Archive: 21 January 2004
86 articles found
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
'Gong Xi Fa Cai'
'Gong Xi Fa Cai' Many Indonesians in the last few weeks, regardless of their religion or ethnicity, have shown strong interest in Imlek, the Chinese New Year of the monkey which will fall on Thursday. They want to know about the specific characteristics of the year and which characteristics of the monkey will be dominant. According to Chinese tradition, the curiosity of the monkey will carry over into many areas of life.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Govt to send teachers to Malaysia
Govt to send teachers to Malaysia JAKARTA: The government will send around 250 teachers to Malaysia in August to provide education for migrant workers' children, who have no access to Malaysian public schools. Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Jusuf Kalla said on Tuesday, Malaysian law does not allow Indonesian migrant workers' children to accompany them. Therefore, they cannot send their children to Malaysian schools.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah Rates Jan.20
Rupiah Rates Jan.20 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 6,719.06 5,959.32 6,372.91 6,305.24 Brunei dollar 1 5,188.21 4,601.92 4,920.92 4,869.06 Canadian dollar 1 6,827.96 6,057.58 6,476.19 6,409.21 Swiss franc 1 7,000.00 6,210.15 6,639.37 6,570.64 Danish krone 1 1,476.87 1,309.65 1,400.78 1,385.68 Euro 1 10,996.93 9,752.04 10,430.38 10,318.13 Poundsterling 1 15,858.87 14,071.03 15,041.84 14,887.82 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,144.87 1,015.95 1,085.88 1,074.93...
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Govt lambasted for neglecting education
Govt lambasted for neglecting education Rusman, The Jakarta Post, Samarinda, East Kalimantan A public policy observer has lashed out at the East Kalimantan provincial administration for paying little attention to education. Sugeng Hariyadi said the administration had allocated only Rp 58.98 billion, or 2.1 percent, of its Rp 2.75 trillion (US$324 million) provincial budget this year toward education, far less than the minimum 20 percent education budget imposed by the Constitution.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
KPU rapped for accommodating late applicants
KPU rapped for accommodating late applicants Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The General Elections Commission (KPU) and its regional offices (KPUDs) are copping public criticism for accepting revised candidature documents after the deadline and thereby undermining the commission's credibility. Independent Election Monitoring Committee (KIPP) executive director Ray Rangkuti said on Tuesday that the poll watchdog found political parties had violated the Monday 4 p.m.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Government plans to recruit one million civil servants
Government plans to recruit one million civil servants Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government is planning to hire approximately one million new civil servants over the next three years, mostly for the education and medical sectors, to serve in remote areas across the country. Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Jusuf Kalla said on Tuesday that the increase was consistent with population growth and would provide better services to the public in those sectors.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Nostalgia the only thing PBB has to offer voters
Nostalgia the only thing PBB has to offer voters Anton Doni, Head Research and Development Unit, The Jakarta Post It may not be possible for the handsome Yusril Ihza Mahendra to lead his Crescent Star Party (PBB) to an improved position in this April's legislative elections, compared to the 1999 election. At that time the party was only able to secure 2.05 million votes, or less than two percent of all votes.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Niaga offers Prudential insurance
Niaga offers Prudential insurance JAKARTA: Bank Niaga signed on Tuesday a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with London-based insurance company PT Prudential Life Assurance to provide life insurance protection for the bank's clients. The insurance is offered only to Bank Niaga customers who take a homeowner loan. Prudential will cover the remainder of the loan should the debtor pass away or become permanently disabled during the term of the loan.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Martial law authorities delay move of GAM prisoners to Java
Martial law authorities delay move of GAM prisoners to Java The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh/Semarang/Denpasar The martial law administration in Aceh announced on Tuesday a delay in the transfer of 143 Free Aceh Movement (GAM) prisoners to Central Java, citing transportation problems. Spokesman for the martial law administration Col. Ditya Sudarsono said the Air Force, which had earlier promised to provide a Hercules airplane, failed to confirm its commitment until the last minute.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Police find live bombs in conflict-ridden Poso
Police find live bombs in conflict-ridden Poso Ruslan Sangadji, The Jakarta Post, Palu, Central Sulawesi Police found at least 27 live bombs during a raid early on Tuesday in Poso regency, Central Sulawesi, where about 2,000 people died in two years of sectarian clashes from 2000 to 2002. The homemade bombs discovered in Tabalu village, Poso Pesisir subdistrict, were believed to be left over from stashed munitions used in the fighting.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Accountants question new proposed law on profession
