Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 19 October 2004

76 articles found

3 x 13

3 x 13 Three council leaders stand trial for graft JP/5/PAPUA 2 x 26 Police detain two Papuans in suspected separatist attack JP/5/kerosene 2 x 22 Kerosene prices soar on shortages in Tegal JP/5/ROBBERY 4 x 9 3 killed in Cirebon, Semarang robberies

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Welcoming another new RI president Bunn Nagara The Star/Asia News Network Selangor, Malaysia 2. Lily -- Elections in Afghanistan: A victory of women and humanity 2 x 30 Afghan elections a victory for women and humanity Lily Zakiyah Munir Kabul

India IOC loses bid to buy Medco stake

India IOC loses bid to buy Medco stake NEW DELHI: State-owned refiner Indian Oil Corp. said on Monday it had lost out to Singapore-based Temasek Holdings Pte. Ltd. in its bid to buy a 38.4 percent stake in Medco Energi Internasional, Indonesia's largest upstream oil and gas exploration company. "We quoted a price of US$200 million for the stake, while Tamasek quoted close to $250 million ... it's all a part of the game.

House commission delays discussion on military chief

House commission delays discussion on military chief Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives' defense commission announced on Monday it would delay the discussion on the appointment of Army head Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu as acting Indonesian Military (TNI) chief, pending the election of a commission chairman. House leaders and the 11 faction chairs held a meeting on Monday to discuss the composition and leadership of the commissions.

Temasek may need US$14b for Asian investments: Analyst

Temasek may need US$14b for Asian investments: Analyst Chan Sue Ling, Bloomberg, Singapore Temasek Holdings Pte may have to invest as much as S$24 billion (US$14 billion) outside of Singapore to achieve its aim of having one-third of its portfolio in Asia, Citigroup Inc.'s Smith Barney unit said in a report.

Rupiah Rates Oct.18

Rupiah Rates Oct.18 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,015.31 6,279.42 6,682.43 6,612.07 Brunei dollar 1 5,716.93 5,117.68 5,445.66 5,388.79 Canadian dollar 1 7,656.50 6,855.30 7,293.20 7,218.45 Swiss franc 1 7,778.23 6,965.37 7,409.15 7,334.36 Danish krone 1 1,609.54 1,440.67 1,533.17 1,516.99 Euro 1 11,969.95 10,719.07 11,401.97 11,286.91 Poundsterling 1 17,302.39 15,493.70 16,481.39 16,314.47 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,231.21 1,102.67 1,172.78 1,161.08...

Expats renovate Bogor schools

Expats renovate Bogor schools BOGOR: The Menteng Rotary Club Jakarta and expatriate families living in Bogor have helped renew five elementary schools in Cijeruk, Bogor. "We still need more donations to renovate other schools in Bogor," project coordinator Herdiana Kiehl told The Jakarta Post during the weekend at a ceremony to hand over the keys of the completed buildings to the schools' management. Kiehl said there were about 1,200 school buildings in Bogor in dilapidated condition.

Outgoing Hamzah to welcome Kalla

Outgoing Hamzah to welcome Kalla JAKARTA: One day before leaving office Vice President Hamzah Haz will introduce his elected successor Jusuf Kalla to officials at the vice presidential secretariat. Hamzah's aide Lukman Hakim said on Monday the outgoing Vice President had invited Kalla to his office on Tuesday as a goodwill gesture toward the next government.

Dance in the fasting month

Dance in the fasting month Hell Minarti, Contributor, Jakarta Some smallish arts events will be on for enjoyment during Ramadhan. A kind of mini "dance week" kicked off last night at Teater Utan Kayuan independent arts centre/community, East Jakarta. Opening with a dance solo by Susi Mariaha young, talented dancer of Kreativitaet Dance Company, this time Susi performed Waiting, another work of a New York-based Malaysian choreographer Joyce Lim.

JSX warns firms for failing to adopt GCG

JSX warns firms for failing to adopt GCG The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) has warned 15 listed companies for failing to appoint independent commissioners immediately to supervise their operations as part of the bourse's efforts to improve good corporate governance (GCG) at listed companies. "There are 15 companies that have not appointed independent commissioners. This is not good.

