Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 2 October 2004

94 articles found

Alternative remedies

Alternative remedies I have been reading The Jakarta Post for six years now and I have noticed a marked improvement in the articles and features. I would particularly like to comment on the Health page of the Sunday Post, which was included in the last two or three editions. It is very informative. For people like us -- expatriates who have heard a lot about traditional Indonesian remedies -- this is an entrance point to that world.

TNT responds

TNT responds Regarding a complaint letter written by Harm G. Frey in The Jakarta Post on 24 Sept. 24 about the possibility of the price of his shipment being miscalculated, please find below our explanation: At the onset, we express our displeasure over the use of the heading TNT is dangerous. We believe it is contextually misplaced and irrelevant, particularly in light of the current climate of terrorism in Jakarta.

Thai drug convicts executed in Medan

Thai drug convicts executed in Medan The Jakarta Post, Medan, Jakarta Two Thai nationals convicted of drug trafficking were executed by firing squad in the early hours of Friday morning in Medan, North Sumatra, despite a last-minute appeal by Amnesty International to spare their lives. The head of the North Sumatra Prosecutor's Office, Sudibyo Saleh, said Namsong Sirilak, a 32-year-old woman, and Saelow Prasert, a 62-year-old man, were executed separately at 1:30 a.m. on Friday.

PLN loss widens on fuel prices

PLN loss widens on fuel prices JAKARTA: PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), Indonesia's state-owned power utility, reported first-half loss widened as it spent more on fuel to fire its power plants and had a foreign exchange loss. PLN had a loss of Rp 3.74 trillion (US$408 million), or Rp 81,018 a share, in the period ended June 30, from a loss of Rp 2.85 trillion, or Rp 61,834 a share, in the year-earlier period, the company said in a statement published in the Bisnis Indonesia newspaper.

10,000 to walk, promote tourism

10,000 to walk, promote tourism The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Around 10,000 Jakartans are expected to join a mass walk on Sunday morning from City Hall to the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle, vice versa. The event is organized by the Indonesian Tourism Community's (MPI) Jakarta chapter to commemorate World Tourism Day, which fell on Sept. 27. "It is one of our efforts to recover the image of Jakarta following a bomb attack in front of the Australian Embassy," said the chapter chairwoman, Herna P.

'There should be some improvement in the city'

'There should be some improvement in the city' The recent City Council speakership election has seen councillor Ade Surapriatna of the Golkar Party as the winner, although Jakartans previously predicted councillor Ahmad Heryawan of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) would get the post. The result has the public suspecting money politics was involved in the election. The Jakarta Post talked to some city residents about their expectations for the new councillors.

Hotels take part in Royal TIME 2004

Hotels take part in Royal TIME 2004 YOGYAKARTA: The Royal Tourism Indonesia Mart & Expo (TIME) 2004 -- held here from Sept. 26 to Sept. 29 -- has inspired the city's tourist industry to take advantage of it, by promoting themselves to as many participants of TIME as possible, including buyers and the media. Rumah Sleman Private Boutique Hotel on Jl.

Students sent home after bomb scare

Students sent home after bomb scare PALU, Central Sulawesi: The SMKN II vocational school sent home on Friday its 700 students, as it had received a bomb threat at 10:30 a.m. The students fled in a panic upon hearing the principal's announcement that an unidentified male caller said a bomb planted at the school was set to explode. Palu Police sent its bomb squad and cordoned off the school while combing it for an explosive device.

Media needs help to improve themselves toward professionalsm

Media needs help to improve themselves toward professionalsm Ignatius Haryanto , Jakarta Last month, Tempo weekly news magazine received two different decisions in settling the problems caused by its coverage. The two decisions from two different institutions suggests two different approaches in settling press complaints. In the first case, Central Jakarta District Court found the magazine was guilty for publishing false material and libel over businessman, Tommy Winata.

Illegal factories crowd Tangerang

Illegal factories crowd Tangerang TANGERANG: At least 600 warehouses in Tangerang regency have been illegally converted to factories producing electronic goods, an official revealed on Thursday. Mursan Sobari, head of the building permit division at Tangerang Spatial Development and Management Agency, said that the owners of the warehouses have been summoned by the agency for clarification. "They have violated Bylaw No.

Acehnese are giving Susilo another chance

Acehnese are giving Susilo another chance Saiful Mahdi Ithaca, New York The people have high expectations of the popular president-in-waiting Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, although some are skeptical of his capabilities. It is expected that he will wage an all-out war against corruption -- as he promised -- and bring about economic reform. Foreign analysts, like Jeffrey Winters of Northwestern University, have put together a must-do agenda for Susilo.

