Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 23 January 2004

74 articles found

International aid agencies prefer granting joint requests for funds

International aid agencies prefer granting joint requests for funds Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta International donor agencies have asked the country's regency administrations to make collective proposals when requesting for cash or technical assistance. Officials said that individual proposals would not likely be processed by the agencies because of the latter's need for a bulk request when deciding on assistance.

TNI vows to stay neutral in general election

TNI vows to stay neutral in general election Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesia Military (TNI) pledged on Thursday to maintain its neutrality in this year's elections in accordance with its professed intention to get out of politics for good. "The year 2004 will be very important for the TNI in showing the nation that its decision to leave the political arena is not merely rhetoric," TNI Commander Gen. Endriartono Sutarto said.

Benny struggles for social cohesion

Benny struggles for social cohesion Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta If one were to make a list of those fighting to end discrimination in Indonesia against the ethnic Chinese, Benny G. Setiono would most likely appear at the top of the list. One of the founders and chairman of the Chinese-Indonesian Association (INTI), Benny is also a co-founder of the National Studies Institute (ELKASA), a think tank on nation-building.

;JP;DAN;

;JP;DAN; ANPAf..r.. Rupiah-conversion-rates Rupiah Rates Jan. 21 JP/13/Conver Rupiah Rates Jan.

India, separatists agree violence in Kashmir must end: The Indian

India, separatists agree violence in Kashmir must end: The Indian government and a moderate faction of Kashmiri separatists on Thursday agreed at historic peace talks here that all forms of violence in strife-torn Kashmir must end and pledged to hold another meeting in March. Indian Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishna Advani, who led government officials into the discussions, later said the separatists would pay a courtesy call on Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on Friday.

Police start training for elections

Police start training for elections JAKARTA: The Jakarta Police began a two-day training program on Wednesday for 90,000 city-employed community unit guards on how to handle possible disturbances at polling booths leading up to the general elections. "This is to show community unit guards how to handle troublemakers in the field. Instructors will be sent to each district to explain the procedures and train the guards," said Jakarta Police general crimes chief Sr. Comr. Mathius Salempang.

JAKARTA: Police investigators questioned on Wednesday former

JAKARTA: Police investigators questioned on Wednesday former Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) chairman I Putu Gede Ary Suta about his role in a high profile financial scandal. National Police deputy spokesperson Brig. Gen. Soenarko Ardanto said on Wednesday that Suta was questioned for seven hours, during which police investigators asked 32 questions related to some documents and procedures on the use of the so- called Account No. 502.

* Headlines:U.S. predicts peaceful elections in Indonesia 2

* Headlines:U.S. predicts peaceful elections in Indonesia 2 * National:TNI vows to stay neutral in general election 4 * Archipelago:Joint team finds ammo on cacao plantation 5 * Opinion:TV presents too much violent imagery 6 * City:31 villagers may have been infected with Chikungunya 8 * Sports:Beckham sent off in Real's 3-0 victory 10 * World:Four policemen arrested for rape of RI woman 11 * Business:Aid agencies prefer granting joint requests for funds 13 * Features:2004 a year for monkey...

Officers tirelessly guard Busway lane

Officers tirelessly guard Busway lane Urip Hudiono The Jakarta Post Jakarta To ensure that the Busway runs smoothly in its exclusive lane, more than 2,000 officers from the Jakarta Transportation Agency and the TransJakarta Busway are on guard every day at 14 critical points where the lane intersects with regular traffic. "It's very tiring.

20 years demanded for Makassar bomber

20 years demanded for Makassar bomber Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post, Makassar, South Sulawesi The prosecution requested the Makassar District Court on Wednesday to sentence Wirahadi, alias Wira, the defendant, to 20 years in jail for his role in an aborted bombing attempt two years ago on fast-food restaurant KFC.

Joint security team find bullets on cacao plantation

Joint security team find bullets on cacao plantation Ruslan Sangadji The Jakarta Post Palu, Central Sulawesi A joint police and military team found 47 rounds of ammunition on Wednesday hidden on a cacao plantation in Tojo Una-Una regency, a day after the team uncovered 27 bombs and several guns on a plantation in the neighboring regency of Poso. The bullets reportedly came from the Army's weapons manufacturer, PT Pusat Industri Angkatan Darat (PT Pindad).

BI sees slower growth in bank lending

BI sees slower growth in bank lending Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The country's commercial banks are expected to see slower growth in time deposits and savings this year due to continuing declines in interest rates and other factors, according to a senior official of the central bank.

