Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 21 July 2003

72 articles found

Revisiting decentralization

Revisiting decentralization The key issues and excesses raised by the latest World Bank report on the first two years of Indonesia's decentralization served to confirm the complaints of businesspeople, non- governmental organizations and other analysts. Most of the major issues were certainly expected in the transition from a strongly centralized government to a decentralized one in a country as large and diverse as Indonesia.

Myanmar, India sign trade deal

Myanmar, India sign trade deal YANGON: Myanmar and India have signed an agreement to streamline trade and investment, taking a new step to strengthen their increasingly significant economic ties, the Myanmar Times said. The agreement was signed by Indian Minister for Commerce and Industry Arun Jaitley and his Myanmar counterpart Brigadier- General Pyi Sone in Yangon on July 15, the semi-official weekly said in its edition to be published on Monday.

Prabowo woos Golkar members

Prabowo woos Golkar members SEMARANG, Central Java: Prabowo Subianto Djoyohadikusumo, a son- in-law of former president Soeharto, met with Golkar members in Semarang, Central Java, over the weekend as part of his campaign to win the party's presidential nomination. "My participation in (the Golkar Party) convention is still a learning process. So please pray for me," he was quoted as saying by the chairman of Golkar's Central Java chapter, H.M. Hasbi.

Petro, Perak cruise to LG Cup semifinals

Petro, Perak cruise to LG Cup semifinals The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A golden goal by Danilo Fernando in the 116th minute during the extra time earned Petrokimia a 3-2 win over Singapore Armed Forces FC (SAFFC) on Sunday and a place in the semifinals of the LG Cup ASEAN Club Championship, Antara reported. Later on in the day, Perak FC of Malaysia secured another semifinal place after defeating Samart United of Cambodia 2-0, with Frank J. Seator scoring both goals.

ASEM begins amid concern over commitment to Asia's growth

ASEM begins amid concern over commitment to Asia's growth Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The fifth Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) kicks off on Monday in Denpasar, Bali, amid growing concern in Asian countries about their European counterparts' commitment to providing economic support. High on the agenda are several pressing regional issues like the postwar situation in Iraq, the North Korea nuclear crisis and counterterrorism alliances between the two continents.

Gambling den plan opposed

Gambling den plan opposed JAKARTA: Secretary of City Council Commission E for social affairs Audi Zulkarnaen Tambunan and founder of the Chinese- Indonesian Social Association (PSMTI) Ernawati Soegondo called on the city administration to stop the plan to change the Toko Merah building on Jl. Kali Besar Barat, West Jakarta, into a gambling den. "The administration should take tough action if the building is turned into a gambling den," Audi said, as quoted by BeritaJakarta.com on Friday.

Taiko performance vows shoppers

Taiko performance vows shoppers Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Thundering drums and vibrating cries filled Plaza Indonesia in Central Jakarta on Sunday afternoon, attracting curious crowds of shoppers investigating the source of the sound. What they found were nine men and women pounding eight drums with wooden sticks, creating an impressive rhythm in the shopping center's La Moda Cafe.

Myanmar might have to be expelled from ASEAN: Mahathir

Myanmar might have to be expelled from ASEAN: Mahathir Agence France-Presse, Putrajaya, Malaysia Myanmar might have to be expelled from the ASEAN grouping if its military rulers continue defying world pressure to release democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad warned in an interview.

MPR set to revoke decrees

MPR set to revoke decrees M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A decree outlawing the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) and one on the impeachment of founding president Sukarno are among 100 rulings that could be scrapped when the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) convenes next month for its Annual Session. The rulings will be revoked under a draft decree to be proposed during the Aug. 1 to Aug. 10 Annual Session, a copy of which was obtained by The Jakarta Post.

Quake shakes East Java

Quake shakes East Java JAKARTA: An earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale rocked the southern coast of East Java province on Sunday, causing cracks in some buildings but no casualties, the meteorology office said. The tremor struck at 4:20 a.m. and was felt in the town of Pacitan, 93 kilometers north of where the earthquake was centered, 80 kilometers beneath the floor of the Indian Ocean, an official of the meteorology office said.

