Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 10 July 2003

74 articles found

Public money wasted

Public money wasted From Tempo Indonesian officials maintain the practice of comparative studies abroad. Junior officials usually go to ASEAN countries such as Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand while senior ones choose to visit Europe, the U.S. or at least Australia. With their limited English-speaking capability, they have difficulty in making meaningful diplomatic contact or exploring business cooperation.

JP/4/RIGHTS

JP/4/RIGHTS Authorities jeopardize freedom of expression: Watchdog The Jakarta Post Jakarta Hope for freedom of expression for Indonesians after the fall of former dictator Soeharto has been jeopardized by authorities who continue sending their critics to jail, a human rights group says.

Toyota, Honda dominate passenger car market

Toyota, Honda dominate passenger car market Hendarsyah Tarmizi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Japanese car makers Toyota, Honda and Suzuki continue to dominate the local passenger car market despite growing competition from several new rivals particularly those from neighboring South Korea.

The government of Indonesian must be extra careful in dealing

The government of Indonesian must be extra careful in dealing with the incident in Papua this week, in which one person was killed after a group of "separatists" tried to hoist the New Melanesian flag in front of the regental legislative building in Jayawijaya. Recklessness and an unprofessional approach by the government will only favor the separatists.

Councillors protest Australia's arrest of fishermen

Councillors protest Australia's arrest of fishermen Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara Councillors here have protested the Australian government's arrest of several men from East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) province who were fishing in the waters off the disputed Sand island. They said numerous fishermen from the East Nusa Tenggara regency of Rote-Ndao had recently been detained by Australian security forces patrolling the waters around the island.

Pilot reported for domestic violence

Pilot reported for domestic violence JAKARTA: A pilot for Batavia Airline, Capt. Bambang Heru Widodo, 56, was reported to the police on Tuesday evening by his wife Sylvia Widodo, 54, for domestic violence. In the police report, Sylvia said Bambang punched her in the eye and also hit their daughter, Gianti, 18, following a fight over Bambang's relationship with another woman.

Five suspects questioned in Mandiri embezzlement case

Five suspects questioned in Mandiri embezzlement case Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Police have named five people as suspects in the alleged misappropriation of negotiable certificates of deposit (NCDs) worth Rp 50 billion (US$6 million) at the country's largest state bank Mandiri. One of the suspects, who allegedly misappropriated the deposit belonging to the Association of Indonesian Forest Concession Holders (APHI), was a former senior official of the bank.

GM wants a greater piece of the action

GM wants a greater piece of the action General Motors (GM) plan to "aggressively" secure a 10 percent share of the new car market in Indonesia from its current 1 percent share within 10 years, GM president director Harold K.J. Koh says.

RI'S TOP 5 FOREIGN INVESTMENT

RI'S TOP 5 FOREIGN INVESTMENT 1967 - JULY 2000 ( GRAPHIC BATANG ) 1. JAPAN ----------35,319.8 2. SINGAPORE-------19,078,0 3. TAIWAN ---------16,071.8 4. HONG KONG ------14,484.4 5. U.S.A ----------10,449.2

Court hears account on arrest of blast suspect

Court hears account on arrest of blast suspect Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali A police detective gave the public on Wednesday the first real- life account of the difficulties police endured in tracking down and apprehending one of the key suspects in the Bali bombing -- Ali Gufron, alias Muklas. Adj. Com.

1. CORRUPT: 1 x 53

1. CORRUPT: 1 x 53 Corrupt courts seen as RI's greatest problem: Survey 2. SPY: 34 Mega opens Batam 'school for spies' 3. PIRACY: 2 x 31 Indonesia questions claims over pirate attacks in its waters 4. MYANMAR: 1 x 37 Thai govt all at sea over Suu Kyi detention 5. ARMS: 1 x 42 639m guns in world: Report

Council to call water refill vendors

Council to call water refill vendors BEKASI: Bekasi City Council Commission B on economic affairs plans to invite hundreds of mineral water refill vendors to a hearing on the poor quality of water, which could endanger consumers' health. "The hearing was arranged due to increasing complaints from consumers on the quality of mineral water," said commission deputy Nurul Yakin Setiabudi on Wednesday. He did not elaborate when the hearing would take place.

Parents demand lower admission fees

Parents demand lower admission fees TANGERANG: Some 300 parents of high school students demonstrated on Wednesday in front of the Tangerang City Council, demanding transparency and lower fee in the admission process at state high schools SMUN 2 and SMUN 5. Indriawati, the mother of a high school student, questioned the transparency of the admission process at SMUN 2, given that the school took less than 24 hours to admit 399 out of 1,400 test participants.

