Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 17 September 2003

73 articles found

Six killed in landslide, 3 missing

Six killed in landslide, 3 missing Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung Six people were killed after a landslide swept away eight houses located on the slope of a deforested hill, Patrol, in Wangonjaya village, Cikalong Wetan regency, near Bandung, late on Monday. Rescue workers and local residents are still searching for three people missing in the disaster, which took place during heavy rain.

Taufik refuses to formally lead PDI-P

Taufik refuses to formally lead PDI-P BENGKULU: Taufik Kiemas, the husband of President Megawati Soekarnoputri, rejected a suggestion from several members of the Indonesia Democratic Party for Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) to become the party's deputy chairman. "Some senior party members and party branches have agreed to my nomination as PDI Perjuangan deputy chairman. But, it would be seen as nepotism," he said during a visit to Bengkulu on Tuesday.

Antam sells $200m bonds at 7.875%

Antam sells $200m bonds at 7.875% Dow Jones, Jakarta Indonesia's state-owned gold and nickel mining company PT Aneka Tambang, or Antam, on Tuesday sold US$200 million of bonds at 7.875 percent, the top end of the indicative range, a source close to the deal told Dow Jones Newswires. The seven-year bonds, which have a four-year call option, carry a fixed coupon of 7.375 percent.

Election for people, not parties

Election for people, not parties From Media Indonesia The President in our country will later be directly elected, but this is reportedly to be conducted in (two) phases. In this way, the emergence of axes of political parties and "money politics" may recur. Also, a rift within the House of Representatives (DPR) is imminent. In order to prevent such developments, the presidential election should be held only once and the one winning majority of votes should become president.

Preventing children from having major injuries around house

Preventing children from having major injuries around house Donya Betancourt, Pediatrician, Jakarta Did you know that injuries are the greatest threat to the life and health of your child? The good news is that you can prevent most major injuries. Accidents often occur because parents are not aware of what their children can do. Children learn fast, and before you know it your child will be wiggling off a bed or reaching for your cup of hot tea.

Laksamana lambastes ludicrous lawmakers

Laksamana lambastes ludicrous lawmakers Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State Minister for State Enterprises Laksamana Sukardi erupted in anger on Tuesday during a hearing with House of Representatives legislators, blaming them as the main culprits behind the government's failure to meet the privatization target and schedule. "How can we work if you (the legislators) keep on wasting our time by asking insignificant questions, and ... quarreling with each other.

Tongkang plans $90m, Rp 225b bonds

Tongkang plans $90m, Rp 225b bonds JAKARTA: Indonesia's PT Pertamina Tongkang, the shipping unit of national oil and gas company Pertamina, on Tuesday said it's issuing US$90 million denominated bonds in the local market, less than $100-$150 million originally expected. Instead Pertamina Tongkang will offer Rp 225 billion (US$26.5 million) worth of rupiah bonds, as demand for those bonds in the local market is stronger, people close to the deal said.

'RP-U.S. ties not only on terror'

'RP-U.S. ties not only on terror' PHILIPPINES: The United States President George W. Bush's visit to the Philippines next month will go "beyond mere concerns over terrorism," and will advance mutual interests in the region, President Gloria Arroyo said on Tuesday. "This visit goes beyond mere concerns over terrorism. It is about the mutuality of Philippine and U.S. interests in peace, security and development, regionally and globally," Arroyo said in a statement.

Rini roundly criticizes rich countries

Rini roundly criticizes rich countries The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Commenting on the collapse of the World Trade Organization (WTO) talk in Cancun last week, Minister of Industry and Trade Rini M.S. Soewandi expressed her disappointment towards developed countries, saying Indonesia would focus more on developing countries as alternative markets.

It is ironic that despite being an agricultural country with

It is ironic that despite being an agricultural country with farmers consisting the majority of its population, Indonesia remains to be the world's largest food importer. Every year, the country imports at least 2 million tons of rice, 1.6 million tons of sugar, and 1.3 million tons of soybean. This means that rice, sugar and soybean supplies remain insufficient to meet the country's demands. Why should this happen?