JI gets timely leadership boost with bomber's escape

JI gets timely leadership boost with bomber's escape P. Parameswaran, Agence France-Presse, Manila With its spiritual head in the dock and operational chief on the run, Southeast Asia's Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) terror group has received a timely leadership boost through the escape of its strategist from a Philippine jail, analysts say.

Siemens gets UMTS order

Siemens gets UMTS order FRANKFURT: Siemens AG received an order to build the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System, or UMTS, network in Greece and Bahrain, German Sunday paper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung reports. Citing no sources, the paper says Siemens is also close to securing another major order in Indonesia. No financial details of any of the orders were disclosed. -Dow Jones

Analysts expect Jakarta composite index to continue rally

Analysts expect Jakarta composite index to continue rally Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta Composite Index is forecast to continue its rally this week on the government's plan to raise telephone rates, and positive signs from cigarette sales this year, while the rupiah is expected to fall, analysts said. "We shall see several positive sentiments this week, produced by telecommunications and tobacco shares.

Ministry not to collect 'halal' labeling fees

Ministry not to collect 'halal' labeling fees Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Ministry of Religious Affairs has avoided possible charges of foul play in relation to its proposal to change the existing government regulation on halal (permitted under Islam) certification, claiming that it will not get involved in matters relating to payment.

Bengkulu to stop illegal mining

Bengkulu to stop illegal mining BENGKULU, Bengkulu: The provincial administration said on Saturday it would stop illegal gold mining in protected forests, including in Kerinci Seblat National Park, next year in order to prevent further environmental damage. "We are currently listing all miners in protected forests," said Husnaini Nurdin, the head of general mining at the Bengkulu mines and energy office. "We aim to eliminate all illegal mining in protected forests by 2004," he added.

Years after Maluku conflict, 202,000 remain homeless

Years after Maluku conflict, 202,000 remain homeless Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Maluku More than 202,000 people, or 39,000 families, continue to languish in Maluku refugee camps more than four years after fighting between Muslims and Christians first broke out, officials say. The prolonged conflict displaced more than 350,000 people, who fled to various refugee camps in the province.

1. PAM -- 1x35 pts

1. PAM -- 1x35 pts Allen uses literature to portray RI (1x35pts) 2. KEN -- 1x40pts Japan software guru doesn't envy Gates ================== 3. guesswhat

* Headlines: Bali tourism showing signs of recovery 2

* Headlines: Bali tourism showing signs of recovery 2 * National: House to pass constitutional court bill 4 * Archipelago: Residents near Soputan told to stay alert 5 * Opinion: Autonomy an obscure ideal 7 * City: Fuel subsidy yet to reach the poor 8 * Sports: Angie bounces back, but RI succumbs against Germany9 * World: Sensitivity needed in solving North Korea crisis 11 * Business: WTO produces declaration, but the gaps remain 16 * Features: Allen uses literature to portray RI 20

;JP;ZATNI ARBI;

;JP;ZATNI ARBI; ANPAc..r.. IT-Japan-phone JP/17/ZATNI Japan joining Korea in driving CDMA2000 (2x20 pts) Zatni Arbi Columnist Tokyo zatni@cbn.net.id "No wonder your voice is crystal-clear," my brother said when I told him I was calling from Tokyo. No wonder, indeed. Each time we talk to someone in Singapore, Japan, the U.S. and any other countries with advanced telecommunication infrastructure, it is easier to believe that he is just next door.

Thailand to host drug meeting

Thailand to host drug meeting THAILAND: Ministers from China, Laos, India, Myanmar and Thailand will hold talks this week in the northern town of Chiang Rai aimed at eliminating precursor chemicals used in drug production, officials said. The July 22-25 meeting in Thailand's north, one of the corners of the notorious "Golden Triangle," is the first of its kind and will be attended by the ministers responsible for drug suppression in their countries.

