Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 9 May 2003

72 articles found

TV Today: Friday, May 9, 2003

TV Today: Friday, May 9, 2003 .TB.30" .90" TVRI .tb .30" .90" 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 English News Service 10:00 Quiz: Dibisikin 11:00 News: Berita Dearah 12:00 p.m. News: Berita Siang 1:00 Talk Show: Konsultasi Keluarga 2:00 News: Metro Indonesia 2:30 Music 4:00 Variety Show 6:00 News: Berita Petang 7:00 Talk Show: Halo Pers Indonesia 8:00 Comedy 9:00 News: Berita Malam 9:30 Comedy Drama 11:00 Feng Shui TPI 6:00 a.m.

Some people see that Aceh will remain a matter of hot debate

Some people see that Aceh will remain a matter of hot debate in Jakarta while conflict continues there. Others see that the Indonesian government has been working all out to deal with the Aceh problem peacefully. An integrated operation is being prepared in anticipation if peace efforts fail. This has been ordered by President Megawati Soekarnoputri. The integrated approach ordered by Megawati is a humanitarian and law enforcement operation and administrative and security restoration operations.

Danareksa to issue Rp 500b bond

Danareksa to issue Rp 500b bond JAKARTA: Investment bank PT Danareksa said on Wednesday that the indicative fixed interest rate of its planned Rp 500 billion (US$57.8 million) bond issue would be in the range of 13.75 percent to 14.5 percent. The company will offer the bonds from June 17 to June 19, and will list them on the Surabaya Stock Exchange on June 27.

Padang shop owners strike

Padang shop owners strike PADANG, West Sumatra: Almost all trade in the West Sumatra capital of Padang ceased on Thursday during a protest against last year's closure of the Andalas bus terminal in the center of the city and its relocation to the city's outskirts. Shop owners, shopping malls, department stores and street vendors shut to protest the relocation, which protesters say has cut trade in the city by between 40 percent and 70 percent.

(Caption for Spotlight column. Client: Hotel Borobudur Jakarta)

(Caption for Spotlight column. Client: Hotel Borobudur Jakarta) HONORED BY VISITS OF UN VIPS: Hotel Borobudur Jakarta was honored to host the visit of Executive Director of UNAIDS and Under Secretary-General of the UN Peter Piot.

Cambodia partly accepts U.S. criticism

Cambodia partly accepts U.S. criticism CAMBODIA: Cambodia partly accepted on Thursday criticism from the United States over its "culture of impunity" but said it was working toward fully implementing the rule of law. "We do not deny their charges, because we are the people who have rebuilt this country with our own hands," Prime Minister Hun Sen's senior adviser, Om Yintieng, said.

ARF members discuss securing international trade from terrorists

ARF members discuss securing international trade from terrorists Associated Press, Manila Asia's largest security bloc and several other nations are discussing ways to deter terrorists and keep them from using international trade routes to move explosives and operatives, according to a document seen on Thursday.

Militant leader goes on trial for vandalism

Militant leader goes on trial for vandalism Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Islam Defenders Front (FPI) chairman Habib Rizieq Shihab went on trial in the Central Jakarta District Court on Thursday for allegedly insulting the authorities and instigating a string of attacks on entertainment spots in the city. Members of the militant group have attacked a number of entertainment venues here in the past few years.

Don Hasman, a tireless old hand

Don Hasman, a tireless old hand Bambang M, Contributor, Yogyakarta It was past midnight but the students taking part in the journalistic training session on environment at Muhammadiyah University in Yogyakarta were still glued to their seats, unable to hide their great admiration for hundreds of slides being shown before them. "Wanna go on?" asked an elderly man, who was the instructor. "Okay. Let's go on until dawn. It's all right," came a an enthusiastic reply from a participant.

Golkar's primary election: Akbar Tandjung's final battle

Golkar's primary election: Akbar Tandjung's final battle Budiman Moerdijat, Consultant, Jakarta When the meeting of Golkar's leadership decided last week to hold its party convention to select its presidential candidate in February 2004, analysts and the media were quick to point out that it was the first sign of defeat of the party's convicted boss, Akbar Tandjung.

