Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 20 August 2003

72 articles found

Suspect bags force Ambonese to flee

Suspect bags force Ambonese to flee AMBON, Maluku: Police secured on Tuesday two plastic bags suspected of containing homemade bombs and firearms in the Jl. Tulukabessy area near downtown Ambon, Maluku province. The bags -- one red and another black -- were first found hanging on a fence by local residents at 10:30 a.m. The discovery forced vendors, pedestrians, and ojek (motorbike taxi) and public car drivers to vacate the area.

Agence France-Presse

Agence France-Presse Shanghai Anglo-Dutch Shell Group and Unocal Corp. of the United States said Tuesday they have signed a one billion dollar deal to develop China's offshore oil and gas fields near Shanghai. Shell will take a 20 percent stake in the project, which comprises three exploration and two development contract areas of the Xihu Trough, located in the East China Sea about 280 miles (448 kilometers) off the Shanghai coast. China Petroleum and Chemical Corp.

West Sumatran fishermen accuse foreign poachers for small catch

West Sumatran fishermen accuse foreign poachers for small catch Kasparman, The Jakarta Post, Pasaman, West Sumatra Thousands of traditional fishermen in Pasaman regency, West Sumatra, have begun to complain about the reduced number of fish due to rampant poaching which they blame on foreign fishing vessels in the region.

Hundreds demand answers to allegations of fixed election

Hundreds demand answers to allegations of fixed election Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali Around 700 people staged a protest here on Tuesday to demand that the Bali legislative council and the central government postpone swearing in the reelected governor of the resort island, following allegations of bribery during the gubernatorial election.

AirAsia launches world's first SMS booking service

AirAsia launches world's first SMS booking service Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur No-frills Malaysian carrier AirAsia on Tuesday launched the world's first SMS ticket reservation service with hopes of expanding its reach to 10 million mobile phone users. Chairman Pahamin Rajab said the move followed its success with its Internet ticketing service, which recorded over 80 million ringgit (US$21 million) in sales since May last year.

ASL Marines' unit wins lucrative deal

ASL Marines' unit wins lucrative deal SINGAPORE: A joint venture unit of ASL Marine Holdings has won a US$73 million contract to transport coal for an Indonesian company, marking the Singapore group's foray into the energy sector, officials said on Tuesday. Its 50 percent-owned associate ASL Energy will provide 20 sets of tugs and barges to carry coal for Pelayaran Segara Niaga Utama for five years.

KPU denies corrupt practices

KPU denies corrupt practices JAKARTA: A member of the General Elections Commission (KPU) in charge of logistics denied on Tuesday that there were anomalies in the procurement of vehicles for commission members. KPU member, Chusnul Mar'iyah, said that any procurement of goods for the KPU had always been conducted in a transparent manner. "How could we conceal it if we ask the supplier to present their product in an open forum?" Chusnul said.

* Headlines:U.S. supplies info on terrorist suspect Hambali to RI

* Headlines:U.S. supplies info on terrorist suspect Hambali to RI police 2 * National:House backs plan to revise terror law 4 * Archipelago:Megawati set to launch Java-Madura bridge project 5 * Opinion:Vigilance better than terrorist rumors 7 * City:Councillors propose more allowance for clothes 8 * Sports:Micheel's US PGA win -- shock or tale of the expected 9 * World:Peace deal offers new hope to war-wrecked Liberia 11 * Business:Fear creeping into recovery of U.S.

Ferinanto sprints to victory in third stage of Tour d'ISSI

Ferinanto sprints to victory in third stage of Tour d'ISSI The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Ferinanto, of the East Java cycling team held off his rivals in the sprint to win the third stage, from Tasikmalaya to Purwokerto, in the Tour d'ISSI on Tuesday. The 155 kilometer route crosses the border of West Java and Central Java provinces.

