Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 29 August 2003

79 articles found

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug.28,2003

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug.28,2003 ______________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ______________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,050 -125 8,000 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 105 5 3,888,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 130 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 145 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 950 -25 196,500 Alter Abadi Tbk 20 0 5,874,000 Alumindo...

Press impartiality in Aceh

Press impartiality in Aceh The information disclosed by new media watchdog Aceh News Watch on Wednesday that most national newspapers and television stations had failed to practice the very basic media principles of impartiality and coverage of both sides in a conflict in their reportage of the war in Aceh surprises no one.

Indonesian proficiency

Indonesian proficiency Reading through Cathy Jones's article on Aug. 22 titled Priceless proposal by govt, I remember the good old colonial days under the Dutch. Westerners invited to an Indonesia dinner refused to touch "native" food and demanded Western food instead. But the world has since changed. More and more expatriates are trying to master the Indonesian language.

Central gov't flouting law of land

Central gov't flouting law of land The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Papua/Denpasar Experts have finally begun to step up criticism of the government for violating its own laws on Papua, saying that it would only spark further legal uncertainty and become a divisive issue for the people, especially the residents of Papua. Constitutional law expert Sri Soemantri asserted that the government could not just arbitrarily enact Law No.

Tyranny in Jakarta

Tyranny in Jakarta The eviction of squatters living in 1,500 houses in Jembatan Besi, Tambora, West Jakarta two days ago was a "war" between the people and the security apparatus. Some people had to be taken to the hospital after sustaining injuries. The city administration and the owner of the land occupied by the people refused to claim responsibility for the forced eviction. Who then should be responsible for this? It would take a long debate to get an answer to this question.

KPU, DPR to discuss seat allocation

KPU, DPR to discuss seat allocation JAKARTA: The General Elections Commission (KPU) said on Thursday it would consult with the House of Representatives over a controversial article in the 2003 elections law on the distribution of seats in the House. KPU deputy chairman Ramlan Surbakti said the KPU had three alternatives -- seeking a Supreme Court opinion, seeking a government regulation in lieu of law and passing a KPU decree -- to resolve the controversy.

* Headlines:Fourth casualty fall in bloody Timika clash 2

* Headlines:Fourth casualty fall in bloody Timika clash 2 * National:RI demands direct access to Hambali 4 * Archipelago:'Logging mafia to profit from new bylaw 5 * Opinion:Cuba's paradox: Castro's beacon to the world 7 * City:NGO activists condemn squatter evictions 8 * Sports:Sony tumbles out as Taufik on course for first title 9 * World:No bilateral talks with N. Korea: U.S. 11 * Business:World tourism may reach 2002 level 16 * Features:Don't ask Broadway stars how much money they make 20

JP/4/disable

JP/4/disable Disabled demand access to jobs Moch. N. Kurniawan The Jakarta Post Jakarta The Indonesian Association of the Disabled (PPCI) urged employers in the country on Thursday to comply with a law requiring that one percent of their workforces be made up of disabled people. "We have long been complaining about our difficulties in getting jobs on account of out physical disabilities," PPCI executive Gufran Sakaril said after a meeting with Vice President Hamzah Haz.

Teachers to go back to campus

Teachers to go back to campus The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Some 500 elementary school teachers of state schools will have the chance to go back to university as the city administration and the Ministry of National Education are launching a program to send them to the University of Indonesia (UI) to enable them to earn a degree. The Jakarta education and training office head, Ahyat M.

Police demand direct access to Hambali

Police demand direct access to Hambali Fabiola Desy Unidjaja The Jakarta Post Jakarta The police are demanding for the direct and independent interrogation of Indonesian-born terror-suspect Riduan Isamuddin alias Hambali, who is currently under United States' custody. National Police Chief Gen.

Suspected 'putauw' dealer arrested

Suspected 'putauw' dealer arrested BEKASI: Police arrested a man on Thursday accused of dealing putauw (low-grade heroin) in a soccer field in Bintara Jaya, West Bekasi. Bekasi Police chief of detectives Adj. Comr. Rasino said the suspect, identified as Dody Chandra, was arrested after police received a report from local residents. Rasino said residents told police Dody, 25, was dealing drugs in the field.

