Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 31 January 2004

100 articles found

Fair election of deputy justices urged

Fair election of deputy justices urged JAKARTA: A coalition of several non-governmental organizations urged the Supreme Court on Friday to quickly and fairly elect two deputy chief justices, posts which have been vacant for over a year. The recently amended Law No. 14/1985 on the Supreme Court stipulates that the chief justice has two deputies, with one handling judicial affairs and the other non-judicial affairs. They will be elected by the justices.

More than 20 injured in pileup

More than 20 injured in pileup CIREBON, West Java: One person died, another was left in a critical condition and 23 others were injured after two buses, a motorcycle and a truck were involved in a pileup on Friday in the Cirebon subdistrict of Bendungan. The chain collision claimed the life of Sumarsono, 25, the driver of the truck. His remains were transported on the same day to his hometown in Tuban regency in East Java.

Arms sales talks to top agenda of Iliescu's visit to Indonesia

Arms sales talks to top agenda of Iliescu's visit to Indonesia Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Romanian President Ion Iliescu will begin a five-day state visit to Indonesia on Sunday, with talks on arms sales set to top his agenda. Iliescu is slated to hold talks with Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri on Monday at the Merdeka Palace.

Two PDI-P councillors arrested for gambling

Two PDI-P councillors arrested for gambling Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung Two members of the West Java legislative council, Tato Hartarto and Arman Koharman, were arrested for gambling at a house on Jl. Banda in Bandung, police said on Friday. Bandung Police chief Sr. Comr. Hendra Sukmana confirmed the two councillors had been arrested at about 10 p.m. on Thursday.

PDI-P faces troubles in East Kalimantan, Tangerang

PDI-P faces troubles in East Kalimantan, Tangerang The Jakarta Post, Samarinda/Jakarta/Indramayu Hundreds of supporters of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, staged a rally in front of the Provincial General Elections Commission (KPUD) on Friday following the disqualification of all of the party's candidates for the provincial legislature.

Councillor candidates eat their own to win a seat

Councillor candidates eat their own to win a seat Bambang Nurbianto The Jakarta Post Jakarta The race to win a place on the 75-seat City Council has reportedly become so fierce that candidates from the same parties are turning on each other, going so far as to turn in fellow party members for submitting false documents to the elections commission.

Rupiah Rates Jan. 30

Rupiah Rates Jan. 30 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 6,822.88 6,055.81 6,473.38 6,405.08 Brunei dollar 1 5,249.53 4,659.66 4,980.62 4,928.41 Canadian dollar 1 6,719.53 5,964.85 6,375.32 6,308.87 Swiss franc 1 7,105.62 6,306.89 6,741.64 6,670.64 Danish krone 1 1,490.64 1,322.82 1,414.28 1,399.11 Euro 1 11,099.36 9,854.78 10,530.80 10,423.16 Poundsterling 1 16,250.27 14,428.80 15,417.85 15,260.98 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,150.09 1,021.32 1,091.17 1,080.23...

Ballot boxes controversy deepens

Ballot boxes controversy deepens Kurniawan Hari and A. Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With the general election drawing ever nearer, the ballot box controversy has worsened as one of the company's appointed to produce and distribute the boxes threatened to stop work on the project. An executive of PT Tjakrindo Mas visited the General Elections Commission (KPU) offices on Friday, demanding full payment of Rp 79 billion (US$9,2 million) for the first stage of the contract.

[b]Controversial visa policy:

Controversial visa policy: An unnecessary blunder? Joe L. Spartz Business Consultant Jakarta 2. Farm -- Farm size and productivity: Old debate in new context 2 x 30 Farm size and productivity: Old debate within new context Abdul Bayes The Daily Star Asia News Network Dhaka

Capacity building for combating terrorism

Capacity building for combating terrorism Bantarto Bandoro Editor, 'The Indonesian Quarterly' Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Jakarta bandoro@csis.or.id Of all centuries, the 21st has experienced the most revolutionary changes, particularly due to rapid developments in the field of technology. Products that use highly sophisticated technology have mostly been used to advance the political interests of given groups or states.

PSI's platform:

PSI's platform: o To maintain Pancasila as the basis of the unitary republic; o To create a just and prosperous society in material and spiritual terms; o To ensure people's sovereignty; o To consolidate peace and unity; o To improve the quality of human resources.

Walk held to celebrate 'Imlek'

Walk held to celebrate 'Imlek' TULUNGAGUNG, East Java: At least 1,000 people of various faiths and ethnicity participated in a walk in Tulungagung regency on Friday. The walk was held to commemorate Chinese New Year (Imlek). Tulungagung Regent Heru Tjahjono said the walk aimed at strengthening ties among people of different religions and ethnic groups. "Clashes between people of different faiths or ethnicity are common during elections.

