Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 7 June 2003

91 articles found

Tarmidi joins Pioneer Party

Tarmidi joins Pioneer Party JAKARTA: Tarmidi Suhardjo, former chairman of the Jakarta chapter of the ruling party, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), has officially thrown in his lot with the Pioneer Party (Partai Pelopor). The party, established earlier this year, is led by Rachmawati Soekarnoputri, a daughter of former president Sukarno and younger sister of President Megawati Soekarnoputri, the chairwoman of the PDI Perjuangan.

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.

Gabsi joins Worldwide Bridge Contest

Gabsi joins Worldwide Bridge Contest JAKARTA: Thirty pairs took part at the Indonesian Contract Bridge Association (Gabsi)-organized bridge tournament at the Kinara Restaurant in South Jakarta on Friday. Scheduled for two days until Saturday, the contest has been held as part of the Worldwide Bridge Contest sponsored by the World Bridge Federation (WBF). While the Friday's participants were invitees, the Saturday's round will be an open tournament at the Bulungan Bridge Center in South Jakarta.

Indonesian nurses need a proper management system: Survey

Indonesian nurses need a proper management system: Survey Sari P. Setiogi The Jakarta Post Jakarta Indonesian nurses need better management systems and more education to improve both their knowledge and service, according to a survey jointly conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health.

Glodok retailers worried about low demand during school vacation

Glodok retailers worried about low demand during school vacation Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Even though prices have dropped as the rupiah has gained on the dollar, demand for electronic goods remains low because people are preparing for the school holiday, according to retailers at Harco Plaza in Glodok, West Jakarta.

Developers responsible for fatal accidents: Experts

Developers responsible for fatal accidents: Experts Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Experts are blaming indiscipline and inadequate safety measures for two separate accidents that killed four workers and injured nine at a construction site in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta, on Thursday. The two accidents occurred at the construction site of the Gading Mediterania apartments.

Holistic sacrifice

Holistic sacrifice From Bali Post Many of us, particularly the Balinese Hindus, understand yadnya, or holy sacrifice, as merely making offerings to God. Although such a perception is not completely wrong, it certainly reflects a narrow-mindedness, as yadnya has a much broader and deeper meaning. Anything we do, think or speak of at any point in time with good intentions is called yadnya.

Artists oppose Borobudur International Festival

Artists oppose Borobudur International Festival Tarko Sudiarno, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta The Borobudur International Festival that will take place from June 11 to June 17 is being opposed by local artists and cultural activists due to its huge budget of Rp 10 billion (US$1.22 million). Cultural activist Priyoto said on Thursday that the public must keep an eye out for the possible misuse of the money, half of which will come from the Central Java administration.

Nabiel vs. Sutiyoso?

Nabiel vs. Sutiyoso? The controversy surrounding the reclamation of 2,700 hectares of land on Jakarta's northern coastal strip seems to have come to an end with the shaking of hands by Governor Sutiyoso and State Minister of the Environment Nabiel Makarim, after a heated debate. Sutiyoso, who was previously defiant in the face of rejection by Nabiel's office of the huge project, finally bowed to Nabiel's request to resubmit a new proposal, accompanied by an analysis of its environmental impact.

Faxes, daily instructions among evidence against GAM

Faxes, daily instructions among evidence against GAM Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Government representatives are leaving for Sweden this weekend with proof they believe shows Aceh Free Movement (GAM) leaders living in Sweden are involved in rebellion and terror attacks in Indonesia. This mission will be the fourth in three years attempting to convince Sweden to take action against the GAM leaders.

Officials arrested for alleged corruption

Officials arrested for alleged corruption KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Three officials of the provincial health office were arrested on Friday for allegedly abusing Rp 15 billion (US$1.83 million) and causing Rp 3.83 billion in losses to the state. The three officials -- identified only by their initials MMT, BT and NS -- are being detained at Kupang police station. Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Victor Simanjuntak said that the police had enough evidence to arrest the three suspects.

