Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 10 June 2003

88 articles found

Parking scheme proves unpopular

Parking scheme proves unpopular Zakki Hakim and Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A week after the new controversial on-street parking system was implemented, Governor Sutiyoso finally admitted on Monday that it did not work as expected. He blamed the operator, PT Adiwira Sembada, for being unprofessional and not serious in managing the voucher parking system.

S&P says Asian bond fund will boost co-operation, capital markets

S&P says Asian bond fund will boost co-operation, capital markets The Jakarta Post Jakarta The new one-billion-dollar Asian Bond Fund will raise co- operation among the region's monetary authorities and develop Asia's capital markets, Standard and Poor's said on Monday.

TV Program: Tuesday, June 10, 2003

TV Program: Tuesday, June 10, 2003 TVRI .TB.30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 English News Service 9:00 Music 11:00 News: Berita Daerah 11:30 Music: Konteswara 12:00 p.m.

E. Timor women must tell of RI atrocities

E. Timor women must tell of RI atrocities Karen Campbell-Nelson, Researcher, Commission for Reception, Truth-seeking, and Reconciliation (CAVR), Dili, East Timor Women's experience of the conflict demands special attention and reflection because, as the stories of Beatriz and the other women at the public hearing suggest, it is different from men's.

Tourists drawn by pristine beaches of Bintan island

Tourists drawn by pristine beaches of Bintan island Fadli Contributor Batam "Have you ever visited Bintan island?" If this question was asked to Indonesians living outside Riau province, few would nod their heads. Many perhaps, are unfamiliar with this island which, together with the nearby Batam island, has become a major tourist destination after Bali. Located right in Singapore's backyard, this island has become an important destination for the city state's residents.

Indonesia stays mum on Suu Kyi's arrest

Indonesia stays mum on Suu Kyi's arrest Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia has decided not to make a statement for or against the arrest of Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, saying its opinion on the issue would be delivered to Myanmar behind closed doors. Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda said on Monday that his Myanmar counterpart had sent an explanation letter regarding the case.

Asian bond fund will boost cooperation, S&P says

Asian bond fund will boost cooperation, S&P says The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Standard & Poor's Ratings Services (S&P) said on Monday the new US$1 billion Asian Bond Fund would increase cooperation among the region's monetary authorities and develop Asia's capital markets.

BPKP finds irregularities in 2003 budget spending

BPKP finds irregularities in 2003 budget spending Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Development Finance Comptroller (BPKP) has found a total of 1,697 irregularities in the 2003 budget spending as of April, with potential losses projected at around Rp 1.01 trillion (US$123 million).

PDI-P candidate loses, Mega stops inauguration

PDI-P candidate loses, Mega stops inauguration Yuli Tri Suwarni and Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Bandung/Ambon The central government has delayed the inauguration of West Java governor-elect Danny Setiawan and his deputy Nu'man Abdul Hakim, without explanation, but one legislator alleged that party politics and sour grapes were behind the move. The outgoing governor R. Nuriana's tenure was extended for a month.

RP, RI, Thailand get tuna tariff, quota from EU

RP, RI, Thailand get tuna tariff, quota from EU Dow Jones, Manila Trade Secretary Manuel Roxas said on Monday that the Philippines, together with Thailand and Indonesia, secured a lower tariff rate and minimum annual imports for canned tuna exports to the European market.

Bank Jatim to issue bonds

Bank Jatim to issue bonds JAKARTA: Bank Jawa Timur, or Bank Jatim, plans to issue Rp 400 billion (US$49 million) in bonds for credit expansion with fixed- rates of between 13.25 percent and 13.75 percent. On Monday the bank said the expression-of-interest process would be done between June 6 and June 13, while the listing on the Surabaya Stock Exchange was slated for July 7. The bonds received a triple B rating from local rating agency PT Pefindo.

Taliban has gone, terrorism remains, says Karzai: Afghan

Taliban has gone, terrorism remains, says Karzai: Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Monday blamed a suicide car bomb attack that killed four German peacekeepers in Kabul on foreign terrorists, adding that the ousted Taliban regime was finished as an organization. Addressing a news conference, Karzai pointed to the Pakistan-Afghan border as the main threat to security in Afghanistan, where attacks on peacekeepers, aid agencies and civilians have increased noticeably in recent months.

