Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 5 June 2003

81 articles found

An introductory guide to protected animals

An introductory guide to protected animals Diah Rahayuningsih and Bayu Kusuma, Contributor, Jakarta Protected animals in Indonesia are getting some help in their fight to survive. The degradation of the environment, and the growth of illegal animal trading has put wildlife in a precarious state and pushed some species to the brink of extinction. Law enforcement in this area needs to be given greater priority and the knowledge of law enforcement officers must be improved.

1. INSIGHT: 1 x 50

1. INSIGHT: 1 x 50 Life on Earth: Who wins, the corporations or people? 2. POWER: 1 x 38 PLN admits power reserves running thin 3. DEER: 1 x 40 Deer project raises further controversy 4. MYANMAR: 1 x 30 'Suu Kyi injured in protests' 5. SURVEY: 1 x 45 Opinion of U.S., Bush abroad dips: survey 6. ODD: 1 x 30 Free sex for returning troops

Constitutional Court may be on time

Constitutional Court may be on time JAKARTA: Despite the fact that there is only one month left until the deadline, chairman of the House's special committee deliberating the bill on constitutional court Zein Badjeber expressed his optimism on Wednesday that the draft law would be passed on time. Zein, of the United Development Party, said he saw no contentious articles in the bill that might prove a stumbling block for its endorsement, scheduled for the end of this month.

Boomerang effect of visa fees

Boomerang effect of visa fees Permanent unrest, the looting of shops and schools, setting churches on fire or blasting them, and finally, the Bali bomb tragedy, became the sad trademarks of a young democracy. The tourism industry has been suffering for years, which also had a very strong negative impact on education, health care and infrastructure development. Scrapping the 60-day, visa-fee policy will harshly affect Indonesia's revenues that come from the tourism sector.

Reforestation fund

Reforestation fund From Koran Tempo As reported in The Jakarta Post on May 21, the secretary- general of the Ministry of Forestry, Wahjudi Wardojo, made several conflicting statements in a hearing with Commission III of the House of Representatives on May 20. While our forest areas are diminishing, the reforestation fund of Rp 10,875 trillion has just vanished into thin air. On paper, part of this fund -- Rp 8,426 trillion -- has gone to the account of the minister of finance.

Internal reconciliation needed

Internal reconciliation needed JAKARTA: Civil society will remain a dream in Indonesia if the nation is unable to settle internal conflicts in the past, observers said. Speaking in a discussion on Wednesday, Muslim scholar Nurcholish Madjid suggested that Indonesia seek a consensus on how to solve the conflicts, including through national reconciliation.

Argentina runs over Indonesia at world futsal meet

Argentina runs over Indonesia at world futsal meet The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Favorite Argentina gave a futsal lesson to Indonesia with a 20-1 thrashing on the second day of the world futsal tournament in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Wednesday. It was Indonesia's second defeat after it was crushed 1-9 by Japan, the 2002 Asian Championship runner-up, in Group B matches on Tuesday. "We have learned much from this tournament.

Three soldiers on trial admit assaulting villagers

Three soldiers on trial admit assaulting villagers Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh, Aceh Three soldiers who went on trial for allegedly beating civilians in the village of Lawang in Bireun regency, confessed to their crimes on Wednesday, as the National Commission on Human Rights said it would send a fact-finding team to look into reports of human rights abuses in the war-torn province of Aceh.

UK warns Hawk dispute with RI could damage military ties

UK warns Hawk dispute with RI could damage military ties Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A visiting British minister warned on Wednesday that the use of HS-Hawk warplanes in the current military offensive against rebels in Aceh could damage military cooperation between the two countries.

Kerosene and sugar shortage in Jayapura

Kerosene and sugar shortage in Jayapura Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura, Papua Jayapura suffered a kerosene shortage in May, which was blamed on late distribution caused by the long holiday weekends. Hendry Dianto, who works for state oil company Pertamina's marketing unit overseeing Papua, said the long weekends on May 15 and May 29 disrupted some distribution schedules.

RI seeks another slot in chess event

RI seeks another slot in chess event Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia will be seeking another slot at the 2003 World Chess Championship when it sends seven players to the regional qualifying tournament in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in the next two weeks. The players are Grand Master (GM) Cerdas Barus, FIDE Master (FM) Irwanto Sadikin, Tirto, International Master (IM) Salor Sitanggang, IM Danny Juswanto, Susanto Megaranto and Tirta Chandra Purnama.

