Archive: 29 January 2004
98 articles found
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
PDI-P barred from contesting poll in East Kalimantan
PDI-P barred from contesting poll in East Kalimantan Rusman and Apriadi Gunawan The Jakarta Post Samarinda/Medan The East Kalimantan General Elections Commission (KPUD) ruled on Wednesday that the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI- P) could not run for seats in the provincial council during the upcoming elections.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
JP/5/
JP/5/ Bulukumba victims want Lonsum axed MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: More than 200 people from Kajang village in Bulukumba regency protested at the South Sulawesi legislative council on Wednesday to demand the expulsion of PT London Sumatera (Lonsum) from their area.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
PTDI delivers plane to Pakistan
PTDI delivers plane to Pakistan Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung Amid the nation's financial crisis and an internal labor dispute, state-owned aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia (DI) delivered on Wednesday military passenger plane CN235-220 to Pakistan, but paid a penalty of US$300,000 for a three-month delay. PTDI president Edwin Sudarmo said the financial crisis and the dispute with its workers had caused the delay.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
2. 1 x 36
2. 1 x 36 RI meets Singapore to discuss piracy RI meets Singapore to discuss piracy 3. 1 x 36 POSCO to spend $11.5b on operations 4. 2 x 18 Mutual Fund worker tells of beating 5. 2 x 22 JAL fears bird flu, SARS will dissuade passengers
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian tourism in danger
Indonesian tourism in danger Starting Feb. 1, 2004, foreign tourists from most countries of the world will be required to hold a visa to enter Indonesia. At first sight, this does not look so unusual, as Indonesians are required to have a visa when visiting most countries of the world. But, looking closer, I think that this new regulation is a very big threat to Indonesia's tourist industry. Many tourists from rich countries spend money on holidays in Indonesia.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
JP/8/G-IPB
JP/8/G-IPB Institute hosts forestry students meeting BOGOR: At least 50 delegates from six countries have arrived in Bogor to attend a forum on global forestry education. Delegates from the Asia-Europe Forestry Exchange Program will meet on Thursday at the Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB) campus in Dermaga to attend the Global Forestry Education forum. This is the forum's fifth annual meeting but it is the first time it has been hosted by Indonesia.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Airport under construction to provide access to Lake Toba
Airport under construction to provide access to Lake Toba Benget Simbolon Tnb., The Jakarta Post, Silangit, North Tapanuli People who have visited Lake Toba several times will find it hard to believe that an international airport accessible by a Boeing airplane direct from Singapore or Jakarta is now under construction in Silangit, about five kilometers to the north of Siborong-borong, a North Tapanuli subdistrict in North Sumatra. "I don't believe it. Is it really true?
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
No party reaches 30 percent of women running
No party reaches 30 percent of women running Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A total of 7,756 nominees were declared eligible on Wednesday for this year's legislative election, but no party met the 30 percent recommendation for lady candidates in all 69 electoral districts.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
ICRC suspends Aceh mediation
ICRC suspends Aceh mediation Tiarma Siboro and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Wednesday it had put on ice its role in attempting to mediate the release of civilians being held hostage by Free Aceh Movement separatists. The move by the ICRC opens the door to the Indonesian Military to use force to try to free the hostages.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Woman outwits police, turns poll simulation into comedy
Woman outwits police, turns poll simulation into comedy Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A poll simulation held by the Jakarta Police in front of their headquarters on Wednesday to test their security preparedness for the upcoming elections degenerated into a farce when a lone woman managed to disturb the proceedings, much to the consternation of the surrounding officers.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
'Mad cow, bird flu ... should I stop eating?'
