Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 4 September 2003

85 articles found

Not ready for scrap heap yet

Not ready for scrap heap yet From Pos Kota I own a 1979 Toyota Corolla, which I bought after saving up for it over a long period. I am, therefore, very disappointed to hear that Jakarta's governor has issued a decision prohibiting automobiles made before 1990 from entering Jakarta. If this regulation is enforced, I, as a resident of Tangerang, call on the Tangerang regional administration to do likewise with respect to automobiles from Jakarta.

'Islands for monkeys, not storing oil'

'Islands for monkeys, not storing oil' Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor, West Java The Bogor Institute of Agriculture has objected to government plans to lease two islands to foreign countries to store their oil products. Institute spokesman Agus Lelana said Wednesday that the islands were sanctuaries for monkeys used in AIDS disease experiments on the island since 1986. AIDS research continues on the island.

Truth commission bill discussed

Truth commission bill discussed JAKARTA: A special committee at the House of Representatives on Wednesday began deliberating a bill on establishing a truth and reconciliation commission. Legislator Sidharto Danusubroto of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) was selected chairman of the committee, which was set up on July 9. The bill will, among other things, rule about setting up a commission to settle gross human rights violations and to facilitate reconciliations.

Malaysia says regional and bilateral trade pacts necessary

Malaysia says regional and bilateral trade pacts necessary Agency France-Presse Bandar Seri Begawan Asian nations should pursue regional and bilateral free trade arrangements despite their commitments to the World Trade Organization (WTO), Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi said here on Wednesday.

Legislators ask KPU to review seats allocation

Legislators ask KPU to review seats allocation Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Legislators called on the General Elections Commission (KPU) on Wednesday to review its decision on the allocation of 550 seats in the House of Representatives (DPR) in the 2004 election, arguing that the current arrangement was unfair to provinces outside Java. The House seat allocation controversy revolves around the loss of legislative seats for provinces split into two in the past few years.

Imron set to give firing squad the slip

Imron set to give firing squad the slip Wahyoe Boediwardhana and ID Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar/Surabaya Remorseful Bali bomb defendant Ali Imron alias Alik is facing a 20-year jail sentence despite the prosecution's recognition that his role was as pivotal as those of the other defendants involved in the murder of 202 innocent people last October.

FISH EXPORTS: A number of workers dry teri nasi (tiny sea fish)

FISH EXPORTS: A number of workers dry teri nasi (tiny sea fish) in the sun. They bought the teri nasi on Wednesday in Demak, Central Java, for Rp 10,000 (US$1.2) per kilogram to be resold for Rp 50,000 per kilogram. Besides being sold in big cities throughout the country, dried teri nasi are also exported to Asian countries like Malaysia and the Philippines.

Fashion Week to showcase top local designers

Fashion Week to showcase top local designers Rita A. Widiadana, The Jakarta Post, Jimbaran, Bali The fourth Bali Fashion Week from Oct. 13 through Oct. 15 will again feature creations by the country's most prominent fashion designers. The annual fashion extravaganza, which was first staged in 2000, is expected to bring together hundreds of local designers and textile and garment producers. Organizers hope the event will attract buyers from all over the world.

UN appoints Erna Witoelar as special envoy for MDG

UN appoints Erna Witoelar as special envoy for MDG Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The United Nations has appointed former minister for resettlement and regional infrastructure Erna Witoelar as its special envoy in the Asia Pacific for the Millennium Development Goals (MDG).

Court seeks a secretary-general

Court seeks a secretary-general JAKARTA: The newly established Constitutional Court has chosen three candidates for the post of secretary-general, chairman Jimly Asshidiqie said Wednesday. The three were Abdul Wahid, Oka Mahendra, both senior officials at the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, and Janedri M. Ghaffar, a senior official at the secretariat of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR). Jimly said the three candidates was chosen during the court's internal meeting on Tuesday.

Fitri Wulandari

Fitri Wulandari The Jakarta Post Jakarta The government could face a potential loss of US$3 million if a strike at mining company PT Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC) drags on for more than a month, a senior official said on Wednesday. Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources geology and mineral resources director general Wimpie S.