Dewi to get land verdict next week

Dewi to get land verdict next week JAKARTA: South Jakarta District Court is scheduled to deliver the verdict next month on a land claim filed by a widow of former president Sukarno lawsuit. Presiding Judge Zoeber Djajadi announced on Tuesday that the panel of three judges would review the case before delivering a verdict on Sept. 18. Ratna Sari Dewi, one of Sukarno's wives, is claiming ownership of a plot of land on Jl.

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=============================================================== PREVIEW OF FORD EVEREST AT GAIKINDO AUTO EXPO 2003: PT Ford Motor Indonesia recently previewed its new product, the Ford Everest -- a 7-seater, family SUV with a 2.5L diesel turbo-intercooler and the option of 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive. The Ford Everest is ideal for families looking for safe, comfortable, flexible and affordable transportation.

Bleeding Flag

Bleeding Flag May I congratulate Lowe Indonesia and Sampoerna on their very sensitive and appropriate insertion in your daily (The Jakarta Post, Sunday, Aug. 17, page 7). No doubt there are many people who will have found the half page insertion of the bleeding Indonesian flag distasteful, however for me the picture is worth a thousand words. PAUL HULSEBOSCH Ampenan, West Nusa Tenggara

PDI-P, Golkar, PAN in mayoralty race

PDI-P, Golkar, PAN in mayoralty race BANDUNG: The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), the Golkar Party and the National Mandate Party (PAN) have coalesced to support the nomination of Dada Rosada as the new mayor of Bandung, West Java. Dada, a former secretary of the Bandung administration, is to pair with PDI Perjuangan councillor Jusep Purwasuganda to contest the mayoralty election in October.

Police ground Brazilian paraglider for drugs

Police ground Brazilian paraglider for drugs Multa Fidrus and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang/Jakarta Brazilian Marco Archer Cardoso Moreira, who fled from the customs area at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and left behind 13.7 kilograms of cocaine hidden in the disassembled frame of his paraglider, has been arrested on Sunday after 16 days on the run. National Police spokesman Sr. Comr.

1. Cafe: 2 lines 22 counts

1. Cafe: 2 lines 22 counts Singapore, Canada cafes serve up in Jakarta 2. Donald: 1 line 28 counts McD's cooks up high-tech kitchens

Malaysian arrest 250 Aceh refugees

Malaysian arrest 250 Aceh refugees Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur Malaysian police on Tuesday arrested some 250 Acehnese from neighboring Indonesia outside the UN refugee agency's office for not holding valid travel documents, a senior police official said. "They do not have legal travel documents. We are taking then to a detention center in northern Perak state and they will later be deported," he told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Where to go in Surabaya, for Wednesday, August 20, 2003

Where to go in Surabaya, for Wednesday, August 20, 2003 Exhibitions * Painting by students of Akademi Seni Surabaya (Aksera), at Balai Pemuda Surabaya, Jl. Gubernur Suryo, No. 15, (Tel. 031- 5450344), 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., until Aug. 20. * Painting by Dian Anggraini Hutomo, CCCL - French Cultural Center, Jl. Darmokali 10 (Phone: 031 5615246), 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Aug. 21 to Aug. 30. * Painting at Balai Pemuda Surabaya, Jl. Gubernur Suryo, No. 15, (Tel. 031-5450344), 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Aug.

Jakarta rights tribunal buries E. Timor atrocities

Jakarta rights tribunal buries E. Timor atrocities Aboeprijadi Santoso,'Radio Netherlands', Amsterdam A mere three years' imprisonment was the controversial verdict for Maj. Gen. Adam Damiri for his role in the 1999 wave of terror and destruction in East Timor that killed hundreds of people and caused great suffering. Yet there is more to the violence that made him a symbol of impunity.

PDI-P leader fired, tension mounts in party

PDI-P leader fired, tension mounts in party Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A leading figure within President Megawati Soekarnoputri's Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) has been dismissed, fueling tensions within the deeply troubled party. The party's executive board, led by Megawati, decided to replace the chairman of the party's faction in the House of Representatives, Roy B.B. Janis, with Tjahyo Kumolo during the board's weekly meeting.