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.

Limited response to bird flu derided by veterinarians

Limited response to bird flu derided by veterinarians The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Surabaya Although the President has instructed a selective cull of all chickens infected by bird flu, veterinarians here maintained that only a mass cull of all chickens would be effective in fending off an uncontrollable outbreak of bird flu in the country. The belated decision issued on Wednesday by President Megawati Soekarnoputri was a sigh of relief for the Jakarta office of the World Health Organization (WHO).

'FEER': RI hires Dole as lobbyist

'FEER': RI hires Dole as lobbyist The Indonesian government, in an apparent effort to improve their public relations in Washington D.C., has hired former Republican Senate majority leader Bob Dole as a lobbyist, a news report said on Friday. "The idea to get Dole on board is believed to have come from Dino Djalal, head of the Indonesian Foreign Ministry's North American desk," said the Far Eastern Economic Review weekly magazine in its Feb. 5, 2004 issue.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan.30, 2004

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan.30, 2004 ______________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ______________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,075 0 0 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 95 0 335,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 80 0 144,500 Alakasa Industrindo 180 -40 16,000 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 1,150 0 0 Alter Abadi Tbk 35 0 633,000 Alumindo Light...

Astra Sedaya plans Rp 500b bond

Astra Sedaya plans Rp 500b bond JAKARTA: Automotive finance company PT Astra Sedaya Finance is looking to raise around Rp 500 billion (US$59.5 million) from a local bond issue this year, a banker familiar with the plan said on Friday. "The company is discussing a bond issuance plan," the banker, who declined to be named, told Dow Jones Newswires. He said there were no other details yet on the considered bond.

NGOs demand House to suspend judiciary deliberations

NGOs demand House to suspend judiciary deliberations Muninggar Sri Saraswati The Jakarta Post Jakarta A coalition of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) called on the House of Representatives and the government on Friday to suspend the deliberation of three judiciary bills due to the limited time allocated for the purpose. "What can you expect from laws deliberated in such a rush?" coalition member Rifqi Sjarief Assegaf asked after meeting with Chief Justice Bagir Manan.

1. MUSEUM -- 1 x 42

1. MUSEUM -- 1 x 42 Surakarta's old museum seeks a fresh look

Antam reports 19% increase in sales

Antam reports 19% increase in sales The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned mining company PT Aneka Tambang said on Friday that sales surged by 19 percent last year on higher volumes and prices for its main commodities. Antam's corporate secretary, Dohar Siregar, told The Jakarta Post that the increase in sales was mostly attributable to higher volumes and prices for ferronickel, Antam's most important commodity.

F1 BMW Scholarship for Alexandra

F1 BMW Scholarship for Alexandra JAKARTA: Asian 2003 Kart Open Championship runner-up Alexandra Asmasoebrata was nominated to take part in the Formula BMW Scholarship Qualification to be held in Apartado Correos, Albacete, Spain, from Feb. 13 to Feb. 15.

Illegal drugs - a nation's enemy

Illegal drugs - a nation's enemy The fact that no province, district or municipality is free from illegal drug users and distributors is shocking. The fact that Indonesia has become a transit point for drug traffickers, along with Thailand, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nigeria, is equally horrible. It is even worse knowing that drug trafficking goes hand-in- hand with money-laundering and that it is easy to establish and to operate an ecstasy factory here.

Wild storm rips through Jakarta

Wild storm rips through Jakarta The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After days of heat, a violet storm lashed Jakarta on Friday, flooding streets and uprooting trees, causing massive traffic jams throughout the city and disrupting rail service. The storm toppled nearly 200 trees in the capital, 150 of them in South Jakarta. Trees fell on houses in Kebayoran Baru, including the house of the late Yoga Sugama, former chief of the National Intelligence Agency.

Parts industry must improve efficiency

Parts industry must improve efficiency Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia's automotive parts industry needs to boost its efficiency and productivity to be able to support the fast- growing domestic car market and obtain wider access to the export market, according to industry experts.

Pancasila Patriots preps for campaign

Pancasila Patriots preps for campaign JAKARTA: The Pancasila Patriots' Party began on Friday a five- day consolidation meeting of its legislative candidates who are eligible to run in the general election on April 5.

Police link Palopo blast to Makassar attacks

Police link Palopo blast to Makassar attacks Andi Hajramurni, Makassar, South Sulawesi South Sulawesi Police accused on Friday Agung Abdul Hamid, the alleged mastermind behind the Dec. 5, 2002, blast that killed three in Makassar, of playing a key role in the recent terror attack in Palopo regency. Agung is still at large and has been hunted by the police since the bombing of a McDonald's outlet and a car dealership in Makassar. Provincial police spokesman Sr. Comr.

