Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 10 January 2004

90 articles found

On IMF economic reforms

On IMF economic reforms We hope the government will not give in totally to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank pressure and completely change its course.Our opposition to the macro economic policy framework that the IMF and the World Bank are imposing on our country is not...

KPU member gives up car

KPU member gives up carMoch. N. Kurniawan and Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Bandung General Elections Commission (KPU) member Anas Urbaningrum returned on Friday his newly bought official car to the commission, after public outrage.

Residents cry foul over pollution

Residents cry foul over pollutionMarilin, The Jakarta Post, Depok Residents of Curug subdistrict, Cimanggis district, Depok, have complained about pollution in the nearby Rawa Kalong pond that killed thousands of their fish last October.

Mars probe and women

Mars probe and women With the successful landing on Mars of the NASA robot, "Spirit," recently in search of water drops, perhaps only women in Indonesia will now be intrigued by the question of how great a sign there is on the Red Planet of the human female species, which may have survived the heat...

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, January 10, 2004

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, January 10, 2004Exhibitions* Puppet Wayang Menak, Bentara Budaya Jakarta, Jl. Palmerah Selatan No. 17, Central Jakarta (Tel. 5483008 ext. 7910/7911), until Jan. 15. * Installation, Painting, Drawing by Awan Simatupang and Okky Arfie Hutabarat, Lontar Gallery, Jl.

No parking is no stopping?

No parking is no stopping?From Media Indonesia As part of my daily routine, I stopped my car recently in front of Plaza Mandiri, Jl. Gatot Subroto, to drop my wife and a friend working in the BEJ commercial area.

JP/7/LET81.LEI

JP/7/LET81.LEIHelping migrant women workersFrom Kompas We have read reports about the plight of Indonesian migrant women workers in Saudi Arabia and some other countries. I believe the government and the Indonesian labor recruitment companies are fully responsible for this matter.

Bogor mayor faces chronic problems

Bogor mayor faces chronic problems BOGOR: Bogor city councillor, Beni Mahyudin, urged the next mayor to tackle three perennial problems faced by the municipality: garbage, traffic and street vendors.Beni was speaking after a ceremony to confirm three mayoral candidates.

Activists demand that rights body acts soon

Activists demand that rights body acts soonDewi Santoso and M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city administration's policy on transportation development, such as the construction of new elevated roads in 2003 has victimized the urban poor, a group of activists concluded in their...

Haj terminal ready to operate

Haj terminal ready to operate TANGERANG: Minister of Communications Agum Gumelar officiated on Friday the inauguration of the special airport terminal for haj pilgrims at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. It is set to receive pilgrims on Feb. 6.

Teacher apprehended for alleged link with Azahari

Teacher apprehended for alleged link with AzahariIndra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya Police have disclosed that activist Adi Suryana has been arrested and is undergoing questioning for his alleged link with wanted terrorist suspect Azahari.East Java Police chief Insp. Gen.

BI to increase bank capital requirements 10-fold

BI to increase bank capital requirements 10-foldDadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The central bank laid out on Friday a blueprint for the banking sector, which includes higher minimum capital requirements -- a move which could lead to more bank mergers in the future.

Violence in Southern Thailand not likely linked to al Qaeda, JL

Violence in Southern Thailand not likely linked to al Qaeda, JLJane Macartney, Reuters, Singapore A wave of violence in mainly Muslim southern Thailand is inspired by money and nationalism and shows scant evidence of links to a wider network with Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda and its Jamaah Islamiyah...

;JP;kda

;JP;kdaJP/7/letter1Fate of migrant workers in Singapore From Warta KotaThe year 2003 saw as many as 20 Indonesian female migrant workers in Singapore fall to their deaths from high-rise apartments where they worked, as was revealed by Fachry Sulaiman, a high-ranking official at the Indonesian...

Riau plans massive bond issue

Riau plans massive bond issueThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta Oil-rich Riau province plans to issue bonds this year to boost its financial capability as it is seeking to speed up economic development to bring its people out of poverty."This is because our original financial capacity is not yet sufficient.