Gandhi anniversary celebrated through charity

Gandhi anniversary celebrated through charity Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta "He who serves the needy is great in the eyes of God. There is no greater joy in life than to bring happiness to others," once said India's founding father, Mahatma Gandhi.

Inflation softens in September

Inflation softens in September The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Inflationary pressure eased in September due mainly to lower prices of basic food commodities and a relatively stable rupiah during most part of the month, the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reported on Friday. Inflation as measured by the consumer price index (CPI) during September rose by 6.27 percent from the level in the same month of last year. This was lower than the year-on-year inflation rate of 6.7 percent recorded in August.

Fireworks mark end of palace festival

Fireworks mark end of palace festival YOGYAKARTA: Fireworks lit up Yogyakarta Palace's Pagelaran (royal field), marking the closing of the four-day festival of Indonesian palaces -- or the Nusantara Palace Festival (FKN) IV -- which was held here from Sept. 26 to Sept. 29.

1. EXPORT: 1 line, 25 COUNTS

1. EXPORT: 1 line, 25 COUNTS Exports up but key products down 2. FOREIGN: 3 LINES, 16 COUNTS Australia to help boost security at Jakarta school 3. BOMBER: 1 LINE, 40 COUNTS Suicide bomber of Australian embassy named

SOEs uncommitted to fight corruption, BPK says

SOEs uncommitted to fight corruption, BPK says Rendi A. Witular, Jakarta The Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) criticized state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and public accountants for being reluctant to support the agency's drive to fight corruption and collusion by refusing to conduct special audits to spot any irregularities. "The managements of some SOEs order the accountants not to conduct compliance audits for fear that irregularities in the SOEs may become public knowledge.

Car-Free Day

Car-Free Day From Media Indonesia This newspaper published a picture of the recent Car-Free Day in Jakarta. It is a pity that the picture shows an empty road being used as a playground for soccer. In fact, the Car-Free Day organizing committee should have asked people to use the roads for other activities in observance of Car-Free Day. Of course, the committee should also have provided a special car lane for emergency purposes.

JP/6/EDIT04B

JP/6/EDIT04B Oct. 04, 2004;CD; Revisiting fiscal balance In so far as the process of granting more authority to the provinces and regencies is concerned, amendments to the 1999 law on intergovernmental fiscal balance, which were approved by the House of Representatives last week, are not as significant as the new legislation on regional administration.

Factional fighting flares for plum commission posts

Factional fighting flares for plum commission posts Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The seven factions of City Council are gearing up to battle it out for the chairmanships of five commissions on Monday. The factions are particularly eying the chairmanship of Commission E on people's welfare, health and education, aside from Commission D on development affairs and Commission A on legal and administrative affairs.

Truckers protest overloading bylaw

Truckers protest overloading bylaw PADANG, West Sumatra: Around 100 truck drivers and owners held a rally here on Friday to protest the implementation of Bylaw No. 1/2004, which regulates a fee for overloaded cargo vehicles. They marched to the West Sumatra legislative council and conveyed their objection to the bylaw, which became effective on Friday. The drivers parked some 60 trucks, many of them large ones, along Jl.

The danger of rising oil prices on world economy

The danger of rising oil prices on world economy The Asahi Shimbun Tokyo Soaring oil prices are threatening the world economy, which has been in good shape for some time. Oil prices reached unprecedented height above US$50 a barrel in the New York market, sending alarm bells around the globe. All eyes will be on the meeting of finance ministers and central bankers of the Group of Seven economic powers later this week.

Acehnese are giving Susilo another chance

Acehnese are giving Susilo another chance Saiful Mahdi Ithaca, New York The people have high expectations of the popular president-in-waiting Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, although some are skeptical of his capabilities. It is expected that he will wage an all-out war against corruption -- as he promised -- and bring about economic reform. Foreign analysts, like Jeffrey Winters of Northwestern University, have put together a must-do agenda for Susilo.

Four IT trends that lure investors to schools

Four IT trends that lure investors to schools Craig Warren Smith, Jakarta The first article of this series, presented in this same space on Thursday, encouraged Indonesia's private sector leaders to formulate a strategy for connecting all Indonesia's citizens to digital networks. This article reveals four worldwide trends that make this approach possible.

Custody battle over Manuela resolved

Custody battle over Manuela resolved Agence France Presse Sydney A Sydney policeman on Friday gave up an emotional custody battle with an Italian rival over a five-year-old girl who was critically hurt in the Sept. 9 bombing of Australia's embassy in Jakarta. Australian David Norman and Italian Manual Musu both claimed to be the biological father of the girl, Manny, whose Indonesian mother was one of at least nine people killed in the suicide bombing.