Accountants question new proposed law on profession P.C. Naommy, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Chairman of the Indonesian Accountants Association (IAI) Ahmadi Hadibroto questioned on Monday the necessity of applying criminal law to accountancy as reflected in the draft of the new law on the accountancy profession.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
New Order's reappearance
New Order's reappearance From Media Indonesia One of the failures of the reform movement is the emergence of New Order figures as legislative candidates, even though ridding executive and legislative institutions of these outgoing officials is among the goals of the reform struggle, according to Muslim leader Arbi Sanit.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Jakarta's development
Jakarta's development From Koran Tempo The Jakarta administration, under Governor Sutiyoso, is trying to turn Jakarta into a city without slums. It is also trying to ease acute traffic congestion in the capital city by introducing a mass rapid transportation system, known as the busway.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Ex-minister quizzed as witness in graft case
Ex-minister quizzed as witness in graft case Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Former finance minister Bambang Subianto was questioned as a witness in a Rp 520 billion (US$62 million) World Bank loans scandal, Jakarta Police said on Tuesday. Police corruption unit chief Adj. Sr. Comr.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Government, GAM differ on plan to free hostages
Government, GAM differ on plan to free hostages Muninggar Sri Saraswati and Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government claimed to have reached an agreement with the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) over the release of RCTI cameraman Fery Santoro and two women who were taken hostage by the rebels group more than six months ago. "We have reached a deal.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Court start reviewing law on terror
Court start reviewing law on terror Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Eight Constitutional Court judges on Tuesday began hearing a demand for a judicial review of an anti-terrorism law by lawyers representing a convicted Bali bomber. A team of lawyers representing Masjkur Abdul Kadir, who was sentenced to 15 years' prison for his involvement in the deadly attack, said terror Law No.16/2003 was illegitimate because it was implemented retroactively.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
[b]Graft and
Graft and tax collection From Koran Tempo I agree with Taufiequrachman, chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), who has called on the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) to issue a ruling that corruption is forbidden according to Islam. While it is true that such a ruling by MUI would help efforts to eradicate corruption, it means little in law enforcement. In fact, our legislation needs an overhaul. Take, for example, the taxation regulations.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Global bond to increase burden on state budget
Global bond to increase burden on state budget The Jakarta post, Jakarta State Minister for National Development Planning Kwik Kian Gie criticized on Tuesday the government's plan to issue a global bond this year as it ran contrary to the government's own pledge to gradually reduce the country's debt stock.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
On good and genuine candidates
On good and genuine candidates The culture of Indonesia does not lend itself to straight talking, especially in the area of criticism against individuals. In the case of rotten legislators (and we must accept there are some) then, to publish a list can be viewed in more than one way. The General Elections Commission (KPU) has a duty to educate the public regarding electoral procedures, but this would not cover the personal performances of would-be legislators.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
ASI's answer to nation's problems
ASI's answer to nation's problems Observing recent media reports on developments in our country ahead of the upcoming general election, we, the Alliance For a Single Indonesia (ASI), herewith express our deep concern and at the same time our disappointment regarding the tendency of political parties to discredit one another, especially regarding their presidential nominees.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Taxes for the people
Taxes for the people For a country, taxes are necessary. Without tax revenue, a country can do nothing. The more advanced a country is, the more the people are aware of their obligation to pay taxes. In Indonesia, taxes play a big role in running the state. Of the state's Rp 374.3 trillion 2004 budget, some Rp 232.5 trillion is expected to come from tax revenue. It's not easy to collect taxes. Last year, for example, only 97.3 percent of the targeted tax revenue was collected.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Southeast Asia's Chinese winning freedoms
Southeast Asia's Chinese winning freedoms Karl Malakunas, Agence France-Presse, Singapore Many of Southeast Asia's 20 million ethnic Chinese are welcoming in the Lunar New Year with increasing freedoms, but the specter of discrimination still weighs heavily across parts of the region.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Thursday, January 22, 2004