Lhokseumawe: Transportation Minister Agum Gumelar handed over Rp

Lhokseumawe: Transportation Minister Agum Gumelar handed over Rp 300 million (US$36,000) in humanitarian aid consisting of basic commodities and medicine for refugees and Rp 150 million for rehabilitating school buildings. West Aceh: Chief private Yanto killed by GAM in clash at Laue Kambuh village, Suangan district. Aceh Besar: People in Aceh Besar regency and TNI members start building security posts in villages.

Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso's plan to limit public places for

Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso's plan to limit public places for smokers deserves support. But the plan needs legal backing to be implemented, therefore, a provincial level law, which also contains punishment for violators, must be made. There are a lot of public areas, including malls and office buildings that have no-smoking signs, but the signs have no legal power. Violators are usually only told to put out their cigarettes without any punishment. And the no-smoking signs mean nothing to many.

More hot spots, haze detected on three islands

More hot spots, haze detected on three islands Moch. N. Kurniawan and Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Medan More provinces in Sumatra, Kalimantan and Sulawesi islands are showing hot spots, a strong indication of forest fires, with haze already shrouding some areas of these provinces.

Save GAM facilities for Aceh

Save GAM facilities for Aceh From Suara Karya Mass media reports on the success of the Indonesian Military (TNI) and police in immobilizing forces of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) can indeed serve as a positive campaign and, at the same time, a deterrent to the separatists, prompting their speedy surrender. However, some of the military/police success needs correction and evaluation, particularly in connection with the burning of cars and other operational vehicles owned by GAM.

Mandiri IPO price set at Rp 569 to Rp 695 per share

Mandiri IPO price set at Rp 569 to Rp 695 per share Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bank Mandiri, Indonesia's largest bank in terms of assets, will offer its shares to the public via an initial public offering (IPO) at a price range of between Rp 569 and Rp 695 (around 15 U.S. cents) per share, a government official said. State Minister for State Enterprises Laksamana Sukardi said this was a good price target, representing between 0.9-1.1 times the bank's book value.

Fishermen landlocked by sedimentation

Fishermen landlocked by sedimentation CIREBON, West Java: The sedimentation of river estuaries in Cirebon regency was threatening the future of thousands of fishermen, regency fishery office head Nunung Siti Nurjanah said on Tuesday. "Although the sedimentation process has taken place for a long time the local administration has done nothing," she complained. Sedimentation blocks access to the sea from rivers and vice versa. A fisherman from North Cirebon, Moch.

Greenpeace stages UK protest over Indonesian wood: Greenpeace

Greenpeace stages UK protest over Indonesian wood: Greenpeace activists scaled cranes at a government construction site in central London on Wednesday to protest at illegal logging in Indonesia. Nine men and two women took part in the action, at a Home Office site in central London, the group said.

How sacred is the unitary state of RI?

How sacred is the unitary state of RI? J. Soedjati Djiwandono, Political Analyst, Jakarta Just a little over a year after the proclamation of Indonesian independence, Prime Minister Sutan Syahrir signed the Linggardjati agreement with the Dutch on Nov. 15, 1946.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange(in rupiah) on June 4, 2003

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange(in rupiah) on June 4, 2003 _________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume __________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 925 -25 102,500 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 85 0 1,739,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 120 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 100 -5 500 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 700 0 495,000 Alter Abadi Tbk 15 5 1,000,000 Alumindo Light 190...

1. Paul1 --

1. Paul1 -- 3 X 15 The Bali bomb is a great lesson for all nations Part 1 of 2 Paul Wolfowitz U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense 2. Djati3 -- 1 X 30 Part 3 of 3 How sacred is the unitary state of RI? J. Soedjati Djiwandono

Educating public about trauma with `wayang'

Educating public about trauma with `wayang' I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali When young puppeteer Made Sidia was commissioned to create a special shadow puppet show of Wayang Kulit by the International Medical Corps (IMC) in an effort to spread educational messages on trauma in late October last year, he realized he finally had the financial support and creative freedom to develop the kind of performance he always wanted to present.

Panin Sekuritas to offer bonds

Panin Sekuritas to offer bonds JAKARTA: Publicly listed PT Panin Sekuritas will issue 5-year bonds worth Rp 100 billion (US$12 million) on a fixed interest rate. In the offering prospectus released on Wednesday, the company was quoted by detik.com as saying the funds generated from the offering would be used to strengthen its working capital for marginal trading.

