Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 14 January 2004

82 articles found

Rupiah Retes Jan.13

Rupiah Retes Jan.13 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 6,864.29 6,082.38 6,507.97 6,438.48 Brunei dollar 1 5,208.38 4,615.34 4,938.02 4,885.55 Canadian dollar 1 6,914.58 6,126.08 6,555.64 6,484.73 Swiss franc 1 7,191.88 6,374.15 6,818.55 6,747.33 Danish krone 1 1,510.55 1,338.20 1,432.14 1,416.55 Euro 1 11,247.56 9,968.85 10,663.70 10,552.48 Poundsterling 1 16,300.49 14,449.08 15,454.34 15,295.01 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,136.65 1,007.69 1,077.64 1,066.69...

Where to go in Jakarta: Wednesday, January 14, 2004

Where to go in Jakarta: Wednesday, January 14, 2004 Exhibitions * 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. Utan Kayu 68H, East Jakarta (Tel. 8573388), until Jan. 31. * Painting: Dari Abas sampai Dumas, Galeri Milenium, D'Best Shopping Center, Blok B-23, Jl. R.S. Fatmawati No. 15, South Jakarta (Tel.

Sardono granted professorship

Sardono granted professorship JAKARTA: Noted choreographer Sardono Waluyo Kusumo will be installed as a professor of dance on Wednesday, making him the first artist with no formal education to receive the academic honor. During his installation at the Graha Bhakti Budaya Hall in the Ismail Marzuki Arts Center in Central Jakarta on Wednesday evening, Sardono, 58, will share his thoughts on how regional autonomy and political decentralization has led to exclusiveness in the regional arts.

1. TAX: 2 LINES, 19 COUNTS

1. TAX: 2 LINES, 19 COUNTS Government completes draconian tax law 2. BUSWAY: 3 lines, 17 COUNTS Two busway buses damaged just before launching day 3. LOTERY: 2 LINES, 20 COUNTS Sports council turns to lottery for funding 4. SYDNEY: 2 LINES, 27 COUNTS Indonesia condems Australia's missile plan, warns of arms race

Parties criticized for weak nominees

Parties criticized for weak nominees JAKARTA: The maneuver of some political parties to include celebrity personalities on their legislative candidate lists clearly shows that those parties are desperate to lure voters, an analyst says. Faisal Basri, chief of the Committee for the Preparation of the Indonesian Movement (KPPI), said Tuesday that there was little relevance between the actual needs of the nation and the legislative candidates abilities.

Indonesia still struggling with nationwide leprosy

Indonesia still struggling with nationwide leprosy Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia is facing daunting challenges in its efforts to eradicate leprosy, which remains a serious health problem in 111 of its 440 regencies and mayoralties.

KL, Bangkok resume joint patrols

KL, Bangkok resume joint patrols MALAYSIA: Malaysian and Thai military forces on Tuesday conducted joint patrols along their jungle border for the first time since the 1970s, after plans to resume them were sped up due to recent violence in southern Thailand. Meanwhile, top defense officials denied a report quoting a Cabinet minister as saying several Thais had been arrested in Malaysia in connection with the violence.

BANK BUKOPIN-DEUTSCHE BANK COOPERATION: Bank Bukopin and Deutsche

BANK BUKOPIN-DEUTSCHE BANK COOPERATION: Bank Bukopin and Deutsche Bank signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for cooperation in trade advisory services at Four Seasons Hotel, Singapore, on December 23, 2003. Pictured above (left to right) are Bank Bukopin Director of Commercial A.

Sardono granted professorship

Sardono granted professorship JAKARTA: Noted choreographer Sardono Waluyo Kusumo will be installed as a professor of dance on Wednesday, making him the first artist with no formal education to receive the academic honor. During his installation at the Graha Bhakti Budaya Hall in the Ismail Marzuki Arts Center in Central Jakarta on Wednesday evening, Sardono, 58, will share his thoughts on how regional autonomy and political decentralization has led to exclusiveness in the regional arts.