Day of fires leaves hundreds homeless

Day of fires leaves hundreds homeless Apriadi Gunawan The Jakarta Post Medan, North Sumatra A massive fire burned down 165 houses in the coastal area of Belawan here on Tuesday afternoon, leaving hundreds of people homeless. No casualties were reported in the disaster. Eyewitnesses said the fire started at 2 p.m. and strong winds helped it spread across the slum area, which was home to local fishermen.

'No helping hands, just spectators for blast victims'

'No helping hands, just spectators for blast victims' Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta "People were like flies swarming around food," said Ino Simatupang, describing how most people did nothing to help the injured and dying victims, but only gawked around them in the immediate aftermath of last week's JW Marriott Hotel blast.

For North Jakartans, water is worth gold

For North Jakartans, water is worth gold Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta "Water is like gold in this neighborhood," said Warid, a resident in Kampung Japat Saleh in Pademangan, North Jakarta. Warid is among hundreds of residents, who have been experiencing water shortages since the middle of 2001.

Councillors proposes more allowance for clothes

Councillors proposes more allowance for clothes Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Apparently without a hint of shame, the 85 already wealthy city councillors have proposed an additional allowance for themselves of Rp 985 million (US$115,882), Rp 434.78 million will be used to buy their clothes and other "souvenirs" before their tenures end next year.

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Do foreigners support separatism? From Koran Tempo There has been some discussion on the possibility of examining foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and this would seem quite natural indeed. Many foreign NGOs work in this country and some of them opt to work in conflict-ridden areas like in Aceh, Papua, Maluku and Poso to provide humanitarian aid to the victims in such places.

'Beware of more bomb attacks'

'Beware of more bomb attacks' Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The arrest of JW Marriott Hotel bombing suspects has not automatically made Jakarta a safer place, as the National Police admitted on Tuesday that they have been unable to track down explosives and other bombing devices smuggled into the capital from Semarang. National Police chief of detectives Comr. Gen.

A kilometer banner protest dump

A kilometer banner protest dump BOGOR: Hundreds of Bojong Mekarsari villagers protested on Monday against the Jakarta administration's plan to open a garbage dump site in their area by unfurling a one-kilometer-long banner. The villagers urged motorists passing their area to sign the banner supporting the rejection of the plan. They said the banner would soon be handed over to the Bogor administration.

U.S. provides antiterror equipment

U.S. provides antiterror equipment DENPASAR, Bali: The United States government handed over 60 metal detectors and 30 under-car mirrors to the Bali Police on Tuesday in an effort to improve the local police's capability in preventing any terror attack. Bombs rocked the resort island on Oct. 12 last year, killing 202 people, mostly foreigners. Seven U.S. citizens were among those who perished in the blasts. U.S. Vice Consul Philip Antweiler stated the equipment worth Rp 330 million reflected U.S.

Electoral district to have between six to 12 seats

Electoral district to have between six to 12 seats Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The General Elections Commission (KPU) decided on Tuesday that an electoral district for the regional legislative councils (DPRDs) in regencies and provinces would have on average six to 12 seats. KPU deputy chairman Ramlan Surbakti told reporters the districting decision would be applied in a flexible manner, given the fact that the country's population was not evenly distributed.

Megawati set to launch Java-Madura bridge project

Megawati set to launch Java-Madura bridge project Ainur R. Sophiaan, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya After several delays, President Megawati Soekarnoputri is slated on Wednesday to launch the construction of the giant Suramadu bridge to connect the islands of Java and Madura in East Java. However, land acquisition for the long-awaited project has not yet been finalized, as the landowners have demanded more expensive prices.

Japan replants trees in N. Sumatra

Japan replants trees in N. Sumatra MEDAN, North Sumatra: Japanese parliament members pledged more assistance on Tuesday to the reforestation program in North Sumatra through the planting of tens of thousands of trees over the next five years. The pledge was made during a meeting between 35 members of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, Mizuha Mayor Ishisuka Koueman and North Sumatra Governor T. Rizal Nurdin at the latter's office, Medan.