Thursday, January 22, 2004 .TB.30" .90" TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Entertainment News: Selebrita 8:00 Music: Sik Asik 9:00 Entertainment News: Pro Biz 10:00 TV Drama 12:00 p.m.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
TV Program: Wednesday, January 21, 2004
TV Program: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 .TB.30" 1.00" TVRI .TB.30" .90" 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Entertainment News: Selebrita 8:00 Music: Sik Asik 9:00 Entertainment News: Show Biz 10:00 TV Drama 12:30 p.m.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
FACTORY BLAST: Black smoke billows from the PT Petro Widada
FACTORY BLAST: Black smoke billows from the PT Petro Widada chemical plant in the East Java town of Gresik after an explosion. The blast on Tuesday injured at least 52 people and sparked a series of fires in the complex, police said. JP/P.J. Leo LIKE MOTHER LIKE DAUGHTER: A little girl mimics her mother as she prays in the Vihara Dharma Bhakti temple in Petak Sembilan, West Jakarta.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Importers raise concerns about Pelindo-JICT ruling
Importers raise concerns about Pelindo-JICT ruling The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Importers Association (Ginsi) has expressed great concern over the recent ruling by the Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU) on container terminal operations at Tanjung Priok port, saying that the verdict could affect the flow of cargo through the country's largest seaport.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
IBRA seeks new Swissasia bid for Lippo
IBRA seeks new Swissasia bid for Lippo Dow Jones, Jakarta The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) said Swissasia Global has until next on Tuesday to submit a new bid for a 52.05 percent stake in PT Bank Lippo, given its earlier bid was below the floor price set by the agency. "Swissasia has one week to renew its bid," said Rohan Hafas, spokesman for IBRA, on Tuesday.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
'Koran Tempo' loses battle against Tomy
'Koran Tempo' loses battle against Tomy M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Freedom of the press has once again been put in peril following the ruling of the South Jakarta District Court on Tuesday finding the Koran Tempo daily guilty of libeling well-connected businessman Tomy Winata. The judicial panel ordered the daily to pay US$1 million in damages to the plaintiff. Koran Tempo's lawyers said they would appeal the verdict.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
EU and TI plan to monitor elections
EU and TI plan to monitor elections Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A number of foreign poll watchdogs have expressed interest in monitoring the 2004 elections, a General Elections Commission (KPU) member says. Valina Singka Subekti, head of the KPU team responsible for the accreditation of poll monitors, said on Tuesday that the European Union (EU) and Transparency International (TI) had expressed their intention to monitor this year's elections.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
KL may have to review currency peg: MIER
KL may have to review currency peg: MIER Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia may have to review its six-year-old currency peg against the dollar as the ringgit is about 15-20 percent undervalued and import bills are rising, a private think-tank said on Tuesday.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Some facts on the outbreak of bird flu in Southeast Asia
Some facts on the outbreak of bird flu in Southeast Asia An eight-year-old girl has been confirmed as the fifth person to die in Vietnam from an outbreak of bird flu, the World Health Organisation said. The outbreak in Vietnam, as well as outbreaks in South Korea, Japan and Taiwan, have shaken Asia's poultry industry. Thailand, which produces about one billion chickens a year and exports mainly to Japan and Europe, said it was free of bird flu but was battling an outbreak of poultry cholera.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
IBRA workers don't deserve severance pay: Ex-minister
IBRA workers don't deserve severance pay: Ex-minister Ridwan Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta None of the employees of the Indonesian Banking Restructuring Agency (IBRA), scheduled to be liquidated on Feb. 27, are legally eligible for, nor do the deserve, severance pay because their employment was contract-based, says a former labor minister.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
TNI top brass to hold meeting
TNI top brass to hold meeting JAKARTA: The Indonesian Military (TNI) top brass will meet on Wednesday in a leadership meeting at its headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta. It will be the first plenary meeting of military decisionmakers this year as the country braces for the elections. The meeting also comes on the heels of the military offensive against Free Aceh Movement (GAM) rebels. TNI spokesman Col. D.J.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Final list of candidates can trigger conflicts
Final list of candidates can trigger conflicts Philips J Vermonte, Researcher, Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Jakarta Next week, the nation will enter another, potentially explosive, phase in the preparations for the 2004 election. On Jan. 27, the General Election Commission (KPU) will make public the final list of eligible legislative candidates.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
