Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 24 January 2004

87 articles found

Luxurious lives of councillors

Luxurious lives of councillors From Koran Tempo The 2004 budget for the Surabaya City Council is Rp 32.42 billion, Tempo Interaktif reported on Jan. 13. This large sum includes Rp 1.8 billion for miscellaneous expenses and Rp 4.2 billion for "special allowances". These two budget items, which are not transparent, are lumped in with the routine expenditures and councillors' allowances, which total Rp 29.783 billion.

Fire guts seven houses

Fire guts seven houses JAKARTA: Fire destroyed seven houses in Jl. Darma Putra, Kampung Duku village, Kebayoran Lama Selatan subdistrict, close to the Army Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad) housing complex late on Thursday. No fatalities were reported. "No one could save anything from the burned houses," said Koes, one of the residents. He said that the fire was first seen from the house belonging to a woman named Tata. Firemen put out the fire about 30 minutes later.

Seko village gets airport

Seko village gets airport MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Eight-seated Cessna planes can now land at an airport in Seko village, high in the mountains of Kambuno, in the north Luwu regency, South Sulawesi province, a local official said on Friday. "An eight-seat Cessna will land in the airport by the end of this month," head of the local transportation office Sulhan Hasan said.

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.

KPU not planning to sue Survindo

KPU not planning to sue Survindo Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite mounting demands for the General Elections Commission (KPU) to take legal action against PT Survindo Indah Prestasi, the commission has not decided whether or not it would investigate the company that won the tender for its ballot box project. KPU member Chusnul Mar'iyah said on Friday that the tender was conducted in accordance with procedures stipulated in a presidential decree.

Shares end higher on Bank Mandiri divestment plan

Shares end higher on Bank Mandiri divestment plan Dow Jones, Jakarta Indonesian shares ended higher on Friday, led by gains in Bank Mandiri on the government's plan to sell a stake in the bank. Underlying sentiment remained positive due to an upbeat economic outlook this year, dealers said. The Jakarta Stock Exchange Composite Index ended 9.578 points, or 1.23 percent, higher at 785.879, a new closing record. Gainers led decliners 80 to 44, with 93 stocks unchanged.

JP/5/cock

JP/5/cock Balinese riot after police raid cockfight Wahyoe Boediwardhana The Jakarta Post Denpasar, Bali Hundreds of members of the Desa Adat (traditional customary village) Yangbatu in downtown Denpasar, Bali, barricaded the main road near their village on Friday afternoon to vent their anger over a police raid on a cockfight held in a temple.

BPK leader to help clarify alleged govt funds misuse

BPK leader to help clarify alleged govt funds misuse Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Head of the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) Satrio "Billy" Budihardjo Joedono confirmed that there were indeed transactions in the alleged misuse of government funds (deposited in Account No. 502 at the central bank) that might constitute a criminal violation, but he declined to reveal which ones.

Busway and traffic congestion

Busway and traffic congestion From Media Indonesia For the new Blok M to Kota Trans-Jakarta Busway system, the city administration has stipulated that the ban on private cars carrying fewer than three passengers now covers more streets and is effective for longer hours. With this new stipulation, the ban is now also in effect along Gajah Mada and Hayam Wuruk streets between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Jakarta ready to support ambitious MRT project

Jakarta ready to support ambitious MRT project Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta administration said it would be ready to support the plan to build the ambitious Mass Rapid Transport (MRT) rail system as long as "the central government shows strong political will to see the project materialize." "The city administration has no problem in supporting the project even in terms of finances," said the City Secretary Ritola Tasmaya on Friday, responding to a statement by the...

Ship hit by storm, 15 missing

Ship hit by storm, 15 missing Muhammad Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon, Maluku Rescuers were on Friday attempting to find 15 people, missing and possibly trapped under a ship that rolled late on Tuesday night in waters off Taliabu island in North Maluku province. The missing included three crew members and 10 passengers after the ill-fated LCT Cantika rolled over in high winds on Tuesday night. Nine other crew members and 10 passengers were rescued. The accident took place at 11 p.m.

KL police arrest 44 for brawling

KL police arrest 44 for brawling MALAYSIA: Police arrested 32 Indonesians and 12 Malaysians allegedly involved in a clash which left four people hospitalized in southern Malaysia, a news report said on Friday. The brawl late on Thursday near a mall in Malacca state started after a quarrel broke out between an Indonesian man and a local resident, the national Bernama news agency reported.

