Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 12 July 2003

89 articles found

Fire razes five houses

Fire razes five houses JAKARTA: Five houses in Gg. Kamboja, Mampang Prapatan, South Jakarta, were razed by fire early on Friday morning. No casualties were reported and the ensuing losses have yet to be estimated. The Fire Brigade needed 40 minutes to quench the fire as it had difficulties in reaching the location due to the fact it was down a narrow alley. Witnesses said the fire started in Mas Panjang's house.

Oka struggles to find tougher waves

Oka struggles to find tougher waves Arya Abhiseka, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesian windsurfing star Oka Sulaksana has complained about the absence of competitiveness at home while he struggles to deal with the prospect of securing greater financial support for his overseas swing. Oka, from Bali, is clearly the dominant force in the Asian windsurfing scene, being the two-time Asian Games champion in 1998 and 2002.

Jakarta Composite Index at highest closing

Jakarta Composite Index at highest closing The Jakarta Composite Index ended at a more-than-one-year record high on Friday's closing at 524.688, 1.24 percent or 6.442 points higher than Thursday's 518.24, with Indonesia's largest car producer PT Astra leading the gains. A stock analyst said that the 13-month record high was driven by the positive sentiment over the listing debut of state-owned Bank Mandiri on Monday and the current interest rate declines.

TV Today: Saturday, July 12, 2003

TV Today: Saturday, July 12, 2003 TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 English News Service 7:30 Documentary: Suku Arfak 8:30 Talk Show: Ibu, Bayi, dan Balita 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 3:30 Children's Show 4:30 Science and Technology 5:00 Talk Show 6:00 News: Berita Petang 8:00 Profile: Gita Pesona 9:00 News: Berita Malam 9:30 Music 11:00 TV Drama TPI 6:00 a.m.

Poor families get rotten rice aid

Poor families get rotten rice aid KUNINGAN, West Java: More than 15,000 underprivileged families in Kuningan regency, West Java, have complained to local authorities since they had received very low-quality rice aid for the last two months. They said that the rice aid distributed often smelled bad and were worm-eaten. Besides the very poor quality, the families had also received a smaller amount of rice: Instead of the 20 kilograms of rice aid, they had received only 18 kilograms.

Humanitarian work lagging in Aceh

Humanitarian work lagging in Aceh A'an Suryana and Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh/Lhokseumawe Entering the eighth week of the integrated operation to restore security and order in Aceh, the military offensive has been proceeding far ahead of the humanitarian operation, with eight more alleged rebels killed but more than 42,000 people languishing in worrying conditions in refuge camps in the resource-rich province. Spokesman for the military operation Lt. Col.

Jamsostek shows Rp 2t profit despite alleged irregularities

Jamsostek shows Rp 2t profit despite alleged irregularities The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned social security/insurance company PT Jamsostek, which has contracts with thousands of companies and workers nationwide, performed well last year according to their final public balance sheet that showed its total profits of almost Rp 2 trillion (US$243.9 million) in the 2002 fiscal year, after paying Rp 200 billion in dividends and taxes to the government. Jamsostek spokesman H.D.

Stock gains likely to decline in second semester

Stock gains likely to decline in second semester Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After booking a record advance in the first semester of this year, gains in the stock market are likely to slow down in the second half over fears that the performance of listed companies may not be as good as expected, analysts said on Friday.

Bus crossing boosts Indo-Pak relations

Bus crossing boosts Indo-Pak relations Agence France-Presse, Wagah, India Passenger buses on Friday crossed the border between India and Pakistan for the first time in 18 months in the most tangible sign of easing tensions between the South Asian arch-rivals. The bus from Pakistan crossed into India here carrying a sick child and 27 others hours before the Indian bus with 32 on board halted at the land transit point of Wagah before entering Pakistan.

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.

FDI rises, Mauritius tops the list

FDI rises, Mauritius tops the list Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Foreign direct investment (FDI) approvals rose sharply in terms of value during the first semester of the year from the same period last year, with tiny African island-state Mauritius topping the list of countries of origin. The Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) reported a 43.9 percent increase from US$3.03 billion during the first semester last year to $4.37 billion this year.