TV Today: Saturday, January 31, 2004

TV Today: Saturday, January 31, 2004 TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:30 Cartoon 10:00 TV Drama: Saroja 11:30 Battle of Wits 12:30 p.m. Music 1:00 News: Berita Siang 1:30 Documentary 2:00 Music 2:30 English News Service 3:00 TV Drama: Paviliun 21 3:30 News 4:00 Film 6:00 TV Drama 7:00 News 8:00 TV Series 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 10:00 Indonesian Film 12:00 a.m. Shadow Puppet TPI 6:00 a.m.

Paradigm shift in RI higher education

Paradigm shift in RI higher education Setiono Lecturer Atmajaya Catholic University Jakarta 2. Daily -- Truth is caught in a vise 1 X 45 Truth is caught in a vise whatever the situation Mohammad Badrul Ahsan The Daily Star Asia News Network Dhaka 3. The proposed Indonesian social security reform legislation: 2 X 30 Proposed Indonesian social security reform: Will it work? By Alex Arifianto The SMERU Research Institute Jakarta

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.

Angry job seekers force way into job fair

Angry job seekers force way into job fair Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Over 15,000 job seekers forced their way into a jobs fair at the Tennis Indoor Stadium in Senayan, Central Jakarta, on Friday, breaking window panes and sending organizing committee members fleeing in panic.

'Carnival of Animals' parades through town

'Carnival of Animals' parades through town Hera Diani , The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Assuming that there will be no bird flu, let us enjoy the animal parade in town, as Jakarta Chamber Orchestra (JCO) stages a "Classics for Young People: Carnival of the Animals" concert on Feb. 7. Held at the auditorium of Atmajaya University on Jl.

Election survey shows Megawati still front-runner

Election survey shows Megawati still front-runner Slobodan Lekic Associated Press Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri remains the front-runner in Indonesia's presidential race, but former dictator Soeharto's Golkar Party may emerge as the largest party in parliament, according to a new nationwide poll.

'Fabulous February' at Hyatt

'Fabulous February' at Hyatt YOGYAKARTA: The five-star Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta Hotel has designed a special program for its loyal customers -- "Fabulous February". The hotel, located on Jl. Palagan Tentara Pelajar, is offering a special stay package of Rp 299,000++ per room per night, during February for its Garden View rooms. The regular rate for the rooms is Rp 439,000++.

Sony Ericsson service

Sony Ericsson service I have had a bad experience buying a Sony Ericsson product and dealing with the company's after-sales service. I had my new T-610 cellular phone for only three days when I realized its time and date were not accurately functioning -- it constantly reset itself even after I set it again many times. This meant I couldn't use my alarmed organizer function properly. I brought it back to PT. Tirta Graha Mas (TGM) on the ground floor of Roxy shopping mall for repairs on Dec.

Disabled have limited access to public facilities, jobs

Disabled have limited access to public facilities, jobs Dewi Santoso and PC Naommy The Jakarta Post Jakarta Access to public facilities and job opportunities are very limited for disabled Jakartans.

Open import of chemicals ups ecstasy: BNN

Open import of chemicals ups ecstasy: BNN Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The unrestricted importation of eight types of precursor chemicals -- chemical substances used in the production of cosmetics and beverages -- has greatly facilitated ecstasy production in Indonesia. "In the hands of experts, the precursors, which can be found in supplement drinks, can be formulated to become one of substances used in the production of ecstasy pills," National Narcotics Agency (BNN) chief Comr. Gen.

NGO blames govt for Puncak crisis

NGO blames govt for Puncak crisis Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor Non-governmental organization the Society of Environment Lovers (Wakal) blamed on Friday the Bogor regency administration for environmental damage in the Puncak mountain resort area following an increase in villa construction there. "The administration has no political will to address the environmental crisis, let alone take action.

Facilities, jobs don't cater to disabled

Facilities, jobs don't cater to disabled Dewi Santoso and PC Naommy, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Access to public facilities and job opportunities are very limited for disabled Jakartans.

TPM demands release of 'Gun Gun'

TPM demands release of 'Gun Gun' JAKARTA: The Muslim Defense Team (TPM) demanded on Friday that Rusmawan Gunawan, alias Gun Gun, be freed due to what they claimed to be insufficient evidence about his involvement in aiding and abetting terrorists. Achmad Michdan, a lawyer from TPM, said that the results of an investigation conducted last week indicated that there was no evidence to warrant his detention.

Governor inaugurates research council

Governor inaugurates research council KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: Ali Mazi, the governor of Southeast Sulawesi, inaugurated on Friday 13 people as members of the province's Research Council for the 2003-2008 period. The council is chaired by La Ode Geo. Ali said it would be the council members' job to help the government and local councillors formulate and develop research in the province.

