Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 20 June 2003

72 articles found

1. ASEAN (1 x 30)

1. ASEAN (1 x 30) China-ASEAN free trade on track 2. BOND (3 x 16) Asian ministers to discuss $1b Asian Bond Fund 3. DUIT (2 x 30) Most Asian monies down; dollar buy talks pulls won down

Lost future for Aceh's children

Lost future for Aceh's children From Gatra The operation to restore security in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam has begun. One of the tragic impacts has been arson, with public facilities, particularly school buildings, being burned down, allegedly by the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) -- something that must be sternly dealt with. As a consequence, children in the region cannot attend school properly, while it is now time for their final exams.

JP/3/puteh

JP/3/puteh Aceh governor called to Jakarta to discuss arrests The Jakarta Post Jakarta Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno called Aceh Governor Abdullah Puteh to Jakarta on Thursday evening following the arrest of nine South Aceh administration officials and elected local legislators for alleged links to the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) separatist group. Ministry spokesman I Nyoman Sumaryadi confirmed the meeting, but said there had been no specific results as of 10 p.m.

'People only think about money, and not others'

'People only think about money, and not others' Many lavish festivities are underway to mark the 476th anniversary of Jakarta, but real life is far removed from the glamor, as there are so many problems facing the city and its residents. Some care about them, while others, especially the poor, complain about their hard lives and the lack of attention from city officials, as they told The Jakarta Post. Anastasia, 33, works for a private company in Kemang, South Jakarta.

Supervising financial services

Supervising financial services The Manila-based Asian Development Bank (ADB) threw its weight behind the Indonesian government's initiative to establish an independent financial service supervisory authority (FSSA), asserting on Tuesday that the size of its future loan disbursements to the country would depend on the setting up of an oversight body that was separate from Bank Indonesia (the central bank).

13 countries to join Thamrin-Samsung Cup

13 countries to join Thamrin-Samsung Cup The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A total of 372 players from 13 countries are confirmed to take part in the 2003 Thamrin-Samsung Cup, which will be upgraded to a Group 4-level international tennis tournament from last year's Group 5. The event, which falls into the under-18, under-16, under-14 and under-12 categories, will run from June 23 to June 29 at tennis courts at the Hilton Executive and the Bung Karno sports complex, both in Central Jakarta.

The indifference hurts deeply

The indifference hurts deeply At least 42,000 Acehnese have reportedly left their homes following the escalating battle between the Indonesian military (TNI) and Free Aceh Movement (GAM). According to the Ministry of Social Affairs, the refugees include 1,100 babies, 4,200 children and 1,000 elderly. Given the large number of refugees, the government and the provincial administration lack medical personnel, including doctors. Clean water and food at the refugee camps are also scarce commodities.

Director arrested for power theft

Director arrested for power theft TANGERANG: The police arrested the director of Cikokol main vegetable market, H. Memet, and one of his staff members, Kinong, on Thursday for allegedly organizing the theft of electricity for hundreds of vegetable vendors at the market. Police said the two were arrested following a raid conducted jointly with the state electricity company (PLN), which found that the electricity relay station that supplied 36,000 volts to the market had been tampered with.

City officials accused of colluding with tax evaders

City officials accused of colluding with tax evaders Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta administration accused on Thursday officials at the City Revenue Agency of colluding with the managements of the Sahid Jaya Hotel and the Gran Mahakam Hotel, both of which have failed to pay their tax arrears. "The hotels have not paid their taxes for about three years, but why has the agency not taken any action against them ... there must be collusion," City Hall spokesman Ahyat M.

Investors complain over 'biased' reporting on RI

Investors complain over 'biased' reporting on RI A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Several investors have complained about the biased coverage on Indonesia by both local and foreign media, saying that the tarnished image of the country caused by the negative reporting had contributed to the downturn in investments here. "Indonesia's tarnished image, as has been portrayed by the media, has damaged the business confidence.