Tj. Priok abuse case still dawdling

Tj. Priok abuse case still dawdling JAKARTA: Hopes for an immediate trial of the military and police officers accused of gross human rights violations in the North Jakarta area of Tanjung Priok in 1984 have been deflated as the ad hoc prosecutors for the case will only start working after June 16. The 16 prosecutors were selected by the Attorney Generals' Office and are tasked with indicting suspects of the bloodshed.

[i]Water has been chosen as the central theme for this year's World

Water has been chosen as the central theme for this year's World Environment Day, which will be observed worldwide on June 5 (today). This special page is published to draw attention to this important day.

Racers cause Saturday night peril

Racers cause Saturday night peril JAKARTA: The number of amateur motorcycle racers in Tangerang is on the rise, especially on Saturday nights, but local residents say Saturday night is not alright for the dangerous races. Residents have long complained about the noise and danger at the illegal racing circuits and are upset that the police do not do much to stop them. "We call upon the police to crack down on illegal racers because they could kill people," Mrs. Saiman, 38, said on Wednesday.

Banking condition improving: Survey

Banking condition improving: Survey M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After grappling to survive the financial crisis, the banking industry in Indonesia is well on its way to recovery and playing an improved intermediary role, a survey says. A survey made public by banking and financial magazine InfoBank on Tuesday revealed that in 2002, lendings made up 40.1 percent of the productive assets of the country's banking industry, a slight increase from 34.8 percent the year before.

Vietnam upbeat over D. Cup matches

Vietnam upbeat over D. Cup matches JAKARTA: Vietnam is upbeat about its prospects in the Davis Cup, which is scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka in the next couple of weeks, after embarking on a three-week training regime on the clay courts of the Bung Karno tennis outdoor in Central Jakarta. "We are looking for the number one, or at least the number two position.

[b]Environmental laws take

Environmental laws take care of their own sectors Hira Jhamtani Environmental & Globalization Policy Analyst Denpasar 2. Santi -- Tobacco-control FCTC treaty: Putting up a fight against the giant 2 X 30 Tobacco-control FCTC treaty: Fighting the giant Santi W.E. Soekanto & Ratih Sayidun Journalists Jakarta

Bank Mega eyes BII shares

Bank Mega eyes BII shares JAKARTA: Publicly listed Bank Mega is considering buying Bank Internasional Indonesia (BII) shares, which will be offered by the government, after it failed to buy Bank Danamon shares previously, according to its president Chaerul Tanjung. "We are assessing the opportunity to buy the shares," he said, as quoted by detik.com, on the sidelines of Bank Mandiri's public presentation on Wednesday.

No need to cut oil output: Purnomo

No need to cut oil output: Purnomo Agencies, Jakarta/London Indonesia's Mines and Energy Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said on Wednesday the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) doesn't need to cut oil output further, as world oil prices are rising. "An output cut isn't necessary, as oil prices are improving," he was quoted by Dow Jones as saying. He said OPEC's reference oil price has risen to around US$27 a barrel, and demand from the U.S. is expected to rise during the summer.

Sea traffic unaffected by closure of Aceh waters

Sea traffic unaffected by closure of Aceh waters Rendi A. Witular and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Shipping players said the recent move from the martial law administrator in Aceh to close Aceh waters to foreign ships would not affect the overall cargo shipping routes through Malacca strait.

JP/6/SANTI

JP/6/SANTI Tobacco-control FCTC treaty: Putting up a fight against the giant Santi W.E. Soekanto & Ratih Sayidun Journalists Jakarta Using the beautiful Reza and Iwan Fals, the champion of the downtrodden, as well as many other modern-day heroes such as the band Padi, the Indonesian tobacco industry has been intensifying its campaign to recruit new smokers from among the young.

Controversial regent flies to Tanjungpinang to face trial

Controversial regent flies to Tanjungpinang to face trial Haidir Anwar Tanjung, The Jakarta Post, Pekanbaru Controversial regent Huzrin Hood of Riau Island is set to stand trial immediately for embezzling Rp 4.3 billion (US$524,390) from the province's 2001 budget which was allegedly used to buy political support for the formation of Riau Island province.