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.

S'pore, KL freeze poultry plans

S'pore, KL freeze poultry plans Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Singapore and Malaysia have postponed plans to import poultry products from Indonesia amid rising worries over the current outbreak of bird flu in the Asian region, according to a government official. "They were in the process of examining our poultry industry, checking the slaughter houses and disease prevention system.

PKS vows to promote pluralism

PKS vows to promote pluralism M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Everywhere they go, leaders of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) find themselves repeatedly having to convince people of their friendly ideals for the country.

Bank Mandiri aims to become an international bank: Official

Bank Mandiri aims to become an international bank: Official Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The giant state-owned Bank Mandiri is considering a number of measures including possible mergers with other banks in a bid to become an international bank in the future, according to a senior official. Bank Mandiri president commissioner Binhadi said on Friday that such measures were aimed at boosting the bank's capital to Rp 50 trillion (US$5.88 billion) in the next 10 years.

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.

Alleged 'Kolor Hijau' rapist seen in Ciputat

Alleged 'Kolor Hijau' rapist seen in Ciputat Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In what appears to be a case of serial rape, the "Kolor Hijau" (green underwear) alleged rapist extended his area of terror from Bekasi, East Jakarta and Depok to Ciputat, South Jakarta. Early on Friday, the suspected rapist injured Rosadah, 47, a mother of eight, after he tried to rape her while she was sleeping with her husband in the bedroom of their house in Ciputat.

4 x 12

4 x 12 Balinese riot after police raid cockfight JP/5/RAZIA 1 x 37 Security upped in Donggala after clash JP/5/sailor 1 x 33 Fishermen strike over abductions JP/5/DENGUE 2 x 27 Chikungunya spreads in five regencies in Central Java 3 x 11 Ship hit by storm, 15 missing JP/5/PNG 1 x 31 17 PNG citizens nabbed in Papua

Seven women quit PAN candidacies

Seven women quit PAN candidacies MEDAN: At least seven of 14 female National Mandate Party (PAN) legislative candidates in North Sumatra have resigned because of their low rankings on party lists. Three other candidates, currently on a haj pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, are likely to follow suit after they return home next month.

U.S., Saudi to freeze al-Qaeda-linked assets

U.S., Saudi to freeze al-Qaeda-linked assets Jeannine Aversa, Associated Press, Washington The United States and Saudi Arabia are seeking international support to choke off funding to four branches of a Saudi charity that authorities say diverted money to help bankroll al-Qaeda's terrorist activities. The branches of the Al-Haramain Islamic Foundation are in Indonesia, Kenya, Tanzania and Pakistan, the U.S. and Saudi governments said on Thursday in a joint announcement. The U.S.

House to decide on priority bills

House to decide on priority bills JAKARTA: The House of Representatives leaders will organize a meeting next week with all its commissions and committees to approve bills the legislative body will focus on in the current sitting. House's Legislation Body (Baleg) chairman Zain Badjeber said on Friday that the priority bills would be chosen only after hearing the views of all nine House commissions.

PSI eyes 18 House seats in debut

PSI eyes 18 House seats in debut DENPASAR, Bali: The Indonesian Unity Party (PSI) has set a target of winning 18 seats at the House of Representatives in its election debut in April. PSI secretary-general Mohammad Jumhur Hidayat said on Friday the seats were expected to come from 15 provinces which it claimed were its strongholds.

The role of the media

The role of the media I consider the verdicts against the Koran Tempo daily and Tempo magazine as slaps in the face of justice and democracy. These verdicts prove once more that many state officials, politicians and business tycoons cannot -- or for whatever reasons, don't want to -- understand the role of the media in a democratic nation. The media is guardian of a country's constitution and its democratic system.

17 PNG citizens nabbed in Papua

17 PNG citizens nabbed in Papua Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura, Papua Jayapura Police arrested on Friday 17 Papua New Guinean (PNG) nationals for illegally entering Indonesian territory. The foreign nationals were also carrying firearms without proper documents, they added. The police are currently questioning the suspects to understand their motive for entering the neighboring troubled province of Papua. Jayapura Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr.

Jamsostek pledges severance pay for workers

Jamsostek pledges severance pay for workers Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned social insurance company PT Jamsostek has pledged to continue providing assistance for laid-off workers and their families, a director says. Jamsostek's Director of Operation and Service Djoko Sungkono said the company allocated much of its 2002 and 2003 net profits totaling almost Rp 1 trillion (US$119 million) to help dismissed and laid-off workers.

