Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 22 August 2003

82 articles found

The savior of Bank Mandiri, Garuda

The savior of Bank Mandiri, Garuda Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The name Robby Djohan seems to be lost in the euphoria of the initial public offering of Bank Mandiri, the largest bank in Southeast Asia. The launching of his book The art of a turnaround: Kiat-kiat Restrukturisasi (tips on restructuring) at QB Bookstore in Kemang, South Jakarta in June was a modest one. No media uproar. Only family, close friends and colleagues attended.

KPU allocates 550 House seats for 32 provinces

KPU allocates 550 House seats for 32 provinces Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The General Elections Commission (KPU) announced on Thursday the allocation of 550 seats of the House of Representatives for 30 provinces with five new provinces securing at least three seats through the 2004 legislative elections. KPU chairman Nazaruddin Syamsuddin said that the KPU was somewhat late in allocating the seats, as it had to be accurate in the counting because the issue was a sensitive one.

Australia-RI to co-host regional counterterrorism summit in 2004

Australia-RI to co-host regional counterterrorism summit in 2004 Australian Prime Minister John Howard (left) meets in his office with Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda. During the meeting on Thursday, the two discussed plans to co- host an Asia-Pacific regional summit early next year to help better coordinate the fight against terrorism. Foreign Minister Alexander Downer also met with his counterpart Hassan to discuss the proposal in details.

JI has 300-man attack force

JI has 300-man attack force Agencies Jakarta/Bangkok/Sydney, Australia The Southeast Asian Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) militant group has at least 300 fighters trained in the Philippines and Afghanistan, a senior Indonesian police officer said on Thursday. The leader of the group, linked to Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda and suspected of involvement in a string of attacks including last year's Bali bomb blasts, was arrested in Thailand last week.

Medan records 21 deaths from AIDS

Medan records 21 deaths from AIDS MEDAN, North Sumatra: At least 21 people have died from AIDS -related illnesses in Medan, North Sumatra, since records began in 1994, Medan Health Office head Herman Shadeck said on Thursday. Another 64 had HIV/AIDS and were being treated, he said. "All the people with HIV are currently under our supervision along with non-governmental organizations," he told The Jakarta Post.

BI expects lending rate to fall to 13% by year-end

BI expects lending rate to fall to 13% by year-end The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bank Indonesia Governor Burhanuddin Abdullah expects the bank lending rate to drop to around 13 percent by the end of this year following the cutting by the central bank of its benchmark interest rate to a record low. Speaking at a business forum on Thursday, Burhanuddin said that lower lending rates would make loans more affordable to the corporate sector, and also reduce excess liquidity in the banking industry.

Advertorial: Global Jaya

Advertorial: Global Jaya Focus Issue: Sunday - August 24, 2003 Sekolah Global Jaya teaches students to be Critical Thinkers "Indonesia is yet to be prosperous... but I love it." is part of a poem that was written to commemorate the 58th Indonesian Independence Day. The writer is not a professional poet, nor one who is experiencing the pinch of the prolonged economic crisis, but an elementary student of the well respected Sekolah Global Jaya (Global Jaya School).

Priceless proposal by govt

Priceless proposal by govt Doubtless, Sari Setiogi's front-page article Learn to speak Bahasa Indonesia or pack your bags! (The Jakarta Post, Aug. 15) is fodder for further bewilderment as to the priorities of the government at a time of national crisis.

House factions criticize, want revision of budget draft

House factions criticize, want revision of budget draft The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A number of factions in the House of Representatives have criticized the draft 2004 state budget, saying it is will not stimulate the economy or improve the quality of life for civil servants in Indonesia. "Golkar demands the government help improve the welfare of the civil servants in the 2004 budget," Golkar spokesperson Ahmadi Noor Supit told a plenary session on Thursday.

Ba'asyir emotionally denies involvement in terrorist acts

Ba'asyir emotionally denies involvement in terrorist acts The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Alleged leader of regional terrorist network Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) Abu Bakar Ba'asyir emotionally denied on Thursday any knowledge of the terror group he has been accused of leading, saying the "terrorist state of America" has stage-managed his treason trial.