'Mad cow, bird flu ... should I stop eating?' After keeping it secret from the public for five months, an outbreak of avian influenza, or bird flu in the country has been confirmed by the government. But despite the World Health Organization's recommendation of a mass culling of poultry, the government has refused standard measures. Among possible recriminations of the tardy response to the outbreak, is a misinformed public.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Proton seeks foreign tie-ups
Proton seeks foreign tie-ups Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur Malaysian carmaker Proton said on Wednesday it was in talks with several foreign parties about possible alliances after shareholders approved a major restructuring plan to gear up for competition under a regional free trade pact.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
KS to focus on domestic market
KS to focus on domestic market Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned steel manufacturer PT Krakatau Steel will continue to focus on the domestic market, even though the international price of the commodity is higher. "Our domestic customers are loyal and long-term buyers. We shall put a priority on fulfilling domestic demand as long as the price is still high enough to cover our production costs," director of marketing Kemal Masduki told the media on Wednesday.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
[b]In search of a true leader
In search of a true leader for the future of Indonesia Endy M. Bayuni Deputy Chief Editor The Jakarta Post Cambridge, Massachusetts 2. Pro -- Capitalism's high noon 2 x 30 Capitalism's high noon: The high profile scandals of Enron, Parmalat Alberto Alesina and Francesco Giavazzi Project Syndicate
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
JP/1/FERY
JP/1/FERY ICRC suspends mediation role for release of GAM hostages Tiarma Siboro and Muninggar Sri Saraswati The Jakarta Post Jakarta The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Wednesday it had put on ice its role in attempting to mediate the release of civilians being held hostage by Free Aceh Movement separatists. The move by the ICRC opens the door to the Indonesian Military to use force to try to free the hostages.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Piracy surges worldwide in 2003
Piracy surges worldwide in 2003 Associated Press, Kuala Lumpur Pirates attacked more ships and grew increasingly violent in 2003, and seafarers will remain in peril unless countries such as Indonesia patrol their waters more stringently, a maritime watchdog agency said on Wednesday. The shipping industry suffered 445 attacks last year, up 20 percent from 2002 with 370 cases, the British-based International Maritime Bureau said in a report by its piracy watch center in Kuala Lumpur.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Bird flu outbreak hits tourism-related shares in Asia
Bird flu outbreak hits tourism-related shares in Asia Dow Jones, Singapore Travel and tourism-related stocks were sold across Asia Wednesday because of the spreading outbreak of bird flu, even though many analysts said investors might be overreacting. Airlines were lower across the board, with shares in Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific down 2.1 percent, Singapore Airlines off 2.6 percent, Japan Airlines System down 1 percent and Malaysian Airline System sliding 4 percent.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
In search of a true leader for the future of Indonesia
In search of a true leader for the future of Indonesia Endy M. Bayuni, Deputy Chief Editor, The Jakarta Post, Cambridge, Massachusetts As this is presidential election year for Indonesia, attention naturally turns to the question of national leadership. Unfortunately, the way our electoral system is set up, people would rather talk about whom, among the present pack of political figures, deserves to be president.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Dili prosecutors seek Wiranto's arrest
Dili prosecutors seek Wiranto's arrest DILI: Prosecutors in East Timor made a new attempt on Wednesday to bring former Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. (ret) Wiranto to justice for alleged crimes against humanity in the territory in 1999. They asked a judge in East Timor to hold a public hearing into their application for an arrest warrant for Wiranto, who was the TNI commander during the territory's bloody breakaway from Jakarta.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
The new visa policy unfortunate for budget tourists
The new visa policy unfortunate for budget tourists Jenny H. Backstrom, Contributor, Kuta, Bali Numerous tourists in Bali have urged the government to postpone, or even cancel, the implementation of the controversial visa-on- arrival policy in just three days time. The policy will certainly affect Bali's tourism industry, which is now competing hard to promote the island over other international tourist destinations such as Malaysia, Thailand, the Maldives and Hawaii in the United States.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian Cup to start earlier
Indonesian Cup to start earlier Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) has decided to launch the maiden Indonesian Cup earlier than the previously planned dates to ensure a smooth run of the national competition, according to top official. Taking the example of the English FA Cup, the competition, which will involve an overall 74 clubs, was formerly scheduled to be staged after the premier league wrapped up.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
ILO warns against police intervention in labor disputes
ILO warns against police intervention in labor disputes A. Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The International Labor Organization (ILO) called on Wednesday for the National Police to refrain directly intervening in negotiations and disputes between workers and employers. The ILO's representative in Indonesia, Alan Boulton, said the police, who are supposed to undergoing internal reform, were expected to focus on maintaining order and upholding the law in industrial disputes.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Chicken sales drop 50 percent