Meidyatama Suryodiningrat

Meidyatama Suryodiningrat Jakarta 2. Mahdi -- Acehnese are giving Susilo another chance 1 x 30 Acehnese giving Susilo another chance Saiful Mahdi Ithaca, New York

Rupiah Rates Oct.1

Rupiah Rates Oct.1 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,003.23 6,272.81 6,673.59 6,602.23 Brunei dollar 1 5,718.61 5,122.66 5,449.42 5,391.68 Canadian dollar 1 7,650.51 6,852.95 7,290.39 7,212.84 Swiss franc 1 7,738.42 6,932.08 7,372.26 7,296.13 Danish krone 1 1,611.02 1,442.78 1,535.19 1,518.55 Euro 1 11,986.81 10,740.55 11,422.57 11,304.60 Poundsterling 1 17,467.10 15,643.13 16,644.90 16,464.64 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,237.08 1,108.67 1,178.85 1,166.90...

Munir's autopsy report next month

Munir's autopsy report next month JAKARTA: The post-mortem report of prominent rights activist Munir, who died onboard a Garuda flight heading to the Netherlands early last month, is expected to be issued next month, his colleague said. Usman Hamid, chairman of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) which Munir co-founded, said on Friday the Schiphol airport authority had told him that they expected to issue the autopsy report in November.

Police declare bank scamp suspect Adrian fugitive

Police declare bank scamp suspect Adrian fugitive Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The National Police Headquarters finally declared on Friday Adrian Waworuntu, the main suspect in the Rp 1.7 trillion Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) scandal, a fugitive following the latter's failure to surrender himself to the police on the same day. Friday was the deadline for Adrian to report to police headquarters.

RI, Saudi to double trade to $1b

RI, Saudi to double trade to $1b Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Indonesia and Saudi Arabia expect to double their bilateral trade of non oil and gas commodities to $1 billion next year, a senior official said on Friday. Minister of Industry and Trade Rini MS Soewandi said that the two countries made the commitment during her visit to Saudi Arabia earlier this week.

1 x 31

1 x 31 RI returns $10m to World Bank JP/4/adrian 3 x 14 Police declare bank scam suspect Adrian a fugitive JP/4/4Conflict 1 x 32 Rifts widen in Golkar and PDI-P JP/4/KOMISI 1 x 40 Experts question relevance of state commissions

Fire razes shop, bike repair shop

Fire razes shop, bike repair shop JAKARTA: A shop house and a motorcycle repair shop belonging to Pairus Situmorang, 60, on Jl. Ampera Raya, Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, caught on fire late on Thursday. The Jakarta Police revealed on Friday that the preliminary investigation found indications that a short circuit caused the fire. Witnesses said the fire started at the shop house and quickly spread to the adjacent motorcycle repair shop.

JP/19/SENI

JP/19/SENI ANN, The Straits Times/Singapore You can clean up your shirt, not to mention your perceptions of visual art as just pretty pictures hanging on a wall, at Seni Singapore. For example, one of the things you can do at the two-month- long event, which kicks off Oct 1, is to get your shirt washed by Indonesian artists simulating the role of migrant workers.

Focus on academic skills causes stress among preschoolers

Focus on academic skills causes stress among preschoolers For Focus Issue; Preschools --- Oct. 3 (Sunday) T.Sima Gunawan Contributor Jakarta The five-year-old girl pouted and shouted: "I don't want to go to school. I am tired." As her mother stared at her, the girl took back her words and said that she was just kidding. Eny, the mother, sighed in relief, but she understands why her daughter acted like that. "Tomorrow, she is having an oral English test.

Upholding local values may take royal effort

Upholding local values may take royal effort Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta The royal families of Indonesia have pledged to make their palaces culture centers, after the recent Indonesia Palace Festival -- or Festival Keraton Nusantara (FKN) IV, as it is popularly called -- united the representatives of 42 palaces here, from Sept. 26 through Sept. 29. The pledge was made during a two-day dialog on Sept.27 and Sept.

Susilo's son to mark TNI Day

Susilo's son to mark TNI Day JAKARTA: This year's celebration of the 59th anniversary of Indonesian Military (TNI) on Tuesday will be special for president-in-waiting Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. As a retired military general, he has been invited in his capacity as one of TNI patrons. He and millions of Indonesians will also watch his eldest son First Lt. Agus Harimurti read the Sapta Marga military pledge during the ceremony at Halim Perdanakusuma airbase in East Jakarta. TNI spokesman Maj. Gen.