Thief caught in the act at HI restaurant

Thief caught in the act at HI restaurant The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A thief was caught red-handed on Thursday morning at Hotel Indonesia's Ramayana Restaurant, while he was trying to steal a briefcase. Hasan Basri bin Usman, 38, was caught in the act by his would- be victim Morteza Granghadr, a 45-year-old Iranian staying at the hotel. Granghadr was having his breakfast at around 8 a.m. at the restaurant, which was packed with 300 guests, when the incident took place.

Pornography to be allowed for medication, education

Pornography to be allowed for medication, education Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives paved the way on Wednesday for the deliberation of a bill on pornography that would contain maximum penalties of seven years in jail and fines of Rp 3 billion (US$350,000) for the distribution of pornographic materials. The bill would ban the creation, dissemination and use of pornography in printed and electronic media.

C'mon, make my day, if only once a year

C'mon, make my day, if only once a year Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Starting this year, Sept. 4 will be observed nationwide as National Customers Day. The idea, which is aimed at increasing the awareness of the country's business community of the importance of customers, was initiated by the Office of the State Minister for State Enterprises and local marketing and research consultants, Frontier.

10 more parties register with KPU

10 more parties register with KPU JAKARTA: The Golkar Party and the Crescent Star Party (PBB) are among 10 political parties which have registered with the General Elections Commission (KPU) to contest the 2004 polls.

Bullying suspected in Brimob deaths

Bullying suspected in Brimob deaths La Remmy and Eric W., The Jakarta Post, Palu, Central Sulawesi National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar has ordered top officers to lead the investigation into allegations of violence perpetrated against four new recruits to the Central Sulawesi Police's Mobile Brigade unit, who died following an initiation exercise on Tuesday. Head of the National Police's Internal Affairs Unit Insp. Gen. Timbul Silaen and National Police Mobile Brigade Unit chief Insp. Gen.

IMF visits Malaysia for first time since crisis

IMF visits Malaysia for first time since crisis Sean Yoong, Associated Press, Putrajaya, Malaysia International Monetary Fund (IMF) chief Horst Koehler said on Wednesday that - with hindsight - Malaysia's maverick path in dealing with the Asian financial crisis helped it recover faster than some of its neighbors who received IMF help.

Kuala Lumpur International Airport cheapest in Asia

Kuala Lumpur International Airport cheapest in Asia Deutsche Presse-Agentur Singapore Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) has maintained its status as the cheapest in Asia, but Singapore's Changi Airport is narrowing the gap, rankings showed on Wednesday. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) ranked 11 airports in the region in June, comparing the charges for a Boeing 747-400 with a three-hour turnaround time.

Antiterrorism Law

Antiterrorism Law Only a few days before the horrible Bali tragedy occurred, noted human rights activists Hendardi of the Indonesian Legal Aid and Advocacy Association and Daniel Pandjaitan of the Indonesian Legal Aid Institute "urged the government not to rush to endorse the (antiterrorism) bill".

Mega urges Muslim scholars to improve country's image

Mega urges Muslim scholars to improve country's image Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri called on Muslim scholars to help Indonesia to defuse the stigma that the country was a breeding ground for terrorists. Indonesia is the world's largest Muslim country, with 80 percent of its 220 million-strong population following the faith.

TV Program: Thursday, September 4, 2003

TV Program: Thursday, September 4, 2003 .TB.30" .90" TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Story Telling: Pak Odor 8:00 Travel 9:00 Business Magazine 10:00 Music 11:00 Flora and Fauna 11:30 Music 12:00 p.m. News: Berita Siang 2:00 Comedy 3:00 City News 3:30 Documentary 4:30 Music 6:00 English News Services 7:00 News 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 9:30 Music: Country Road 11:00 Variety Show 11:30 Music TPI 6:00 a.m.

Workers rally to demand salary

Workers rally to demand salary TANGERANG: Some 200 workers of PT Joka Kayu Sentosa, a wood processing company in the Jatake Industrial Estate in Jatiuwung district, Tangerang, urged the Tangerang Manpower Agency to force the company director to pay their salaries. The workers protested in front of the agency office on Tuesday afternoon and spent the night there. They said that they have not received their wages for three months.