Schools for intelligence & morality

Schools for intelligence & morality From Suara Karya The success of an education system should be seen not only in the intellectual caliber of school graduates, but also in their daily conduct in different fields of life. They should show a positive attitude, good moral conduct, concern about humanitarian issues, tolerance without egoism, appreciation for dissent and pluralism, hard work.

Small examples encourage people

Small examples encourage people The article in The Jakarta Post, Oct. 15, entitled You are not what you drive: Hidayat, has made me disappointed. You may be right that the policies adopted by government officials and, of course, their implementation are most essential to introduce improvements in the country, but we, as members of the general public, understand that behavior is far easier to discern than mere words.

The human face of corruption's victims

The human face of corruption's victims Patrick Guntensperger, Jakarta There is a natural inclination among those of us who love Indonesia to downplay the seriousness of corruption, Indonesia's single biggest problem. We try to see the cultural climate of corruption as being a remnant of the tradition of showing respect in the form of "tributes" or "tips" to public officials who do something for us.

Police anticipate Adrian's next move

Police anticipate Adrian's next move BANDUNG: National Police Chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar indicated on Monday there was a possibility that Adrian Wowuruntu, a key suspect in the Rp 1.7 trillion (US$185 billion) BNI scandal, might file an immigration appeal to evade arrest by the Indonesian police. Da'i said it would take the police longer to capture Adrian if he were to take such an action. Adrian was put on the wanted list on Oct.

Palace ready to welcome Susilo

Palace ready to welcome Susilo Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Presidential Palace received a major makeover on Monday ahead of the inauguration of president-elect Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Wednesday. Susilo, unlike outgoing President Megawati Soekarnoputri, plans to reside at the palace. Workers have renovated the president's office and a waiting room for journalists. "There are no problems.

Palace ready to welcome Susilo

Palace ready to welcome Susilo Fabiola Desy Unidjaja The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The Presidential Palace received a major makeover on Monday ahead of the inauguration of president-elect Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Wednesday. Susilo, unlike outgoing President Megawati Soekarnoputri, plans to reside at the palace. Workers have renovated the president's office and a waiting room for journalists. "There are no problems.

Papuans demand referendum rerun

Papuans demand referendum rerun JAYAPURA, Papua: Some 100 people protested in Jayapura on Monday, demanding president-elect Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono re- hold Papua's 1963 referendum. Grouped under "the Papua Civilian Coalition for Human Rights" and the "Papua Student's Alliance", the protesters said that the last referendum in 1963 -- which resulted into the incorporation of Papua into Indonesia -- was not democratic and should be repeated.

Hambali abettor faces six-year jail term

Hambali abettor faces six-year jail term Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Muhammad Saefuddin, an accomplice of alleged terror plotter Hambali, should be given a six-year jail term, prosecutors at the Central Jakarta District Court said. Saefuddin, a former Indonesian student at the Abu Bakar Islamic University in Karachi, Pakistan, had been involved in terrorist activities in Indonesia, prosecutor A.A. Welang told the trial.

1. MEGA: 1 X 25

1. MEGA: 1 X 25 Mega chairs last Cabinet meet 2. CABINET : 2 X 30 President-elect Susilo interviews more candidates from allied parties 3. INAUGURATION: 1 X 30 Palace ready to welcome Susilo 4. OIL: 2 X 22 Crude oil price surges past $55 record high

Third arrest made over fatal robbery

Third arrest made over fatal robbery BANDUNG: Police officers arrested at dawn on Monday another person who was allegedly involved in the murder of two female students in Cimahi recently, bringing the number of suspects apprehended in the case to three. The third suspect arrested in Palembang, the capital of South Sumatra was Miko, 27, said Cimahi Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Irwanto. The police are also hunting down another four people suspected of involvement in a robbery in Cimahi.

Susilo interviews more candidates from parties

Susilo interviews more candidates from parties Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Bogor President-elect Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono continued his search for ministers on Monday, interviewing several candidates from parties that supported his presidential campaign, as well as meeting with an economist seen as pro-International Monetary Fund (IMF). M.