Tight security at Bali tourney

Tight security at Bali tourney I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Kuta, Bali The organizing committee of the upcoming 2003 Swatch FIVB World Tour Bali Open beach volleyball tournament, which starts on Friday, plans very tight security measures by deploying at least 120 police officers and 50 traditional guards of Pecalang. The measures have been taken in the wake of the Marriott bombing in Jakarta, which prompted the withdrawal of 39 teams from 16 countries.

Japan replants trees in N. Sumatra

Japan replants trees in N. Sumatra MEDAN, North Sumatra: Japanese parliament members pledged more assistance on Tuesday to the reforestation program in North Sumatra through the planting of tens of thousands of trees over the next five years. The pledge was made during a meeting between 35 members of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, Mizuha Mayor Ishisuka Koueman and North Sumatra Governor T. Rizal Nurdin at the latter's office, Medan.

House backs plans for Antiterror Law

House backs plans for Antiterror Law Kurniawan Hari and A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Major factions in the House of Representatives (DPR) are backing moves by the government to revise the anti-terrorism law, despite strong opposition from religious leaders and rights activists. They also called for an informal meeting with the National Police and the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) to discuss the planned revision.

Drought threatens power supply

Drought threatens power supply Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Java and Bali could face a serious power shortage if the drought here continues until October, when several power plants are scheduled to shut down for maintenance, according to state electricity company PT PLN. PLN said its program anticipated the annual drought, but the situation this year is particularly worrying.

Police receive info on terrorist suspect Hambali from U.S

Police receive info on terrorist suspect Hambali from U.S Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The United States has supplied information about terrorist suspect Riduan Isamuddin alias Hambali and his activities to the Indonesian authorities, the National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar says. The information, according to Da'i, included several documents related to Hambali's activities.

Sukhoi and Indosat cases

Sukhoi and Indosat cases From Kompas The purchase of Sukhoi jet fighters from Russia has led to hot debate, not only in the House of Representatives, but also among the general public. This case has been widely reported in the mass media and has prompted protest rallies. It is true that this matter is really attracting attention. Interestingly, the sales of state-owned telecommunications company Indosat to a foreign party have drawn less attention than the purchase of Sukhoi jets.

Taxes and illegal fees

Taxes and illegal fees The draft state budget for fiscal year 2004 predicts a decrease in state revenues from 17.3 percent to 17.2 percent as well as in state spending from 19.1 percent to 18.4 percent. It also states that revenues from taxes are likely to increase from 13.1 percent to 13.5 percent. The present state budget shows that Indonesia's due debt stands at Rp 44.279 trillion and debts for rescheduling at Rp27 trillion.

TV Program: Wednesday, August 20, 2003

TV Program: Wednesday, August 20, 2003 .TB.30" 1.00" TVRI .TB.30" .90" 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 English News Service 9:00 Music 10:00 Quiz: Dibisikin 11:00 News: Berita Daerah 12:00 p.m.

TNI and civil society

TNI and civil society The recent terrorist attack on the JW Marriott Hotel in Jakarta, the success -- at least for the moment -- of the Indonesian Military's (TNI's) offensive in Aceh, last year's Bali bombing and the world's deep fear of terrorism, have produced a very timely momentum and near-perfect justification for the TNI top brass to reiterate their demand for a return to a central role of the military in politics.

Five finalists set for Iraqi trade bank

Five finalists set for Iraqi trade bank Reuters, New York Five consortium led by U.S. banks, along with a lone British bank, have made the final round as applicants to head the newly- established Trade Bank of Iraq, The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday. A selection panel will hear presentations from the six finalists on Tuesday and Wednesday in Bahrain, and U.S. officials expect to make their decision within days, the report said, citing Peter McPherson, the head adviser to the U.S.