Treason trials begins

Treason trials begins JAYAPURA, Papua: The trial of Herman Wanggai, 29, Edison Waromi, 39, and Yordan Ik, 48, who have been charged with treason, began in the Jayapura District Court on Wednesday. They are facing the death penalty. The three were arrested at Cendrawasih University on Dec. 14, 2002, for allegedly carrying the Morning Star flag during a ceremony to mark the self-proclaimed independence day of the West Melanesia Republic.

Govt OKs rights body's planned inquiry in Aceh

Govt OKs rights body's planned inquiry in Aceh Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has given the green light for the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) to investigate possible human rights abuses in Aceh, but its work would still need clearance from the martial law administration in the province.

Two JI members arrested in E. Java

Two JI members arrested in E. Java JAKARTA: Indonesian police said Wednesday they have arrested two members of the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) terror network who were allegedly trained by Muslim separatist rebels in the Philippines. Yudi and Usman were arrested by East Java police almost three weeks ago, said Chief Commissioner Ade Raharja, a district police chief in Surabaya, capital of East Java.

Life on Earth: Who wins, the corporations or people?

Life on Earth: Who wins, the corporations or people? Yanuar Nugroho, Researcher & Director, The Business Watch Indonesia, Surakarta, Central Java, Yanuar-n@watchbusiness.org "Control your destiny, or someone else will," is the famous phrase of business consultant Welch (1992) when explaining how strategic management in industry would very much affect the progress of corporations. The saying might be right.

1. Pollute- 2x 22

1. Pollute- 2x 22 Corrupt officials leave Jakartans wheezing 2. Tempo - 4x10 PPM group visits 'Tempo' office 3. Reclaim - 1x 27 Reclamation dispute continues 4. Bekas - 2x 20 Great sale no big deal for Senen traders 5. Speak - 2x 20 'Air pollution almost choking me to death'

Witnesses say bombing planned by defendants

Witnesses say bombing planned by defendants Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali Two witnesses testified on Wednesday that key Bali bombing defendants met at a house in the Central Java town of Sukoharjo around two months before the Oct. 12, 2002, deadly Bali blasts. Hernianto, who is also facing terror charges for his alleged involvement in the bombings, told the Denpasar District Court that Amrozi and seven other people held the meeting in August to prepare for the attack.

Ex governor's son arrested for corruption

Ex governor's son arrested for corruption KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: Zayat Kaimoeddin, the son of former Southeast Sulawesi governor La Ode Kaimoeddin, was arrested on Tuesday evening for alleged corruption. The Southeast Sulawesi Prosecutor's Office said it had strong evidence linking Zayat to corruption involving Rp 200 million (US$24,390). Prosecutor's office chief intelligence assistant Muh.

Education bill debate still unresolved

Education bill debate still unresolved Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A full-team House of Representatives and Minister of National Education Abdul Malik Fadjar failed to reach consensus on three contentious issues during the fourth lobbying session on Wednesday. With no progress made on the bill's deliberation after a series of lobbying and consultation meetings dating back to last Thursday, the prospect of a vote is still there.

The Bali bomb is a great lesson for all nations

The Bali bomb is a great lesson for all nations Paul Wolfowitz, Deputy Secretary of Defense, United States One of the messages that I would like to convey is three things. First, the United States understands how important East Asia is; second, we understand that the future security and stability of this region is key to our own security. Third, the U.S. remains committed to promoting East Asian security.

PLN admits power reserves running thin

PLN admits power reserves running thin Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned electricity company PT PLN said that power reserves on Java and Bali had been depleted, but stopped short of saying there could be more blackouts in the future. Company president Eddie Widiono said that the current reserve margin had reached 28 percent, which is lower than the minimum reserve margin of 30 percent to avert power disruptions. "Our power reserves have been depleted.

Oil prices slip as Indonesia dampens OPEC cut talk

Oil prices slip as Indonesia dampens OPEC cut talk Reuters London World oil prices slipped on Wednesday when Indonesia said OPEC did not need to curb supplies despite an expected resumption in exports from Iraq. Indonesian Mines and Energy Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said the cartel did not need to consider cuts while prices were inside OPEC's US$22-$28 per barrel band. International benchmark Brent crude oil slipped six cents to $27.22 per barrel, while U.S.

`Bondres' shows help Balinese deal with the pain

`Bondres' shows help Balinese deal with the pain Kadek Suartaya, Contributor, Denpasar, Bali A man with a mask covering his face walks onto the stage, his legs injured. In a husky voice, he tells the packed audience at the Art Center in downtown Denpasar that Amrozy and his friends -- prime suspects in the Oct. 12 Bali bombings -- ruined his life. "My legs were seriously injured and I was almost crippled," says the performer while showing his legs with comical gestures and movements.

