monday by detik.com as saying that a week-end agreement over a default mechanism should open the way for a final solution to settle the huge US$6.3 billion debt owed by APP's Indonesian units.

Planned reclamation worries the poor

Planned reclamation worries the poor Sidiq, 50, has been renting a small boat to tourists at Muara Baru Bay in North Jakarta for about 20 years. He is happy with his job, through which he earns enough to support himself, his wife and their two children. Sidiq's boat is hired by tourists who want to visit the Thousand Islands. A round trip costs about Rp 400,000 and he usually takes one or two groups of tourists a week.

Betawi Cultural Center a work in progress

Betawi Cultural Center a work in progress Arya Abhiseka, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Anyone who turned up at the newly opened Betawi Center on Monday expecting to view books, pictures and documents on the Betawi ethnic group would have discovered that the center remains a work in progress. Governor Sutiyoso officially opened on Friday the Center for Betawi Art, Culture, Education and Studies at the Jakarta State University (UNJ).

OPEC to cut output to avoid price collapse

OPEC to cut output to avoid price collapse Agence France-Presse, Doha OPEC can be expected to agree to slash production at a ministerial meeting in Qatar on June 11 to avoid a price collapse, OPEC President Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah told AFP on Monday, strongly defending Iraq's position within the oil cartel.

'Honestly, I dont like reading'

'Honestly, I dont like reading' Reading is definitely not all the rage here in Indonesia. The Jakarta Post spoke with several people who said they did not have the time to read, nor could they afford to buy books. They also said they could not see the benefit of reading, since they could get all the information they needed from television or by talking to their neighbors. Atik, 39, works for a foreign manufacturer on Jl. Putra Utama in Tangerang.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________ Rupiah Rates May 26 ______________________________________________________________________________________ Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 5,709.37 5,046.64 5,406.96 5,348.84 Brunei dollar 1 5,036.33 4,452.51 4,769.54 4,719.14 Canadian dollar 1 6,299.07 5,568.07 5,965.40 5,901.50 Swiss franc 1 6,709.25 5,932.66 6,353.85 6,287.93 Danish krone 1 1,379.54 1,219.36...

Candidates should be tested

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.