Kelly K. Knight

Kelly K. Knight Austindo Group Jakarta 2. Mugi -- Enforced disappearances in Indonesia: Never again 2 X 30 Enforced disappearances: Never again in Indonesia Mugiyanto Chairman Indonesian Association of Families of Disappeared Persons (IKOHI) Jakarta

JP/7/KELLY

JP/7/KELLY Is the bond market a bubble? Kelly K. Knight Austindo Group Jakarta There is a widespread belief that a bubble is forming in the rupiah bond market, and in the rupiah currency itself, but this might not be true. Rupiah bonds are going up, along with bonds denominated in other currencies throughout the world, because virtually all short-term interest rates are going down in every currency.

`Equator Principles won't hurt investment'

`Equator Principles won't hurt investment' Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The decision by the world's leading commercial banks to apply environmental principles when financing projects in developing countries would not dampen investment prospects in Indonesia, an expert said.

Tarmidi joins Pioneer Party

Tarmidi joins Pioneer Party JAKARTA: Tarmidi Suhardjo, former chairman of the Jakarta chapter of the ruling party, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), has officially thrown in his lot with the Pioneer Party (Partai Pelopor). The party, established earlier this year, is led by Rachmawati Soekarnoputri, a daughter of former president Sukarno and younger sister of President Megawati Soekarnoputri, the chairwoman of the PDI Perjuangan.

NGO to sue prosecutor's office

NGO to sue prosecutor's office The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta Residents Forum (Fakta) plans to sue the Jakarta Prosecutor's Office for its plan to drop a corruption case allegedly involving a number of city councillors and city officials. "We will sue the prosecutor's office because, although the money has been returned, this does not mean that the criminal case should be dropped," Fakta chairman Azas Tigor Nainggolan told The Jakarta Post on Friday.

SE Asia making headway against terror: U.S.

SE Asia making headway against terror: U.S. Reuters, Manila Southeast Asia is making headway against the threat of regional terror, backed by close cooperation and sharing of intelligence, the commander of U.S. forces in the Asia-Pacific said on Friday. "We have made a great deal of progress on terrorism in Southeast Asia over the last 18 months," Admiral Thomas Fargo told a news conference, adding that about 140 members of the Muslim militant group Jamaah Islamiah had been arrested.

Govt to buy captive power from private companies

Govt to buy captive power from private companies The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government is planning to buy captive power from private companies to help the major tackle power shortage problem which has hit Java and Bali during the past few weeks.

Bills contain conflicting solutions to election rows

Bills contain conflicting solutions to election rows Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A lack of coordination among legislators has resulted in conflicting articles on the resolution of disputes over vote counting in a presidential election. Possible disputes are provided for in the presidential elections bill and the constitutional court bill, both of which are currently being deliberated by the House of Representatives.

Krisdayanti to sing at peace concert

Krisdayanti to sing at peace concert JAKARTA: Local diva Krisdayanti will be among the musicians from at least 10 countries who will perform in the World Peace Music Concert on June 14 at the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park in Bali. "I am glad that I have been given an opportunity to perform in the concert. Although I have only 15 minutes to sing three songs, I will do my best," she told journalists on Thursday at the Hilton Hotel.

413 kiosks burned down

413 kiosks burned down MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: As many as 413 out of a total 600 kiosks were burned down on Thursday evening at Sentral Market, Maros regency, 30 kilometers from Makassar. The fire started at 7:30 p.m. and was completely extinguished by 11 p.m. with the help from of Makassar firemen and the Navy. No casualties were reported, but vendors suffered billions of rupiah in material losses as they failed to save their stock. Makassar Police chief Sr. Comr.

Megawati, siblings mark father's anniversary

Megawati, siblings mark father's anniversary Febiola Desy Unidjaja and Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Bandung In celebrating the 102nd anniversary of founding president Sukarno's birth, President Megawati Soekarnoputri held a purifying ceremony for her father's amulets at the Bogor Presidential Palace on Friday. Clad in a kebaya (traditional blouse), Sukarno's eldest daughter attended the ceremony, which was led by five preachers from Karangasem and Gianyar, Bali.

Nurses need proper management skills: Survey

Nurses need proper management skills: Survey Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesian nurses need better management systems and more education to improve both their knowledge and service, according to a survey jointly conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health.

Govt expects new mining law to revive investment

Govt expects new mining law to revive investment Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government expects the new mining law, which is now in the final stage of the drafting process, to revive the country's mining industry, which has been in the doldrums for years.