Where to go in Jakarta:Monday, July 14, 2003

Where to go in Jakarta:Monday, July 14, 2003 Exhibitions * The 5th and 6th Asian Cartoon Exhibition, Galeri Cipta II, Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jl. Cikini Raya 73, Central Jakarta (Tel. 3140554), 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., until July 18. * Fine Arts Tubuh 4, Lontar Gallery, Jl. Utan Kayu 68H, East Jakarta (Tel. 8573388), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., until July 25. * Fashion Jewellery and Accessories Drops Of Sunshine From Paris, at Fusions, Saberro House Jln Kemang Raya 10A (Tel.

Harry popularizes experimental music

Harry popularizes experimental music Aendra Medita, Contributor, Jakarta Harry Roesli is working hard, disproving that his eclectic music is "exclusive" as critics claim. The chubby long-haired Bandung-based artist has been on a nationwide tour he calls Ziarah Seni, a pilgrimage of art with unique musical performances, to bring himself and his group closer to the public.

The price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) will soon increase,

The price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) will soon increase, says Ridwan Nyak Baik, spokesman for the state-owned oil and gas company Pertamina. The price increase in LPG will certainly affect millions of consumers, however, Pertamina's decision on the hike is based on the fact that the people's economy is recovering and the rupiah is getting stronger against the dollar, according to Ridwan.

Jakarta's useless overpass bridges

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.

Number of tourists rises in Maluku

Number of tourists rises in Maluku AMBON, Maluku: The security condition in Maluku province has improved after an end to sectarian fighting, resulting in an increase in the number of domestic and foreign visitors over the past few months, an official said on Friday. Head of the Ambon immigration office Wiryono said at least 148 foreigners visited the once war-torn city during the May-June period.

JI members nabbed, one commits suicide

JI members nabbed, one commits suicide Damar Harsanto and Suherdjoko, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Semarang The campaign against terrorism enjoyed a big victory on Friday, when police announced they had arrested nine suspected members of Jamaah Islamiah (JI), the regional terrorist organization blamed for last year's Bali bombings.

Soldiers to serve as district chiefs

Soldiers to serve as district chiefs Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh, Aceh When First Lt. Khairul Arifin parachuted into Central Aceh regency in May, he was ready for combat. But instead he ended up lying down his weapon and shedding his uniform. Along with 24 other military officers, Khairul is vying for a civilian job as a district chief in Aceh. "I have to learn a lot, since I am used to holding a weapon," said Khairul, a member of the Indonesian Air Force's elite Paskhas force.

Bill reveals confusion on state administration

Bill reveals confusion on state administration Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Two constitutional law experts have sharply criticized the newly endorsed bill on the composition of legislative bodies that gives more power to the House of Representatives and will make changes to the political system.

Where have all the flowers gone?

Where have all the flowers gone? Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta "My school is about five kilometers away from my house. So I have to wake up very early in the morning to start my day. But I am lucky that my father still allows me to go to school," the 13- year-old Venansius, or better known as Ulus, told The Jakarta Post on Friday.

Aceh: `Embedded or dead'

Aceh: `Embedded or dead' Maimun, Chief Editor, 'Beudoh' Weekly, Banda Aceh Only tears and prayers accompanied Jamaludin, 30, the cameraman of state television station TVRI, on his journey home to his Creator. Discovered about a month ago on the banks of the Lamnyong River, Banda Aceh, only a few meters away from our office of the Beudoh (Awaken) tabloid, the traces of torture on his body left a chilling message, particularly for fellow journalists.

EU concerned about access to Aceh after aid worker detained

EU concerned about access to Aceh after aid worker detained Agence France Presse Jakarta The European Union will question the Indonesian government about a "disturbing" lack of access to war-torn Aceh province after one of its aid workers was detained there overnight, a diplomat said Friday. "It is really disturbing that we face such a situation of access," said Ulrich Eckle, a political counselor in Jakarta for the EU's executive arm, the European Commission (EC).

DPD selection kept under wraps: NGO

DPD selection kept under wraps: NGO Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Without any fanfare, the Jakarta Provincial General Elections Commission (KPUD Jakarta) has started to register candidates for the Regional Representatives Council (DPD). They will take part in the legislative elections next April. Prospective candidates will be able to pick up registration forms between July 8 and July 14.