42 legislative candidates in Yogya linked to PKI: KPU
42 legislative candidates in Yogya linked to PKI: KPU Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Forty-two legislative candidates in Yogyakarta are believed to have been linked with the outlawed and now-defunct Indonesian Communist Party (PKI), a poll official said on Tuesday. The Yogyakarta General Election Commission (KPU) would soon verify the report.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
'We face discrimination from govt officials'
'We face discrimination from govt officials' Chinese-Indonesians will celebrate Imlek or the Chinese New Year from late Wednesday to early Thursday. Public celebrations were permitted with the issuance of a presidential decree by former president Abdurrahman Wahid in 2000 that revoked Presidential Instruction No. 14/1967 on Chinese religion, tradition and beliefs. Last year, the government declared Imlek a national holiday. The Jakarta Post talked to some people about the issue.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Two Indonesians nabbed for fraud
Two Indonesians nabbed for fraud SINGAPORE: Two Indonesians arrested for credit card fraud will be charged in a Singapore court on Wednesday, police said. The men, claiming to be a doctor and a businessman, purchased S$30,000 (US$17,600) worth of watches, branded clothing and health tonics at shopping centers, officials said on Tuesday. Police received a tip-off and arrested the men, aged 32 and 45. If convicted, they faced up to seven years in jail and a fine. -- DPA
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
42 legislative candidates in Yogyakarta linked to PKI: KPU
42 legislative candidates in Yogyakarta linked to PKI: KPU Slamet Susanto and Ruslan Sangadji, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta/Palu Forty-two legislative candidates in Yogyakarta are believed to have been linked with the outlawed and now-defunct Indonesian Communist Party (PKI), a poll official said on Tuesday. The Yogyakarta General Election Commission (KPU) would soon verify the report.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
PT Pos sustains losses in Maluku, Papua
PT Pos sustains losses in Maluku, Papua Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Papua, Jayapura The Maluku and Papua regional office of state-owned delivery company PT Pos Indonesia suffered some Rp 7 billion in financial losses last year, as the operational expenditure of the company exceeded its revenue in the same period, a top official at the office said on Tuesday. "In terms of business, the company always likely to sustain losses if it operates in Papua and Maluku.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Mass chess festival to break world record
Mass chess festival to break world record The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Around 12,000 people are expected to participate in a gigantic chess tournament in a bid to break the world record for 'the most people playing chess simultaneously', organizers of the event announced here on Tuesday. Called the Mega Chess 12000, it will be held at the Kemayoran fair ground in Central Jakarta on Friday with the winner to be awarded a Daihatsu Xenia car.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
JI detainees lodge complaint
JI detainees lodge complaint MALAYSIA: Suspected members of the Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) terrorist group in Malaysia have accused police of torturing them during interrogations. Thirty-one men, jailed without trial for more than two years under Malaysia's tough security law, lodged a formal abuse complaint with the country's human rights commission.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Busway highlights urban woes: Observers
Busway highlights urban woes: Observers Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Public euphoria toward the busway during its two-week free trial period may well be a reflection of some of Jakarta's social problems, such as the lack of public space and high level of unemployment, an observer has said.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Elections and civil
Elections and civil servants' votes From Media Indonesia A recent story in the papers reported the public's pessimism about the role of civil servants in the upcoming general election. It was reported that about 40 percent of civil servants are members of the Corps of Civil Servants of the Republic of Indonesia and will vote for the Golkar Party. The rest will vote for other parties.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Dengue fever kills three in Yogya
Dengue fever kills three in Yogya YOGYAKARTA: Dengue fever has killed at least three people in Yogyakarta since last week, while seven others are being hospitalized for the same disease, health officials said on Tuesday. "Three people died in Tahunan neighborhood, Umbulharjo subdistrict, during the last week," Yogyakarta district office head Choirul Anwar said.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
* Headlines:KPU rapped for accommodating late applicants 2
* Headlines:KPU rapped for accommodating late applicants 2 * National:EU, TI plan to monitor elections 4 * Archipelago:15 areas may see violence in 2004 polls: Scholars 5 * Opinion:Final list of candidates can trigger conflicts 6 * City:Busway highlights urban problems: Observers 8 * Sports:Smiling Venus triumphs, Rusedski's blues deepen 10 * World:Kerry shakes up race with win in Iowa 11 * Business:Global bond to increase burden on state budget: Kwik 13 * Features:New strain of SARS virus...