Tanjung Priok rights tribunal to begin

Tanjung Priok rights tribunal to begin Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak The Jakarta Post Jakarta After 19 years of waiting, justice seekers may witness the opening of an ad hoc human rights tribunal on the Sept. 12, 1984 bloodshed in Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta. The Jakarta Human Rights Court appointed on Thursday a five- member panel of judges to oversee the hearing, which will be presided over by Andi Samsan Nganro, a career judge from the Central Jakarta District Court.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug.28,2003

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug.28,2003 ______________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ______________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,050 -125 8,000 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 105 5 3,888,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 130 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 145 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 950 -25 196,500 Alter Abadi Tbk 20 0 5,874,000 Alumindo...

TNI wants a squadron of Sukhoi jets next year

TNI wants a squadron of Sukhoi jets next year Fabiola Desy Unidjaja Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Following the arrival of two Russian-made Sukhoi jets on Wednesday and another two this weekend, the Indonesian Military (TNI) plans to purchase at least another 10 next year to build a complete squadron of Sukhoi warplanes. TNI Chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto said on Thursday that the new squadron will provide TNI with adequate air defense.

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, August 29, 2003

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, August 29, 2003 Exhibitions * The Voices on Paper, Galeri Lontar, Jl. Utan Kayu 68H, East Jakarta (Tel. 8573388), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., until Aug. 31. * 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.

JP/8/SPEAK

JP/8/SPEAK 'Both parties are wrong' or 'Evictions will improve capital's image' Thousands of squatters in Jembatan Besi, West Jakarta, grieved over the recent demolition of their makeshift houses. The squatters had been living since 1998 in the 5.5-hectare plot of land owned by PT Cakra Wira Bumi Mandala, when some 1,500 police, military and city public order officers, allegedly assisted by hired men, used force in evicting them.

Loans to SMEs to meet target: BI

Loans to SMEs to meet target: BI The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The central bank said on Thursday that up until the first semester, the banking sector had extended around Rp 19 trillion (about US$2.29 billion) in new loans to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and was on track to meet the full-year loan target of Rp 42.3 trillion. "We're confident the (full-year) target can be achieved.

Police launch two-month war against drug trafficking

Police launch two-month war against drug trafficking The Jakarta Post Jakarta City Police Detectives revealed on Thursday that they were intensifying action against drug pushers, in a joint effort with other police divisions, including the mobile brigade and intelligence divisions. "The operation, under the police code name Antik Jaya (anti narcotics raid) started on July 15 and will run for two months," said City Police Detective chief for Drugs, Adj. Sr. Comr. Carlo Brix Tewu.

City to build dorm for street children

City to build dorm for street children JAKARTA: The city administration plans to build a dormitory in Rawabuaya, West Jakarta, for street children, an official said. The head of psychological services at the City Welfare Agency, Syarifuddin Mahfudz, said the dormitory would be able to house between 600 children and 1,000 children. "We hope construction of the dormitory will be completed by the end of this year," Mahfudz said.

Minister pledges speedy labor dispute settlement

Minister pledges speedy labor dispute settlement M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta To rectify past mistakes when resolution of labor disputes could take years to complete, Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Jacob Nuwa Wea vowed on Thursday that the bill on industrial dispute settlement currently being deliberated by the House of Representatives would produce a speedy outcome.

Retno takes lead by 6 shots

Retno takes lead by 6 shots JAKARTA: Leading Indonesian amateur from Jakarta Retno Mustari surged ahead for a 4-under 68 (34 34) early lead in the 25th Indonesia Ladies Amateur Open Golf Championship (ILAOGC) in Palembang on Thursday. Retno, who has played for the country in many international events, including the prestigious Sirikit Cup, opened the round with three fine birdies to finish the opening nine at 2-under par. On the back nine, she had three more birdies and a another bogey.

17 to be dismissed for joining parties

17 to be dismissed for joining parties KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: The provincial administration vowed on Thursday to dismiss civil servants who also serve as executives of political parties. "Our data shows at least 17 civil servants in Southeast Sulawesi have become executives of political parties," secretary of the provincial administration La Ode Nsana said.

On expats and 'Bahasa'

On expats and 'Bahasa' This letter is in regards to the recent letters written by expats complaining about the proposal by the government to require all foreigners to speak Bahasa Indonesia. While I agree that the proposal is a little short-sighted, it points to a bigger issue. I know of many expats living here for many years none of whom can speak a lick of the Bahasa.