The total spending on advertising will not decline in the

The total spending on advertising will not decline in the short term, in fact it will grow. In Indonesia the real ad expenditure growth has been 20 - 25 percent per annum. This is because most Asian economies are still developing and the service sector is still growing. Some of the media channels may experience a decline in advertising spend as more channels become available.

Three council leaders stand trial for graft

Three council leaders stand trial for graft Jongker Rumthe, The Jakarta Post, Manado Three newly reelected North Sulawesi councillors stood trial at the Manado District Court here on Monday on charges of misusing some Rp 9.6 billion (US$1.06 million) from Manado's 2003 budget.

Susilo to set up security and economic councils

Susilo to set up security and economic councils The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Soon after his inauguration on Wednesday, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is expected to announce the establishment of the National Security Council and the National Economic Council, along with the much-anticipated Cabinet line-up.

Power cuts a daily inconvenience

Power cuts a daily inconvenience JAMBI, Jambi: A series of electrical power failures over the past week have frustrated residents. Romlah, a resident of Telanaipura, Jambi, said the power failures had disrupted routine activities for between two to three hours a day. Officials at state electricity company PT PLN's Jambi Branch could not be reached for comment on Monday. A similar situation was faced by residents in June of this year, when they were without power for three to four hours a day.

Legislative-executive

Legislative-executive synergy needed From Koran Tempo The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) and the House of Representatives (DPR) should operate according to their scope of authority and should not maneuver to resist president-elect Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's government during the next term.

3 killed in Cirebon, Semarang robberies

3 killed in Cirebon, Semarang robberies Nana Rukmana and Suherdjoko, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon/Semarang One person was killed during a robbery in Cirebon, West Java, on Monday, a day after a fatal robbery in the Central Java capital of Semarang. The morning robbery in Cirebon at a shop-house on Jl. Sukalila left one person dead and two others injured.

Haze thick over Kalimantan

Haze thick over Kalimantan Rusman, The Jakarta Post, Samarinda Thick haze from forest fires in Central and East Kalimantan provinces continued to blanket some cities in Kalimantan on Monday, but heavy downpours over the weekend helped ease the fog in some cities in Sumatra. In Samarinda, East Kalmantan, visibility has been reduced to one kilometer because of the haze.

MPR ignores call for modest life

MPR ignores call for modest life Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Hundreds of members of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) checked in at the Mulia Hotel on Monday despite calls by their chairman Hidayat Nur Wahid to lead a simple lifestyle. Assembly deputy secretary general Eddie Siregar said Monday Assembly members would stay in the hotel until Oct. 21, one day after the inauguration of president-elect Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

RI-Aussie Security

RI-Aussie Security A new security treaty between Indonesia and Australia would symbolise the increasingly close relationship between the two countries. The question is whether we really need such a symbol, when practical co-operation has yielded excellent results in the absence of one. Thanks to the joint work of Indonesian authorities and the Australian Federal Police, 30 of the key Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) operatives who planned and perpetrated the Bali bombing on Oct.

Dance in the fasting month

Dance in the fasting month Helly Minarti, Contributor, Jakarta If one is wondering what sort of entertainment can be enjoyed during Ramadhan, then look no further than some of the local art performances that are scheduled during the Muslim holy month. A kind of mini "dance week" kicked off last night at the Teater Utan Kayu, an independent arts community in East Jakarta.

Toyota plans air bag plants in Vietnam

Toyota plans air bag plants in Vietnam HANOI: Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corp. will invest more than US$38.2 million in two factories in Vietnam to make air bags for domestic and export use, the company said on Monday. The two plants will be built in the northeastern port city of Haiphong and are due to be operational in October next year.

Stanchart, Astra may acquire more Permata stake

Stanchart, Astra may acquire more Permata stake The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has appointed the consortium of Britain's Standard Chartered Plc. (Stanchart) and PT Astra International as a standby buyer for its 20 percent stake in publicly listed Bank Permata, in case the sale fails to draw sufficient interest from the investing public. The Permata shares sale is being managed by the Ministry of Finance's asset management company, PT Perusahaan Pengelola Aset (PPA).