100 passengers survive ferry accident off Central Sulawesi

100 passengers survive ferry accident off Central Sulawesi The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A ferry carrying around 100 people ran aground on a coral reef off Central Sulawesi province, but all the passengers aboard survived the crash, an official said on Friday. Kismanto, acting head of the Luwuk seaport in Banggai regency, said the accident occurred at around 3 a.m. on Thursday, about three hours after the 50-ton vessel left the port for the town of Salakan on Peleng island.

JP/4/

JP/4/ Minister yet to allow legislators probe BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: Home Affairs Minister Hari Sabarno said here Friday he had yet to issue permits for the Lampung High Court to question a number of provincial legislators for their alleged involvement in a corruption case. "I have not yet signed the permits," he told the press when asked about the Lampung High Court's request for permission to question the local legislators.

New spirit in Aceh

New spirit in Aceh From Koran Tempo Recently, civil servants in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam province firmly condemned Aceh separatists and pledged allegiance to the Unitary Republic of Indonesia. The Acehnese have begun to rise to assist TNI (the Indonesian Military) in hunting down members of the separatist GAM (Free Aceh Movement).

Apartment business on the rise

Apartment business on the rise Golo Riwu Contributor Jakarta The worst effects of the country's economic crisis are gradually receding. In Jakarta's business sector and in other major Indonesian cities, apartment construction and sale is in full force after a deep lull. An abundance of apartments is advertised, both those existing and those under construction. Almost everyday five-star apartments and their not as luxurious counterparts are splashed across the media.

U.S. Embassy wall

U.S. Embassy wall Please see editing note below American Ambassador Ralph L. Boyce has asked the governor of Jakarta to make an exception, to enable the U.S. Embassy to erect a three-meter high solid wall in front of its premises (The Jakarta Post, July 9, U.S. Embassy and its wall). As a Jakarta resident for my entire adult life, I felt somewhat distressed to hear this outrageous request.

JP/4/

JP/4/ M'sia praises RI's haj management JAKARTA: The Indonesian government has been remarkably successful in annually organizing the haj pilgrimage for 200,000 of its citizens, Malaysian Minister for Religious Affairs Dato' Seri Abdul Hamid bin Hj Zainal Abidin said. "Indonesia has been doing well in managing the annual haj pilgrimage," Dato' said after a meeting with Indonesian Religious Affairs Minister Said Agil Al Munawar here Friday.

1. Terror -- 4 cols, 2 lines, 60pts MB, 34 counts

1. Terror -- 4 cols, 2 lines, 60pts MB, 34 counts JI members nabbed, one commits suicide 2. IMF -- 2 cols, 3 lines, 36pts MB, 71 counts IMF exit policy must be acceptable to market: Experts 3. DPD -- 5 cols, 1 line, 48pts MB, 35 counts DPD selection kept under wraps: NGO 4. Aceh -- 1 cols, 4 lines, 28pts MB, 40 counts Soldiers to serve as district chiefs

Never underestimate the importance of a bedroom

Never underestimate the importance of a bedroom Maria Endah Hulupi The Jakarta Post Jakarta People spend approximately one third of their lifetime in the bedroom and ideally a bedroom should be an area where people can have a restful, invigorating slumber every night.

TNS acquires NFO

TNS acquires NFO JAKARTA: Marketing information company Taylor Nelson Sofres plc has completed the acquisition of NFO WorldGroup Inc (NFO), from The Interpublic Group of Companies Inc, its office in Jakarta said on Friday. The acquisition, announced on May 14, consolidates its position as one of the top three global firms in its industry.

Two RI scientists win fellowships in Germany

Two RI scientists win fellowships in Germany Zora Rahman Contributor Jakarta When industry can get advantage of a scientific research, there is usually a sponsor to find. With this intention the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Europes biggest applied research institutes, awarded the First DAAD-Fraunhofer Technopreneur Award in Life Sciences 2003.