Govt neglects child abuse, Seto says

Govt neglects child abuse, Seto saysEva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government's decision to omit from its UN report, allegations of child abuse during the May 1998 upheavals and the ongoing war in Aceh smacks of defiance and misrepresentation, according to a National Commission...

1. STOCK: 2 LINES, 15 COUNTS

1. STOCK: 2 LINES, 15 COUNTS Jakarta stocks hit all-time high 2. SAND: 2 lines, 24 COUNTS President indecisive on sand exportation issue 3. KPU: 1 LINE, 24 COUNTS KPU member gives up car 4. SMOKE: 1 LINE, 30 COUNTS Man's smoking claims wife's life 5.

2003 deficit under control, below target: Government

2003 deficit under control, below target: GovernmentThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government posted a state budget deficit in 2003 that was slightly below target, in what Minister of Finance Boediono said on Friday was a reflection of the government's continued fiscal discipline.

2003 deficit under control, below target: Govt

2003 deficit under control, below target: GovtThe Jakarta Post Jakarta The government posted a state budget deficit in 2003 that was slightly below target, in what Minister of Finance Boediono said on Friday was a reflection of the government's continued fiscal discipline.

1. JOB: 18 x 3 lines

1. JOB: 18 x 3 lines Unemployment could seriously threaten elections 2. BIN: 21 x 2 lines BIN's potential overlap with Army commands queried 3. GOLKAR: 21 x 2 lines We have fought to combat corruption: Akbar Tandjung 4. DRIVERS: 36 x 1 line Busway project's frontliners feel neglected 5.

A more civilized approach to eviction

A more civilized approach to eviction Sirojudin Abbas Lecturer State Islamic University (UIN) Jakarta sirojudinabbas@yahoo.ca The Jakarta administration is about to restart the highly controversial eviction program for illegal settlers in Jakarta and street vendors at the end of January 2004.

'Abu Sayyaf operative' captured in RP

'Abu Sayyaf operative' captured in RP PHILIPPINES: The Philippine military said on Friday it arrested a suspected Muslim militant in the southern Philippines on murder and kidnapping charges.Sonny Boy Hamsain was nabbed by soldiers in Isabela city on Basilan island, the stronghold of the extremist...

Harlem MagicMasters to play in Indonesia

Harlem MagicMasters to play in IndonesiaThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta Team Harlem MagicMasters, a New York-based basketball entertainment team, will begin its Indonesian tour at the Kelapa Gading Sports Mall in North Jakarta on Jan. 31, organizers announced here on Friday.

WINNER OF FIRST PRIZE: Ali Ansari, General Manager of Lor In Solo

WINNER OF FIRST PRIZE: Ali Ansari, General Manager of Lor In Solo Hotel in Surakarta, Central Java (right), hands a Garuda Indonesia Airways Solo-Amsterdam ticket to the winner of the first door prize of the hotel's New Year's celebration party.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan.9, 2004

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan.9, 2004 ____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume _____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo...

Defending the environment for God

Defending the environment for GodMuninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Her love of God has led Sarma Siregar to jail. But the softly spoken lady has never regretted it."That is the consequence if you decide to serve God with full commitment," she told The Jakarta Post during an...

Garuda to lease up to 15 new aircraft in 2004 to boost flights

Garuda to lease up to 15 new aircraft in 2004 to boost flightsP.C. Naommy, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta National flag carrier Garuda Indonesia has leased two extra aircraft and plans to lease another eight to 13 planes this year to support their domestic and regional operations.

Robbers nabbed after 5-month search

Robbers nabbed after 5-month search JAKARTA: A team of officers from the Jakarta Police arrested two suspected robbers after a five-month search for the pair.Adj. Comr. Matrido, the head of the team, said on Friday police arrested Suparjo at the Tanjung Priok bus terminal in North Jakarta on...

Actor Sahrul ready to move past pretty boy roles

Actor Sahrul ready to move past pretty boy rolesTony Ryanto, Contributor, Jakarta A lot of kids and teenyboppers may well be acquainted with Sahrul Gunawan, a teenage singer and the protagonist of Jin dan Jun (Jin and Jun), a TV show that was broadcast on RCTI from 1995 to 2000.