Three parties join PPP for polls

Three parties join PPP for polls JAKARTA: Three tiny Muslim-based parties have decided to join forces with the United Development Party (PPP) for the 2004 general elections. The Nahdlatul Ulama Party (PNU) led by Syukron Makmun, the New Masyumi Party (PMB) led by Ridwan Saidi and the New Indonesia Party (PIB) led by Syaiful Anwar announced their parties' coalition with PPP during a meeting with its chairman Hamzah Haz on Tuesday.

Indonesia needs strong competition regime

Indonesia needs strong competition regime Muhammad Sauri Hasibuan Fortech Consulting Jakarta 2. Yale -- How Washington can be a hyper-power and a hyper- borrower 1 X 45 Washington: A hyperpower and hyperborrower (If the two "hyper" words appear in the story, hyphens should be deleted.) Philip Segal Markets and Finance Editor 'Asian Wall Street Journal' Yale Center for the Study of Globalization New Haven 3.

2.

2. Legislators ask KPU to review House seat allocation 3. Officials told to mediate not litigate 4. Greater access sought to ARV therapy 5. 2 x 16 counts 'Islands for monkeys, not storing oil'

The Ba'asyir verdict

The Ba'asyir verdict As could have been expected, given the amount of strain and pressure that preceded it, the verdict that was read out on Tuesday at the Central Jakarta District Court did not please everyone -- or, to be more precise, it probably pleased no one. Nevertheless, in its own way, the lengthy text that was capped by the controversial decision can be regarded as having some merits of its own in the fight against international terrorism.

Sutiyoso's power grab rejected by neighbors

Sutiyoso's power grab rejected by neighbors Theresia Sufa and Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Bogor/Tangerang The Tangerang and Bogor administrations have objected to Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso's proposal that Jakarta assume control of the surrounding cities. However, Bogor said it would compromise only if the Greater Jakarta was controlled by a central government minister. Bogor City Councillor A.

Offering small islands to investors is actually not a new idea

Offering small islands to investors is actually not a new idea in this country of 17,000 islands of various sizes. The fact that many of Indonesia's small islands, especially those in the areas bordering neighboring countries, remain uninhabited has caused worries among some in Jakarta that Indonesia might some day lose sovereignty over the islands.

Govt upbeat over next bond issue

Govt upbeat over next bond issue The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government is optimistic about the prospects for the bonds it is due to issue next week, saying the market has enough liquidity to absorb the bonds, the Ministry of Finance official in charge of bond issues said on Wednesday. Fuad Rahmany, head of the ministry's center for treasury bond management (PMON), said that the government's move in late August to buy back its maturing bonds should help strengthen the bond market's liquidity.

Police rend passport forgery network

Police rend passport forgery network SURABAYA: East Java Police have uncovered a passport forgery syndicate suspected of sending migrant workers abroad with false documents. Sr. Comr. Sutarman, provincial chief of detectives, said on Tuesday that four suspects in the labor smuggling ring had been arrested following the deportation of Indonesian migrant workers from the United States.

Combating terrorims in RI

Combating terrorims in RI Bantarto Bandoro, Editor, 'The Indonesian Quarterly', Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Jakarta, bandoro@csis.or.id The past few months have seen serious discussion on the dangers of terrorism. Much has occurred to convince the public here that the threat of terrorism is a serious matter, to be taken up at every level of public policy.

Antiterror talks in RI

Antiterror talks in RI Combating terrorism in RI (more accurate summary of article, more eye-catching) Bantarto Bandoro Editor, 'The Indonesian Quarterly', Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Jakarta bandoro@csis.or.id 2. Latin -- Latin American state terror 1 x 30 Latin American state terrorism Duncan Campbell Guardian News Service Santiago 3. China -- U.S. blaming of yuan misplaced 1 x 30 U.S. blaming of yuan misplaced Yan Xizao China Daily Asia News Network Beijing

The Ba'asyir verdict

The Ba'asyir verdict As could have been expected given the strains and pressures that preceded it, the decision that was read out in the Central Jakarta District Court on Tuesday did not please everyone -- or, to be more precise, it probably pleased no one. Nevertheless, in its own manner, the lengthy text that contained the controversial decision can be regarded as having some merits of its own in the fight against international terrorism.

'Weak consumer demands helps ease inflation'

'Weak consumer demands helps ease inflation' The Jakarta Post, Jakarta While having a positive impact on the country's economy, the current declining inflationary trend indicates the worrying fact that the public's purchasing power has been on the decline, according to analysts.