`House to hear global bond plan in August'

`House to hear global bond plan in August' The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government is to unveil its planned sovereign bonds issue in August, when President Megawati Soekarnoputri presents the 2004 state budget draft to the House of Representatives, Minister of Finance Boediono said on Friday. "It (the bonds issue) is part of the draft budget. In August, we'll submit it to the House of Representatives, and then we'll wait for an agreement (from the lawmakers)," Boediono told reporters.

Press resists choice

Press resists choice of 'embedded or dead' JP/6/MAIMUN Time to opt out of 'embedded' journalism Maimun Chief Editor 'Beudoh' Weekly Banda Aceh Only tears and prayers accompanied Jamaludin, 30, the cameraman of state television station TVRI, on his journey home to his Creator.

U.S. Embassy wall

U.S. Embassy wall American Ambassador Ralph L. Boyce has asked the governor of Jakarta to make an exception, to enable the U.S. Embassy to erect a three-meter high solid wall in front of its premises (The Jakarta Post, July 9, U.S. Embassy and its wall). As a Jakarta resident for my entire adult life, I felt somewhat distressed to hear this outrageous request.

1. PARKING -- 48pt Bodoni Bold 2/4 (4X11)

1. PARKING -- 48pt Bodoni Bold 2/4 (4X11) Operator revokes parking fee increase 2. HOUSE -- 36pt Bodoni Bold 2/3 (3x24) Expatriates join hands to build houses for locals 3. SUICIDE -- 28pt Bodoni Bold 5/1 (1x50) Increasing social pressure triples suicide cases 4. SPEAK -- 28pt Bodoni Bold 2/2 (2x20) 'Officials create projects to enrich themselves' or 'River transportation will only benefit officials'

Jamsostek shows profit despite allegations

Jamsostek shows profit despite allegations The Jakarta Post Jakarta State-owned social security/insurance company PT Jamsostek, which has contracts with thousands of companies and workers nationwide, performed well last year according to their final public balance sheet that showed its total profits of almost Rp 2 trillion (US$243.9 million) in the 2002 fiscal year, after paying Rp 200 billion in dividends and taxes to the government. Jamsostek spokesman H.D.

Armed robbers arrested in bust

Armed robbers arrested in bust JAKARTA: West Jakarta Police have arrested members of a gang that allegedly shoots its victims in the leg before stealing their motorcycles. West Jakarta Police chief of detectives Comr. Herry Rudolf Nahak told a media briefing on Thursday that the gang was well organized. The suspects, arrested in Cengkareng and Kapuk on Monday and Wednesday, were Sobrawi, 34, Nandar, 24, Saiful Amin, 25, Yogi Ulfa, 26, Arison, 23, and the receiver Udin Samsudin, 27.

JP/6/ANDI

JP/6/ANDI Moving further away from the rule of law Ferdinand T. Andi Lolo Ph.D Student University of Auckland Law School New Zealand We have heard of court rulings which sentenced high ranking state officials to imprisonment after finding them guilty of abusing their authority causing substantial financial loss to the state -- which essentially means misusing the people's money.

JP/19/GAMERS

JP/19/GAMERS Gamers duke it out for WCG berth Vishnu K. Mahmud Contributor Jakarta vmahmud@yahoo.com Gamers nationwide are steeling themselves for combat. The World Cyber Games (WCG) competition season has just begun and a long list of elite Indonesian gamers have lined up to do battle. At stake, an all expenses paid berth at the WCG Finals in Korea and the chance to represent Indonesia.

The powerful House

The powerful House The House of Representatives (DPR) will soon be the most powerful institution in this country. It will have the authority to hold hostage whoever ignores its summons to "clarify certain issues" which they may be unhappy with, for the sake of national interests. The authority is regulated in a bill on the structure and position of the DPR, People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), and provincial legislative bodies (DPRD), which has just been endorsed into law.

Thai vehicle sales surge 35.6 percent in first half of 2003

Thai vehicle sales surge 35.6 percent in first half of 2003 BANGKOK: Thai domestic vehicle sales rose 35.6 percent in the first half of 2003 from a year earlier due to a growing economy, improving consumer confidence and low interest rates, the industry said Friday. The sale of 246,337 units "reveals consistent economic growth and consumer confidence in purchasing high involvement products such as vehicles," Toyota Motor Thailand, the industry's statistics compiler, said in a statement.