Garbage: A long story

Garbage: A long story Seen from the common peoples' point of view, the recent dispute over the use of the Bantar Gebang garbage dump in Bekasi, West Java, is a good sample of idiosyncratic behavior on the parts of both the Bekasi and Jakarta administrations.

Bekasi OKs Jakarta to use its dump

Bekasi OKs Jakarta to use its dumpDamar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Bekasi municipality administration sent a letter to Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso on Friday, notifying him that the capital would be allowed to dump its daily 6,000 tons of garbage at the 104- hectare Bantar Gebang dump.

UGM students to monitor general election

UGM students to monitor general electionSri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Gadjah Mada University (UGM) is planning to replace the obligatory community service program -- which is traditionally undertaken by undergraduate students in their final year -- with a program to monitor the 2004...

North Sumatra Police ready for polls

North Sumatra Police ready for polls MEDAN, North Sumatra: The North Sumatra Provincial Police will deploy 10,163 police personnel to safeguard the 2004 general election.The deputy chief of the North Sumatra Provincial Police, Brig. Gen.

No prayers for dead corruptors

No prayers for dead corruptorsFrom Warta KotaThe Corruption Eradication Commission as well as the anti- corruption movements organized by Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah deserve the support of everybody longing to rid the country of this crime.

Driver leads passengers to deaths

Driver leads passengers to deaths BEKASI: Three passengers of a public minibus died in a crash on the Jakarta-Cikampek toll road early on Friday, while six other passengers are being treated at Karya Bhakti Hospital in Cikampek for serious injuries.

Fire razes 300 houses in Jelambar

Fire razes 300 houses in JelambarAbdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta More than 2,000 people lost their homes on Friday when a fire burned down their houses along Jl. Jelambar Jaya 3 and Jl. Jelambar Jaya 4 in Jelambar Baru subdistrict, West Jakarta, at around 2:30 p.m.

BIN's potential overlap with Army commands queried

BIN's potential overlap with Army commands queriedMuninggar Sri Saraswati and Sandy Darmosumarto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta An activist with a rights watchdog, which had reported in December that the national intelligence body was already beginning activities at the district level, questioned a...

Busway project's frontliners feel neglected

Busway project's frontliners feel neglectedUrip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As the drivers for the soon to be opened busway undergo a week- long training course at the National Police Traffic Training Center in Serpong, Tangerang, they remain anxious about what the future holds for them and...

BPK ready to help police on account 502 probe

BPK ready to help police on account 502 probeTony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) is ready and willing to assist the police with the ongoing investigation into allegations of the misuse of government funds in Account No. 502.

Unemployment could seriously threaten elections

Unemployment could seriously threaten electionsRidwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Manpower and Transmigration Minister Jacob Nuwa Wea said on Friday that the number of unemployed people would increase by about 2.5 million to over 45 million this year.

Police fail to grill Beddu as his whereabouts unknown

Police fail to grill Beddu as his whereabouts unknownSandy Darmosumarto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Police were unable to present former chief of the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) Beddu Amang for questioning on Friday, despite the fact that they had a warrant to pick him up from his house.

Shooting of ex-militia member probed

Shooting of ex-militia member probed KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: The National Police Headquarters are investigating the fatal shooting of Vegas Biliatu, a former pro- Jakarta militia, in Raihat district in Belu regency here last year.

Sylvia wants sex education via phone

Sylvia wants sex education via phoneP.C. Naommy, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Sylvia Kurniawati Ngonde is part of the small minority that do not own a cell phone. But, her natural curiosity led her to question the popularity of the device among teenagers.

Can't get pregnant? Bee stings may help

Can't get pregnant? Bee stings may helpSlamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Ida Ismiadah, 33, felt a pang of sorrow when her only son begged her for a little brother or sister. In fact Ida had desperately been trying to get pregnant and she felt that time was running out.

Celebrating New Year's with new style, record

Celebrating New Year's with new style, recordIvy Susanti The Jakarta Post JakartaSix models walked out of the business-class cabin -- which had temporarily been transformed into a dressing room -- on a Merpati Nusantara airlines flight from Jakarta to Denpasar.