Aceh hit by power blackouts

Aceh hit by power blackouts Bernie K. Moestafa and Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Lhokseumawe, Aceh Frequent power blackouts have added to the suffering of the Acehnese as conflict and martial law, which will enter its fourth week, continued unabated. Hospitals and households are affected the most by the power outages, which have become frequent in the strife-torn province over the past two years.

Four parties pass preliminary screening for 2004 election

Four parties pass preliminary screening for 2004 election A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Of the nearly 240 political parties registered with the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, only four have passed preliminary screening to be deemed legal entities. The four parties are: the Prosperous Justice Party (PK Sejahtera), the Indonesian Catholic-Democratic Party (PKD), the Indonesian Union Party (PSI) and the Indonesian Justice and Unity Party (PKP Indonesia).

4 x 10

4 x 10 Businessman survives murder attempt JP/8/SAFETY 2 x 25 Developers responsible for fatal accidents: Experts JP/8/Ancol 1 x 30 NGO to sue prosecutor's office JP/8/APARTMENT 2 x 23 Wealthy told to vacate subsidized apartments Jp/8/Glodok 2 x 28 Glodok retailers worried about low demand during school vacation JP/8/SPEAK 2 x 18 'Everyone responsible for the environment'

Extortion, blackmail no strangers among police: Watchdog

Extortion, blackmail no strangers among police: Watchdog Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Extortion and blackmail are commonplace in the police here against a backdrop of poor law enforcement and flourishing corruption, an independent police watchdog says. The Indonesian Police Commission (KKI), a non-governmental organization, said everybody knows that the security forces were involved in extorting criminals and those who found themselves in difficult circumstances.

Investment year 2003

Investment year 2003 From Bisnis Indonesia The government move through the Investment Coordinating Agency (BKPM) to declare 2003 "Indonesian Investment Year" can be approached with pessimism and optimism.

JP/4/SCENE

JP/4/SCENE Mega told to make peace with daily JAKARTA: Some circles in the House of Representatives have called for an end to President Megawati Soekarnoputri's legal dispute with Rakyat Merdeka daily, saying the government was in dire need of support from the press for many of its policies.

* Ambassador concerned over shooting of Germans in Aceh -- Page 3

* Ambassador concerned over shooting of Germans in Aceh -- Page 3 * Govt considers closing Aceh to foreigners -- Page 3 * Faxes, daily instructions among evidence against GAM -- Page 3 * Peace journalism in Aceh still at the forefront -- Page 3

Fake drugs threaten both consumers and pharmaceutical sector

Fake drugs threaten both consumers and pharmaceutical sector The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The sale of counterfeit medicines not only threatens consumers but also the pharmaceutical industry as the distribution of such drugs is now out of control. Moreover, the country's inadequate legal infrastructure and weak law enforcement have allowed such counterfeit drugs to flood the market. Reports say that the consumption of such drugs can sometimes be fatal.

UIC hands out $1.35m dividend

UIC hands out $1.35m dividend JAKARTA: Publicly listed chemical company PT Unggul Indah Cahaya (UIC) announced that it would distribute US$1.35 million for dividend from its 2002 audited net profit of $9 million. The company said on Friday that last year's net profit was slightly up due to the reduction of operational costs, while its consolidated sales dropped by 4.77 percent to $172 million from $180 million in 2001.

JP/7/KAMALA1

JP/7/KAMALA1 Part 1 of 2 Telling what they know: Women, truth, and reconciliation in Timor Leste Karen Campbell-Nelson Researcher Commission for Reception, Truth-seeking, and Reconciliation (CAVR) Dili It is important the women of Timor Leste tell what they know about past violations, to balance the tendency for men to dominate the documentation of history, and to remind social, political, and religious leaders of Timor Leste what is required of an inclusive reconciliation process.

Grant hopes to bridge digital divide

Grant hopes to bridge digital divide ================= Tantri Yuliandini The Jakarta Post Jakarta ----------------- A globalized world also means a globalized learning ground. People learn lessons of life not only from those around them but through the information spewed out constantly by television, radio and increasingly through the Internet.