Cricket

Cricket Jakarta Cricket Association League Sunday's matches Senayan CC bt Rebdoers by 7 wickets Rebels CC bt Country Woods CC by 8 wickets

'Drought-hit E. Timor needs food aid'

'Drought-hit E. Timor needs food aid' EAST TIMOR: Drought-hit highland villagers in East Timor will need US$2.7 million in emergency food aid in the coming months, the World Food Program said on Tuesday. Two years of drought has cut maize production by 30 percent, leaving subsistence farmers in East Timor vulnerable to food shortages, the United Nations agency said, appealing for food aid.

15 killed in two accidents in S. Sumatra

15 killed in two accidents in S. Sumatra PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: At least 15 people died and several others were injured in two traffic accidents that occurred on South Sumatra highways over the weekend, police and residents reported on Tuesday. An Isuzu Panther van was seriously damaged when it collided with a Lorena bus plying the Jakarta-Padang route in Terawas village, Musi Rawas regency, on Sunday, killing all five people aboard the van. None of the bus passengers were seriously injured.

Police claim enough evidence on Gunawan plot

Police claim enough evidence on Gunawan plot The Jakarta Post, Jakarta City police chief detectives Sr. Comr. Mathius Salempang revealed on Tuesday that police had collected sufficient evidence to charge businessman Gunawan Santosa for the murder of PT Aneka Sakti Bakti (Asaba) president director Boedyharto Angsono on July 19. "So we won't have to depend on Gunawan's statements to confirm his involvement in the murder as we have gathered sufficient evidence," Mathius told The Jakarta Post.

Finance ministers meet in Brunei

Finance ministers meet in Brunei BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Commonwealth finance ministers annual meeting began on Tuesday in the Brunei capital with the focus on the global economy in the wake of the WTO trade talks failure in Mexico. Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon said the World Trade Organization's (WTO's) inability to create a new multilateral trading accord during heated negotiations at the Mexican resort town of Cancun would cast a shadow over the Bandar Seri Begawan gathering.

15 killed in two accidents in S. Sumatra

15 killed in two accidents in S. Sumatra PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: At least 15 people died and several others were injured in two traffic accidents that occurred on South Sumatra highways over the weekend, police and residents reported on Tuesday. An Isuzu Panther van was seriously damaged when it collided with a Lorena bus plying the Jakarta-Padang route in Terawas village, Musi Rawas regency, on Sunday, killing all five people aboard the van. None of the bus passengers were seriously injured.

Observers slam KPU for lack of transparency

Observers slam KPU for lack of transparency Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A number of organizations criticized on Tuesday the General Elections Commission (KPU) for its failure to consult the public in many of its roles. "We respect KPU members who are independent and credible.

Komnas to submit May riot report

Komnas to submit May riot report JAKARTA: The ad hoc team of the National Commission of Human Rights given a mandate to investigate the May 1998 riots was scheduled to submit its findings to the Attorney General's Office (AGO) next week, according to the team's chairman. Solahuddin Wahid said that his team would submit the results of the inquiry to Attorney General M.A. Rachman for further investigation.

Strike fear into enemies of Islam, says Mahathir: Muslims should

Strike fear into enemies of Islam, says Mahathir: Muslims should pursue knowledge to strike fear in the enemies of Islam and avoid being labeled terrorists, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Tuesday. Mahathir told a gathering of young Muslims from 57 countries that they should learn modern science and technology to prevent Islam from being humiliated and regarded as "a religion of terrorists". "We need weapons to strike fear in the hearts of our enemy," he said.

Indonesia sets up National Halon Bank

Indonesia sets up National Halon Bank Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In observance of the 16th International Ozone Day, Indonesia inaugurated a National Halon Bank in a bid to help achieve the country's target of eliminating the use of ozone-depleting products (ODPs) by 2007. Halon, a gas that is usually used by the aviation industry, is included on the ODP list.

'Police arrests human rights'

'Police arrests human rights' A number of persons have reportedly disappeared or been forcibly taken into custody by the police due to their alleged terrorist links. Rights groups have lambasted the police moves as violations of basic human rights. The Jakarta Post asked some residents about the latest police response to the terrorist threat. Hasan, 35, is the father of five children and works as a newspaper vendor in Grogol, West Jakarta.

Fire dept opposes underground market plan

Fire dept opposes underground market plan Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city fire department is worried by city-owned market operator Pasar Jaya's plan to develop a seven-story underground building at Block A of Tanah Abang market, Central Jakarta, which was destroyed by fire in February this year.

