Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 24 July 2003

85 articles found

U.S. sets up Iraqi trade bank

U.S. sets up Iraqi trade bank WASHINGTON: The U.S. governor Iraq, Paul Bremer, has created a Trade Bank of Iraq, opening a global race for a potentially lucrative contract to run it, an official said on Tuesday.

Karateka dies after match: Happy Alfred Walla, 26, who had been

Karateka dies after match: Happy Alfred Walla, 26, who had been in coma after her match during the National Championships in Surabaya, East Java, on Sunday, was pronounced dead from a brain hemorrhage at the Dr. Soetomo Hospital on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m.

Japanese author convicted in Thailand

Japanese author convicted in Thailand THAILAND: A Thai court has convicted a Japanese author of insulting the monarchy under the kingdom's strict lese majeste laws and handed him an 18-month suspended sentence, a court official said on Wednesday.

E. Bengal seeks another host shock

E. Bengal seeks another host shockThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta After snuffing out Persita's ambitions, Kingfisher East Bengal is looking for another victory when it faces the last remaining Indonesian team, Petrokimia Putra, in the semifinals of the LG Cup ASEAN Club Championship here on Thursday.

JI members behind Bali bombing: Witness

JI members behind Bali bombing: WitnessWahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali A Malaysian national made an incriminating testimony on Wednesday that pointed to the role of defendant Ali Gufron and other suspects in the Bali bombings in October last year.

'Democracy can thrive with Islam'

'Democracy can thrive with Islam'Muhammad Nafik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Fears of religious extremism in Indonesian politics have become quite strong following recent terror attacks, but it should not pose a threat to the fledgling democracy in the predominantly Muslim nation, analysts here said...

PIB undergoes screening

PIB undergoes screening JAKARTA: The Ministry of Justice and Human Rights began screening the New Indonesia Alliance Party (PIB) on Wednesday.A team from the Ministry for Justice and Human Rights visited PIB's headquarters on Wednesday to determine whether the party had already met the requirements...

PT Pos responds

PT Pos respondsFrom Koran TempoWith reference to the complaint by Slamat S.M. about mail services published in Koran Tempo on July 10, we would like to make some comments.First, we are grateful for the complaint, which reflect customer concerns over our mail service.

Bali Police chief supports methadone program

Bali Police chief supports methadone programI Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali Bali Police chief Insp. Gen. Made Mangku Pastika expressed on Tuesday his support for the Harm Reduction-based Methadone Maintenance Treatment Program (MMT) in local prisons as part of the effort to curb...

Cak Nur strongest challenger to Mega in 2004

Cak Nur strongest challenger to Mega in 2004A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Noted scholar Nurcholish Madjid will pose the strongest challenge to President Megawati Soekarnoputri in the 2004 election, a survey says.

Asep wins KGS tourney

Asep wins KGS tourney JAKARTA: Asep Capri from Jakarta's Kapuk Golf Club won a one- day tour competition at the par-70 Klub Golf Senayan at the Bung Karno sports complex by two shots with a 1-under 69 (34 35) on Wednesday.

'Nobody is happy with Mega, that's good democracy'

'Nobody is happy with Mega, that's good democracy' Yuji Suzuki, one of most renowned Japanese experts on Indonesian politics, is scheduled to speak at two seminars dealing with bilateral relations between Japan and Indonesia/ASEAN in Jakarta on Wednesday and Thursday.

'Banning old bangers won't reduce pollution, congestion'

'Banning old bangers won't reduce pollution, congestion'Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Restricting the number of older cars in Jakarta, as provided for in the new draft bylaw on transportation, will not significantly reduce vehicular emissions, say transportation observers.

Seeking victory for the nation

Seeking victory for the nation The way how to end our cooperation with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has been debated over the last few days.Even the People's Consultative Assembly has decided that the cooperation should come to an end by December this year.

Activists condemn police shooting of protesting farmers

Activists condemn police shooting of protesting farmersAndi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post, Makassar, South Sulawesi Dozens of non-governmental organization activists went to Governor Amin Syam's office and the provincial legislature on Wednesday to condemn the police shooting of protesting farmers...

Sugar smuggling continues in N. Sumatra

Sugar smuggling continues in N. Sumatra MEDAN, North Sumatra: Despite continuing raids, sugar continues to be smuggled into North Sumatra from neighboring countries. Smugglers and buyers are believed to be making their deals several miles out from the Tanjung Nibung Port in Tanjung Balai, Asahan...

