Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 22 June 2003

42 articles found

Lampung lights

Lampung lights * Start early for each trip as the buses wait to be filled up before departing. All spots can be reached by minibus. * Bring some food and water because some places don't have anything at all on offer. * Remember your sunblock, as local stores do not have it in stock. * Most of the minibuses stop operating after 6 pm. Make sure you get back to town before dark. * If you intend to snorkel, better bring your own gear. No rental available at some places.

Singer Anggun stays real and moves on

Singer Anggun stays real and moves on Hera Diani The Jakarta Post Jakarta Last week was my third chance to interview Indonesian singer- turned-European star Anggun C. Sasmi, better known simply as Anggun. My admiration has grown with each meeting. It has very little do with national pride at having an Indonesian (she now carries a French passport for travel purposes) become successful at the international level. It's more about her personal appeal.

Patience and a steady foot on the gas the key to fuel efficiency

Patience and a steady foot on the gas the key to fuel efficiency Imanuddin, The Jakarta Post, Lido, Bogor It was not about how vigorously you could rev up your car's engine to exceed the speed limit and reach the finish line ahead of the rest. Nor was it about controlling or pumping up adrenaline to overcome your fears and win a tight race. It also had nothing to do with whether the you were skilled enough to take a turn at full speed.

The Candidate

The Candidate Heny Setyowati His new political party made Ahmapo a celebrity, with regular TV appearances and his profile in newspapers and magazines. Ahmapo was originally a nickname used to tease him. I had first called him by that name, and then all our friends followed suit. An acronym for Ahli masalah politik (political expert), it was given in place of Sogol, his real name.

What's in a name of the capital's streets

What's in a name of the capital's streets Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta We pass along them every day, but in our haste to get from A to B we rarely give a thought to the stories behind the city's streets and communities. A glaring case in point is Jl. MH Thamrin, the prestigious address that is home to swank modern offices buildings, five-star hotels and diplomatic missions.

Life on the rails

Life on the rails A stone's throw from the "city within a city" that is the thriving, ever expanding retail complex of Mangga Dua, North Jakarta, lies another, not so pretty face of the the capital. To image-conscious city administrators, the slum of Kampung Bandan, North Jakarta, is no doubt a blemish on the tidy facade that they choose to present to the world. But the boys of the area are using a little ingenuity to make ends meet.

Now, Mr. Governor, what have you done for us lately?

Now, Mr. Governor, what have you done for us lately? The year is 2013, and the Jakarta governor's term is about to end. Well, it never really ends, because through thick and thin (mainly thick) he has managed to hold onto the job. As the city nears its 486th anniversary, it is time to reflect on his past achievements.

Blueprint for Survival: Time to own up to our failings

Blueprint for Survival: Time to own up to our failings ------------------------------------------- Indonesia, A Blueprint for Survival By Nirwan Idrus Published by Center for Strategic and International Studies, Jakarta, 2003 Paperback, 99 pp In English ------------------------------------------- Before you read this book, you need to define your own personality group, then plan a strategy.

Malaysian arrested for drugs

Malaysian arrested for drugs INDONESIA: A Malaysian was arrested by security officers at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Tangerang, on Saturday, for allegedly carrying 19,945 ecstasy pills in his bag. The Malaysian was identified as Tan Chen Wen, 30. Tan was about to head to Batam on a flight at 2 p.m., after he had stayed in Jakarta since Tuesday. "The suspect was observed waiting in the airport lobby since 10:30 a.m.

'Blueprint for Survival': Time to own up to our failings

'Blueprint for Survival': Time to own up to our failings Dewi Anggraeni, Contributor, Melbourne Indonesia, A Blueprint for Survival; By Nirwan Idrus; Published by Center for Strategic and International Studies, Jakarta, 2003; Paperback, 99 pp; In English Before you read this book, you need to define your own personality group, then plan a strategy. If you are of the "right or wrong, it's still my country" sort, who cannot take criticism, constructive or otherwise, be on guard.

Mexican milestones

Mexican milestones For a true philatelist, a simple stamp tells many stories. For a country, its stamps are a continuous log of its history. To mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mexico and Indonesia, the Embassy of Mexico will display its finest chronicle of the country's philatelic history.