Fourth Bali bomb suspect to go on trial

Fourth Bali bomb suspect to go on trial An Indonesian man who has admitted building one of the two bombs that ripped through a Bali nightclub district last year stands trial Monday, facing the death penalty if found guilty. Ali Imron, 30, is the fourth key suspect to stand trial over the Oct. 12 bombings that killed 202 people, mostly foreigners on holiday on the Indonesian resort island.

Winner Rittner wants to travel back to Bali

Winner Rittner wants to travel back to Bali The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The last time Barbara Rittner was in Indonesia she visited Bali, and left with a ring on her finger after getting married to her husband Mike. Three years later she is back again, this time in Jakarta, and will be leaving with pride after her success in contributing two points in Germany's 3-2 victory over Indonesia in the playoff of the Fed Cup.

AGO slammed over billionaire's case

AGO slammed over billionaire's case JAKARTA: A leading legal aid foundation called on Sunday for the government to sanction the Attorney General's Office (AGO) over its failure to enforce the sentence imposed on former Bank Modern president commissioner Samadikun Hartono. Samadikun has been found guilty of embezzling liquidity support loans from Bank Indonesia. However, the verdict has not been enforced because the convict's whereabouts remain unknown.

Cilincing children face malnutrition

Cilincing children face malnutrition Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Meet Yulianto. The two-year-old boy just lost his older brother, Rifki, about 10 months ago. At that time, Rifki was three but he only weighed eight kilograms. Their mother, Dewi, was suffering from chronic tuberculosis, but despite her illness she insisted on breast-feeding her children as she could not afford to buy milk. One day, Dewi was almost too weak to move and did not have any food.

Drought threatens Brebes shallot crops

Drought threatens Brebes shallot crops BREBES, Central Java: The prolonged drought in Brebes regency, Central Java, is threatening shallot crops in northern villages. The bulbs are aged between 20 days and 30 days. Local farmers said water levels in the Senggom dam, which holds water for irrigation, was low. Rosichin, 46, a senior grower from Sigamber village, told The Jakarta Post on Friday that he had to bribe gangs to allow him and other farmers to get irrigation water.

Allen uses literature to portray RI

Allen uses literature to portray RI Dewi Anggraeni, Contributor, Melbourne, Australia There are numerous ways to learn about the culture of a people, the most obvious being through their language, history and politics. Pam Allen, a lecturer in Indonesian at the University of Tasmania in Australia, skillfully combines all three in her Indonesian language program.

Comprehensive marketing vital for survival

Comprehensive marketing vital for survival Mahendra Gautama Contributor Jakarta The paper and pulp industry is one of the oldest in Indonesia. Its history began when the Dutch company, NV Papier Fabriek Nijmegen, set up NV Papier Padalarang in 1923 in Padalarang, West Java. After the country's independence, the company was nationalized and still exists, under the name PN Kertas Padalarang.

'Bintan island facing serious environmental damage'

'Bintan island facing serious environmental damage' Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bintan island is facing serious environmental damage as a number of firms have shifted their sand quarrying from the sea to the island, State Minister of the Environment Nabiel Makarim has said. The sand excavated from the island goes mostly to Singapore, the regular destination of sea sand from Indonesia.

Fuel subsidy yet to reach the poor

Fuel subsidy yet to reach the poor Bambang Nurbianto,The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Most of the Rp 84.61 billion (US$10 million) subsidy aimed to help the poor, who have been affected severely by the increase in fuel prices, has not reached them because of bureaucratic problems, a report by the City Development Planning Board (Bappeda) says.

"I stop going to malls so often"

"I stop going to malls so often" In response to the recent bomb attack at the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR)/House of Representatives (DPR) compound in Senayan, Central Jakarta, the government has urged the public to stay calm, but vigilant against any potential acts of terror. In addition, the government has also ordered that the National Police beef up security at many public places, such as shopping malls, which are reportedly on the list of terrorist targets.