42 Vietnamese stranded in West Nusa Tenggara

42 Vietnamese stranded in West Nusa Tenggara Luh Putu Trisna Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara Forty-two Vietnamese boat people who left the South Kalimantan capital of Banjarmasin for Australia three weeks ago have turned up in the West Nusa Tenggara capital Mataram. West Nusa Tenggara Police spokesman Adj. Sr. Comr. H.M. Basri said on Thursday security guards detained the boat people at Sape Port last Tuesday.

Education bill

Education bill unrealistic From Kompas The national education bill has caused quite a stir in society, with the introduction of Article 13 paragraph (1)a requiring the teaching of different religious subjects. It means that Islam and Buddhism, for instance, are taught in Christian schools, while Catholicism and Hinduism are included in Islamic schools. So far, however, Islamic schools have hardly ever received non-Muslim students. The concern voiced by many should not be seen as prejudice.

_____________________________________________________________________________________ Rupiah Rates May 8 _____________________________________________________________________________________ Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 5,730.30 5,089.60 5,439.33 5,380.34 Brunei dollar 1 5,180.15 4,601.93 4,917.12 4,864.82 Canadian dollar 1 6,446.07 5,725.74 6,118.75 6,052.82 Swiss franc 1 6,790.92 6,034.09 6,446.09 6,378.79 Danish krone 1 1,374.74 1,221.06 1,304.93...

Troops await govt ruling on Aceh

Troops await govt ruling on Aceh The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesian security forces are waiting for a government ruling to provide a legal umbrella for joint operations in Aceh. National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar and Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto said the government should soon make a decision on the status of Aceh.

Angelique sets out for European tour

Angelique sets out for European tour The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesian tennis ace Angelique 'Angie' Widjaja headed for Europe on Wednesday with the aim of breaking into the world's top 50 by the end of the year, her manager said on Thursday. Virginia Rusli said Angie, now ranked 63 in the WTA Tour, would play in seven tournaments in Europe, beginning with the Telecom Italia Masters on May 12. "We can't predict how many points she will collect from the tour.

2. TRADE 3 X 17

2. TRADE 3 X 17 U.S.- S'pore FTA shouldn't be allowed to disturb ASEAN 3. BMW 2 x 25 BMW optimistic despite first quarter profits drop 4. OIL 2 X 23 Oil steady after gains on drawn-down U.S. stocks

JP/14/Brief

JP/14/Brief Danareksa to issue Rp 500b bond JAKARTA: Investment bank PT Danareksa said on Wednesday that the indicative fixed interest rate of its planned Rp 500 billion (US$57.8 million) bond issue would be in the range of 13.75 percent to 14.5 percent. The company will offer the bonds from June 17 to June 19, and will list them on the Surabaya Stock Exchange on June 27.

Maid policy stays

Maid policy stays Malaysians are generally tolerant when it comes to religion and so far foreign maids are free to work in any household, regardless of religious faiths. When the idea was mooted that foreign maids be deployed in households based on their religious beliefs, employment agencies and employers reacted with concern over the difficulties they would face if such a policy was implemented.

JI plans bombings in RI, RP: Abu Rusdan has admitted that he led

JI plans bombings in RI, RP: Abu Rusdan has admitted that he led meetings to plan a series of bombings in Indonesia and the Philippines. The National Police detectives chief Comr. Gen. Erwin Mappaseng told reporters on Thursday that Rusdan, who was arrested late last month in Central Java with 17 other alleged Jamaah Islamiyah members across the country, replaced cleric Abu Bakar Ba'asyir as JI leader.

Timah needs $20m for exploration

Timah needs $20m for exploration JAKARTA: State-owned tin miner PT Timah said it needed at least US$20 million for its exploration activity this year. Timah president Thobrani said on Thursday that the planned exploration activities would be focussed on Karimun Island, Riau and Bangka provinces. He said that the exploration program was crucial because Timah's tin deposit was projected to deplete within the next 10 years.