Fifth no-show for Tommy

Fifth no-show for Tommy JAKARTA: Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra, the youngest son of former president Soeharto, failed for the fifth time to testify in the trial of Islamic boarding school leader Abdullah Sidiq Muin at the Central Jakarta District Court on Tuesday. Earlier in the trial, the panel of judges had decided that Tommy as a primary witness would be forcefully taken to court.

Two busway buses damaged one day before launch

Two busway buses damaged one day before launch Damar Harsanto and Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A day after calling for a perfect launch for the busway project, Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso said on Tuesday that two of the 56 busway buses had already been damaged. "It's true that two of the buses hit overhanging branches, shattering their windows," he said, without providing details.

TV Program: Wednesday, Jan 14, 2004

TV Program: Wednesday, Jan 14, 2004 .TB.30" 1.00" TVRI .TB.30" .90" 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Entertainment News: Selebrita 8:30 Cooking Show 9:00 Entertainment News: Show Biz 10:00 TV Drama: Saroja 12:30 p.m.

'Let women show they don't belong at home'

'Let women show they don't belong at home' With the Jan. 19 deadline approaching for some 24 political parties to resubmit their lists of legislative candidate, there is concern that not all of the parties will be able to meet the 30 percent quota for women candidates for the April 5 general election. But even those political parties that have met this quota placed most of their women candidates at the bottom of their lists. The Jakarta Post spoke with some city residents about this issue.

Party defends Tutut's candidacy

Party defends Tutut's candidacy The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In response to earlier protests that Siti Hardiyanti "Tutut" Rukmana's presidential nomination was solely based on the desire to uphold New Order values, Chairman of the Concern for the Nation Functional Party (PKPB) R. Hartono claimed that her candidacy reflected the will of the people. "There is no connection with the Cendana clique, no pressure and no directions from them.

BPPT pushes for renewable energy sources

BPPT pushes for renewable energy sources Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia will promote the use of renewable materials, using biomass techniques, geothermal energy and hydro power, to generate electricity to liberate itself from dependence on expensive and diminishing fossil fuels.

Police capture six terror suspects

Police capture six terror suspects Apriadi Gunawan and Suherdjoko, The Jakarta Post, Medan/Semarang North Sumatra Police have arrested six alleged Aceh separatist rebels, who they believe are responsible for planting bombs in the provincial capital of Medan. Police identified the six as Abdul Samat, 24, Syaifuddin, 31, Syaifullah, 30, Anwar, 20, Idris Roni alias Pek Ri, 58, and Tengku Usman, 28. Two of the suspects -- Abdul Samat and Syaifuddin -- were captured in the Jl.

Voters told to back aspirants with visions

Voters told to back aspirants with visions Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Noted scholar Nurcholish Madjid has urged the public at large to vote for a candidate with a good track record, clear vision, and high personal integrity in the upcoming presidential election. According to Nurcholish, who is popularly known as Cak Nur, this year's presidential election would produce a very powerful president. "If the elected president is corrupt, the entire nation will be corrupt.

Deeper U.S.-India space, nuclear cooperation unveiled

Deeper U.S.-India space, nuclear cooperation unveiled Agence France-Presse, Monterrey, Mexico U.S. President George W. Bush announced on Monday that the United States and India would deepen cooperation on civilian nuclear activities, civilian space programs and high-technology trade.

1. KPUD -- 48pt Bodoni Bold 5/1 (1x30)

1. KPUD -- 48pt Bodoni Bold 5/1 (1x30) Candidates may be disqualified 2. WASTE -- 36pt Bodoni Bold 2/3 (3x14) Jakarta wants dump dispute over by Jan. 17 3. RAKYAT -- 36pt Bodoni Bold 3/2 (2x21) 'Rakyat Merdeka' faces another libel suit 4. HOTEL -- 28pt Bodoni Bold 3/1 (1x30) Bogor stops hotel's construction 5. HONORIS -- 28pt Bodoni Bold 2/2 (2x20) Hospital denies report of negligence 6. JITF -- 36pt Bodoni Bold 5/1 (1x35) Tension heightens at the fairground 7.