1. INSIGHT: 1 x 47

1. INSIGHT: 1 x 47 Linking and unlinking education and politics 2. TONY: 1 x 42 'Hairspray' piles up Broadway Tony awards 3. MYANMAR: 1 x 42 Indonesia stays mum on Suu Kyi's arrest 4. YANGON: 3 x 17 UN envoy hopeful on meeting detained Suu Kyi 5. BOMB: 1 x 56 Six McDonald's bombing suspects go on trial in Makassar 6. ODD: 1 x 33 Aynaoui enhances 'nice guy' status

Fitri Wulandari

Fitri Wulandari The Jakarta Post Jakarta The government submitted on Monday a bill to the House of Representatives to amend the antimoney-laundering law amid increasing pressure from the international community to cooperate in the struggle against money laundering.

2. BALI -- 3 x 2, 21 points

2. BALI -- 3 x 2, 21 points Forensic expert links Amrozi to Bali bombing 3. TIMTIM -- 4 x 1, 40 points RI, East Timor to discuss residual issues 4. UJIAN -- 3 x 2, 25 points New decree increases number of students failing final exam

Turtle meat and religion

Turtle meat and religion From Bali Post Lately, sidewalk vendors of turtle meat satay have reappeared in Denpasar and in the northern part of Badung, Bali. These particular food stands had disappeared for almost three years. But now turtle delicacies are readily available on special occasions or events where large crowds are present. In fact, turtles are known to be protected species under the law. And trade in turtle meat in Bali has long been an international issue.

[b]JakArt@ 2003 (International Arts Cultural & Educational Festival

JakArt@ 2003 (International Arts Cultural & Educational Festival June 2003 June 10: Jazz Concert Marios Place Jl. Cokroaminoto No. 79, Central Jakarta Tel. 3917301 7:30 p.m. until 11 p.m. June 10: Swing Works Erasmus Huis Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said, Kav S-3 Kuningan, South Jakarta Tel. 5241069 7 p.m. June 10: Jazz-Fusion Zoom Resto Wisma Nusantara, Jl. M.H. Thamrin South Jakarta Tel. 3905167 9 p.m. June 10: Music Tembang Damai JakArt Center Gallery S Widjojo Building, Jl. Jend. Sudirman kav.

1. School - 4x12

1. School - 4x12 21,800 students fail final examinations 2. Busway - 2x 26 Another Rp 32b sought for controversial busway project 3. Parking - 1x 30 Parking scheme proves unpopular 4. PLN - 2x 20 Police and PLN launch effort against power theft or Police, PLN launch operation against power theft 5. Speak- 2x 20 'Who needs art, just give us Inul'

Education bill faces snag

Education bill faces snag Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Lobbying to reach agreement on the contentious education bill ended deadlocked on Monday, moving the House of Representatives closer to a vote to decide whether to pass the controversial law, scheduled for Tuesday. After four hours of debate, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) and the Indonesian Nationhood Unity (KKI) factions insisted the House delay endorsing the bill due to widespread opposition.

1. ACTIVIST: 2 x 28

1. ACTIVIST: 2 x 28 Aceh Police targeting rights activists, offices 2. SWEDEN: 1 x 41 Govt anti-GAM team arrives in Sweden 3. VILLAGE: 2 x 23 Govt moves to replace Bireuen village chiefs 4. TRIAL: 3 x 11 Soldiers convicted of assault

1. MONEY: 2 x 24

1. MONEY: 2 x 24 Money laundering bill sent to House for deliberation 2. BPKP: 2 x 25 BPKP finds irregularities in 2003 budget spending 3. IBRA: 1 x 40 Malaysian investors keen on asset sale: IBRA 4. Clove: 1 x 35 Clove farmers demand Rp 200b fund

Aceh police targeting rights activists, offices

Aceh police targeting rights activists, offices Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Police are continuing to detain and interrogate rights activists over alleged links to the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM). Legal Aid Institute director for Aceh Afridal Darmi told The Jakarta Post in Jakarta on Monday that police were regularly questioning activists across Aceh.

