Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 24 July 2003

85 articles found

'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 on Wednesday. They believe that Indonesia will survive the struggle for democracy and be able to withstand the challenge by Islamic militants, given their relatively tiny minority within the country.

JI members behind Bali bombing: Witness

JI members behind Bali bombing: Witness Wahyoe 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. The witness, Muhammad Nasir bin Abbas, told the Denpasar District Court that five days after the attacks Mukhlas told him the bombings were the work of him and his younger brothers.

E. Bengal seeks another host shock

E. Bengal seeks another host shock The 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. East Bengal's coach Subash Bhowmick said during a media conference here on Wednesday that they would have to perform better than ever because the next opponent is also a home team.

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. Koshi Takahashi, 69, was charged with lese majeste against Queen Sirikit and Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn in May, the official said.

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. Happy, who hailed from West Java, fell unconscious after taking a series of kicks and punches to the head from Andriko of East Nusa Tenggara during their 70kg kumite match.

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. Bremer, on a week-long visit to the United States to brief officials on the reconstruction, signed an order creating the trade bank at the weekend, Treasury Department spokesman Tony Fratto said.

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. New -- Genocidal history of a "most civilized society" 2 x 30 The ordained genocidal history of a 'most civilized society' Zukifli Mohd Alwi New Straits Times Kuala Lumpur

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 Tbk 800 0 35,500 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 90 0 0 Akbar Indo Makmur 130 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 105 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 750 25 394,500 Alter Abadi Tbk 10 0 2,000,000 Alumindo Light 180 0...

The retired are made to suffer

The retired are made to suffer From 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 responsive. To pensioners who in the New Order enjoyed the "opportunity" to make a fortune, monthly pensions may not be so important.

Reshuffle of judges in Jakarta courts questioned

Reshuffle of judges in Jakarta courts questioned Muninggar 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 against corruption. Suyatno, the ministry's director general for state judiciary administration confirmed the reshuffle on Wednesday.

Cak Nur picks up registration form amid pullout report

Cak Nur picks up registration form amid pullout report Muninggar 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 2004 elections. "I have given the authority to Sudirman Said to take the form," Nurcholish, popularly known as Cak Nur, told reporters on Wednesday, referring to his campaign assistant.

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. KTF, South Korea's second largest wireless operator, will provide consulting services on code division multiple access 1x networks, wireless data and billing services through June 2006.

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. The town square, to be named La Piazza, will be built on a one-hectare plot of land near Kelapa Gading circle, where Jl. Bulevar Utama and Jl. Bulevar Barat-Timur meet, said the company's director Paul Nio during a press conference.

Bali according to minimalist Wayan Gunarsa

Bali according to minimalist Wayan Gunarsa Ayuningati, 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. The pioneers of such classical Balinese painting were Gusti Nyoman Lempad, I Gusti Ketut Kobot and Ida Bagus Rai. The best known of the new generation is probably Made Wianta.

Phone charge hike plan clarified

Phone charge hike plan clarified The 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.

Salt producers angry over imports

Salt producers angry over imports Nana 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 incomes. They threatened to occupy Cirebon port, through which the imported salt has been flooding into the regency.

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, 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 delegates said on Wednesday.

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. After two days of hearing arguments in a bail application, Judge Pajan Singh Gill, who heads a panel of three judges, said the Court of Appeals would not make an immediate decision.

Stop airing sadistic reports

Stop airing sadistic reports From 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 attributable to the people's distrust in law enforcement in this country. Still, the private television management should stop airing sadistic reports like this as not everybody may find it agreeable.

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. Some 129 local pro golfers took part in the event which offers a total cash prize of Rp20 million. Capris win worth Rp5 million top prize. Two strokes behind for second place was home golfer Rodjali who carded a 36 35.

* 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 swimming c'ships9 * World:Civilian exodus as Liberian mayhem goes on11 * Business:Local govt may halt foreign-owned mine 13 * Features:Hamoen, the face of Erasmus Huis 20

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. Several months ago, PDI Perjuangan renominated Sutiyoso as Jakarta governor while all people know that Sutiyoso is a Golkar cadre.