Truth commission bill discussed

Truth commission bill discussed JAKARTA: A special committee at the House of Representatives on Wednesday began deliberating a bill on establishing a truth and reconciliation commission. Legislator Sidharto Danusubroto of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) was selected chairman of the committee, which was set up on July 9. The bill will, among other things, rule about setting up a commission to settle gross human rights violations and to facilitate reconciliations.

Evidence Aceh rebels behind rise in piracy: Separatist rebels

Evidence Aceh rebels behind rise in piracy: Separatist rebels from Indonesia's Aceh province could be behind an increase in pirate attacks on oil tankers in busy sea lanes between Indonesia and Malaysia, the International Maritime Bureau said. Pirates have lurked in the Strait of Malacca for centuries, but the frequency of attacks has increased in recent months, the London- based bureau said in a report.

Workers rally to demand salary

Workers rally to demand salary TANGERANG: Some 200 workers of PT Joka Kayu Sentosa, a wood processing company in the Jatake Industrial Estate in Jatiuwung district, Tangerang, urged the Tangerang Manpower Agency to force the company director to pay their salaries. The workers protested in front of the agency office on Tuesday afternoon and spent the night there. They said that they have not received their wages for three months.

Tragedy of primary education

Tragedy of primary education From Bisnis Indonesia A heartrending report said recently that a 12-year-old primary school student had committed suicide, because he could not pay for an extracurricular activity that cost only Rp 2,500. It was a fact not fiction, just as the news that many rural communities can no longer afford to buy rice for their meals, so they have to eat tiwul (dried cassava) instead.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian industries suffered estimated losses of

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian industries suffered estimated losses of between 20 million and 30 million ringgit (US$5.3 - $7.9 million) during Monday's power blackout which hit five states, local media reported on Wednesday. Losses would have doubled if the outage had not occurred on a public holiday, Lew Chin Hoi, chairman of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers' (FMM) energy management committee said.

PKB to replace disloyal councillors

PKB to replace disloyal councillors SEMARANG: The Central Java chapter of the National Awakening Party (PKB) has proposed the replacement of seven councillors for violating party rules. The councillors in question have switched their allegiance to the rival PKB faction led by Minister of Defense Matori Abdul Djalil, who recently set up a new party to contest the 2004 elections after courts ruled against his old party, which carried the same name as PKB.

KLIA cheapest airport in Asia

KLIA cheapest airport in Asia SINGAPORE: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) has maintained its status as the cheapest in Asia, but Singapore's Changi Airport is narrowing the gap, rankings showed on Wednesday. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) ranked 11 airports in the region in June, comparing the charges for a Boeing 747-400 with a three-hour turnaround time. KLIA emerged as the lowest at S$1,018 (US$580) followed by Singapore at S$2,524 and Jakarta at S$3,594.

Student killed in brutal hazing incident

Student killed in brutal hazing incident Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung A 20-year-old student died after allegedly being beaten by older students at the Public Administration Institute (STPDN) in Sumedang, West Java, police and doctors said on Wednesday. The cause of death has not yet been established, and students and lecturers refused to comment on the matter. The school has a reputation for enforcing military-style discipline on its students.

PDI-P to pick legislative candidates

PDI-P to pick legislative candidates JAKARTA: The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) will select its legislative candidates for the 2004- 2009 term between Sept. 15 and Dec. 5. The party's deputy secretary general Pramono Anung Wibowo said on Tuesday that mostly rank-and-file party members would make the original suggestions, but all final decisions would rest with party's central executive board. "The central executive board will complete the list of candidates by Dec.

Breast cancer cases up by 5%

Breast cancer cases up by 5% JAKARTA: The number of women suffering from breast cancer is increasing by 5 percent every year, said Indah Sri Anggarini from Dharmais Hospital in Jakarta, on Tuesday. She said breast cancer represents the most common of all cancers among women in the country, followed by cervical cancer. "Breast cancer is mostly caused by a change in lifestyle among women, especially those in big cities," Indah said.