'Comportable' prison to house tax evaders

'Comportable' prison to house tax evadersRendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Although the government has provided a special executive-class cell for recalcitrant tax evaders, spending a night at it will be an experience they are unlikely to forget.

American journalist stands trial for immigration offense

American journalist stands trial for immigration offenseNani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh The Banda Aceh District Court began on Wednesday the trial of an American freelance journalist for violating immigration law with four witnesses giving testimonies for the defendant.

City to have one-stop lifestyle center

City to have one-stop lifestyle center JAKARTA: PT Summarecon Agung Tbk, the largest developer in Kelapa Gading, East Jakarta, officially began the groundbreaking ceremony to create a new concept of town square on Wednesday.

1. Govern: 24 x 2 line

1. Govern: 24 x 2 lineC. Java on red alert ahead of balloting2. Arrest: 16 x 3 linesActivists condemn police shooting of protesting farmers3. Garam 24 x 1 line:Salt producers angry over imports4. Prison: 24 x 1 lineBali Police support methadone program

RI, RP embark on massive manhunt for al-Ghozi

RI, RP embark on massive manhunt for al-GhoziFabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, Bali Indonesia and the Philippines will cooperate in a massive manhunt for a feared leader of regional terrorist network Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) who escaped from high security Camp Crame prison in Manila,...

C. Java on red alert ahead of balloting

C. Java on red alert ahead of ballotingSuherdjoko, The Jakarta Post, Semarang The Central Java Police declared, on Wednesday, the province to be on a state of red alert, to ensure that security and order would be maintained during the gubernatorial election on Thursday.Provincial police chief Insp.

Part 1 of 2 Trade between nations needs to be regulated

Part 1 of 2 Trade between nations needs to be regulatedYanuar Nugroho, Director, The Business Watch Indonesia Researcher, Uni Sosial Demokrat, Jakarta, Lecturer, Sahid University at Surakarta, yanuar-n@unisosdem.org This is a true story, cited from a good book, The Little Earth Book (2002).

PGN to launch $250M bond roadshow

PGN to launch $250M bond roadshow JAKARTA: Indonesia's state-owned gas distribution company PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) will embark on an overseas trip in August to market the first tranche of a planned US$500 million bond.

Asep wins KGS tourney

Asep wins KGS tourney JAKARTA: Asep Capri from Jakarta's Kapuk Golf Club won a one- day tour competition at the par-70 Klub Golf Senayan at the Bung Karno sports complex by two shots with a 1-under 69 (34 35) on Wednesday.

Maluku refugees to get aid

Maluku refugees to get aid AMBON, Maluku: Acting Maluku Governor Sinyo Sarundajang has ordered the distribution of construction materials to allow victims of the ethnic conflict there to rebuild their homes.

Phone charge hike plan clarified

Phone charge hike plan clarifiedThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta The recent establishment of the Indonesian Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (BRTI) will not lead to an immediate increase in phone charges, according to a government press statement.

Part 1 of 2

Part 1 of 2 Trade between nations needs to be regulated Yanuar Nugroho Director, The Business Watch Indonesia Researcher, Uni Sosial Demokrat, Jakarta Lecturer, Sahid University at Surakarta yanuar-n@unisosdem.org 2.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 23, 2003

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 23, 2003 _____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume _____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo...

The retired are made to suffer

The retired are made to sufferFrom Media Indonesia As of July 2003, the pension increase for retired civil servants (PNS) and servicemen and women (TNI) has not been paid, while the pensioners' association (Wredatama) and retired servicemen and women's association (Pepabri) have been less than...

Reshuffle of judges in Jakarta courts questioned

Reshuffle of judges in Jakarta courts questionedMuninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Ministry of Justice and Human Rights has issued a ruling introducing a major reshuffle involving dozens of judges at the five district courts in Jakarta, some of whom are known for strong stand...

Cak Nur picks up registration form amid pullout report

Cak Nur picks up registration form amid pullout reportMuninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Noted scholar Nurcholish Madjid picked up the registration form from Golkar on Wednesday amid reports that he was pulling out of the ongoing convention to choose the party's poll bearer in the...

1. GUN: 1 LINE, 38 COUNTS

1. GUN: 1 LINE, 38 COUNTS Bali according to minimalist Gunarsa 2. VIET: 1 LINE, 45 COUNTS Vietnam's copycat artists cater to Renoir cravings

KTF to set up unit in Indonesia

KTF to set up unit in Indonesia SEOUL: South Korea's KTF Co. said on Wednesday it has signed a contract with PT Mobile-8 Telecom of Indonesia to provide wireless consulting services and network systems in a deal valued at US$17.5 million.