2-month blitz against drug trafficking launched

2-month blitz against drug trafficking launched The Jakarta Post, Jakarta City Police Detectives revealed on Thursday that they were intensifying action against drug pushers, in a joint effort with other police divisions, including the mobile brigade and intelligence divisions. "The operation, under the police code name Antik Jaya (anti narcotics raid) started on July 15 and will run for two months," said City Police Detective chief for Drugs, Adj. Sr. Comr. Carlo Brix Tewu.

34 named suspects in council rampage

34 named suspects in council rampage PALU, Central Sulawesi: Police said on Thursday they had named at least 34 suspects in an attack on the Buol Legislative Council and its speaker Amran Batalipu in Central Sulawesi earlier this month. The suspects, including 23 students, were among the 59 people arrested after the assault on Dec. 16 during a demonstration by thousands of people at the council. Spokesman for the Central Sulawesi Police Adj. Sr. Comr.

Police launch two-month war against drug trafficking

Police launch two-month war against drug trafficking The Jakarta Post Jakarta City Police Detectives revealed on Thursday that they were intensifying action against drug pushers, in a joint effort with other police divisions, including the mobile brigade and intelligence divisions. "The operation, under the police code name Antik Jaya (anti narcotics raid) started on July 15 and will run for two months," said City Police Detective chief for Drugs, Adj. Sr. Comr. Carlo Brix Tewu.

Unity against terror sought

Unity against terror sought M. Jegathesan, Agence France-Presse, Kuching, Malaysia Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri agreed to step up cooperation in the fight against terrorism during talks here on Thursday. "We agreed to cooperate in defense and intelligence sharing to ensure national security. We spoke of the need for closer cooperation in the fight against terrorism," Mahathir told a joint news conference.

Govt move only hardens Papuans's determination

Govt move only hardens Papuans's determination Neles Tebay, Pontifical University of Urbaniana, Rome The controversial plan to divide Papua into three provinces was delayed on the heels of the fatal clashes following the announcement of the Central Irian Jaya province in Timika. Yet while the controversial Presidential Decree No.1, 2003 on Papua's division has not been canceled, the central government needs to take into account all potential effects of its imminent materialization.

Thai PM promotes his cousin

Thai PM promotes his cousin THAILAND: Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has promoted his cousin, Gen. Chaisith Shinawatra, to the powerful position of army commander in chief in Thailand's annual military reshuffle, officials said on Thursday. The appointment list of 558 military officers was announced by state radio on Thursday and goes into effect after the officers take their oaths before King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

BPPT to start cloud seeding in October

BPPT to start cloud seeding in October Muninggar Sri Saraswati The Jakarta Post Jakarta Farmers in three provinces are hoping that their crops will soon see some rain as the result of government cloud seeding programs that are expected to be shortly instituted. The provinces of West Java, Central Java and Lampung have asked the Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT) to get the programs underway, an agency official said Thursday.

PDI-P to name day-to-day leader

PDI-P to name day-to-day leader JAKARTA: The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) appears likely to appoint someone to take over the daily leadership of the party from President Megawati Soekarnoputri. The move is seen as being aimed at helping the President deal with the daily tasks of running a major political party.

S'pore adjusts social security system to stay competitive

S'pore adjusts social security system to stay competitive Martin Abbugao, Agence France-Presse, Singapore Singapore on Thursday announced an overhaul of its social security system, slashing workers' pensions in a bid to stop jobs and investments from migrating to cheaper countries like China and India. "Our priority must be to save jobs for our people," Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong said in a televised speech in parliament on the keenly awaited reforms of the Central Provident Fund (CPF).

Message from H.E. Dato' Hamidon Ali

Message from H.E. Dato' Hamidon Ali Ambassador of Malaysia to Indonesia Malaysia celebrates its 46th National Day today. Malaysians all over the world are celebrating this joyous and auspicious occasion with pride and in the spirit of solidarity and unity. We are undertaking various activities here in Jakarta and other cities in Indonesia to celebrate this day. Bilateral relations between Malaysia and Indonesia remain warm and cordial.

'Evictions will improve city's image'

'Evictions will improve city's image' Thousands of squatters in Jembatan Besi, West Jakarta, grieved over the recent demolition of their makeshift houses. The squatters had been living since 1998 in the 5.5-hectare plot of land owned by PT Cakra Wira Bumi Mandala, when some 1,500 police, military and city public order officers, allegedly assisted by hired men used force in evicting them. The Jakarta Post talked to some city residents who witnessed the eviction.