On women migrant workers

On women migrant workers From Republika News of the imprisonment of hundreds of Indonesian women migrant workers (TKW) in Kuwait aroused our concern. In the present era of reform with its greater transparency, and with the sophisticated information technology that reduces the overhead costs of recruitment agencies, this should not happen and the TKWs should receive better service.

Security concerns take lead in FEALAC meet

Security concerns take lead in FEALAC meet Mynardo Macaraig Agence France-Presse Manila Thirty-two East Asian and Latin American countries agreed at a ministerial meeting here on Friday to make security issues ranging from terrorism to transnational crime top priority as they seek to enhance ties between the two regions.

Legal issues make RI unalluring to Japanese businesses

Legal issues make RI unalluring to Japanese businesses Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia slipped two notches to the sixth most favorite investment location for Japanese investors last year with investment totaling US$1.25 billion, according to a survey of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), which channels Japan's Overseas Development Assistance (ODA).

[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.

Freeport to resume Grasberg output

Freeport to resume Grasberg output Dow Jones Vancouver Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. hopes to resume production at its giant Grasberg copper and gold mine in Indonesia by the end of the first quarter, company chairman James R. Moffett said on Thursday.

Nationalist-Islamic PSI to exploit diverse support in elections

Nationalist-Islamic PSI to exploit diverse support in elections Rais Hidayat, Research and Development Unit, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta This is the 11th article in a series of the 24 political parties contesting the 2004 elections. he acronym of the Indonesian Unity Party (PSI), or Partai Sarikat Indonesia, once belonged to an early 20th-century party with nationalist and Islamic characteristics. It was founded upon a leading merchants' association, the Muslim Unity (SI), or Sarikat Islam.

Medco extends closing date for Novus takeover

Medco extends closing date for Novus takeover Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The country's only publicly listed oil and gas company, PT Medco Energi Internasional, has extended the deadline for its plan to acquire Australian energy company Novus Petroleum Ltd. In a statement to the Australian Stock Exchange on Friday, Medco said it had decided to extend the closing date of the takeover to Feb. 24 at 7:00 p.m. Melbourne time, from Feb. 10 at 7:00 p.m.

1. LIZZ 1x20

1. LIZZ 1x20 Wright spins stellar 'jazz' 2. TUK 1x30 TUK screens cream of European films 3. JCO 2x20 'Carnival of Animals' parades through town 4. TOP 1x28 Outkast leads Top 10 hits

TUK screens creme of European Films

TUK screens creme of European Films Paul F. Agusta, Contributor, Jakarta PFA0109@yahoo.com The nominees and winners at the 2003 European Film Academy Awards will light up the screen at Teater Utan Kayu (TUK) on Jl. Utan Kayu 68 H, East Jakarta this weekend.

No paper

No paper In observance of Idul Adha (the Islamic Day of Sacrifice), The Jakarta Post will not be published on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2004. The Post will appear again on Monday. -- Publisher

PPATK suspects money launderers behind stock rally

PPATK suspects money launderers behind stock rally The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government antimoney-laundering agency admitted on Friday that "hot money" being laundered through the local stock market might have been a key driver behind the high-flying bourse in recent months. Yunus Husein, chairman of the Financial Transaction and Report Analysis Center (PPATK), said that a money-laundering probe was in full swing.

BI won't hike reserves requirement in near future

BI won't hike reserves requirement in near future The Jakarta Post Jakarta The central bank said on Friday it would not increase anytime soon the current 5 percent minimum reserves requirements for the country's commercial banks. Bank Indonesia deputy governor Maulana Ibrahim said any increase would require further study and "would not be implemented in the near future". "It is still a plan, we still need to examine it carefully," he said.

Surakarta's old museum seeks a fresh look

Surakarta's old museum seeks a fresh look Bambang M, Contributor, Surakarta, Central Java On a dull morning, with little else to do in Surakarta, a family explored the colonial-style Museum Radya Pustaka on Jl. Slamet Riyadi. There was no guide available to assist them, nor were the exhibits, such as an organ, ceramic pieces, stone statues, a gamelan and weaponry, adequately lit.

Councillor hopefuls tattled on colleagues agead of election

Councillor hopefuls tattled on colleagues agead of election Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The race to win a place on the 75-seat City Council has reportedly become so fierce that candidates from the same parties are turning on each other, going so far as to turn in fellow party members for submitting false documents to the elections commission.