4 x 12

4 x 12 Megawati set to launch Java-Madura bridge project JP/5/bali 2 x 28 Hundreds demand answers to allegations of fixed election JP/5/bangis 2 x 30 North Sumatran fishermen accuse foreign poachers for small catch JP/5/jeblos 1 x 29 Council chief arrested for graft

Security minister warns of reformative excesses

Security minister warns of reformative excesses A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite some progress, the top security minister warned on Tuesday against the reform movement's excesses, saying the poor management of reform could lead to separatism, social disorder and political instability. "We have been undergoing major social changes and political reconstruction in the reform movement over the last five years.

TNI and war on terrorism

TNI and war on terrorism The recent terrorist attack on the JW Marriott Hotel in Jakarta, the success -- at least for the moment -- of the Indonesian Military's (TNI's) offensive in Aceh, last year's Bali bombing and the world's deep fear of terrorism, have produced a very timely momentum and near-perfect justification for the TNI top brass to reiterate their demand for a return to a central role of the military in politics.

Activist turned away from Sarawak

Activist turned away from Sarawak MALAYSIA: Taking a rare step against one of its own citizens, Malaysian authorities barred a rights activist from entering a state on Borneo island to attend a conference, her group said Tuesday. Cynthia Gabriel, the executive director of the rights organization Suaram, was stopped by immigration officials at the airport in Miri town in Sarawak state late Monday after getting off a flight from Kuala Lumpur, the group said.

Foreign ministry has new spokesman

Foreign ministry has new spokesman JAKARTA: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has named a new spokesman who will replace Marty Natalegawa, who has been named director general of the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN). A source at the foreign ministry told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday that Marty would be replaced by young diplomat Yuri Thamrin, who is currently stationed in New York at the Indonesian mission to the United Nations.

Taxes and illegal fees

Taxes and illegal fees The draft state budget for fiscal year 2004 predicts a decrease in state revenues from 17.3 percent to 17.2 percent as well as in state spending from 19.1 percent to 18.4 percent. It also states that revenues from taxes are likely to increase from 13.1 percent to 13.5 percent. The present state budget shows that Indonesia's due debt stands at Rp 44.279 trillion and debts for rescheduling at Rp27 trillion.

PGN delays natural gas supply to Singapore

PGN delays natural gas supply to Singapore The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Natural gas shipments from Indonesia to Singapore using the newly inaugurated gas pipeline has been delayed until Aug. 24 due to technical problems. State gas firm PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) said the gas was originally scheduled to reach Singapore's Sakra Island by Aug. 12. "There is a technical problem that caused the delay.

Lending rate may drop to 12% by year-end

Lending rate may drop to 12% by year-end The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The bank lending rate is expected to drop to around 12 percent by the end of this year from the current average rate of 15 percent, senior bank Pramukti official Surjaudaja says.

Ailing aircraft company to layoff 6,000 workers

Ailing aircraft company to layoff 6,000 workers The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Bandung The government has finally decided to dismiss some 6,000 employees of state-owned aerospace company PT Dirgantara Indonesia as part of a restructuring program designed to help lift the ailing company out of years of financial difficulties. The decision was made at a shareholders meeting on Tuesday.

Westerners and good Muslims

Westerners and good Muslims Tariq Ramadhan claims that what we have here in the West is the absence of Islam (The Jakarta Post, Aug. 17, 2003). Well, it all depends on his perspective, on how he interpreted it and, of course, on how he views the issue of the relationship between the civil government and the religious authorities. I am sure that many good Belgian Muslims would disagree with his opinion.

Airline employees demand payment

Airline employees demand payment TANGERANG: About 100 employees of Indonesia Airlines staged a rally at the Tangerang manpower office on Tuesday morning, demanding that the company be forced to pay them salaries owing. An employee representative, Rony A. Oktaviano, said that the employees had not been paid since April. The dispute began after the airline management decided to serve the haj pilgrimage route in January.

TV Program: Wednesday, August 20, 2003

TV Program: Wednesday, August 20, 2003 .TB.30" 1.00" TVRI .TB.30" .90" 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 English News Service 9:00 Music 10:00 Quiz: Dibisikin 11:00 News: Berita Daerah 12:00 p.m.