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, August 22, 2003

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, August 22, 2003 Exhibitions * Photo The Transfixed Spectator, by Kassian Cephas, Erasmus Huis, Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said, Kav S-3, Kuningan, South Jakarta (Tel. 5241069), until Aug. 30. * Caricature Menafsir Kemerdekaan by Augustin Sibarani, Galeri Milenium, Diamond Plaza, Blok B-23, Jl. R.S. Fatmawati No. 15, South Jakarta (Tel. 7507828), until Aug. 31. Performances * Classic Ballet, Jazz and Modern Dance by Marlupi Dance Company, Gedung Kesenian Jakarta, Jl.

'JI has 300-man attack force'

'JI has 300-man attack force' Agencies, Jakarta/Bangkok/Sydney, Australia The Southeast Asian Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) militant group has at least 300 fighters trained in the Philippines and Afghanistan, a senior Indonesian policeman said on Thursday. The leader of the group, linked to Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda and suspected of involvement in a string of attacks including last year's Bali bomb blasts, was arrested in Thailand last week.

Indosat to issue bonds, cut down debt burden

Indosat to issue bonds, cut down debt burden The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia's second largest telecommunications firm, PT Indonesia Satellite Corp. (Indosat), will issue bonds this year to help refinance its debt and to fund the merger of its cellular units. President of Indosat Widya Purnama told reporters on Thursday that the company would issue rupiah and dollar-denominated bonds worth Rp 3 trillion (US$352 million) and US$300 million.

Bogor to host classical music concert

Bogor to host classical music concert BOGOR: The Ensemble Belliniano quintet will perform at the Novotel Coralia Hotel in Bogor on Friday evening to commemorate the 59th anniversary of Indonesian independence. Head of the quintet, Corrado Ratto, said that the group would also perform at the Erasmus Huis on Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said, South Jakarta, and the Italian Cultural Institute on Jl. HOS Cokroaminoto, Central Jakarta.

'Disney Channel' brings Asian legends to life

'Disney Channel' brings Asian legends to life Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In the beginning there were nine suns scorching the Earth. The Moon felt sorry for the people of Earth and helped them trick the father Sun into eating the other suns. This is the story of Why the Sun Chases the Moon, based on Indonesian folklore for the Disney Channel series Legends of the Ring of Fire. Legends is a series of animated short stories locally produced by the Disney Channel in Asia.

Bamus fails to hold first meeting

Bamus fails to hold first meeting JAKARTA: The House of Representatives steering committee (Bamus) failed to hold its first meeting on Thursday after most of its members did not show up. Only 18 of the 76 Bamus members showed up for the meeting, arranged to determine the date on which President Megawati Soekarnoputri was due to explain the loss of Sipadan and Ligitan islands to Malaysia in December last year.

Special task forces set up to fight drug trafficking

Special task forces set up to fight drug trafficking Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The National Police and the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) set up a special task force on Thursday to fight the prison drug trade. The task force -- comprising police officers, BNN officials and prisons guards -- will eventually work in 2,400 prisons across the country, following a pilot project at the Cipinang, Salemba and Tangerang penitentiaries.

Fire department, so important yet neglected

Fire department, so important yet neglected Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The increasing number of fires across the capital and the lack of fire hydrants has apparently not stayed the hand of the Jakarta administration in cutting the budget for the Jakarta Fire Department. The administration has proposed slashing its 2003 fire prevention and fire fighting budget from Rp 201.511 billion (US$24 million) to Rp 184.33 billion.

BI to host numismatic show

BI to host numismatic show JAKARTA: The Bank of Indonesia (BI) will hold a numismatic exhibition from Aug. 25 to Aug. 29, featuring the bank's collection of coins and banknotes from the ancient Javanese Majapahit kingdom. The exhibition will be open for public view at the Wisma Candra building in the BI office complex on Jl. Kebon Sirih, Central Jakarta.