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
[b]
TV presents too much violent imagery Simon Marcus Gower Executive Principal High/Scope Indonesia Jakarta 2. China -- Law needed to stop assets loss 1 x 30 Law needed to stop assets loss Xin Zhiming China Daily Asia News Network Beijing
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
W. Java people warned about anthrax
W. Java people warned about anthrax BANDUNG: People in West Java have been warned about the danger of anthrax when selecting or buying goats or cattle intended for sacrifice during this year's Idul Adha festivities, which fall on Feb. 1, following a recent occurrence of the disease in Bogor.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Two die, 55 wounded as fire engulfs chemical plant
Two die, 55 wounded as fire engulfs chemical plant Indra Harsaputra and ID Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Gresik/Surabaya At least two persons were killed and more than 50 others seriously injured after a raging fire gutted a petrochemical plant near the nation's second-biggest city of Surabaya on Tuesday, police said. The dead man were identified as Abdul Tahir, 44, and Syamsi, 48.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Saving Betawi culture
Saving Betawi culture From Warta Kota Jakarta's native Betawi culture is part of the national culture. As the provincial culture, it covers the local custom and language as well as traditional arts that have high tourism and educational values. In this era of globalization and cultural penetration by foreign influences, the development of Betawi culture in Jakarta's pluralistic society is under threat.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
From Koran Tempo
From Koran Tempo The recent exchange of fire between the Central Jakarta police and a joint team of the National Police and city police at Hotel Millennium, Jakarta, which wounded two policemen, would not have happened if they had observed the required procedure when firing shots. This also serves as proof that our police are too fond of shooting without warning.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
JP/4/ACEH
JP/4/ACEH Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar/Semarang Hundreds of Raider combat troops were dispatched to Aceh on Tuesday to replace existing troops fighting rebels in the province since martial law commenced last May. Udayana Military Commander Maj. Gen. Supiadin YAS sent off a battalion of Raiders from Benoa seaport, charged with finding and neutralizing Free Aceh Movement (GAM) rebels. The battalion comprises 747 soldiers, divided into 29 combat platoons.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Dow Jones, Jakarta
Dow Jones, Jakarta Shares ended higher on Tuesday, with buying in telecommunications and mining blue chips driving the main index up to a new closing record, dealers said. Buying was spurred by gains across regional markets and underlying positive sentiment on an upbeat domestic economic outlook, they added. The Jakarta Stock Exchange Composite Index closed 6.642 points, or 0.9 percent, higher at a record 773.125. Gainers led decliners 107 to 39, with 39 stocks unchanged.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Proper garbage handling can reduce waste by half
Proper garbage handling can reduce waste by half Abdul Khalik and Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT) is optimistic that Jakarta's garbage could be reduced by half if only residents learned to process household waste properly. "Public awareness and participation in managing their own waste would reduce the total daily waste by 50 percent, as we see here in Banjarsari," said Sri Bebassari, a senior researcher with the BPPT.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Prison terms demanded for 18 accused in campus attack
Prison terms demanded for 18 accused in campus attack Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan, North Sumatra A team of military prosecutors demanded on Tuesday prison terms for 18 police personnel accused of involvement in an armed attack on Medan's HKBP Nomensen University four years ago, which claimed the lives of two students. Opening the trial, a prosecutor from the Bukit Barisan Regional Military Command said defendant Chief. Brig.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Troops told to kill militiamen
Troops told to kill militiamen KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Wirasakti military commander Col. Moeswarno Moesanip ordered soldiers in East Nusa Tenggara on Tuesday to arrest, disable or shoot dead Indonesian infiltrators found trying to create chaos in East Timor. The strong warning came as rumors spread that former East Timorese militiamen were building up force to spark riots in East Timor, after international troops left the new country in May.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
15 areas may see violence in 2004 elections: Scholars