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;JP;DAN; ANPAf..r.. Rupiah-conversion-rates Rupiah Rates Jan. 21 JP/13/Conver Rupiah Rates Jan.

Aceh rebels serve prison terms in Central Java

Aceh rebels serve prison terms in Central Java Nani Farida and Suherdjoko, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh/Semarang Under a tight security escort 54 convicted Free Aceh Movement (GAM) members were transferred from Aceh on Thursday to prisons across Central Java to serve their sentences. The group is the first batch of 143 prisoners who will do their jail time in exile across Java.

Prosecutors looking into graft cases

Prosecutors looking into graft cases MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: A senior official in the South Sulawesi Prosecutor's Office said his office has been investigating 75 corruption cases over the last two years. Mailan Syarief, the deputy head of the special crimes division, said that of the 75 graft cases, the office had completed its investigation into 41, and the dossiers on those cases had been handed over to the district courts.

Java-Bali region prone to blackouts: PLN

Java-Bali region prone to blackouts: PLN Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The country's main Java-Bali power grid will continue to run with thin reserves until April due to the lack of fresh power supply despite growing power demands, making the region vulnerable to rotating blackouts. Basuki Prajitno, general manager of power plants and load management of state-owned electricity firm PT PLN said demand for electricity had been picking up since early this year.

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b]4 * Archipelago:Joint team finds ammo on cacao plantation 5 * Opinion:TV presents too much violent imagery 6 * City:31 villagers may have been infected with Chikungunya 8 * Sports:Beckham sent off in Real's 3-0 victory 10 * World:Four policemen arrested for rape of RI woman 11 * Business:Aid agencies prefer granting joint requests for funds 13 * Features:2004 a year for monkey business 19

1 x 37

1 x 37 Police chief in Riau commits suicide JP/5/BOMB 2 x 20 20 years demanded for Makassar bomber JP/5/JAVA 1 x 12 Bantul enacts new policy to preserve Javanese 1 x 35 Razed firm closes, hundreds out of work

Papua Police to guard election

Papua Police to guard election PAPUA, Jayapura: The Papua Police are preparing two-third of its personnel to guard the upcoming elections, a senior officer at the police headquarters said on Wednesday. "The 6,000 officers, or two-thirds of our total personnel, will be backed by some 2,000 personnel from the Trikora Military command overseeing Papua province," said Brig. Gen. Tommy Jacobus, the deputy chief of the Papua provincial police.

1. SPORE: 48 pt, 2 cols, 4 x 12

1. SPORE: 48 pt, 2 cols, 4 x 12 Singapore publishes RI trade data for first time 2. BANKS: 36 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 28 BI sees slower growth in lending 3. CHEKO: 28 pt, 2 cols, 2 x 18 Man nabbed at airport for carrying 115 animals 4. NAVY: 28 pt, 5 cols, 1 x 48 Corvette contract to go ahead despite opposition: Navy 5. PKS: 30 pt, 7 cols, 1 x 68 New modernist Prosperous Justice Party likely to show improved performance 3. CHEKO: 28 pt, 2 cols, 2 x 18 Man nabbed at airport for carrying 115 animals 4.

100 workers fall ill

100 workers fall ill BEKASI: Around 100 workers of PT SC Indonesia in Cikarang, Bekasi regency, had to be taken to the hospital after they were hit by vomiting and diarrhea on Tuesday at around 7:30 p.m., reportedly after drinking water marketed under the Salimdo brand. Cikarang Police chief Adj. Comr. Mardono said on Wednesday the workers had drunk the mineral water from a water dispenser provided by the company.

Nurcholish meets Sultan

Nurcholish meets Sultan YOGYAKARTA: Muslim scholar and presidential hopeful Nurcholish Madjid held a closed-door meeting with Sultan Hamengkubuwono X late on Tuesday night. Speaking to journalists after the meeting that lasted for almost five hours until early Wednesday, Nurcholish, or Cak Nur, as he is popularly known, said that there were a lot of ideas discussed during the meeting.

1. 5BULLET (2x21)

1. 5BULLET (2x21) Joint team finds ammo on cacao plantation 20 years sought for another Makassar bomber Bantul launches initiative to preserve Javanese culture Kendari longs for 'barongsai'

Foreign affairs ministry clarifies

Foreign affairs ministry clarifies Referring to the article published in The Jakarta Post on Jan. 20 titled Mega wants quick settlement of border demarcation disputes, the Post reported that "Indonesia has yet to demarcate its maritime borders with the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, China and East Timor". I should like to clarify that Indonesia has no maritime boundaries with China.