Chicken sales drop 50 percent Chicken vendors at the Ciputat market, Tangerang, and Kebayoran Lama market, South Jakarta, complained on Wednesday that chicken sales have dropped by 50 percent following the outbreak of bird flu. "I brought 15 birds here this morning and could only get rid of seven of them. I used to sell this number of chickens by 1 p.m. Now, I'm going to have to keep them in the freezer for tomorrow," said Wati, a chicken vendor at Ciputat market.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
RI meets Singapore to discuss piracy
RI meets Singapore to discuss piracy Indonesia's defense secretary met his Singapore counterpart on Wednesday to discuss cooperation against pirates at sea - a day after a maritime watchdog said the vast archipelago needed to take serious steps in fighting attacks at sea.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
PBR relies on charismatic chairman to lure voters in 2004 elections
PBR relies on charismatic chairman to lure voters in 2004 elections Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Reform Star Party (PBR) relies on its charismatic chairman and fanatic followers, but its executives assert the new Muslim- based party will not resort to violence, particularly during the election campaign.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Revision to law on bankruptcy sought to fix existing flaws
Revision to law on bankruptcy sought to fix existing flaws Muninggar Sri Saraswati and Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Supreme Court Chief Justice Bagir Manan recommended on Wednesday a revision to Law No.4/1998 on bankruptcy, in order to fix existing flaws and keep up with the dynamic nature of business practices.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Bangladesh, RI cooperate on Islam
Bangladesh, RI cooperate on Islam BANGLADESH: Bangladesh and Indonesia have pledged to work together to stop the words Islam and terrorism becoming synonymous, Foreign Minister Morshed Khan said on Wednesday. Khan was quoted by the official news agency BSS as saying the two countries needed to correct the false notion that Islam and terrorism were automatically connected. Khan was briefing reporters on Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's visit to Indonesia earlier this week.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Job opportunities web site launched
Job opportunities web site launched Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As part of its efforts to reduce unemployment, the government introduced on Wednesday a national website offering information about job vacancies and a nationwide job-seeker database. Officially launched by President Megawati Soekarnoputri, www.infokerja.web.id provides information about vacancies in companies and factories owned by both the government and the private sector.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Pertamina to up investment to Rp 5.9t
Pertamina to up investment to Rp 5.9t The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned oil and gas company PT Pertamina plans to boost investment this year to Rp 5.9 trillion (US$702 million) from Rp 4.7 trillion in the previous period in a bid to increase oil and gas production. The investment target was approved at the company's annual shareholders meeting on Wednesday. "Looking ahead, we'll boost our exploration activities.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
PSM wins, but Persikota still leads league
PSM wins, but Persikota still leads league Andi Hajramurnim, The Jakarta Post, Makassar PSM handed runaway leader Persikota its second defeat with a 3-1 win in the Indonesian soccer league match at the Mattoangin Stadium here on Wednesday. Jack Komboy, Ronald Fagumdez and Ponaryo Astaman were all on target to move PSM to second place with 12 points. Despite the defeat, Persikota, whose only goal came courtesy of Supriyono, leads the 18-strong league with 15 points but PSM has a game in hand.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
2. 1 x 36
2. 1 x 36 RI meets Singapore to discuss piracy RI meets Singapore to discuss piracy 3. 1 x 36 POSCO to spend $11.5b on operations 4. 2 x 18 Mutual Fund worker tells of beating 5. 2 x 22 JAL fears bird flu, SARS will dissuade passengers
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Tinted car window film rules to be effective in February
Tinted car window film rules to be effective in February Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A new regulation on tinted car window film, currently being drafted by the Jakarta Transportation Agency, is expected to become effective as of February. Agency head Rustam Effendy revised his own statement made on Wednesday that the opacity limit for tinted film is 60 percent, correcting it to a 30 percent opacity. Government Regulation No.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
MOU on BI emergency funds nears completion
MOU on BI emergency funds nears completion Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bank Indonesia expects the drawing up of a mechanism for the disbursement of emergency funds for troubled banks in the future to be completed soon, so that it could be endorsed by the House of Representatives sometime next month.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Slaughterhouses standards queried
Slaughterhouses standards queried Abdul Khalik ,The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite claims by the administration that all licensed poultry slaughterhouses in Jakarta follow the procedures that have been stipulated by the authorities to curb the spread of bird flu, most slaughter houses have still a long way to go.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Akbar appeal: All good things come to those who wait?