Profiles: Jakarta Councillors

Profiles: Jakarta Councillors Amid allegations of vote-buying during the election for the Jakarta Council Speaker, councillors have pledged to work together to fight institutional corruption and create a better, more humane city for residents. The Jakarta Post's Bambang Nurbianto has gathered profiles on the 75 councillors, along with their thoughts on the most pertinent issues for the capital. Below are profiles on councillors from the Democratic Party.

Legislative-executive synergy needed

Legislative-executive synergy needed From Koran Tempo The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) and the House of Representatives (DPR) should operate according to their scope of authority and should not maneuver to resist president-elect Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's government during the next term.

Cheap goods to stabilize prices

Cheap goods to stabilize prices PEKANBARU, Riau: Riau provincial administration plans to sell cheap basic food to several markets here ahead of the Idul Fitri holiday, which marks the end of Ramadhan. Emrizal Pakis, the head of the administration's Industry and Trade Office, said on Monday that the operation was aimed at stabilizing prices, which tend to soar ahead of Idul Fitri. Among basic necessities to be sold are palm oil, sugar and wheat flour. -- JP

Kerosene prices soar on shortages in Tegal

Kerosene prices soar on shortages in Tegal Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Tegal Residents of Tegal regency, Central Java, have been complaining about kerosene shortages since the start of the Ramadhan fasting month on Friday. Due to the scarcity, kerosene is being sold for between Rp 1,200 and Rp 1,300 per liter in shops across the regency. Its government-set price is only between Rp 875 and Rp 900 per liter.

Susilo's new government must focus on grassroots health

Susilo's new government must focus on grassroots health Hananto Wiryo, Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara The Cabinet of president-elect Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono must ensure that in designing its health programs focuses on servicing and reaching grassroots by truly optimizing existing health infrastructures, improving affordability and awareness of health services, and also eliminating malpractice.

Bali to host first regional forum on advertising media

Bali to host first regional forum on advertising media The Asia Pacific Media Forum (APMF), the first regional Asian conference on advertising media, which will be held in Bali on March 14 and 15, next year, will again put Indonesia in the world's spotlight. It was Indra Abidin, an executive of the Asian Federation of Advertising Associations (AFAA) and chairman of the Jakarta-based Fortune Indonesia Tbk, who first thought of the need to organize an advertising forum in the Asia-Pacific region.

Antiterror squad to secure SBY's inauguration

Antiterror squad to secure SBY's inauguration Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta Police are set to deploy 2,037 personnel, including the Detachment 88 special antiterror squad, at the compound of the House of Representatives/People's Consultative Assembly and Hotel Mulia in Senayan, Central Jakarta, for the inauguration of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice President Jusuf Kalla on Wednesday.

Leaders are judged by what they produce

Leaders are judged by what they produce I would like to refer to You are not what you drive: Hidayat on the Headlines section of The Jakarta Post of Oct. 15. Without the intention to belittle the noble idea of Bapak Hidayat to show sensitivity in time of crisis, I agree with the writer that the credibility of all elected leaders will be judged by what they produce, not by what they promote.

Indonesian karatekas to scout Asian rivals

Indonesian karatekas to scout Asian rivals Moch. N. Kurniawan The Jakarta Post Jakarta Indonesian karatekas taking part in the upcoming World Karate Championship will use the event to get a better feeling for their Asian rivals ahead of the 2006 Asian Games. The World Karate Championship will be held in Monterrey, Mexico, from Nov. 18 through Nov. 21. "We will use the world championship to monitor the development of other Asian fighters ...

Split of industry and trade ministry seen as 'positive'

Split of industry and trade ministry seen as 'positive' Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Long before president-elect Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono revealed his plan to divide the Ministry of Industry and Trade into two ministries, manufacturing players had been complaining about the outgoing government's lack of attention to the industry sector. Critics have said that Minister of Industry and Trade Rini M.S.

Professionals needed in the Cabinet

Professionals needed in the Cabinet From Koran Tempo Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, and his running mate Jusuf Kalla have won the presidential elections. The fact that Susilo has been directly elected the sixth president of the country is indicative of the great hope that Indonesians have in the new administration. At this juncture, it would be wise for Indonesians to bear in mind that the country is facing extraordinarily serious problems that may not be solved in a short time.