KL may issue $3.95 bond

KL may issue $3.95 bond KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian government may opt for a bond issue of up to 15 billion ringgit (US$3.95 billion) to finance a double-tracking railway project, a report said on Sunday. The Edge business weekly quoted sources as saying financial proposals called for the government to issue papers or guarantee a bond issue for up to 20 years to ensure the project was viable and could be completed in three to four years. The report said the Indian Railway Construction Co.

Mahathir supports creation of watchdog

Mahathir supports creation of watchdog Agence France-Presse, Putrajaya, Malaysia Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has given guarded support to Indonesia's proposal to create an ASEAN Security Community (ASC) to combat terrorism. The veteran Southeast Asian leader told AFP in an exclusive interview that the proposed ASC must however, exclude defense pacts and binding security arrangements for the 10-member bloc.

1. DECREE: 1 x 27

1. DECREE: 1 x 27 MPR set to revoke decrees 2. ACEH: 1 x 36 Villagers take GAM relatives hostage 3. GAS: 1 x 38 Gas producers sign $14b in contracts 4. JAPAN: 1 x 34 Taiko performance wows shoppers

MPR set to revoke controversial decrees

MPR set to revoke controversial decrees M. Taufiqurrahman The Jakarta Post Jakarta A decree outlawing the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) and one on the impeachment of founding president Sukarno are among 100 rulings that could be scrapped when the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) convenes next month for its Annual Session. The rulings will be revoked under a draft decree to be proposed during the Aug. 1 to Aug. 10 Annual Session, a copy of which was obtained by The Jakarta Post.

Tea enjoys sparkling sales performance

Tea enjoys sparkling sales performance Agustina Wayansari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bottled or packaged teas might still sound strange to many people, especially those from Western countries. In Indonesia, tea is extremely popular and in many parts of the country, it has become a daily refreshment. It is often served at meals instead of water.

Infrastructure: A government guarantee

Infrastructure: A government guarantee Lalu A. Damanhuri, Infrastructure Planning & Development Specialist Committee on Policy for Infrastructure Development (KKPPI), Jakarta The government has just relaunched its big infrastructure projects consisting of 26 independent power producers (IPPs) -- power plant, three toll road and east flood canal projects. Infrastructure investments have alluring benefits, but also daunting costs.

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;JP; ANPAv..r.. Photo-forest-photo FOR MARKETING PERSPECTIVE JP/P.J. Leo UNPROTECTED FOREST: Many pulp producers in Indonesia still cut down natural forests for raw materials, as industrial forest concessions are unable to meet their needs. JP TEA, ANYONE?: A mother, with her child in tow, sells bottled tea at one of the city's busy corners. The beverage industry has created business opportunities for many low-income people.

1. INSIGHT: 1 x 50

1. INSIGHT: 1 x 50 Nurturing security cooperation between Asia, Europe 2. ASEM: 1 x 35 ASEM begins as Asia demands support 3. BLAIR: 2 x 28 Blair won't quit over Kelly death, points to probe 4. MYANMAR: 2 x 30 Myanmar might have to be expelled from ASEAN: Mahathir

Intelligence academies

Intelligence academies The government has announced it will shortly set up two intelligence academies, one in Bogor, West Java, and the other in Batam, Riau, apparently to meet an urgent demand for more effective intelligence gathering. Failure to get timely information of troop movements or the weaponry of the enemy could lead to disastrous consequences, as we have witnessed during the U.S.-Iraqi campaign.

1. ASABA: 3 x 19

1. ASABA: 3 x 19 Source says family member behind Boedyharto murder 2. BALI: 1 x 39 Bali tourism showing signs of recovery 3. BOMB: 1 x 40 Fourth Bali bombing suspect to go on trial 4. JI: 1 x 55 JI gets timely leadership boost with bomber's escape 5. ODD: 1 x 33 Men use corpses to get fuel

School of intelligence

School of intelligence Two schools of intelligence will be established in Indonesia. Teachers and instructors reportedly will come from the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Russian KGB. One intelligence agent in the right spot is as good as 20,000 soldiers on the battlefield, said Napoleon Bonaparte. We do not know if President Megawati Soekarnoputri was aware of Napoleon's statement when she officiated over the establishment of the schools in Batam.