City to have one-stop lifestyle center

City to have one-stop lifestyle center JAKARTA: PT Summarecon Agung Tbk, the largest developer in Kelapa Gading, East Jakarta, officially began the groundbreaking ceremony to create a new concept of town square on Wednesday.

Bali according to minimalist Wayan Gunarsa

Bali according to minimalist Wayan GunarsaAyuningati, Contributor, Ubud, Bali Traditional Balinese paintings are striking in their bold configurations of human and demonic figures, animals and landscapes.The canvas is a tight composition of forms that crowd the space and saturate it with color.

Illegal turtle trade, an ongoing battle

Illegal turtle trade, an ongoing battleI Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali The outcome of the fight by local environmentalists, against the illegal yet excessive sea turtle trade in Bali, relies on many factors -- their ability to stir up public sympathy, gain support from the...

Salt producers angry over imports

Salt producers angry over importsNana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon, West Java Thousands of small-scale salt producers along the north coast of West Java called on the local administration to take action against the sale of imported salt in Cirebon regency, which they said had badly hit their...

Asian, European ministers hope to send positive signal ahead of WTO talks

Asian, European ministers hope to send positive signal ahead of WTO talks by Peter Harmsen Agence France-Presse Dalian, ChinaAsian and European economic ministers gathering in China hope to send a strong signal on the need to revive stalled global trade talks at a crucial WTO meeting this fall,...

Anwar's bail application pending

Anwar's bail application pending MALAYSIA: A Malaysian court said on Wednesday it would decide soon whether jailed ex-deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim would be freed pending his sodomy conviction appeal to the Federal Court.

Stop airing sadistic reports

Stop airing sadistic reportsFrom Warta Kota Several days ago I watched a report of a private television station about a man bleeding heavily after being mobbed because he had been found stealing.Obviously, this is an example of taking the law into one's own hands, a phenomenon that may be...

Asep wins KGS tourney

Asep wins KGS tourney JAKARTA: Asep Capri from Jakarta's Kapuk Golf Club won a one- day tour competition at the par-70 Klub Golf Senayan at the Bung Karno sports complex by two shots with a 1-under 69 (34 35) on Wednesday.

* Headlines:Nurcholish picks up registration form 2

* Headlines:Nurcholish picks up registration form 2 * National:Nessen stands trial for immigration offense4 * Archipelago:C. Java on red alert ahead of balloting5 * Opinion:Muslim women's role in politics7 * City:DPR, UN, airport bombs show similarities 8 * Sports:Thorpe wins showdown at world...

Commitment of party cadres

Commitment of party cadres The election of governors and district heads in a number of provinces have resulted in a paradoxical situation. Parties and their cadres have "sacrificed" one another. Golkar Party and the Indonesian Democratic Party-Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) often do this.

Dutch firm to help in regreening

Dutch firm to help in regreening SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: A chemical and drug company from the Netherlands will assist the Bontang city administration in regreening 27 hectares of critical land in the province.

'Money can buy 'justice' now'

'Money can buy 'justice' now' Police have recently acknowledged the existence of hitmen in the country, following the brutal shootings of a businessman and his Army's Special Forces bodyguard in North Jakarta. Media reports showed that the murder was the 13th in the city this year alone.

Sugar smuggling continues in N. Sumatra

Sugar smuggling continues in N. Sumatra MEDAN, North Sumatra: Despite continuing raids, sugar continues to be smuggled into North Sumatra from neighboring countries.Smugglers and buyers are believed to be making their deals several miles out from the Tanjung Nibung Port in Tanjung Balai, Asahan...

BNI's first half net profit up

BNI's first half net profit upThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned Bank BNI announced on Wednesday that its unaudited net profit had slightly increased to Rp 1.55 trillion in the first half from Rp 1.51 trillion in the previous period.

Thai, Malaysian leaders to hold talks

Thai, Malaysian leaders to hold talks THAILAND: Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra and his Malaysian counterpart Mahathir Mohamad will discuss the political crisis in Myanmar during talks this weekend on the Malaysian resort island of Langkawi, officials said on Wednesday.

Pirate attacks at all time high, Ri tops danger list

Pirate attacks at all time high, Ri tops danger listM. Jegathesan, Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur Piracy on the international high seas surged 37 percent to an all-time high of 234 attacks from January to June this year, with 16 seafarers killed, the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) said on...

