Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 29 September 2003

51 articles found

Amien collects Rp 12.9b from supporters

Amien collects Rp 12.9b from supporters YOGYAKARTA: A three-day national gathering of the National Mandate Party (PAN) managed to collect on Saturday a total of Rp 12.9 billion (US$1.4 million) to pay for the campaign for its chairman Amien Rais' presidential bid in 2004. The fund-raising session was chaired by Amien, who is also the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) speaker. He said the money would be of great significance for the party's coffers which were currently short of fresh funds.

Houses damaged in Cirebon brawl

Houses damaged in Cirebon brawl CIREBON, West Java: A number of houses and public facilities were damaged and several people injured in a brawl between residents from two villages in Cirebon regency, West Java, on Sunday. The situation in the neighboring villages of Keraton and Sirnabaya remained tense on Sunday evening, with outsiders becoming subject to suspicion. There were no reports of casualties, but at least nine youths were being questioned by police in relation to the incident.

Seeking new ASEAN leaders at Bali Summit

Seeking new ASEAN leaders at Bali Summit C.P.F. Luhulima, Foreign Affairs Analyst, Centre for Strategic and International Studies, (CSIS), Jakarta On Oct.

On stoning

On stoning Does the open-minded Muslim community in Indonesia know that in a few days a woman in Nigeria will be executed by stoning because she had a baby out of wedlock? Will this community try to intervene through the Nigerian Embassy? A baby of two months old will be left without its mother. As a Muslim, I am ashamed of this barbaric act done in the name of our religion. G. BERTRAND Jakarta

Kutai culture festival draws to wet, wild end

Kutai culture festival draws to wet, wild end Pandaya, The Jakarta Post, Tenggarong, East Kalimantan People gathered in Tenggarong burst into cheers throughout Sunday as tens of thousands of people took to the streets, laughing, singing, dancing and good-heartedly dousing each other to mark the end of this year's Kutai culture festival, Erau, in East Kalimantan.

Follow up on BPK report urged

Follow up on BPK report urged Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Activists have called on the City Audit Agency (Bawasda) and the Jakarta Prosecutor's Office to follow up on a report by the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) concerning irregularities at six city administration agencies amounting to Rp 70.41 billion (US$8.38 million).

Police await nod from Pakistan

Police await nod from Pakistan The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Police are waiting for the green light from Pakistan to send a team to question five Indonesian students detained there on suspicion of terrorist links, Police chief Gen. Da'i Bahctiar says. Da'i said, police could not yet send the team, as there was no guarantee that it would have access to the five students. "We have set up a team, but we are still waiting.

Car inspection and illegal levies

Car inspection and illegal levies From Pos Kota Minister of Communications Agum Gumelar said earlier this month that the plan for private car inspections (for road worthiness) was being studied so that gas emission tests on private motor vehicles could not yet be conducted, while the field personnel in charge were yet to be put in order to prevent irregularities. The idea of private car inspections, I am afraid, is only meant to boost the practice of imposing illegal fees and corruption.

Bank Danamon's decision

Bank Danamon's decision It was on Aug. 11, 2003, that 24 people were selected to continue in an employee selection process at Bank Danamon, Prapatan branch, Jakarta. The job we were competing for was not that prestigious. We were asked to join the team in the Collection Section. Due to a strong desire on the part of each of us candidates to succeed in the selection process, we were prepared to be tolerant of any indignities we might be made to suffer as part of the process. On Aug.

On stoning

On stoning Does the open-minded Muslim community in Indonesia know that in a few days a woman in Nigeria will be executed by stoning because she had a baby out of wedlock? Will this community try to intervene through the Nigerian Embassy? A baby of two months old will be left without its mother. As a Muslim, I am ashamed of this barbaric act done in the name of our religion. G. BERTRAND Jakarta

PLN to disconnect electricty power of 24,453 households in Cirebon

PLN to disconnect electricty power of 24,453 households in Cirebon Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon State electricity company PT PLN in Cirebon plans to disconnect the power of 24,453 households that have refused to pay their bills for three consecutive months in protest against rotating blackouts. "We will cut off their power this week if they fail to settle their accounts," Zaenal Abidin, PLN's marketing and business manager, announced over the weekend.