Police establish Cikarang office

Police establish Cikarang office JAKARTA: The City Police opened a new subprecinct office in the industrial zone of Cikarang, Bekasi, as part of efforts to fight terrorism in the capital Jakarta, the city police chief said on Wednesday. "We also need the local administration to help ... and not simply issue identity cards to newcomers without cooperating with us on checking on them first," Insp. Gen. Firman Gani said in a speech.

Govt enlists help to free RI hostages

Govt enlists help to free RI hostages Ivy Susanti, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs will summon local religious leaders and the families of two Indonesian women kidnapped in Iraq to make a public appeal for the women's release. Ministry spokesman Marty Natalegawa said the ministry was taking emergency measures to secure the release of the women, identified as Rosidah binti Anom and Rosikam binti Aming.

Rain delivers respite, but not wet season yet

Rain delivers respite, but not wet season yet Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The light rain that fell across several areas in Jakarta the past week marks only the transition from the dry to wet season, says an official of the Meteorology and Geophysics Agency (BMG). "Rain of low intensity occurred sporadically and lasted less than 30 minutes," Achmad Zakir of BMG's forecast division said on Friday.

New faces may inject new spirit into House

New faces may inject new spirit into House The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After what is widely regarded as a distinctly poor performance on the part of the members of the House of Representatives for the 1999-2004 term, the public could be forgiven for hoping for a brighter future ahead in the shape of the new batch of House members sworn in on Friday, especially as over 70 percent of them are new faces.

Milk suspected in students' poisoning

Milk suspected in students' poisoning KULONPROGO, Yogyakarta: Sixty-seven students of state elementary school Nanggulan I in Kulonprogo regency were rushed to the hospital on Friday for suspected food poisoning after drinking milk provided by PT Ultra Jaya. Some 20 of were still hospitalized as of Friday evening due to their weakened state. Muhammad Ali, a victim, said he and his classmates drank the donated milk after taking part in a ceremony to commemorate Pancasila Sanctity Day.

For Focus Issue -- Preschools -- Oct 3 (Sunday)

For Focus Issue -- Preschools -- Oct 3 (Sunday) Preschools for non-English speaking expat children As a metropolitan city, Jakarta is home to people of various nationalities from around the world. Foreigners come to the country not only to enjoy its natural beauty or to explore the rich arts and culture. They also work and live here. Recent data shows that there are about 36,000 expatriates registered as working in the capital.

;JP;MUN;

;JP;MUN; ANPAa..r.. Scene-peace-yusril Munir's autopsy report yet to arrive JP/4/SCENE Munir's autopsy report next month JAKARTA: The post-mortem report of prominent rights activist Munir, who died onboard a Garuda flight heading to the Netherlands early last month, is expected to be issued next month, his colleague said.

Seni Singapore, an art expo to bring out Asian identity

Seni Singapore, an art expo to bring out Asian identity ANN, The Straits Times/Singapore You can clean up your shirt, not to mention your perceptions of visual art as just pretty pictures hanging on a wall, at Seni Singapore. For example, one of the things you can do at the two-month- long event, which kicks off Oct 1, is to get your shirt washed by Indonesian artists simulating the role of migrant workers.

Tolerance, freedom are key: Asghar

Tolerance, freedom are key: Asghar Ati Nurbaiti and Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta A central message of the Koran is freedom of consciousness, which goes hand in glove with the responsibility of the individual before the Almighty.

2 heads

2 heads 1. PALACE -- 1 x 40 Upholding local values may take royal effort or Upholding values may take royal effort 2. WISATA -- 1 x 55 Expo gives Yogya a chance to boost its tourist industry

Old faces elected DPR, DPD speakers

Old faces elected DPR, DPD speakers Kurniawan Hari The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Veteran politician Ginandjar Kartasasmita was elected as the inaugural speaker of the Regional Representatives Council (DPD), defeating Irman Gusman in a runoff on Friday. Ginandjar, a former Golkar politician and People's Consultative Assembly deputy speaker, received 72 votes to defeat Irman by 18 votes. Pre-race favorite Sarwono Kusumaatmadja finished third in the first round of voting and was eliminated.

Experts question relevance of state commissions

Experts question relevance of state commissions Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The government and House of Representatives need to review the necessity of some state commissions, whose existence only serves to further burden the taxpayer instead of supporting the establishment of good governance, a constitutional law expert says. Bintan R.

Tangerang's small lakes in poor condition

Tangerang's small lakes in poor condition Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post/Tangerang Crucial during the upcoming wet season, 22 small lakes in several districts of Tangerang regency are now in a poor condition. Most of the lakes are dry and shallow, some have even been reclaimed by housing developers.