On daylight savings

On daylight savings David Beins' reply to my letter (The Jakarta Post, Aug. 4) made some useful points. True, we know that the number of daylight hours are not affected by clock changes, but the times we switch lights on and off are altered. It still seems to me that we use much more electricity at 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. than at 6 a.m. to 7 a.m., as all the lights are on in the evenings and not nearly so many in the early morning hours.

TV Today: Friday, August 22, 2003

TV Today: Friday, August 22, 2003 .TB.30" .90" TVRI .tb .30" .90" 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 English News Service 9:00 Religious Teachings 10:00 Quiz: Dibisikin 11:30 Music 12:00 p.m. News: Berita Siang 1:00 Talk Show: Konsultasi Keluarga 2:30 Music 3:00 Children Show 4:00 Music 5:00 Variety Show 6:00 News 7:00 Hallo, Indonesian Press 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 9:30 Music 10:30 TV Drama TPI 6:00 a.m.

City only spends 25% of budget

City only spends 25% of budget Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city council criticized on Thursday the administration's poor performance in realizing their projects, as was indicated by their meager spending of only 24.52 percent of the Rp 11.07 trillion (US$1.3 billion) budget in the first half of this year.

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

1. KPU: 48 pt, 3 cols, 3 x 18 KPU allocates 550 House seats for 32 provinces 2. BAASYIR: 36 pt, 4 cols, 2 x 30 Ba'asyir emotionally denies involvement in terrorist acts 3. FIRE: 28 pt, 2 cols, 2 x 20 Fire department, so important yet neglected

Malaysia denies it harbors terrorists, blames Indonesians for militancy

Malaysia denies it harbors terrorists, blames Indonesians for militancy Agencies, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia on Thursday lashed out at a growing perception it is harboring terrorists, saying it was not a base for the al-Qaeda network and blaming Indonesians for inspiring Islamic militancy in the country. The majority Muslim nation has been stung by reports that two Malaysians played major roles in bomb attacks in Indonesia, blamed on the al-Qaeda-linked Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) network.

PDI-P to fire convicted councillor

PDI-P to fire convicted councillor PURWOKERTO, Central Java: The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) will likely recall the speaker of the Banyumas legislative council, Tri Waluyo Basuki, from the regency legislature for disciplinary offenses. He was sentenced to 2.5 years in jail for attempting to intervene in a court order relating to a plot of land in 2001.

Akbar clears Golkar screening for presidency

Akbar clears Golkar screening for presidency A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Golkar Party announced on Thursday the 19 people who will contest the convention held to select the party's presidential candidates, including its chairman Akbar Tandjung. Akbar, who was sentenced to three years in jail for corruption involving the State Logistics Agency (Bulog), qualified for the convention, thanks to the lax rules of the game.

Constitutional Commission not as big as its name

Constitutional Commission not as big as its name Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta The 2003 Annual Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) resulted in a controversial decision on the constitutional commission, a body which most people were hoping would help in the drafting of a new constitution. State administrative law expert Denny Indrayana of Gadjah Mada University, who is also a PhD candidate at the University of Melbourne in Australia, shared his views on the issue.

Ferinanto wins fifth stage of Tour d'ISSI

Ferinanto wins fifth stage of Tour d'ISSI Suherdjoko, The Jakarta Post, Semarang Indonesian riders dominated the 146-kilometer fifth stage of the cycling Tour d'ISSI on Thursday from Pekalongan to Semarang, taking all three podium positions. Ferinanto of Eest Java matched his stage three triumph to take his second stage of the race. He averaged 42.82 kilometers per hour to cover the stage in two hours, 25 minutes and 44 seconds.

* Headlines:KPU allocates 550 House seats for 32 provinces2

* Headlines:KPU allocates 550 House seats for 32 provinces2 * National:House to revise autonomy legislation 4 * Archipelago:C. Irian Jaya to be declared a province 5 * Opinion:Constitutional commission not as big as its name 7 * City:City only spends 25% of budget 8 * Sports:Pak seeks to defend third title of season at Wachovia 9 * World:Factions name businessman to head Liberia to peace 11 * Business:Group urges WTO farm compromise 16 * Features:'Disney Channel' brings Asian legends to life 18

KL mulls temporary stay for Acehnese

KL mulls temporary stay for Acehnese Agencies, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia is reviewing plans to deport some 250 detained Acehnese asylum seekers and may grant them temporary stay, Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said on Thursday. Although it is not Malaysia's policy to protect asylum seekers, Abdullah said the situation of the migrants from the war-torn Indonesian province of Aceh has to be given serious consideration.