Five workers electrocuted, two killed

Five workers electrocuted, two killed PADANG, West Sumatra: Two people died and three others were injured late on Tuesday night in Padang Pariaman regency, after they were electrocuted. The incident began when the five were hired by local poll officials to raise the flags of 24 political parties eligible to contest the upcoming general election. The workers were told to raise the flags in Kurai Taji and Naras subdistricts.

TV presents too much violent imagery

TV presents too much violent imagery Simon Marcus Gower, Executive Principal, High/Scope Indonesia, Jakarta A small child sits huddled in the corner of a largely empty room. With her knees tucked up to her chin, her body is shaking as she shivers and sobs. She seems to be in a state of shock and fear as she nervously glances toward the locked door that imprisons her. Two people are arguing but their argument has gone beyond any notions of civility.

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.

Year of Monkey welcomed with peace, creativity

Year of Monkey welcomed with peace, creativity The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Gong Xi Fa Chai! Chinese-Indonesians across the country made this Chinese New Year a special one on Thursday, their second since the government declared the event an official national holiday in 2002.

Press freedom in danger

Press freedom in danger Defying common sense, the South Jakarta District Court chose to denominate the damages in U.S. currency rather than rupiah in its verdict on Tuesday. The court's panel of judges ordered Koran Tempo daily to pay US$1 million to business tycoon Tomy Winata after it found the newspaper guilty of libeling Tomy by citing rumors in its report that he intended to open a casino in Southeast Sulawesi.

Police question Suta

Police question Suta JAKARTA: Police investigators questioned on Wednesday former Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) chairman I Putu Gede Ary Suta about his role in a high profile financial scandal. National Police deputy spokesperson Brig. Gen. Soenarko Ardanto said on Wednesday that Suta was questioned for seven hours, during which police investigators asked 32 questions related to some documents and procedures on the use of the so- called Account No. 502.

Batam vows to further boost investment climate

Batam vows to further boost investment climate Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Batam administration vowed to further improve the investment climate on the industrial island in a bid to attract more investment. Batam on Tuesday was named as one of the most attractive investment destinations in the country by Regional Autonomy Watch (KPPOD), an organization set up by the business community to promote a better investment climate in this country.

Prosperous Justice Party likely to show improved performance

Prosperous Justice Party likely to show improved performance Rais Hidayat, Research and Development Unit, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta If there is something new in Indonesia's current political outlook, it is the persistent growth in influence of a new party that has virtually no roots in the country's political history: The Prosperous Justice Party (PKS). Despite being a newcomer to the political sphere, its presence is perceived as an alternative power source in the making.

RI seeks to boost antiterror cooperation, says minister

RI seeks to boost antiterror cooperation, says minister Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia will be seeking to boost international cooperation in the fight against terrorism when it hosts an Asia-Pacific regional ministerial meeting on counterterrorism in Bali early next month, a Cabinet minister says.

31 villagers may have been infected with Chikungunya

31 villagers may have been infected with Chikungunya Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor At least 31 residents of two neighborhoods units of Kayu Manis village, Cibadak subdistrict, Tanah Sareal regency, have been diagnosed with Chikungunya, a health agency official said on Thursday. The head of the Bogor health agency team to eradicate Chikungunya, Nuraini, claimed the agency was conducting blood tests on samples taken from 10 residents. The results will be available within a week.

PSSI cuts Chilean Toledo's ban by three years

PSSI cuts Chilean Toledo's ban by three years Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Chilean Jorge Toledo of Persita Tangerang soccer club had his four-year ban for fighting significantly reduced to one year, but had his fine increased from Rp 20 million (US$2,350) to Rp 100 million following a revised ruling by the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) here on Wednesday.

Four cabinet ministers to go on haj pilgrimage

Four cabinet ministers to go on haj pilgrimage Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Four cabinet ministers will depart for Mecca in Saudi Arabia on Saturday to perform the haj pilgrimage with other Muslims from all over the globe. The four ministers are Minister of Religious Affairs Said Agil Hussein Al Munawar, Minister of Health Achmad Sujudi, Minister of Forestry Mohammad Prakosa and Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra.