Indonesians face ordeal in Tawao

Indonesians face ordeal in Tawao Rusman, The Jakarta Post/Tawao, Malaysia Hasriwinata, 47, along with eight friends from Banten province, was fast asleep in a room at the Indonesian Consulate in Tawao, east Malaysia. He looked weary after enduring a tough journey through forests and mountains for two days and nights as he fled an oil palm plantation in Sabah, where he once worked. Hasriwinata had been cheated by a recruitment agency.

Agung elected House speaker

Agung elected House speaker Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Agung Laksono was elected as the House of Representatives speaker on Saturday as doubt cast over the future of the so-called Nationhood Coalition. The senior Golkar politician garnered 280 votes to beat Endin Sofihara of the United Development Party (PPP), who collected 257 votes in the lengthy election which finished over midnight. Four lawmakers abstained, while six votes were declared invalid.

Raids, operations... what else?

Raids, operations... what else? Poor coordination among government institutions has become commonplace in this country. The most candid case is the monitoring of foreigners working in the capital city of Jakarta, home to 36,000 foreigners and their families. According to government regulations, three institutions dealing with the monitoring of foreigners; the police, immigration office and population and civil registration office are in charge of monitoring foreigners.

Rifts widen in Golkar, PDI-P

Rifts widen in Golkar, PDI-P Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Internal conflicts within the Golkar Party and the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) are likely to intensify and turn their respective national meetings into power struggles, analysts say.

Minimizing pressure on forests for cleaner, cheaper water

Minimizing pressure on forests for cleaner, cheaper water Fitrian Ardiansyah and Israr A Jakarta During the past two months, many areas throughout the country have faced the ever-worsening seasonal water crisis. Drought has brought misery to many and clean water is still a luxury for some people. In big cities, people have had difficulty obtaining adequate supplies of fresh water. Many farmers could not harvest their crops because they could not irrigate them sufficiently.

The first 100 days of Susilo's government

The first 100 days of Susilo's government From Republika It is almost certain that Indonesia will be led by a new president. So, it is understandable that most people are hoping that president in-waiting Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, and Jusuf Kalla, can make changes for the better. To meet the people's expectations, he needs to act within the first 100 days of his leadership.

Mas Achmad Santosa

Mas Achmad Santosa and Nenad Bago Jakarta 2. Fitri -- Minimizing pressure on forests for cleaner, cheaper water 1 X 45 Minimizing pressure on forests for cleaner, cheaper water Fitrian Ardiansyah and Israr A 3. Pro -- Doomsday for the dollar? 1 x 30 Doomsday for the green back? J. Bradford DeLong Project Syndicate

School principal accused of misappropriating Rp 1b

School principal accused of misappropriating Rp 1b Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta A day after the Indonesian Corruption Watch revealed alleged corruption at a Jakarta elementary school, the former principal of SMU 13 state high school in North Jakarta was reported to the Jakarta Police on Friday for allegedly misusing Rp 913.25 million ($US100,247) from the school budget.

Debenhams opens store in Jakarta

Debenhams opens store in Jakarta Leading British department store Debenhams opened its first store here on Friday at Plaza Indonesia in Jakarta, focusing on the high-end market that is currently dominated by SOGO and Metro. Debenhams international director Francis Mcauley said that having opened a total of 15 international stores worldwide, the UK-based retailer aimed to expand its global sales growth by 7 percent this year.

Some state commissions waste of taxpayer's money: Experts

Some state commissions waste of taxpayer's money: Experts Muninggar Sri Saraswati The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The government and House of Representatives need to review the necessity of some state commissions, whose existence only serves to further burden the taxpayer instead of supporting the establishment of good governance, a constitutional law expert says. Bintan R.

Right persons for next cabinet

Right persons for next cabinet The coming days will be important for Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Jusuf Kalla, as, in this time, they can demonstrate their capacity to build a solid administration with the assistance of a Cabinet. In this context, the Consortium for Information Transparency (KUTIP) considers that improving the people's economic welfare is of the utmost importance, so experienced ministers must be appointed in this field.

Expo gives Yogya a chance to boost its tourist industry

Expo gives Yogya a chance to boost its tourist industry Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Yogyakarta has become the first-ever city outside Jakarta to host the annual Tourism Indonesia Mart and Expo (or TIME), and participants hope the event will increase tourism in the area. Indonesian Tourism Promotion Board (BPPI) chairman Pontjo Sutowo welcomed the event, which took place from Sept. 26 through Sept. 29 at the Jogja Expo Center.

Tourist arrivals down after bombing incident: BPS

Tourist arrivals down after bombing incident: BPS The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Foreign tourist arrivals in September are almost certain to decline following the deadly bombing in front of the Australian Embassy on Sept. 9, as shown by preliminary data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS).