Government to protest U.S. over intrusion

Government to protest U.S. over intrusion Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Batam/Jakarta The government will send an aide-memoire to the U.S. government to express its "deep concern" over the recent intrusion into Indonesian airspace by five American F-18 hornet jet fighters. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will summon U.S. Ambassador Ralph L. Boyce on Thursday and officially present him with the aide- memoire.

Corrupt courts seen as RI's greatest problem

Corrupt courts seen as RI's greatest problem Endy M. Bayuni, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Corruption in the courts, rather than within political parties or the police, is the problem that needs the most immediate attention in Indonesia, according to a new opinion survey.

House off on holiday, leaving plethora of outstanding bills

House off on holiday, leaving plethora of outstanding bills Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives closed its session on Wednesday with the same old problem -- a massive backlog of outstanding bills.

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, July 10, 2003

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, July 10, 2003 .TB.30" 1.0" Exhibition * Painting Three Sides of Me by Kerry Pendergrast at Pranoto's Gallery, Main Road, Ubud (next door to Fed Ex, Tel. 0361 970 827), until July 31. Festival * 25th Bali Arts Festival, All performances take place in the Werdhi Budaya Arts Center's compound at Jalan Nusa Indah, Denpasar.

71 alleged rebels to be charged with treason

71 alleged rebels to be charged with treason Nani Farida and Aan Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh/Lhokseumawe While the military offensive to crush the armed rebellion in Aceh continues, legal action against alleged separatists started on Wednesday with at least 71 suspects facing charges of treason. The police in Banda Aceh said that so far they had handed over evidence on the 71 suspects' involvement in separatist activities to the local prosecutor's office.

Indonesia questions claims over pirate attacks in its waters

Indonesia questions claims over pirate attacks in its waters Deutsche Presse-Agentur, Jakarta A senior government official objected on Wednesday to accusations that Indonesia's territorial waters were rife with piracy. Tjuk Sukardiman, director general of maritime at the Communication Ministry, complained that piracy reports compiled by the London-based International Marine Organization (IMO) tended to lump all theft at sea under the term piracy.

House clears last hurdle to next year's elections

House clears last hurdle to next year's elections Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives cleared on Wednesday the last hurdle to next year's elections by endorsing a bill on the status and composition of legislative bodies. With the passage of the bill, the country has all four of the political laws necessary to organize legislative and presidential elections next year.

;AFP;

;AFP; ANPAi..u.. Malaysia-Muslim-talks Globalization, terrorism to dominate Islamic conference JP/11/ASEAN KL to hold Islamic conference MALAYSIA: Islam's place in the modern world of terrorism and globalization will come under scrutiny by some 800 international Muslim scholars at a conference in Malaysia on Thursday.

Jakarta still seeking additional dump sites

Jakarta still seeking additional dump sites Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Five months prior to the closure of the Bantar Gebang dump site in Bekasi mayoralty, councillors have demanded the City Sanitation Agency to ready for locating alternative dump sites to avoid a possible garbage crisis next year. "We need assurances that the city will not experience another garbage crisis next year.

Sukhoi strikes at bureaucracy

Sukhoi strikes at bureaucracy Bantarto Bandoro Editor, 'The Indonesian Quarterly' Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Jakarta bandoro@csis.or.id It is a normal thing when a jetfighter like F18 Hornet, Sukhoi, or F16 maneuvers to create panic in the air as well as on the ground, strikes at certain enemy targets, and forces air force of certain countries to react accordingly. It is also normal when the state procures more sophisticated weapons for its national defense.

JP/5/across10

JP/5/across10 Former official gets 8 months for drugs BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: A district court here sentenced a former subdistrict head on Wednesday to eight mounts in jail and fined him Rp 2 million for his involvement in a drug case. Usamah, 47, the former Upau subdistrict head in Tabalong regency, was proven guilty of illegally possessing, storing or carrying shabu-shabu (crystal metamphetamine), presiding judge Mohammad Djuhani told the court.

No plan for martial law in Papua: Susilo

No plan for martial law in Papua: Susilo Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura, Papua Unlike the conflict-plagued province of Aceh, the central government does not have any immediate plans to impose martial law to wipe out the independence rebels in Papua, but is hoping for a peaceful solution instead, the chief security minister said here on Wednesday.