Capacity building for combating terrorism

Capacity building for combating terrorism Bantarto Bandoro Editor, 'The Indonesian Quarterly' Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Jakarta bandoro@csis.or.id 2. Dawn -- Why be a "suicide bomber ?" 1 X 45 Reasons why people become suicide bombers Iffat Idris The Dawn Asia News Network Karachi 3. Strait -- Captain Kangaroo: good mates to U.S. -- and Asia 1 X 30 Australia: Good mate to U.S. -- and Asia Tom Plate The Straits Times Asia News Network Singapore

~Edu

~Edu Improving our education system It was saddening to read about a suicide attempt by an elementary schoolboy in East Java's provincial city of Surabaya last Saturday. His reason for wanting to end his life may have seemed insignificant, but the negative impact on our education sector is immense. Whatever argument we put forward, the boy tried to end his life on account of his parents' inability to pay his school fees for two consecutive months.

JP/3/PSI

JP/3/PSI PSI to exploit diverse network Rais Hidayat Research and Development Unit The Jakarta Post Jakarta This is the 11th article in a series of the 24 political parties contesting the 2004 elections. The acronym of the Indonesian Unity Party (PSI), or Partai Sarikat Indonesia, once belonged to an early 20th-century party with nationalist and Islamic characteristics. It was founded upon a leading merchants' association, the Muslim Unity (SI), or Sarikat Islam.

Fifteen perish, tow missing as landslides devastate Central Java

Fifteen perish, tow missing as landslides devastate Central Java Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta At least 15 were killed as landslides and floods triggered by days of rain swept through three villages in Purworejo regency, Central Java, residents said on Friday. The dead included 13 victims from one family who were buried in a landslide in Plipir village and another one in Keseneng village, while the remaining victim drowned in a flood that hit Bagelang village.

Poultry farmer optimistic despite bird flu fiasco

Poultry farmer optimistic despite bird flu fiasco Indra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya Bird flu, which hit poultry businesses in East Java province several months ago, has not forced local poultry businessman Paul Iskandar to go under. The disease has indeed decreased chicken egg production in the province by 10 percent, from a normal production capacity of 70,000 tons per month, causing billions of rupiah in losses to local poultry businesses.

Firms unhappy with bill on dumping

Firms unhappy with bill on dumping TANGERANG: A draft bylaw that will set out a scale of fees payable for dumping industrial waste in Tangerang regency has met with objections from members of the industrial community. "If endorsed, the bill will be a burden because such payments will mean an increase in production costs," Herry Rumawatine, chairman of the Tangerang chapter of the Indonesian Business Association (Apindo), said Thursday.

[b]Congestion charges and

Congestion charges and proper traffic planning Michael Garcma Ph.D. Candidate Cornell University Jakarta "3 in 1" should be "three-in-one" 2. Simon -- Educators need a more positive attitude 2 x 30 Educators need a more positive attitude to be model to students Simon Marcus Gower Executive Principal High/Scope Indonesia Jakarta

Indonesian stocks declined, with the benchmark sliding for a

Indonesian stocks declined, with the benchmark sliding for a fourth day. Bank Danamon led lenders lower after the government said interest rates will fall at a slower rate this year, raising concern loan growth will slow. Pharmaceutical companies dropped on concern a weaker rupiah will make it more expensive to import raw materials. PT Kalbe Farma, which buys more than 90 percent of materials overseas, led declines. The Jakarta Composite Index fell 6.712, or 0.9 percent, to 752.932 at the 4 p.m.

Indonesians ready for haj pilgrimage

Indonesians ready for haj pilgrimage Agencies Mecca, Saudi Arabia Over 200,000 Indonesians will join more than two million Muslims who began on Friday the annual haj pilgrimage amid heightened security as Saudi Arabia continued to battle Islamic militants bent on undermining its ruling family.

Arms talks to top Iliescu's agenda in RI visit

Arms talks to top Iliescu's agenda in RI visit Fabiola Desy Unidjaja The Jakarta Post Jakarta Romanian President Ion Iliescu will begin a five-day state visit to Indonesia on Sunday, with talks on arms sales set to top his agenda. Iliescu is slated to hold talks with Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri on Monday at the Merdeka Palace.

Poll watch to report councillor

Poll watch to report councillor TANGERANG: The Tangerang Elections Supervisory Committee (Panwaslu) will report a council member to police for allegedly using a fake university diploma in his elections application. Panwaslu chairman Anwarudin said on Thursday he had obtained proof that Fonaha Mendrofa, of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), had never graduated from Krisna Dwipayana University in East Jakarta.

Life not a bed of roses for Julius

Life not a bed of roses for Julius For Julius, 21, his gold medal in track and field at the National Special Games last year meant nothing when it came to real life. As a visually impaired child, Julius has lived with discrimination from "normal" people all his life. "There was one time when I was standing for about 30 minutes on the curb in Pondok Labu trying to cross the busy road, and no one offered to help," he said.