Akbar appeal: All good things come to those who wait? Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With the future political career of House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung hanging in the balance, a Supreme Court judicial panel is due to announce on Thursday its decision on his appeal against conviction on corruption charges.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
1. COURT: 48 pt, 3 cols, 3 x 18
1. COURT: 48 pt, 3 cols, 3 x 18 Revision to law on bankruptcy sought to fix existing flaws 2. VIRUS: 36 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 28 Internet virus spreads like wildfire 3. TENNIS: 30 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 22 Ankle injury threatens all-Belgian women's final 4. SUSUL: to be sent later 5. PKPB: 30 pt, 7 cols, 1 x 65 PKPB to ride legacy of "the Smiling General" to amass votes
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Fish farmers want city to pay compensation
Fish farmers want city to pay compensation Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Twenty-four fish farmers in Cilincing subdistrict, North Jakarta, demanded on Wednesday that the city administration provide Rp 340 million (US$40,476) in compensation for polluting their fish farms by dumping waste in a nearby swampland that is the site of Cilincing dump. The compensation was calculated from the potential profits they estimate to have lost from the pollution.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Lee Kuan Yew's dream comes true in Silangit
Lee Kuan Yew's dream comes true in Silangit The development of Silangit Airport can be traced to 1982, when former Singapore prime minister Lee Kuan Yew visited Lake Toba to address an international meeting. Potsdam Hutasoit, a member of House of Representatives Commission IV for transportation and infrastructure, told The Jakarta Post last week that Lee had dreamed of an internationally accessible airport near Lake Toba, the biggest lake in the region.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
IBRA to offer Permata in February
IBRA to offer Permata in February JAKARTA: State-run Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency, or IBRA, hopes to offer a 70 percent stake in medium-sized PT Bank Permata in early February. The agency will offer the stake to strategic investors via a bidding process, IBRA Chairman Syafruddin Temenggung told Dow Jones Newswires on Wednesday. Syafruddin said he expects the sale will be completed before the agency's planned closure by the end of next month.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
No plans to give IBRA legal indemnity: Laksamana
No plans to give IBRA legal indemnity: Laksamana The Jakarta Post Jakarta The government denied it was drafting a regulation which will give legal indemnity to Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency officials once the agency is closed. State Minister of State Enterprises Laksamana Sukardi, whose office oversees IBRA, said on Tuesday the regulation, in the form of a presidential decree, would only provide protection for IBRA officials from lawsuits filed by dissatisfied debtors.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
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.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Lippo management could face dismissal
Lippo management could face dismissal Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Top officials of troubled Bank Lippo may face dismissal if they are found guilty of having intentionally concealed the bank's financial situation, according to a senior official of Bank Indonesia (BI). "Concealing information is a very serious offense and should be looked into.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
* Headlines: Awaiting Akbar's verdict 2
* Headlines: Awaiting Akbar's verdict 2 * National: Govt launches website on job vacancies 4 * Archipelago: PDI-P barred from poll in E. Kalimantan 5 * Opinion: In search of a true Indonesian leader 6 * City: Fish farmers demand compensation over pollution 8 * Sports: Zhang out for Els' scalp in Johnnie Walker Classic 9 * World: Sectarian tension grips southern Thailand 11 * Business: No plans to give IBRA officials indemnity 13 * Features: New visa policy unfortunate for budget tourists 18
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
BMW V12 engine: From aircraft to saloon car
BMW V12 engine: From aircraft to saloon car Novan Iman Santosa The Jakarta Post Serpong, Banten How many people are aware that the giant automotive company BMW started its business producing engines for aircraft? This fact is far removed from many people's impressions of this manufacturer of luxury cars and motorcycles. In 1918, the company produced its first V12 engine for an airplane which crossed the Atlantic ocean in 44 hours.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Political maturity
Political maturity toward election From Suara Karya The approaching 2004 general election is a step forward and at the same time a challenge to the nation. With 24 political parties planning to contest the election, it is our hope that the event will not be hampered by any incidents, such as the falsification of votes, money politics and clashes between party supporters.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
From bad to worse for evictees
From bad to worse for evictees M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Life has turned from bad to worse for evictees Darsini, 35; Priyanto, 20; and Anita, 17; who have been taking refuge at the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) office in Central Jakarta in the last few months.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Singaporean nabbed for attempted theft
Singaporean nabbed for attempted theft PEKANBARU, Riau: A Singaporean national was arrested on Wednesday afternoon for trying to steal a motorcycle in Pekanbaru, Riau, local police said. The suspect, Koh Ban Leong, 35, currently being held by Pekanbaru Police, was collared at the scene of the crime on Jl. Riau-Pekanbaru by local residents, who then administered a severe beating. "The motorcycle's owner shouted, 'Thief, thief', when the Singaporean man grabbed his bike.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Four arrested for murder