Muhay, 36, a native Jakartan who works as an assistant manager at

Muhay, 36, a native Jakartan who works as an assistant manager at a serviced apartment in Central Jakarta. I think traffic jams are the worst problem in Jakarta, a daily happening involving both private and public vehicles. The city administration has implemented the three-in-one regulation which I consider quite effective. It would be better if the rule is applied on a larger scale, prohibiting all private vehicles during the three-in-one period.

Civilian resistance movements take up arms against GAM

Civilian resistance movements take up arms against GAM The Jakarta Post, Takengon, Aceh Marsito Mertoredja, a 69-year-old retired civil servant, should have been enjoying his pension and playing with his grandchildren. Instead, he led villagers in a war against Acehnese separatists that should have been fought by the Indonesian Military (TNI).

Now, Mr. Governor, what have you done for us lately?

Now, Mr. Governor, what have you done for us lately? The year is 2013, and the Jakarta governor's term is about to end. Well, it never really ends, because through thick and thin (mainly thick) he has managed to hold onto the job. As the city nears its 486th anniversary, it is time to reflect on his past achievements.

Where to go in Jakarta:Sunday, June 22, 2003

Where to go in Jakarta:Sunday, June 22, 2003 JakArt@2003 .TB.30" 0.90" June 22 Exhibition, Creativity and Contents: the Indian from St Gall and Golden Letters Ak Sa Ra Bookstore, Jl. Kemang Raya 8b, South Jakarta Painting Exhibition The Exuberance of the Soul by Aida Prayogo (Indonesian) and Lamat (Austrian) JakArt Center, Jl Jend. Sudirman 71, South Jakarta 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Theater Perampok (Robber) Balai Latihan Kesenian Jakarta Selatan Jl. Asem Baris No. 100, Tebet, South Jakarta, 8 p.m.

Singer Anggun stays real and moves on

Singer Anggun stays real and moves on Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Last week was my third chance to interview Indonesian singer- turned-European star Anggun C. Sasmi, better known simply as Anggun. My admiration has grown with each meeting. It has very little do with national pride at having an Indonesian (she now carries a French passport for travel purposes) become successful at the international level. It's more about her personal appeal.

Three must-read books a mirror on Jakarta's past and present

Three must-read books a mirror on Jakarta's past and present Ignatius Haryanto, Contributor, Jakarta It's nice to take a trip back in time from our Jakarta to the Batavia of yesteryear. Personally, I do not agree with glorifying the past, because it seems to me that we are also saying that everything about Jakarta today is decadent and negative -- and progress counts for nothing.

Deddy giving a fresh look to oldtime religion

Deddy giving a fresh look to oldtime religion Joko Anwar, Contributor, Jakarta In a modest editing room, Deddy Mizwar sang along to a rock song featured in the closing credits of his big-screen directorial debut. It wasn't clear whether he really liked the song (it sounded like bad local rock from the 1980s) or he was singing out of nervousness while awaiting the response from his test audience.

It's just a small stretch to a better body with pilates

It's just a small stretch to a better body with pilates Maria Endah Hulupi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta It was once considered the best kept secret among ballerinas and dancers in maintaining their toned, slim figures. Then word got out about pilates (pronounced pih-lah-tees), and attracted celebrities, professional sportsmen and other health- conscious people around the world to reap its benefits.

Divided Jakarta shares woes with all

Divided Jakarta shares woes with all Emmy Fitri, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Debby Sahertian is living the good life. The entertainer has a home in Puri Cinere, an upmarket residential area in South Jakarta that boasts all the conveniences that money can buy. It's a world away from the packed, clamorous kampongs hugging riverbanks in other parts of the city. Populated by those left behind in the capital's rush to development, the slums lack the most basic necessities.

Paulo Gorjao

Paulo Gorjao Lecturer Lusiada University Portugal It is obvious that Indonesia (together with Australia) will be the two countries that constitute the most important of East Timorese bilateral relations in the long term. However, in the short and medium term, diplomatic relations between Indonesia and East Timor may be disrupted owing to a lack of will to judge those responsible for the atrocities committed in East Timor during 1999.