Rushdie checks out of hotel after protest

Rushdie checks out of hotel after protest Agence France-Presse, Mumbai, India Indian-born British novelist Salman Rushdie, holidaying in India, has checked out of his Bombay (also Mumbai) hotel room, a hotel official said on Tuesday after hardline Muslims threatened to "blacken" the author's face. The Booker-Prize winning writer, along with his model-actress girlfriend Padma Lakshmi, left Bombay's posh Taj Mahal hotel late on Monday, the hotel official said.

KPU urges media to be professional

KPU urges media to be professional Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The General Elections Commission (KPU), the Election Supervisory Committee and the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) are drafting election campaign guidelines to govern coverage on radio and television, which will set limitations on the length of the advertising slots allocated to candidates.

PNM-BII in sharia partnership

PNM-BII in sharia partnership JAKARTA: State-owned investment firm PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM) and Bank International Indonesia (BII) signed a marketing partnership agreement on Tuesday for the former's sharia mutual fund products.

Ian Dutton: A voice for Indonesia

Ian Dutton: A voice for Indonesia Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The departing Indonesia country director for U.S. non- governmental organization The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Ian Myles Dutton, wants to be a positive voice for Indonesia in Washington, where he will take up his new position as director for a conservation measures group. "Indonesia doesn't have many good people speak about it outside of Indonesia.

ASEAN economics ministers to meet in Yogyakarta

ASEAN economics ministers to meet in Yogyakarta Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) economics ministers are to meet informally in Yogyakarta on Jan. 19 and Jan. 20 to discuss, among other things, economic integration in the region. "The meeting will prepare for a formal meeting due in September in Jakarta," the director general for international cooperation of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Pos M. Hutabarat, announced on Monday.

Trans-Jakarta Bus

Trans-Jakarta Bus From Media Indonesia Pictures of the bus being promoted as a favored mode of travel in Jakarta's mass transportation system are now published in the printed media by the name of the Trans-Jakarta Bus. This name, which is good and appropriate, should be popularized by the Jakarta administration and the mass media so as to avoid the term "busway" for the system.

Suspect in Unsyiah rector's murder to for trial

Suspect in Unsyiah rector's murder to for trial Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam A man charged with murdering the Syiah Kuala University (Unsyiah) rector three years ago in the war-torn province of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam will stand trial soon, prosecutors said on Tuesday. Police have completed an investigation into Mahyuddin alias Raja Preman, 28, accused of the Sept. 7, 2001 murder of rector Dayan Dawood.

Excelcomindo attracts $350m bid

Excelcomindo attracts $350m bid JAKARTA: Indonesia's third-largest cellular telecommunications operator PT Excelcomindo Pratama has received around US$350 million in bids for its planned $300 million international bond issue, people familiar with the matter said on Tuesday. A banker with one of the underwriters said the company is looking to sell the 8.25 percent bond at a yield of 8.375 percent. The company is expected to price the five-year bond on Friday at the earliest when its U.S.

New banking landscape

New banking landscape Indonesia's banking industry will be further consolidated under a national banking structure the central bank launched last week for implementation, beginning this year, to build a sound, strong and efficient financial system.

Rescuing illegally exploited animals

Rescuing illegally exploited animals Recently, along with friends, I visited a typical pasar malam (fair) in a small town in West Java. A screened-off area, surrounded by placards promising various unlikely "wonders", aroused our curiosity. We paid at a booth and entered ... and our positive mood evaporated. The exhibits included filthy, cramped cages containing miserable animals. Among these, we noted orangutans, a sun bear, even an African lion.

7 new high court presidents named

7 new high court presidents named JAKARTA: Supreme Court Chief Justice Bagir Manan is slated to inaugurate on Wednesday seven high court leaders for postings across the country. The Jakarta High Court will have a new president -- former Makassar High Court leader Harifin H. Tumpa, who will replace Ridwan Nasution. Kardjan, former Jayapura High Court president, will succeed Harifin in Makassar, while Palu High Court deputy chief I Gusti Ngurah Suparka will succeed Kardjan.