Traders to sue Tanah Abang operator

Traders to sue Tanah Abang operator JAKARTA: About 600 traders at the Tanah Abang textile market in Central Jakarta are considering suing the market operator for trying to oust them. "We still hold valid licenses that allow us to stay until 2007, some even until 2015," the coordinator of the traders, Effendi, said as quoted by detikcom on Thursday.

BI won't hike reserves requirement in near future

BI won't hike reserves requirement in near future The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The central bank said on Friday it would not increase anytime soon the current 5 percent minimum reserves requirements for the country's commercial banks. Bank Indonesia deputy governor Maulana Ibrahim said any increase would require further study and "would not be implemented in the near future". "It is still a plan, we still need to examine it carefully," he said.

Proposed Indonesian social security reform: Will it work?

Proposed Indonesian social security reform: Will it work? Alex Arifianto, The SMERU Research Institute, Jakarta Indonesia's social security program is currently undergoing a major overhaul designed to make the existing system work better for its beneficiaries and to extend social security coverage to more Indonesians, both in the formal and informal sector.

Floods inundate eight districts in South Kalimantan province

Floods inundate eight districts in South Kalimantan province The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Flooding hit eight districts in the South Kalimantan regency of Tabalong, killing one person and inundating thousands of houses in the area. The flooding affected the districts after torrential rain had pounded the area on the previous day, Antara news agency reported on Friday.

Beware of pickpockets

Beware of pickpockets From Kompas Groups of youths in their twenties are operating as pickpockets in front of the Widjojo Center building on Jl. Sudirman in South Jakarta during morning office hours, targeting passengers who get on and off city buses. The pickpockets, familiar to bus drivers and local sidewalk vendors, will cross the street instead of using the pedestrian bridge after stealing passengers' belongings, only to disappear on other buses.

Incomplete studies stall monorail

Incomplete studies stall monorail Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The monorail construction scheduled for February has, once again, been delayed due to unfinished financial and technical studies. "The administration and the Malaysian investor are jointly carrying out several studies on this project. When they are finished, hopefully by this year, we can launch," city secretary Ritola Tasmaya said on Thursday.

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, January 31, 2004

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, January 31, 2004 Exhibitions * Textile and graphic Sen by Rie Watanabe and Konomi Sugahara from Japan at CCF French Cultural Center on Jl. Sagan 3 (Tel. 0274-566520, 547409), Feb. 3 to Feb. 10. * Painting on the Ramayana by well-known Aaustralian artist Geoff Todd at Losari Coffee Plantation, Resort and Spa (Tel. 0298 596333) located between Magelang and Semarang, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., until Jan. 31.

Damaging original stories

Damaging original stories From Kompas The Indonesian film industry has seen a revival recently with the production of a number of new films featuring young local talent with youngsters obviously the target market. One particularly successful film is Ada apa dengan cinta (What's up with love?). To repeat the success of the film, TV spinoffs that continue the ideas have been made. Unfortunately, the stories in these programs don't come as naturally as the story in the film.

Ethical regional autonomy

Ethical regional autonomy The Asia Foundation's seminar titled Reflections on Three Years of Regional Autonomy in Indonesia held in Jakarta on Tuesday (The Jakarta Post Jan. 28), discussed the progress of regional autonomy. The foundation notices improved popular participation in the decision-making process that is encouraging a grass roots democratization. The hoped-for better future, however, is shadowed by the inability of legislative councils to respond to people's wishes.

Freed hostages long to be reunited with husbands

Freed hostages long to be reunited with husbands Teuku Agam Muzakkir and Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Lhokseumawe/Jakarta The women hostages recently released by the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) said on Friday they could not wait to see their husbands and children, whom they have not met since their abductions in June last year. Cut Soraya, 31, told journalists in Lhokseumawe that she had been so excited to hear the voice of her husband, First. Lt.

The garbage conundrum

The garbage conundrum The controversial reopening of the Bantar Gebang dump in Bekasi, West Java, is just one part of Jakarta's garbage problem. House-to-house collection of garbage and transportation to temporary and final dumps have not yet been properly implemented. Several temporary dumps have unfortunately brought about environmental problems. The most recent example is the dump on the coast at Cilincing, North Jakarta.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan.30, 2004

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan.30, 2004 ______________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ______________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,075 0 0 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 95 0 335,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 80 0 144,500 Alakasa Industrindo 180 -40 16,000 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 1,150 0 0 Alter Abadi Tbk 35 0 633,000 Alumindo Light...