Akbar snubbed by press after scuffle

Akbar snubbed by press after scuffle MANADO, North Sulawesi: Local reporters have decided to band together and boycott all of Golkar Party chairman Akbar Tandjung's activities and media events during his three-day visit to the province after some unnecessary roughness by Golkar heavies on Thursday. As soon as Akbar touched down at Sam Ratulangi airport at 3 p.m. local time (2 p.m.

National park objects to boar hunt

National park objects to boar hunt PADANG, West Sumatra: The head of the Kerinci Seblat National Park, Listya Kusumawardhani, has formally objected to a plan by the Kerinci regental administration and the Indonesian Wild Boar Hunting Association (PORBI) to hunt the animal during the Kerinci Art Festival in July. Listya said on Tuesday that her objection was delivered to the Kerinci regent and explained that the hunt could endanger other animals, including the deer and bears in the park.

The early fruits of faster free trade

The early fruits of faster free trade China Daily, Asia News Network, Beijing To fulfill their commitments to the establishment of a China- ASEAN free-trade area, China and Thailand are set to sign a tariff reduction agreement in Beijing today.

Visiting Indonesian leader vows to boost trade with Bangladesh

Visiting Indonesian leader vows to boost trade with Bangladesh Agencies Dhaka Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri vowed to boost economic ties with Bangladesh as her visit on Thursday coincided with an opposition strike in the politically volatile country. Megawati held a 15-minute meeting with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at her office after a visit with Dhaka's Indonesian community.

Extremist suspect arrested

Extremist suspect arrested MALAYSIA: Police have arrested a suspected member of a regional terrorist network and seized bomb-making chemicals hidden on a plantation in northern Malaysia, a government official said on Thursday. The suspect, Alias Osman, 36, a Malaysian, was arrested early this month and is accused of being a member of Jamaah Islamiyah (JI), an al-Qaeda-linked extremist group in Southeast Asia accused in last year's Bali bombings and of plotting to blow up U.S.

Opening day of LG Cup marred by protests, disputes

Opening day of LG Cup marred by protests, disputes Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Protests over match scoring and claims of participation legitimacy marred the opening day of the LG Cup, a national tae kwon do championship, at the Senayan sports complex here on Thursday. A total of 367 tae kwon doins are taking part in the planned four-day event, which has eight classes in the men's and women's categories.

House to probe irregularities in Sukhoi deal

House to probe irregularities in Sukhoi deal Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives will set up a special team to investigate the alleged irregularities in the recent purchase of Russian Sukhoi jet fighters and helicopters, a deal worth US$192.6 million that involved two government officials.

BII launches new ATM card

BII launches new ATM card JAKARTA: Bank Internasional Indonesia (BII), in cooperation with MasterCard International, has launched its new automatic teller machine (ATM) card, ComboCard. ComboCard customers can choose to authorize the use of their cards by entering their personal identification number (PIN) (in Maestro banking network) or by signing the bills (in MasterCard banking network), according to a BII press release.

MPR faction plans investment forum

MPR faction plans investment forum JAKARTA: In a bid to boost investment in the country, the Regional Representative Faction of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) in collaboration with the association of local governments in Indonesia is scheduled to hold a regional investment forum in Jakarta from July 2 to July 4.

Asian ministers to discuss $1b Asian Bond Fund

Asian ministers to discuss $1b Asian Bond Fund Michael Mathes, Agence France-Presse, Bangkok Ministers from 18 Asian nations will meet in northern Thailand from Friday for talks expected to focus on the US$1 billion Asian Bond Fund, an initiative of Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra. The three-day Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), in its second year, will be held in the northern city of Chiang Mai and hosted by Thaksin, the forum's founder.

Komnas HAM's accountability

Komnas HAM's accountability An intense row has recently developed between the Indonesia Military (TNI) and the Indonesian National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) over the latter's discovery of a mass grave in Aceh. To the TNI, the news, coupled with the latter's report about the presence of a military-backed militia in the province, came as a slap in the face because the TNI has been staging an "all out" operation to crush the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) rebel group.