Four arrested for murder CAMBODIA: Cambodian police have arrested four men suspected of involvement in the killing of prominent trade unionist Chea Vichea last week, officials and police said on Wednesday. "Four suspects have been arrested," Phnom Penh chief of criminal police Heng Poe told AFP, declining to give further details ahead of a press briefing scheduled for Thursday. "Our main goal is not only to arrest the killers, but to find out who was behind the killing of Chea Vichea," he said.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Five test positive for doping at 2003 SEA Games
Five test positive for doping at 2003 SEA Games Agence France-Presse, Hanoi Four medal-winning Vietnamese athletes and a silver medalist from Myanmar have tested positive for using banned substances during last month's Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam, state media said Wednesday. Laboratory tests in Beijing detected traces of stanozol and testosterone in urine samples from the four Vietnamese, while furosemide, a diuretic, was found in the urine of Myanmar's female judo medalist Aye Aye Thin.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Experts meet on bird flu crisis; virus leaps to China
Experts meet on bird flu crisis; virus leaps to China Agencies, Bangkok The 10 Asian countries hit by the rapid spread of bird flu which has killed at least eight people and threatens to develop into an epidemic worse than Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) promised on Wednesday to fight it together.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Flu viruses: A factsheet
Flu viruses: A factsheet Here is a factsheet on strains of the human influenza virus and the bird flu virus. Human Influenza Viruses * TYPE A: The most dangerous and most widespread type, found in wild birds as well as poultry, pigs, whales, horses and seals. Subtypes of type A viruses are designated according to two proteins on the surface of the virus: H, for haemaggluttinin, and N, for neuraminidase.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
[b]A note on rotten
A note on rotten politicians and rotten strategies Max Lane Visiting Fellow Asia Research Centre Murdoch University Murdoch WA, Australia 2. Herald -- Tale of two countries 1 x 30 Tale of two countries: Vietnam, Cambodia Vietnam, Cambodia on divergent paths The Korea Herald Asia News Network Seoul 3. Nation -- Political fallout from bird flu is inevitable 1 X 30 Political fallout from bird flu inevitable Pana Janviroj The Nation Asia News Network Bangkok
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
JP/1/BOX
JP/1/BOX Key facts on bird flu * Avian influenza viruses are readily transmitted from farm to farm by mechanical means, such as by contaminated equipment, vehicles, feed, cages or clothing. * The virus spreads to humans through air, and direct contact with birds' saliva and feces. * The incubation period of the virus in humans is between one and three days. Highly pathogenic viruses can survive for long periods in the environment.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah Rates Jan.28
Rupiah Rates Jan.28 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 6,948.78 6,166.41 6,592.27 6,522.69 Brunei dollar 1 5,267.29 4,674.49 4,997.05 4,944.57 Canadian dollar 1 6,832.24 6.064.57 6,481.71 6,414.96 Swiss franc 1 7,187.60 6,378.34 6,818.84 6,746,86 Danish krone 1 1,512.62 1,342.83 1,435.01 1,420,42 Euro 1 11,268.55 10,002.29 10,690.42 10,580.19 Poundsterling 1 16,309.63 14,477.87 15,472.86 15,314.36 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,149.72 1,020.80 1,090.73 1,079.78...
Thu, 29 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.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Politicians, CEOs need help in communications
Politicians, CEOs need help in communications K. Basrie, Contributor, Jakarta The government's decision to keep the bird flu a secret from the public for five months and then daring only to send a director general of the agriculture ministry to explain the horror to the public -- after the existence of the disease was revealed by numerous media -- reflect not only the lack of leadership, but also the lack of communications flair.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Lee ends Indonesian tour
Lee ends Indonesian tour JAKARTA: Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong completed his three-day trip here after meeting People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) speaker Amien Rais on Wednesday.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Bomb hoax mars mining protest
Bomb hoax mars mining protest CIREBON, West Java: A bomb hoax marred the second day of a protest by around 500 illegal sand miners at the Cirebon legislative council, West Java, on Wednesday. As protesters dispersed, council staff found a suspicious object wrapped in a plastic bag placed near the perimeter fence. A police bomb squad later arrived to examine the black bag and found it was only a hoax. "The bag contained only two small pieces of coconut fruit wrapped in paper and cloth.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Schools close, monks leave temple as tension mounts
Schools close, monks leave temple as tension mounts More than 1,000 schools have closed and some monks began evacuating their temples as tensions intensified on Wednesday between Buddhists and Muslims in southern Thailand, officials and media reports said. Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said local leaders from the Muslim-dominated south told him on Wednesday that some of the groups behind the escalating violence were receiving funds from abroad. He did not elaborate.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Power in the hands of corruptors and gamblers
Power in the hands of corruptors and gamblers The powers of a democratic country should be in the hands of politicians, but not in this country. Chairman of Indonesia's biggest Muslim organization, the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), KH Hasyim Muzadi, said the power in the country is in the hands of corrupt people and gamblers, who happen to be the decision-makers.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Why do we need others' expertise?