Reclamation dispute continues

Reclamation dispute continues Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The dispute between State Minister of the Environment Nabiel Makarim and Governor Sutiyoso over the reclamation of the northern coastal area will likely continue as they do not see eye-to-eye on the plan. Nabiel had requested that Sutiyoso redesign the project, but the governor insisted on Wednesday that the giant project could proceed only if the environmental impact analysis (Amdal) was revised.

Great Sale no big deal for Senen traders

Great Sale no big deal for Senen traders Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As part of the celebrations for its 476th anniversary this month, Jakarta will hold a city-wide sale offering discounts of up to 70 percent. However, not all retailers are thrilled by the Jakarta Great Sale.

PPM group protests at `Tempo' office

PPM group protests at `Tempo' office Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Following an attack on the office of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) by the Pemuda Panca Marga (PPM) group last week, about 20 of the group's members paid a visit to the Tempo news magazine office on Wednesday to protest the way the weekly described the nationalistic group.

More on the new RI visa policy

More on the new RI visa policy To revoke or to apply the new tourist visa policy? What I want to impress upon all these visa policymakers holding the highest immigration and governmental positions who believe that they have been discriminated against on false grounds by the United States' and Australia's policies is this. The people who suffer the most discrimination and harassment are the foreigners married to an Indonesian citizen trying to make a living in Indonesia.

Illegal logging frustrates government: Minister

Illegal logging frustrates government: Minister Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has so far not been able to find any answers to the problem of rampant illegal logging, State Minister for the Environment Nabiel Makarim has admitted candidly. However, Nabiel was more upbeat about the government's efforts to tackle other environmental problems, such as flooding, forest fires and pollution, believing that these in the end would be effective.

FCTC treaty: Putting up a fight against the tobacco giants

FCTC treaty: Putting up a fight against the tobacco giants Santi W.E. Soekanto and Ratih Sayidun, Journalists, Jakarta Using many modern-day heroes such as the popular boy band Padi and the singer Nugie, the Indonesian tobacco industry has been intensifying its campaign to recruit new smokers from among the young.

Defendant misses retrial over journalist's death

Defendant misses retrial over journalist's death Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta The Yogyakarta Military Tribunal opened on Wednesday the retrial of Second Adj. Edy Wuryanto, a policeman who is accused of confiscating a notebook belonging to slain journalist Fuad Syafruddin, alias Udin. The defendant, however, failed to show up at court, prompting judges to postpone the retrial until the end of this month. Military Prosecutor Lt. Col.

Squash players to battle in ISCI Open

Squash players to battle in ISCI Open The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Squash players from all across Indonesia will meet on Friday at the International Sports Club of Indonesia (ISCI) in Ciputat, South Jakarta, to take part in the annual, three-day ISCI Open.

BPN, Spain's CIMSA sign $22m contract

BPN, Spain's CIMSA sign $22m contract JAKARTA: The National Land Affairs Body (BPN) and Spanish company CIMSA have signed a commercial contract for the third phase of a land office computerization project that started in 1996, according to a release sent by the Embassy of Spain in Jakarta on Tuesday.

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.

Deer project raises further controversy

Deer project raises further controversy Arya Abhiseka and Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta More questions have arisen in regards Governor Sutiyoso's controversial deer project for Monas park following the death of a deer on Sunday, as city officials appear to have attempted to cover up the incident. The death of the deer was publicly announced only on Tuesday evening. On Monday, The Jakarta Post visited Ragunan Zoo in South Jakarta and spoke with Hadi S.

House eager to boost transparency

House eager to boost transparency JAKARTA: A special committee in the House deliberating the legislative mechanism began working on Wednesday, pledging to boost transparency. Hamdan Zoelva, the committee chairman, said legislators would heed the public's call for a transparent deliberation process at the House. He said all bill deliberations should be declared open to the public unless the issue is a threat to the country's sovereignty.

Indonesians like Americans, spurn U.S.

Indonesians like Americans, spurn U.S. Agencies, Washington The majority of Indonesians have a negative view of the United States, but they like Americans and globalization, the 2003 Global Attitudes Survey reveals. According to the survey by the Washington-based Pew Research Center for the People and the Press, less that 15 percent of Indonesians have positive views of the United States, compared with 83 percent who feel unfavorably toward the country.