Where to go in Bandung for Tuesday, June 10, 2003

Where to go in Bandung for Tuesday, June 10, 2003 Performances * Traditional performances - Longser Ronggeng Ceplus, Taman Budaya Jawa Barat (West Java Cultural Center), Jl. Bukit Dago Selatan no. 53 A (Tel. 022 2504912), 7:30 p.m., June 14. * Sundanese Drama Gogonjakan, Sasagon by Giriharja 3 group, Gedung Kesenian Rumentang Siang, Jl. Baranang Siang 1, Kosambi (Tel. 022 4233562), 8 p.m., June 11.

Mayora to issue Rp 200b bonds

Mayora to issue Rp 200b bonds JAKARTA: Consumer goods company PT Mayora Indah announced Monday it would issue Rp 200 billion (US$24.5 million) in bonds with indicative fixed-rate coupons ranging from 13.5 percent to 14.25 percent with a maturity period of five years. The company announced that Rp 150 billion of the proceeds from the bonds would be used to refinance its dollar-denominated debts at its subsidiaries, while the remaining Rp 50 billion will be used for business expansion.

LHOKSEUMAWE: Three Indonesian Military (TNI) soldiers were

LHOKSEUMAWE: Three Indonesian Military (TNI) soldiers were sentenced to four months and 20 days in jail after being found guilty of assaulting Acehnese civilians in Lawang village, Bireuen. Another four soldiers were also on trial on the same charges. SOUTH ACEH: Two GAM members were killed in Durian Kaway village, North Klut district, when TNI raided the village.

* Headlines: Six Makassar bombing suspects go on trial 2

* Headlines: Six Makassar bombing suspects go on trial 2 * National: RI, East Timor to discuss residual issues 4 * Archipelago: Mega hinders inauguration of governor elect 5 * Opinion: How many elections do we need? 6 * City: Another Rp 32b sought for busway project 8 * Sports: Sorenstam lands fifth LPGA major after playoff 9 * World: N. Korea admits nuclear weapons drive 11 * Business: U.S. forced to print Saddam banknotes 16 * Features: Woman greens E. Java mountains 20

'Parking fee hikes up to motorists'

'Parking fee hikes up to motorists' JAKARTA: Governor Sutiyoso gave operators of off-street parking facilities the green light to raise parking fees, saying that it would be up to motorists whether they would comply with the fee hike or not. "I have no authority in preventing them from increasing parking fees, therefore I will not interfere with the issue as long as there are no complaints from the public," Sutiyoso said on Monday.

Major rally set to hit Jakarta

Major rally set to hit Jakarta The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Thousands of demonstrators are expected to hold rallies at the House of Representatives on Tuesday in support of or against the controversial education bill, raising fears of clashes between rival protesters and severe traffic congestion across Jakarta. Indonesian Council of Ulemas (MUI) secretary Din Syamsuddin claimed that one million Muslims would occupy the House compound on Tuesday if the bill was postponed.

JP/

JP/ Bank Danamon sale wraps up in mid-June The Jakarta Post Jakarta The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) plans to wrap up the sale of the publicly listed Bank Danamon to Asia Financial Indonesia (AFI) by mid-June with the payment of the proceeds worth US$350 million from the consortium.

Malaysian investors keen on asset sale: IBRA

Malaysian investors keen on asset sale: IBRA Dow Jones, Kuala Lumpur The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency, or IBRA, Monday said it has received a favorable response from Malaysian investors to the US$5.5 billion worth of assets it is trying to offload. "I think it's fairly upbeat and I think the good macro- economic indicators in Indonesia...

No More

No More Foreigners! From Warta Kota When he met Indonesian defense minister Matori Abdul Djalil in Singapore, U.S. deputy defense secretary Paul Wolfowitz asked the Indonesian government to allow foreign monitoring agencies in to Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam province. The Indonesian government must ignore this request because Indonesia is capable of taking care of its own internal affairs. The U.S. ignored the entire world in its illegal invasion of Iraq recently. Now that the U.S.

Fireworks and Jakarta anniversary

Fireworks and Jakarta anniversary From Warta Kota Some mass media publications have reported that a cultural festival kicked off on Saturday, May 31, to mark the commencement of a series of activities held in conjunction with the celebration of the 476th anniversary of Jakarta. This festival was really a success, with thousands of people participating, especially after the procession reached Fatahillah History Museum in West Jakarta.