Laksamana lambastes ludicrous lawmakers

Laksamana lambastes ludicrous lawmakers Rendi A. Witular The Jakarta Post Jakarta State Minister for State Enterprises Laksamana Sukardi erupted in anger on Tuesday during a hearing with House of Representatives legislators, blaming them as the main culprits behind the government's failure to meet the privatization target and schedule. "How can we work if you (the legislators) keep on wasting our time by asking insignificant questions, and ... quarreling with each other.

The fifth ministerial conference of the World Trade

The fifth ministerial conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO), held in Cancun, Mexico on Sept. 4 to Sept. 10 did not produce any agreement. Developed states and developing countries failed to agree on agricultural products. Developed states like the U.S. and Russia, as well as European countries, wanted countries all over the world to open their markets to any agricultural product. They wanted their products to be free from any import duty.

Committee discloses problems in overseeing poll

Committee discloses problems in overseeing poll The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Elections Supervisory Committee is finding it difficult to uncover administrative violations by candidates running for seats on the Regional Representatives Council in the 2004 general elections due to a lack of witnesses willing to blow the whistle on cheaters. The committee's vice chairman Saut H.

1 x 35

1 x 35 MUI campus closed after deadly clash JP/5/lonsum 2 x 22 Rights team returns to Bulukumba for probe JP/5/fire 1 x 47 Authorities told to close Batam hotel after fires 1 x 33 Singaporean tried over fake money

China donates motorbikes to police

China donates motorbikes to police JAKARTA: The Chinese government on Tuesday donated 1,000 Chinese-made motorcycles to the Indonesian Police. The donation was accepted in a ceremony involving national police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar and the Chinese ambassador for Indonesia Lu Shumin at the national police headquarters. The Lifan brand two-seater motorcycles, which each cost about Rp 23 million (US$2,), are to be distributed to provincial police across Indonesia. -- AFP

Bridging local, German ventures

Bridging local, German ventures Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang, Banten Jochen Sautter is a key figure in the establishment of industrial and trade relations between German small and medium enterprises and their Indonesian counterparts. Sautter, 36, accepted his somewhat difficult assignment as president director of the German Center Indonesia. The center was set up by the German government's development bank, the L-Bank, which is based in Beden Wuttenberg, Germany, Sautter.

PKB warned of possible fallout in 2004

PKB warned of possible fallout in 2004 SURABAYA, East Java: A political analyst warned the National Awakening Party (PKB) of the possible fallout in the 2004 elections should it continue to turn a deaf ear to advice from ulemas at the grass roots. Analyst M. Asfar, from state-run Airlangga University, said that his three months of research had indicated to him that ulemas, who are also the party's main patrons, had begun to show dismay at a number of the party's policies.

Singaporean tried over fake money

Singaporean tried over fake money ID Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya The Surabaya District Court, East Java, started hearing on Tuesday the trial of a Singaporean accused of possessing counterfeit dollars with a total face value of US$3,000. Prosecutor Hari Utomo accused Rasyid bin Abdul Rahman of violating articles 245 and 378 of the Criminal Code, which carry a maximum jail term of 19 years in total.

Creating employment

Creating employment opportunities From Suara Karya As Indonesia struggles to emerge from economic crisis, unemployment has reached alarming levels. On Jan. 28, 2002, as many as 50 million Indonesians were unemployed. As job opportunities become more difficult to find, the ASEAN Free Trade Area will soon begin. This means that Indonesians must compete with foreigners in the labor market. If we fail in this competition, we will degenerate into a nation of servants.

Election for people, not parties

Election for people, not parties From Media Indonesia The President in our country will later be directly elected, but this is reportedly to be conducted in (two) phases. In this way, the emergence of axes of political parties and "money politics" may recur. Also, a rift within the House of Representatives (DPR) is imminent. In order to prevent such developments, the presidential election should be held only once and the one winning majority of votes should become president.

Matahari eyes Singapore's premier retailer

Matahari eyes Singapore's premier retailer Deutsche Presse-Agentur Singapore Thailand's Central Group, Filipino tycoon John Cokongwei and Indonesian's Lippo Group are among the front-runners said to be keen on buying the retail operations of Singapore's Robinson and Co., it was reported on Tuesday. The city-state's premier retailer said last Friday it plans to sell its operations under Robinsons and John Little as well as the Marks & Spencer franchise that it operates in Singapore and Malaysia.