TPM demands release of 'Gun Gun'

TPM demands release of 'Gun Gun' JAKARTA: The Muslim Defense Team (TPM) demanded on Friday that Rusmawan Gunawan, alias Gun Gun, be freed due to what they claimed to be insufficient evidence about his involvement in aiding and abetting terrorists. Achmad Michdan, a lawyer from TPM, said that the results of an investigation conducted last week indicated that there was no evidence to warrant his detention.

* Headlines: Akbar's lawyers warn of pressure on judges 2

* Headlines: Akbar's lawyers warn of pressure on judges 2 * National: House urged to suspend judiciary bill 4 * Archipelago: 5,000 flee as Flores volcano erupts 5 * Opinion: Visa policy an unnecessary blunder? 6 * City: Govt ignores environmental crisis in Puncak 8 * Sports: Verplank commands at Phoenix Open 9 * World: Seven U.S. soldiers killed in Afghanistan 11 * Business: Part industry must improve efficiency 14 * Features: Surakarta's old museum seeks a fresh look 17

Educators need a more positive attitude to be model to students

Educators need a more positive attitude to be model to students Simon Marcus Gower, Executive Principal, High/Scope Indonesia, Jakarta Talking recently to educators in Indonesia has, at times, been a disturbing experience. It seems there is a very negative perception brought to the task of educators in this country; a perception that will and is inevitably likely to spill over to effect the students for which educators hold responsibility.

Indonesia hopes to learn from Austrian SME program

Indonesia hopes to learn from Austrian SME program The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia should learn from Austria's success in turning its small and medium-scale businesses and cooperatives into the backbone of its economy and its largest employer, Indonesian Ambassador to Austria Samodra Sriwidjaja said after a series of meetings in Vienna with Austrian business leaders.

RI hires Bob Dole as lobbyist in U.S

RI hires Bob Dole as lobbyist in U.S Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government indicated on Friday that it had hired former U.S. Republican Senator Bob Dole as the country's official lobbyist to deal with the U.S. administration in Washington. The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' director for North and Central America, Dino Patti Djalal, refused to confirm the appointment, but pointed out that Dole has been helping Indonesia to resolve "certain" issues for some time.

RI bridge team wins Aussie Open

RI bridge team wins Aussie Open JAKARTA: The Indonesian Bridge League champion team extended its winning streak when it won the Australian Summer Bridge Open tournament in Canberra, Australia. The team, which returned to Jakarta on Thursday, was sponsored by Djarum, comprised Ferdy Waluyan, Giovanni Watulingas, Bert Pollil, Jeldy Yontey, Noldy George and team manager Madja Bakara, according to a news release. The team defeated host pair Marston and Bourke in the tournament held from Jan.

Nuwa Wea denies having met Taiwanese minister

Nuwa Wea denies having met Taiwanese minister Nuwa Wea denies having met Taiwanese minister: Manpower and Transmigration Minister Jacob Nuwa Wea denied on Friday he had met and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Taiwanese Commission for Labor Affairs minister as earlier claimed by the Taiwanese government. "We cannot sign any MOU with Taiwan because Indonesia has no diplomatic relations with Taiwan and adheres to the one-China principle," Nuwa Wea said.

Gajah Tunggal projects 20 percent growth in 2004

Gajah Tunggal projects 20 percent growth in 2004 Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Publicly listed tire maker PT Gajah Tunggal is projecting a 15 percent to 20 percent growth in sales in 2004, said Mulyati Gozali, the company's new president commissioner, on Friday after a shareholders' meeting, the first in five years. Mulyati, as quoted by Detik.com, said the audited 2003 sales were also estimated to have increased by 15 percent to 20 percent from 2002.

Ex-police chief hails New Order

Ex-police chief hails New Order SALATIGA, Central Java: Former National Police chief Gen. (ret) Dibyo Widodo claimed that many people were longing for the period when the New Order regime ruled the country. Dibyo told supporters of the Concern for the Nation Functional Party (PKPB) here that he had listened to laymen on the streets or in food stalls complaining about the economic hardship they were facing since the advent of reformasi.

1. LANDSLIDE: 1 LINE, 56 COUNTS

1. LANDSLIDE: 1 LINE, 56 COUNTS Fifteen perish, two missing as landslides devastate C. Java 2. RAIN: 2 LINES, 15 COUNTS Wild storm rips through Jakarta 3. ADHA: 2 LINES, 15 COUNTS Indonesians ready for haj pilgrimage 4. HOSTAGES: 1 LINE, 40 COUNTS Freed hostages tell of nightmares in captivity

Taiwan to end ban on RI workers

Taiwan to end ban on RI workers JAKARTA: Taiwan is likely next month to lift a ban on the recruitment of new Indonesian workers, a Taipei official said Friday. He said Taiwan's labour minister, Chen Chu, and her Indonesian counterpart, Jacob Nuwa Wea, held talks here Thursday and agreed that Jakarta could resume sending new workers by March.