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. Dutch Staro Mine Kaltim Milamine president Mike Kwiatkoeski said after a meeting with the deputy governor here on Wednesday that his company would assist in the regreening program in two separate abandoned areas in Bontang.

'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. The Jakarta Post asked some people for their opinion on crimes involving firearms. Yanti (not her real name), 33, is unemployed and lives in Pejaten, South Jakarta.

'Comportable' prison to house tax evaders

'Comportable' prison to house tax evaders Rendi 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. Rats, blood-sucking mosquitoes and extortion by prison guards are just a few of the experiences tax evaders serving a temporary detention have to look forward to.

PT Pos responds

PT Pos responds From Koran Tempo With 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. Second, we tried to contact the gentleman at the address given in Koran Tempo but were told by his relatives that he was no longer domiciled there, which makes it difficult to clarify the matter properly.

Bali Police chief supports methadone program

Bali Police chief supports methadone program I 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 the spread of HIV/AIDS among convicted or detained Injecting Drug Users (IDUs).

Cak Nur strongest challenger to Mega in 2004

Cak Nur strongest challenger to Mega in 2004 A'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. More than 28 percent of 10,000 people surveyed from July 4 through July 14 picked Nurcholish, popularly known as Cak Nur, as the only candidate that could challenge Megawati when the country holds its first ever direct presidential election next year.

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. Some 129 local pro golfers took part in the event which offers a total cash prize of Rp 20 million. Capri's win was worth Rp 5 million. Two strokes behind in second place was home golfer Rodjali who carded a 36 35.

'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. The professor of politics at Hosei University talked with The Jakarta Post's Kornelius Purba about the current Indonesian situation.

'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. Now is the right time for Indonesia to 'graduate' from IMF after having been under the mercy of the organization for five years.

Activists condemn police shooting of protesting farmers

Activists condemn police shooting of protesting farmers Andi 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 in the remote town of Bulukumba, which left one person dead on Monday.

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 regency, to avoid raids by security authorities and customs officers. Local brokers and fishermen say they have reported the smuggling to security authorities but no action has been taken.

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 stipulated in Law No. 31/2002 on political parties.

American journalist stands trial for immigration offense

American journalist stands trial for immigration offense Nani 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. Forty-six-year-old William Nessen is charged with violating Articles 50 and 51 of Law No. 9/1992 on immigration carrying a maximum prison sentence of five years and a Rp 5 million (US$609) fine.

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. The town square, to be named La Piazza, will be built on a one-hectare plot of land near Kelapa Gading circle, where Jl. Bulevar Utama and Jl. Bulevar Barat-Timur meet, said the company's director Paul Nio during a press conference.

1. Govern: 24 x 2 line

1. Govern: 24 x 2 line C. Java on red alert ahead of balloting 2. Arrest: 16 x 3 lines Activists condemn police shooting of protesting farmers 3. Garam 24 x 1 line: Salt producers angry over imports 4. Prison: 24 x 1 line Bali Police support methadone program

RI, RP embark on massive manhunt for al-Ghozi

RI, RP embark on massive manhunt for al-Ghozi Fabiola 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, the Philippines, earlier this month.

C. Java on red alert ahead of balloting

C. Java on red alert ahead of balloting Suherdjoko, 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. Gen. Didi Widayadi said security troops were anticipating possible disturbances in the provincial capital of Semarang and the sultanate town of Surakarta.

Part 1 of 2 Trade between nations needs to be regulated

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 This is a true story, cited from a good book, The Little Earth Book (2002). Tatu Museyni grows coffee in Tanzania. The price she gets for her coffee has halved from 1980 to 2000. It halved again in the last two years. Her income is down to US$30 for the whole year.

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. The company's President Director Washington Simanjuntak said Wednesday the marketing team will meet with prospective investors in Singapore, Hong Kong and London. PGN is expected to offer up to $250 million in the bonds as the first tranche.