Payday for top N. Sulawesi officials

Payday for top N. Sulawesi officials MANADO, North Sulawesi: The North Sulawesi provincial administration has allocated at least 2.59 percent of its 2003 budget on what are termed "tactical funds" for the governor, deputy governor and council speaker. As detailed in Governor A.J. Sondakh's decision on budget allocations, this year's provincial budget amounts to more than Rp 350 billion (US$41.17 million), of which over Rp 9 billion will be devoted to the tactical funds.

Prima Alloy to issue Rp 150b bonds

Prima Alloy to issue Rp 150b bonds JAKARTA: Indonesia's PT Prima Alloy Steel said on Tuesday it plans to issue Rp 150 billion (US$17.7 million) of five-year bonds Oct. 20 to raise working capital and repay debt. The steel-maker said in a prospectus published in a local newspaper that the bonds will be listed on Surabaya Stock Exchange on Nov. 3. The bonds' coupon hasn't been decided, it said. It has named PT Sucorinvest as the lead underwriter for the issue.

Taufik refuses to formally lead PDI-P

Taufik refuses to formally lead PDI-P BENGKULU: Taufik Kiemas, the husband of President Megawati Soekarnoputri, rejected a suggestion from several members of the Indonesia Democratic Party for Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) to become the party's deputy chairman. "Some senior party members and party branches have agreed to my nomination as PDI Perjuangan deputy chairman. But, it would be seen as nepotism," he said during a visit to Bengkulu on Tuesday.

Civil society must stop war

Civil society must stop war Aguswandi, Indonesia Human Rights Campaign TAPOL, London The scholar Kirsten Schulze was right to point out that the conflict in Aceh after all is political (The Jakarta Post, Aug. 28). Unless the political problem is settled, the war in Aceh will never end. This is also the case with the conflicts in Papua and in other places in Indonesia.

House passes new money-laundering legislation

House passes new money-laundering legislation Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives passed on Tuesday a new money- laundering law to help the country avoid financial sanctions from developed nations. "The new law is aimed at combating money laundering, as well as other related crimes," Minister of Law and Justice Yusril Ihza Mahendra told reporters.

Governor conducts unaanounced security checks on public places

Governor conducts unaanounced security checks on public places The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso and entourage paid surprise visits on six sites on Tuesday to check their readiness to prevent terrorist attacks. Of the six sites -- the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, World Trade Center building, Jakarta Hospital, Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX), Ciputra Hotel and Horison Hotel -- the governor praised the JSX security system as the best.

Iraq set to attend OPEC meeting

Iraq set to attend OPEC meeting DUBAI: OPEC member Iraq is set to attend the country's first postwar oil cartel meeting next week, giving further international recognition to Baghdad's U.S.-backed Governing Council. "Dr Ibrahim (Bahr al-Uloum) and a delegation are going to Vienna," a source close to Uloum, the Iraqi oil minister, told Reuters. He did not say whether Baghdad would hold full voting member or observer status at the Sept. 24 meeting.

'Foreign mafia' eyes Papua trees

'Foreign mafia' eyes Papua trees MANOKWARI, Papua: A nongovernmental organization Forest Watch Indonesia (FWI) has warned against the presence of a "foreign mafia" said to be aiming to cut down Papuan forests as many of the forested areas in western parts of Indonesia have been largely denuded. FWI Executive Director Togu Manurung said on Tuesday the group has been lobbying Papuan authorities to give them the green light for illegal logging in the province's rainforests.

Balaraja to have agro terminal

Balaraja to have agro terminal TANGERANG: An agricultural terminal will be built in Balaraja district, Tangerang regency, to distribute agriculture products from Banten province to Jakarta. Head of the Banten provincial Development Planning Board (Bappeda) Adang K. Ahmad said on Tuesday that the development would be a joint project with the Jakarta administration. Jakarta will finance the development while Banten will provide the land for the terminal.