Councillors in bribery allegations

Councillors in bribery allegations BOGOR: West Java Police will question 20 councillors from Bogor regency at their headquarters in Bandung on Monday following allegations of corruption related to acceptance of the 2001 accountability report of incumbent regent Agus Utara Effendi. "Police have informed councillors about the examination process although I personally have yet to receive a summons letter," said council chairman Endang Kosasih, one of the 20 involved, on Saturday.

Gus Dur faces uphill battle in quest for presidency

Gus Dur faces uphill battle in quest for presidency Tiarma Siboro and Indra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Surabaya Former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid is facing an uphill challenge in his bid to regain power, even within his National Awakening Party (PKB). The PKB chief patron was dealt a big blow on Friday evening when party executives voted against his demand for dismissal of secretary-general Syaifullah Yusuf.

Local products face fierce competition from foreign brands

Local products face fierce competition from foreign brands Rudijanto, Contributor, Jakarta "Say it with flowers" is a saying that inspires people to express their feelings through a romantic floral gesture to those they love most. But "Say it with discounts" is probably the most effective way for processed food producers to win the hearts of Indonesian consumers. Severely battered by prolonged economic turmoil, Indonesian consumers have developed a deep sensitivity to prices.

Business confidence on the rise: Danareksa

Business confidence on the rise: Danareksa The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesian business confidence rose in the June and July period for the first time since September last year, in the belief that the economy will fare better during the period of August 2003 until January 2004, according to a Danareksa Research Institute survey. The survey also revealed that the Business Sentiment Index (BSI) rose by 2.1 percent.

1. PROTEST: 48 pt, 7 cols, 1 x 42

1. PROTEST: 48 pt, 7 cols, 1 x 42 World demonstrators demand U.S. pullout of Iraq 2. RELEASE: 28 pt, 1 cols, 3 x 10 RI releases two foreign seafarers

Mahathir to retire on Oct. 31: Report

Mahathir to retire on Oct. 31: Report MALAYSIA: Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad plans to stand down at the end of next month after 22 years in power, local newspapers reported on Sunday. It is the first time the 77-year-old Mahathir -- one of the world's longest serving leaders -- has given a definitive date for his retirement, although he has long made it clear he wanted to stand down before the end of the year.

Calls for Suu Kyi's freedom mount after junta orders house arrest

Calls for Suu Kyi's freedom mount after junta orders house arrest Agence France-Presse Yangon Myanmar democracy campaigner Aung San Suu Kyi remained under house arrest Sunday amid mounting calls for her release and hopes that a visiting United Nations envoy could help secure her freedom. Security surrounding her famous University Drive villa was tight, with traffic police and military intelligence officials maintaining a 24-hour guard and barring visitors including a group of Western diplomats.

Keeping up with demands for online entertainment

Keeping up with demands for online entertainment Vishnu K. Mahmud, Contributor, Jakarta vmahmud@yahoo.com In the late 1990s, the Internet was heralded as the ultimate medium for content distribution. People could download movies, music, news and other forms of information or entertainment at the click of a mouse.

Military officer urged to return cub

Military officer urged to return cub PADANG, West Sumatra: A conservation agency called on a military officer in the West Sumatra town of Sungai Penuh to return a bear cub allegedly taken from the Kerinci Seblat National Park. Lystia Kusumawardhani, chief of the national park's office in Sungai Penuh, said the case rose when numerous people submitted reports on the presence of a bear cub in a military compound in the town.