Court back Beratha's swearing-in

Court back Beratha's swearing-in Wahyoe Boediwardhana and I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno on Thursday swore in Dewa Made Beratha as the Bali governor for the 2003-2008 period as a court on the same day dismissed a suit against his reelection after allegations of bribery.

'Logging mafia to profit from new bylaw'

'Logging mafia to profit from new bylaw' Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan, North Sumatra The North Sumatra legislative council approved on Thursday a controversial bylaw on spatial planning for the province, which critics say fails to protect the interests of people and allows illegal loggers to denude protected forests.

Experience is best teacher for Taufik

Experience is best teacher for Taufik The Jakarta Post, Batam, Riau Taufik Hidayat learned a lot from his disappointing flop at the World Badminton Championships in Birmingham last June as was evident as he ousted Bao Chun Lai in their third round match at the Indonesian Open here on Thursday. The Indonesian number 1 and world number 9, put his World Championships debacle behind him, rolling to a relatively easy 15-4, 15-6 win over his Chinese opponent. "I tried to keep alert against a letup.

Timah enjoys profit on higher sales

Timah enjoys profit on higher sales Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After booking a loss in the first semester of last year, state-owned PT Timah, the world's largest integrated tin miner, returned to profit this semester on higher tin prices and sales volumes. Timah said in a statement on Thursday that its first half net profit jumped to Rp 47.7 billion (US$5.6 million) from a net loss of Rp 53.8 billion in the same period last year.

BPPT to start cloud seeding in three provinces in October

BPPT to start cloud seeding in three provinces in October Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Farmers in three provinces are hoping that their crops will soon see some rain as the result of government cloud seeding programs that are expected to be shortly instituted. The provinces of West Java, Central Java and Lampung have asked the Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT) to get the programs underway, an agency official said Thursday.

Mandiri's profit increases by 26%

Mandiri's profit increases by 26% Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-controlled Bank Mandiri, the country's largest bank in terms of assets, announced a 26 percent increase in first semester net profit compared to the same period last year, attributed mostly to a decline in the cost of funds and gains from the sale of government recapitalization bonds.

1. PAPUA: 48 pt, 4 cols, 2 x 24

1. PAPUA: 48 pt, 4 cols, 2 x 24 Fourth victim dies in bloody Timika clashes 2. SUKHOI: 36 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 22 TNI wants a squadron of Sukhoi jets next year 3. ACEH: 30 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 27 Military reports more deaths of civilians in Aceh province 4. ODD WORLD: 28 pt, 2 cols, 1 x 20 "Zenkey" born in Japan

Disabled demand for equal rights in work

Disabled demand for equal rights in work Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Association of the Disabled (PPCI) urged employers in the country on Thursday to comply with a law requiring that one percent of their workforces be made up of disabled people. "We have long been complaining about our difficulties in getting jobs on account of out physical disabilities," PPCI executive Gufran Sakaril said after a meeting with Vice President Hamzah Haz.

City to build dorm for street children

City to build dorm for street children JAKARTA: The city administration plans to build a dormitory in Rawabuaya, West Jakarta, for street children, an official said. The head of psychological services at the City Welfare Agency, Syarifuddin Mahfudz, said the dormitory would be able to house between 600 children and 1,000 children. "We hope construction of the dormitory will be completed by the end of this year," Mahfudz said.

Fire destroys homes at Kebon Kacang

Fire destroys homes at Kebon Kacang JAKARTA: Fire destroyed dozens of slum houses in Kebon Kacang, Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, on Thursday. No fatalities were reported. Officer in charge at the Central Jakarta Fire Department, Zaenal, said the fire occurred at about 10 a.m. in one of the houses. He said his department deployed 12 fire trucks to the scene and managed to extinguish the fire in about three hours. He added the police were still investigating the cause of the fire.

Military reports more deaths of civilian in NAD province

Military reports more deaths of civilian in NAD province Agence-France Presse, Banda Aceh/Jakarta The Indonesian military (TNI) reported on Thursday that 14 people died in the war-torn Aceh province this week, seven of them were villagers massacred by separatist rebels. More than 20 members of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) shot dead the seven residents of Gunung Semelit village in Central Aceh on Tuesday, said spokesman of the Aceh military operation, Lt. Col. Ahmad Yani Basuki.