Creating employment

Creating employment From Suara Karya As Indonesia struggles to emerge from economic crisis, unemployment has reached alarming levels. On Jan. 28, 2002, as many as 50 million Indonesians were unemployed. As job opportunities become more difficult to find, the ASEAN Free Trade Area will soon begin. This means that Indonesians must compete with foreigners in the labor market. If we fail in this competition, we will degenerate into a nation of servants.

'BRI to get 30% of IPO proceeds'

'BRI to get 30% of IPO proceeds' Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government may allow state-owned Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) to keep around 30 percent of the proceeds from the sale of the bank's shares so that it can strengthen its capital base. State Minister of State Enterprises Laksamana Sukardi said that the government was still assessing BRI's financial performance in a bid to find the right level of funds needed by the bank.

1. Burhan (3 x 12

1. Burhan (3 x 12 Top officials on White Paper road show 2. Speak ( 2 x 32) What do analysts, businesses say about government's post-IMF program? Fauzi Ichsan, chief economist of Standard Chartered Bank Indonesia Anton Gunawan, chief economist of Citibank Group Indonesia Sofjan Wanandi, chairman of the Association of Indonesian Employers Apindo) Indra Ibrahim, executive director of the Indonesian Textile Association (API) 3. WTO (2 x 22) Rini roundly criticizes rich countries

Authorities told to close Batam hotel after fires

Authorities told to close Batam hotel after fires Fadli, The Jakarta Post, Batam, Riau Calls grew on Tuesday for authorities on the industrial island of Batam in Riau province to close down the four-star Harmoni Hotel after it experienced two fires in one week. The first fire broke out in the hotel's ninth floor ballroom on Sept. 7, killing at least one Singaporean and three Indonesians. Then on Monday, dozens of workers and guests were injured in a fire on the hotel's second floor.

Activist arrest protested

Activist arrest protested The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A Muslim organization has protested the recent arrest of 13 activists whom the police have allegedly linked with terrorists and a string of terrorist attacks in the country. The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) said it was upset by the arrests, claimed that they were done without proper procedures while a Muslim politician strongly urged the police to present evidence that the detainees were linked to terrorists.

* Headlines: High Court upholds Amrozi's death sentence 2

* Headlines: High Court upholds Amrozi's death sentence 2 * National: Clear definition sought on role of truth commission 4 * Archipelago: MUI campus closed after deadly clash 5 * Opinion: WTO a threat to the rich 7 * City: Fire dept opposes underground market plan 8 * Sports: Victorious Singh knocks Tiger off top 9 * World: China to launch first manned space flight 11 * Business: Leaders seek global recovery at Dubai talks 15 * Features: Feeling depressed? Blame it to the gene 18

ASEAN to back common regional market: Goh

ASEAN to back common regional market: Goh Agence France-Presse, Singapore Southeast Asian leaders are likely to approve a common regional market when they meet in Bali next month, Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong said in comments reported on Tuesday. "I think the leaders will endorse this idea in Bali," Goh said in an interview with the British-based Financial Times, citing rising competition from China and India as strong incentives for the united position.

Zurich sells RI business to Manulife

Zurich sells RI business to Manulife ZURICH: Swiss insurance group Zurich Financial Services said on Tuesday that it had sold its life insurance business in Indonesia to Manulife Indonesia, as it continued to shift its focus to key markets. The terms and conditions of the sale will not be disclosed, Zurich said in a statement. Zurich Life Indonesia had 110,000 policy holders and generated US$7.5 million (6.6 million euros) in premiums.

IBRA sells 20% more of Bank Niaga

IBRA sells 20% more of Bank Niaga The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) said on Tuesday it had sold a 20 percent stake in PT Bank Niaga through the stock market for Rp 441.8 billion (US$52 million). IBRA's chairman Syafruddin Temenggung said local investors bought 88 percent of the stake, while the remaining 18 percent were purchased by foreign investors. "This is in line with the market placement's purpose of prioritizing local investors," Syafruddin said.

Will the proposed AKSN work?

Will the proposed AKSN work? Hans Vriens, Managing Director, APCO Indonesia, Jakarta Recently a plenary session of the legislature reviewed a new draft bill to introduce a national health insurance in Indonesia, the so-called AKSN (Asuransi Kesehatan Sosial Nasional). The aim of this scheme is to provide improved, basic (but unspecified) health care services in Indonesia. It is being presented as a way of providing free health care to all Indonesians, including the poor and the needy.