GMG eyes flights around South Asia

GMG eyes flights around South Asia DHAKA: Bangladesh's GMG Airlines hopes to fly to other countries in South Asia if the government gives it the green light to be the first private carrier with an overseas service, a company spokesman said on Sunday. The airline, founded in 1998, will submit its application this week and is able to start international service immediately, although the go-ahead will likely take around six months, spokesman Vijay Alreja told AFP.

Police foil illegal shipment of timber

Police foil illegal shipment of timber JAKARTA: Police said on Sunday that they had managed to foil an illegal shipment of timber worth Rp 500 million in the Thousand Islands waters off north Jakarta late last week. TheDanau Hidayah II, which had been transporting the 650-cubic-meters worth of timber from Central Kalimantan toward Banten province, did not have the required documents, including the document of legal forest yield (SKSHH).

Universities move to put reform back on course

Universities move to put reform back on course Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta University communities throughout the country, particularly those in Java, have committed themselves to a nationwide "moral pressure movement" aimed at helping put the country's reform agenda back on track, says Gadjah Mada University (UGM) rector Sofian Effendi.

Mega to meet Australia's Crean

Mega to meet Australia's Crean JAKARTA: President Megawati Soekarnoputri will reportedly meet with Australian opposition leader Simon Crean Monday to discuss counterterrorism and economic issues. "I think it's terribly important that we build personal contacts, (and discuss) issues associated with terrorism, regional security, and the economic agenda," the Australian Labor Party leader told Australian Broadcasting Corp. Television on Sunday, Associated Press reported.

Next govt told to start 'anti-corruption drive'

Next govt told to start 'anti-corruption drive' Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta An expert has suggested that the government in power after the 2004 election should implement a comprehensive program to curb widespread corruption as quickly as possible in order to rescue the reform movement. "The public, who have suffered economic hardship for years, can no longer tolerate corruption.

Walhi seeks environmental tribunal

Walhi seeks environmental tribunal PALU, Central Sulawesi: The Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) urged the government on Sunday to set up an environment tribunal to deal with environmental destruction. "It (the environment tribunal) cannot be postponed," Walhi activist Harun said here on Sunday.

19 firms eye KPU's IT project

19 firms eye KPU's IT project JAKARTA: Six firms and four consortia submitted their bid for the information technology infrastructure tender with the General Elections Commission (KPU) on Saturday. The six companies were identified as PT Adhisakti Solusi Komputindo, PT Pernadi Wira Perkasa, PT Texacom Hitek System, PT Asaba Computer Center, PT Anabatik Technologies, and PT Globalindo Technology.

Controversy on Islamic zealots

Controversy on Islamic zealots Amid the uproar arising from various elements in society over the arrests of Islamic activists suspected by the police of being involved in and planning bombings in several places, I would like to contribute my view concerning this issue. I share the opinion that terrorism should be handled according to the law, so as not to create new terror in society. Those upholding high democratic values will agree to that.

Telkom again fails to submit audit to SEC

Telkom again fails to submit audit to SEC Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned telecommunications company PT Telkom said over the weekend that it would not be able to submit its audited 2002 financial report to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as was previously ordered.

Women, don't be foolish with your heart

Women, don't be foolish with your heart Sari P. Setiogi The Jakarta Post Jakarta Women, if you think heart and cardiovascular diseases are solely a man's problem, then think again. According to the World Heart Federation, a U.S.-based non- governmental organization dedicated to the prevention of heart disease and stroke, every year over eight million women worldwide die from the diseases, the highest causes of death among women.

On illegal logging

On illegal logging We refer to The Jakarta Post articles World demand increases illegal logging on Sept. 9, 2003, and Prakosa targets Singapore, Malaysia to curb log smuggling on Sept. 10, 2003. Singapore welcomes the efforts of the Indonesian government to prevent illegal logging. We are, however, puzzled by allegations that Singapore is a "place for 'laundering' illegal logs". When logs from Indonesia transit in Singapore, they remain Indonesian logs.