Forest rehabilitation

Forest rehabilitation The general election is drawing near, yet Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri has continued to do nothing about the increasing damage being done to our forests. On Tuesday, the head of state kicked off the National Movement for Forest and Land Rehabilitation program in Gunung Kidul district, Yogyakarta.

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).

[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.

New 3-in-1 policy to start Monday

New 3-in-1 policy to start Monday Abdul Khalik and Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta Police will begin to enforce the three-in-one traffic policy on Monday after a month-long trial period in which they recorded a total of 1,908 violations. "We will take action against all private cars carrying less than three passengers starting on Monday," city police traffic division chief Sr. Comr. Sulistyo Ishak said on Friday.

Civil resistance

Civil resistance against GAM rebels From Media Indonesia At least eight people including a high school student have allegedly again been taken hostage by the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) amid the apparent government's attempt to release RCTI cameraman Fery Santoro and possibly hundreds of others. GAM's move has apparently shown its lack of good will to set free all hostages and rendered its promises meaningless.

Sultan, Kahitna awarded for nationalism

Sultan, Kahitna awarded for nationalism Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Yogyakarta Governor and presidential candidate Sultan Hamengkubuwono X of Yogyakarta received the Widya Mwat Yasa (Wimaya) Award on Friday from Yogyakarta's Veteran National Development University (UPN Veteran). It was the first award ever presented by the university in a bid to promote love for the nation, tolerance and peace.

Six more rebels surrender

Six more rebels surrender BANDA ACEH, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam: Six Free Aceh Movement (GAM) rebels surrendered to the Indonesian Military (TNI) at Bunin village in East Aceh district on Thursday. Spokesman for the operations command's information task force Lt. Col. Asep Sapari said on Friday the rebels also handed over an AK-45 rifle, 60 rounds of ammunition and one (HT) radio to the military.

Security upped in Donggala after clash

Security upped in Donggala after clash Irvan NR Palu, Central Sulawesi Police tightened security in Donggala regency on Friday following a bloody sectarian clash between residents of Maranatha and Sidondo subdistricts days earlier. At least 50 officers from the Donggala Police and the South Sulawesi Police conducted security checks on the streets in the two religiously divided subdistricts, some 30 kilometers from Palu, the capital of Central Sulawesi.

Exotic animals likely smuggled using cargo service: Officer

Exotic animals likely smuggled using cargo service: Officer Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang A Czech man arrested at Prague's international airport with 115 exotic animals in his luggage from Indonesia, used the airport cargo service to transport the animals, the airport operator said.

Thailand defers all chicken exports

Thailand defers all chicken exports Agence-France Presse, Bangkok Thailand has suspended all chicken exports after confirming the first two human cases of bird flu and detecting the disease in chickens here, deputy agriculture minister Newin Chidchob said on Friday. "After the international community learns we have found the bird flu virus in Thailand they will stop importing Thai poultry products, so in response to this Thailand will temporarily suspend exports of poultry products," he said.

Palace festival mascot unveiled

Palace festival mascot unveiled YOGYAKARTA: Sultan Hamengkubuwono X officially unveiled on Wednesday evening the mascot for the Festival Kraton Nusantara IV. The mascot is a manggoloyudo (royal warlord) riding a horse and holding a weapon in his right hand. Speaking during the unveiling, the Sultan, who is also the governor of Yogyakarta, said the festival, which will be held from Sep. 19 to Sep. 23 at the Yogyakarta Palace, was part of efforts to conserve traditional culture.

Long-awaited Akbar verdict due next week: Justice

Long-awaited Akbar verdict due next week: Justice Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The ongoing speculation over the much-awaited verdict of the appeal sought by House Speaker Akbar Tandjung may end soon as the Supreme Court has arranged a time to hear the case next week. "God willing it will (be issued next week).

;JP;DAN;

;JP;DAN; ANPAf..r.. Rupiah-conversion-rates Rupiah Rates Jan. 23 JP/13/Conver Rupiah Rates Jan. 23 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp Australian dollar 1 6,910.97 6,129.73 6,554.97 6,485.50 Brunei dollar 1 5,254.73 4,660.96 4,984.04 4,931.48 Canadian dollar 1 6,864.05 6,089.67 6,510.46 6,443.12 Swiss franc 1 7,220.24 6,403.99 6,848.30 6,775.69 Danish krone 1 1,519.21 1,347.18 1,440.95 1,425.38 Euro 1 11,314.69 10,035.77 10,731.84 10,618.26 Poundsterling 1 16,398.