Sjahrir attends leadership forum

Sjahrir attends leadership forum JAKARTA: Chairman of the New Indonesia Alliance Party (PIB) Sjahrir will speak at the Asia-Inc. Forum on Leadership for Southeast Asia in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday. The PIB presidential candidate will lead the discussion entitled "Indonesia Approaching the 2004 Presidential Election" at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

Village heads threaten to quit over pulp mill issue

Village heads threaten to quit over pulp mill issue Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan, North Sumatra A total of 47 village heads from three districts of Toba-Samosir regency in North Sumatra province have threatened to quit in a protest against the central government, which has allowed the PT Toba Pulp Lestari (TPL) pulp mill to resume operations in the regency town of Porsea.

Money laundering bill sent to House for deliberation

Money laundering bill sent to House for deliberation Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government submitted on Monday a bill to the House of Representatives to amend the antimoney-laundering law amid increasing pressure from the international community to cooperate in the struggle against money laundering.

RI, East Timor to discuss residual issues

RI, East Timor to discuss residual issues Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta East Timorese Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri is slated to arrive here on Tuesday for a four-day working visit to discuss various residual issues with the Indonesian government following the secession of the former Indonesian province in 1999. During his visit, Alkatiri is scheduled to meet Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri on Wednesday and other senior Indonesian officials.

Forensic expert links Amrozi to Bali bombing

Forensic expert links Amrozi to Bali bombing Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali A forensic expert presented more incriminating evidence on Monday against key Bali bombing suspect Amrozi, saying the residues of the explosives extracted from the bomb sites matched the ones found in the defendant's home in Tenggulun village in East Java. Comr.

The Jakarta Post

The Jakarta Post Jakarta Standard & Poor's Ratings Services (S&P) said on Monday the new US$1 billion Asian Bond Fund would increase cooperation among the region's monetary authorities and develop Asia's capital markets. "The creation of the fund is a positive development in regional financial cooperation, and S&P's applauds this as a tangible step in the evolution of a regional bond market," said Cecile Saavedra, S&P Region Head for Asia-Pacific, in a press statement.

Prosecutor's Office studies Shi'ite ban

Prosecutor's Office studies Shi'ite ban MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: Head of West Nusa Tenggara Prosecutor's Office Muchtar Arifin said on Monday that the office would study the Mataram mayor's decision to ban the spread of Shi'ite Islam in the municipality. "The mayor has the authority to issue such a ban, but we have to see if this (particular) ban is against the law. If it is, the mayor must review his decision," he said. Mayor Moh.

'Who needs art, just give us Inul and other cheap stuff'

'Who needs art, just give us Inul and other cheap stuff' Jakarta will observe its 476-year anniversary on June 22. In celebration of the anniversary, the city is organizing various festivities, including JakArt@ 2003, which features around 900 performances in more than 150 locations across the city. Some residents are enthusiastic about the events, while others say it is a waste of money. They expressed their ideas to The Jakarta Post.

Govt anti-GAM team arrives in Sweden

Govt anti-GAM team arrives in Sweden The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Members of an Indonesian government team arrived in Stockholm on Monday to present evidence to the Swedish government against the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) leaders living in the country. The team, led by former foreign minister Ali Alatas, is slated to meet with high-ranking officials, including Swedish Prime Minister Goran Persson. "My Swedish counterpart has called me and expressed gratitude over our decision to send the team.

President Megawati Soekarnoputri marked World Environment Day

President Megawati Soekarnoputri marked World Environment Day by officiating over the opening of a special green zone for deer at the National Monument (Monas) park in Jakarta last Thursday. The event was called the first official establishment of a green area during her term, with the ultimate goal of improving air quality in the capital. The question of how to make Jakarta a comfortable place to live has been discussed at all levels of society.

Officer facing death penalty

Officer facing death penalty MEDAN, North Sumatra: Prosecutors in Medan have demanded the death penalty for a police officer accused of attempting to distribute a kilogram of shabu-shabu (crystal methamphetamine). Adj. Comr. Bakhtiar Sitinjak, 43, who serves at the Sampali National School Police in Medan, was arrested in possession of the drug and Rp 20 million (US$2,439) in cash at Pirngadi Hospital last December.