Papuan Assembly would quell separatism: SNUP

Papuan Assembly would quell separatism: SNUP M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A solidarity group for Papua demanded on Tuesday that the central government call off its plan to divide the province and keep its promise by immediately establishing the Papuan People's Assembly (MRP). The National Solidarity for Papua (SNUP) said the speedy establishment of the MRP would dissuade the indigenous people from fighting for an independent Papua.

1. HAMBALI: 48 pt, 3 cols, 3 x 18

1. HAMBALI: 48 pt, 3 cols, 3 x 18 Police receive info on terrorist suspect Hambali from U.S. 2. KL: 38 pt, 4 cols, 2 x 30 Acehnese find no sympathy, safety from strife in neighboring Malaysia 3. GLIDER: 32 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 24 Police ground Brazilian paraglider for drugs 4. ACEH: 28 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 40 Post-Aug. 17 skirmishes yield 4 rebel deaths 5. REFORM: 28 pt, 5 cols, 1 x 50 Top security minister warns of reformative excesses

Skirmishes yield 4 rebel deaths in Aceh

Skirmishes yield 4 rebel deaths in Aceh Agencies, Jakarta The Indonesian Military (TNI) shot dead four separatist rebels including a suspected senior figure as it marked the first half of its major offensive against the Free Aceh Movement (GAM). Troops killed three suspected GAM members on the outskirts of the town of Lhokseumawe on Monday, military spokesman Lt. Col. Ahmad Yani Basuki said in Lhokseumawe on Tuesday.

2004 budget targets achievable: Burhanuddin

2004 budget targets achievable: Burhanuddin The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bank Indonesia Governor Burhanuddin Abdullah said the monetary targets set out in the 2004 state budget draft were achievable despite the potential problems during the election year.

RP imports down 3.3% in June

RP imports down 3.3% in June MANILA: Merchandise imports in the Philippines fell 3.3 percent from a year earlier in June, though imports for the first six months remained ahead of last year's levels, the National Statistics Office said on Tuesday. June imports dropped 3.3 percent to US$2.922 billion from a year ago. The figure was also 11.6 percent lower than the previous month's total of $3.305 billion.

JP/5/suramadu

JP/5/suramadu Megawati set to launch Suramadu construction Ainur R. Sophiaan The Jakarta Post Surabaya After several delays, President Megawati Soekarnoputri is slated on Wednesday to launch the construction of the giant Suramadu bridge to connect the islands of Java and Madura in East Java. However, land acquisition for the long-awaited project has not yet been finalized, as the landowners have demanded more expensive prices.

A kilometer banner protest dump

A kilometer banner protest dump BOGOR: Hundreds of Bojong Mekarsari villagers protested on Monday against the Jakarta administration's plan to open a garbage dump site in their area by unfurling a one-kilometer-long banner. The villagers urged motorists passing their area to sign the banner supporting the rejection of the plan. They said the banner would soon be handed over to the Bogor administration.

Govt to launch road show next month to market int'l bonds

Govt to launch road show next month to market int'l bonds The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government will visit a number of major financial centers including New York, London, Singapore and Dubai next month to assess investors' interest in a planned international bonds issue, said Bank Indonesia Governor Burhanuddin Abdullah. "In mid-September we will launch a non-deal road show, as a precursor to the international bonds issue," Burhanuddin said on the sidelines of a seminar here.

Government to give free rice to drought-hit farmers

Government to give free rice to drought-hit farmers Sari P. Setiogi and M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government promised on Tuesday to distribute 20,000 tons of rice worth Rp 60 billion (US$7.5 million) and embark on labor- intensive programs for 250,000 farmers across Java who are unable to work their land because of the current drought. "We are now focusing on addressing problems resulting from the drought because it has hit Java's rice-producing belt.

S'pore, India complete talks

S'pore, India complete talks SINGAPORE: Singapore and India have completed a third round of talks for a comprehensive economic partnership with discussions on a wide range of issues, the two countries said on Tuesday. The issues discussed during the three-day talks in New Delhi which ended Monday included financial services, free trade agreement in goods as well as areas of co-operation in telecommunications, air services, tourism, education and biotechnology, they said in a statement.