Govt sees $3m potential loss due to KPC's strike

Govt sees $3m potential loss due to KPC's strike Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government could face a potential loss of US$3 million if a strike at mining company PT Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC) drags on for more than a month, a senior official said on Wednesday. Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources geology and mineral resources director general Wimpie S.

20-crew fishing boat still missing in Sulawesi water

20-crew fishing boat still missing in Sulawesi water The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A fishing boat carrying at least 20 crew members has been reported missing since last week in waters east of Wawonii Island in South Konowe regency, Southeast Sulawesi province, amid rough seas there. The Tiga Bersama motor boat, driven by H. Hasan, was declared missing on Aug.

Indonesia needs strong competition regime

Indonesia needs strong competition regime Muhammad Sauri Hasibuan, Fortech Consulting, Jakarta Many would probably think that competition policy and law are merely tools for the rich. Yet the design and implementation of competition policy also improves the welfare of poor consumers. An effective competition regime or consumer law covering competition distortions can prevent consumer abuses both at the industry and village level -- e.g.

Ba'asyir verdict proves Jakarta's halfheartedness

Ba'asyir verdict proves Jakarta's halfheartedness The Straits Times, Asia News Network, Singapore A Jakarta court on Tuesday said it was unconvinced, on the evidence before it, that the Indonesian Islamic firebrand Abu Bakar Ba'asyir was the head of the Jamaah Islamiyah (JI), the shadowy Southeast Asian terror network.

TNI to deploy more troops to Papua

TNI to deploy more troops to Papua The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Military (TNI) is planning to immediately dispatch four battalions to the country's easternmost province of Papua, where bloody clashes killed at least five people and injured dozens of others two weeks ago. TNI Commander Gen.

Fitri Wulandari

Fitri Wulandari The Jakarta Post Jakarta The government could face a potential loss of US$3 million if a strike at mining company PT Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC) drags on for more than a month, a senior official said on Wednesday. Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources geology and mineral resources director general Wimpie S.

Rotary Club helps Balinese people "just say no" to drugs

Rotary Club helps Balinese people "just say no" to drugs Rita A. Widiadana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali Donny, a 15-year-old, is much like any other ordinary high school student in Denpasar. He was once a star on his school basketball team and was active in other extra-curricular activities. Lately, this bright student has often been absent from school or falls asleep during class. His eyes have dimmed and are usually red. He also has lost much of his appetite.

'Money is more important than real justice here'

'Money is more important than real justice here' The court handed down a verdict of four years in jail for Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Ba'asyir on Tuesday after the panel of judges found him guilty of subversion, document counterfeiting and immigration violations. The court claimed that there was not enough evidence presented to prove that Ba'asyir was the leader of Jamaah Islamiyah, the regional terrorist network on the United Nation's list of banned terror groups.

Antam might set 7.5% coupon on bond

Antam might set 7.5% coupon on bond JAKARTA: Indonesia's state-owned gold and nickel company PT Aneka Tambang (Antam), is expected to set a coupon rate of between 7 percent and 7.5 percent on its seven-year global bond, a banker familiar with the deal said on Wednesday. Antam on Tuesday started marketing between $200 million and $275 million of the bond in Jakarta. The roadshow will move to Singapore on Friday, and then to Hong Kong, and London next week, the banker said.

The Jakarta Post, Surabaya/Jakarta

The Jakarta Post, Surabaya/Jakarta The prices of several products, especially steel-based products and the cost for housing construction, might soon increase markedly as the result of the recent move by state oil and gas company Pertamina to raise fuel prices for selected industries, businessmen have warned. Pertamina, which adjusts fuel prices to the international market level every month, has decided to keep fuel prices for the public unchanged this month.

Three home players through to quarters

Three home players through to quarters The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia has been left with three contenders in the men's singles event at the US$15,000 Kratingdaeng tennis tournament as it enters the quarterfinals stage at the Bung Karno tennis center here on Thursday, according to Antara. Suwandi, Prima Simpatiaji and Bonit Wiryawan won their respective matches on Wednesday while Dede Suhendar Dinata, Febi Widhiyanto and Nesa Arta crashed out.

An Assessment done among and by Drug Abusers and Addicts in Bali-

An Assessment done among and by Drug Abusers and Addicts in Bali- 2003 Data collected by Yakita, Yayasan Hati-Hati and Yakeba. Interviews were done by addicts in recovery, reaching out to other addicts many areas of Bali. The survey involved a total of 81 respondents, consisting of 58 males and 23 females. Summary: * Around 45.68 percent respondent mothers are housewives.