15 areas may see violence in 2004 elections: Scholars Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta An academic center for security analysis has identified at least 15 areas in the country that may see violence during the upcoming general elections.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
GDP growth to remain low for 2-3 years: Economists
GDP growth to remain low for 2-3 years: Economists Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia has been trapped in low economic growth rates for seven years and is likely to stay there in the next two to three years because of continued lack of investment, analysts said.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
MGTI gets $215 million loan facility
MGTI gets $215 million loan facility The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A group of banks led by DBS Bank in Singapore has agreed to provide a multimillion dollar loan facility to telecommunications company PT Mitra Global Telekomunikasi Indonesia (MGTI) to refinance the latter's existing debts. In a press release, DBS Bank and state-owned Bank Mandiri are coordinating arrangers for the US$215 million, five-year loan facility for the telecom company.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Poll body postpones candidates announcement
Poll body postpones candidates announcement Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta Provincial Elections Commission (KPUD) on Tuesday unexpectedly called off its scheduled announcement of the results of its verification of eligible legislative candidates. KPUD members give differing explanations for the delay and when the announcement would eventually be made.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Party leaders tell Megawati of waning support
Party leaders tell Megawati of waning support Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Regional leaders of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) told party leader Megawati Soekarnoputri on Tuesday that it would be difficult for the party to repeat its 1999 election success due to waning support in areas considered its strongholds.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Chinese-Indonesians long for end to discrimination
Chinese-Indonesians long for end to discrimination Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Chinese-Indonesians may experience a more festive lunar new year in 2004, but eliminating long-standing bias against the ethnic group is much more important, activists say. "All of the celebrations clearly show the euphoria that has resulted from the government's recognition of Chinese- Indonesians' cultural rights.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Depleted Persija beats exhausted Persipura 3-1
Depleted Persija beats exhausted Persipura 3-1 Zakki Hakim and Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Tangerang Persija Jakarta shrugged off player suspensions to overcome Persipura Jayapura 3-1 in an Indonesian league soccer match at the Lebak Bulus stadium in Jakarta on Tuesday. Argentinean Emmanuelle Deporras made a double and Agus Indra scored the other. The visitors took their only goal courtesy of Brazilian teammate David Da Rocha.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Busway and discipline
Busway and discipline As a frequent visitor and sometimes resident of Jakarta since 1997, I have often used public bus services, especially those plying the main thoroughfare running between Kota, West Jakarta, and Blok M, South Jakarta. The route is direct and the transportation is a fraction of the cost of taking a taxi, and often almost as quick. I have also had a great number of pleasant experiences meeting ordinary Jakartans taking the buses.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Jealous husband stabs wife
Jealous husband stabs wife TANGERANG: Tangerang Police arrested a man on Tuesday for the brutal stabbing of his own wife at her workplace at the D'Best shopping center on Jl. MH Thamrin in Tangerang municipality. The suspect, Sulaiman, 27, a resident of Pondok Kacang, Pondok Aren district in Tangerang regency, stabbed his estranged wife Komariah, 28, eight times in her stomach and chest. The victim was then rushed to the Honoris Hospital. She was in critical condition because of the wounds.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Batam, Purwakarta named top investment areas
Batam, Purwakarta named top investment areas Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A non-governmental organization specializing in research on autonomy, Regional Autonomy Watch (KPPOD) has named Batam and Purwakarta Regency in West Java as the most attractive investment destinations in the country during 2003.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Leadership changes and challenges