JP/ /

JP/ / Index to go up, rupiah under pressure Rendi A. Witular The Jakarta Post Jakarta The Jakarta Composite Index is forecast to continue its rally this week on the government's plan to raise telephone rates, and positive signs from cigarette sales this year, while the rupiah is expected to fall, analysts said. "We shall see several positive sentiments this week, produced by telecommunications and tobacco shares.

JP/14/cap

JP/14/cap AP/Teh Eng Kon ASIAN REBOUND: Tourists walk past a huge billboard featuring the smiling faces of people from around the world to promote a new shopping mall under construction in downtown Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Malaysian government is sticking to a forecast of 4.5 percent gross domestic product growth this year, as concerns ease over the Iraq war and the SARS epidemic, a senior government official said on Sunday.

3 x 11

3 x 11 Residents near Mt. Soputan told to stay alert JP/5AMBON 2 x 24 Years after Maluku conflict, 202,000 still homeless

Nurturing security cooperation between Asia, Europe

Nurturing security cooperation between Asia, Europe Bantarto Bandoro, Editor, The Indonesian Quarterly Centre For Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Jakarta, bandoro@csis.or.id Indonesia is to host the fifth Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Foreign Ministers meeting on July 24 and July 25 to address a variety of international security issues. The meeting will take place at a time when the countries in the region are tightening their national security due to the threat of terrorism.

Deputy regent quits for new post

Deputy regent quits for new post YOGYAKARTA: The Bantul legislative council in Yogyakarta province agreed on Saturday to accept the resignation of Deputy Regent Totok Sudarto, who will stand for election as the Bondowoso regent in East Java. The deputy regent of Bantul, one of the country's poorest districts, decided to resign to contest the regental election in Bondowoso for the 2004-2009 term. Totok was due to remain in office until next year.

Shake-up at MoF to produce new treasury unit

Shake-up at MoF to produce new treasury unit Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The planned reorganization of the Ministry of Finance (MoF) will produce a new treasury unit responsible for managing state funds. Mulya P. Nasution, deputy head of the reorganization committee, said the treasury unit would not only have authority over the allocation of funds to ministries and government agencies but would also be responsible for finding resources to finance the state budget.

House to pass constitutional court bill

House to pass constitutional court bill M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives and the government have finally agreed on contentious aspects of the constitutional court bill, paving the way for its endorsement before the deadline set by the amended Constitution expires. However, both sides have yet to reach an agreement on the educational background of the judges appointed to the court.

Children face malnutrition in Cilincing

Children face malnutrition in Cilincing Zakki Hakim The Jakarta Post Jakarta Meet Yulianto. The two-year-old boy just lost his older brother, Rifki, about 10 months ago. At that time, Rifki was three but he only weighed eight kilograms. Their mother, Dewi, was suffering from chronic tuberculosis, but despite her illness she insisted on breast-feeding her children as she could not afford to buy milk. One day, Dewi was almost too weak to move and did not have any food.

Pakistan sets export target

Pakistan sets export target ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has set itself the target of exporting US$12.1 billion worth of goods over the next two years, the country's commerce minister said over the weekend. "The new trade policy focuses on encouraging export-oriented foreign investment," Humayun Akhtar Khan said on state-run Pakistan Television. Under the new policy, imports have been projected to be at $12.8 billion and the trade deficit under $1 billion, Khan said.

House to pass constitutional court bill

House to pass constitutional court bill M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives and the government have finally agreed on contentious aspects of the constitutional court bill, paving the way for its endorsement before the deadline set by the amended Constitution expires. However, both sides have yet to reach an agreement on the educational background of the judges appointed to the court.