Indonesian visitors to HK drops by 89 percent

Indonesian visitors to HK drops by 89 percent JAKARTA: The number of Indonesian visitors to Hong Kong has declined by 89 percent due to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak. "There were 10,200 Indonesians who visited Hong Kong in March but the number sharply dropped to 2,022 people in April," Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) regional director for South and South East Asia David Leung told the media on Thursday.

JakArt@2003 hits shopping malls across the city

JakArt@2003 hits shopping malls across the city Arya Abhiseka, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Ask anyone here what she or he would prefer to do: a) go to a shopping mall or b) watch a dance performance. It is likely that the answer would be a). Shopping malls have become the place to hang out, not just for children and teenagers, but also adults, who might never step into a playhouse like Gedung Kesenian Jakarta or the Taman Ismail Marzuki arts center (TIM).

Mega to inaugurate new industrial estates on Batam

Mega to inaugurate new industrial estates on Batam Fadli, The Jakarta Post, Batam/Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri is expected to inaugurate four new industrial complexes on Batam next month, which will cover a combined area of 700 hectares and accomodate up to 30 foreign companies from various countries.

House to use recess to debate crucial bill

House to use recess to debate crucial bill Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives has expressed optimism that it will endorse the bill on the constitutional court on time to meet the deadline set by the amended Constitution. Chairman of the House special committee appointed to deliberate the bill Zein Badjeber said the committee would likely use the recess scheduled for July 1 until August 14 to discuss the bill.

Akbar snubbed by press after scuffle

Akbar snubbed by press after scuffle MANADO, North Sulawesi: Local reporters have decided to band together and boycott all of Golkar Party chairman Akbar Tandjung's activities and media events during his three-day visit to the province after some unnecessary roughness by Golkar heavies on Thursday. As soon as Akbar touched down at Sam Ratulangi airport at 3 p.m. local time (2 p.m.

Govt plans rewards in poverty fight

Govt plans rewards in poverty fight Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In an attempt to accelerate poverty alleviation programs, Minister of Finance Boediono has proposed a scheme that will reward regions with good records in fighting poverty with grants from the central government.

Govt invites liners as 'strategic partners' in seaport

Govt invites liners as 'strategic partners' in seaport The Jakarta Post Jakarta After failing to entice investors in the planned Bojonegara seaport in Banten, the government has decided to build the port itself and then invite shipping liners to invest in the seaport's terminals.

House to use recess to deliberate crucial bill

House to use recess to deliberate crucial bill Kurniawan Hari The Jakarta Post Jakarta The House of Representatives has expressed optimism that it will endorse the bill on the constitutional court on time to meet the deadline set by the amended Constitution. Chairman of the House special committee appointed to deliberate the bill Zein Badjeber said the committee would likely use the recess scheduled for July 1 until August 14 to discuss the bill.

Government seeks access to Indonesians detained in RP

Government seeks access to Indonesians detained in RP Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Phnom Penh Indonesia is seeking access to four Indonesian men arrested in General Santos city on the island of Mindanao for carrying explosives, as the Philippine authorities are trying to establish links between them and the Jamaah Islamiyah terror network.

Papua demands fair royalties

Papua demands fair royalties From Bisnis Indonesia The recent complaint lodged by Papua's Puncak Jaya regional administration regarding its royalties from PT Freeport Indonesia should get a fair and wise response from the government, because the demand is valid.

House won't okay use of budget to cover jet deal

House won't okay use of budget to cover jet deal Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives will not approve the use of the state budget to reimburse the State Logistics Company (Bulog) for the US$26 million down payment for Russian-made jet fighters and helicopters, unless the budget is revised, a top legislator said on Thursday.