One dead, 5,000 flee volcano eruption

One dead, 5,000 flee volcano eruption Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara At least one person was reported dead and some 5,000 others evacuated from their homes after a volcano on Flores island in East Nusa Tenggara province erupted, spewing dark clouds of ash and molten lava over at least one subdistrict, officials said on Friday.

Akbar's lawyers warn of pressure on judges

Akbar's lawyers warn of pressure on judges Kurniawan Hari and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Lawyers of convicted Golkar chairman Akbar Tandjung on Friday criticized the increasing frequency and size of the protest rallies outside the Supreme Court (MA) building, saying that the demonstrations could sway the justices and affect their independence. Amir Syamsuddin also said some media groups had "played up" the student demonstrations.

NGOs demand House to suspend judiciary deliberations

NGOs demand House to suspend judiciary deliberations Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A coalition of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) called on the House of Representatives and the government on Friday to suspend the deliberation of three judiciary bills due to the limited time allocated for the purpose. "What can you expect from laws deliberated in such a rush?" coalition member Rifqi Sjarief Assegaf asked after meeting with Chief Justice Bagir Manan.

Indonesia's controversial visa policy - Calculated move or

Indonesia's controversial visa policy - Calculated move or unnecessary blunder Joe L. Spartz Business Consultant Jakarta Many had hoped that Indonesia's restrictive new tourist visa policy would be relegated to the back-burner and discreetly forgotten. However, inspite of deep concerns and well-founded misgivings voiced by the country's long-suffering tourism and hospitality industry, the government nevertheless decided to proceed with its fateful and highly controversial new visa policy on Feb.

Four rebels killed in Aceh

Four rebels killed in Aceh BANDA ACEH: Soldiers have shot dead four separatist rebels and arrested three others in Aceh province, the military said Friday. The Free Aceh Movement (GAM) rebels were killed in separate raids in two districts on Thursday, said Asep Sapari, a military spokesman. The military arrested three others in East Aceh and Pidie districts the same day, Sapari said, adding troops confiscated 11 Kalashnikov rifles, a home-made bomb and rebel flags.

Paradigm shift in RI higher education

Paradigm shift in RI higher education Setiono, Lecturer , Atmajaya Catholic University, Jakarta It is not enough to keep abreast with advances in science and technology -- higher learning institutions should also be pioneers. Universities, especially, must make an effort to enhance their roles as institutions at the center of intellectual discourse, putting an emphasis not only on teaching but also on research.

JAKARTA: The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) plans to

JAKARTA: The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) plans to sell debt and equity in Texmaco Group, the country's biggest textile maker, in a third attempt to woo overseas investors to buy 29 trillion rupiah (US$3.4 billion) of assets, IBRA chairman Syafruddin Temenggung said. Indonesia is selling banks and bad assets to raise money and narrow a budget deficit estimated at Rp 24.4 trillion, or 1.2 percent of the country's gross domestic product, this year.

Yogyakarta hosts children's congress

Yogyakarta hosts children's congress JAKARTA: The National Commission for Child Protection (Komnas PA) will organize the 4th Congress for Indonesian Children in Yogyakarta next month. Commission chairman Seto Mulyadi said after a meeting with deputy House speaker Muhaimin Iskandar here on Friday that the congress would focus on efforts to stop all forms of exploitation, discrimination and violence against children.

Locals attack red-light cafes

Locals attack red-light cafes BOGOR: Local residents attacked and burned about 12 small cafes in Kampung Babakan, Pondok Udik subdistrict, Kemang district, at about 5 a.m. on Friday, the core business of which they accused of prostitution. The cafes, according to one of the cafe workers, are closed on Thursdays. Pondok Udik subdistrict head Amsar said he deplored the attack.

'Better safe than sorry; fish instead of chicken'

'Better safe than sorry; fish instead of chicken' Although there has not yet been a reported case in the country of humans infected with avian influenza, or bird flu, many people have opted not to eat chicken, eggs or other poultry products. The central government has repeatedly assured people that well- cooked chicken was safe to consume, but its lack of monitoring of the chicken industry has left many residents, whom The Jakarta Post spoke to, quite wary.

Club culture

Club culture Welcome to a brand new Jakarta Post column that each Friday will inform you of all the special events, club nights and other entertainment scheduled for the weekend in Jakarta. If your club, restaurant or venue has something on, e-mail the details with phone contact to: shoalin@attglobal.net. Saturday, Jan. 31 The Future DJ agency will be coming back to The Gate with 2 rooms of dancefloor mayhem.