Mega to inaugurate stadium in Malang

Mega to inaugurate stadium in Malang MALANG, East Java: President Megawati is scheduled to lay the cornerstone of a new sports stadium in the East Java town of Malang on Jan. 22. Local government spokesman Soegiantoro said the Rp 19 billion (US$2.2 million) stadium would be constructed on a 44,440-square- meter plot of land. The stadium will provide indoor and outdoor facilities for various kinds of sports such as swimming, basketball, volleyball, tennis, badminton and soccer. -- Antara

KPU to open registration for election monitors on Jan. 21

KPU to open registration for election monitors on Jan. 21 Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The General Elections Commission (KPU) said on Tuesday it would open registration for election monitoring teams or agencies on Jan. 21 in order for them to obtain accreditation.

Indonesia ready to ratify Kyoto Protocol

Indonesia ready to ratify Kyoto Protocol Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia has stated its readiness to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, an international treaty intended to lower greenhouse gas emissions, which will make the government eligible for cash bonuses from the Clean Development Mechanisms (CDM) program.

Tangerang parking fee doubles

Tangerang parking fee doubles TANGERANG: The local administration has increased the parking rate from Rp 1,000 (12 U.S. cents) to Rp 2,000 since the beginning of this year in an effort to double its revenues from parking tax. Last year, the regency made Rp 1.2 billion in parking tax. Many motorists have protested the policy, saying the increase only added to their burdens. "If we park at five different places in a day, we must spend Rp 10,000 just for parking.

(Advertorial)

(Advertorial) InterContinental Resort Bali welcomes 2004 in style The year 2003 was a memorable one for InterContinental Resort Bali as it celebrated its 10th Anniversary. These ten successful years in the competitive hospitality industry are proof of the management's remarkable achievements in creating innovative and top-notch services for their opulent clientele. It was hard to say goodbye to that prosperous year. Nevertheless, 2004 will certainly present more challenges and opportunities.

Children of all sizes need healthy diet

Children of all sizes need healthy diet Melissa Southern-Garcia, Dietitian, Jakarta, southerndietitian@yahoo.com I receive many questions from readers about problems with overweight children. Childhood obesity is a topic that has received much press lately and has actually reached epidemic proportions in many countries. Although some parents may still be unaware of the dangers of childhood obesity, it has, for the most part, become common knowledge. There is, however, another side to this story.

Fired aircraft firm workers go from zoo to ministry to camp

Fired aircraft firm workers go from zoo to ministry to camp The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Thousands of dismissed workers of PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PT DI), a state-owned aerospace company in Bandung, West Java, have refused to go home, and say they will stay for another two days in Jakarta despite having little confidence that the Central Committee for the Settlement of Labor Disputes (P4P) will rule in their favor.

1. 5BOMB (1x30)

1. 5BOMB (1x30) Police capture six terror suspects 2. 5RECTOR (1x35) Suspect in rector's murder set for trial 3. 5KARUN (2x20) Treasure thieves arrested in Cirebon 4. 5UNHCR (1x30) Striking Afghans now number 16 5. 5POSO (2x18) Security operation in Poso extended

PGN to issue bonds next month

PGN to issue bonds next month JAKARTA: PT Perusahaan Gas Negara said Monday it plans to issue between US$100 million and $150 million in 10-year international bonds next month. "I expect that the bonds can be listed on the American markets by the third week of February," Gas Negara President Washington Simanjuntak told Dow Jones Newswires.

TNI vows to help with elections

TNI vows to help with elections JAKARTA: Despite only having 50 percent of its troops available, the Indonesian Military (TNI) would still be ready to help the police secure the 2004 general elections, an officer says. "We are ready even though some 50 percent of our forces have been deployed in areas of conflict in the country," Lt. Gen. Djamari Chaniago, TNI's chief for general affairs, told reporters on Tuesday.

Who really benefits from rice protection?