JakArt@2003

JakArt@2003 .TB.30" 0.90" June 20 Photo Exhibition Djakarta, Jakarta, Jakarte by William R. Durman Gedung Dua8, Jl Kemang Utara no. 28, South Jakarta - (Tel. 71792049), 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Exhibition, Creativity and Contents: the Indian from St Gall and Golden Letters Ak Sa Ra Bookstore, Jl. Kemang Raya 8b, South Jakarta Swiss Film Escape to Paradise Gedung Dua8, Jl Kemang Utara no. 28, South Jakarta - (Tel. 71792049), 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dance performance, Yola Yulfianti Menari Bale Air, Jl.

Bangladesh seeks Megawati's help for ARF membership

Bangladesh seeks Megawati's help for ARF membership Nadeem Qadir, Agence France-Presse, Dhaka Bangladesh on Thursday sought visiting Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri's backing to join the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) as part of a "Look East" policy to boost its economy. Prime Minister Khaleda Zia raised membership in ARF, Asia's top security forum, during talks with Megawati as Indonesia "is an important member of ASEAN," said Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary Shamser Mobin Chowdhury.

Aceh: Remedial or restored-independence secession?

Aceh: Remedial or restored-independence secession? Kusnanto Anggoro Senior Researcher Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Jakarta The Free Aceh Movement (GAM) is committed to achieving independence by political means, through diplomacy and international law. Since the early 1990s, the separatists submitted reports to the UN, calling for the submission of resolutions on Aceh's self-determination.

Toll rate hike and poor service

Toll rate hike and poor service From Media Indonesia Toll fees in Jakarta have gone up but no improvement has been made to toll road service yet. The following are some examples of poor service that I have noted in the last several days: * The toll road lanes are not well managed because no system has been implemented that ensures commuters observe the rules.

E. Nusa Tenggara legislators elect Tallo as governor

E. Nusa Tenggara legislators elect Tallo as governor Yemris Fointuna and Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Kupang/Medan Piet A. Tallo and Frans Lebu Raya were elected as the East Nusa Tenggara governor and deputy governor for the 2003-2008 period in the provincial capital of Kupang on Thursday. Nominated by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), Tallo and Frans only just defeated Viktor B. Laiskodak and Simon Hayon of the coalition faction by 28 votes to 27.

Third Aussie charged with sex slavery

Third Aussie charged with sex slavery AUSTRALIA: An unemployed man on Thursday became the third person charged under Australian laws prohibiting sexual slavery for allegedly luring three Indonesian women to Sydney and forcing them into prostitution, police said. Australian Federal Police said they believe the women were brought to Sydney with the promise of jobs in public relations and hospitality but once they arrived were forced to work as prostitutes.

Extremist suspect arrested

Extremist suspect arrested MALAYSIA: Police have arrested a suspected member of a regional terrorist network and seized bomb-making chemicals hidden on a plantation in northern Malaysia, a government official said on Thursday. The suspect, Alias Osman, 36, a Malaysian, was arrested early this month and is accused of being a member of Jamaah Islamiyah (JI), an al-Qaeda-linked extremist group in Southeast Asia accused in last year's Bali bombings and of plotting to blow up U.S.

Surabaya hosts NU youth congress

Surabaya hosts NU youth congress SURABAYA: The 13th Nahdlatul Ulama Youths Association (IPPNU) Congress was officially opened by Vice President Hamzah Haz at the Haj boarding school in Surabaya on Thursday. It will last until Sunday. Minister of Religious Affairs Said Agiel al-Munawar, the chairman of NU Hasyim Muzadi as well as the governor of East Java Imam Utomo also attended the opening. In his speech, Hamzah spoke about natural resource ownership in the country.

Rights activists fleeing Aceh to avoid arrests

Rights activists fleeing Aceh to avoid arrests The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh/Jakarta Leading the life of a human rights activist working in war-torn Aceh is obviously not something that everyone is cut out for. Intimidation, assault, abduction and even murder have long been occupational hazards for activists in the province, which has been the scene of a bloody conflict for over 27 years.