1. TITIK: 1 LINE, 28 COUNTS

1. TITIK: 1 LINE, 28 COUNTS Woman greens E. Java mountains 2. ARAFAT: 1 LINE, 35 COUNTS Arafat remains in charge of Palestinians

Govt moves to replace Bireuen village chiefs

Govt moves to replace Bireuen village chiefs The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government will immediately replace the 76 villages chiefs in Bireuen regency, Aceh province, who resigned en masse due to security concerns, while the Indonesian Military (TNI) expressed its readiness to supply soldiers to fill the empty posts.

Jakarta to stage 10K run at month end

Jakarta to stage 10K run at month end Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta National runners being groomed for the upcoming Southeast Asian (SEA Games) are expected to participate in the JKT 10K, a 10- kilometer run, which will be held on June 29, an official said on Monday.

Trio use same cupid, bridal car

Trio use same cupid, bridal car SINGAPORE: Three Singaporean men found more than just love when they turned to the same matchmaking agency in their search for a spouse, the Sunday Times reported. The trio won more than 100,000 Singapore dollars (US$58,139) when separate bets placed by them using the four-digit license number "2858" of the same rented bridal car used in their weddings drew third prize in last week's draw, the report said. "Winning the lottery is a double blessing.

Sand quarriers damage Cisadane conservation area

Sand quarriers damage Cisadane conservation area Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor Mount Pasir Gudang has a seemingly inexhaustible supply of sand, which hundreds of people are taking advantage of by illegally quarrying for sand there. Covering a few hundred hectares, there are about 300 people every day illegally quarrying for sand there. These people, who work in groups of five to 10, come from the villages of Pasir Buncir, Srogol and Wates Jaya, all in Bogor regency.

checked by Rich

checked by Rich Investing in Indonesia with a Racing Spirit! Swedish-Indonesian relations date back a long time - before independence - and have been broad and deep, in spite of the large geographical distance between our two countries. Diplomatic relations were established in 1950, Sweden being one of the first countries to recognize the newly independent Republic of Indonesia in late 1949.

;AP;KOD;

;AP;KOD; ANPAu..r.. Aglance-Malaysia-no kissing Malaysian city censures couples for passion in the park JP/11/ASEAN Ban on kissing in public park halted MALAYSIA: Authorities in a Malaysian city have suspended a morality campaign that fined couples for hugging and kissing in public parks, after an outcry in this mostly Muslim country.

Christine plans to build school

Christine plans to build school JAKARTA: Actress Christine Hakim, 46, has grave concerns about many Indonesian schools, which are poorly equipped, and about the soaring school fees that may deprive more children of a proper education. "Since I have a lot of money, I'll build a good school for poor children. They are our country's future," she said last week while attending an event at Plaza Indonesia, Central Jakarta.

Police and PLN launch effort against power theft

Police and PLN launch effort against power theft Police and state electricity firm PLN have agreed to work together to stamp out power theft. City police spokesman Sr. Comr. Prasetyo announced on Monday that a joint operation, codenamed Operasi Kilat, had started on May 15 and would last a month. The operation, he said, targeted mainly power theft committed by industrial plants and firms.

A clean war in Aceh

A clean war in Aceh If Lothar and Elisabeth Engel had been Acehnese, few people would have heard about them or their fate. If they had been Acehnese, Lothar Engel would have been just one of the 150 or so local people Indonesian soldiers have shot in the name of the security operation in Aceh. His wounded wife would have been among the hundreds of nameless Acehnese treated at some poorly equipped community health center in Aceh.

WiFi: A prominent 'third' place

WiFi: A prominent 'third' place Wasis Gunarto, Contributor, Jakarta Just picture this situation. After a hectic day at your office, you decide to unwind at one of the city's numerous cafes. This time your decision is one of your most favorite spots, Starbucks coffee shop. As a regular customer you are familiar with everything here. But not this evening. You "smell" something new is in the air. Yes, you are right. There is a brand-new item on their menu: WiFi, short for Wireless Fidelity.

Clove farmers demand Rp 200b fund

Clove farmers demand Rp 200b fund M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta North Sulawesi clove growing representatives demanded on Monday that the government provide money to compensate for a potential loss from the plunge in the commodity price ahead of the harvest season. North Sulawesi clove farmers solidarity forum vice chairman Ernest Weley said that Rp 200 billion (US$24 million) in interest-free loans would be adequate to cope with declining clove prices.