Malaysia, Japan on course for FTA pact

Malaysia, Japan on course for FTA pact Agence France-Presse, Tokyo Malaysia's prime minister in waiting said Friday his country is on course to forge a free trade agreement (FTA) with Japan as it is determined to maintain its "Look-East" policy of learning from the rest of Asia. "The (FTA) talks are progressing very well," Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi told a news conference here.

1 x 33

1 x 33 Poso peace tested after bomb blast JP/5/gempa 3 x 16 Earthquake jolts West Java, damages several homes JP/5/ferry 2 x 28 100 passengers survive ferry accident off Central Sulawesi

Visitors join Jakarta Fair via Web

Visitors join Jakarta Fair via Web JAKARTA: The website team of Jakarta Fair 2003 announced on Friday that at least 286,430 Internet users have visited the fair's website, www.jakartafair.com, since the fair opened on June 12. The total number of website visitors has been relatively high, indicating that the fair -- or at least its website -- caught the attention of Internet surfers.

Foundation offering scholarships

Foundation offering scholarships JAKARTA: The Sampoerna Foundation is offering 30 scholarships to Indonesian students to obtain a master's degree in management and economics at six state universities in Java. The six state universities are the University of Indonesia, Padjadjaran University, Bandung Institute of Technology, Gadjah Mada University, Airlangga University and the Indonesian Institute for Management Development, Sampoerna program director Citta Dinari Sellepan said.

Legal activist slams constitutional court bill

Legal activist slams constitutional court bill M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A legal activist criticized on Friday the bill on the constitutional court currently being deliberated by the House of Representatives, saying the draft gave little power to the planned court. Firmansyah Arifin of the National Consortium for Legal Reform (KHRN) said there seemed to be an effort by both the government and legislators to limit the authority of the constitutional court to an advisory role.

Operator revokes parking fee increase

Operator revokes parking fee increase Damar Harsanto and Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city's largest parking operator, Secure Parking, announced on Friday that it had begun to roll back a recent off-street parking rate increase. "We were instructed by the owners of the property where we operate to resume the Rp 1,000 (12 US cents) hourly parking rate starting today (Friday)," Secure Parking managing director Rustam Rachmat said.

JP/4/

JP/4/ M'sia praises RI's haj management JAKARTA: The Indonesian government has been remarkably successful in annually organizing the haj pilgrimage for 200,000 of its citizens, Malaysian Minister for Religious Affairs Dato' Seri Abdul Hamid bin Hj Zainal Abidin said. "Indonesia has been doing well in managing the annual haj pilgrimage," Dato' said after a meeting with Indonesian Religious Affairs Minister Said Agil Al Munawar here Friday.

Scavenger finds live grenade

Scavenger finds live grenade BEKASI: An unidentified scavenger found a live grenade in the yard of the Harapan Jaya market in North Bekasi on Friday while searching for recyclable trash, a police officer said. The Bekasi Police officer, who was speaking on condition of anonymity, said the scavenger handed over the grenade to Teguh, a parking attendant at the market and Teguh then passed it on to Iwan Setiawan, the driver of a pedicab.

World legacy awaits caretakers

World legacy awaits caretakers Built between 762 and 824 A.D. during the Syailendra Dynasty, Borobudur Temple is prominent in the landscape as an intriguing historical monument. The World Heritage Committee has inscribed Borobudur temple into the World Heritage List of the Unesco-Heritage Center since December 1991.

1. Susduk -- 3 cols, 3 lines, 48pts MB, 60 counts

1. Susduk -- 3 cols, 3 lines, 48pts MB, 60 counts Bill reveals confusion in state administration 2. Golkar -- 4 cols, 1line, 36pts MB, 35 counts Golkar chapters seek presidential candidates 3. Sukhoi -- 3 cols, 2 lines, 36pts MB, 52 counts Preparations under way for Sukhoi arrival in September 4. Operation -- 5 cols, 1 line, 36pts MB, 45 counts Humanitarian work lags behind in Aceh operation

[b]

Where have all the flowers gone? 2. Aceh ( 2 x 14 ) EU concerned about access to Aceh 3. Court ( 2 x 24 ) Legal activist slams constitutional court bill 4. DPR ( 2 x 27) Jamsostek shows Rp 2t profit despite irregularities allegation