Drug business still operates in Tangerang penitentiary

Drug business still operates in Tangerang penitentiary Multa Fidrus The Jakarta Post Tangerang Drug dealing is certainly a profitable business, making it irresistible to inmates of the Tangerang penitentiary. They can operate quite efficiently from behind bars, seemingly undeterred by death sentences, already handed down by the Tangerang District Court.

House to amend Jamsostek law

House to amend Jamsostek law JAKARTA: The House of Representatives (DPR) has agreed to revise the existing Workers' Social Insurance (Jamsostek) law to promote transparency and open up an opportunity for the private sector to set up a similar institution. During a House plenary meeting here on Thursday, House factions called for an improvement in Jamsostek's services, including increased benefits for workers.

House to amend Jamsostek law

House to amend Jamsostek law JAKARTA: The House of Representatives (DPR) has agreed to revise the existing Workers' Social Insurance (Jamsostek) law to promote transparency and open up an opportunity for the private sector to set up a similar institution. During a House plenary meeting here on Thursday, House factions called for an improvement in Jamsostek's services, including increased benefits for workers.

Xuanze awards win to Wimpie

Xuanze awards win to Wimpie Agence France-Presse, Singapore World champion Xia Xuanze pulled out of a third round clash with Indonesian youngster Wimpie Mahardi at the US$170,000 Singapore Open badminton tournament Thursday complaining of a strained calf muscle. The injury was likely the result of late matches on the opening day of the tournament Wednesday when Xia had to fight through three games against Malaysian veteran Ong Ewe Hock in a match that started well after midnight.

Govt cancels dismissal of civil servants

Govt cancels dismissal of civil servants Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has canceled a plan to cut the number of civil servants by up to 60 percent, but will adopt a stricter recruitment process for new state employees. "There will no mass dismissal of existing civil servants but we shall limit the recruitment of new employees," Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Jusuf Kalla told a media conference after a Cabinet meeting on Thursday.

Govt, ADB to channel $85m in loans for SMEs

Govt, ADB to channel $85m in loans for SMEs Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will channel US$85 million in loans for small- and medium-scale exporters across the country by the end of this year, in a bid to promote economic growth and job creation. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) form the backbone of the Indonesian economy.

ICW to list corrupt politicians

ICW to list corrupt politicians PADANG, West Sumatra: Indonesian Corruption Watch (ICW) chairman Teten Masduki disclosed on Thursday that his office planned to publish a list of corrupt politicians, as well as evidence of their misdeeds. The publication, he said, was designed to help voters identify which politicians should be shunned in next year's general elections.

Fire guts market in Surabaya

Fire guts market in Surabaya SURABAYA: A fire destroyed at least 114 shops in the Pabean traditional market in Surabaya, East Java, on Wednesday evening, causing billions of rupiah in damage. Police have not established the cause of the fire. The fire, which started at 6 p.m after the market had closed, took crews from 12 fire engines three hours to extinguish. There were no injuries.

Crew missing, foul play suspected

Crew missing, foul play suspected TAIWAN: Taiwan suspects foul play in the disappearance of the crew of a fishing trawler that was found empty near the Indonesian island of Java, authorities said on Thursday. The ship, which disappeared late last month, was found on Wednesday. Its "crew, cargo of fish, and equipment were all missing," said fisheries official Sha Chih-yi, who suspected theft or piracy.

Fire guts market in Surabaya

Fire guts market in Surabaya SURABAYA: A fire destroyed at least 114 shops in the Pabean traditional market in Surabaya, East Java, on Wednesday evening, causing billions of rupiah in damage. Police have not established the cause of the fire. The fire, which started at 6 p.m after the market had closed, took crews from 12 fire engines three hours to extinguish. There were no injuries.