Medco confident about Novus' acquisition plan

Medco confident about Novus' acquisition plan P.C. Naommy, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Publicly listed oil and gas firm PT Medco Energy International has yet to make a decision on whether to raise its bid for the shares of Australian company Novus Petroleum Ltd and head off- its rival. "We won't know the credibility of our rivals until we read their bidding statement," Medco president Hilmi Panigoro said on Friday after a meeting of Medco shareholders here.

JP/5/sailor

JP/5/sailor Fishermen strike over abductions Apriadi Gunawan The Jakarta Post Medan, North Sumatra Thousands of fishermen from Tanjung Balai regency, North Sumatra, have gone on strike for five days in a protest against abductions by unidentified gunmen operating in waters off the eastern coast of Asahan. They said on Friday that they would continue striking indefinitely until they felt it was safe to go fishing again.

The Busway's pebble

The Busway's pebble It is obviously unfair to judge whether the busway scheme has been successful in saving the capital's public transportation system from greater madness, as it is only eight days old. However, no one can turn a deaf ear to complaints that the new system is already having problems, despite the public's enthusiasm in enjoying their free rides from Blok M to downtown Kota until Feb. 1, when passengers will be charged Rp 2,500 one- way.

Chinese New Year euphoria and political trauma

Chinese New Year euphoria and political trauma Frans H. Winarta, Member of the Advisory Board IBA Human Rights Institute, Jakarta Indonesians, and especially those of Chinese descent, have just celebrated Chinese New Year. Chinese-Indonesians who, for over 30 years during the New Order regime, were forced to celebrate this event behind closed doors, are now free once again to celebrate it publicly.

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.

Agum defends Magnum scheme

Agum defends Magnum scheme Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta National Sports Council (KONI) Head Agum Gumlar insisted here on Friday that the controversial fund-raising scheme to be pursued with PT Metropolitan Magnum Indonesia (MMI) should not be considered gambling, but a simple door prize game. But Agum, also the transportation minister, stopped short of elaborating on the details, only saying that it was too technical for most people to grasp.

Chikungunya spreads in five regencies in Central Java

Chikungunya spreads in five regencies in Central Java Suherdjoko, The Jakarta Post, Semarang The widespread perception that Chikungunya disease, similar to dengue but not fatal, hits sporadically certain regions in the country is apparently untrue. An official said on Friday that the disease spread in five regencies in Central Java alone last year.

Hambali's plan to attack Australia misfired: Report

Hambali's plan to attack Australia misfired: Report Agencies, Sydney, Australia Hambali, Southeast Asia's most dangerous man until he was captured in Thailand last year, wanted to attack Australia but failed to establish a local network capable of staging bombings, it was reported here on Friday.

WHO warns of rising unsafe sex among Asians

WHO warns of rising unsafe sex among Asians Deutsche Presse-Agentur, Manila The World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday urged Asian governments to allocate more funds for adolescent health programs, warning that increasing unsafe sexual behaviors were putting the youth at higher risks. WHO's regional office for the Western Pacific said studies show that adolescents "lack the knowledge and skills to avoid risky behaviors".

Chess meet breaks local record

Chess meet breaks local record Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A record 9,122 people took part in The Mega Chess 12000 festival here on Friday but the competition fell short of its aim to break the world record. The number was below the world record of 11,320 chess players, who played simultaneously in one tournament in Havana, Cuba, in December.

Ship hit by storm, 15 missing

Ship hit by storm, 15 missing Muhammad Azis Tunny The Jakarta Post Ambon, Maluku Rescuers were on Friday attempting to find 15 people, missing and possibly trapped under a ship that rolled late on Tuesday night in waters off Taliabu island in North Maluku province. The missing included three crew members and 10 passengers after the ill-fated LCT Cantika rolled over in high winds on Tuesday night. Nine other crew members and 10 passengers were rescued. The accident took place at 11 p.m.

Komnas has preliminary evidence against Soeharto

Komnas has preliminary evidence against Soeharto Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) says it has found preliminary evidence of human rights violations by former president Soeharto during his 32-years of iron-fisted leadership, but has yet to decide whether or not to recommend prosecution. M.M.