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. Some 129 local pro golfers took part in the event which offers a total cash prize of Rp20 million. Capris win worth Rp5 million top prize. Two strokes behind for second place was home golfer Rodjali who carded a 36 35.

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. Syarif Hadler, deputy mayor of Ambon municipality, said in the Maluku capital on Wednesday the order followed a report that some former refugees were anxious lest they be denied their Rp 10 million in construction material because of a lack of land ownership documents.

Illegal turtle trade, an ongoing battle

Illegal turtle trade, an ongoing battle I 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 traditional community and religious leaders, soften the poacher's hearts and most importantly, secure the support of the local government.

'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 earlier in April this year. This was revealed by National Police detectives' chief Comr. Gen. Erwin Mappaseng on Wednesday.

Children express wishes, dreams on special day

Children express wishes, dreams on special day Rizky 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. "After this, I will read a poem that I wrote, called Menatap Masa Depan yang Cerah (See the Bright Future) on the stage at the Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) arts center.

'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. The professor of politics at Hosei University talked with The Jakarta Post's Kornelius Purba about the current Indonesian situation.

Jakarta condominium sales rise 74 percent

Jakarta condominium sales rise 74 percent The 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, up 74 percent from 184 units in the previous quarter. The second quarter sales were four times higher than the second quarter of last year, which reached 84 units.

Local govt may halt foreign-owned mine

Local govt may halt foreign-owned mine The 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 PT Bumi Resources. East Kalimantan Governor H. Suwarna A.F was quoted by Antara as saying the sale of the KPC shares was a violation of KPC's contract.

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 in solving ASEAN-related problems.

MJIO tournament hosts record nine countries

MJIO tournament hosts record nine countries The 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. The nine countries are Belgium, Hong Kong, Japan, Netherlands, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Wales and Indonesia. Only two foreign countries participated when the competition was first held in Surakarta, Central Java, in 2001.

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. "My mother was brought up in Magelang and she always had a lot to say about Indonesia," Hamoen said. His grandfather was a teacher in the same town in Central Java, during the Dutch occupation and Hamoen's mother and siblings were raised there.

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. Several months ago, PDI Perjuangan renominated Sutiyoso as Jakarta governor while all people know that Sutiyoso is a Golkar cadre.

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. "Despite the problem, she is fine, and her voice may return to normal in the next few days," said Amendi. Megawati lost her voice recently, prompting her to ask Cabinet ministers to read out her speeches during state functions.

Terror threats imminent in Indonesia

Terror threats imminent in Indonesia Tiarma 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 large, the International Crisis Group (ICG) said on Wednesday.

Limited facilities for officials

Limited facilities for officials From 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. When the rules come into force, there will be no more official cars roaming shopping malls and recreation centers, as is the case now. Apart from sedans for high-ranking government officials, operational cars will take the form of 2,000-cc minibuses.

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. The company's President Director Washington Simanjuntak said Wednesday the marketing team will meet with prospective investors in Singapore, Hong Kong and London. PGN is expected to offer up to $250 million in the bonds as the first tranche.

ASEAN may send envoy to urge Suu Kyi's release

ASEAN may send envoy to urge Suu Kyi's release Fabiola 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. The Philippine foreign minister Blas Ople told a press conference that Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri had named special envoy Ali Alatas to lead the delegation.

Military links hamper fight against radicalism: Analysts

Military links hamper fight against radicalism: Analysts Muhammad 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 on Tuesday.

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 played in the development of the nation. One of the speakers on the role of Muslim women is Susan Blackburn, a senior lecturer in the School of Political and Social Inquiry at Monash University.

Rupiah falls to three-month low

Rupiah falls to three-month low Dadan 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. The continued heavy selling of the rupiah assets -- mainly in the form of bonds -- was triggered by rising confidence in the U.S. economy, StanChart economist Fauzi Ichsan said.