Govt readies Rp 10b for Ambon

Govt readies Rp 10b for Ambon AMBON, Maluku: The provincial government of Maluku has allotted just Rp 10 billion (about US$1.14 million) to rebuild infrastructure in the provincial capital Ambon after three years of sectarian clashes. Head of the Maluku public works agency, Pieter Mustamu, said on Thursday that the funds were drawn from this year's provincial budget.

Tono's verdict to be delivered May 23

Tono's verdict to be delivered May 23 JAKARTA: The ad-hoc human rights tribunal is scheduled to deliver on May 23 the verdict of former East Timor Military Commander Brig. Gen. Tono Suratman, who is accused of failing to prevent a spate of human rights abuses before and after the 1999 self-determination ballot in East Timor. Presiding judge Andi Samsan Nganro announced the decision on Thursday after Tono's lawyers presented the last defense statements at the hearing.

Where to go in Jakarta:Friday, May 9, 2003

Where to go in Jakarta:Friday, May 9, 2003 Exhibitions * Fine Arts Membagi Titik by students of the Indonesian Arts Intitute, Yogyakarta, Lontar Gallery, Jl. Utan Kayu 68H, East Jakarta (Tel. 8573388), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., until May 9. * Photo Japanese Face, Pusat Kebudayaan Jepang - The Japan Foundation, Summitmas I, Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 61-62 South Jakarta (Tel. 5201266), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., until May 30.

'Busway to start in December'

'Busway to start in December' Governor Sutiyoso said on Thursday that the busway program would be implemented in December. He made the statement to reporters a day after his arrival here from a foreign visit to examine the busway systems in several major cities of South American countries, including Columbia and Mexico. He said that he had ordered Irzal Djamal, the busway team leader, to study the busway systems in the countries and see which system would be appropriate for Jakarta.

More groups oppose military action in Aceh

More groups oppose military action in Aceh Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Cries of opposition against an imminent military operation in Aceh have grown louder, as the Indonesian Military (TNI) sends thousands more soldiers to quell separatists in the war-torn province. Acehnese figures in Jakarta grouped under the Forum for Aceh Concern met with House of Representatives (DPR) Speaker Akbar Tandjung on Thursday to demand that legislators push for a peaceful solution to the Aceh issue.

Hotels fully booked ahead of long weekend

Hotels fully booked ahead of long weekend Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta A week before the long weekend of May 15 to May 18, most hotels in Yogyakarta are fully booked although many of them, especially the unrated ones, are not offering special packages. Like Bali, Yogyakarta is a major tourist destination in Indonesia.

Maid policy stays

Maid policy stays Malaysians are generally tolerant when it comes to religion and so far foreign maids are free to work in any household, regardless of religious faiths. When the idea was mooted that foreign maids be deployed in households based on their religious beliefs, employment agencies and employers reacted with concern over the difficulties they would face if such a policy was implemented.

'Busway to start in December'

'Busway to start in December' Governor Sutiyoso said on Thursday that the busway program would be implemented in December. He made the statement to reporters a day after his arrival here from a foreign visit to examine the busway systems in several major cities of South American countries, including Columbia and Mexico. He said that he had ordered Irzal Djamal, the busway team leader, to study the busway systems in the countries and see which system would be appropriate for Jakarta.

Former East Timor refugees unable to vote

Former East Timor refugees unable to vote Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara About half of the 28,000 former East Timor refugees in East Nusa Tenggara that are old enough to vote will not be able to cast their ballot in next year's general election as their citizenships have not been decided yet, local officials said on Wednesday.

'Military operations never achieve results'

'Military operations never achieve results' Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government needs more efforts to rebuild the trust of the Acehnese people in the government and not a military operation as such approaches have never succeeded in the country's history in eradicating secessionist movements, observers say. Former Special Forces officer Maj. Gen.