Bekasi govt seizes banners

Bekasi govt seizes banners BEKASI: The public order officers confiscated on Friday thousands of street banners, including a large one containing a holiday greeting from the Bekasi mayor and his deputy. "We have asked the owners of the banners to take them down, because affixing banners to a main thoroughfare is a violation of Bylaw No. 44/1998 on public order," head of the public order team, Hudoyo, was quoted by Antara as saying.

* Headlines:Akbar's verdict expected to come next week 2

* Headlines:Akbar's verdict expected to come next week 2 * National:Most employers neglect women's rights: NGO 4 * Archipelago:Balinese riot after police raid cockfight 5 * Opinion:Democracy without democrats 7 * City:Jakarta ready to support ambitious MRT project 8 * Sports:Agassi, Roddick race into last 16 as Henin advances 10 * World:European scientists claim to have found ice water on Mars 11 * Business:Medco confident about Novus' acquisition plan 13 * Features:Chinese Muslims celebrate...

Balinese riot after police raid cockfight

Balinese riot after police raid cockfight Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali Hundreds of members of the Desa Adat (traditional customary village) Yangbatu in downtown Denpasar, Bali, barricaded the main road near their village on Friday afternoon to vent their anger over a police raid on a cockfight held in a temple.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan. 23, 2004:

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan. 23, 2004: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,200 50 244,500 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 105 5 3,570,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 85 0 212,500 Alakasa Industrindo 220 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 1,150 0 0 Alter Abadi Tbk 30 0 0 Alumindo Light...

Chinese Muslims celebrate 'Imlek' in mosque

Chinese Muslims celebrate 'Imlek' in mosque Slamet Susanto/Tarko Sudiarno, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta An erroneous perception among the majority of local people in this country over the past several decades, nearly led to an ugly incident as a result of a celebration of Imlek or the Chinese New Year at a mosque.

Revised

Revised For Java Brew LUCKY HOTEL EMPLOYEE: Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta's General Manager S. Guntur Tampubolon (right), accompanied by the hotel's Director of Food and Beverages Gindo Siantur (left), Executive Chef Asep Hendi (second left), pose for a photograph after handing over the "HYstar of the Year 2003" award to Yoyon Jaronah (second right) from the hotel's FB Service division. The token of appreciation was given during an awards night on Jan.

1. AKBAR: 3 LINES, 15 COUNTS

1. AKBAR: 3 LINES, 15 COUNTS Long-awaited Akbar verdict due next week 2. PKS: 2 LINES, 18 COUNTS Islamic-based PKS vows to promote pluralism 3. FLU: 1 LINE, 28 COUNTS S'pore, KL freeze poultry plans 4. KOMNAS: 1 LINE, 32 COUNTS Evidence against Soeharto: Komnas

Indonesia left with two pairs in Thailand Open

Indonesia left with two pairs in Thailand Open The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Mixed doubles pair Anggun Nugroho/Eny Widiowati and men's doubles Luluk Hadiyanto/Alven Yulianto are the only Indonesian contenders left in the US$50,000 Thailand Open after Friday's matches. Simon Santoso's march in the men's singles was halted after he was defeated by home star Boonsak Polsana 15-7, 15-9 to follow the exit of Wimpie Mahardi and Andre Kurniawan earlier.

Fine arts, a medium to tie RI and Germany

Fine arts, a medium to tie RI and Germany Christina Schott, Contributor, Berlin What does "multicultural" mean? What is a subculture? The definitions cover a wide range of things. Multikulti in Germany, for example, certainly means the gathering of different nationalities, while in other parts of the world the gathering of two neighboring villages could be seen as a multicultural event.

Security upped in Donggala after clash

Security upped in Donggala after clash Irvan NR, The Jakarta Post, Palu, Central Sulawesi Police tightened security in Donggala regency on Friday following a bloody sectarian clash between residents of Maranatha and Sidondo subdistricts days earlier. At least 50 officers from the Donggala Police and the South Sulawesi Police conducted security checks on the streets in the two religiously divided subdistricts, some 30 kilometers from Palu, the capital of Central Sulawesi.

[b]Indonesian courts

Indonesian courts create unemployment Sebastiaan Pompe IMF Resident Legal Advisor Jakarta 2. Pro26 -- Wild about risk 2 x 30 Heart and head required by those considering life insurance Heart and head necessary when it comes to life insurance Robert J. Shiller Professor of Economics Yale University Project Syndicate

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.