Fighting dirty money

Fighting dirty money Indonesia should immediately strengthen its anti-money laundering (AML) measures, otherwise it will remain on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) blacklist of developed countries and could face harsh sanctions, which would hinder business transactions with foreign parties. FATF will review Indonesia, which, together with 18 other countries, was blacklisted as a noncooperative country in 2001.

1. WATER: 2 col 4 lines (4 x 12)

1. WATER: 2 col 4 lines (4 x 12) 'Public access to water a basic human right' A non-governmental organization has asked the House to make a fundamental change to the water resource bill by stating that access to water is a basic human right, saying the principle will prevent discrimination against people regarding water services.

Government asked to act immediately on national sports bill

Government asked to act immediately on national sports bill Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government is under criticism for its handling of the sports bill, including its failure to immediately present it back to the House of Representatives (DPR) for further deliberation. "It's deplorable that the government has been slow in the handling of the bill.

1. FULDA: 2 x 28

1. FULDA: 2 x 28 Ambassador concerned over shooting of Germans in Aceh 2. FOREIGN: 1 x 42 Govt considers closing Aceh to foreigners 3. SWEDEN: 2 x 28 Faxes, daily instructions among evidence against GAM 4. MEDIA: 2 x 26 Peace journalism in Aceh still at the forefront

`Everyone responsible for the environment'

`Everyone responsible for the environment' The government has made many efforts to deal with the heavy pollution. For example, in order to curb air pollution, public transportation vehicles are obliged to take an emission test. The Environmental Impact Analysis (Amdal) is also required for any project to measure its potential to pollute the environment. Unfortunately, the environmental condition is getting worse.

China's FM to visit SE Asia

China's FM to visit SE Asia CHINA: China's Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing will visit Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam in mid-June for bilateral and regional meetings with Southeast Asian and other countries, the foreign ministry said. Li, who was newly appointed in March, will attend the "10+3" ASEAN-China-Japan-South Korea ministerial meeting and the 10th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) from June 17-19 in Phnom Penh, a foreign ministry spokeswoman said.

Indonesia beats England in world futsal meet

Indonesia beats England in world futsal meet Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia registered a surprise 3-2 win over England at the KL World 5s futsal (indoor, 5-a-side soccer) tournament in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Friday, a report said. The two teams met in the bowl semifinals match, which was played among the bottom-placed teams in their respective groups.

Businessman survives murder attempt

Businessman survives murder attempt Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A director of computer firm PT Ashaba in Jl. Juanda No. 7, Central Jakarta, is in a critical condition after being shot on Friday by two unidentified persons riding a motorcycle in a busy street near his company. The victim, Paulus Tejakusuma, was driving alone in a silver Toyota Camry sedan when the incident took place on Jl. Angkasa in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta.

41 councillors named suspects

41 councillors named suspects PADANG, West Sumatra: Forty-one councillors were named suspects in an embezzlement case involving the loss of Rp 8.1 billion from the 2001-2002 provincial budget. Head of Padang Prosecutors' Office Tarmizi Mal said on Wednesday that he had received a letter from West Sumatra Governor Zainal Bakar with an order to investigate the councillors. Initial interrogations will be conducted by head of the provincial council Maigus Nasir and deputies Muhidi and Chairul Indra.

IBRA reaches deal on APP debt restructuring plan

IBRA reaches deal on APP debt restructuring plan M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After protracted negotiations, the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) and foreign creditors grouped under the Export Credit Agency (ECA) agreed on Friday on a debt restructuring deal for Asia Pulp & Paper (APP).

Botanical gardens offers new service

Botanical gardens offers new service JAKARTA: The Bogor Botanical Gardens is offering a free pick- up and delivery service for students from selected schools. The head of the Indonesian Conservation Center, Dedi Darnaedi, said that once a month the Bogor Botanical Gardens would provide the service for 32 students from four schools, from the elementary to high school level.

UN intervention in Aceh

UN intervention in Aceh The killing of the German national and the wounding of his companion -- said to be tourists in their fifties -- by the Indonesian military made the headlines over here in Belgium as, I would guess, in many other European Union countries, as well as in the United States. Aceh is becoming a real problem for Indonesia in the international arena.