Where to go in Surabaya, for Wednesday, September 17, 2003

Where to go in Surabaya, for Wednesday, September 17, 2003 Exhibitions * Fine Arts, Taman Budaya Surabaya, Jl. Gentengkali 85 Surabaya (Tel. 031-5342128), 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., until Sept. 17. * Posters Water for Water, CCCL - French Cultural Center, Jl. Darmokali 10 (Phone: 031 5615246), until Sept. 20. * Maritime Exhibition by students of ITS - Surabaya Institute of Technology, CCCL - French Cultural Center, Sept. 25 - 30. Film * Short Films, CCCL - French Cultural Center, Jl.

Clear definition sought on role of truth commission

Clear definition sought on role of truth commission Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Lawmakers deliberating the bill on truth and reconciliation were urged on Tuesday to clearly define gross human rights violations to ensure that the proposed truth and reconciliation commission would help strengthen national unity.

STPDN, IIP to merge this year

STPDN, IIP to merge this year JAKARTA: The Home Ministry is expected to complete the merger of the Public Administration Institute (STPDN) in Bandung, West Java, and the Institute for State Administration Science (IIP) later this year, according to a ministry spokesperson. I Nyoman Sumaryadi said that the merger had been planned for two years, and it had nothing to do with the recent problems at STPDN that claimed one life.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________ Rupiah Rates Sept.16 _________________________________________________________________________________________ Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 5,970.28 5,299.90 5,665.07 5,604.88 Brunei dollar 1 5,117.97 4,545.40 4,856.33 4,806.97 Canadian dollar 1 6,559.05 5,825.22 6,223.74 6,160.43 Swiss franc 1 6,503.34 5,775.34 6,170.88 6,107.68 Danish krone 1 1,364.25 1,211.45...

High Court upholds Amrozi's death sentence

High Court upholds Amrozi's death sentence Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali The Denpasar High Court has decided to uphold the death sentence handed down to Amrozi, the first person convicted in the Bali bombings, but his defense lawyers vowed to appeal the decision yet again to the Supreme Court. "We just received the authorized copy of that decision today, although the High Court had come to that decision on Friday, Sept.

Top economic authorities to hold overseas road shows

Top economic authorities to hold overseas road shows Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Three of the country's top economic officials will begin a road show on Wednesday that will take them to the world financial centers of New York, London and Dubai. The road show is part of efforts to maintain investor confidence in the economy, particularly after the International Monetary's economic bailout program ends later this year.

Leisure turns to tragedy

Leisure turns to tragedy The death of the spokesman for Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA), Raymond van Beekum apparently shocked the media. As most of IBRA activities relating with media had been handled by Raymond and his colleague. Raymond's death also related to media activity. He invited journalists to join a kind of workshop at a hotel in Lido, Ciawi, West Java.

Russia delivers two Mi-35 assault choppers

Russia delivers two Mi-35 assault choppers The Jakarta Post Jakarta Following the delivery of four Sukhoi jet fighters late last month, two Mi-35 assault helicopters Indonesia purchased from Russia along with the warplanes arrived in Jakarta on Monday. The helicopters, which will join the Army's Flight Division in Semarang, Central Java, were unloaded from Russian cargo planes at Halim air base in East Jakarta. "The new helicopters will enhance the defense capabilities of our flight division.

Civilians involved directly in hunt for GAM rebels

Civilians involved directly in hunt for GAM rebels Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam The ongoing military operation in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam (NAD) appears to now be directly involving the participation of civilians, with around 1,000 villagers from Leupung district in Aceh Besar regency being drafted in to join troops in hunting down Free Aceh Movement (GAM) rebels hiding in the nearby forest.

WTO failure: Doha Agenda minus 'development'

WTO failure: Doha Agenda minus 'development' Mari Pangestu, Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Jakarta The recent failure of the WTO Ministerial Meeting in Cancun to agree to move forward, reflects on the continual lack of regard of the major members of the WTO, to the interests and concerns of developing countries. By the eleventh hour, there was just not enough on the table regarding developing countries -- the majority of WTO's 146 members.