Indonesia can manage without IMF, says Citrin

Indonesia can manage without IMF, says Citrin The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Senior advisor to the International Monetary Fund's Asia and Pacific Department, Daniel Citrin said on Thursday that if the market situation remained stable, Indonesia's financial or fiscal condition would be manageable even without special financial aid from the Fund and the Paris Club of sovereign creditors.

Names of RI SARS victims released

Names of RI SARS victims released Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government finally announced on Thursday the identity of three Indonesians who died of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in Taiwan, five days after their deaths were first reported. Foreign minister Hassan Wirayuda told a press briefing on Thursday that the three Indonesians were identified as Sri Rejeki, Ubaidiyah, and Rosita, all nurses working at a Taipei hospital.

JP/4/SCENE

JP/4/SCENE RI to host ASEM ministerial meetings JAKARTA: Indonesia will host two ministerial meetings of the Asia-Europe meeting (ASEM) on the resort island of Bali in July, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda on Thursday. "We will host the meetings of foreign affairs ministers and economic ministers of ASEM member countries on July 24 and July 25," Hassan said at a media briefing.

1. INSIGHT: 1 x 51

1. INSIGHT: 1 x 51 Crank up the engine Indonesia, we may win the race 2. PEACE: 1 x 43 More groups oppose military action in Aceh

Vacationers scramble for train tickets

Vacationers scramble for train tickets Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta All executive train tickets to several cities in Java for Thursday next week are sold out while some out-of-town hotels are fully booked ahead of the four consecutive holidays that start on May 15. As executive train tickets can only be purchased a week in advance, passenger hopefuls were seen queuing up on Thursday outside the Juanda train ticket reservation center in Central Jakarta at 6 a.m.

The abnormal DPRD

The abnormal DPRD Corruption and transparency are strongly related. The more transparent things are, the less the corruption. However, what is happening in this nation is the contrary. Despite the transparency, corruption is still on the rise. Corruption is also related to autonomy. The greater the autonomy, the less the corruption. But again, in this nation, it is the contrary. The greater the autonomy, the more the corruption.

BI chief selection may face obstacles

BI chief selection may face obstacles The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives could face future legal obstacles in the ongoing process to select a new governor of Bank Indonesia, which has taken much longer than allowed under the law, experts said. According to Law No. 23 on Bank Indonesia, legislators have three weeks at the most from the time they receive a list of candidates for central bank governor from the president to either accept or reject the nominees.

New sketch released

New sketch released JAKARTA: National Police have released the sketch of the third suspect in the bombing of the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport that injured 11 people last month. Detectives chief Comr. Gen. Erwin Mappaseng said the suspect bought the pipes used for the bombs. "He bought more than one pipe to make bombs in both the airport and the blast near the U.N. building here," he said.

Police officers attacked

Police officers attacked MEDAN, North Sumatra: One police officer was shot and another badly beaten in two separate incidents in North Sumatra on Wednesday night. "The condition of Brigadier Haris Nasution is critical. He was shot in the back and the bullet pierced his body," said Medan Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Bagus Kurniawan on Thursday. He said an unidentified man on a motorcycle shot Haris late on Wednesday night in the North Sumatra capital. Several hours earlier, First Insp. N.

Crank up the engine Indonesia, we may win the race

Crank up the engine Indonesia, we may win the race M Amien Rais, Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly, Jakarta After my recent visit to Japan three weeks ago, I started thinking that Indonesia is like a classic car. It has a glorious past, great aesthetic value, is greatly admired for past victories and possesses great collector's value. Everyone wants to keep a part of Indonesia. Some have chosen to keep a part of its wealth.

Education bill has many defect, says PDI-P faction

Education bill has many defect, says PDI-P faction Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) faction called for a revision of the controversial national education bill on Thursday, arguing that the draft still had many shortcomings.

JAKARTA: Twenty companies in the Tangerang municipality have

JAKARTA: Twenty companies in the Tangerang municipality have stopped operations due to the slow business over the past few years, causing 36,108 people to lose their jobs, an official said. Adang Turwana, head of the municipality manpower office, was quoted by Antara as saying on Wednesday, that another 30 companies were experiencing financial difficulties and could also stop operating. The 50 companies, producers mainly of items exported to foreign countries, had suffered greatly.