Foreign firms to repay $7b debt

Foreign firms to repay $7b debt JAKARTA: Offshore debt repayment by foreign companies in Indonesia is expected to rise to US$7 billion next year from around $5 billion this year, Bank Indonesia said on Thursday. The nation's central bank said that the increase indicates improving performance of these companies after the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis forced them to reschedule debt repayments.

1. ROBBY: 1 x 35

1. ROBBY: 1 x 35 The savior of Bank Mandiri, Garuda 2. HANSON: 2 x 30 Hanson: from fish and chips to politician, and now prison

Imron rues straying from Islam

Imron rues straying from Islam Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali A key suspect in the Bali bombings said on Thursday the bomb attack on Bali last year was the result of a misinterpretation of jihad. Ali Imron, standing trial for his involvement in the bombings, told the Denpasar District Court he had made a grave mistake in executing the terror attacks, which claimed 202 lives, mostly foreigners, and injured over 300 others.

checked

checked Introducing Starbucks DoubleShot Iced Shaken Espresso A Singularly Intense Experience in a Small Glass Customers in Indonesia can now enjoy a totally 'intense' taste experience with the introduction of Starbucks DoubleShot Iced Shaken Espresso. A distinctly unique ice cold coffee experience, Starbucks DoubleShot is hand-shaken and hand-crafted with a difference - a special treat for customers seeking a singularly bold infusion of espresso.

Heading Page 4, August 22

Heading Page 4, August 22 1. OTDA (4 X 12) House plans to revise autonomy legislation 2. GOLKAR (2 X 21) Akbar clears Golkar test for presidency 3. FUND (2 X 24) Public participation sought for monitoring party funding 4. PNS (2 X 20) Govt cancels dismissal of civil servants

House plans to revise autonomy law

House plans to revise autonomy law Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta To be consistent with the newly enacted law on direct presidential election, the House of Representatives will propose the direct election of regional heads in its draft revision of the Regional Autonomy Law. House Commission II on legal and home affairs has set up a team to draft the revision, focusing on this particular issue.

C. Irian Jaya to be declared a province

C. Irian Jaya to be declared a province Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura, Papua Despite opposition from the Papua administration, local officials are pressing forward with their plan to declare the Central Irian Jaya province on Saturday, with the support of the central government. The declaration will be marked by the unveiling of a sign bearing the name of the new province in front of the Graha TSD building in Timika, the capital of Mimika regency.

Police detain 26, burn 49 houses in forest raid

Police detain 26, burn 49 houses in forest raid Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post. Bandung Villagers in the West Java regency of Garut have accused police of detaining families and burning down their houses during a raid on illegal settlers. At least 26 farmers were detained by the Garut Police and 49 houses burned down during the police operation, the protesters said. Dozens of local farmers were arrested during the raid on Aug.

Jakarta office cost 2nd cheapest

Jakarta office cost 2nd cheapest Occupancy costs for prime office space in Asian cities are the lowest in Manila, Jakarta and Bangkok, a study showed on Thursday in Singapore. Among 14 cities covered by the CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) findings, Grade A office space was 0.84 U.S. cents per square foot at the end of June in the capital of the Philippines. Next was 1.01 U.S. in Jakarta and 1.02 in Bangkok. Occupancy cost is rent inclusive of service charges and taxes.

JSX to delist Manly

JSX to delist Manly JAKARTA: The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) announced on Thursday that it would delist shares of troubled financial service company PT Manly Unitama Finance on Sept. 26. JSX said that the decision was taken due to the firm's inability to sustain future operations as signaled by the disclaimer in its 2002 audited financial report.

Peso sliding too fast: official

Peso sliding too fast: official MANILA: Finance Secretary Jose Isidro Camacho expressed concern on Thursday that the Philippines peso may be depreciating too steeply, too fast. The unit hit a new 31-month intraday low on Thursday at 55.250 pesos to the greenback after hitting record closing lows for the past two days. "There are fundamental reasons for the dollar-peso exchange rate to rise, but it should not reach a level that we are seeing now," Camacho said in a radio interview.