Belu to have health center on stilts

Belu to have health center on stilts ATAMBUA, East Nusa Tenggara: The Belu regency health office plans to build community health centers (puskesmas) on stilts in the three districts of West Malaka, Central Malaka and Kobalima. The project is budgeted at Rp 11.4 billion (US$1.4 million). "We hope that by having puskesmas on stilts, we will be able to serve the people during the rainy season, when Belu is usually flooded," office head Valentinus Pareira said on Friday.

1. DUIT (1 x 30)

1. DUIT (1 x 30) Asian monies mixed, rupiah firmer 2. Mining (3 x 16) Govt expects new mining law to revive investment 3. Wheat (2 x 27) Canberra to protest to U.S. over Iraq wheat dispute

Investment year 2003

Investment year 2003 From Bisnis Indonesia The government move through the Investment Coordinating Agency (BKPM) to declare 2003 "Indonesian Investment Year" can be approached with pessimism and optimism.

Ambassador concerned over shooting of Germans in Aceh

Ambassador concerned over shooting of Germans in Aceh Sri Wahyuni and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta/Jakarta German Ambassador to Indonesia Gerhard Fulda on Friday expressed concern over the shooting of two German tourists, one of whom was killed, in war-torn Aceh on Wednesday night, noting that the two were unarmed.

RI, neighbors to fight illegal fishing

RI, neighbors to fight illegal fishing JAKARTA: Indonesia, Australia, East Timor and Papua New Guinea have agreed to work together to combat illegal fishing in the waters of Arafuru and Timor sea, a cabinet minister said here Friday. Data and information exchanges among fishery experts would be part of the cooperation, maritime and fishery minister Rokhmin Dahuri said.

Chinese in Indonesia need more than Chinese dragon dance

Chinese in Indonesia need more than Chinese dragon dance T. Sima Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta, sima@thejakartapost.com A Chinese dragon dance highlighted the beginning of the celebrations for the 476th anniversary of Jakarta last weekend (May 31). The crowd cheered and clapped their hands for the fabulous show, which featured a 226-meter-long liong (dragon). It was not so long ago that Indonesians could not see the internationally famous dragon dance and lion dance (barongsai).

Five students suspended for arson

Five students suspended for arson PALU, Central Sulawesi: Tadulako University rector Sahabuddin Mustafa suspended on Friday five students from the School of Agriculture for two terms. The students were suspended after they were found guilty of setting the Students Executive Board (BEM) building ablaze on May 3 following a protest against the election of the deputy rector. The students -- Nur Edy, Ridwan, Ajbar, Farlin and Muhlis -- are all activists at the school.

TV Today: Saturday, June 7, 2003

TV Today: Saturday, June 7, 2003 TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 English News Service 8:30 Talk Show: Ibu, Bayi dan Balita 9:00 Music: Pesona Music Indonesia 11:00 News: Berita Daerah 11:30 Music: Konteswara 12:00 p.m. News: Berita Siang 1:00 Talk Show: Konsultasi Keluarga 2:00 News: Metro Indonesia 2:30 Religious Teachings 4:30 Science and Technology 5:00 Talk Show 6:00 News: Berita Petang 8:00 Music 9:00 News: Berita Malam 10:30 Music 11:00 Drama TPI 6:00 a.m.

The wrong treatment

The wrong treatment The article Wrong prescription can kill the unitary state on May 28 of The Jakarta Post sounds like a disagreement between medical professionals. It is quite common for a doctor to have a different opinion about the treatment of a patient by a fellow professional, especially when the former has no high regard of the intelligence of the latter. But rationally speaking, different opinions do not always reflect a difference in intelligence, although many people may think so.

Asian monies mixed, rupiah firmer

Asian monies mixed, rupiah firmer Dow Jones, Singapore Intervention by regional central banks and short covering on the dollar ahead of the weekend reined in Asian currencies late on Friday despite the weak tone of the U.S. unit. The Thai baht and the Philippine peso were lower; the Indonesian rupiah was firmer; and the Singapore dollar and New Taiwan dollar were steady. South Korean markets were closed for a public holiday.