SBI rate down to 9.23%, further cut still possible

SBI rate down to 9.23%, further cut still possible The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The central bank benchmark interest rate fell again, reaching 9.23 percent on Wednesday amid a persisting low inflationary pressure. The previous interest rate on one-month Bank Indonesia SBI promissory notes was at 9.30 percent.

Heri Dono achieves new milestone

Heri Dono achieves new milestone Carla Bianpoen, Contributor, Jakarta Heri Dono usually observes June 12, the day of his birth, either with an exhibition of his work, or celebrating with the people of his neighborhood in Yogyakarta. This year, however, he observed his birthday amid the glamour and prestige of the 50th anniversary of Venice Biennale, an art event that is not matched by any other in the world.

BMW opens training center

BMW opens training center JAKARTA: PT BMW Indonesia, the subsidiary of German carmaker BMW AG, opened on Wednesday a training center in Tangerang to improve the skills and professionalism of its staff members and dealers. The BMW National Training Center, which has been built with a total investment of Rp 5 billion (about US$600,000) covers an area of 660 square meters on the ground floor of the German Center in Bumi Serpong Damai.

'River transportation idea is foolish'

'River transportation idea is foolish' The City administration's plan to provide a river transportation system for Jakartans is still being studied for feasibility. The city's public works agency is tasked with preparing a section of the Ciliwung river, from Pasar Baru in Central Jakarta, to Ancol in North Jakarta, as part of a wider transportation system. The Jakarta Post talked to people on the issue. Mamat, 40, is a sidewalk vendor who sells soft drinks at Pasar Baru.

Derailed train in Brebes disrupts north coast railroad

Derailed train in Brebes disrupts north coast railroad Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon, West Java Nine trains traveling between Jakarta and Bandung, capital of West Java province, were rerouted to the south coast railroad after a train derailed on the north coast railroad on Wednesday in Brebes, Central Java. No fatalities were reported in the incident.

Businessmen slam new ruling on `halal' labeling

Businessmen slam new ruling on `halal' labeling Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Food and beverage producers protested on Wednesday against a plan by the government to change the current halal certification system, saying that it would only increase bureaucracy, production costs and corruption. If a food or beverage is halal, this means that it may be consumed by Muslims.

Balinese artist Budiana honored in Tokyo

Balinese artist Budiana honored in Tokyo Jean Couteau, Contributor, Denpasar, Bali If, in this month of July, you happen to take the train in Tokyo, Yokohama or Nara, or from any other station in Japan, you may see on walls dark posters with fanged monsters that do not look Japanese, but unmistakably Balinese.

German bank backs AIDS programs

German bank backs AIDS programs JAKARTA: The German Development Bank has decided to provide a 4.1 million euro (US$4.7 million) grant for family planning and HIV/AIDS prevention programs in Indonesia.

Indonesians lowest in basic skills

Indonesians lowest in basic skills Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A lack of teachers, disparity of facilities in regions, the qualification of teachers and teaching methods, were the main causes of the inadequacy among Indonesian students in basic skills, Minister of National Education Abdul Malik Fajar said. He was commenting on the recently published survey of 15-year- olds conducted by UNESCO's Program for International Student Assessment (PISA).

Analysts call for direct election of regional leaders

Analysts call for direct election of regional leaders Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Some political analysts and politicians are calling for the direct election of regents, mayors and governors, saying this would ensure the people get the leaders they want.

KL to deport 1,400 illegal TKIs

KL to deport 1,400 illegal TKIs KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will deport nearly 1,400 illegal Indonesian immigrants (TKIs) this week, an official said on Wednesday. The first batch of 599 deportees left Malaysia's southern Johor state on Wednesday by ferry for the port city of Surabaya, said Abdul Rahim Endut, an officer handling the operation. Another 790 Indonesians, currently at a detention center, would be deported by Friday, he told the national news agency, Bernama.

GAM warns against rescue operation

GAM warns against rescue operation Tiarma Siboro and A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Lhokseumawe The Free Aceh Movement (GAM) warned the military on Wednesday against using force to free five people -- including two journalists -- being held hostage by the rebels, saying any rescue operation would put the lives of the hostages at risk. And in Lhokseumawe, Aceh, military operation spokesman Lt. Col.

Beware: Foreign NGOs

Beware: Foreign NGOs in Papua From Koran Tempo The Papuan issue is Indonesia's domestic affair and the nation will solve it on its own. Foreign non-governmental organizations only create confusion instead of helping local people, and the government should watch out for their activities in the country.