Comments on Swedish-Indonesian relations

Comments on Swedish-Indonesian relations Sweden fully supports Indonesia's territorial integrity and takes the position that a solution to the conflict in Aceh must be based on the special autonomy that, by law, should already apply in Aceh. We have also declared that there is no Swedish or international support for Acehnese independence and that the only realistic solution is a negotiated solution based on the same principles as last year's cease-fire agreement.

Danamon sale wraps up in June

Danamon sale wraps up in June The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) plans to wrap up the sale of the publicly listed Bank Danamon to Asia Financial Indonesia (AFI) by mid-June with the payment of US$350 million from the consortium. IBRA deputy chairman for bank restructuring I Nyoman Sender said on Monday that the fit and proper test by Bank Indonesia was complete, so the transaction for the Bank Danamon takeover could be completed by June 16.

`Who needs art, just give us Inul'

`Who needs art, just give us Inul' Jakarta will observe its 476-year anniversary on June 22. In celebration of the anniversary, the city is organizing various festivities, including JakArt@ 2003, which features around 900 performances in more than 150 locations across the city. Some residents are enthusiastic about the events, while others say it is a waste of money. They expressed their ideas to The Jakarta Post.

Court martial prosecutes soldier over Semanggi case

Court martial prosecutes soldier over Semanggi case Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The court martial began on Monday for an Army soldier who was accused of shooting dead a student during a rally against the state security bill near the Semanggi clover-leaf here in September 1999. First Pvt.

`I'm ready to quit,' says KONI secretary

`I'm ready to quit,' says KONI secretary Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After a secret transfer of funds from the National Sports Council (KONI) to an account of the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) made national headlines, KONI secretary-general Oyong Karmayudha announced on Monday that he was ready to quit his post if he was found guilty of violating procedures. "If I am found guilty of wrongdoing with this transfer of funds, I'm ready to accept the worst.

Product innovation complemented with innovative marketing

Product innovation complemented with innovative marketing Yadi Budhisetiawan, Contributor, Jakarta Indonesian consumers may be considered as some of the most progressive and consumptive despite their limited purchasing power. Indonesia is one of the few countries in the world where leading multinational companies have to modify the features of their brands and long-standing "traditions" to accommodate the unique buying and consumption habits of Indonesians.

OPEC to ask rivals to back oil cut

OPEC to ask rivals to back oil cut Reuters, Doha OPEC this week is set to press independent exporters to back the cartel's next supply cut to prevent the resumption of Iraqi exports undercutting oil prices. OPEC President Abdullah al-Attiyah made clear on Sunday that major non-aligned producers Mexico, Russia and Norway would be called on to help the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) defend its US$25 a barrel price target. "Yes. We require their support ...

Mountains or beaches? Pleasure is only hours away

Mountains or beaches? Pleasure is only hours away Feeling tired and in need of some rest and relaxation? Get out of the oppressive heat of Jakarta and refresh your body and mind at resorts close to the capital. For Jakarta residents, there are several excellent options for weekends and holidays: mountain resorts, beach side hotels and island retreats. If you want to spend your holiday at a nearby mountain resort, a villa in Puncak is serene.

Woman greens E. Java mountains

Woman greens E. Java mountains Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Titik Tarwati will never forget the moment she was officially told she had won this year's Kalpataru Award for conservation. The news was even more meaningful because she was the only woman to receive the prestigious environmental award from the central government. "I felt honored and convinced that my (conservation) efforts were recognized.

21,800 students fail final examinations

21,800 students fail final examinations The Jakarta Post, Jakarta It was a bad day on Monday for many senior high school students in Jakarta when they received letters sent by mail to their home to inform them that they had failed the final examinations, held under the new system. The Jakarta High Education Agency said that out of the 131,151 high school students participating in the exams, more than 21,800 or 16 percent did not pass.

An Overview of Philippines-Indonesia Bilateral Relations

An Overview of Philippines-Indonesia Bilateral Relations History shows that Philippine-Indonesian relations began as early as the pre-colonial times when trade, commerce, and transmigration flourished between our peoples. Over the centuries, a genuine sense of brotherhood between Filipinos and Indonesians developed through the movement of peoples, goods, and ideas between the two archipelagos.