Who really benefits from rice protection? Abdul Bayes, The Daily Star, Asia News Network, Dhaka Few persons would, perhaps, favor a forthright liberalization of rice trade. The reasons are not far to seek. Rice is the staple food crop in most of the Asian countries -- in fact 90 percent of world rice is grown in this continent. In these countries, more often than not, politically pointed "pro-poor" ramifications tend to reign over economics as far as any decision pertaining to rice is concerned.

21 treasure thieves arrested in Cirebon

21 treasure thieves arrested in Cirebon Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon, West Java At least 21 people suspected of plundering hidden treasure from a shipwreck off the coast of Cirebon, West Java, were apprehended by a joint team from the National Police, Cirebon Police and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries on Sunday. Local police said on Tuesday the suspects had been caught red- handed while removing chinaware from the 12th century ship from China.

Party paraphernalia torn down

Party paraphernalia torn down SURABAYA: The Surabaya Election Supervisory Committee (Panwaslu) has torn down 148 flags and other political party paraphernalia throughout the city. The cleanup was held at predawn Tuesday by Panwaslu officials, assisted by local police, public order officers and members of political parties. "We haven't covered all parts of the city.

No need to worry about bird flu: GAPMMI

No need to worry about bird flu: GAPMMI Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesians should not be overly worried over the outbreak of the bird flu that has ravaged Asia's poultry industry and reportedly caused 12 people to die of influenza. "We are not importing chickens from Vietnam, South Korea or Japan. Even our chicken imports are very small in number.

Striking Afghans now number 16

Striking Afghans now number 16 Luh Putu Trisna Wahyuni and A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Mataram/Jakarta Entering their seventh day, the number of illegal Afghan immigrants on a hunger strike in a Mataram hostel rose to 16 on Tuesday afternoon. Nine of them have been admitted to the hospital. The most recently admitted was M. Nabil, who having been on a hunger strike since Friday, collapsed on Tuesday afternoon.

Rakyat Merdeka daily faces another libel suit

Rakyat Merdeka daily faces another libel suit Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Police investigators grilled on Tuesday the executive director of national daily Rakyat Merdeka, Teguh Santosa, as a suspect in a libel case filed by National Intelligence Agency (BIN) chief A.M. Hendropriyono over an article published in February 2003. During the five-hour interrogation, Teguh's lawyer Aliamsah Harahap said police asked his client 22 questions.

Bush struggles for support at Latin America summit: President

Bush struggles for support at Latin America summit: President George W. Bush struggled to persuade leaders across the Americas to back his economic, trade and security agenda at a summit on Tuesday but faced skepticism as many edge away from U.S. policies. Bush called on Latin American leaders to embrace market reforms, greater democracy and quick progress on a contentious Americas-wide free trade deal. "Over the long-term, trade is the most certain path to lasting prosperity," he said.

KONI seeks Rp 110b for more gold

KONI seeks Rp 110b for more gold Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The National Sports Council (KONI) announced a proposal for an expensive three-year sports development program here on Tuesday with the initial aim of a strong showing at the 2006 Asian Games. Called the 'Indonesia Rises' program, the three-year campaign will cost about Rp 110 billion (nearly US$13 million), according to Djoko Pramono, a KONI official in charge of development affairs.

Bungku's split from Morowali rejected

Bungku's split from Morowali rejected PALU, Central Sulawesi: Central Sulawesi Governor Aminuddin Ponulele rejected a demand on Tuesday by local residents to separate Bungku from Morowali regency. The rejection was conveyed through a letter dated Jan. 8 to Morowali Regent Andi Muhammad. The letter was in response to a request from the regent, who had urged the governor to support the separation of Bungku from Morowali.

Candidates may be disqualified

Candidates may be disqualified Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With 30 percent of Jakarta's legislative candidates facing possible disqualification, doubts are emerging as to just how qualified the Jakarta Provincial Elections Commission (KPUD) and its supervisory committee (Panwaslu) are to do its job. "At least 60 percent or more than 900 candidates failed to submit the required documents by the deadline on Dec. 29.

Anti money-laundering committee established

Anti money-laundering committee established The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has set up a national committee to coordinate strategy in combating money laundering following the passage of the new Money Laundering Law last year. Under Presidential Decree No. 1/2004, a copy of which has been obtained by The Jakarta Post, the committee will coordinate the efforts of various state agencies in preventing and combating money laundering.