Candra, Halim go down in finals

Candra, Halim go down in finals The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Candra Wijaya and Halim Haryanto flopped in the finals as the 19- member Indonesian badminton team will arrive home without any gold from the Denmark Open. After taking the scalp of world champions Laars Paske and Jonas Rasmussen en route to the finals, Candra/Halim were beaten by the Korean pairing of Ha Tae-kwon and Kim Dong-moon on Sunday.

Shooting of RI citizen protested

Shooting of RI citizen protested ATAMBUA, East Nusa Tenggara: After a one week probe into the recent death of Vegas Biliatu, an Indonesian citizen of East Timorese descent, the East Timor Community Council (Makasti), an organization of former East Timorese refugees, concluded on Saturday that the shooting by the East Timor Police was illegal.

Tips for survival in the office rental business

Tips for survival in the office rental business Mahendra Gautama Contributor Jakarta The office building business in Jakarta really started to flourish when the Indonesian government built the Bank Indonesia building on Jalan MH Thamrin in 1957. The economic boom in the 1970s, due largely to the extraordinary hikes in oil prices, made office compounds expand towards Kuningan, Jl. Sudirman and Jl. Gatot Subroto, an exclusive area now known as the Central Business District (CBD) of Jakarta.

Zakki Hakim

Zakki Hakim The Jakarta Post Jakarta Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso officiated at the soft opening on Saturday of the Sports Mall in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta, and signed the first of 83 spots on the Sports Walk of Fame that stretches along the corridors of the mall. The Sports Mall concept combines sports facilities with a shopping center. It covers 32,000 square meters, of which 15,000 square meters is devoted to an international-standard basketball hall.

1. Gusdur (4 X 12)

1. Gusdur (4 X 12) Gus Dur in deep trouble within his own party 2. Erau (2 X 21) Kutai culture festival draws to wet, wild end 3. Corrupt (2 X 20) Next govt told to start anticorruption drive now

Three daughters raped, 10 children sodomized

Three daughters raped, 10 children sodomized The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Many may well be asking what has gone wrong with Indonesian society following reports of the rape of three girls by their father on the North Sumatra island of Nias and the sodomizing of ten underage children by a construction worker in Yogyakarta. Women's activist Maya Manuring called on the police to fully investigate the rape case and bring the rapist to justice.

Terrorism and Muslims

Terrorism and Muslims From Gatra Everywhere under the sun terrorist networks employ similar strategies, action patterns and recruitment styles. Terrorists resort to violent and clandestine ways and recruit ignorant young people to spread terror. These are part of a statement made by King Fadh in his address at the opening of the 19th World's Conference of Councils of Mosques in Mecca, Saudi Arabia on Aug. 30. These characteristics can also be found in the terrorist network in Indonesia.

FBR raid nightspots, make threats

FBR raid nightspots, make threats Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta About 150 members of the Betawi Brotherhood Forum (FBR) raided a number of nightspots in Cilincing area, Muara Baru and North Jakarta, early Sunday morning, ordering the venue's owners to shut down business within a week.

Govt drafts bill on accounting

Govt drafts bill on accounting The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Ministry of Finance is currently drafting a new bill on the accountancy profession, which will replace the existing outdated law issued in the 1950s. The Ministry of Finance said, in a press statement on Sunday, that the new bill would not only provide better protection for both clients and accountants, but also accommodate the complex development in trade liberalization and technology.

b]* Headlines:Police launch reenactment of violent death at STPDN

b]* Headlines:Police launch reenactment of violent death at STPDN 2 * National:Gus Dur faces uphill battle in quest for presidency 4 * Archipelago:TNI strives to bring home soldier's body 5 * Opinion:Seeking new ASEAN leaders at Bali Summit 6 * City:Follow up on BPK report urged 8 * Sports:Tergat sets world best mark in Berlin marathon 9 * World:Iran remains defiant about nuke issue11 * Business:Renewed recovery hopes to drive local index up 16 * Features:Diplomatic job in Baghdad suits only...