Weak yuan not slowing RI's exports

Weak yuan not slowing RI's exportsThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta While a stronger yuan would help bolster Indonesia's export competitiveness, the undervalued Chinese currency has never been the main reason local manufacturers end up on the losing side against China in the global market.

Resident wins car from Jakarta Fair

Resident wins car from Jakarta Fair JAKARTA: Henny Novianti from Kemanggisan subdistrict, Palmerah district, West Jakarta, was declared the winner of a Suzuki New Escudo 2.0, on Wednesday a door prize offered by the 2003 Jakarta Fair organizers.

Residents kick up big stink over public toilets

Residents kick up big stink over public toiletsMulta Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang Hundreds of people living along the banks of the Cisadane river in Tangerang are refusing to use public toilets built by the Tangerang administration and the Indonesia-Netherlands Joint Committee for the...

Experts urge govt to fix investment climate

Experts urge govt to fix investment climateEvi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government must boost efforts to act against corruption and create a reliable labor force if it wanted to lure automotive investors back into the country, according to automotive and investment experts.

Dutch govt queries RI commitment to quashing corruption

Dutch govt queries RI commitment to quashing corruptionMoch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Dutch government has openly questioned the commitment of the Indonesian government to eradicate corruption, citing the country's unwillingness to establish the anticorruption commission mandated...

Australian killed in robbery

Australian killed in robbery JAKARTA: An Australian businessman was shot to death by a gang of masked men who robbed him of more than US$10,000, police said Wednesday.Bernard Keith Moore was gunned down on Monday in his office in Tembeling village on Bintan island in Indonesia's western Riau...

MPR hammers out agreement on outdated decrees

MPR hammers out agreement on outdated decreesM. Taufiqurrahman The Jakarta Post JakartaThe People's Consultative Assembly working committee agreed on Wednesday on the wording of a draft decree revoking more than 100 obsolete decrees, including the one on the impeachment of the late President...

Deforestation threatening SE Asian species: Study

Deforestation threatening SE Asian species: StudyReuters, London Deforestation could lead to the disappearance of significant amounts of Southeast Asia's flora and fauna within the next 100 years, scientists said on Wednesday.

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, July 24, 2003

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, July 24, 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.Museums and Galleries * Sika Galery, Jl. Raya Campuhan Sanggingan, Ubud (Tel.

Death of a hi-tech dream

Death of a hi-tech dream It is mind-boggling to comprehend why the government has waited so long to restructure the technically-bankrupt PT Dirgantara Indonesia aerospace company. This dream of leapfrogging to the hi-tech aircraft manufacturing that B. J.

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_________________________________________________________________________________________ Rupiah Rates July 23 _________________________________________________________________________________________ Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 5,918.48 5,262.84 5,620.

23 fined in public order operation

23 fined in public order operation TANGERANG: The Tangerang District Court fined 23 people caught in a public order operation Rp 10,600 (US$1.27) each on Wednesday.The 23 were netted in the operation on Tuesday for failing to produce identification cards.

Rupiah falls to three-month low

Rupiah falls to three-month lowDadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The rupiah fell to its lowest level in three months on Wednesday to close at Rp 8,610 per U.S. dollar from 8,425 in Tuesday's closing, as foreign investors continued buying dollars after selling rupiah-denominated assets.

ASEM ministers hope to send positive signal ahead of WTO

ASEM ministers hope to send positive signal ahead of WTOPeter Harmsen, Agence France-Presse, Dalian, China Asian and European economic ministers gathering in China hope to send a strong signal on the need to revive stalled global trade talks at a crucial WTO meeting this fall, officials and...

Asem forum to boost Asian Bond Market

Asem forum to boost Asian Bond MarketPavin Chachavalpongpun, The Nation Asia News Network, Bangkok Earlier this month, Asia and Europe shared an upbeat view of the world economy at the end of the annual Asian-Europe Meeting (ASEM) of finance ministers Meeting in Bali, Indonesia.

PIB undergoes screening

PIB undergoes screening JAKARTA: The Ministry of Justice and Human Rights began screening the New Indonesia Alliance Party (PIB) on Wednesday. A team from the Ministry for Justice and Human Rights visited PIB's headquarters on Wednesday to determine whether the party had already met the...

President is fine, doctor says

President is fine, doctor says JAKARTA: A respiratory tract infection has affected the daily activities of President Megawati Soekarnoputri in the past few weeks, Megawati's personal physician Amendi said on Wednesday.

'DPR, UN, airport bombs similar'

'DPR, UN, airport bombs similar'Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Police say they have established a link between the recent bomb blast at the national legislative complex in Senayan and the ones the exploded near the United Nations building and the Soekarno- Hatta International Airport...