Leadership changes and challenges Kavi Chongkittavorn The Nation Asia News Network Bangkok This will be an extraordinary year for Southeast Asia. With many countries holding elections, changes of leadership are to be expected. Those leaders who are already in place are still untested. Obviously, the transitional situation in the region will help define the kind of leadership people are yearning for. Certainly, of all these new leaders, there will be one or two that catch the public imagination.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Contractor runs off with Rp 73m
Contractor runs off with Rp 73m BEKASI: A company reported an independent contractor to the police on Tuesday for allegedly abandoning an electrical installation project and fleeing with Rp 73 million (US$8,588) of the project fund. An employee of PT Sinar Bahana Mulia, Sudarnadi, told the police that the contractor, identified only as EK, was hired to install electricity and to upgrade the building's electrical capacity.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Rhino horn vendor gets 18-months
Rhino horn vendor gets 18-months JAKARTA: The West Jakarta District Court sentenced a vendor, who sold fake rhinoceros horns, to 18 months in prison on Monday for fraud. Presiding judge Chaidir said in the verdict that defendant Bong William alias Ko Titi, 62, was found guilty of defrauding Semi Jaya Chandra sometime between July and September 2001 for Rp 625 million (US$74,405). The sentence was only half of the three-year sentence sought by prosecutor Sugiyono.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Green law enforcement sought
Green law enforcement sought JAKARTA: The Office of the State Minister of the Environment, the Attorney General's Office and the National Police plan to set up an integrated office that will enable them to work together to enforce the Environment Law, a minister says. Environment minister Nabiel Makarim said on Tuesday the move was inspired by the fact that many cases of environmental destruction were left unpunished.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Thursday, January 22, 2004
Thursday, January 22, 2004 .TB.30" .90" TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Entertainment News: Selebrita 8:00 Music: Sik Asik 9:00 Entertainment News: Pro Biz 10:00 TV Drama 12:00 p.m.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
TV, magazines share awards
TV, magazines share awards JAKARTA: Minister of Culture and Tourism I Gede Ardika presented the "Pesona Wisata Indonesia 2003" tourism awards to press writers and TV producers for the best articles and programs during 2003. Nico Haryono, with his article "Buton Island is not identical to asphalt" published in Tamasya magazine, and Anna M. Anis, with her article "Lombok, the hidden beauty," published in Femina magazine, scooped the prizes in the print media category.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Optimism up in Thailand, Malaysia
Optimism up in Thailand, Malaysia Deutsche Press-Agentur, Singapore Consumer confidence in Thailand and Malaysia hit historic highs during the fourth quarter of last year with optimism up for the first half of this year, a Mastercard survey showed on Tuesday. Thailand emerged on top with a score of 95.1 on a 100-point index while Malaysia was only slightly behind at 93.5.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
TV Today: Friday, January 23, 2004
TV Today: Friday, January 23, 2004 .TB.30" .90" TVRI .tb .30" .90" 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Entertainment News: Selebrita 8:00 Music: Sik Asik 10:00 TV Drama 11:00 Religious Teachings 12:30 p.m.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Food and laughter marks the Chinese New Year
Food and laughter marks the Chinese New Year Tony Ryanto Contributor Jakarta Chinese Indonesians celebrate Chinese New Year or the Lunar New Year in a variety of ways, but one tradition is fondly adhered to by all. That is, the presentation of angpao or lai see (small red envelopes containing crisp banknotes) to unmarried friends, close relatives and children. While most parents are able to remain awake, their children benefit from a nap before being woken up at midnight.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
ASEAN-EU discuss greater trade opportunities
ASEAN-EU discuss greater trade opportunities Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Economic ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) agreed to work on an action plan to accelerate integrating the region's economies in a bid to boost trade and investments. Indonesia's Minister of Industry and Trade Rini Soewandi said that the ASEAN economic ministers would meet again in April in Singapore to further finalize the plan.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Entrance ports ready for new visa policy
Entrance ports ready for new visa policy Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang, Banten Two weeks prior to the implementation of the new visa policy on Feb. 1, international airports and seaports throughout Indonesia appear to have completed their preparations. At the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Tuesday, a row of three counters has been erected at the arrival gate for international flights.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Good signal