NAga, Tanah Datar, Magelang and Sidoarjo foster pro-people service

NAga, Tanah Datar, Magelang and Sidoarjo foster pro-people service Warief Djajanto Basorie, Journalist, Jakarta The street in front of your house has potholes. You don't want a bone-jarring drive in your car every time you leave and return home. What should you do? Write a letter to the city engineer's office. Specify the service you request. Submit the request to records clerk Rosalinda Novio. It takes her two minutes to record your request letter in the logbook.

Health agency confirms Chikungunya cases in Keagungan

Health agency confirms Chikungunya cases in Keagungan Dewi Santoso The Jakarta Post Jakarta The Jakarta Health Agency confirmed on Tuesday that the disease afflicting dozens of residents of Keagungan subdistrict, Taman Sari district, West Jakarta, was indeed Chikungunya. The diagnosis was based on clinical examinations. "We still need supporting evidence from laboratory tests.

1. DUTTON 1x30

1. DUTTON 1x30 Ian Dutton: A voice for Indonesia 2. KWAN 1x40 Kwan best thing going after more than a decade 3. GUESS1 1x30 Costner to make another Western 4. GUESS2 1x30 Academy honors tech company

The number of Afghans go on strike rises to 16

The number of Afghans go on strike rises to 16 Luh Putu Trisna Wahyuni and A'an Suryana The Jakarta Post Mataram/Jakarta Entering their seventh day, the number of illegal Afghan immigrants on a hunger strike in a Mataram camp rose to 16 on Tuesday afternoon. Nine of them have been admitted to the hospital. The most recently admitted was M. Nabil, who having been on a hunger strike since Friday, collapsed on Tuesday afternoon.

AirAsia to fly to S'pore-Bangkok

AirAsia to fly to S'pore-Bangkok SINGAPORE: Malaysian budget airline AirAsia plans to begin services between Singapore and Thailand starting next month, local media reported Tuesday. Singapore's Civil Aviation Authority, which manages the city- state's Changi Airport, has been notified that AirAsia intends to launch a service between Changi and Bangkok, the Straits Times newspaper reported citing an unnamed spokesman for the authority.

Police arrest suspected kidnapper

Police arrest suspected kidnapper DEPOK: Police arrested on Tuesday a 29-year-old woman suspected of kidnapping the two children of her employer whom she worked for as a nanny for only three days. The mother, Ruth Siahaan, 32, a resident of Griya Pancoran Mas housing complex, said the new nanny was gone along with Isack, five, and Rebecca, three, when she and her husband arrived home from work at about 8:30 p.m. on Monday. "We found a bag full of the babysitter's clothes in front of our house.

Rupiah Retes Jan.13

Rupiah Retes Jan.13 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 6,864.29 6,082.38 6,507.97 6,438.48 Brunei dollar 1 5,208.38 4,615.34 4,938.02 4,885.55 Canadian dollar 1 6,914.58 6,126.08 6,555.64 6,484.73 Swiss franc 1 7,191.88 6,374.15 6,818.55 6,747.33 Danish krone 1 1,510.55 1,338.20 1,432.14 1,416.55 Euro 1 11,247.56 9,968.85 10,663.70 10,552.48 Poundsterling 1 16,300.49 14,449.08 15,454.34 15,295.01 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,136.65 1,007.69 1,077.64 1,066.69...

Health agency confirms Chikungunya cases

Health agency confirms Chikungunya cases Dewi Santoso, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The West Jakarta Health Agency confirmed on Tuesday that the disease afflicting dozens of residents of Keagungan subdistrict, Taman Sari district, West Jakarta, was indeed Chikungunya. The diagnosis was based on clinical examinations. "We still need supporting evidence from laboratory tests.

* Headlines: Chikungunya cases in West Jakarta confirmed 2

* Headlines: Chikungunya cases in West Jakarta confirmed 2 * National: Government 'fails to promote human rights' 4 * Archipelago: Police extend operation in restive Poso 5 * Opinion: Who really benefits from rice protection?