4 X 12

4 X 12 Councillors to sue Jatayu for nine-hour delay JP/5/Anjlok 2 x 24 Derailed train disrupts north coast railroad JP/5/susilo 2 x 19 No plan for martial law in Papua: Susilo JP/5/ntt 1 x 50 Councillors protest Australia's arrest of fishermen

GM wants a greater piece of the action

GM wants a greater piece of the action General Motors (GM) plan to "aggressively" secure a 10 percent share of the new car market in Indonesia from its current 1 percent share within 10 years, GM president director Harold K.J. Koh says.

More people turn to old cars for hobby, fun and nostalgia

More people turn to old cars for hobby, fun and nostalgia Sudibyo M. Wiradji, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta To many people, an old, rusted and wrecked car left in the corner of a garden or a scrap heap is no more than just discarded and useless junk -- but not to old car enthusiasts. Even such cars that have obviously seen better days are considered invaluable items that might augment their collection.

RI looks to exploit court advantage in Fed Cup tie against Germany

RI looks to exploit court advantage in Fed Cup tie against Germany Arya Abhiseka, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian women's tennis team is looking to try and exploit the advantage of playing on a hardcourt when it hosts Germany in the play-offs for the Fed Cup competition next week. The tie will be played from July 19 to 20 at the Senayan Tennis Stadium, which has turned its court from a flexy-pave clay court to a hardcourt.

Megawati inaugurates new industrial estates in Batam

Megawati inaugurates new industrial estates in Batam Fadli, The Jakarta Post, Batam President Megawati Soekarnoputri inaugurated on Wednesday six new industrial estates built at a total cost of US$210 million, and an expansion of an electronics plant worth Rp 10 billion ($1.2 million), on Batam island.

Sukhoi hits at bureaucracy

Sukhoi hits at bureaucracy Bantarto Bandoro, Editor, 'The Indonesian Quarterly', Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Jakarta, bandoro@csis.or.id It is normal if a jet fighter like an F18 Hornet, Sukhoi, or F16 maneuvers to create panic in the air as well as on the ground, strikes at specific enemy targets or compels the air force of a given country to react accordingly. It is also normal when a state procures more sophisticated weapons for its national defense.

Action over teams sabotage urged

Action over teams sabotage urged INDRAMAYU, West Java: Top sports officials in Bandung and Cirebon have voiced concern over the potentially grim prospects of the West Java contingent at the upcoming National Games (PON), if firm action, to prevent athletes from illegally switching teams, is not taken. "We hope that the West Java sports council imposes strict sanctions and impedes those involved in the illegal buying of athletes.

Humanitarian gap between society and political elite

Humanitarian gap between society and political elite Max Lane, Visiting Fellow, Centre for Asia Pacific Social Transformation Studies (CAPSTRANS), University of Wollongong, Australia On July 11 at the Taman Ismail Marzuki Jakarta Arts Center, more than 30 community, cultural, human rights and other organizations are sponsoring an Aceh Peace Concert.

Councillors to sue Jatayu for 9-hour delay

Councillors to sue Jatayu for 9-hour delay Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan, North Sumatra At least 10 councillors in North Sumatra province plan to file a class action suit against a private airline for leaving them and 150 other passengers stranded for nine hours at Polonia Airport. The members of the North Sumatra Legislative Council said they would also recommend that the central government revoke the license of PT Jatayu Airlines over the delay.

`Authorities jeopardize freedom of expression'

`Authorities jeopardize freedom of expression' The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Hope for freedom of expression for Indonesians after the fall of former dictator Soeharto has been jeopardized by authorities who continue sending their critics to jail, a human rights group says.

New sedans hit highway

New sedans hit highway I. Christianto, Contributor, Jakarta Indonesia's automotive market has had a good start to the year with favorable sales so far. The first half of the year saw car manufacturers introducing new sedans to the market. Based on data from the Indonesian Automotive Association (Gaikindo), over 140,000 cars were sold in the first five months of the year. The figure is 8 percent higher than that of sales during the same period last year.

Power firm PLN welcomes LNG domestic sale plan

Power firm PLN welcomes LNG domestic sale plan The Jakarta Post, Semarang, Central Java State power company PLN welcomed on Thursday the government's plan to market liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Java, saying it would encourage PLN to use gas rather than oil-based fuels to fire its power plants on the island. The use of gas rather than oil-based fuels would cut PLN's costs in generating power, PLN's president Eddie Widiono told reporters.