'Missing Briton's lover had drug record'

'Missing Briton's lover had drug record' Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali The Bali Police remain unable to obtain significant clues to locate British aid worker Kate Osborne, 35, but they did reveal that her boyfriend, who is also missing, had a history of involvement in the illegal drug trade.

Third Aussie charged with sex slavery

Third Aussie charged with sex slavery AUSTRALIA: An unemployed man on Thursday became the third person charged under Australian laws prohibiting sexual slavery for allegedly luring three Indonesian women to Sydney and forcing them into prostitution, police said. Australian Federal Police said they believe the women were brought to Sydney with the promise of jobs in public relations and hospitality but once they arrived were forced to work as prostitutes.

Shipping lines invited to invest in seaport terminals

Shipping lines invited to invest in seaport terminals The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After failing to entice investors in the planned Bojonegara seaport in Banten, the government has decided to build the port itself and then invite shipping lines to invest in the seaport's terminals.

JakArt@2003 schedule in shopping malls

JakArt@2003 schedule in shopping malls Date Venue Event June 21 5 p.m. Senayan Square Recital by street musicians June 21 1 p.m. Karawaci supermal Play by Teater Tukang June 22 7:30 p.m. Kelapa Gading Food Court Traditional Jakarta play (Lenong) June 22 4 p.m. Plaza Indonesia Dance performance by Yola Yulfianti June 28 7 p.m. Senayan Square Music performance by Smesta band

Jakarta increasingly unsafe to travel in, survey shows

Jakarta increasingly unsafe to travel in, survey shows Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Margaretha Maria, 30, having heard all the horror stories of criminals running wild in the city, was worried about what to wear, what bag to carry and what type of transportation she should take to her bank in Matraman, Central Jakarta, to withdraw Rp 30 million.

Newmont, Walhi agree to verify cyanide study

Newmont, Walhi agree to verify cyanide study Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Gold mining firm Newmont Minahasa Raya (NMR) and the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) agreed on Thursday to verify the latter's study, which revealed that the cyanide in the mining company's tailings exceeded the safe level set by the government. NMR external relations manager Christian E.

RI visitors to HK drops by 89 percent

RI visitors to HK drops by 89 percent JAKARTA: The number of Indonesian visitors to Hong Kong has declined by 89 percent due to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak. "There were 10,200 Indonesians who visited Hong Kong in March but the number sharply dropped to 2,022 people in April," Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) regional director for South and South East Asia David Leung told the media on Thursday.

Military to intensify night operations

Military to intensify night operations Tiarma Siboro and Berni K. Moestafa The Jakarta Post Jakarta/Lhokseumawe After one month attempting to crush independence rebels in Aceh, the Indonesian Military (TNI) says it is to change strategy so as to intensify night operations. TNI chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto told a press conference the new strategy was aimed at curbing the number of civilian casualties. "We need some changes to our strategy.

TV Today: Friday, June 20, 2003

TV Today: Friday, June 20, 2003 .TB.30" .90" TVRI .tb .30" .90" 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 English News Service 9:00 Music 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 3:30 Documentary 4:00 Music 5:00 Variety Show 6:00 News: Berita Petang 7:00 Talk Show: Halo Pers Indonesia 9:00 News: Berita Malam 9:30 Music 10:30 TV Drama TPI 6:00 a.m.

Big plans for Jakarta transportation

Big plans for Jakarta transportation Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso submitted a draft bylaw here on Thursday to the City Council, which regulates the city's overall transportation system. If passed, it would become the first-ever legal basis for the city administration to outline its overall transportation system plan in the capital, which comprises land and water transportation.

3 x 10

3 x 10 Big plans for Jakarta transportation JP/8/Tax 2 x 25 City officials accused of colluding with tax evaders JP/8/8JAKART@ 1 x 35 JakArt@2003 hits shopping malls JP/8/SPEAK 2 x 22 'People only think about money, and not others'

Aceh: Remedial or restored-independence secession?