Borobudur holds interfaith event

Borobudur holds interfaith event MAGELANG, Central Java: Six musical groups from different religious backgrounds are scheduled to take part in an interfaith dialog in the form of clinics, discussions and collaborative performances at Borobudur Temple from Jan. 9 to Jan. 15.

ASEAN-plus-three meet on int'l crime

ASEAN-plus-three meet on int'l crime THAILAND: Senior officials from ASEAN, China, Japan and South Korea gathered on Friday ahead of a first-ever one-day ministerial meeting between the grouping and its regional neighbors on transnational crime.

Sakura in bloom at the Cibodas Gardens

Sakura in bloom at the Cibodas GardensTheresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor, West Java For those who feel like braving the weekend congestion along the road to Puncak, cherry blossoms -- known as sakura trees -- are in bloom at Cibodas Gardens.

Jakarta stocks hit all-time high

Jakarta stocks hit all-time highRendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta Composite Index skyrocketed on Monday to the highest level in the nation's history, as new investors from the United States and Europe entered the market seeking to capitalize on the rising optimism.

S. Korea warned of threats in SE Asia

S. Korea warned of threats in SE Asia THAILAND: South Korea's embassy in Thailand has received a warning of attacks on the country's official and private property and aircraft in Southeast Asia, Thai and South Korean officials said on Friday.

Save the country from ruin

Save the country from ruinFrom Suara KaryaMembers of the political elite in responsible positions are holders of a public mandate who should bring about improvements for the nation. Their policies should therefore benefit the interests of the public at large.

Teenage Maid killed for stealing food

Teenage Maid killed for stealing foodMulta Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang Having worked as a domestic helper for three years with a family did not make 15-year-old Mulyati wealthy. Instead, she apparently had to steal food from her employers because she was hungry.

President Megawati indecisive on sand exportation issue

President Megawati indecisive on sand exportation issueFabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Riau Governor Mohamad Rusli and Minister of Maritime and Fishery Rokhmin Dahuri competed on Friday for President Megawati Soekarnoputri's endorsement of their opposite stances over the sea sand...

Security tight prior to hostages' release

Security tight prior to hostages' releaseNani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Langsa, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam The military has tightened security along the main road between Lhokseumawe and Langsa, East Aceh ahead of the release of hostages held by rebels, including RCTI private television station...

Forki to send eight athletes to Asian event

Forki to send eight athletes to Asian eventZakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Eight Indonesia athletes will be traveling to the upcoming Asian Karate Federation Championships, while the national karate- do association, Forki, has set itself far-reaching goals for the 2006 Asian Games.

Indonesia cannot meet Internet target

Indonesia cannot meet Internet targetSari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government unveiled on Friday its new strategy to boost Internet use in the country, but admitted that it would be impossible for Indonesia to meet the targets set at the recent World Summit on the Information...

Problematic beef

Problematic beef Beef from the United States has been permitted to enter Indonesia, despite the possibility that it is contaminated with mad-cow disease. The mass entry of imported beef from the U.S. could mean that the public might be faced with a lot of problematic beef in markets across the...

PDI-P to eschew rallies

PDI-P to eschew rallies JAKARTA: Apparently learning from the accusations of election violations against rival parties, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), has said it would opt to celebrate its 31st anniversary in a modest way.

Singaporean's death fall probably accidental

Singaporean's death fall probably accidentalEvi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The death of DBS Vickers Securities Indonesia director, Peter Soh, who fell from his 32nd floor apartment, was very likely a tragic accident instead of suicide, according to police.

Govt to soon name global bond's lead underwriters

Govt to soon name global bond's lead underwritersThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government is pressing ahead with its sovereign bonds issue plans, saying it had received proposals from 14 investment banks to underwrite the issue and would name the lead underwriters in less than two weeks.

'Harry Potter' book to hit the streets on Sunday

'Harry Potter' book to hit the streets on SundayThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta Die-hard Harry Potter fans are preparing to take to the streets to grab a copy of Harry Potter dan Orde Phoenix (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix) -- if they can stay up until the wee hours of Sunday morning.