PGN raises $150m in first overseas bond sale

PGN raises $150m in first overseas bond sale Bloomberg, Hong Kong PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN), Indonesia's state-owned gas distributor, raised US$150 million from its first overseas bond sale, said Credit Suisse First Boston, the sale arranger. The bonds mature in 2013 and pay interest of 7.5 percent, said Jon Pratt, Credit Suisse First Boston Inc's head of debt in Asia. They were priced at a discount to yield 7.75 percent. Investors have the right to sell the bonds back in sever years.

Mega tells officials to seek mediation over litigation

Mega tells officials to seek mediation over litigation Fabiola Desy Unidjadja and Muninggar S.S., The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri has told government officials to try and settle their disputes with the press through the Press Council before taking legal action. During a meeting with the Association of Newspaper Publishers (SPS) on Wednesday, Megawati said she would instruct government officials to go through the Press Council first.

National heritage

National heritage From Kompas The Kota railway station in Jakarta, built by the Dutch in 1828, is in bad repair. Its annex, used by the colonial government as an office to provide railway-related services, has lost its original form. Within the station, besides its office and ticket sale rooms, many spaces have been rented out to private firms, so that they have been modified over the last 10 years.

TNI OKs provinces to copy Riau

TNI OKs provinces to copy Riau Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Military (TNI) commander Gen. Endriartono Sutarto revealed on Wednesday that he had urged local administrations to purchase patrol boats to support the Navy in securing the country's territorial waters. "I have urged local administrations to do as much as possible to purchase patrol boats to assist the Navy in securing our waters.

Disappointing national museum

Disappointing national museum From Media Indonesia At the end of July, I visited the National Museum on Jl. Merdeka Barat, Jakarta, for the first time. While I thought the museum would be a major source of information on the nation's history, I noticed several things that made me very disappointed. First, the ancient inscriptions were not positioned in proper and protected places, but they were just put in rows, even without labels specifying their details.

RI defends Ba'asyir verdict

RI defends Ba'asyir verdict The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Playing down international criticism, the Indonesian government claimed on Wednesday that the four-year jail sentence handed down to cleric Abu Bakar Ba'asyir manifested the country's commitment to combating terrorism. "Some parties may be disappointed with the verdict, which was more lenient than had been expected, but he has now actually been punished," Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda told reporters.

ASEAN ministers note progress in FTAs

ASEAN ministers note progress in FTAs Jason Gutierrez, Agence France-Presse, Phnom Penh Southeast Asian nations reported on Wednesday progress in free trade talks with key economic partners China and Japan, but enthusiasm was tempered by concerns over agricultural tariffs. Economic ministers from the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) said they "expressed satisfaction" over talks with China to create the world's biggest free trade area by 2010.

Hole-in-one gives Sugiri new sedan

Hole-in-one gives Sugiri new sedan JAKARTA: Rafi Sugiri from Jakarta did what every golfer dreams of on Wednesday when he hit a hole-in-one at the 4th annual Radius Prawiro Cup at the Satelindo golf club near Bogor and drove home in a new car for his feat. The 44-year-old Rafi, a 16 handicap using a pitching wedge, drove his shot high and hard off the tee and it went straight into the cup on the par-3 130-yard 4th hole. "It was a really, really lucky shot for me.

Mark up suspected in 'flag fund'

Mark up suspected in 'flag fund' Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Irregularities were found in the proposed Rp 3.5 billion (US$411,765) budget to relocate Bendera Pusaka (original national flag) from the State Palace to the independence room at the National Monument (Monas). Some Rp 1.3 billion of the budget will be spent for a security system and equipment in which the city will provide three 14-inch television sets, each valued at Rp 10 million in the proposed budget.

Midas-touch artist Sapto dies at 78

Midas-touch artist Sapto dies at 78 Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Flamboyant, multitalented artist and art dealer Sapto Hoedojo, who was recognizable anywhere with his gray, silky hair, died at his home here on Wednesday morning. He was 78. He is survived by a wife, an ex-wife, nine children and 17 grandchildren. Sapto died at about 5 a.m. with some of his children by his sick bed.