Eyeing target consumers with media research

Eyeing target consumers with media research When the Opel Blazer Montera was first introduced in Indonesia in late 1999, many people questioned the decision to choose television station TPI as one of the media where the automobile was advertised. "Automobile commercials are rare on this particular television station," many marketers commented. In reality, the choice of TPI brought about fantastic results.

Malang not as cool as before

Malang not as cool as before Indra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post, Malang Set in the mountains, the picturesque and cool city of Malang, East Java, is now getting hotter according to locals and not, they say, for a good reason. Situated at the foot of the Welirang, Semeru and Penanggungan mountains, residents say the resort has changed for the worse during the past five years.

Tae kwon do trainer Oh Il-nam under fire

Tae kwon do trainer Oh Il-nam under fire Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Former national tae kwon do coaches Alex Harijanto and Dasantio Prihadi urged the Indonesian Tae Kwon Do Association (TI) on Monday to dismiss Korean trainer Oh Il Nam. Alex, who is currently chief of development affairs at the Central Java chapter of TI, expressed disappointment that the past decade had seen the performance of athletes continually decline.

Mega chairs last Cabinet meet

Mega chairs last Cabinet meet Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Adianto Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Tears, laughter, anecdotes and a photo session marked an end to President Megawati Soekarnoputri's 39-month tenure on Monday, which saw her preside over her last Cabinet meeting. All ministers dressed up for the occasion, with the men in the traditional cap peci and women in the national kebaya costume. Everyone looked relaxed as they walked into the President's new office.

JP/4/trial

JP/4/trial Hambali accomplice faces six-year jail term Sari P. Setiogi The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Muhammad Saefuddin, an accomplice of alleged terror plotter Hambali, should be given a six-year jail term, prosecutors at the Central Jakarta District Court said. Saefuddin, a former Indonesian student at the Abu Bakar Islamic University in Karachi, Pakistan, had been involved in terrorist activities in Indonesia, prosecutor A.A. Welang told the trial.

Police detain two Papuans in suspected separatist attack

Police detain two Papuans in suspected separatist attack Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura Two Papuans were arrested on Monday for questioning over an attack that claimed five lives in Tinggi Nambut village, Puncak Jaya regency. "The two are being questioned over their roles in the attack," said Comr. Wempy Batlayeri, the deputy chief of the Paniai Police, which oversees Tinggi Nambut village. The two suspects were identified as Nendilus Telenggen and Kisman Telenggen.

Crude oil price surges past US$55

Crude oil price surges past US$55 Associated Press, London Crude oil prices surged past an unprecedented US$55 per barrel on Monday as uncertainty swirls over production, high demand and tight global supplies ahead of the Northern Hemisphere winter. Crude for November delivery on the New York Mercantile Exchange hit US$55.33 per barrel in pre-opening electronic trading, up 40 cents from its Friday settlement price. By 1330GMT (8.30 p.m.

Violence against women on the rice

Violence against women on the rice JAKARTA: There has been an increase of abuse cases against women and children this year, the Jakarta Association of Indonesian Women for Justice said on Sunday. Deputy chairwoman Asnifriyanti Damanik said the association recorded 416 cases of abuse in the first five months this year, a increase compared with the 675 cases reported in last year and 471 in 2002.

Indonesian karatekas to scout Asian rivals at world championship

Indonesian karatekas to scout Asian rivals at world championship Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesian karatekas taking part in the upcoming World Karate Championship will use the event to get a better feeling for their Asian rivals ahead of the 2006 Asian Games. The World Karate Championship will be held in Monterrey, Mexico, from Nov. 18 through Nov. 21. "We will use the world championship to monitor the development of other Asian fighters ...

Sampoerna sales rise on demand for A Mild

Sampoerna sales rise on demand for A Mild Bloomberg/Singapore PT H.M. Sampoerna, Indonesia's second-biggest publicly traded cigarette maker, said sales in the first three quarters rose 15 percent, aided by higher demand for its A Mild brand. Sales in the nine months to Sept. 30 rose to Rp 12.52 trillion (US$1.37 billion) from Rp 10.9 trillion a year ago, the company said in a statement. Sales of the low-tar, low-nicotine A Mild brand rose 27 percent to Rp 4.52 trillion.