Where to go in Jakarta:Saturday, July 12, 2003

Where to go in Jakarta:Saturday, July 12, 2003 Exhibitions * The 5th and 6th Asian Cartoon Exhibition, Galeri Cipta II, Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jl. Cikini Raya 73, Central Jakarta (Tel. 3140554), 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., until July 18. * Fine Arts Tubuh 4, Lontar Gallery, Jl. Utan Kayu 68H, East Jakarta (Tel. 8573388), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., until July 25. * Fashion Jewellery and Accessories Drops Of Sunshine From Paris, at Fusions, Saberro House Jln Kemang Raya 10A (Tel.

Fire kills two in Bandung

Fire kills two in Bandung BANDUNG: A small gas station and three kiosks caught fire in the West Java capital of Bandung early on Friday morning, killing two people -- a 28-year-old man and his five-year-old daughter. Slamet, the owner of the gas station, was found dead embracing his daughter, Aulia Hafifa, in a bathroom of their gutted home on Jl. Sudirman, Cimahi. Slamet's wife, Sulastri, 30, fainted upon hearing of their deaths.

Earthquake jolts W. Java, damages several homes

Earthquake jolts W. Java, damages several homes Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung An earthquake measuring 4.2 on the Richter scale shook parts of West Java province on Friday morning, leaving several houses damaged and throwing hundreds of thousands of people into a panic, officials said. The quake occurred at 7:19 a.m. with an epicenter located about 20 kilometers northeast of Bandung around the resort area of Ciater.

Looking to the river

Looking to the river Many eyebrows might have been raised when, a few days ago the city administration made public its plan to "revitalize" Jakarta's rivers and waterways for transportation purposes. The waterways, which have for many decades functioned mostly as dump sites, would be used as components in the city's integrated transportation system.

Preparations under way for Sukhoi arrival in September

Preparations under way for Sukhoi arrival in September Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite alleged irregularities in the purchase of Russian made Sukhoi jets and helicopters, the Indonesian Air Force insisted that it is making preparations to take delivery of the high-tech aircraft this September.

PSSI team routed 4-1 by Japanese amateurs

PSSI team routed 4-1 by Japanese amateurs The Indonesian soccer team, which is preparing to vie for a berth in the 2004 Asian Cup, suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat at the hands of a team of Japanese amateurs in a friendly in Jakarta on Friday. Indonesia found itself four goals down at the Bung Karno Stadium, before pulling a goal back in the closing minutes of the game, which was aired live on ANTV.

JP/ /

JP/ / Govt blamed for rice smuggling JAKARTA: The leader of the Indonesian Farmers' Solidarity Union (HKTI), Siswono Yudhohusodo, said here Friday the Indonesian customs service's failure to curb rice smuggling had worsened the selling price of local farmers' unhulled paddy. "Rice smuggling into Indonesia has become a serious problem. I do deplore the customs service's failure to curb these smuggling activities," Siswono said.

Poor majority are

Poor majority are the real Indonesia The article of Lourdes Didith V. Mendoza in The Jakarta Post on July 8, titled The closer look at the Philippines' poor is a cry from my heart. It is as if she were writing about the Indonesian situation. She did not mention that the poor are skivvying for us, polishing our shoes, washing our clothes, cleaning our houses, looking after our gardens, taking care for our little children, and that if they did not, we would have to do it all ourselves.

Asian currencies down, intervention talks keep dollar afloat

Asian currencies down, intervention talks keep dollar afloat Dow Jones, Singapore Asian currencies were mostly lower Friday in a typically subdued pre-weekend session. The Singapore dollar experienced the greatest swing as it lost more ground after a choppy ride in the previous session following the de facto loosening of monetary policy. Late in Asia, the U.S. unit was quoted at S$1.7568, up from S$1.7510 previously.

Keys to success: Excellent facilities and service

Keys to success: Excellent facilities and service Jasmina Janik Contributor Jakarta The writer is director of sales and marketing for Hotel Borobudur Jakarta If you want to reside close to the business center right in the heart of the city and require the premises to have all the modern facilities and amenities in a serene atmosphere, then living in an apartment is probably the best solution for you. Most apartments in Jakarta would probably pass this "criterion test".