Malaysia says regional and bilateral trade pacts necessary

Malaysia says regional and bilateral trade pacts necessary Agency France-Presse Bandar Seri Begawan Asian nations should pursue regional and bilateral free trade arrangements despite their commitments to the World Trade Organization (WTO), Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi said here on Wednesday.

'Bobo' to hold writing contest

'Bobo' to hold writing contest JAKARTA: Bobo children's magazine will hold a writing contest for elementary fourth, fifth and sixth graders from around the nation with the theme of "Friendship amid Diversity". The top 30 writers will be invited to participate in the 3rd annual Children's Conference in Jakarta in October, this year. Students who want to enter the contest, should send a two-page writing sample in Bahasa Indonesia -- hand-written or typed -- to the contest committee (Jl.

4 x 13

4 x 13 Diseases hit as ash, sulfur rains down on East Flores Bandung-Student-Violence JP/5/student 1 x 32 Student killed in hazing incident JP/5/boat 2 x 27 20-crew fishing boat still missing in Sulawesi waters JP/5/husk 1 x 45 Indramayu welcomes first rice-husk power plant

New justice named in Akbar's case

New justice named in Akbar's case JAKARTA: Judge Abdurrahman Saleh has been appointed to replace colleague Laica Marzuki to sit on the panel of five judges hearing the graft case of Akbar Tandjung, the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Chief Justice Bagir Manan said on Tuesday that he and Paulus E. Lotulung, who heads the panel of judges, had agreed to appoint Abdurrahman, a lawyer who once led the Indonesia Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI), as one of five judges handling Akbar's appeal.

PGN raises $150m in first overseas bond sale

PGN raises $150m in first overseas bond sale PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN), Indonesia's state-owned gas distributor, raised US$150 million from its first overseas bond sale, said Credit Suisse First Boston, the sale arranger. The bonds mature in 2013 and pay interest of 7.5 percent, said Jon Pratt, Credit Suisse First Boston Inc's head of debt in Asia, said in Hong Kong. They were priced at a discount to yield 7.75 percent. Investors have the right to sell the bonds back in sever years.

Counterfeit dealer gets five years

Counterfeit dealer gets five years BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: The Banjarmasin District Court sentenced a man on Wednesday to five years in jail for keeping and circulating counterfeit banknotes of considerable monetary value. Local police officers said Haryanto, alias Yanto, 37, had been arrested in March after the capture of another suspect, Rahmadi, who confessed that he got the counterfeit banknotes from Yanto.

Fire volunteers to train to fight fires

Fire volunteers to train to fight fires Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Central Jakarta Fire Department has held a five-day training course for 50 fire volunteers from subdistricts in the mayoralty. The head of the department, Idrus Paddai, told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday the training course was part of an annual program to encourage citizens to get more involved in protecting their neighborhoods from fire. "It is impossible to rely solely on firefighters," he said.

Audit on consumption of used logs underway

Audit on consumption of used logs underway Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Ministry of Forestry and BRIK, an industry group, have begun a joint audit of the country's forestry-related industries to get an exact count of the number of logs being used. The chairwoman of the Forestry Industry Revitalization Agency (BRIK), Soewarni, said that as part of the audit, the agency was currently recording all logs consumed by local industries.

Genting bids Jawa Power's stakes

Genting bids Jawa Power's stakes KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian gaming company Genting Bhd. confirmed on Wednesday it is bidding for a stake in Indonesia's PT Jawa Power. In a statement to the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange, the company said it has been shortlisted to make a final binding offer for U.K.-based utility company Powergen PLC's 35 percent stake in PT Jawa. "Genting is seeking to assemble a consortium to submit the final binding offer," it said, without elaborating.

Hassan blames U.S. for Ba'asyir's lenient sentence

Hassan blames U.S. for Ba'asyir's lenient sentence The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda questioned on Wednesday the United States' commitment to granting Indonesian detectives direct access to terror suspect Riduan Isamuddin. Hassan said Indonesia was still fighting to get the access promised by the U.S. to question the suspect, who goes by the name Hambali. "Hambali's case is an important test case.