Give toll road workers a raise

Give toll road workers a raise From Suara Karya The toll road rates have been raised by an average of 25 percent. Jasa Marga, which manages the toll roads, has also improved its services, among other things by carrying out toll road repairs. With the number of vehicles in Jakarta increasing rapidly, traffic congestion has hit some of the toll roads in the city. This means that toll booth workers must work harder than usual.

PAPUA BOUND: More than 450 soldiers leave Makassar, South

PAPUA BOUND: More than 450 soldiers leave Makassar, South Sulawesi, for the troubled province of Papua aboard the Navy's Teluk Tomini ship. Military officers on Saturday said that the reinforcements from South Sulawesi's Wirabuana military command will be on duty in Papua for one year in order to deal with separatist rebels.

Villagers take GAM relatives hostage

Villagers take GAM relatives hostage The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Residents of Kuala district, Nagan Raya, took the law into their own hands over the weekend, taking hostage 36 family members of suspected members of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM). According to military authorities, this is the second action of its kind since a military operation was launched against the separatist movement.

Body of murder victim found

Body of murder victim found JAKARTA: The cut and bruised body of a man was found near Sentiong Cemetery in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, on Sunday. A passer-by, Abdul Rohim, 45, found the body of Lukman Nur, 26, lying near the cemetery. The victim was a resident of Jl. Gang Masjid Al Falah in Pasar Minggu. The victim's father, Rohbani Taryono, 60, alleged that Lukman had been murdered by Faisal, another local resident. "Faisal, who was drunk, came to my kiosk yesterday and was staring at me.

Residents near Soputan told to stay alert

Residents near Soputan told to stay alert Yongker Rumthe, The Jakarta Post, Manado, North Sulawesi Volcanic activities at Mount Soputan in North Sulawesi province diminished on Saturday, but residents were advised to remain on full alert as there was a possibility of bigger eruptions, and to stay indoors to prevent the development of respiratory problems. Prof. Dr.

Holidays fail to boost tourism

Holidays fail to boost tourism Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government policy on extended holidays has failed to boost tourism as it is not supported by sufficient transportation infrastructure or promotion to persuade domestic tourists to travel, a practitioner says. Chairwoman of the Association of Indonesian Tour and Travel Agencies (ASITA) Meity Robot said on Sunday the policy managed to only slightly increase the number of tourists to Indonesia.

Free health clinic now available at Bantar Gebang

Free health clinic now available at Bantar Gebang Rizky KD Ntoma, The Jakarta Post, Bekasi For Yatin, a mother of nine children, having a health clinic near her shack at the Bantar Gebang dumpsite, Bekasi, is something she has really longed for. Thanks to Sri "Rossi" Rossiati and Sri "Rian" Irianingsih -- famous with their nickname ibu kembar (twin sisters) who have established a free-of-charge school program for street children -- Yatin's dream came true.

Legal reform necessary for bank lending and investment

Legal reform necessary for bank lending and investment Indonesia's economy recovery relies heavily on the country's banking sector and the return of foreign investment into the country. The Jakarta Post's Rendi A. Witular and Riyadi Suparno interviewed Aman Mehta, chief executive officer of HSBC Asia- Pacific, to get his view on what needs to be done to reinvigorate the banking sector and attract investment. The following are the key points of the interview.

Source says family member behind Boedyharto murder

Source says family member behind Boedyharto murder Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Police detectives were sent out of town on Sunday to track down those involved in the cold-blooded murder of the president director of PT Asaba and his bodyguard on Saturday morning. "Our detectives are still in the field tracking down the suspects. Some are working out of town," North Jakarta Police detectives' chief Comr. Andhap Budhi Refianto told reporters.

Bone to spend Rp 9.9b on cars

Bone to spend Rp 9.9b on cars MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Bone regency administration in South Sulawesi plans to buy 42 new official cars, two buses, a fire truck and 240 motorcycles worth Rp 9.9 billion, officials said on Saturday. Muhammad Ridwan, general affairs head at the administration, said the money would come from the regency's 2003 budget. The Bone regent will receive a Nissan Terrano SUV and each of the 27 subdistrict heads will each get a Toyota Kijang van, he said.