Court begins hearing on Tommy's sentence review

Court begins hearing on Tommy's sentence review Agus Maryono, The Jakarta Post, Cilacap, Central Java Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra, the youngest son of former president Soeharto, appeared in the Cilacap District Court, Central Java, on Wednesday, asking for a review of his 15-year jail sentence for ordering the execution of a Supreme Court justice.

Firms to be tried for damaging environment

Firms to be tried for damaging environment Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang The Tangerang regental administration will bring to court at least 25 companies for allegedly discharging liquid waste into the regency's rivers and destroying the environment. "The companies were found secretly dumping hazardous liquid waste into rivers," the regency environmental agency's supervision and control division head, Cecep Suhendar, told The Jakarta Post on Monday.

Japan urges RI to fix infrastructure

Japan urges RI to fix infrastructure Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Japanese chamber of commerce and industry, or Keidanren, urged the Indonesian government to improve the country's infrastructure in a bid to help lure more investments amid rising competition, particularly with China.

The automotive sector in Indonesia has seen a good

The automotive sector in Indonesia has seen a good sign with favorable total sales in the first five months this year, while various carmakers keep introducing new sedans to the audience. Based on the data from the Indonesian Automotive Association (Gaikindo), over 140,000 cars were sold in the first five month this year, up by 8 percent compared from the corresponding period last year. Out of the total 140,769 cars sold in the January-May period this year, 13,000 units were sedans.

UNHCR clarifies on East Timor

UNHCR clarifies on East Timor We would like to provide a clarification regarding the article in The Jakarta Post on July 3, 2003, published under the heading East Timorese refuse to return home. A similar article was also published in thejakartapost.com under the heading Hundreds refuse to return to East Timor. A reading of both articles is likely to lead to a misunderstanding of UNHCR's mission in Indonesia due to a number of inaccuracies, which I would like to correct.

Bantarto Bandoro

Bantarto Bandoro Editor, 'The Indonesian Quarterly' Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Jakarta bandoro@csis.or.id 2. Yale -- Non-globalized states pose a threat 1 X 30 Non-globalized states pose a threat Banning N. Garrett and Dennis M. Sherman Yale Center for the Study of Globalization Washington 3. Strait -- Job scene change 1 X 30 Job scene changes in Singapore The Straits Times Asia News Network Singapore

Canal construction hampered by land clearance

Canal construction hampered by land clearance Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With President Megawati Soekarnoputri is scheduled to officiate the construction of the East Flood Canal today, Jakarta administration is still having a headache in land clearance for the project. Head of the Jakarta Public Works Agency IGKG Suena said on Wednesday that the administration has so far could only cleared 10 percent of a total 400-hectares of land affected by the project.

Most workers unrepresented by unions

Most workers unrepresented by unions Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Jacob Nuwa Wea regretted the low awareness of workers about unionization, since only 20 percent of the more than 40 million workers employed in the formal sector have unionized, despite the reform era.

Banking sector improving, but lending remains weak

Banking sector improving, but lending remains weak Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Six years after the crisis, the country's banks are now in better shape, although analysts lament the fact the industry is yet to significantly resume its lending activities. "The level of CAR, NPLs and other indicators have improved, which could mean the banking sector remains on the track toward recovery," banking expert Elvyn G.

`Development needs paradigm shift'

`Development needs paradigm shift' M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State Minister/Head of the National Development Planning Board (Bappenas) Kwik Kian Gie on Wednesday called for a paradigm shift in development programs in order to help improve the country's human development index (HDI).

* Headlines: Last hurdle to next year's elections cleared 2

* Headlines: Last hurdle to next year's elections cleared 2 * National: Indonesians lowest in basic skills 4 * Archipelago: Councillors to sue Jatayu for delay 5 * Opinion: Sukhoi hits at bureaucracy 6 * City: Jakarta still seeking additional dump sites 8 * Sports: Mickelson seeks inspiration on the bonnie banks 9 * World: Hundreds feared dead in Bangladesh ferry debacle 11 * Business: Japan urges RI to fix infrastructure 13 * Features: Heri Dono achieves new milestone 20

Heaven hidden away in rice fields

Heaven hidden away in rice fields Josh Kreger, Contributor, Ubud, Bali Hidden away from beaches and surfers, the point between sunrise and sunset is the town of Ubud. Surrounding it are dozens of townships: Mas, Peliatan, Tegallantang and more. If one were to look behind the rows of houses and furniture, amid what appears to be a chaotic cluster of woodcarving shops, temples and galleries, one could see the rice paddies.