Increase in beginners means good business for golf shops

Increase in beginners means good business for golf shops Sudibyo M. Wiradji, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The growing popularity of golf in Indonesia has brought a positive impact on sales of golf equipment, such as clubs, bags, golf attire and other accessories, in the country. Golf is now not only popular among business executives and senior government officials, but also among women and children.

Project 365 is at the Ministry of National Education, Jl. Jend.

Project 365 is at the Ministry of National Education, Jl. Jend. Sudirman, Senayan, South Jakarta, until June 30.

Jakarta's `sahibul hikayat' a tale rarely told today

Jakarta's `sahibul hikayat' a tale rarely told today Emmy Fitri, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Ahmad Sopiyan Zahid is the last of his breed, the final exponent of the story-telling tradition of Jakarta's native community. Although Zahid, popularly known as Bang ("older brother") Zaid, has no direct competitors in his art form of Sahibul Hikayat, the 62-year-old is not raking in the dough. "I'm already doing well if I'm asked to perform once a month.

India comes on board in battle against illegal drug trade in Asia

India comes on board in battle against illegal drug trade in Asia Associated Press, Chiang Mai, Thailand India joined four Asian nations on Saturday at the core of the region's drug trade in a new plan to fight the production and trafficking of opium, heroin and methamphetamines. Thai foreign minister Surakiart Sathirathai said he and visiting ministers from India, Myanmar, Laos and China met in this northern city to endorse the scheme.

Golf, business and politics go hand in hand

Golf, business and politics go hand in hand Ron Pate, Contributor, Jakarta Golf is a game that is popular around the world. And Indonesia is no exception. A survey of business executives and affluent residents of Asian capital cities conducted in 2000 by ACNielsen found that 13 percent of Jakarta's elite claimed to be interested in golf, with nine percent saying that they played the game and five percent holding golf club memberships.

On the Shelves

On the Shelves Setahun Bersama Gus Dur Kenangan Menjadi Menteri di Saat Sulit (A Year With Gus Dur -- Reminiscences of a Minister during Hard Times); By Moh Mahfud MD, with a foreword by Abdurrahman Wahid; Published by LP3S; April 2003; xx + 322 pages (Indonesian language) Mahfud MD was surprised by an invitation to meet then president Abdurrahman Wahid, better known as Gus Dur, in 2000.

What is the greatest problem affecting Jakarta today?

What is the greatest problem affecting Jakarta today? Jakarta turns 476 today, growing much too fast for some who cannot keep up with its pace and too slowly for those intent on hurtling along in the fast lane. It's the dream city of migrants from other areas of the country, but it can end up as their own living hell. Monumental problems -- traffic congestion, pollution, crime, inadequate housing -- plague the city and its people.

Tears, tributes for Mahathir at last congress

Tears, tributes for Mahathir at last congress Agencies, Kuala Lumpur Top leaders of Malaysia's ruling party on Saturday paid emotional tributes to Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who was appearing before its general assembly for the last time before he steps down later this year after 22 years in power.

RI, Mongolia to upgrade ties

RI, Mongolia to upgrade ties MONGOLIA: President Megawati Soekarnoputri and her Mongolian counterpart Natsagiyn Bagabandi agreed on Saturday to upgrade bilateral ties by establishing an embassy in each other's country. Although bilateral relations date back to 1956, neither country has an embassy in the other. The Indonesian Embassy in Russia serves Mongolia, while the Mongolian Embassy in Malaysia covers Indonesia.

Be on time or you will have a big problem!

Be on time or you will have a big problem! Avie K. Utoma, Contributor, Jakarta All sports including golf have their own rules. For instance, missing your starting time, or tee time in the lexicon of golf, will cause you a big problem, no matter who you are. If you thought golf prowess would allow you to play anywhere anytime, you're wrong! Not even golf's number one, Tiger Woods, can get away with that. Say his tee time is 8:57 a.m.

Patience, steady foot on the gas key to fuel efficiency

Patience, steady foot on the gas key to fuel efficiency Imanuddin The Jakarta Post Lido, Sukabumi It was not about how vigorously you could rev up your car's engine to exceed the speed limit and reach the finish line ahead of the rest. Nor was it about controlling or pumping up adrenaline to overcome your fears and win a tight race. It also had nothing to do with whether the you were skilled enought to take a turn at full speed.