Gas producers signs $14b in contracts

Gas producers signs $14b in contracts Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, Bali The country's gas producers signed on Saturday 13 sales contracts worth U$14 billion with state-owned electricity company PLN, Indonesia's petrochemical company Petrokimia Gresik and Singapore's Island Power. The country's gas industry has been shaken by loss of several contracts in the Asia-Pacific market.

Drought threatens Brebes shallot crops

Drought threatens Brebes shallot crops BREBES, Central Java: The prolonged drought in Brebes regency, Central Java, is threatening shallot crops in northern villages. The bulbs are aged between 20 days and 30 days. Local farmers said water levels in the Senggom dam, which holds water for irrigation, was low. Rosichin, 46, a senior grower from Sigamber village, told The Jakarta Post on Friday that he had to bribe gangs to allow him and other farmers to get irrigation water.

A train derails, causing delays

A train derails, causing delays SUBANG, West Java: At least eight trains were stranded at different stations on Sunday when the Fajar Utama business-class train derailed in Subang, West Java. No casualties were reported in the derailment, which took place on Saturday.

Quake shakes East Java

Quake shakes East Java JAKARTA: An earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale rocked the southern coast of East Java province on Sunday, causing cracks in some buildings but no casualties, the meteorology office said. The tremor struck at 4:20 a.m. and was felt in the town of Pacitan, 93 kilometers north of where the earthquake was centered, 80 kilometers beneath the floor of the Indian Ocean, an official of the meteorology office said.

Bali tourism showing signs of recovery

Bali tourism showing signs of recovery I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali With the number of foreign tourist arrivals gradually increasing and hotel average occupancy rate climbing over 40 percent, Bali's tourism industry is showing the first signs of recovery after the devastating drop in tourist numbers caused by last year's terrorist bombings.

Analysts question independence of BRTI

Analysts question independence of BRTI Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Analysts are questioning the independence of the newly- established Indonesian Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (BRTI), saying it was far from meeting their expectations of an ideal regulatory body.

Shifting to a newer paradigm a must

Shifting to a newer paradigm a must Febriana Damayanti Contributor Jakarta Two international environmental institutions, the World Wildlife Fund and the Swedish Society of Nature Conservation, recently pointed their fingers at two of the country's major paper manufacturers: Indah Kiat Pulp & Paper owned by Asia Pulp & Paper, and PT Riau Andalan Pulp & Paper belonging to Asia Pacific Resources International Limited (APRIL).

'Hot money' won't hurt rupiah

'Hot money' won't hurt rupiah Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Standard Chartered Bank is painting a rosy picture of the rupiah for the next 12 months, dismissing worries that the currency is facing risks of a sharp downturn caused by an outflow of "hot money".

Angie bounches back but Indonesia loses in Fed Cup playoffs

Angie bounches back but Indonesia loses in Fed Cup playoffs Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Angelique 'Angie' Widjaja recovered from a dismal opening day on Saturday to make short work of Anca Barna, but her convincing 6- 3, 6-1 win on Sunday failed to lift Indonesia over Germany in their Federation Cup play-off. Indonesia fell short of reaching the World Group, losing 3-2 in the two-day competition at the Senayan tennis stadium.

Philippine agents who nabbed JI bomber asked to do it all again

Philippine agents who nabbed JI bomber asked to do it all again Agence France-Prersse, Manila Military intelligence agents who earlier captured Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) bomber Fathur Rohman al-Ghozi have been assigned to recapture him after his escape from a police jail, a spokesman said on Sunday. The military intelligence team that conducted surveillance on Al-Ghozi leading to his arrest in the commercial district of Manila in January, 2002, has been recalled to help hunt him down again, Col.

JI gets timely leadership boost with bomber's escape

JI gets timely leadership boost with bomber's escape P. Parameswaran Agence France-Presse Manila With its spiritual head in the dock and operational chief on the run, Southeast Asia's Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) terror group has received a timely leadership boost through the escape of its strategist from a Philippine jail, analysts say.