'Salaries, benefits should be cut'

'Salaries, benefits should be cut' Mixed reactions have poured in over the decision of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) leaders to return the luxury cars they are entitled to and start the campaign of a modest life. The Jakarta Post talked to some residents of their opinion about the campaign. Diana, 26, works for a consultant company on Jl. Sudirman, Central Jakarta.

Govt plans to issue Rp 3t in bonds

Govt plans to issue Rp 3t in bonds The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government said on Monday it expected to sell Rp 3 trillion (US$327.86 million) worth of domestic bonds later this month in order to help cover the 2004 state budget deficit. "We set the indicative amount at Rp 3 trillion due to the relatively favorable market conditions now.

Tigaraksa Police start work

Tigaraksa Police start work TANGERANG: The new police station in Tigaraksa, the capital of Tangerang regency, officially became operational on Monday to complement Soekarno-Hatta International Airport's police force and the city police. Under jurisdiction of newly established Banten province, Tangerang is gradually separating from the Jakarta administration, although the district police stations in Ciputat and Pamulang still fall under the South Jakarta Police.

Megawati, complicated and aloof

Megawati, complicated and aloof Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Gloom fell over Megawati Soekarnoputri's private residence in Kebagusan, South Jakarta, as a small group huddled around the television set, hours after the election runoff on Sept. 20. The quick count confirmed their worst fears: the incumbent had lost. The dream had come to an end, not only for Megawati but for millions of her faithful supporters. Their faces were grief-stricken; but disbelief soon turned to anger.

City buys up slums to turn into park

City buys up slums to turn into park Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In an effort to increase the number of green spaces in densely populated areas, the City Parks Agency plans to add six more community parks to the existing 54. The agency has been acquiring plots of land in six locations in Kemayoran district, Central Jakarta, and Meruya district in West Jakarta.

1. TNI: 3 LINES, 15 COUNTS

1. TNI: 3 LINES, 15 COUNTS House commission delays discussion on military chief 2. NEWMONT: 2 LINES, 28 COUNTS Buyat Bay not polluted: Joint government team 3. POLICE: 2 LINES, 24 COUNTS Antiterror squad to secure Susilo's inauguration 4. COUNCIL: 2 LINES, 20 COUNTS SBY to set up security and economic councils

Indosat to expand outside of Java

Indosat to expand outside of Java Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Aiming to capitalize on the growing demand for cellular services, publicly listed telecommunications company PT Indosat plans to allocate a greater portion of its resources next year to expand its cellular network to Sumatra, Kalimantan and Sulawesi.

Export expo records $107.70m trade

Export expo records $107.70m trade Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The 19th annual export exhibition, which officially closed late on Sunday, recorded a total sales transaction of US$107.70 million, a 12.7 percent increase from the previous year, a senior official said on Monday. Diah Maulida, head of the National Agency for Export Development (Nafed) which organized the expo, attributed the boost in sales to the increasing number of participants.

New Azahari recruits from NII: Police

New Azahari recruits from NII: Police Abdul Khalik and Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Bandung Most members of West Java terror group responsible for the Sept. 9 bombing outside the Australian Embassy were former members of the Indonesian Islamic State (NII) clandestine organization, the police said on Monday. National Police Chief Gen.

Anwar to return to Malaysia soon

Anwar to return to Malaysia soon MALAYSIA: Malaysian former deputy leader Anwar Ibrahim plans to return home Oct. 31 after nearly two months abroad, but will avoid strenuous political activity during the Muslim fasting period that ends next month, an aide said on Monday. Anwar -- who was freed from a Malaysian prison on Sept.

No art on TV during Ramadhan

No art on TV during Ramadhan From Media Indonesia As in previous years, TV stations will be airing special pre- dawn programs during Ramadhan to present lectures delivered by Muslim religious teachers. In order to make the atmosphere of these programs religious and different from entertainment, the stations should give an opportunity to teachers of high quality rather than just the popular ones.