Wealthy told to vacate subsidized apartments

Wealthy told to vacate subsidized apartments Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Vice Governor Fauzi Bowo requested on Friday that all related agencies make a serious reassessment of low-cost apartments which were originally allocated for low-income families, but are now occupied by the well-heeled. "Those who have no right to live in the low-cost apartments, they should leave (the apartments)," Fauzi told the press.

S&P rates BNI's sub notes CCC+

S&P rates BNI's sub notes CCC+ JAKARTA: Standard & Poor's Ratings Services assigned on Friday its 'CCC+' rating to the proposed US$100 million subordinated notes issue by Indonesia's P.T. Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk due 2013, with a call option in 2008.

Peace journalism in Aceh still at the forefront: Media

Peace journalism in Aceh still at the forefront: Media A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Peace journalism in covering the conflict in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam will remain the center of attention for local media, although it may be less attractive to readers. Local media are committed to promoting peace journalism, since they would be able to contribute toward ending or minimizing the impact of war through this practice.

Mega told to make peace with daily

Mega told to make peace with daily JAKARTA: Some circles in the House of Representatives have called for an end to President Megawati Soekarnoputri's legal dispute with Rakyat Merdeka daily, saying the government was in dire need of support from the press for many of its policies.

Harrison Ford to help conserve marine life

Harrison Ford to help conserve marine life Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A consortium which groups some of the world's richest companies and individuals like Hollywood movie star Harrison Ford has promised to provide some US$100 million in a grant for Indonesia to help finance marine conservation projects in the country, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Rokhmin Dahuri said.

Shooting of Germans followed procedures: TNI

Shooting of Germans followed procedures: TNI The Jakarta Post, Lhokseumawe, Aceh The martial law administrator in Aceh dismissed the possibility of conducting a further investigation into the shooting of a German couple, concluding that the soldiers who killed one of the foreign tourists and wounded his wife had not violated the rules of engagement. Aceh military operations commander Brig. Gen.

Greenpeace accuse UK govt of using banned timber

Greenpeace accuse UK govt of using banned timber Reuters London Activists of the environmental group Greenpeace abseiled off cranes on a British government construction site on Thursday, saying timber used there was logged illegally in Indonesia.

Govt on track to meet tax target

Govt on track to meet tax target The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Director General of Taxation Hadi Purnomo said on Friday his office had collected some Rp 78.51 trillion (US$9.46 billion) in tax revenue as of the end of May, or approximately 69 percent of the full-year target of Rp 113.8 trillion. "When compared to the same period last year, this is a 115 percent jump," he said prior to a meeting with House of Representatives Commission IX for financial affairs.

Enforced disappearances in Indonesia: Never again

Enforced disappearances in Indonesia: Never again Mugiyanto Chairman Indonesian Association of Families of Missing Persons (IKOHI) Jakarta Enforced or involuntary disappearances constitute a violation of the rules of international law that guarantee the right to recognition as an individual before the law, the individual's right to liberty and security and the right not to be subjected to torture and other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment.

Ramayana pays Rp 140b dividend

Ramayana pays Rp 140b dividend JAKARTA: Publicly listed retail company PT Ramayana Lestari Santosa said on Friday it would allocate 47 percent of its audited 2002 net profit for dividend payouts, or Rp 100 per share. The company, which targets its retail business for middle to lower end buyers, said net profit in 2002 was Rp 299 billion (US$36.2 million), while sales were Rp 3.2 trillion. Ramayana is expecting an increase in sales this year of 12 percent to Rp 3.6 trillion.

CMNP nets a profit

CMNP nets a profit JAKARTA: Toll road management company PT Citra Marga Nushapala Persada (CMNP) said on Friday that it managed to book a net profit of Rp 96.8 billion (US$11.7 million) after recording a loss of Rp 406 billion in 2001. In its 2002 audited financial report to the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX), the company said that the profit was mainly drawn from foreign exchange earnings, while sales dropped by 1.1 percent to Rp 347 billion from Rp 464 billion in 2001.

Accusing GAM of

Accusing GAM of school arson From Koran Tempo A week after the declaration of martial law in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, about 350 school buildings have been burned down, causing some 100,000 students to be without a school. It would make sense to say that the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) has burnt these buildings because it is at school that Indonesian nationalism, which GAM hates most, is being nurtured. The burning of schools must be condemned.