TV Program: Monday, July 14, 2003

TV Program: Monday, July 14, 2003 TVRI .TB.30" .90" 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 English News Service 9:00 Music 10:00 Quiz: Dibisikin 11:00 News: Berita Daerah 11:30 Music: Konteswara 12:00 p.m. News: Berita Siang 1:00 Talk Show: Konsultasi Keluarga 2:30 Music: Pop Daerah 3:00 Children's Program 4:00 Music 5:00 Comedy 6:00 News: Berita Petang 7:00 Dialogue 8:00 TV Drama 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 9:30 Jaya Suprana Show 10:30 Music 11:00 TVRI Dialogue TPI 6:00 a.m.

JP/5/cap12

JP/5/cap12 Antara SUMMER JOB: Four elementary school children carry buckets containing pebbles from the dry Batang Kurangi river in Lambung Bukit, Padang, West Sumatra. They sell the pebbles for between Rp 300 and Rp 150 per bucket to brokers, and children earn up to Rp 2,750 each day. These students from poor families engage in such work over their month-long school holiday.

Want a sound sleep after purchasing an apartment?

Want a sound sleep after purchasing an apartment? Andi M. Sadat Contributor Jakarta "The customer is king". This decades-old adage, or maybe it's just another advertising promise, is still frequently used in today's "hyperactive" communication world. A myriad of product features that are meant to satisfy customers and secure their loyalty is one well-known marketing strategy.

JP/4/

JP/4/ Minister yet to allow probe BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: Home Affairs Minister Hari Sabarno said here Friday he had yet to issue permits for the Lampung High Court to question a number of provincial legislators for their alleged involvement in a corruption case. "I have not yet signed the permits," he told the press when asked about the Lampung High Court's request for permission to question the local legislators.

Debbie A. Lubis

Debbie A. Lubis Contributor Jakarta Luna Radith, 23, was very proud to show off her navel stud in front of her relatives at a recent family gathering. She just smiled when her relatives, with astonished and curious expressions on their faces, gawked at her pierced belly button. "I think I should be proud of my well-toned tummy and I want others to look at it.

`River transportation will only benefit officials'

`River transportation will only benefit officials' The city administration's idea to set up a river transportation system has received mixed reactions. Many people consider the idea foolish and laughable. The Jakarta Post asked more people their views on the matter. Hasyim, 40, is a street artist on Jl. Gajah Mada, West Jakarta. He lives on Jl. Pasar Ikan, North Jakarta, with his wife and four children: The idea is impossible. It's absurd and unrealistic.

Poso peace tested after bomb blast

Poso peace tested after bomb blast Erik W. and La Remy, The Jakarta Post, Palu, Central Sulawesi Peace in the Central Sulawesi town of Poso, once wracked by bloody sectarian fighting, was put to the test on Friday after a homemade bomb exploded in a food stall, injuring four people. One of the victims, identified as Sutrisno, 40, sustained serious wounds in the blast on Thursday night, and had his right leg and left hand amputated, police said.

Local people sidelined from benefits of tourism

Local people sidelined from benefits of tourism When the major physical restoration of Borobudur temple started in the 1970s, residents of the surrounding areas were full of hope that it would help improve their lives. They believed the restoration project would help open up job opportunities at the temple, thus allowing them to earn more money than before. "Life was relatively peaceful at that time.

Foreign direct investment:

Foreign direct investment: Year Value (in billions of dollars) ____________________________________________ 2000 16.1 2001 15.1 2002 9.7 2003 4.3 (first semester) ____________________________________________ Domestic investment Year Value (in trillions of rupiah) ______________________________________________ 2000 92.32 2001 58.67 2002 25.26 2003 8.17 (first semester) ______________________________________________ Source: Investment Coordinating Board (excluding investment in oil and gas...

IMF exit policy must be acceptable to market: Experts

IMF exit policy must be acceptable to market: Experts The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government must prepare a credible economic reform program if it wants the country to graduate from the current International Monetary Fund program successfully, according to experts. The experts said credibility was crucial to maintaining the support of the people and the international community for the country's fragile economy.