Indonesia releases two foreign seafarers

Indonesia releases two foreign seafarers Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh, Aceh Indonesian authorities released on Sunday an Australian couple after four days in detention for having illegally entered the war-torn province of Aceh. Head of the Banda Aceh immigration office for the supervision of foreigners, Imron Zubandi, said John Humphrey, 57, and Claire Susan, 58, were released after questioning revealed that they did not intentionally enter Indonesian territory.

Aspac wins inaugural IBL: Host Aspac Texmaco won the inaugural

Aspac wins inaugural IBL: Host Aspac Texmaco won the inaugural Indonesian Basketball League (IBL) after defeating Bhinneka Sritex of Surakarta, Central Java, 86-72 in Jakarta on Sunday to score an unassailable 2-0 lead in the "best-of-three" finals. Aspac booked a 85-67 win on Friday.

TNI strives to bring home soldier's body

TNI strives to bring home soldier's body Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura, Papua The military is turning to traditional means after diplomatic channels failed the Papua Military in its efforts to bring back the body of a soldier killed by rebels in a Papua New Guinean village. Maj. Gen.

GAM suspects killed in fresh attack

GAM suspects killed in fresh attack Associated Press, Banda Aceh, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam The Indonesia military (TNI) shot and killed seven men it identified as separatist rebels during an ambush in the eastern part of the war-torn province of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, an army spokesman said on Sunday. More than 900 suspected members of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) have been killed since the government abandoned a five- month truce in May and launched a large-scale military offensive there.

Police launch re-enactment of violent deathg at STPDN

Police launch re-enactment of violent deathg at STPDN Riva Fadillah and Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Bandung/Kuningan Police in Sumedang, West Java, reconstructed on Sunday the violent acts that led to the death of Public Administration Institute (STPDN) student Wahyu Hidayat. Suspect, Yayan Sofyan, delivered the final punch that led to Wahyu's tragic death in the reconstruction. Local Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr.

Only 20 percent of commuter train passengers buy tickets

Only 20 percent of commuter train passengers buy tickets The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Only 20 percent of the some 450,000 daily commuter train passengers in the Greater Jakarta area buy tickets while the rest either bribe conductors on board or do not pay at all. Head of the Greater Jakarta division of state-owned railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI), Rachmadi, said on Saturday that his company had tried everything to try to force people to buy tickets, but all to no avail.

;JP;

;JP; ANPAc..r.. Food-caution-tips JP/7 Buyers must beware ... Even though imported processed foods are becoming increasingly popular with high-income groups, consumers should be cautious about their expiry dates. Imported food like cheese, canned fish and beef, baby porridge and packaged milk have been on a long journey before reaching their customers. They are generally stored at warehouses near ports for some time upon their arrival until the processing of their import documents is completed.

JP/7

JP/7 More choices avaiable in the market but buyers must beware Sudibyo M. Wiradji, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Good, healthy and delicious processed foods can easily now be found at nearby grocery stores or supermarkets. They generally come in different kinds of packages and containers that protect the food from invading microbes and make them safe and available all year round. This wasn't always true, of course.

Fire at Graha Unilever building

Fire at Graha Unilever building Two fires on Sunday gutted a meeting room on the sixth floor of the Graha Unilever building on Jl. Gatot Subroto in South Jakarta and a house on densely-populated Jl. Penjernihan in Karet, Central Jakarta. No fatalities nor injuries were reported. Abdul Lani, an officer at the City Fire Department's call center said that the fire at the Graha Unilever building began at 3:30 p.m.

On illegal logging

On illegal logging We refer to The Jakarta Post articles World demand increases illegal logging on Sept. 9, 2003, and Prakosa targets Singapore, Malaysia to curb log smuggling on Sept. 10, 2003. Singapore welcomes the efforts of the Indonesian government to prevent illegal logging. We are, however, puzzled by allegations that Singapore is a "place for 'laundering' illegal logs". When logs from Indonesia transit in Singapore, they remain Indonesian logs.