Aceh: Remedial or restored-independence secession? Kusnanto Anggoro, Senior Researcher, Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Jakarta The Free Aceh Movement (GAM) is committed to achieving independence by political means, through diplomacy and international law. Since the early 1990s, the separatists submitted reports to the UN, calling for the submission of resolutions on Aceh's self-determination.

Indonesian visitors to HK drops by 89 percent

Indonesian visitors to HK drops by 89 percent JAKARTA: The number of Indonesian visitors to Hong Kong has declined by 89 percent due to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak. "There were 10,200 Indonesians who visited Hong Kong in March but the number sharply dropped to 2,022 people in April," Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) regional director for South and South East Asia David Leung told the media on Thursday.

10 rebels, two soldiers killed in ambush

10 rebels, two soldiers killed in ambush Agencies, Lhokseumawe, Aceh Government troops ambushed dozens of rebel fighters in Aceh Thursday, killing 10 insurgents and losing two soldiers in some of the worst fighting since the government launched its offensive a month ago, the military said. The firefight followed an overnight siege by troops of suspected separatists in the remote Cot Kruet area in North Aceh, said military spokesman Lt. Col. Achmad Yani Basuki.

* Headlines: Jakarta increasingly unsafe to travel 2

* Headlines: Jakarta increasingly unsafe to travel 2 * National: Amrozi claims threatened with torture 4 * Opinion: Australia's defense policy on terrorism, SE Asia 7 * City: Officials accused of colluding with tax evaders 8 * Sports: 13 countries join Thamrin-Samsung Cup 10 * World: Britain's 'Designer baby' rekindles stem-cell debate 12 * Business: Govt proposes rewards in poverty fight 13 * Features: Anggun shines brightly in latest concert 18

Director arrested for power theft

Director arrested for power theft TANGERANG: The police arrested the director of Cikokol main vegetable market, H. Memet, and one of his staff members, Kinong, on Thursday for allegedly organizing the theft of electricity for hundreds of vegetable vendors at the market. Police said the two were arrested following a raid conducted jointly with the state electricity company (PLN), which found that the electricity relay station that supplied 36,000 volts to the market had been tampered with.

TNI applies new tactic in Aceh

TNI applies new tactic in Aceh Tiarma Siboro and Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Lhokseumawe After one month attempting to crush independence rebels in Aceh, the Indonesian Military (TNI) says it is to change strategy so as to intensify night operations. TNI chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto told a press conference the new strategy was aimed at curbing the number of civilian casualties. "We need some changes to our strategy.

RI needs more than luck

RI needs more than luck David Sumual, Analyst, Danareksa Research Institute, Jakarta The Indonesian economy has seemingly taken advantage of a number of positive global crosscurrents recently. The impact of SARS nationally is minimal so far. Given Indonesia's close proximity to Singapore, the Philippines and Malaysia (that have been hit hard by the disease), a measure of luck is the only thing to credit for the country's incredibly low incidence of SARS.

Where to go in Jakarta:Friday, June 20, 2003

Where to go in Jakarta:Friday, June 20, 2003 Exhibitions * Graphic Design Fragment of Imagination, The British Council, S. Widjojo Center 1st floor, Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 71, South Jakarta (Tel. 2524115), until June 30. * Paintings by Angels - The Picture Agates (as well as diamonds, pearls, corals, amethyst, etc.) of Indonesia, the Lobby World Trade Center, Jl. Jend. Sudirman, South Jakarta, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., until June 26 (daily, including Sundays).

SP's new management now in control of company, Gresik says

SP's new management now in control of company, Gresik says M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite resistance from some employees and a sacked top executive, the new management of PT Semen Padang (SP) is now in control of the company, parent company PT Semen Gresik claims. Semen Gresik president Satriyo said that the new management team was now able to carry out its important duties.