Most hospitals have poor waste management

Most hospitals have poor waste management Bambang 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. The city's environmental management body, BPLHD, warned the hospitals on Wednesday to improve their waste treatment facilities or face sanctions.

MPR hammers out agreement on outdated decrees

MPR hammers out agreement on outdated decrees M. Taufiqurrahman The Jakarta Post Jakarta The 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 Sukarno. In a last preparatory meeting for the annual session, scheduled to take place between Aug. 1 and Aug.

BNI's first half net profit up

BNI's first half net profit up The 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. The higher profit was attributed to a 14 percent increase in net interest income to Rp 2.22 trillion from Rp 1.94 trillion, the bank said in a statement.

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. During the two-day talks on Langkawi, which lies near the Thai-Malaysian border, Thaksin will also meet with United Nations envoy to Myanmar Razali Ismail, said Thai Foreign Minister Surakiart Sathirathai.

Pirate attacks at all time high, Ri tops danger list

Pirate attacks at all time high, Ri tops danger list M. 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 Wednesday. Ships were boarded in 165 instances and nine ships were hijacked, the Kuala Lumpur-based IMB Piracy Reporting Center said in a statement.

Weak yuan not slowing RI's exports

Weak yuan not slowing RI's exports The 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. "Chinese products are superior to ours, even before we speak about the value of the currency.

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. The announcement took place at the Jakarta Fairground in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta. During the event, the organizers also announced the winners of 25 motorcycles, seven wardrobes, five kitchen appliances and eight VCD players.

Residents kick up big stink over public toilets

Residents kick up big stink over public toilets Multa 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 Repatriation of Maluku People.

Experts urge govt to fix investment climate

Experts urge govt to fix investment climate Evi 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 corruption Moch. 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 by the law.

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 province, said Riau Police Capt. Heri Heriawan. Bintan, about 20 kilometers south of Singapore, is the site of numerous foreign-invested factories.

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 regency, to avoid raids by security authorities and customs officers. Local brokers and fishermen say they have reported the smuggling to security authorities but no action has been taken.

Deforestation threatening SE Asian species: Study

Deforestation threatening SE Asian species: Study Reuters, 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. Rapid and large-scale loss of natural habitats through deforestation for agriculture and urban development have already damaged the area's biodiversity, they say. Without major conservation efforts the situation is likely to get much worse.

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. 0361 975727, 975085) * Blue Moon Gallery, Jl. Tirta Tawar, Banjar Kutuh Kaja, Ubud (Tel. 0361 976727), daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. * Museum Puri Lukisan, Jl. Raya Ubud, Gianyar (Tel. 0361 975136), daily, 8 a.

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. Habibie had so stubbornly promoted since the mid 1970s against the opposition of all sensible economists, died with the 1997 economic crisis.

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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 5,620.70 5,560.39 Brunei dollar 1 5,166.67 4,595.22 4,906.71 4,855.03 Canadian dollar 1 6,418.17 5,709.54 6,095.25 6,032.35 Swiss franc 1 6,664.95 5,929.00 6,329.62 6,264.21 Danish krone 1 1,386.21 1,232.65...

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. The court ordered the 23 to pay the fine or serve three days in jail. Twenty of the people paid the fine while three chose to serve the three days in jail.

Rupiah falls to three-month low

Rupiah falls to three-month low Dadan 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. The continued heavy selling of the rupiah assets -- mainly in the form of bonds -- was triggered by rising confidence in the U.S. economy, StanChart economist Fauzi Ichsan said.

ASEM ministers hope to send positive signal ahead of WTO

ASEM ministers hope to send positive signal ahead of WTO Peter 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 delegates said on Wednesday.

Asem forum to boost Asian Bond Market

Asem forum to boost Asian Bond Market Pavin 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. One of the highlights was Europe's endorsement of the Asian Bond Market, designed to funnel Asia's huge pool of savings directly into Asian investments.

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 stipulated in Law No. 31/2002 on political parties.

Genetically modified crops spreading in Southeast Asia

Genetically modified crops spreading in Southeast Asia Deutsche 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.