Jakarta club scene comes a long way in short time

Jakarta club scene comes a long way in short time Joseph Mangga, Contributor, Jakarta So you've already drunk several gallons of low-budget Bintang, and battled your way through a pub crawl of the capital's finer after-work drinking establishments. Then its on to a tortuous traverse of all the hotel hot-spots featuring live funky entertainment and top-40 mayhem. It then reaches to midnight, a second rush of adrenaline kicks in and your mind turns to a night out at the discos and clubs.

Kalianda: Sun, sea, sand and a mountain to yourself

Kalianda: Sun, sea, sand and a mountain to yourself John Badalu, Contributor, Kalianda, Lampung When thoughts turn to an escape from Jakarta, it's usually to places eastwards, such as Bali -- the first choice -- Yogyakarta or Bandung, even though this means braving lengthy traffic jams or long queues for airline tickets. Lampung in southern Sumatra, close as it is to the capital, does not usually register a mention in the choice of destinations. "Why are you going to Lampung?

City parties the night away to celebrate anniversary

City parties the night away to celebrate anniversary Arya Abhiseka and Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Hundreds of thousands of Jakarta youngsters flocked to stages in the capital's five municipalities on Saturday to celebrate the city's 476th anniversary, which occurs on Sunday. Most had struggled to reach the venues since the afternoon, particularly Ancol Dreamland Park, North Jakarta, and the Jakarta Fairground, Kemayoran, Central Jakarta.

JP/7/satya

JP/7/satya Stronger role in defense sought in white paper Satya Arinanto Lecturer Faculty of Law University of Indonesia In a hearing with the House of Representatives (DPR) last month, the Ministry of Defense's role was questioned by legislators from Commission I. The problems raised by legislators, among others, dealt with the purchase of four fighter jets and two helicopters from Russia, which did not involve the Ministry of Defense.

Personal reminiscences of a Jakarta long gone

Personal reminiscences of a Jakarta long gone Iwan Tirta has been a witness to the changing fortunes of Jakarta. Save for periods of study at Yale University in the U.S. and a stint at the United Nations in New York, the 68-year-old batik designer has lived his entire life in the city. Below are his personal observations of the most important streets in Jakarta. After moving here from Madiun in East Java, our family settled at Jl Mampang No. 72, now called Jl. Cik Ditiro.

More complaints

More complaints about toll roads From Media Indonesia During peak hours in the afternoon, when traffic is heavy on the Tegal Parang flyover, toll roads in the city are considerably congested, causing traffic jams as far as Hotel Maharaja and the intersection between Jl. Kuningan and Jl. Gatot Subroto. This has happened for quite a while. The jams are caused by cars crossing the road from Jl.

What is the greatest problem affecting Jakarta today?

What is the greatest problem affecting Jakarta today? Jakarta turns 476 today, growing much too fast for some who cannot keep up with its pace and too slowly for those intent on keeping in the fast lane. It's the dream city of migrants from other areas of the country, but it can end up as their own living hell. Monumental problems -- traffic congestion, pollution, crime, inadequate housing -- plague the city and its people.

Betawi cuisine, a culinary journey through history

Betawi cuisine, a culinary journey through history Maria Endah Hulupi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The capital's rich and diverse history can be traced not only in a tour of its museums, but also in its kitchens. Unfortunately, many traditional Betawi, or native Jakarta, dishes are slowly dying out.

;JP; JOHN BADALU; WWWOZPAL.COM;WWW.RAUMPLANMY.UNIDORTMUND;

;JP; JOHN BADALU; WWWOZPAL.COM;WWW.RAUMPLANMY.UNIDORTMUND; ANPAv..r.. Photos-Lampung-Beaches Photo captions JP/14/CAPS Photo captions Photo A: Lampung JP/John Badalu A deserted section of Canti beach. Visitors can a bargain with the local fishermen to charter a boat to explore some of the outlying islands. Photo B: Lampung JP/John Badalu With a view of nearby Mt.

Taking the war in stride as an embedded journalist

Taking the war in stride as an embedded journalist Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Embedded journalists, what are they really good for? Can they be expected to be objective when their life is dependent on the very same people they are reporting about? Some cynics, including other journalists, deliberately mispronounced it as "in bed" with the military.