Children express wishes, dreams on special day

Children express wishes, dreams on special dayRizky KD Ntoma, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Anggi, 10, took a small piece of paper and a pen. Then she wrote a wish and her dream on it, before attaching the paper to a 1.5- kilometer banner.

'Nobody is happy with Mega, that's good democracy'

'Nobody is happy with Mega, that's good democracy'JP/3/INSIGHT Yuji Suzuki, one of most renowned Japanese experts on Indonesian politics, is scheduled to speak at two seminars dealing with bilateral relations between Japan and Indonesia/ASEAN in Jakarta on Wednesday and Thursday.

Jakarta condominium sales rise 74 percent

Jakarta condominium sales rise 74 percentThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta Condominium sales in Jakarta rose sharply in the second quarter of the year as several economic indicators showed better performance.Property consultant Procon said a total of 324 units were sold in the second quarter of the year,...

Local govt may halt foreign-owned mine

Local govt may halt foreign-owned mineThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta The East Kalimantan provincial administration threatened on Wednesday to stop the operations of coal mining firm PT Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC), following a surprise decision by Rio Tinto and BP Plc to sell full ownership of the company to...

ASEAN and Aung San Suu Kyi

ASEAN and Aung San Suu Kyi That the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) seems to be breaking with the tradition of not criticizing the internal affairs of member states by calling for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi is certainly obvious progress towards more transparency and credibility...

MJIO tournament hosts record nine countries

MJIO tournament hosts record nine countriesThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta The MILO Junior Indonesia Open (MJIO) 2003 will kick off in Yogyakarta next month with a record nine participating countries comprising around 100 athletes, said organizers here on Wednesday.

Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta When the Dutch government allocated the position of Deputy Director of the Erasmus Huis in Jakarta five years ago, Ton Hamoen's mother rejoiced, saying that at last she knew exactly where her son was working.

Commitment of party cadres

Commitment of party cadres The election of governors and district heads in a number of provinces have resulted in a paradoxical situation. Parties and their cadres have "sacrificed" one another. Golkar Party and the Indonesian Democratic Party-Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) often do this.

Genetically modified crops spreading in Southeast Asia

Genetically modified crops spreading in Southeast AsiaDeutsche Presse-Agentur, Bangkok The battle over introducing genetically modified (GM) crops in Southeast Asia is being fought in the corn fields of the Philippines and the papaya orchards of Thailand, among other places.

Terror threats imminent in Indonesia

Terror threats imminent in IndonesiaTiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite the arrest of hundreds of members of regional terrorist group Jamaah Islamiyah (JI), the real danger of further terrorist attacks in Indonesia remains because some of its well-trained senior leaders are still at...

Limited facilities for officials

Limited facilities for officialsFrom Suara Karya The government has drafted a regulation on the standardization of facilities and infrastructures for state officials, including restrictions on the use of official cars, which deserves our support.

PGN to launch $250M bond roadshow

PGN to launch $250M bond roadshow JAKARTA: Indonesia's state-owned gas distribution company PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) will embark on an overseas trip in August to market the first tranche of a planned US$500 million bond.

ASEAN may send envoy to urge Suu Kyi's release

ASEAN may send envoy to urge Suu Kyi's releaseFabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, Bali Indonesia has proposed that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) send a delegation to Myanmar in an attempt to win the release of prodemocracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Military links hamper fight against radicalism: Analysts

Military links hamper fight against radicalism: AnalystsMuhammad Nafik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Efforts to combat militancy and radicalism could face perennial hurdles as certain military officers still have strong relationships with extremist Islamic movements in the country, analysts said here...

Indonesian Muslim women's role in political

Indonesian Muslim women's role in political A conference convened by MIC (Melbourne Indonesia Consortium), a body consisting of five universities in Melbourne, Australia, titled The Dynamics of Political Islam in Indonesia, reminds participants of the important role Muslim women in Indonesia have...

Rupiah falls to three-month low

Rupiah falls to three-month low Dadan Wijaksana The Jakarta Post JakartaThe rupiah fell to its lowest level in three months on Wednesday to close at Rp 8,610 per U.S. dollar from 8,425 in Tuesday's closing, as foreign investors continued buying dollars after selling rupiah-denominated assets.

Most hospitals have poor waste management

Most hospitals have poor waste managementBambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city administration will send warning letters to many of the city's 99 hospitals for failing to manage their waste properly.