Farewell gift for city councillors

Farewell gift for city councillors There is much controversy surrounding a demand by Jakarta councillors for an end-of-term clothing allowance of Rp 435 million. If granted, each of the 85 councillors would get more than Rp 5 million for their farewell outfit. Common people are probably curious about just what kind of outfit costs that much. For certain individuals, expensive clothes costing millions of rupiah are the norm. But these people work hard to earn the money to buy the clothes.

JP/5/papua

JP/5/papua C. Irian Jaya to be declared a province JP/5/garut 3 x 15 Police detain 26, burn 49 houses in forest raid JP/5/bandung 1 x 39 West Java councillors to face graft probe

[b]

Take care when reading Megawati's lips Kornelius Purba Staff Writer The Jakarta Post Jakarta korpur@yahoo.com 2. Iraq -- U.S. and UN in Iraq 2 X 30 The future of America and the United Nations in Iraq Jonathan Steele Guardian News Service London

Foreign firms to repay $7b debt

Foreign firms to repay $7b debt JAKARTA: Offshore debt repayment by foreign companies in Indonesia is expected to rise to US$7 billion next year from around $5 billion this year, Bank Indonesia said on Thursday. The nation's central bank said that the increase indicates improving performance of these companies after the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis forced them to reschedule debt repayments.

Australia-RI plan regional counter-terrorism summit early 2004

Australia-RI plan regional counter-terrorism summit early 2004 Agence France-Presse Sydney, Australia Australia and Indonesia on Thursday discussed plans to co-host an Asia-Pacific regional summit early next year to help better coordinate the fight against terrorism. Foreign Minister Alexander Downer met his Indonesian counterpart Hassan Wirayuda in Canberra to discuss the proposal.

West Java councillors to face graft probe

West Java councillors to face graft probe Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung Prosecutors will summon at least eight members of the West Java legislative Council for questioning next week in a graft case involving Rp 33 billion (US$3.9 million) after Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno issued permission to do so.

Aritonang to head NTB Police

Aritonang to head NTB Police JAKARTA: National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Edward Aritonang was inaugurated on Thursday as chief of the West Nusa Tenggara Police, replacing Brig. Gen. Jacki Ully, who will head the National Police school for high-ranking officials. Edward has served in the National Police public information division for about three years. His name caught public attention when he become the spokesman for the National Police investigative team working on the 2002 Bali bombings.

BI to host numismatic show

BI to host numismatic show JAKARTA: The Bank of Indonesia (BI) will hold a numismatic exhibition from Aug. 25 to Aug. 29, featuring the bank's collection of coins and banknotes from the ancient Javanese Majapahit kingdom. The exhibition will be open for public view at the Wisma Candra building in the BI office complex on Jl. Kebon Sirih, Central Jakarta.

RI to ratify tobacco convention

RI to ratify tobacco convention JAKARTA: The government is set to endorse the UN Framework on Convention of Tobacco Control (FCTC) to strengthen efforts to reduce the number of smokers in the country. Minister of Health Achmad Sujudi said, after a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, that with the endorsement, the government should further discuss new regulations to limit smoking habits.

TV Today: Friday, August 22, 2003

TV Today: Friday, August 22, 2003 .TB.30" .90" TVRI .tb .30" .90" 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 English News Service 9:00 Religious Teachings 10:00 Quiz: Dibisikin 11:30 Music 12:00 p.m. News: Berita Siang 1:00 Talk Show: Konsultasi Keluarga 2:30 Music 3:00 Children Show 4:00 Music 5:00 Variety Show 6:00 News 7:00 Hallo, Indonesian Press 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 9:30 Music 10:30 TV Drama TPI 6:00 a.m.