RP to probe military link to kidnappers

RP to probe military link to kidnappers PHILIPPINES: President Gloria Arroyo ordered on Thursday an investigation into allegations by a former American hostage that military officials had colluded with the Abu Sayyaf kidnap group. The charges were made in a book by Gracia Burnham, an American missionary who was kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf in 2001 and rescued by Philippine soldiers after more than a year in June of last year.

JI plans bombings in RI, RP: Abu Rusdan has admitted that he led

JI plans bombings in RI, RP: Abu Rusdan has admitted that he led meetings to plan a series of bombings in Indonesia and the Philippines. The National Police Headquarters's detectives chief Comr. Gen. Erwin Mappaseng told reporters on Thursday that Rusdan, who was arrested late last month in Central Java with 17 other alleged Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) members across the country, replaced cleric Abu Bakar Ba'asyir as JI leader.

(Caption for Spotlight column. Client: Citigroup Indonesia)

(Caption for Spotlight column. Client: Citigroup Indonesia) CITIGROUP'S GOLF TOURNAMENT: Citigroup Indonesia held its fourth Annual Japanese Business Golf Tournament on May 3, 2003 at Damai Indah Golf course, Bumi Serpong Damai, Tangerang. Almost 130 golfers from Citigroup Global Corporate and Investment Bank Japanese Business took part in the yearly event. Citigroup employees also got into the swing of things and played alongside Citigroup's Japanese business golfers that day.

Foreign workers up in Tangerang

Foreign workers up in Tangerang TANGERANG: With the number of foreign workers in Tangerang increasing over the past three years, the municipal administration has been unable to monitor their presence. The municipal Permits and Capital Investment Office (KPKPM) chief, Dafyar Elyadi admitted on Thursday that because the municipality's agencies lack in good coordination, they found it hard to monitor the foreign workers.

Faster devolution enhances peace in Papua

Faster devolution enhances peace in Papua Endy M. Bayuni, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Trouble has been brewing in Papua, located at the other extreme of the Indonesian archipelago from Aceh where war with separatist rebels is imminent, but a U.S.-based organization believes that the government in Jakarta could reduce tension in Papua, and use it as a model for conflict prevention in other regions.

RI, RP urge liberalization of labor market in ASEAN

RI, RP urge liberalization of labor market in ASEAN Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara President Megawati Soekarnoputri called on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to develop harmonious and integrated policies in all fields to allow member countries to recover from problems arising from terrorism threats and the SARS epidemic.

Fit and proper test planned to choose members for KPUD

Fit and proper test planned to choose members for KPUD Arya Abhiseka, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The General Elections Commission (KPU) plans to conduct a fit and proper test to select five members for the Jakarta General Election Commission (KPUD) on Sunday, after names of the 10 candidates competing for the job were revealed on Thursday. KPU member Mulyana W.

On Borobudur comment

On Borobudur comment While thanking Paul Griffin of Brisbane, Australia, for his attention and interest in the conservation of Borobudur temple as an example of archaeological legacy in Central Java province, as expressed in his letter to The Jakarta Post (April 9, 2003), we would like to make the following clarification: * It is true that the Central Java provincial administration will revamp the arrangement of the Borobodur temple area in an effort to conserve the temple, promote the living...

Mystery of city's lost hotel shares unravels

Mystery of city's lost hotel shares unravels Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The mystery behind the city's shrinking number of shares in Sheraton Media hotel has started to unravel, although new questions have arisen surrounding the case. The city administration's initial 25 percent of shares is reported to have dwindled to only around 8 percent.

U.S.-S'pore FTA shouldn't be allowed to disturb ASEAN

U.S.-S'pore FTA shouldn't be allowed to disturb ASEAN Associated Press, Kuala Lumpur Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Thursday that neighboring Singapore's free-trade agreement with the United States should not be allowed to interfere with deals among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). U.S. President George W.