ASEAN youth ship to visit Jakarta

ASEAN youth ship to visit Jakarta JAKARTA: The Nippon Maru vessel with participants of the Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Programme will anchor at Tanjung Priok port on a visit to Indonesia from Oct. 3 to Oct. 6, Antara reported on Friday. More than 330 youths of ASEAN and Japan, including 28 Indonesian delegates, will be on board. The vessel started its journey from Yokohama port on Sept. 9 stopping at the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand.

South Korea posts

South Korea posts $2.8b trade surplus SEOUL: South Korea posted a trade surplus of US$2.82 billion in September, helped by brisk exports which rose 23.5 percent year-on-year, officials said on Friday. Exports, on a customs-cleared basis, rose to $21.02 billion in September, led by robust sales of automobiles, semiconductor chips and mobile handsets, according to the commerce, industry and energy ministry. Imports increased 25.2 percent to $18.2 billion. Imports of oil increased 40.2 percent.

Choosing excellent preschools for your kids

Choosing excellent preschools for your kids FOCUS ISSUE: Preschools -- Sunday Oct. 3 Sudibyo M. Wiradji The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Early childhood education programs provided by preschools and kindergartens undoubtedly offer an opportunity for children to develop their full potential.

Three years ago, Yogyakarta's Gembira Loka zoological gardens

Three years ago, Yogyakarta's Gembira Loka zoological gardens acquired a pair of giant tortoises from the Indian Ocean island of Aldabra, Seychelles, though the male of the rare animals is ailing. The hard-shelled reptiles -- the male of which is 110 cms long, the female 70 cms long -- were brought to my attention when The Jakarta Post reported the sickly male had been put on an intravenous drip.

RI returns corrupted US$10 million funds: WB

RI returns corrupted US$10 million funds: WB Dewi Santoso The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The World Bank said on Friday that the Indonesian government had returned the US$10 million in funds publishers here allegedly corrupted from the Book and Reading Development Project.

Suicide bomber of Australian embassy named

Suicide bomber of Australian embassy named Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The National Police officially named on Friday the suspected suicide bomber who perpetrated the Sept. 9 bombing outside the Australian Embassy, which killed 10 people and injured over 180 others. DNA tests comparing samples found at the blast site with tissue and blood from suspects' families confirmed the bomber's identity as Heri Golun alias Heri Kurniawan, National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar said.

Exports up but key products down

Exports up but key products down Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Indonesia's export performance remained positive in August thanks to the rising prices of oil and commodities, the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reported on Friday. But a closer look at the BPS data suggests the current surge in oil prices has begun to take a toll on some of the country's main non-oil and gas export products, particularly to the key U.S. market. Analysts have said the U.S.

Australia to help boost security at Jakarta school

Australia to help boost security at Jakarta school Agencies Melbourne, Australia/Jakarta Australian foreign minister Alexander Downer said on Friday the Australian government would help boost security at the Australian school in Jakarta, after the principal warned it might be targeted by terrorists. Downer said the Indonesian government was already installing security measures to protect the school, including new barriers and closing nearby lanes during school hours.

1. HOUSE: 55 pt, 6 cols, 1 x 27

1. HOUSE: 55 pt, 6 cols, 1 x 27 Veteran politician to head DPD 2. HOSTAGE: 38 pt, 2 cols, 2 x 16 Govt enlists help to free RI hostages 3. EXECUTION: 32 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 32 Thai drug convicts executed in Medan 4. MANUELA: 30 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 38 Custody battle over Manuela resolved

TV Today: Saturday, Oct. 2, 2004

TV Today: Saturday, Oct. 2, 2004 TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:30 Religious Teachings 8:00 Talk Show: Hembing 9:00 Religious Teachings 10:00 Sports 11:30 Dangdut Music 1:00 p.m. News: Berita Siang 3:00 English News Service 4:30 Documentary 5:00 Children Show: Dunia Anak 5:30 Variety Show 7:00 News: Berita Nasional 7:30 TV Drama 8:00 TV Series 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 9:30 Boxing Match 12:00 Shadow Puppet TPI 6:00 a.m.

Indonesia to return US$10m to World Bank

Indonesia to return US$10m to World Bank Dewi Santoso, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The World Bank said on Friday that the Indonesian government had returned the US$10 million in funds publishers here allegedly corrupted from the Book and Reading Development Project. The World Bank announced in Washington last Tuesday that collusion had led to the procurement of inferior quality books in a school book project and urged the Indonesian government to repay US$10 million of some $53 million disbursed.