Arutmin sets fixed-coupon for $300m bonds issue

Arutmin sets fixed-coupon for $300m bonds issue Dow Jones, Jakarta Indonesia's third-largest coal miner PT Arutmin has set an indicative fixed-coupon rate of between 9.25 percent and 9.50 percent per year on its US$300 million five-year bonds. The company will sell the bonds in the domestic market at 100 percent of face value. The funds raised will mainly be used to refinance the company's higher interest debts.

Kafi, laughing marketing guru

Kafi, laughing marketing guru T. Sima Gunawan, Contributor, tabita@cbn.net.id Kafi Kurnia was talking about corruption during a radio program last week when he suddenly burst into laughter. One of the listeners, became upset and immediately called the radio station to warn him to be more serious in addressing such problems. Kafi apologized, explaining that he had no intention to laugh at anyone. Indeed, Kafi laughs a lot.

Indonesia's security law

Indonesia's security law Powerful arguments are being raised in Indonesia's ruling circles in favor of a punitive security law that its advocates say is necessary to prevent terrorist acts. It will permit preventive detention of persons regarded as threats to state security, an old law with which Singaporeans and Malaysians are familiar.

U.S. provides antiterror equipment

U.S. provides antiterror equipment DENPASAR, Bali: The United States government handed over 60 metal detectors and 30 under-car mirrors to the Bali Police on Tuesday in an effort to improve the local police's capability in preventing any terror attack. Bombs rocked the resort island on Oct. 12 last year, killing 202 people, mostly foreigners. Seven U.S. citizens were among those who perished in the blasts. U.S. Vice Consul Philip Antweiler stated the equipment worth Rp 330 million reflected U.S.

'I'm unhappy about water company's poor service'

'I'm unhappy about water company's poor service' This year, the prolonged dry season across Java, including Jakarta, has caused a water shortage. The government has warned the public that it may get worse still. It has been reported that water levels at Jatiluhur reservoir, Purwakarta, West Java, are dropping by 20 centimeters per day. If this continues, it will inevitably affect the water supply to city-owned tap water company PDAM in Jakarta.

Hamzah launches VP center

Hamzah launches VP center JAKARTA: Vice President Hamzah Haz inaugurated on Tuesday the Vice President Center, a non-governmental organization which will provide an alternative forum for communication between the government, people and private sector in dealing with problems facing the nation.

Council chief arrested for graft

Council chief arrested for graft Oyos Saroso HN, The Jakarta Post, Bandarlampung, Lampung Prosecutors in Lampung province forcibly detained the Tanggamus legislative council speaker on Tuesday for allegedly defying their summonses for questioning as a suspect in a corruption case. Muaz Munziri, 50, from the Golkar Party, was arrested at around 2:30 p.m. and immediately moved to a cell at the Lampung Prosecutor's Office.

Day of fires leaves hundreds homeless: A massive fire burned down

Day of fires leaves hundreds homeless: A massive fire burned down 165 houses in the coastal area of Belawan in Medan on Tuesday, leaving hundreds of people homeless. Later in the evening, another fire destroyed five-story shops along on Jl. Sekip in the North Sumatra provincial capital. No casualties were reported, but losses inflicted by the incidents reached billions of rupiah.

GAM establish embassy on Vanuatu : Report

GAM establish embassy on Vanuatu : Report The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has asked Vanuatu to clarify a report that the Free Aceh Movement has been allowed to establish a representative office on the small south-west Pacific islands nation. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said in Jakarta on Tuesday that the government would file a strong protest if the report was true.

Law professor to chair Constitutional Court

Law professor to chair Constitutional Court A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jimly Asshiddique, a professor of law at the University of Indonesia, was elected on Tuesday as chairman of the newly established Constitutional Court. Meanwhile, Laica Marzuki, a judge at the Supreme Court, was voted deputy chairman of the Constitutional Court in an internal election that lasted more than three hours on Tuesday. Laica was absent from the election due to illness.