Indonesian courts create unemployment.

Indonesian courts create unemployment. Sebastiaan Pompe IMF Resident Legal Advisor Jakarta It is accepted theory that reliable law enforcement and legal certainty are critical for investment recovery. This has been a mantra of international donor organizations for almost a decade.

Dam to be built at Ciawi

Dam to be built at Ciawi BOGOR: In an attempt to control flooding, Ciawi district, Bogor regency, plans to build a dam whose capacity will reach 16 million cubic meters of water next year. Ministry of Settlement and Regional Infrastructure Director General of Water Resources Wahyu Hartomo, who is also head of the project, said on Friday that the dam was expected to control water flowing to Jakarta.

Report confirms that Cilincing dump is polluting vicinity

Report confirms that Cilincing dump is polluting vicinity Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A recent report by the Office of the State Minister of Environment confirms areas around Cilincing dump, North Jakarta have been polluted by liquid waste from the dump. An inspection of the area, conducted on Jan. 17 and Jan. 18, found that five hectares around the dump and nearby fish farms had been contaminated. Reportedly, thousands of farmed fish had already died.

New three-in-one policy to be effective on Monday

New three-in-one policy to be effective on Monday Abdul Khalik and Urip Hudiono The Jakarta Post Jakarta The Jakarta Police will begin to enforce the three-in-one traffic policy on Monday after a month-long trial period in which they recorded a total of 1,908 violations. "We will take action against all private cars carrying less than three passengers starting on Monday," city police traffic division chief Sr. Comr. Sulistyo Ishak said on Friday.

Taufik Kiemas praises Busway, gives advises

Taufik Kiemas praises Busway, gives advises Damar Harsanto and Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Legislator Taufik Kiemas of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and his entourage took a return trip on the Busway from the National Monument (Monas) to Blok M on Friday. Taufik, husband of President Megawati Soekarnoputri, praised the busway as "a fine example of taxpayers' money well-spent on public facilities" but had some suggestions for Governor Sutiyoso.

Officers tirelessly guard Busway lane day and night

Officers tirelessly guard Busway lane day and night 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.

NGO coalition supports KPK

NGO coalition supports KPK JAKARTA: A coalition of 39 non-governmental organizations grouped under the People's Anticorruption Movement (GeRAK) expressed support for the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and called on the newly formed state institution to focus on 10 cases this year.

* Headlines:Akbar's verdict expected to come next week 2

* Headlines:Akbar's verdict expected to come next week 2 * National:Most employers neglect women's rights: NGO 4 * Archipelago:Balinese riot after police raid cockfight 5 * Opinion:Democracy without democrats 7 * City:Jakarta ready to support ambitious MRT project 8 * Sports:Agassi, Roddick race into last 16 as Henin advances 10 * World:European scientists claim to have found ice water on Mars 11 * Business:Medco confident about Novus' acquisition plan 13 * Features:Chinese Muslims celebrate...

Is DHL computerized?

Is DHL computerized? My replacement Visa card was sent during the second half of December from the UK to my Jakarta address. As I had not yet received the card by Jan. 16, I phoned my bank in the UK to ask about it. They told me the card was on its way back because DHL Jakarta could neither find the delivery address nor get in touch with us. This, alas, even though DHL had of course been given our address -- with a 24-hour notice -- and a few phone numbers where we could be reached.

Chaotic judiciary

Chaotic judiciary The first month of the year has seen at least two chaotic applications of law and justice in the country, which means our judiciary will remain the same as before: unreformed and corrupt. The first instance was when the Jakarta Prosecutor's Office named Sjahril Sabirin (former Bank Indonesia governor) and I Putu Gede Ary Suta (former Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency head) suspects on Jan. 12, National Police chief Gen.

Panwaslu vows to get tough action on early campaigners

Panwaslu vows to get tough action on early campaigners Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Elections Supervisory Committee (Panwaslu) vowed on Friday to report to police any political parties displaying logos or election numbers during public gatherings, saying that any violation of the election campaign regulations should be dealt with firmly.

Mega, Zia to talk on hot issues

Mega, Zia to talk on hot issues Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Trade and counterterrorism cooperation are expected to top the agenda of bilateral talks between visiting Bangladeshi Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and President Megawati Soekarnoputri. Arriving at the Halim Perdanakusumah airport on Friday night, the Prime Minister is slated to have a meeting with President Megawati at the State Palace on Saturday.