Good signal A number of foreign manufacturers have decided to relocate their businesses to Indonesia. This is good news for the country, which is thirsting for foreign capital to spur its economy. Matsushita Battery Industrial Co. Ltd., for example, has reportedly decided to relocate its lithium and manganese coin battery production unit from Japan to Indonesia. The company also reportedly intends to make Indonesia its production base for its export market.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
1. KPU: 3 LINES, 15 COUNTS
1. KPU: 3 LINES, 15 COUNTS KPU rapped for accommodating late applicants 2. EMPLOYEE: 2 LINES, 24 COUNTS Government plans to recruit a million civil servants 3. BOMB: 2 LINES, 21 COUNTS Police find live bombs in conflict-ridden Poso 4. VISA: 1 LINE, 36 COUNTS Entrance ports ready for new visa policy 5. AWARD: 1 LINE, 40 COUNTS Batam, Purwakarta named top investment areas
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Police seek evidence in BNI scam
Police seek evidence in BNI scam JAKARTA: Police are collecting more evidence on the role of several officials of state-owned BNI bank in the Rp 1.7 trillion (US$200 billion) BNI scam. National Police deputy spokesperson Brig. Gen. Soenarko said the police were still focusing on the probe into Edi Santoso, a former BNI Kebayoran Baru branch foreign customers head, Kusadiyuwono, a former manager of the same branch, and Nirwan Ali, former head of the foreign customers division in the same branch.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Dengue fever kills three in Yogya
Dengue fever kills three in Yogya YOGYAKARTA: Dengue fever has killed at least three people in Yogyakarta since last week, while seven others are being hospitalized for the same disease, health officials said on Tuesday. "Three people died in Tahunan neighborhood, Umbulharjo subdistrict, during the last week," Yogyakarta district office head Choirul Anwar said.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Australia honors RI 'dalang'
Australia honors RI 'dalang' MELBOURNE: At the government-to-government level there may be times of sweet-and-sour relations, suspicions and tensions, but in general, Indonesian-Australian relations are healthy. On Australia Day, which falls on Jan. 26, among those on the honors list is Indonesian artist Poedijono, who is to receive a Medal of the Order of Australia for his role in promoting Indonesian culture and arts in Australia.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Former attorney general denies promise to informant
Former attorney general denies promise to informant The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A lawyer for former attorney general Marzuki Darusman denied on Tuesday his client had provided a written guarantee that Endin Wahyudin, who blew the whistle on alleged bribery in the Supreme Court, would win any defamation suits brought against him as a result of his action.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Probe into Moses death urged
Probe into Moses death urged The Jakarta Post, Jakarta An urgent investigation is needed into the death of Antonius Moses to stop further fatalities in Indonesian professional boxing, commentators said. "There should definitely be an investigation into the case," Martinez, a boxing observer and commentator, told The Jakarta Post here on Tuesday.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
checked
checked JP/17/P01 Celebrating the Chinese New Year at Melia Purosani Hotel As with other large hotels in the country's other cities, Melia Purosani Hotel Jogjakarta will celebrate the Chinese New Year with special events and an attractive room package. This special package enables guests to enjoy the luxury of the hotel's rooms at a special rate of Rp 680,000 per night.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Police blamed for trial delay
Police blamed for trial delay MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: The South Sulawesi High Prosecutor's Office said on Tuesday it had completed the case files of two police officers charged with human rights abuses in Papua province a month ago. Prosecutors could not present the dossiers to an ad hoc court in Makassar, South Sulawesi, because the National Police had yet to hand over the two suspects to them for trial. "There are no other problems outstanding.
Wed, 21 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Motorcycle sales up 23% in 2003
Motorcycle sales up 23% in 2003 JAKARTA: In Indonesia, domestic sales of new motorcycles rose 23 percent to 2.81 million units in 2003 thanks to lower interest rates, car assemblers' association Gaikindo said on Tuesday. Market leader PT Astra International said it sold 1.577 million motorcycles last year, up 9.7 percent from 1.437 million in 2002.