Good, genuine candidates

Good, 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.

U.S. considers RI access to Hambali

U.S. considers RI access to Hambali JAKARTA: The United States is seriously considering whether to grant Indonesian investigators access to a key terror suspect known as Hambali who was arrested in Thailand last year, the U.S. ambassador said Wednesday. "We are well aware of Indonesia's desire to have physical access to him," Ralph Boyce told a group of Indonesians gathered at the U.S. Embassy to listen to President George W. Bush's State of the Union address.

Razed firm closes, hundreds jobless

Razed firm closes, hundreds jobless ID Nugroho and Indra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya Hundreds of workers are taking indefinite vacations after fire destroyed a petrochemical plant in Gresik, East Java, while police continued to probe the cause of the accident.

Poll watchdogs eager to register

Poll watchdogs eager to register JAKARTA: At least three foreign agencies and 22 local organizations have taken application forms to be permitted to provide election monitors from the General Elections Commission (KPU), a KPU member says.

Man nabbed at airport for carrying 115 animals

Man nabbed at airport for carrying 115 animals A 43-year old Czech man returning from holidays in Indonesia was detained on Wednesday at Prague's international airport after customs officials discovered 115 exotic animals in his luggage, officials said. The animals, carried in suitcases from Jakarta included 22 water lizards, 19 small pythons and 74 tortoises.

Suspect shot dead for trying to run

Suspect shot dead for trying to run TANGERANG: Tangerang Police shot dead a suspected robber near the Balaraja toll booth early on Wednesday for trying to escape. Tangerang Police deputy chief of detectives Insp. Kustanto said policemen had to shoot suspect Armudin, 28, a resident of Tigaraksa, Tangerang, because he ignored the warning shots. Armudin was arrested on Tuesday with accomplice Mawardi, 29, at their hideout in East Lampung regency, Lampung.

`Koran Tempo' lawyers call for inquiry

`Koran Tempo' lawyers call for inquiry M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Koran Tempo daily's defense team has called for an independent inquiry into a court's controversial libel verdict, which orders the newspaper to pay a whopping US$1 million in damages to tycoon Tomy Winata. Lawyer for the defense Todung Mulya Lubis said the South Jakarta District Court's verdict was "excessive", and smacked of collusion.

4 policemen arrested for rape of RI woman

4 policemen arrested for rape of RI woman Agencies, Kuala Lumpur Four trainee police officers were arrested for allegedly raping an Indonesian woman in southern Malaysia, prompting Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Thursday to order a review of police disciplinary measures. The 32-year-old woman told police she was abducted while walking in Johor Baru city on Wednesday and raped, The Star newspaper reported.

100 workers fall ill from water

100 workers fall ill from water BEKASI: Around 100 workers of PT SC Indonesia in Cikarang, Bekasi regency, had to be taken to the hospital after they vomited and suffered diarrhea on Tuesday at around 7:30 p.m., allegedly from drinking Salimdo, a brand of mineral water. "They were working when suddenly several of them vomited. Before that, they had drunk the mineral water from the water dispenser.

Telkom takes over C. Java, Yogyakarta operation

Telkom takes over C. Java, Yogyakarta operation The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned telecommunications firm PT Telkom has taken over the rights to build and operate the new fixed lines network for Yogyakarta and Central Java provinces from its joint operating partner PT Mitra Global Telekomunikasi Indonesia (MGTI), a press release stated on Wednesday.

Arutmin increases coal export

Arutmin increases coal export JAKARTA: The country's third largest coal producer PT Arutmin Indonesia said on Wednesday that it was targeting to export 18 million metric tons of coal this year, up from 14 million metric tons last year. The company said in a press statement that most of the coal would be shipped to Japan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Thailand, the Philippines, South Korea, Chile, Britain, Italy and Switzerland.

Indonesia's pairs fall at Thailand Open

Indonesia's pairs fall at Thailand Open The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian badminton squad failed to hold up against the top seeds as two pairs crashed out in the second round of the US$50,000 Thailand Open in Bangkok on Thursday.