E-government helps regional governments revive economy

E-government helps regional governments revive economy Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The application of an integrated information system in public sector, or known as e-government concept, can help regional governments boost revenues, as simplified administration procedures can save costs and promote a more efficient and transparent business climate, a necessary condition to lure investors. "It helps in many things.

Nine voter registration officers die

Nine voter registration officers die SURABAYA, East Java: Nine voter registration officials in East Java died on duty from either illness or accidents in just three weeks last month, East Java voter registration coordinator Hera Hendra said Thursday. Of the deaths, between April 4 and April 25, four were killed in accidents and two died of illness, Hera said. She did not say how the remaining three died.

JP/16MONEY

JP/16MONEY RI to lobby S.Korea for LNG Indonesia's Mines and Energy Minister, Purnomo Yusgiantoro, will visit South Korea early next month in a bid to secure the renewal of a liquefied natural gas supply contract with Korea Gas Corp., an official said on Thursday. Joko Harsono, head of the marketing division of the Oil and Gas Implementing Body, a government supervised oil and gas body for the upstream industry, said Purnomo will be in Seoul June 1 to June 2.

RI to host ASEM ministerial meetings

RI to host ASEM ministerial meetings JAKARTA: Indonesia will host two ministerial meetings of the Asia-Europe meeting (ASEM) on the resort island of Bali in July, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda on Thursday. "We will host the meetings of foreign affairs ministers and economic ministers of ASEM member countries on July 24 and July 25," Hassan said at a media briefing.

Asian currencies mixed late

Asian currencies mixed late Agencies, Singapore Singapore's success in containing SARS boosted investor sentiment toward the local currency on Thursday, while Taiwan's continuing struggle with the deadly virus weighed on the New Taiwan dollar. The Philippine peso and Indonesian rupiah weakened slightly, while thee South Korean won wasn't traded because markets in Seoul were closed for a public holiday.

* Headlines:Faster devolution enhances peace in Papua 2

* Headlines:Faster devolution enhances peace in Papua 2 * National:Court asked to prioritize Akbar's appeal 4 * City:Vacationers scramble for train tickets5 * Opinion:U.S. ideal: Expansionist imperialism 7 * Sports:KONI waits for Lisa for IOC financial aid9 * World:U.S. wants UNSC meeting on Friday11 * Business:E-govt helps regions revive economy 13 * Features:Don Hasman, an old hand that never tires20

Sports Council waits for Lisa for IOC financial aid

Sports Council waits for Lisa for IOC financial aid Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Women's weight lifter Lisa Rumbewas, who earned a silver medal for Indonesia at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, is expected to sign the Olympic Solidarity form within the next few days before the National Sports Council (KONI) submits it to the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Investing in children

Investing in children Facts presented at the sixth ministerial consultation of the East Asia and Pacific region, which ended on Wednesday in Denpasar, make it clear that children continue to be the objects of abuse and neglect at the hands of adults. The latest reports published by Unicef and the Indonesian government reveal, among other things, that children in this region feature prominently in cases of human trafficking and exploitation, either sexual or otherwise.

Court asked to prioritize Akbar's graft appeal

Court asked to prioritize Akbar's graft appeal Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Reform faction at the House of Representatives has demanded that the Supreme Court make the appeal of House Speaker Akbar Tandjung a top priority to avoid prolonged debate on his status in the legislative body. Ahmad Farhan Hamid, chairman of the Reform faction, said on Thursday that a final judgment from Supreme Court on Akbar's case would help the House make a decision regarding Akbar.

RI to lobby S.Korea for LNG

RI to lobby S.Korea for LNG Indonesia's Mines and Energy Minister, Purnomo Yusgiantoro, will visit South Korea early next month in a bid to secure the renewal of a liquefied natural gas supply contract with Korea Gas Corp., an official said on Thursday. Joko Harsono, head of the marketing division of the Oil and Gas Implementing Body, a government supervised oil and gas body for the upstream industry, said Purnomo will be in Seoul June 1 to June 2.