Education lags behind other countries

Education lags behind other countries YOGYAKARTA: Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Yusuf Kalla said on Tuesday that the quality of education in Indonesia lagged behind that of other countries. The minister cited how easily students could graduate from schools as a evidence of the deteriorating condition of the education in the country.

Mega opens Batam `school for spies'

Mega opens Batam `school for spies' Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Batam President Megawati Soekarnoputri said knowledge and skills on intelligence-gathering have become a need in everyday life, and therefore it was essential for the country to master them.

JAPAN's FDI APPROVAL IN RI

JAPAN's FDI APPROVAL IN RI ( in billion of dollars) ________________________________________________ TAHUN INVESTASI _________________________________________________ 1997 5.4 1998 1.3 1999 0.6 2000 1,9 2001 0,7 2002 0,5

Pilot reported for domestic violence

Pilot reported for domestic violence JAKARTA: A pilot for Batavia Airline, Capt. Bambang Heru Widodo, 56, was reported to the police on Tuesday evening by his wife Sylvia Widodo, 54, for domestic violence. In the police report, Sylvia said Bambang punched her in the eye and also hit their daughter, Gianti, 18, following a fight over Bambang's relationship with another woman.

Toyota and Honda continue to dominate passenger car market

Toyota and Honda continue to dominate passenger car market Hendarsyah Tarmizi The Jakarta Post Jakarta Japanese car makers Toyota, Honda and Suzuki continue to dominate the local passenger car market despite growing competition from several new rivals particularly those from neighboring South Korea.

Bali's Jegog ensemble on concert tour to Japan

Bali's Jegog ensemble on concert tour to Japan Kadek Suartaya, Contributor, Denpasar, Bali The intoxicating rhythms of traditional Balinese bamboo music, Jegog, will sound throughout Japan when 23 Balinese musicians perform concerts in Tokyo, Hyogo, Shiga and Fukuoka during a 22- day cultural mission. The Suar Agung troupe, arguably the best Jegog company in Bali, will showcase several Jegog compositions and accompanying traditional dances.

DJ Indonesia Astra Buys Back $113.52M Debt, Plans To Pay Div

DJ Indonesia Astra Buys Back $113.52M Debt, Plans To Pay Div Dow Jones Jakarta PT Astra International (P.ASI), Indonesia's largest car maker, said it has bought back US$113.52 million in foreign debt and Rp 7.67 billion (US$933 million) in local borrowing, under a debt restructuring program agreed late last year. "As of today, Astra's total debts stand at $522.30 million and Rp 756.71 billion, down from $690 million and Rp 878.14 billion as of Dec.

More people turn to old cars for hobby and fun

More people turn to old cars for hobby and fun Sudibyo M. Wiradji The Jakarta Post Jakarta To many people, an old, rusted and wrecked car left in the corner of a garden or a scrap heap is no more than just discarded and useless junk -- but not to old car enthusiasts. Even such cars that have obviously seen better days are considered invaluable items that might augment their collection.

Security at U.S. Embassy

Security at U.S. Embassy Following U.S. Ambassador Ralph Boyce's repeated requests, and subsequent refusals by Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso for additional security measures to the outside boundary of the embassy compound, it is time to reevaluate the present procedure of diplomatic strategy exercised by the present administration in the embassy. Let us not forget that the embassy is U.S. sovereign territory. Construct the necessary protection barriers behind the public fence in question.

Officers to take posts in Aceh

Officers to take posts in Aceh JAKARTA: Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno said on Wednesday that several middle-rank military officers would be sent to Aceh next week to take district head posts. Hari said the officials had undergone courses on state administration and would hold the posts in former strongholds of the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) that are now controlled by the Indonesian Military (TNI).

Police change stories on `Tempo' attack, lawyers for AJI say

Police change stories on `Tempo' attack, lawyers for AJI say Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Lawyers for the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI), which has filed a suit against the police over the attack on the offices of Tempo weekly, accused officers on Wednesday of changing their stories in the case.

Jakarta's useless

Jakarta's useless overpass bridges From Warta Kota People often avoid using pedestrian bridges that cross main roads because these facilities were not built in their proper locations. In some places in Jakarta, so few pedestrians cross such bridges that they are virtually useless. For example, the bridge at Pasar Baru is located too far from the shopping area exit gate and the opposite end of the bridge is not close enough to the local bus stop, either.