Companies commit to environmental conservation

Companies commit to environmental conservation Sudibyo M. Wiradji, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Natural resource-based companies such as oil producers, mine operators and pulp and paper firms have often become the main target of green activists, who protest over the poor handling of their industrial waste.

TV Program: Thursday, June 5, 2003

TV Program: Thursday, June 5, 2003 .TB.30" .90" TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 English News Service 9:00 Music 11:00 News: Berita Daerah 12:00 p.m. News: Berita Siang 1:00 Talk Show: Konsultasi Keluarga 2:00 News: Metro Indonesia 4:00 Religious Teachings 4:30 Documentary 5:00 Music 6:00 News: Berita Petang 7:00 Battle of Wits 8:00 Music 9:00 News: Berita Malam 9:30 Music: Country Road 11:00 Talk Show: Bincang Malam TPI 6:00 a.m.

`Air pollution almost choking me to death'

`Air pollution almost choking me to death' To mark the 31st World Environment Day this year, people around the world are reminded about damaging planet Earth. The capital city, Jakarta, has seen a degradation in the quality of its environment. Air pollution is a serious problem here. The Jakarta Post asked some ordinary city dwellers about the issue. Abdul Madjid, 50, is a public minivan driver on the route from Senen, Central Jakarta, to Kampung Melayu, East Jakarta.

SBI rate down to 10.27%

SBI rate down to 10.27% The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The interest rate on the one-month Bank Indonesia SBI promissory notes fell to 10.27 percent on Wednesday from 10.44 percent in the previous week. The central bank said that the interest rate on the three- month notes also declined to 10.18 percent from 10.88 percent. Bank Indonesia has been guiding downward its benchmark rate in the past year amid a relatively low inflationary environment.

Corrupt officials leave Jakartans wheezing

Corrupt officials leave Jakartans wheezing Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta For many Jakartans, being choked by highly polluted air while sitting in a seemingly endless traffic jam is daily occurrence and irritant. And things are going to get worse, with air pollution set to increase in the future rather than improve mainly due to the growth in the number of motor vehicles.

Govt introduces new environmental rating system

Govt introduces new environmental rating system Debbie A. Lubis, Contributor, Jakarta The idea of strolling along a riverbank to soothe your eyes or ease your mind has always been wishful thinking for Jakarta residents. Rotting trash, waste and sewage from factories, hotels, housing estates, and slums make Jakarta's water look and smell foul.

1. HAWKS: 2 x 32

1. HAWKS: 2 x 32 UK warns Hawk dispute with RI could damage military relations 2. SWEDEN: 1 x 45 Government reconsiders stance against Sweden 3. RIGHTS: 2 x 27 Govt OKs rights body's planned inquiry in Aceh 4. TRIAL: 2 x 27 Three soldiers on trial admit assaulting villagers

1. DUIT (3 x 12)

1. DUIT (3 x 12) Asian monies mixed, data weighs peso 2. EU (2 x 21) Even G8 leaves dollar drop anxiety intact 3. OIL (1 x 32) No need to cut oil output: Purnomo

JP/P.J. Leo

JP/P.J. Leo ANTIPOLLUTION CAMPAIGN: A number of elementary school students take part in an antipollution campaign, launched recently at the heavily polluted Ciliwung river in Manggarai, East Jakarta. RARE ANIMALS: This book provides an introductory guide to protected species in Indonesia.

Road reconstruction costs Rp 79b

Road reconstruction costs Rp 79b PADANG, West Sumatra: The West Sumatra provincial infrastructure office will repair 871 kilometers of road at an estimated cost of Rp 79 billion (US$9.64 million). Office deputy head Dody Ruswandi said on Wednesday that the reconstruction of the central government-built roads would begin in July. The funding is sourced from the 2003 State Budget and an additional provincial allocation of Rp 14.3 billion.

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, June 5, 2003

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, June 5, 2003 Film * Asian Films at Gaya Fusion of Senses, Jl. Raya Sayan, Ubud (Tel. 0361 979253), 7 p.m.: In the Mood for Love (June 6), A Touch of Zen (June 9), Too Many Ways To Be no. 1 (June 13), Peking Opera Blues (June 16), Expect the Unexpected (June 20), The Mission (June 23), Juliet in Love (June 27), Bullet in the Head (June 30). Museums and Galleries * Sika Galery, Jl. Raya Campuhan Sanggingan, Ubud (Tel. 0361 975727, 975085) * Blue Moon Gallery, Jl.