450 police officers to guard Makassar bomb blast trials

450 police officers to guard Makassar bomb blast trials Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post, Makassar The South Sulawesi Police will deploy 450 police officers to guard the Makassar bombing trial at the Makassar District Court next Monday. South Sulawesi Police chief Ins. Gen. Jusuf Manggabarani said on Friday that the 450 police officers would be concentrated at the court, the Makassar Prosecutors' Office and the prison in which the suspects are being detained.

Fitrian A. and Israr Ardiansyah

Fitrian A. and Israr Ardiansyah Forest Program World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Indonesia Jakarta 2. China -- Chinese in Indonesia needs more than Chinese dragons 2 X 30 Chinese in Indonesia need more than Chinese dragon dance T. Sima Gunawan The Jakarta Post Jakarta sima@thejakartapost.com

Gabsi joins Worldwide Bridge Contest

Gabsi joins Worldwide Bridge Contest JAKARTA: Thirty pairs took part in the Indonesian Contract Bridge Association (Gabsi)-organized bridge tournament at the Kinara Restaurant in South Jakarta on Friday. Scheduled to end Saturday, the competition was held as part of the Worldwide Bridge Contest sponsored by the World Bridge Federation (WBF). While Friday's participants were invitees, Saturday's round will be an open tournament at the Bulungan Bridge Center in South Jakarta.

Indian dancer performs in Bandung

Indian dancer performs in Bandung Aendra Medita, Contributor, Jakarta Renowned Indian dancer-choreographer Astad Deboo brings three numbers of his Dance Expression to Selasar Sunaryo Art Space in Bandung on Saturday. The performance, scheduled to take place at the amphitheater, is not his first. Previously, he performed in Surakarta, Central Java, and earlier this week at Taman Ismail Marzuki arts center, Central Jakarta at an event in the ongoing JakArt@2003 arts festival.

* Headlines: 10 burned to death in bus accident 2

* Headlines: 10 burned to death in bus accident 2 * National: Four parties pass preliminary election screening 4 * Archipelago: Artists oppose Borobudur Int'l Festival 5 * Opinion: The changing world: Impact on security doctrines 7 * City: Businessman survives murder attempt 8 * Sports: Govt asked to act immediately on sports bill 10 * World: SE Asia making headway against terror: U.S.

Oil price edges upwards as ministers meet

Oil price edges upwards as ministers meet Agence France-Presse, London Oil prices inched upwards on Friday as dealers took a meeting between the energy ministers of Saudi Arabia, Venezuela and Mexico as a sign that producers might be paving the way for fresh curbs on supplies. The price of benchmark Brent North Sea crude oil for July delivery rose five cents to US$27.60 per barrel in early deals.

Villagers left in the dark

Villagers left in the dark TANGERANG: About 250 houses in Taban village, Jambe district, Tangerang regency, are living without electricity. "We have repeatedly asked state-owned electricity company PT PLN to expand the electricity network here. But there is still no electricity in several areas here," Taban village chief M. Ahana said on Friday. The village is situated about 2.1 kilometers from Tiga Raksa, the capital of Tangerang.

Govt considers closing Aceh to foreigners

Govt considers closing Aceh to foreigners Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Martial law administrator in Aceh Maj. Gen. Endang Suwarya said he was considering closing the province to foreigners, following the shooting of two German nationals on Wednesday. "We are considering banning foreigners from the province to prevent such an incident from recurring," Endang said on Friday.

Thick haze threatens Riau, Aceh, Kalimantan

Thick haze threatens Riau, Aceh, Kalimantan The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The annual choking haze has reached alert levels on mainland Riau, including the provincial capital of Pekanbaru, with authorities warning residents to stay indoors as much as possible.

10 burned to death in bus accident

10 burned to death in bus accident Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Brebes, Central Java Ten people were burned to death, four others suffered serious injuries while two others suffered minor injuries when a Langsung Jaya bus burst into flames in Brebes, Central Java early on Friday morning. The bus, carrying about 40 passengers from Cimone bus terminal in Tangerang heading to Surakarta, Central Java, caught fire at 12:30 a.m. when passing Jl. Diponegoro in front of the Brebes regent office.