JP/4/GOLKAR

JP/4/GOLKAR Akbar clears Golkar screening for presidency A'an Suryana The Jakarta Post Jakarta The Golkar Party announced on Thursday the 19 people who will contest the convention held to select the party's presidential candidates, including its chairman Akbar Tandjung. Akbar, who was sentenced to three years in jail for corruption involving the State Logistics Agency (Bulog), qualified for the convention, thanks to the lax rules of the game.

President orders immediate distribution of free-rice

President orders immediate distribution of free-rice Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Ainur R. Sophiaan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Surabaya President Megawati Soekarnoputri ordered Cabinet ministers on Thursday to start emergency measures by Monday to help people who are suffering due to the drought across Java. The priority program will be the distribution of 20,000 tons of free rice for 250,000 farmers who cannot work their land and the dispatch of more water tanks.

Asian monies mostly up, new closing low for peso

Asian monies mostly up, new closing low for peso Dow Jones, Singapore The Philippine peso bucked the regional trend to fall to an all-time closing low for the third straight day on Thursday, undermined by continued political and security concerns. Other Asian currencies firmed on the back of stronger stock markets and the yen's gains against the dollar and the euro.

Contradictions in Papua

Contradictions in Papua Buried somewhere in the lengthy, state-of-the-nation speech by the President, made on Aug. 15 to the House of Representatives, was a casual reference to the situation in Papua. The fact that President Megawati Soekarnoputri used the term "Papua" instead of "Irian Jaya" indicates that she was aware of the existence of Law No. 21/2001. In fact, she signed that law, which established special autonomy in Papua province.

'I stay up all night to wait for water'

'I stay up all night to wait for water' The water shortage in the capital -- due to the prolonged dry season and the drought in Java -- has forced some Jakartans to buy the water that they had previously been able to get from the tap. The situation is a burden on people who are already struggling to provide for their families. The worst part of it is that many have consigned themselves to the hardship, believing that they can expect nothing better from life in Jakarta.

Internal Security Act

Internal Security Act From Koran Tempo After a bomb exploded at the JW Marriott Hotel in Kuningan, South Jakarta, Defense Minister Matori Abdul Djalil came up with the idea of enforcing something like Malaysia's and Singapore's Internal Security Act (ISA) to deal with terrorism and separatism in Indonesia. This idea has received mixed responses from various groups in society. Those against this act argue that the current anti- terrorism act is sufficient to deal with terror in this country.

Canberra and Jakarta agree to host terror summit

Canberra and Jakarta agree to host terror summit Peter O'Connor Associated Press Canberra Australia and Indonesia will host a regional terror conference early next year, foreign minister Alexander Downer said on Thursday after meeting his Indonesian counterpart. "We agreed that Australia and Indonesia would co-host a regional ministerial conference on counter terrorism early next year and we've been able to work through some of the broad details of who would be invited ...

Bali bombings initially slated for Sept. 11, 2002

Bali bombings initially slated for Sept. 11, 2002 The group of terrorists responsible for the bombings in Bali's resort area of Kuta initially intended to detonate the 1,025 kilograms of explosives on Sept. 11 2002 to commemorate the first anniversary of the al-Qaeda-sponsored attack on the World Trade Center in New York, defendant Ali Imron admitted on Thursday.

PLN told to delay power plants overhaul

PLN told to delay power plants overhaul Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government will delay the planned overhaul of a number of power plants to avoid shortfalls in power supply during the current, prolonged dry season. "We have ordered PLN to delay its overhaul plans.

Less women in higher education

Less women in higher education DENPASAR: Notwithstanding the number of women in higher education, gender equity is declining, says a top official. "Gender equity should therefore be focused on the implementation of regional autonomy," said H. Yusuf, the deputy for gender equity at Office of the State Minister for Women's Empowerment, in Denpasar on Thursday. Promoting gender equity and women's empowerment is one of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) targeted by the United Nations since 2000.

Asian states to step up 'eGovernment' spending: report

Asian states to step up 'eGovernment' spending: report Agence France-Presse Singapore Annual spending by Asia-Pacific governments on the electronic delivery of services is projected to exceed US$1.4 billion in four years' time, an independent report said Thursday. Governments in the region will assign a higher priority to spending in this area after realizing that it can sharpen an economy's competitive edge, technology research house International Data Corp. (IDC) said.