~Rights body's professionalism

~Rights body's professionalism JP/6/E05 two difficult works -- difficult because they are by nature contradictory. The government has decided to launch a military operation in Aceh province. This decision is full of risks in terms of human rights protection, the focus of the country's National Commission on Human Rights. Clashes of interests between the military and the human rights body are unavoidable because the two have different purposes.

MPR faction plans investment forum

MPR faction plans investment forum JAKARTA: In a bid to boost investment in the country, the Regional Representative Faction of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) in collaboration with the association of local governments in Indonesia is scheduled to hold a regional investment forum in Jakarta from July 2 to July 4.

China-ASEAN free trade on track

China-ASEAN free trade on track Cindy Sui, Agence France-Presse, Phnom Penh Plans for a free trade area linking the world's most populous nation and Southeast Asia by 2010 are on track, with China confident tariffs on a range of products will be dismantled long before then.

Do not neglect child poverty

Do not neglect child poverty Erita Narhetali Director Institute for Marginalized Children Studies Jakarta Minister of Social Affairs Bachtiar Chamsyah has admitted that the problem of street children has been poorly addressed. All of the concerned departments run their own programs separately, so the overall problem remains unsolved, according to the minister.

Trade chiefs aim to boost flagging world talks

Trade chiefs aim to boost flagging world talks Patrick Lannin, Reuters, Brussels Top trade ministers meet in Egypt this weekend to give a push to global talks that have become bogged down on tough issues such as farm reform and access to life-saving medicines for poor countries. The talks, bringing together about 25 ministers, are the first since a series of deadlines for the Doha Round of World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations were missed.

Amrozi claims threatened with torture

Amrozi claims threatened with torture Muninggar Sri Saraswati and Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Makassar One of the main suspects in last year's Bali bombings retracted an incriminating account of Abu Bakar Ba'asyir on Thursday, saying he fabricated his statement to police because of threats of torture.

Arwin Rasyid appointed as new vice president of bank BNI

Arwin Rasyid appointed as new vice president of bank BNI Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Shareholders of state-owned Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) appointed on Thursday former Bank Danamon president Arwin Rasyid as vice president, dismissing earlier speculations that he would be appointed as the bank's CEO. The decision was made at an extraordinary shareholders meeting, which retained Saefuddin Hasan president of the publicly listed bank.

. Amrozi (1 x 30)

. Amrozi (1 x 30) Amrozi claims threatened with torture 2. Newmont (3 x 16) Newmont, Walhi agree to verify cyanide study 3. Governor (2 x 24) E. Nusa Tenggara legislators elect Tallo as governor 4. Constitution ( 2 x 20) House to use recess to debate crucial bill 5. Media (1 x 50) Investors complain over 'biased' reporting on RI

Minister, Aceh governor discuss arrests

Minister, Aceh governor discuss arrests The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno called Aceh Governor Abdullah Puteh to Jakarta on Thursday evening following the arrest of nine South Aceh administration officials and elected local legislators for alleged links to the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) separatist group. Ministry spokesman I Nyoman Sumaryadi confirmed the meeting, but said there had been no specific results as of 10 p.m.

RI visitors to HK drops by 89 percent

RI visitors to HK drops by 89 percent JAKARTA: The number of Indonesian visitors to Hong Kong has declined by 89 percent due to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak. "There were 10,200 Indonesians who visited Hong Kong in March but the number sharply dropped to 2,022 people in April," Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) regional director for South and South East Asia David Leung told the media on Thursday.

BII launches new ATM card

BII launches new ATM card JAKARTA: Bank Internasional Indonesia (BII), in cooperation with MasterCard International, has launched its new automatic teller machine (ATM) card, ComboCard. ComboCard customers can choose to authorize the use of their cards by entering their personal identification number (PIN) (in Maestro banking network) or by signing the bills (in MasterCard banking network), according to a BII press release.