Court to decide on Akbar soon

Court to decide on Akbar soon JAKARTA: The Supreme Court expects to deliver its much-awaited decision at the end of this month on the appeal by House Speaker Akbar Tandjung against his conviction on graft charges.

Celebrating New Year with new style, record

Celebrating New Year with new style, recordIvy Susanti, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Six models walked out of the business-class cabin -- which had temporarily been transformed into a dressing room -- on a Merpati Nusantara airlines flight from Jakarta to Denpasar.

Probe on human rights abuse in Papua to begin

Probe on human rights abuse in Papua to beginNethy Dharma Somba , The Jakarta Post, Jayapura, Papua An ad hoc team with the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) will probe alleged gross violations of human rights in the province of Papua.

Trisakti bosses told to quit

Trisakti bosses told to quitM. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The former management of private Trisakti University demanded that the university's current authorities step aside, saying they had the law on their side in this power struggle for control of the institution.K.

Sari P. Setiogi

Sari P. Setiogi The Jakarta Post Jakarta The government unveiled on Friday its new strategy to boost Internet use in the country, but admitted that it would be impossible for Indonesia to meet the targets set at the recent World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).

Bylaw on women trafficking takes effect

Bylaw on women trafficking takes effect MANADO, North Sulawesi: The North Sulawesi Legislative Council enacted on Thursday a bylaw dealing with women trafficking and violence against children.A.J. Sondakh, the governor of North Sulawesi, in his speech after the bylaw was hammered out, said that it...

Man's smoking claims his wife's life

Man's smoking claims his wife's lifeMulta Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang In an apparent desperate protest against her husband's smoking, a 25-year-old resident of Kadu Jaya village, Curug district, Tangerang regency, set herself ablaze on Friday. She died later in hospital of severe burns.

1. 1 x 30

1. 1 x 30 Absenteeism rife among legislators 2. 1 x 50 Police fail to question Beddu as his whereabouts unknown 3. 2 x 30 Disasters, state violence to worsen in 2004: Walhi r4. 3 x 16 'Govt has failed to address child abuse problems' 5. 2 x 23 Police arrest activist for alleged link with Azahari

Ministers launch tree planting program

Ministers launch tree planting program YOGYAKARTA: To mark the prelaunch of the National Movement on Forest and Land Rehabilitation (GNRHL), five ministers symbolically planted trees on the shoulder of a road in Yogyakarta.

TV Today: Saturday, January 10, 2004

TV Today: Saturday, January 10, 2004TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi7:30 Cartoon10:00 TV Drama11:30 Battle of Wits12:30 p.m. Music1:00 News: Berita Siang1:30 Documentary2:00 Music2:30 English News Service3:00 Science and Technology3:30 News4:00 Indonesian Film7:00 News8:00 Quiz: Tau Sok Tau9:00...

Makbul says police shooting an accident

Makbul says police shooting an accidentJAKARTA: City Police chief Insp. Gen. Makbul Padmanegara said Friday that the shooting of two undercover policemen from the National Police drug squad was purely an accident.

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, January 10, 2004

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, January 10, 2004Exhibitions* Drawing Penggeli Hati at Bentara Budaya Yogyakarta, Jl. Suroto 2 Kotabaru (Tel./fax: 0274-560404), until Jan. 18. * Fine art by six Chinese artists at Bentara Budaya Yogyakarta, Jl. Suroto 2 Kotabaru (Tel./fax: 0274-560404), Jan.

Disasters, state violence worsen in 2004: Walhi

Disasters, state violence worsen in 2004: WalhiA. Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A respected non-governmental organization predicted on Friday a gloomy outlook of the country's environment, forecasting increasing natural disasters and continued violence directed against tribespeople.

More delays in busway start-up looming

More delays in busway start-up loomingUrip Hudiono and Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang/Jakarta The question whether the launch of the city's controversial busway project will be delayed surfaced yet again when head of the Jakarta Transportation Agency, Rustam Effendi, contradicted a...