Schools rebuked for using state buildings

Schools rebuked for using state buildings MEDAN, North Sumatra: As many as 39 private educational institutions demanded on Friday that authorities in Medan, North Sumatra province, take action against private schools that had allegedly been using state facilities. They lodged the protest by letter to the Medan education office head, copies of which were also delivered to the local legislative council speaker and the mayor.

Tutut Handayani

Tutut Handayani Contributor Jakarta Few would have expected that the apartment market would suddenly accelerate throughout 2002. Marketing of apartments has to a certain degree revived the property business. In fact, the apartment market became dormant following the economic crisis in 1998 and the May riots in 1998 as expatriates who stayed in apartments suddenly returned home. About four years ago, the occupancy rate of apartments was less than 20 percent, in fact, much closer to 15 percent.

RP to stop talks if MILF behind bombing

RP to stop talks if MILF behind bombing Reuters, Koronadal, Philippines The Philippine government will call off peace talks with the country's largest Muslim rebel group if the militants were found responsible for a bomb attack this week, officials said on Friday. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, speaking at the site of Thursday's bomb attack in the southern Philippine town of Koronadal, vowed to prosecute those responsible. Three people were killed and 25 wounded in the blast near a market.

Meeting people's

Meeting people's basic needs From Kompas This newspaper carried a report on June 18, 2003, that People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Speaker Amien Rais had admitted that the MPR had become a venue for horse-trading. What Amien said was already public knowledge. What MPR members should bear in mind is that the public do not want this horse-trading to ever take place again.

Golkar seeks presidential hopefuls

Golkar seeks presidential hopefuls Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta All the provincial chapters of Golkar, former president Soeharto's political vehicle during his 32-year rule, have begun deliberating the presidential hopefuls they will propose for selection at the convention to be held by the country's second biggest party. Golkar's chapter in Southeast Sulawesi is expected to nominate former Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen.

Expatriates join hands building houses for locals

Expatriates join hands building houses for locals Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Bogor Dozens of expatriates, managers and local residents as well as U.S. Ambassador Ralph L. Boyce formed a human chain through some rice fields from the bank of the Cileungsi River to a construction site of a house in a beautiful hilly village on Friday.

ECB warns of delayed world economic recovery

ECB warns of delayed world economic recovery The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The European Central Bank (ECB) expressed concern that a turn around in the world economy would take longer than many may have expected due to various uncertainties. Many international economists have predicted that the global economy -- which has slowed down in the last two years --- would start to bounce back in the second half of the year.

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.

Borobudur management needs sanctified approach

Borobudur management needs sanctified approach Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Magelang, Central Java Poor management of the world heritage Borobudur temple by the government has long been a subject of criticism, and a recent international meeting of experts on Borobudur sees the need for radical change.

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.

Mining in

Mining in protected forests From Media Indonesia As a citizen of a large and respectable country, I fully support the government's policy to allow 15 mining companies to operate in protected forests. Indonesia must honor its agreements or contracts with other countries. In the case of these mining activities, when the contracts were signed, the proposed mining areas had not yet been identified as protected forest.

Bill on legislative body composition confuses election commission

Bill on legislative body composition confuses election commission Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The General Elections Commission (KPU) said on Friday that it was still confused about exercising its verification authority to replace legislators recalled by their parties with new candidates.

JP/4/

JP/4/ Minister yet to allow probe BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: Home Affairs Minister Hari Sabarno said here Friday he had yet to issue permits for the Lampung High Court to question a number of provincial legislators for their alleged involvement in a corruption case. "I have not yet signed the permits," he told the press when asked about the Lampung High Court's request for permission to question the local legislators.

Singapore to make public trade statistics with Indonesia

Singapore to make public trade statistics with Indonesia Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After a month of wrangling, the governments of Singapore and Indonesia are now seeking to find a solution to settle the dispute over discrepancies in the trade statistics between the two countries.

Increasing social pressure triples suicide cases

Increasing social pressure triples suicide cases Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Increasing social pressure in Jakarta is believed to be the main factor in people committing suicide, experts say, in response to a tripling in the number of suicide cases reported by the police. In the first semester of 2003, suicides had tripled to 62 from last year's 19 over the same period.