Fourth victim dies in bloody Timika clashes

Fourth victim dies in bloody Timika clashes The Jakarta Post, Timika/Jakarta Despite police reinforcements, the death toll has now risen to four in the bloody clashes between Papuans who are in favor of and those who are against the recent formal establishment of Central Irian Jaya province. Lambertus Unioma, who was in favor of the new province, died of serious injuries at his residence in SP II village in Mimika late on Wednesday.

After Mars, telescopes parts lost in space

After Mars, telescopes parts lost in space The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Euphoria at Mars' closest encounter with Earth quickly turned sour for management of the astronomical observatory center Planetarium in the Ismail Marzuki art center in Cikini, Central Jakarta, as they realized on Thursday morning that essential parts of two telescopes were missing. The missing parts included a 40-centimeter long Starfinder telescope and an eyepiece.

Dow Jones

Dow Jones Singapore The Thai baht spiked to a fresh 13-month high Thursday, buoyed by bullish economic data and the prime minister's remarks that the currency's rise reflects economic strength and is hard to curb. Generally, it was another day of mixed performance from Asian currencies. The South Korean won and Indonesian rupiah were modestly lower, while the Singapore dollar and New Taiwan dollar were little changed.

Retno takes lead by 6 shots

Retno takes lead by 6 shots JAKARTA: Leading Indonesian amateur from Jakarta Retno Mustari surged ahead for a 4-under 68 (34 34) early lead in the 25th Indonesia Ladies Amateur Open Golf Championship (ILAOGC) in Palembang on Thursday. Retno, who has played for the country in many international events, including the prestigious Sirikit Cup, opened the round with three fine birdies to finish the opening nine at 2-under par. On the back nine, she had three more birdies and a another bogey.

RI plans to upgrade ties with E. Timor

RI plans to upgrade ties with E. Timor President Megawati Soekarnoputri is considering elevating Indonesia's diplomatic relations with East Timor and is seeking inputs from the House of Representatives (DPR) on her plan. "We've received a letter from the President seeking input from legislators," House Commission I chairman Ibrahim Ambong said here on Thursday. Commission I is in charge of, among other things, foreign relations.

TV Today: Friday, August 29, 2003

TV Today: Friday, August 29, 2003 .TB.30" .90" TVRI .tb .30" .90" 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Cartoon 8:00 Quiz 9:00 Business Magazine 10:00 Religious Teachings 11:30 Music 12:00 p.m. News: Berita Siang 1:00 Talk Show: Konsultasi Keluarga 3:00 City News 4:30 Music 5:00 Robocon 6:00 English News Services 7:00 News 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 9:30 Variety Show 10:30 Talk Show: Bincang Malam TPI 6:00 a.m.

Symposium on marine to be held

Symposium on marine to be held JAKARTA: Environmentalists from across the country will gather here on Oct. 20 and Oct. 21 for a second symposium on coastal areas, 10 years after the first symposium was held. Tridoyo Kusumastanto, director of the Center for Coastal and Maritime Resource Studies at the Bogor Institute of Agriculture, said the symposium would also be attended by fishermen, as stakeholders in coastal and maritime management.

56 companies receive environmental awards

56 companies receive environmental awards Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As many as 56 companies received awards on Thursday from the city administration for success in managing their liquid waste. Head of the City Environment Management Body (BPLHD) Kosasih Wirahadikusuh said that the companies were selected from 800 that took part in a clean liquid waste contest adjudicated by the organizing committee.

BRI plans $150m bond roadshow next month

BRI plans $150m bond roadshow next month Dow Jones, Jakarta State-owned Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) planned to start marketing its US$150 million bonds during a roadshow to be held Sept. 8-12, its president Rudjito said on Thursday. "After the road show, I hope that by the end of September, we can issue the bonds," he told reporters. He didn't give further details.

JP/4/4LABOR

JP/4/4LABOR Minister pledges speedy labor dispute settlement M. Taufiqurrahman The Jakarta Post Jakarta To rectify past mistakes when resolution of labor disputes could take years to complete, Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Jacob Nuwa Wea vowed on Thursday that the bill on industrial dispute settlement currently being deliberated by the House of Representatives would produce a speedy outcome.