IPO plan creates active buying in bank shares

IPO plan creates active buying in bank shares Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Heavy buying on banking shares helped the Jakarta Composite Index up on Wednesday, with traders attributing the sentiment to the government's plans to sell a 15 percent stake in Bank Mandiri -- the country's largest bank. The index ended up 0.4 percent higher, or 2.107 points, at 504.53, compared with the previous day's closing, with the total volume of 1.27 billion shares worth Rp 540 billion.

Indonesia reconsiders stance against Sweden

Indonesia reconsiders stance against Sweden The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian government has apparently softened its stance toward Sweden after threatening to downgrade diplomatic ties with the country earlier this week. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said on Wednesday that the government decided not to be rash concerning its ties with Sweden. "There are etiquettes that we have to follow in international diplomacy.

TV Program: Thursday, June 5, 2003

TV Program: Thursday, June 5, 2003 .TB.30" .90" TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 English News Service 9:00 Music 11:00 News: Berita Daerah 12:00 p.m. News: Berita Siang 1:00 Talk Show: Konsultasi Keluarga 2:00 News: Metro Indonesia 4:00 Religious Teachings 4:30 Documentary 5:00 Music 6:00 News: Berita Petang 7:00 Battle of Wits 8:00 Music 9:00 News: Berita Malam 9:30 Music: Country Road 11:00 Talk Show: Bincang Malam TPI 6:00 a.m.

Rare tarsier's guardian angel

Rare tarsier's guardian angel Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Former beauty queen Angelina Patricia Pingkan Sondakh is trying hard to live up to her controversial statement that "beauty is not everything". Angelina, the 2001 Miss Indonesia, is making her mark as a conservationist, an animal lover and a writer. To show her true love for nature, she is focusing on the protection of the tarsier (tarsius spectrum), a tiny endangered primate.

Women photographers at Galeri Oktagon

Women photographers at Galeri Oktagon Carla Bianpoen, Contributor, Jakarta Senior photographer and lecturer of photography at the Jakarta Arts Institute Firman Ichsan has taken the initiative to hold an all-women photographers' exhibition at Galeri Oktagon here. Themed Mata Perempuan, or Through Women's Eyes, Firman says he wanted to counterbalance the overwhelming number of events featuring male photographers.

Exports up on higher commodity prices

Exports up on higher commodity prices Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Stronger prices for the country's main agricultural export commodities helped strengthen Indonesia's export performance during the first four months of this year, a senior official at the Ministry of Industry and Trade said.

1. Paul1 --

1. Paul1 -- 3 X 15 The Bali bomb is a great lesson for all nations Part 1 of 2 Paul Wolfowitz U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense 2. Djati3 -- 1 X 30 Part 3 of 3 How sacred is the unitary state of RI? J. Soedjati Djiwandono

Indonesia third worst in women, child trafficking

Indonesia third worst in women, child trafficking Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia is rated the world's third worst country in its commitment against and law enforcement on women and child trafficking, with an estimated population of 230,000 women and child sex workers trafficked throughout Indonesia.

BRI may sell 30% shares

BRI may sell 30% shares JAKARTA: The divestment of Bank Rakyat Indonesia's (BRI) shares might reach 30 percent of its total shares, Office of the State Minister for State Enterprises restructuring and privatization deputy head Mahmudin Yassin said. "We might offer 30 percent of BRI's shares to the public, like we did with Bank Mandiri's offering," he was quoted by detik.com as saying Wednesday.

Museum offers free batik cards

Museum offers free batik cards JAKARTA: In celebration of Jakarta's 476th anniversary and the 28th anniversary of the Textile Museum, the museum is offering the public a rare opportunity to make batik cards, free of charge. The program will run from Friday, June 6, through June 29 at the museum, which is located on Jl. KS Tubun 2-4, Petamburan, West Jakarta. Visitors are invited to make batik greeting cards and express their hopes and comments about the city through their creations.

Airport gate closed, road damaged

Airport gate closed, road damaged JAKARTA: The closure of the M-1 gate heading to the Soekarno- Hatta International Airport has caused a nearby road to become damaged because of a sharp increase in passing traffic. The chief of Rawa Burung village, Rukyat, said on Wednesday the main road in the village was in good condition before the M-1 gate was closed on May 21, Antara reported. "Many commercial trucks now take the road, resulting in it becoming seriously damaged," he told reporters.