'I won't go run crazy over mad cow rumors'

'I won't go run crazy over mad cow rumors' Although there is no evidence that beef contaminated with mad cow disease has entered the country, the central government has taken a number of precautionary measures, including the conducting of inspections in supermarkets and traditional markets.

We have fought to combat corruption: Akbar Tandjung

We have fought to combat corruption: Akbar TandjungA'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta While highlighting improvements in the economy and national stability as its main platforms, the Golkar Party has vowed not to snub the increasingly louder anticorruption voices during the upcoming election...

Antithuggery team established

Antithuggery team established YOGYAKARTA: In response to a concerning rise in violent crimes in the city, the Yogyakarta City Police have formed a special antithuggery team to deal with the problem.Comprising over 50 police officers from the Buser (mobile detective unit) team and the violence and...

RI, Australia have common destiny

RI, Australia have common destiny Sitting here in Kupang, Indonesia, West Timor, I reflect on my holiday, fast drawing to an end.Christmas, a festival shared in this city by Christians and Muslims alike, was attested to by the eclectic mix of followers of all religions thronging the new Ramayana...

Absenteeism still rife among legislators

Absenteeism still rife among legislatorsKurniawan Hari The Jakarta Post JakartaPeople's Consultative Assembly Speaker Amien Rais and President Megawati Soekarnoputri's husband Taufik Kiemas top the list of lawmakers who rarely or never attended House of Representatives' meetings over the past year,...

Stepping up bilateral ties

Stepping up bilateral ties The high priority that Malaysia gives to relations with our ASEAN partners is reflected in the Prime Minister's visit to Indonesia, the second leg of his ASEAN tour, the first being Brunei Darussalam last month.

'Thek-thek' groups spice up campaigns

'Thek-thek' groups spice up campaignsAgus Maryono and Amin A Abdurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Banyumas, Central Java The general election is only four months away, and political parties have started campaigning in the villages.

Bloomberg

Bloomberg JakartaPT United Tractors won approval from a majority of creditors for its plans to reorganize US$268 million of debt, director Buntoro Muljono said."Almost 100 percent have stated their approval verbally, but some of them have yet to submit their support in writing," Muljono said.

Australia to aid flood victims

Australia to aid flood victims JAKARTA: The Australian government will provide A$100,000 to help victims of flooding in Sumatra and Sulawesi and assist the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) in handling further flood emergencies expected over the next few weeks.

Loan scandal hits Bank Mandiri

Loan scandal hits Bank Mandiri MAGELANG, Central Java: Some Rp 24 billion (US$2.8 million) has been embezzled from Bank Mandiri's Magelang branch, adding yet another scandal to Indonesia's bank industry."Three people have been named suspects, and they are being questioned by the police," said Insp.

Police award security certificates to hotels in Bali

Police award security certificates to hotels in BaliWahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali Bali Police chief Insp. Gen. Made Mangku Pastika handed over on Friday safety and security certificates to 34 four- and five- star hotels, after a one-month evaluation on security and safety...

HK still world's freest economy: Survey

HK still world's freest economy: SurveyHelen Luk, Associated Press, Hong Kong Hong Kong remains the world's freest economy, but the Asia- Pacific region overall became more tightly controlled economically during the last year, according to a survey released on Friday.

WHO expects more SARS scares: Many more suspected SARS cases are

WHO expects more SARS scares: Many more suspected SARS cases are likely emerge because the symptoms match those of common winter diseases, the World Health Organization said on Friday as it investigated the latest case to surface in China.

* Headlines: Bush wants to send Americans to Mars, Moon 2

* Headlines: Bush wants to send Americans to Mars, Moon 2 * National: Police fail to pick Beddu Amang 4 * Archipelago: Probe on human rights in Papua to begin 5 * Opinion: Stopping bioterrorism before it starts 7 * City: Officials still unsure about busway launch 8 * Sports: Gunners face test of...

Absenteeism rife among legislators

Absenteeism rife among legislatorsKurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta People's Consultative Assembly Speaker Amien Rais and President Megawati Soekarnoputri's husband Taufik Kiemas top the list of lawmakers who rarely or never attended House of Representatives' meetings over the past year, a...