1. BOYCE: 2 LINES, 20 COUNTS

1. BOYCE: 2 LINES, 20 COUNTS U.S. predicts peaceful elections in Indonesia 2. POSO: 1 LINE, 28 COUNTS Sectarian clash claims one life 3. HAJ: 2 LINES, 18 COUNTS Four ministers to go on haj pilgrimage 4. GAM: 1 LINE, 48 COUNTS Aceh rebels serve prison terms in Central Java

20 years punishment sought for another Makassar bomber

20 years punishment sought for another Makassar bomber The Jakarta Post Jakarta The prosecution requested the Makassar District Court on Wednesday to sentence Wirahadi, the defendant, to 20 years in jail for his role in an aborted bombing attempt on fast-food restaurant KFC two years ago.

Food, laughter marks Chinese New Year

Food, laughter marks 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.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan, 21, 2004:

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan, 21, 2004: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Close Change Trading Volume ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,150 75 293,000 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 100 5 6,851,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 85 0 83,500 Alakasa Industrindo 220 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 1,150 0 0 Alter Abadi Tbk 30 -10 40,000 Alumindo Light...

Correction

Correction Correction: The article, EU and TI plan to monitor elections, published on Wednesday at Thejakartapost.com erroneously reported that Secretary-general of TI Indonesia Emmy Hafidz. The correct name for the secretary-general was Emmy Hafild. We regret the error. -- Editor

JP/5/IMLEK

JP/5/IMLEK 'Imlek' celebration meaningless without 'barongsai' Hasrul The Jakarta Post Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi Dozens of red oil lamps neatly lined a corner of the Eka Dharma Manggala Temple here, giving the large building a merry appearance. The smell of incense mixed with the aroma of Chinese New Year, or Imlek, cakes a day prior to the Imlek celebrations. Three caretakers of the temple, with radiant smiles, greeted several guests.

KONI urges research, modern techniques

KONI urges research, modern techniques Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The National Sports Council (KONI) has urged sports organizations to improve their research and development (R&D) divisions in an effort to boost overall athletic performance.

Singapore publishes RI trade data for first time

Singapore publishes RI trade data for first time Yeoh En-Lai, Associated Press, Singapore For the first time in 30 years, Singapore released figures on Wednesday representing its trade with Indonesia, seven months after its largest neighbor questioned Singapore's policy for withholding the figures.

HSBC sees strong consumer spending

HSBC sees strong consumer spending P.C. Naommy, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The HSBC Bank sees consumer spending as continuing to be the main economic growth engine for the country this year. The bank forecast gross domestic product (GDP) to grow by around 3.9 percent in 2004, lower than the government's 4.8 percent projection.

Consumer group slams Secure Parking

Consumer group slams Secure Parking JAKARTA: The Consumer Protection organization urged the Jakarta Parking Management Agency (BP Parking) to take legal action against off-street parking operator Secure Parking, and close it down if necessary. "Secure Parking has long disrespected consumers and the city administration by hiking parking fees whenever they feel like it," Irwan Sukatmawijaya, a member of the executive committee of Consumer Protection, told a media conference on Wednesday.

KPU cuts contract with tender winner Survindo

KPU cuts contract with tender winner Survindo Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The General Elections Commission (KPU) has cut short its contract with trouble ballot box maker PT Survindo Indah Prestasi due to the firm's inability to meet production targets. The termination of the contract was inevitable and would ensure the 2.19 million boxes would be ready for the legislative elections on April 5, KPU deputy secretary general Sussongko Suhardjo announced on Thursday.

Police chief in Riau commits suicide

Police chief in Riau commits suicide Haidir Anwar Tanjung, The Jakarta Post, Pekanbaru, Riau Riau police were mourning the death of a senior officer who ended his own life on Tuesday night at his home, apparently after family problems got the better of him. Spokesman for Riau Police Adj. Sr. Comr. S. Pandiangan said on Thursday that detective chief of Kampar regency First Insp. Jhontua D. Hutagalung, 32, died after hanging himself.

Singapore publishes RI trade data for first time in 30 years

Singapore publishes RI trade data for first time in 30 years Yeoh En-Lai Associated Press Singapore For the first time in 30 years, Singapore released figures on Wednesday representing its trade with Indonesia, seven months after its largest neighbor questioned Singapore's policy for withholding the figures.

Telkom may finish audit report this month

Telkom may finish audit report this month Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After being in limbo for more than six months, state- controlled telecommunications company PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom) said a reaudit of its 2002 financial report may be completed at the end of this month, as previously planned.