Once is enough for haj pilgrimage

Once is enough for haj pilgrimage From Koran Tempo The lack of professionalism that has muddled up the management of haj pilgrimage affairs is undeniable. In fact, only one journey to the Holy Land, as one of the five religious obligations for Muslims, is required in a lifetime. Meanwhile, a lot of Muslims perform their haj pilgrimage duty more than once and the annual quota for haj hopefuls is filled.

JP/5/timex

JP/5/timex BPKP told to audit aid for refugees in NTT Yemris Fointuna The Jakarta Post Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara Pressure has been placed on the relevant authorities to investigate alleged irregularities in the use of Rp 53 billion (US$6.3 million) in aid for East Timorese refugees in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) province.

Bulog corruptor's appeal tossed out by Jakarta High Court

Bulog corruptor's appeal tossed out by Jakarta High Court Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The defense team of former State Logistics Agency (Bulog) chief Rahardi Ramelan has yet to decide whether to appeal the High Court verdict of guilty for their client's misuse of Rp 62.9 billion in Bulog funds.

Indonesia condems Australia's missile plan, warns of arms race

Indonesia condems Australia's missile plan, warns of arms race Agencies, Jakarta/Sydney Indonesia has warned Australia that it could be starting an arms race in the Asia-Pacific region, following the latter's plan to buy a sophisticated U.S. anti-missile defense system. "It will not contribute to regional security, but instead destabilize the (Asia-Pacific) region," Indonesian foreign ministry spokesman Marty Natalegawa told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday.

Tourism prepares for the doldrums

Tourism prepares for the doldrums P.C. Naommy, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Tourism industry players lamented on Tuesday that the new visa-on-arrival policy (VOA), effective Feb. 1, would hinder the government's foreign exchange target of US$500 billion from the tourism sector this year. "The target is nonsense," said IB Lolec, president of Pacific World Nusantara, whose core business is travel and transportation.

Govenment has failed to promote human rights protection: Watchdog

Govenment has failed to promote human rights protection: Watchdog Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government's failure to reform the Indonesian Military (TNI), the National Police, and the Supreme Court as well as the Attorney General's Office had worsened human rights protection in 2003, a human rights watchdog says.

[b]Who really benefits

Who really benefits from rice protection? Abdul Bayes The Daily Star Asia News Network Dhaka 2. Warif -- ASEAN cities deliver pro-people service 2 X 30 Naga, Tanah Datar, Magelang and Sidoarjo foster pro-people services Warief Djajanto Basorie Journalist Jakarta

Taking responsibility[b]

Taking responsibility The Indonesian press have focused on alleged corruption at the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) as well as in the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) and Bank Indonesia (the central bank) -- three state agencies that have a strategic role, under both routine and critical circumstances. The alleged graft in Bulog involves its former chief, Beddu Amang, who has been accused of misusing an animal feed fund of Rp 841 billion (US$100.2 million).

Jakarta wants dump dispute over by Jan. 17

Jakarta wants dump dispute over by Jan. 17 Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta administration urged the Bekasi municipality administration to settle its internal dispute immediately and make a final decision on the Bantar Gebang dump before Jan. 17. Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso said on Tuesday that Bekasi city councillors had established a special committee to settle the dispute with the Bekasi administration.

Bogor administration stops hotel construction

Bogor administration stops hotel construction Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor The Bogor municipal administration has stopped the construction of the Holiday Inn hotel on a plot of land on Jl. Pangrango, Bogor, where the office of state-owned Radio Republic Indonesia (RRI) stands, following a letter from the Ministry of Tourism and Culture on the plan to demolish the building and replace it with a hotel.

Sports council turns to lottery for funding

Sports council turns to lottery for funding Eva C. Komandjaja and Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After being humiliated by Indonesia's poor performance at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Hanoi, the country's highest sports authority, the National Sports Council (KONI), is again seeking a quick way -- although it smacks of gambling -- to raise funds to finance an ambitious sports development program.