Why do we need others' expertise? Nia Sarinastiti Atmojo, Contributor, Jakarta Why do we need consultants? It is a question often brought to the table at board meetings when deciding whether a consultant is necessary for their business. The arguments are quite classic: "We can do this on our own and save money" or "how do we get returns for our money?" To understand the process, let us compare restructuring a business to renovating a house.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
New visa policy casts dark cloud over ailing Bali tourist industry
New visa policy casts dark cloud over ailing Bali tourist industry Jenny H. Backstrom, Contributor, Kuta, Bali It is still the rainy season in Bali. But other forms of clouds, confusion and uncertainty, currently cover the island. The hot topic causing this confusion is the much-debated new visa-on-arrival policy, to be effective Feb. 1. For Bali the policy is a potential nightmare.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
PKPB to ride legacy of "the smiling general" to garner votes
PKPB to ride legacy of "the smiling general" to garner votes Frans Surdiasis Research and Development Unit The Jakarta Post This is the ninth article in a series on the 24 political parties contesting the 2004 elections. The latter half of 2003 saw the re-emergence of the daughter of former president Soeharto, this time on the political stage.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Concern raised over election materials
Concern raised over election materials JAKARTA: The Government Watch (Gowa) on Wednesday warned of a delay in the polls due to the poor performance of the General Elections Commission (KPU). Gowa coordinator Farid Faqih said during a meeting with House Commission II for law and home affairs that he doubted the KPU could manage to distribute all the materials for the more than 560,000 polling stations on time.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
o To defend the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia;
o To defend the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia; o To develop business and entrepreneurship to increase public welfare; o To increase the quality of faith, morality and the ability of believers to practice religion; o To conduct education and training in line with people's needs; o To empower women and the young generation; o To build a clean and democratic government which respects and upholds human rights; o To develop discipline and obedience of the law; 0 To support the...
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
RI is Vietnam's top rice market
RI is Vietnam's top rice market Bloomberg, Hanoi Indonesia took over from Iraq as the top market for Vietnamese rice last year, after war in the Middle East cut purchases from what was Vietnam's biggest market in 2002, according to the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi. Vietnam, the world's fourth-biggest rice exporter based on U.S. figures, shipped at least 837,050 metric tons to Indonesia in 2003, according to a report by the embassy's agricultural attache's office.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Unpad to award Mahathir honorary doctorate
Unpad to award Mahathir honorary doctorate Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung Former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohammad will receive an honorary doctorate from Indonesia's state-run Padjajaran University (Unpad) in Bandung, West Java, next month, it was announced on Wednesday.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Ericsson predicts another good year
Ericsson predicts another good year JAKARTA: PT Ericsson Indonesia expects another good year in Indonesia, especially with growing demand for its code division multiple access (CDMA) telecom technology, despite the upcoming elections. "I think our customers will continue to invest in Indonesia," said new company president Mitch Lewis, who replaced Ulf Mansson with effect from Jan. 1.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Agar fights for Sakai's survival
Agar fights for Sakai's survival Haidir Anwar Tanjung, The Jakarta Post, Pekanbaru-Riau The name Sakai might bring to mind the illiterate primitive community of the forests of Siak Riau regency. But although their birthplace boasts Caltex oil fields, these indigenous Riau people are still living in poverty. Despite their seemingly isolated existence, one Sakai man has earned a Master's degree in language and literature from a German university.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia: A fertile ground for consultancy business
Indonesia: A fertile ground for consultancy business Rudijanto, Contributor, Jakarta The country's far from perfect legal system, complex business environment and need for corporate good governance and transparency, highlight some fertile ground for consultancy businesses, from simple law consulting and accounting firms up to risk-control consultancy businesses.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Reopening of Lampung case opposed
Reopening of Lampung case opposed JAKARTA: A small group of people claiming to be victims and their relatives of a bloody 1989 clash in the village of Talangsari went to the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) on Wednesday to reject a plan to reopen the case.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
2. 1 x 30
2. 1 x 30 Batam's status deters investors 3. 1 x 28 RI is Vietnam's top rice market 4. 1 x 38 Singapore bankruptcies hit record high
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
A note on rotten politicians and rotten strategies
A note on rotten politicians and rotten strategies Max Lane, Visiting Fellow, Asia Research Centre, Murdoch University, Murdoch WA, Australia Since the beginning of this year, we have seen the development of a very important phenomenon in Indonesian politics. This is the emergence of the National Movement Not to Choose Rotten Politicians -- GNTPPB.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Uniform ad fees for parties sought
Uniform ad fees for parties sought Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Each party and Regional Representatives Council (DPD) candidate contesting the legislative election may place ads on television for a maximum of 10 slots of 30 seconds per station for each day of the campaign period, according to a draft regulation from the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI).