AGO cancels probe into high-profile graft cases

AGO cancels probe into high-profile graft cases A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Attorney General's Office (AGO) has decided to halt its investigation into alleged corruption by former strongman Soeharto's cronies Prajogo Pangestu and Djoko Ramiadji, and his daughter Siti "Tutut" Hardiyanti Rukmana. Meanwhile, the AGO has also decided to charge former state minister for state-owned enterprises Tanri Abeng for alleged corruption involving seaport operator PT Pelindo II.

Groups urges WTO farm compromise

Groups urges WTO farm compromise Agence France-Presse, Geneva Brazil, India and China on Wednesday led a group of developing countries in unveiling new joint proposals on how to reform global farm trade as negotiators race to find a compromise weeks from a crucial meeting of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

West Seno begins first pumping

West Seno begins first pumping EL SEGUNDO : Unocal Corporation today said that its Unocal Makassar, Ltd., subsidiary has begun oil production from Phase 1 of the company's deepwater West Seno project offshore East Kalimantan, Indonesia. West Seno is the first deepwater oil and gas project in Indonesia. Current production from West Seno is 14,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd) and 18 million cubic feet (MMSCFD) per day of gas from the first four wells put on production.

Govt oks Pertamina's crude deal

Govt oks Pertamina's crude deal SINGAPORE: State-owned oil company Pertamina has obtained approval from Indonesia's finance minister to proceed with a crude processing deal with Singapore Petroleum Co. (P.SPC). The deal is aimed at covering a shortfall in domestic production when Pertamina's Balongan refinery undergoes maintenance while reducing its reliance on buying oil products from the spot market.

Fitri Wulandari

Fitri Wulandari The Jakarta Post Jakarta The government will delay the planned overhaul of a number of power plants to avoid shortfalls in power supply during the current, prolonged dry season. "We have ordered PLN to delay its overhaul plans. All power plants must be prepared to take appropriate action in the event of a severe drought," Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro said on Thursday, referring to the state- owned electricity company.

Take care when reading President Megawati's lips

Take care when reading President Megawati's lips Kornelius Purba, Staff Writer, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta, korpur@yahoo.com People in Papua and Aceh need to learn from Americans about the proper way of "reading" their leaders' lips. As a campaign gimmick to convince voters that he would not raise taxes when he was elected, U.S. president, George Bush Sr. became famous for his trademark phrase "Read my lips" in 1988. Later he also used a popular song with the theme Don't worry, be happy. Bush Sr.

West Seno begins first pumping

West Seno begins first pumping EL SEGUNDO : Unocal Corporation today said that its Unocal Makassar, Ltd., subsidiary has begun oil production from Phase 1 of the company's deepwater West Seno project offshore East Kalimantan, Indonesia. West Seno is the first deepwater oil and gas project in Indonesia. Current production from West Seno is 14,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd) and 18 million cubic feet (MMSCFD) per day of gas from the first four wells put on production.

Dialog used to urge polluters to change

Dialog used to urge polluters to change Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta "Living in a polluted area is like dying a slow death," said Priyanto, a resident of heavily polluted Rawa Terate subdistrict near Jakarta International Estate Pulogadung (JIEP) in North Jakarta.

Satelindo launches MMS

Satelindo launches MMS JAKARTA: Cellular operator PT Satelit Palapa Indonesia (Satelindo) launched on Thursday its multimedia messaging service for customers to send text, voice and pictures. "In the first phase, the service is only available to customers in Greater Jakarta. Medan, Batam, Surabaya, Bandung and Semarang will follow," Indosat's director of product and customer service S. Wimbo S. Hardjito was quoted by Antara as saying.

JSX to delist Manly

JSX to delist Manly JAKARTA: The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) announced on Thursday that it would delist shares of troubled financial service company PT Manly Unitama Finance on Sept. 26. JSX said that the decision was taken due to the firm's inability to sustain future operations as signaled by the disclaimer in its 2002 audited financial report.