* Headlines: Mega urges Muslim scholars to improve country's

* Headlines: Mega urges Muslim scholars to improve country's image2 * National: TNI to deploy more troops to Papua 4 * Archipelago: Diseases hit as ash, sulfur rains down on East Flores 5 * Opinion: Indonesia needs strong competition regime 7 * City: Sutiyoso's power grab rejected by neighbors 8 * Sports: France ready to seal place in Euro 2004 9 * World: Britain shuts its embassy in Iran after shootings 11 * Business: Fuel hike to cause ripple effect 14 * Features: Family car becomes reality...

Offering small islands to investors is actually not a new idea

Offering small islands to investors is actually not a new idea in this country of 17,000 islands of various sizes. The fact that many of Indonesia's small islands, especially those in the areas bordering neighboring countries, remain uninhabited has caused worries among some in Jakarta that Indonesia might some day lose sovereignty over the islands.

Indramayu welcomes fisrt rice-husk power plant

Indramayu welcomes fisrt rice-husk power plant Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Indramayu, West Java A power plant (PLTD) using a mixture of rice husk and diesel fuel has been introduced for the first time in Indonesia. The commercial project was launched by private companies PT Pertani and PT Power Indonesia on Tuesday in Haurgeulis village, Haurgeulis subdistrict, Indramayu regency, West Java. The plant, set up at the Pertani rice mill complex, is able to generate 100 kilowatts of electricity.

World hails Ba'asyir's conviction, but sentence seen as lenient

World hails Ba'asyir's conviction, but sentence seen as lenient Roberto Coloma, Agence France-Presse, Singapore The conviction of an Indonesian cleric accused of being the clandestine leader of Islamic terrorists in Southeast Asia was welcomed in the region on Wednesday, but his jail term was seen as too lenient.

1. Reaction -- 3 cols, 3 lines, 48pts, 20 counts

1. Reaction -- 3 cols, 3 lines, 48pts, 20 counts World hails Ba'asyir conviction, but sees sentence as lenient 2. Washington -- 3 cols, 2 lines, 36pts, 26 counts U.S. a bigger terrorist target since Sept. 11 3. WTO -- 4 cols, 2 lines, 36pts, 35 counts Activists see WTO meet in Mexico as potential milestone in movement 4. ASEAN -- 4 cols, 1 line, 36pts, 35 counts ASEAN ministers note progress in FTAs 5. Erna -- 4 cols, 1 line, 36 pts, 35 counts UN names Erna Witoelar special envoy

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, September 4, 2003

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, September 4, 2003 .TB.30" 1.0" Museums and Galleries * Sika Galery, Jl. Raya Campuhan Sanggingan, Ubud (Tel. 0361 975727, 975085) * Blue Moon Gallery, Jl. Tirta Tawar, Banjar Kutuh Kaja, Ubud (Tel. 0361 976727), daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. * Museum Puri Lukisan, Jl. Raya Ubud, Gianyar (Tel. 0361 975136), daily, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. * Museum of Bali, Jl. Letkol Wisnu, downtown of Denpasar (Tel. 0361 2277271), Tuesday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

75 street children to perform

75 street children to perform JAKARTA: As many as 75 street children from the city's five municipalities will enter a "Street Children's Expression Festival" on Sept. 13. The festival, organized by the Cahaya Hati Bangsa foundation and supported by members of the Harley Davidson Owner's Club, will be held at the Ministry of National Education building on Jl. Jend. Sudirman in Central Jakarta, the foundation said in a statement on Wednesday.

Police rend passport forgery network

Police rend passport forgery network SURABAYA: East Java Police have uncovered a passport forgery syndicate suspected of sending migrant workers abroad with false documents. Sr. Comr. Sutarman, provincial chief of detectives, said on Tuesday that four suspects in the labor smuggling ring had been arrested following the deportation of Indonesian migrant workers from the United States.

Diseases hit as ash, sulfur rains down on East Flores

Diseases hit as ash, sulfur rains down on East Flores Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara Thousands of refugees and other villagers affected by the eruptions of Mount Lewotobi in Wulanggitan subdistrict, East Flores regency, East Nusa Tenggara, have begun to suffer from respiratory problems and cholera, officials said on Wednesday. The people began to succumb to the ailments as the volcano continued to spew hot ash, lava, rocks, fireballs and sulfur down its slopes.