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
PDI-P barred from 2004 elections in East Kalimantan
PDI-P barred from 2004 elections in East Kalimantan Rusman, The Jakarta Post, Samarinda, East Kalimantan The East Kalimantan General Elections Commission (KPUD) ruled on Wednesday that the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI- P) could not run for seats in the provincial council during the upcoming elections.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Embassies get immunity from 3-in-1
Embassies get immunity from 3-in-1 Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A number of embassies in Jakarta have submitted queries to the city administration as to whether the extended three-in-one traffic policy applies to diplomatic officers.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Badawi postpones Myanmar trip
Badawi postpones Myanmar trip MALAYSIA: Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has called off a trip to Myanmar because he has a cough and a sore throat, his office said. The visit, scheduled for Thursday, was to have been the last of a nine-country tour of Association of Southeast Asian Nations members -- a series of courtesy calls since Abdullah came to power last October. Badawi succeeded Mahathir Mohamad, who led Malaysia for more than 22 years and was a driving force behind ASEAN.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Soldier arrested for selling drugs
Soldier arrested for selling drugs JAKARTA: Plainclothes police officers arrested on Tuesday night a soldier attached to the Jakarta Military Command while he tried to sell 40 grams of heroin and 15 grams of shabu-shabu (crystal methamphetamine) at a housing complex in Pinang Ranti, East Jakarta. Besides the drugs, the police also confiscated a digital weighing scales from the soldier, who was identified as Second Sgt. Bachtiar. Jakarta Military Command spokesman Lt. Col.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
PGN to build East Kalimantan-Java pipeline
PGN to build East Kalimantan-Java pipeline PC Naommy, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned gas distributor PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) unveiled on Wednesday plans to develop a US$1.7 million pipeline running from East Kalimantan to Java. PGN director of development Adil Abas told The Jakarta Post that the prelaunch was intended to open a discussion with several field experts for their input on the project.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Karate body irked by new rival
Karate body irked by new rival Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Karate-Do Federation (Forki) has warned the National Sports Council (KONI) against recognizing the former's rival, the FKTI, as one of the council-affiliated sporting organizations. FKTI is the Indonesian Traditional Karate-Do Federation, which an official of Forki claimed had been founded to undermine Forki. "Karate should be governed by only one body as stipulated in KONI statutes," G.A.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
PKPB to ride legacy of 'the smiling general' to amass votes
PKPB to ride legacy of 'the smiling general' to amass votes Frans Surdiasis, Research and Development Unit, The Jakarta Post The latter half of 2003 saw the re-emergence of the daughter of former president Soeharto, this time on the political stage. Businesswoman and former minister of social services Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana, well known as "Tutut", was touted as presidential candidate of the new party under another familiar face to many -- former Army chief of staff under her father's rule, R.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
38 people die after eating leftover pork
38 people die after eating leftover pork Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura, Papua Thirty-eight residents of the mountainous Bintang regency in Indonesia's westernmost province of Papua have died due to food poisoning after consuming leftover pork. The deaths occurred in 10 subdistricts in Borme district in the regency, located some 600 kilometers southwest of Jayapura, the capital of Papua. "We got the report on Jan.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Deputy mayor reported for fraud
Deputy mayor reported for fraud BOGOR: A non-governmental organization reported on Wednesday newly elected Bogor deputy mayor Mochamad Sahid to the police for submitting a fake high school diploma to run in the mayoral election. Chairman of the Bogor chapter of the Movement Against Narcotics and Brawls (Gepenta) Rocky F Subun said Sahid submitted diploma No. 01.OB/P403006464, issued in 1997 for student ID number 3301851 by the Jakarta education agency, as his.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Caption for spotlight ad. (Note: As usual, capital letters
Caption for spotlight ad. (Note: As usual, capital letters insisted by client for their advertisement. Thanks) BULGARIAN ECONOMICS DELEGATION: Hotel Borobudur Jakarta was honored to host the visit of Bulgarian Deputy Minister of the Economy Valentin Parvanov and his delegation during their official visit to Indonesia from Jan. 26 through Jan. 31, 2004. Pictured above are Valentin Parvanov (center) accompanied by Dr Panteley M. Spasov, Minister Plenipotentiary Charge d'Affaires a.i.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Sutiyoso wants no fun on holiday
Sutiyoso wants no fun on holiday JAKARTA: Governor Sutiyoso reaffirmed on Wednesday the closure of entertainment spots across the capital for three days in observance of the Islamic Day of Sacrifice, or Idul Adha, which falls on Feb. 1. "This is routine procedure ... so we expect no violations this year," Sutiyoso said.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
No plans to give IBRA legal immunity: Laksamana
No plans to give IBRA legal immunity: Laksamana The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government denied it was drafting a regulation which will give legal indemnity to Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency officials once the agency is closed. State Minister of State Enterprises Laksamana Sukardi, whose office oversees IBRA, said on Tuesday the regulation, in the form of a presidential decree, would only provide protection for IBRA officials from lawsuits filed by dissatisfied debtors.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Batam's status deters investors
Batam's status deters investors Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A further delay in granting Batam free trade zone (FTZ) status has created legal uncertainty on the industrial island, experts said. These experts claim investors have begun to pull out of the island or to cancel new investment plans. "This (continuing delay) makes Batam an island with no legal status.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
2 x 28
2 x 28 PDI-P barred from 2004 elections in East Kalimantan JP/5/mahathir 2 x 23 Unpad to award Mahathir honorary doctorate JP/5/DIARE 3 x 12 38 people die after eating pork leftovers Bulukumba Bulukumba victims want rubber company closed JP/5/Silangit 1 x 60 Airport under construction to provide access to Lake Toba JP/5/Port 1 x 43 Lee Kuan Yew's dream comes true in Silangit
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Civil emergency in Papua?