Cement truck drivers go on strike

Cement truck drivers go on strike BOGOR: About 6,000 cement truck drivers and their assistants went on strike on Monday and parked 3,000 vehicles in the parking lot of PT Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa to protest the increase in the number of trucks. Anwar, one of the drivers of PT Mitra Rajasa, complained that it would be more difficult now to get an order to transport cement from PT Indocement.

PAN doles out free lunches

PAN doles out free lunches MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Hundreds of pedicab (becak) drivers crowded into Karebosi Stadium here on Monday to meet National Mandate Party (PAN) chairman Amien Rais, with some of them admitting they had been promised food and cash to attend. The pedicab drivers wore PAN T-shirts and adorned their vehicles with party banners.

Ministry, WHO to hold workshop

Ministry, WHO to hold workshop JAKARTA: Officials and policy-makers from the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) are to begin on Wednesday a workshop on disaster management for the health sector in Denpasar, just a few kilometers from the site of the bomb attacks that killed 202 people in October last year. Titled "Lessons Learned from the Bali Bomb," the three-day workshop is designed to assess how hospitals can improve their management of and response to such calamities.

Six McDonald's bombing suspects go on trial in Makassar

Six McDonald's bombing suspects go on trial in Makassar Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post, Makassar, South Sulawesi Six suspects in the Dec. 5, 2002 Makassar bombing went on trial on Monday for their alleged involvement in the bombings that killed three people and injured 15 others. The six: Masnur bin Abdul Latif, Suriadi, Ilham Riadi, Anton bin Labbase, Khaerul and Muhammad Tang alias Itang stood trial in separate sessions at the Makassar Court.

Councillors donate Rp 90m to poor

Councillors donate Rp 90m to poor BOGOR: Three local councillors from the Justice Party faction distributed on Monday Rp 90 million to the poor from an operational fund they had received from the council secretariat. Chairman of the faction Achmad Ru'yat, secretary Iwan Suryawan, and Justice Party member Nuruzaman made the donation. Achmad said that the money was drawn from the operational fund of the municipal council, which was originally from the 2003 town budget.

'Jamu' workers call for BPOM raids to stop

'Jamu' workers call for BPOM raids to stop Agus Maryono, The Jakarta Post, Cilacap, Central Java Hundreds of jamu (traditional medicine) factory workers, including their children, staged a protest demanding that the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) stop its raids on factories in Gentasari village, Cilacap regency, which is the center of the jamu industry.

New decree increases number of students failing final exam

New decree increases number of students failing final exam The Jakarta Post, Bandung/Medan The number of students who failed to pass the national final exam in the provinces of West Java and North Sumatra have increased after the Ministry of National Education issued a decree on the final examination. In West Java, a total of 12,341 high school students, or 5 percent of about 215,000 students, failed to pass the final examination.

Lampung councillors named corruption suspects

Lampung councillors named corruption suspects Oyos Saroso HN, The Jakarta Post, Bandar Lampung, Lampung Three councillors were declared suspects on Monday for the alleged misuse of Rp 19.5 billion (US$2.4 million) from the Lampung 2001 provincial budget.

Another Rp 32b sought for controversial busway project

Another Rp 32b sought for controversial busway project Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city administration said on Monday it would need an additional Rp 32 billion for its bus rapid transit (BRT) -- or busway -- project, an admission that points to the administration's poor planning of the project.

Environment Day

Environment Day In your editorial of June 5, 2003, you raised the question of whether there is anything to justify celebrations, when all around us we see rapid environmental degradation. Ironically, in the same paper the state minister for the environment admits to "not having a clue about how to handle illegal logging". Other articles point to the close links between water resources, environmental degradation and poverty alleviation and Indonesian perceptions about the U.S. and Americans.

Greenpeace calls on coal phase out

Greenpeace calls on coal phase out Agence France-Presse, Jakarta International environmental watchdog Greenpeace on Monday called on the coal industry to stop producing coal and to invest instead in clean and renewable energy. "The coal industry bears a heavy responsibility in inflicting damage to the environment," a Greenpeace statement quoted one of its activists as telling a conference of coal companies in Bali island.