TAM, Ensemble Surplus perform in ArtSummit

TAM, Ensemble Surplus perform in ArtSummit The Jakarta Post, Jakarta TAM was established by graduate students at Ewha Woman University in 1980. Since its opening performance in 1981, the company has made 22 years of dance history. TAM put on occasional performances from 1981 and repertory work from 1990. The company is due to perform at 8 p.m. on Oct. 3 and Oct. 4 at Graha Bhakti Budaya, Taman Ismail Marzuki, Central Jakarta, as part of Art Summit Indonesia 2004.

Public input in bill's deliberation

Public input in bill's deliberation The tug-of-war between the government and the House of Representatives Commission V deliberating the bill on the Free Trade Zone (FTZ) on Batam island has reached a draw. No compromise was reached, as each side insisted their respective proposals were right.

Pre-schooling can have lasting benefits

Pre-schooling can have lasting benefits Simon Marcus Gower Contributor/Jakarta It is a quite remarkable fact -- and it can be a constant wonder to see -- that small children are natural learners. It is in our very human nature that, as children, we learn. In a sense we must: Small children experience both an internal and an external world, of which they need to make sense. In some respects, this "making sense of the world" can be seen as a survival instinct.

D. CHAMPEL

D. CHAMPEL Jakarta

Int'l firms bid for RI oil blocks

Int'l firms bid for RI oil blocks JAKARTA: ChevronTexaco Corp., Total SA and ConocoPhillips are among international oil companies that bid for the right to explore for oil and gas in 14 new areas in Indonesia, the country's director general of oil and gas said. The government is offering 21 new oil and gas areas to investors. "At the close of the bidding yesterday (Wednesday), we have 29 companies that submitted their bids for 14 blocks out of the 21 offered," Iin Arifin Takhyan said.

Nine policemen fired for crimes

Nine policemen fired for crimes Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post/Makassar The South Sulawesi Police discharged on Friday nine officers for committing disciplinary offenses and common crimes as well as violating their code of ethics. The nine police officers were proven to have committed intolerable violations and to have tarnished the image of the police force, South Sulawesi Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Andi Nurman Thahir told journalists in Makassar, South Sulawesi.

Kupang police personnel tribunal for assaulting students

Kupang police personnel tribunal for assaulting students Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post/Kupang Hundreds of students from several universities in Kupang staged a rally on Friday, protesting recent arbitrarily arrest and assault on five students from Widya Mandira Catholic University. The protest was held at the East Nusa Tenggara provincial council. The students said the police had grossly violated human rights.

Dump starts operation, residents lingers

Dump starts operation, residents lingers Damar Harsanto and Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta/Bogor The Bogor regency and Jakarta provincial administrations were all set to commence the operation of the new waste processing plant in Klapanunggal, Bojong district, Bogor, on Friday, but as of late afternoon on Friday, no garbage trucks had arrived at the site. "We will prevent the garbage trucks from entering the facility.

KPK to probe Bali graft case

KPK to probe Bali graft case JAKARTA: Bali Corruption Watch, an non-governmental organization (NGO), submitted on Friday documents as evidence of graft involving members of Karangasem regental legislature to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) here. Putu Wirata Dwifor, the NGO chairman, said 35 former members of Karangasem legislature shared Rp 3.216 billion (US$349,565) in service funds, which was taken from the legislative body's budget in the current fiscal year.

Every year on the 3rd of October Germans commemorate and

Every year on the 3rd of October Germans commemorate and celebrate the peaceful reunification of their country in 1990, bringing democracy and the rule of law to all of them. I have arrived as the Ambassador designate of Germany to Indonesia just in time to witness the second round of the presidential elections. At the end of a long election marathon this round of voting crowned what was an extraordinary democratic achievement, not only for Indonesia but for the concept of democracy as such.

First 100 Days

First 100 Days Legal Reform Agenda for the New Government Mas Achmad Santosa and Nenad Bago Jakarta With elections this year over, and front-runner Susilo Bambang Yudhyono now a president-in-waiting, unparalleled expectations are placed on the new administration to improve overall governance -- including in judicial, prosecutorial and police sectors.

Hundreds of squatters forced to leave forest

Hundreds of squatters forced to leave forest Oyos Saroso H.N., The Jakarta Post/Bandarlampung Some 5,000 families, who have lived for years in the Wan Abdul Rachman Forest reserve near Mount Betung in South Lampung, began leaving four days ago, following an order from the Lampung Forestry Office. The office's directive came on concerns that the area would be completely denuded in the near future, if the residents did not leave the forest immediately.