Malang gets new mayor

Malang gets new mayor MALANG, East Java: Peni Suparto and Bambang Priyo were elected on Thursday as the new mayor and deputy mayor respectively of Malang, East Java, by the local legislative council. Suparto, nominated by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) and the Golkar Party, won 31 votes, defeating H.M. Noer and Poernomo who took nine votes, while another candidate Gandi Yogatama and his running mate Dewanti Ruparin Diah received only four votes.

Sony tumbles out as Taufik on course for first title

Sony tumbles out as Taufik on course for first title Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Batam, Riau Indonesian hopeful Sony Dwi Kuncoro crashed out of the US$170,000 Indonesia Open badminton championships on Thursday, leaving Taufik Hidayat the only local contender for the men's singles title at the tournament.

Marathon to buy LNG from RI firms

Marathon to buy LNG from RI firms The Jakarta Post, Jakarta U.S. Marathon Oil Corporation has agreed to purchase liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Indonesia's state-owned oil and gas company Pertamina and private-owned PT Exspan Tomori Sulawesi, according to a press release issued by the U.S. firm on Thursday. The agreement was contained in an MoU signed by Marathon's subsidiary, GNBC Ventas.

NGO Activists condemn squatter evictions

NGO Activists condemn squatter evictions Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The involvement of public order officers, policemen and military officers in the eviction of around 10,000 illegal occupants of private-owned land at Jembatan Besi area, Tambora, West Jakarta, has been protested by urban activists.

FOR ADS

FOR ADS COUNTRY PROFILE: MALAYSIA Publication: Aug 1, 20003 Malaysia - A country on the move Malaysia, located at the heart of Southeast Asia, comprises Peninsular Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo. With 25 million multi-racial and multi-cultural people living together harmoniously, Malaysia is rich in its unique blend of religions, socio-cultural activities and traditions, clothing, languages and food.

1 x 39

1 x 39 'Logging mafia to profit from new bylaw' JP/5/ugm 2 x 24 Police patrol UGM after two student groups clash JP/5/beratha 1 x 33 Court backs Beratha's swearing-in

Exhibition shows money matters

Exhibition shows money matters Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta When society invented formal currency, a new line of business also sprung up, that of the counterfeit money. A Money Fair held at Bank Indonesia's Artha Suaka Museum revealed that the business was already thriving in the 14th century Buton Kingdom.

Press impartiality in Aceh

Press impartiality in Aceh The information disclosed by new media watchdog Aceh News Watch on Wednesday that most national newspapers and television stations had failed to practice the very basic media principles of impartiality and coverage of both sides in a conflict in their reportage of the war in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam (NAD) surprises no one.

Tyranny in Jakarta

Tyranny in Jakarta The eviction of squatters living in 1,500 houses in Jembatan Besi, Tambora, West Jakarta two days ago was a "war" between the people and the security apparatus. Some people had to be taken to the hospital after sustaining injuries. The city administration and the owner of the land occupied by the people refused to claim responsibility for the forced eviction. Who then should be responsible for this? It would take a long debate to get an answer to this question.

Copyright law hits Internet business

Copyright law hits Internet business The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The new copyrights law could hamper the growth in the number of Internet users, as software products cost internet service providers more. Heru Nugroho, the secretary general of the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association (APJII), said Law No. 19/2002 on copyrights may lead to the collapse of internet services such as internet cafes, locally known as warnet.

UGM demands 'voluntary' donation

UGM demands 'voluntary' donation My younger brother passed the selection test to join Gajah Mada University (UGM) held in Senayan, Jakarta. Before taking the test, my brother did not fill in the column on the registration form specifying the amount he would give as a voluntary donation. He comes from a poor family and would never be able to afford to pay a voluntary donation ranging between Rp 2 million and Rp 10 million.

FOR ADS

FOR ADS COUNTRY PROFILE: MALAYSIA Publication: Aug 1, 20003 Malaysia - A country on the move Malaysia, located at the heart of Southeast Asia, comprises Peninsular Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo. With 25 million multi-racial and multi-cultural people living together harmoniously, Malaysia is rich in its unique blend of religions, socio-cultural activities and traditions, clothing, languages and food.

Heavy dollar buying weakens rupiah, rebound expected soon

Heavy dollar buying weakens rupiah, rebound expected soon The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The rupiah closed lower on Thursday, but dealers expect a rebound soon on renewed confidence in the economy and its improving macroeconomic fundamentals. The local currency ended at Rp 8,510 against the U.S. dollar, down from 8,455 a day earlier. Dealers attributed the decline to heavy dollar buying by companies to repay off-shore debts and import financing.