Malaysia-Brunei territory dispute halts TotalFinaElf

Malaysia-Brunei territory dispute halts TotalFinaElf Dow Jones, Singapore A territorial dispute between Malaysia and Brunei over potentially huge oil reserves offshore of the island of Borneo has derailed, for the time being at least, exploration plans by TotalFinaElf (TOT), industry sources said. The dispute escalated to such a level that a Malaysian patrol boat recently chased a TotalFinaElf exploration vessel away from the area, the sources said.

How long until real change?

How long until real change? Frank Feulner, Political Analyst, Jakarta, ffeulner@cbn.net.id Five years have passed since the fall of former president Soeharto and many Indonesians are wondering how much progress their country has made. Once again there is tumult on the streets as people commemorate the events of 1998 and reflect on the sacrifices that were made then in the name of Reformasi. But five years on, there's disillusion on the streets.

Pramuka market, where good and evil collide

Pramuka market, where good and evil collide When President Megawati Soekarnoputri claimed earlier this month that she was given fake drugs by a presidential doctor, the public was sparked once again by the persistent problem of fake medicines. The major source for such fake medicines, which was later cited in the mass media by pharmaceutical experts and officials, is Pramuka market in East Jakarta. Pramuka market has been a host to about 330 drugstores, registered or unregistered, since 1992.

Asian monies turn in mixed showing

Asian monies turn in mixed showing Dow Jones, Singapore Asian currencies turned in a mixed performance on Monday as they recovered or trimmed early losses on the back of dollar selling. Broadly stronger regional equities' markets provided support to the currencies, although upside was capped by concerns about central bank intervention. The Singapore dollar, Indonesian rupiah and Thai baht were weaker late on Monday.

JP/13CLOVE

JP/13CLOVE Clove farmers demand fund ahead of harvest M. Taufiqurrahman The Jakarta Post Jakarta Representatives of North Sulawesi clove farmers demanded on Monday that the government provide capital injection to compensate a potential loss from the plunge in the commodity price ahead of a major harvest.

'Aceh humanitarian operation on tract'

'Aceh humanitarian operation on tract' The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh, Aceh The Aceh martial law administration is claiming that humanitarian efforts are making as much progress as its three-week military operation to flush out Free Aceh Movement (GAM) separatists. However, civilians, especially traders, have to bear the brunt of the military operation in the province due to reduced business activities. Martial law administrator Maj. Gen.

YES TO RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: Hundreds of demonstrators rally at

YES TO RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: Hundreds of demonstrators rally at the House of Representatives in support of the controversial education bill. The protesters, from the Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia Muslim group, demanded on Monday that the House approve the draft bill soon. The legislature is scheduled to hold a plenary session today to pass or to postpone the bill.

Soldiers convicted of assault

Soldiers convicted of assault Reuters, Lhokseumawe, Aceh An Indonesian military court on Monday found three soldiers guilty of beating civilians in war-torn Aceh and sentenced them to four months and 20 days in jail -- about half what prosecutors had demanded. "The defendants have conducted a crime because they could not hold their emotions, prompting the beating of civilians," presiding judge Maj. Hulwani told the court in Lhokseumawe, a key base for the military operation.

Four Seasons Resorts Bali

Four Seasons Resorts Bali TROPICAL GARDEN: Like most modern resorts, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran bay also features a lush tropical garden in their courtyard. FOR Marketing Perspective JP/Mulkan Salmona CREATIVE WORKS: Two workers of a handicraft company demonstrate the making of decorative plates from fragments of ceramic tiles. Many small firms are sometime inventive and creative but lack the financing to expand their business.

Replacement driver arrested

Replacement driver arrested BREBES, Central Java: The Brebes police arrested Prayitno, the replacement driver of the Langsung Jaya bus, at a restaurant in Kendal regency two days after an incident in which 10 passengers were killed and six others injured. Prayitno said on Monday that he was not responsible for the tragic accident, as he was not on the bus when the incident took place. He had gotten out of the vehicle before it reached Brebes.

1. DUIT (1 x 35)

1. DUIT (1 x 35) Asian monies turn in mixed showing 2. BONDS (3 x 16) Asian bond fund will boost cooperation: S&P 3. TUNA (2 x 27) RP, RI, Thailand get tuna tariff and quota concession from EU