1. OPERATION: 2 x 20

1. OPERATION: 2 x 20 'Military operations never solve problems' or 'Military operations never achieve results' or 'Military operations only alienate the people' 2. RULING: 1 x 33 Troops await govt ruling on Aceh 3. IMF: 1 x 47 Indonesia can manage without IMF, says Citrin 4. SARS: 4 x 9 Names of RI SARS victims released 5. VITAMIN: 2 x 23 Too many vitamin pills can be bad for you

Inul's body

Inul's body politicized Inul's gyrating body has become an extremely interesting subject of discussion at all layers of Indonesian society recently. Almost all television talk shows raise the issue of Inul's rags-to-riches story. Only the government hasn't said a word yet on this controversial matter. For a long time, any provocative incident, particularly when the object has concerned women, has always been eye-catching and quickly lodges in people's consciousness.

1 x 42

1 x 42 Faster devolution enhances peace in Papua JP/2/BI 1 x 35 BI chief selection may face obstacles or Selection of BI governor drags on Rizieq 1 x 40 Militant leader goes on trial for vandalism 2 x 25 RI, RP urge liberalization of labor market in ASEAN

Arianespace optimistic about Asian demand

Arianespace optimistic about Asian demand M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Arianespace, a European commercial space transportation company, said on Thursday it expected higher demands for satellite launches by Asian countries on the back of the growing regional telecommunications sector. Richard Bowles, director of Arianespace's Southeast Asia office, said that sound economic growth in the region would boost the market for the telecommunication industry.

Petronas urged to dump U.S. dollar

Petronas urged to dump U.S. dollar Agence France-Presse, Bintulu, Malaysia Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Thursday urged national oil firm Petronas to drop the U.S. dollar for the euro in its oil and gas trades as he launched a multi-billion dollar gas complex here. Mahathir noted that the dollar had fallen by 25 percent against the euro since the European unit was launched in 2000. "I think it is something that Petronas should consider because the U.S.

'I didn't know about a ban on supplements'

'I didn't know about a ban on supplements' Australia banned around 100 food supplements manufactured by Pan Pharmaceuticals Ltd. earlier this year. Following the ban, the Indonesian Food and Drug Monitoring Agency called for pharmacies to remove the drugs from the market. However, some drugstore owners in the city remained in the dark about the withdrawal order, as they told The Jakarta Post. Liana, 60, is the owner of a drugstore on Jl. Matraman Raya, Central Jakarta.

BP Migas under fire for 'irregular tender'

BP Migas under fire for 'irregular tender' The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Upstream Oil and Gas Implementing Body (BP Migas), the country's top oil and gas regulator, has come under fire for selling government oil at a price deemed too low. Some even suspect irregularities in the tender process. Two Singapore-based trading companies Novaco and Goldmanor recently won a contract from BP Migas to buy condensate, a type of oil that is produced along with natural gas.

(Caption for Spotlight column. Client: Hotel Borobudur Jakarta)

(Caption for Spotlight column. Client: Hotel Borobudur Jakarta) HONORED BY VISITS OF UN VIPS: Hotel Borobudur Jakarta was honored to host the visit of Executive Director of UNAIDS and Under Secretary-General of the UN Peter Piot.

Cell phone makers expect healthy sales in 2003

Cell phone makers expect healthy sales in 2003 The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The expected slowdown in domestic consumption due to economic uncertainties both at home and overseas will have little impact on the sales of cellular phones this year, industry executives said on Thursday.

Part 2 of 2 Rethinking development -- Pain or gain?

Part 2 of 2 Rethinking development -- Pain or gain? Yanuar Nugroho, Director, The Business Watch Indonesia, Surakarta, yanuar-n@unisosdem.org A second lesson is that development must be sustainable and environmentally sound. If economic development destroys the earth's natural resource base in the process, it is self- defeating. But, this is what is happening. The soil is being depleted, with nearly two million hectares of land worldwide eroded and some areas facing sharp losses in productivity.