Civil emergency in Papua? News about the possibility that the central government might impose a civil emergency in Papua province has caused strong reactions in several quarters. The source of the news was Effendy Choirie, of the National Awakening Party (PKB), who chaired a closed meeting of Commission I of the House of Representatives. He is the deputy chairman of the committee assigned to handle matters related to foreign affairs, defense and security, and information.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Singapore threatened with ban on Indonesian maids =
Singapore threatened with ban on Indonesian maids = Indonesia's manpower minister has threatened to stop sending maids to Singapore if the city-state does not do more to protect their safety, a news report said on Wednesday. Twenty-three Indonesian maids died last year here and 93 lost their lives between 1999 and 2003, Jacob Nuwa Wea told The Straits Times in Jakarta. "All of Indonesia's efforts to protect migrant workers in Singapore have come to naught", he was quoted as saying.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan.28, 20004
Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan.28, 20004 _____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume _____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,100 0 0 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 95 -5 135,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 80 0 93,000 Alakasa Industrindo 220 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 1,150 0 0 Alter Abadi Tbk 40 10 4,274,000 Alumindo Light 400 0...
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Bali flu scare likely false alarm
Bali flu scare likely false alarm The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Denpasar/Yogyakarta A team of medical experts from the Ministry of Health that examined on Wednesday a toddler in Bali who was suspected of having been infected by bird flu concluded that he was suffering from a common acute respiratory infection. However, they experts said but were still conducting tests to be on the safe side.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
New envoys present credentials
New envoys present credentials JAKARTA: President Megawati Soekarnoputri on Wednesday received credential letters from newly appointed Thai and Lebanese ambassadors to Indonesia. Thailand Ambassador Atchara Suyanan and Lebanon Ambassador Hassan Hussein Muslimani presented their credential letters in a State ceremony at the State Palace. After the ceremony both envoys paid a brief courtesy call to the President.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Bulukumba victims want rubber company closed
Bulukumba victims want rubber company closed More than 200 people from Kajang village in Bulukumba regency protested at the South Sulawesi legislative council on Wednesday to demand the expulsion of PT London Sumatera (Lonsum) from their area. They also urged the government to give back what they claimed to be their customary 560 hectares of land allegedly occupied for decades by the rubber plantation firm in Bulukumba, some 240 kilometers from the provincial capital, Makassar.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
BI continues to cut interest rate
BI continues to cut interest rate The central bank cut on Wednesday the interest rate of its one-month SBI promissory notes to a record low 7.86 percent, 20 basis points lower than 8.06 percent in the previous weekly auction. Bank Indonesia has been slashing the benchmark rate for more than two years to encourage banks to lower their interest rates for lending to the corporate sector. -- JP
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Former VP Laurel dies at 75
Former VP Laurel dies at 75 PHILIPPINES: Salvador Laurel, a former vice president of the Philippines who has been fighting charges of graft, died of cancer early on Wednesday, his staff announced. He was 75. Laurel died at the Stanford Hospital and Clinics in San Francisco, where he had been undergoing medical treatment for lymphoma, or cancer of the lymphoid tissue.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
Doctor arrested for fraud
Doctor arrested for fraud Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang The police arrested a medical doctor on Wednesday at his home in Keroncong Permai housing complex, Jatiuwung district, Tangerang municipality following complaints filed by fellow physicians. At least 192 physicians had been conned by the suspect, identified as Achmad Fauzi, to invest a total of Rp 2.6 billion (US$305,880) in the distribution of an unknown cooking oil brand, Lasuri palm oil.
Thu, 29 Jan 2004, 00:00 WIB
RI to ban shrimp imports
RI to ban shrimp imports JAKARTA: Indonesian will soon ban imports of shrimp from six countries accused by the United States of practicing dumping, the minister of maritime affairs and fisheries said on Wednesday. The U.S. administration this month launched an investigation into suspected dumping of shrimp by Brazil, China, Ecuador, India, Thailand and Vietnam.