Tension heightens at the Kemayoran fairground

Tension heightens at the Kemayoran fairground M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Tycoon Siti Hartati Murdaya demanded on Tuesday that her former associate Edward Soeryadjaya peacefully hand over management of the Jakarta Fairground in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, or face a possibly violent eviction.

Hospital denies report on negligence

Hospital denies report on negligence The Honoris Hospital in the Modern Land housing complex in Tangerang denied on Monday a report that the hospital turned away a 24-year-old attempted suicide, who later died of her injuries, because her family could not afford to make a down payment.

Government completes draconian draft tax law

Government completes draconian draft tax law Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Directorate General of Taxation has completed the revision of the country's tax laws, which will include greater power for the tax office to detain major tax evaders without trial and impose stronger sanctions on a range of lesser violations. According to a draft of the revised version of the General Tax Procedure Law No.

Garuda's smoking policy

Garuda's smoking policy In regard to the letter by Yuliyanti complaining about the smoking policy during a Garuda Jeddah-Jakarta flight (The Jakarta Post, Jan. 8), first and foremost, we would like to convey our sincerest apology for the inconvenience. We do understand the discomfort you experienced at that time.

Security operation in Poso extended

Security operation in Poso extended Ruslan Sangadji and Irvan NR, The Jakarta Post, Palu, Central Sulawesi The major police operation "Sintuwu Maroso", aimed at maintaining security in the troubled regency of Poso, has been extended for another six months, a top police officer said on Tuesday. "Another stage of the operation was completed in December.

1. DIRGANTARA: 48 pt, 3 cols, 3 x 18

1. DIRGANTARA: 48 pt, 3 cols, 3 x 18 Fired aircaft firm workers go from zoo to ministry to camp 2. RAHARDI: 36 pt, 4 cols, 2 x 28 Bulog corruptor's appeal tossed out by High Court 3. LEPROSY: 32 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 24 Indonesia still struggling with nationwide leprosy 4. GRAFT: 28 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 38 Police may still investigate Sjahril, Suta 5. CHIKU: 28 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 38 Health agency confirms Chikungunya cases 6. ODD: 24 pt, 3 cols, 1 x 28 Octogenarian enrolled in primary school

[b]Helping migrant

Helping migrant women workers From 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. The Ministry of Manpower and Transmigration, the Office of the State Minister for the Empowerment of Women and the foreign ministry should come to the fore in defense of Indonesian citizens facing trouble abroad.

Double-tracking

Double-tracking of railway needed From Kompas Trains may help ease traffic congestion in Jakarta. Some people living in Bintaro, Serpong and Tangerang have benefited from the electric railway service plying the Manggarai-Sudirman- Tanah Abang-Serpong route. Unfortunately, the railway line on this route is a single one, so a train has to wait until another passes the same length of track. This causes late departures and arrivals.

Police may still investigate Sjahril, Suta

Police may still investigate Sjahril, Suta Sandy Darmosumarto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta National Police chief of detectives Comr. Gen. Erwin Mappaseng said the police would soon question former Bank Indonesia (BI) Governor Sjahril Sabirin and former BPPBN chairman I Gede Putu Ary Suta for their roles in the alleged misuse of Rp 20.9 trillion (US$2.4 billion) from BI's Account No. 502.

Marine firm invests Rp 2t in Papua

Marine firm invests Rp 2t in Papua JAYAPURA, Papua: A marine firm is investing Rp 2 trillion (US$235 million) to explore the marine potential in Papua, particularly in the northern and southern parts of the province. Heru Purnomo, managing director of PT Tunasmas Samudera, said the company would start business activities in February, marked by the launching of two survey ships to detect the potential wealth of Papua's sea. The company is involved fishing and the export of marine commodities.

Persita held to 2-2 by Persib in Indonesia league

Persita held to 2-2 by Persib in Indonesia league Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang Persita, who has lost two key players through suspension, was held to a 2-2 draw on Tuesday by Persib Bandung in their Indonesian soccer league's match at Benteng stadium, Tangerang. Persita has collected only two points after three matches.