Councillor receives probation for using fake school diploma

Councillor receives probation for using fake school diploma Suherdjoko, The Jakarta Post/Semarang Mundir Alif, a Central Java councillor from the Democratic Party, was sentenced on Friday to four months in jail with a probation period of eight months for using a fake diploma to run for office. In a separate development, a Semarang councillor, Sri Mariatiningsih, who is also from the Democratic Party, was faced with a similar charge and is being questioned by police.

Hyatt to hold beauty talk

Hyatt to hold beauty talk YOGYAKARTA: Due to its guests' fondness for beauty tips, the Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta hotel on Jl. Palagan Tentara Pelajar is hosting a beauty forum titled Obrolan Cantik (beautiful talk) on Sept. 2, at 2 p.m. Moderated by Addry Danuatmaja, the forum will present Retno Murti (chief editor of Dewi magazine), Yan Ismail (Clinique education and PR manager) and Anne Avantie (fashion designer) as speakers.

Melia observes 'solidarity' month

Melia observes 'solidarity' month YOGYAKARTA: Some 200 employees of Melia Purosani Hotel and its general manager, Morten B. Anderson, took part on Thursday in a community service event on Jl. Malioboro. The hotel's public relations manager Atik Damarjati said the event was actually parts of the Sol Melia Hotels and Resorts' worldwide community involvement program -- September Solidarity Month -- which is held in cooperation with UNICEF and the DHL carrier company.

Drizzle marks no heavy rain to drop soon

Drizzle marks no heavy rain to drop soon Leony Aurora The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The drizzle poured in several areas in Jakarta in the past week marks only the transition period from dry to wet season, says an official of the Meteorology and Geophysics Agency (BMG). "Rain of low intensity occurred sporadically and lasted less than 30 minutes," Achmad Zakir of BMG's forecast division said on Friday.

*Drizzle delivers respite but no heavy rain yet Page 2

*Drizzle delivers respite but no heavy rain yet Page 2 *RI returns US$10 million in corrupted funds: World Bank Page 4 *Nine S.

Sitor, a poet driven by wanderlust and yearning

Sitor, a poet driven by wanderlust and yearning Carla Bianpoen, Contributor/Jakarta Sitor Situmorang celebrates his 80th birthday today (Saturday). Unbelievable! When told he doesn't look his age, he smiles. His eyes twinkle, he runs up stairs, he has a cane that he hardly ever needs to lean on -- Sitor is even more youthful than before. And his smile is charming, so that, without speaking his mind, he gives the impression that he is utterly absorbed.

Protesters burn Singaporean flag

Protesters burn Singaporean flag TAIWAN: Demonstrators burned Singapore's flag on Friday in southern Taiwan while protesting a recent speech by the Southeast Asian nation's foreign minister, who warned that Taiwanese independence supporters were risking a war with China. The small group of protesters lit a fire in a metal barrel and dipped Singapore's red-and-white flag into the flames while chanting, "Singapore is an informer" in Kaohsiung, the island's second-biggest city.

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, Oct. 2, 2004

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, Oct. 2, 2004 Exhibitions * Fine Arts Apa Kabar Meneer?, Kedai Kebun Forum Restaurant, Jl. Tirtodipuran No. 3 (0274 376114), until Oct. 18. * Graphic collections of Rumah Grafis Mingiran, Galeri Kedai Kebun Forum Restaurant, Jl. Tirtodipuran No. 3 (Tel. 0274 376114), until Oct. 22. * Fine Arts by Gost Teater and Musik ISI Jogja, Purna Budaya, Bulaksumur, Gajah Mada University (Tel. 0274 561914), Oct. 2 to Oct. 6.

Rupiah Rates Oct.1

Rupiah Rates Oct.1 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,003.23 6,272.81 6,673.59 6,602.23 Brunei dollar 1 5,718.61 5,122.66 5,449.42 5,391.68 Canadian dollar 1 7,650.51 6,852.95 7,290.39 7,212.84 Swiss franc 1 7,738.42 6,932.08 7,372.26 7,296.13 Danish krone 1 1,611.02 1,442.78 1,535.19 1,518.55 Euro 1 11,986.81 10,740.55 11,422.57 11,304.60 Poundsterling 1 17,467.10 15,643.13 16,644.90 16,464.64 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,237.08 1,108.67 1,178.85 1,166.90...

Professionals needed

Professionals needed JP/7/let Professionals needed for ministerial posts From Suara Karya Presidential candidate Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his running mate, Jusuf Kalla, are now very close to winning the election and will shortly be installed as Indonesia's president and vice president. Obviously, they are at present faced with a difficult job of choosing the right people for their Cabinet.