Rp 80 trillion needed for fired discharged civil servants

Rp 80 trillion needed for fired discharged civil servants M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government would require the huge sum of up to Rp 80 trillion (US$9.5 billion) to cover the severance payments of tens of thousands of civil servants dismissed for being unproductive. Sofwan Chudhorie, a member of House of Representatives Commission II on home affairs, from the National Awakening Party (PKB) faction, said the amount would be earmarked for such payments.

Rights team returns to Bulukumba for probe

Rights team returns to Bulukumba for probe Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post, Makassar, South Sulawesi A National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) team arrived back in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Tuesday to further investigate reports of human rights violations in Bulukumba regency, where at least two protesters were shot to death in July. The team, which includes Hasballah M. Saad and M.M. Billah, is scheduled to return to Bulukumba for three days of investigations.

'Mahathir's views must be studied'

'Mahathir's views must be studied' MALAYSIA: Students at a Malaysian university must take a mandatory course starting next year to familiarize them with outgoing Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's thoughts on topics such as globalization, economic management and Islam, an official said on Tuesday.

'Mahathir's views must be studied'

'Mahathir's views must be studied' MALAYSIA: Students at a Malaysian university must take a mandatory course starting next year to familiarize them with outgoing Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's thoughts on topics such as globalization, economic management and Islam, an official said on Tuesday.

RP unemployment rate rises to 12.7%

RP unemployment rate rises to 12.7% MANILA: The Philippines' jobless rate rose to 12.7 percent in July, the government said on Tuesday. The figure was half a percentage point higher than the 12.2 percent unemployment rate in April, and 1.5 percentage points above the year-earlier figure of 11.2 percent, the National Statistics Office said in a statement. It gave no explanation. About 34.8 percent of the labor force is employed in agriculture, while 48.6 percent are in the services sector.

What do analysts, business say about government's post-IMF program?

What do analysts, business say about government's post-IMF program? The White Paper on the government's post-IMF program, which sets out the guidelines to be followed by the government in its bid to secure the recovery of the country's economy once the existing IMF bailout program ends later this year, draws praise and concern from analysts and businesspeople. The following are the comments compiled by The Jakarta Post's Fitri Wulandari.

House Commission to summon generic drug producers

House Commission to summon generic drug producers Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives (DPR) Commission VII is planning to summon domestic producers of generic drugs to shed light on the recent price hike of the commodity. Deputy chairman of Commission VII Surya Chandra Surapaty said on Tuesday the commission needed detailed information about the move and planned to summon the producers next month.

UMI campus closed after deadly clash

UMI campus closed after deadly clash Andi Hajramurni and Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Makassar/Bandung The administrators of the Indonesian Muslim University (UMI) declared a two-day vacation on Tuesday after a student was killed by fellow students on the campus in Makassar, South Sulawesi. Ikhlas "Dindong" Ismail, a 25-year-old student at the School of Agriculture, was beaten and stabbed to death in the clash on Monday night.

The death of Kartini: Facing up to history

The death of Kartini: Facing up to history Terence H. Hull, Professor, Demography Program, Australian National University, Canberra For the last 100 years the story of Raden Ajeng Kartini has inspired generations of school children. Her achievements in opening schools for young girls have been commemorated in numerous ways. She is a popular, though frequently misunderstood, hero. She is regarded both as a hero of education, and a symbol for women's roles as housewives and mothers.

Team to select Papua's rights delegates

Team to select Papua's rights delegates JAYAPURA, Papua: The Papuan provincial legislature will soon form a team to select members of the Papua branch of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), councillors said on Tuesday. Paskalis Kossay, the secretary of the provincial council's human rights committee, said the selection team would comprise councillors, members of non-governmental organizations and journalists.

Where to go in Surabaya, for Wednesday, September 17, 2003

Where to go in Surabaya, for Wednesday, September 17, 2003 Exhibitions * Fine Arts, Taman Budaya Surabaya, Jl. Gentengkali 85 Surabaya (Tel. 031-5342128), 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., until Sept. 17. * Posters Water for Water, CCCL - French Cultural Center, Jl. Darmokali 10 (Phone: 031 5615246), until Sept. 20. * Maritime Exhibition by students of ITS - Surabaya Institute of Technology, CCCL - French Cultural Center, Sept. 25 - 30. Film * Short Films, CCCL - French Cultural Center, Jl.