Sectarian clash claims one life in Central Sulawesi

Sectarian clash claims one life in Central Sulawesi Ruslan Sangadji, The Jakarta Post, Palu, Central Sulawesi Sectarian fighting erupted in Donggala regency, Central Sulawesi, leaving one person dead, two others seriously injured and four houses burned. The clash took place on Wednesday evening between residents from two rival villages in Sigi Biromaru, about 260 kilometers from Poso regency, where some 2,000 people were killed in two years of religious fighting until 2002.

Civil servants' votes

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. In my opinion, however, the results of the 1999 elections showed that our civil servants could be considered neutral.

Fleeing suspect shot dead

Fleeing suspect shot dead TANGERANG: Tangerang Police shot dead a suspected robber near the Balaraja toll booth early on Wednesday as he tried to avoid arrest. Tangerang Police deputy chief of detectives Insp. Kustanto said officers were forced to shoot Armudin, 28, a resident of Tigaraksa, Tangerang, after he ignored warning shots. Armudin was arrested on Tuesday with accomplice Mawardi, 29, at their hideout in East Lampung regency, Lampung.

Bantul enacts new policy to preserve Javanese

Bantul enacts new policy to preserve Javanese Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta The Bantul regency government has introduced an initiative that will require all civil servants in the administration to speak Javanese only for one day a month. The initiative is aimed at preserving the culture and language of Javanese, which has been slowly sidelined by the national language Bahasa Indonesia, according to an official.

U.S. predicts peaceful elections in Indonesia

U.S. predicts peaceful elections in Indonesia Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The United States had confidence this year's elections in Indonesia would run as safely, freely and fairly as the previous polls in 1999, Ambassador Ralph L. Boyce said this week. "Everybody saw what happened in 1999 and that is a good experience to build from," Boyce said after the state of union address from President George W. Bush aired live from Washington on Wednesday.

Fears of scalping haunt busway

Fears of scalping haunt busway Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The TransJakarta Busway management has yet to make a decision on the ticketing system for feeder buses, fearing that tickets would be resold by scalpers. "We are still studying how to avoid any reselling of the discounted tickets by people who want to make a profit out of it," management head Irzal Z. Djamal said on Wednesday. Starting on Feb. 1, the Busway feeder buses will be fully operational.

Fish farmers irate over pollution emanating from new dump

Fish farmers irate over pollution emanating from new dump Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Aquaculturist Asmawi, 50, sat next to his three-hectare fish farm located near the newly opened dump in Cilincing, North Jakarta, staring into the now empty ponds. "How could I not be sad? Liquid waste from the dump has killed all my shrimp and milkfish. Now, I must bury my dream of raking in over Rp 20 million (US$2,380) from the farm at harvest time," Asmawi told The Jakarta Post on Thursday.

Khaleda kicks off Indonesian visit

Khaleda kicks off Indonesian visit Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bangladeshi Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia will begin her three-day state visit to Indonesia on Friday, the first by a Bangladeshi head of state in more than two decades. After arriving in Jakarta on Friday evening, Zia will hold a meeting with President Megawati Soekarnoputri at the State Palace on Saturday.

Investors set to welcome RI bond

Investors set to welcome RI bond Angela Pruitt, Dow Jones, New York Indonesia is expected to receive a big `welcome back' from foreign investors who are anxious to pad their portfolios with the nation's upcoming bond sale. Indonesia last week mandated Deutsche Bank and J.P. Morgan to sell the government's first overseas bond in more than seven years, in a deal that's expected to total up to US$1 billion.

Most employers neglect women's rights

Most employers neglect women's rights Eva C. Komandjaja The Jakarta Post Jakarta A large percentage of firms in large cities across the country are denying women their legal rights in the workplace, a survey by the Women's Journal Foundation (YJP) has found.

Corvette contract to go ahead despite opposition: Navy

Corvette contract to go ahead despite opposition: Navy Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite opposition from the Office of the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and the National Planning Agency (Bappenas), the Navy will go ahead with its plan to buy two corvettes from a Dutch shipyard company, Navy chief Admiral Bernard Kent Sondakh has said. "We won't go back on it -- the contract has been signed.

'Chinese able to enrich RI culture'

'Chinese able to enrich RI culture' The Chinese New Year, known here as Imlek, was celebrated by Chinese-Indonesians and the rest of the nation on Thursday. Despite the official discrimination they still face, the ethnic Chinese community welcomed the government's decision to declare Imlek a national holiday. The Jakarta Post spoke with some people about the issue. Alek Ansawarman, 27, is a lecturer at the Indonesian Christian University in Cawang, East Jakarta.