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.

Qaddafi to visit Indonesia

Qaddafi to visit Indonesia JAKARTA: Libyan leader Moammar Qaddafi will pay a state visit to Indonesia next month and hold talks with President Megawati Soekarnoputri, a foreign ministry official said on Friday. Qaddafi's visit is "tentatively" scheduled for Feb.10, said the official, who declined to be named. Megawati met Qaddafi during her visit to Tripoli last September and said she had his support in the fight against separatist rebels in her country's Aceh province.

'Making Chinese New Year a holiday is good step'

'Making Chinese New Year a holiday is good step' The celebration on Thursday of the Chinese New Year, known here as Imlek, was a peaceful and joyous event. This was the second year the celebration has taken place since the government declared Imlek a national holiday in 2002. However, The Jakarta Post spoke with several people who said Chinese-Indonesians still have some way to go before they are fully accepted here. Dewi Bastina, 24, works as a reporter at a radio station in Central Jakarta.

Most employers neglect women's rights: NGO

Most employers neglect women's rights: NGO 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.

Indonesia backgrounder: A guide to the 2004 elections

Indonesia backgrounder: A guide to the 2004 elections International Crisis Group (ICG) Jakarta Indonesia faces at least two and probably three national elections in 2004, including a presidential vote, but they are unlikely to bring fundamental change. Citizens are increasingly disillusioned with the half-decade of democracy and "money politics" they have experienced since the collapse of Soeharto's authoritarian New Order.

Fire at petrochemicals plant blamed for serious pollution

Fire at petrochemicals plant blamed for serious pollution ID Nugroho and Indra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya Tuesday's devastating fire at a petrochemical plant in Gresik, East Java, in which two people were killed and more than 50 others injured, also appears to have caused serious environmental damage to neighboring areas.

Megawati celebrates her 57th birthday with 5,000 people

Megawati celebrates her 57th birthday with 5,000 people Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri chose to celebrate her 57th birthday with thousands of well-wishers on Friday. But while she often boasts of being a law-abiding citizen, the Elections Supervisory Committee (Panwaslu) could perceive her actions as an attempt to find a loophole in the ban on campaign activities prior to the assigned campaign period.

Kediri officials travel en masse to Bali

Kediri officials travel en masse to Bali ID Nugroho and A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya/Jakarta Some 200 officials of the Kediri municipal government, mostly high-ranking officials, will enjoy a vacation in Bali from Thursday to Sunday, leaving public services in the municipality in limbo. As of Friday, for example, most offices in Kediri's government buildings were visibly deserted. Only a few employees were seen wandering around offices on Jl. Basuki Rachmat.

Hyatt gives gamelan to 'jatilan' group

Hyatt gives gamelan to 'jatilan' group YOGYAKARTA: In an effort to help preserve traditional art forms, the five-star Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta hotel presented a set of traditional gamelan instruments on Jan. 24 to a Jatilan dance troupe from the hamlet of Tegalwaras. Jatilan, or kuda lumping, is a traditional dance performance in which the troupe members dance themselves into a trance by using a horse made of plaited bamboo. The performance is usually accompanied by gamelan music.

Tutut celebrates her 55th birthday

Tutut celebrates her 55th birthday The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Presidential hopeful Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana, affectionately known as Mbak Tutut, celebrated her 55th birthday on Friday evening at her residence on Jl. Yusuf Adiwinata, Central Jakarta. The eldest daughter of former president Soeharto spent time with family members and friends, including close friend Gen. (ret.) R. Hartono and Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso.

IBRA extends bid deadline for Bank Lippo stake

IBRA extends bid deadline for Bank Lippo stake The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A consortium led by Swissfirst Bank AG, the only remaining bidder in the current sale of the government's majority stake in Bank Lippo, will have until Jan. 30 to submit its final bid after the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) extended on Friday the initial Jan. 26 deadline.

Fishermen strike over abductions

Fishermen strike over abductions Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan, North Sumatra Thousands of fishermen from Tanjung Balai regency, North Sumatra, have gone on strike for five days in a protest against abductions by unidentified gunmen operating in waters off the eastern coast of Asahan. They said on Friday that they would continue striking indefinitely until they felt it was safe to go fishing again.