Ba'asyir to stand trial on Oct. 28

Ba'asyir to stand trial on Oct. 28 JAKARTA: The South Jakarta District Court set on Monday an Oct. 28 date for the opening trial of Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Ba'asyir, who is being charged with masterminding the bomb attack on J.W. Marriott Hotel in Jakarta last year. The trial will be held at the Ministry of Agriculture auditorium in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, in anticipation of a huge crowd wishing to attend the much-awaited trial.

Welcoming another new RI president

Welcoming another new RI president Bunn Nagara, The Star, Asia News Network, Selangor, Malaysia Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will be inaugurated as Indonesia's sixth president. The implications of this event's unique circumstances have been repeated in various commentaries, all intended to signal the future direction of the country.

Shares end lower as market eyes cabinet lineup

Shares end lower as market eyes cabinet lineup Dow Jones, Jakarta Indonesian shares ended lower on Monday as investors continued to sell select bank and telecommunication blue chips, tracking losses in several Asian markets, dealers said. "It's a dull and cautious market," said a trader with a local securities firm. He added that many investors stayed on the sidelines amid an absence of fresh leads and ahead of the announcement of the new cabinet lineup on Wednesday.

JP/4/MAMASA

JP/4/MAMASA Fresh violence erupts in Mamasa, one killed Andi Hajramurni and Yuli Tri Suwarni The Jakarta Post/Makassar/Bandung After two days of relative calm, violence broke out again in Aralle district, Mamasa regency, killing one man and injuring another.

Fresh violence erupts in Mamasa, one killed

Fresh violence erupts in Mamasa, one killed Andi Hajramurni and Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Makassar/Bandung After two days of relative calm, violence broke out again in Aralle district, Mamasa regency, killing one man and injuring another.

Officials gear up for new duties

Officials gear up for new duties The Jakarta administration will see a major reshuffle starting on Tuesday as Governor Sutiyoso is scheduled to install new top administration officials at City Hall. The reshuffle will affect 41 posts in his administration.

India to increase exports to Southeast Asia

India to increase exports to Southeast Asia Associated Press, New Delhi India's largest business grouping said on Monday that the country could triple its exports to Southeast Asia within two years by focusing on key sectors such as medicines, auto parts and jewelry.

Raid to target maids, nannies

Raid to target maids, nannies The City Population Agency will launch a two-week raid a week before and a week after the Idul Fitri holidays, targeting in- house maids, nannies and private company workers who do not possess Jakarta or newcomer identity cards. "Unlike previous raids, in these raids employers and companies who employ new workers without Jakarta or Newcomer ID cards will face legal sanctions," agency head Sylviana Murni told The Jakarta Post and Antara at City Hall on Monday.

RI opens fuel retail market

RI opens fuel retail market Indonesia opened up its fuel retailing industry by allowing international companies including Malaysia's Petroliam Nasional Bhd. to import and sell oil products, the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry said. The regulation was signed by President Megawati Soekarnoputri on Oct. 14 and effective immediately, the ministry said in a statement. The ministry has the authority to decide the "type, the standard and the quality of the fuel" sold, it says.

Classrooms collapse in Kulonprogo

Classrooms collapse in Kulonprogo KULONPROGO, Yogyakarta: Scores of students escaped injury after three classrooms collapsed at a school in Kulonprogo, Yogyakarta. Titik Suryani, a teacher at Muhammadiyah Nanggulan junior high school here, said on Monday that the incident happened on Thursday last week when the school was closed ahead of Ramadhan. Titik said that she was attending a meeting in the staff room, when a loud sound came from the room next door.

Possible Cabinet line up

Possible Cabinet line up Name Possible position Adm. (ret) Widodo A.s. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Sri Mulyani Indrawati Coordinating Minister for the Economy Hassan Wirayuda Minister of Foreign Affairs Juwono Soedarsono Minister of Defense Mari E. Pangestu Minister of Trade Rachmat Gobel Minister of Industry Hatta Radjasa Minister of Transportation Lt. Gen. (ret) Muh.