Democracy needs a capable military and a free press

Democracy needs a capable military and a free press Kusnanto Anggoro Senior Researcher Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Jakarta The media have long been key players in the drama of war. The Spanish-American War of 1898 was provoked in part by a jingoistic American press. Seventy years later, the media played a large role in the Vietnam. The lack of public support for the U.S.

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_________________________________________________________________________________________ Rupiah Rates June 6 _________________________________________________________________________________________ Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 5,804.44 5,131.51 5,497.33 5,438.39 Brunei dollar 1 5,042.14 4,458.32 4,775.36 4,724.95 Canadian dollar 1 6,462.79 5,713.54 6,120.84 6,055.24 Swiss franc 1 6,667.44 5,896.59 6,314.66 6,249.23 Danish krone 1 1,384.85 1,224.83...

Investment year 2003

Investment year 2003 From Bisnis Indonesia The government move through the Investment Coordinating Agency (BKPM) to declare 2003 "Indonesian Investment Year" can be approached with pessimism and optimism.

`Public access to water a basic human right'

`Public access to water a basic human right' Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A non-governmental organization has asked the House to make a fundamental change to the water resource bill by stating that access to water is a basic human right, saying the principle will prevent discrimination against people regarding water services.

Greenpeace accuses UK govt of using banned timber

Greenpeace accuses UK govt of using banned timber Reuters, London Activists of the environmental group Greenpeace abseiled off cranes on a British government construction site on Thursday, saying timber used there was logged illegally in Indonesia.

Cirebon's rattan industry a victim of SARS

Cirebon's rattan industry a victim of SARS Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon Cirebon rattan exports slumped by 60 percent, or by about US$7 million, following the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in Asia. Exports have dropped from 1,400 containers per month to just 600, blamed on SARS, the Indonesian government's decision to raise fuel prices, the U.S.-led attack on Iraq and the weakening U.S. dollar. "The rattan industry had not recovered when the SARS epidemic hit.

Teddy speaks out for Chinese-Indonesians

Teddy speaks out for Chinese-Indonesians David Kennedy Contributor Jakarta d_kenn@yahoo.com Him Tek Ji was 10 years old when he saw his first real soldiers at an Indonesian Military (TNI) camp stationed near his school in North Jakarta where he grew up. Every day he went to watch them train and he knew one day he would be a soldier. True to his childhood dream, Him Tek Ji enrolled in the military academy when he finished school. He graduated in 1965 as Lt. Teddy Jusuf.

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.

Green and wealthy: An Indonesian oxymoron?

Green and wealthy: An Indonesian oxymoron? Fitrian A. and Israr Ardiansyah, Forest Program, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Indonesia, Jakarta Indonesian forests constitute one of the world's megacenters of biological diversity. However, these forests -- 10 percent of the world's remaining tropical forests, second largest to Brazil -- are being increasingly degraded, leaving ever fewer natural resources and causing significant ecological damage.

MA convicts former bank commissioner of graft

MA convicts former bank commissioner of graft Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Supreme Court offered a ray of hope for the country's legal battle against Bank Indonesia Liquidity Support (BLBI) abusers as it overturned a controversial verdict issued by a lower court which acquitted the former president commissioner of the now- defunct Bank Modern, Samadikun Hartono, of graft charges.

LHOKSEUMAWE: 11 suspected GAM rebels were shot to death in the

LHOKSEUMAWE: 11 suspected GAM rebels were shot to death in the last two days in North Aceh, East Aceh and West Aceh regencies. North Aceh, East Aceh, Central Aceh and Pidie regencies still hit by a total blackout. BANDA ACEH: Police and GAM involved in gunfight in Rukoh Darussalam village for 25 minutes. No casualties reported. ACEH JAYA: The remains of German tourist Lothar Heinrich Albert Engel were flown to Jakarta along with his wounded wife Elisabeth Engel.

House wants more powerful BPOM

House wants more powerful BPOM JAKARTA: The House of Representatives demanded on Thursday that the government shift the authority to issue food and drug licenses to the Food and Drug Control Body (BPOM) from the Ministry of Health. Chairman of House Commission VII on health and population Posma Tobing said overlapping authorities between the two government institution had caused confusion and unnecessary expenses on the part of food and drug producers.