Dow Jones

Dow Jones Singapore The Thai baht spiked to a fresh 13-month high on Thursday, buoyed by bullish economic data and the prime minister's remarks that the currency's rise reflects economic strength and is hard to curb. Generally, it was another day of mixed performance from Asian currencies. The South Korean won and Indonesian rupiah were modestly lower, while the Singapore dollar and New Taiwan dollar were little changed.

Decrease in market's rice supply

Decrease in market's rice supply JAKARTA: Rice supply at the city's main market, Cipinang, in East Jakarta has reportedly decreased -- from 30,000 tons a month to 25,000 tons a month -- due to the prolonged dry season, an official said on Thursday. "Main rice suppliers in Kerawang and Cirebon, West Java could only supply 25,000 tons a month due to the dry season," the market's manager, Nasion Baktiono, said.

Tanjung Priok rights tribunal to begin

Tanjung Priok rights tribunal to begin Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After 19 years of waiting, justice seekers may witness the opening of an ad hoc human rights tribunal on the Sept. 12, 1984 bloodshed in Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta. The Jakarta Human Rights Court appointed on Thursday a five- member panel of judges to oversee the hearing, which will be presided over by Andi Samsan Nganro, a career judge from the Central Jakarta District Court.

Police patrol UGM after two student groups clash

Police patrol UGM after two student groups clash Syaiful Amin, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Dozens of police officers were patrolling Gadjah Mada University (UGM) in Yogyakarta on Thursday, a day after at least seven students were injured in a clash between two student groups. The brawl took place on Wednesday night between students from the School of Forestry and the School of Political Science (Fisipol) during orientation for new students.

Formosa to up investment in Vietnam

Formosa to up investment in Vietnam HANOI: Taiwanese petrochemical giant Formosa Plastics Group said on Thursday it will invest an additional US$212 million in Vietnam to expand its operations in the country. Chen Kun Tai, deputy general director of Hung Nghiep Formosa, the group's 100 percent Taiwanese-owned operating company in Vietnam, said the Ministry of Planning and Investment had handed over the expansion license on Tuesday.

Consumer confidence drops

Consumer confidence drops The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesian consumer confidence fell in July compared to the month before, primarily due to utility price hikes, the latest survey by the Danareksa Research Institute revealed on Thursday. The consumer confidence index (CCI) slipped to 91.7 percent in the month, a drop from 95.3 percent posted in June, the survey said.

Terrorism, a common enemy

Terrorism, a common enemy From Media Indonesia Acts of terrorism in Indonesia not only have claimed lives and material losses, but have also spoiled the nation's good name, while creating a negative image of the country -- that it is an unsafe place to visit. The failure to learn from every incident means that terror threats are always anticipated too late.

34 named suspects in council rampage

34 named suspects in council rampage PALU, Central Sulawesi: Police said on Thursday they had named at least 34 suspects in an attack on the Buol Legislative Council and its speaker Amran Batalipu in Central Sulawesi earlier this month. The suspects, including 23 students, were among the 59 people arrested after the assault on Dec. 16 during a demonstration by thousands of people at the council. Spokesman for the Central Sulawesi Police Adj. Sr. Comr.

FOR ADS

FOR ADS COUNTRY PROFILE: MALAYSIA Publication: Aug 1, 20003 Malaysia - A country on the move Malaysia, located at the heart of Southeast Asia, comprises Peninsular Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo. With 25 million multi-racial and multi-cultural people living together harmoniously, Malaysia is rich in its unique blend of religions, socio-cultural activities and traditions, clothing, languages and food.

City to build dorm for street children

City to build dorm for street children JAKARTA: The city administration plans to build a dormitory in Rawabuaya, West Jakarta, for street children, an official said. The head of psychological services at the City Welfare Agency, Syarifuddin Mahfudz, said the dormitory would be able to house between 600 children and 1,000 children. "We hope construction of the dormitory will be completed by the end of this year," Mahfudz said.

RI demands direct access to Hambali

RI demands direct access to Hambali Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The police are demanding for the direct and independent interrogation of Indonesian-born terror-suspect Riduan Isamuddin alias Hambali, who is currently under United States' custody. National Police Chief Gen.