Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 20 October 2004

66 articles found

Sumatra to have its own airline

Sumatra to have its own airline MEDAN, North Sumatra: A group of provincial administrations in Sumatra have agreed to jointly launch an airline called Sumatra Airlines, which will link all cities on the island. North Sumatra Governor Rizal Nurdin, who is also the acting coordinator of the nine provincial administrations, said on Tuesday that the airline would operate by the end of this year.

Regent questioned about overseas trips

Regent questioned about overseas trips ACEH, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam: Provincial authorities here questioned on Tuesday Bireun Regent Mustafa Glanggang over trips he took abroad without the knowledge of the Aceh civil emergency administrator. Mustafa is thought to have violated civil emergency rules by traveling to China and Japan on official visits without the consent of the civil emergency administration. The spokesman for the civil emergency administration, Sr. Comr.

Three arrested for illegal logging

Three arrested for illegal logging PALU, Central Sulawesi: Palu Prosecutor's Office has arrested three people held responsible for rampant illegal logging in south Palu. During the arrest on Saturday in Layanan Indah, 43 cubic meters of logs were seized, which will be sold to the public, said the deputy director of general crime at the prosecutor's office on Tuesday. The three suspects -- IDS, MUK and RUS -- are residents of Kawatuna district. -- JP

N. Sumatra, Malaysia to build seaport

N. Sumatra, Malaysia to build seaport MEDAN: The North Sumatra provincial government and the Labuhan Batu regional government signed on Tuesday an agreement with the Malaysian government on the construction of the Tanjung Sarang Elang Seaport in Labuhan Batu. Governor T. Rizal Nurdin said it was the first bilateral agreement ever signed by the North Sumatra government with a foreign party.

Street accidents on the rise in Batam

Street accidents on the rise in Batam BATAM, Riau Islands: The rate of street accidents here has reached an alarming level, with 69 people killed between January and September of this year. The figure is much higher than last year's, when 56 people were killed in street accidents from January to December. The high rate of street accident is caused by, among other things, the delinquent attitude of residents, said Barelang Police chief Sr. Comr. Andayono, who oversees Batam city, on Tuesday.

Officials asked to aim for excellence

Officials asked to aim for excellence Governor Sutiyoso called on city officials who were installed on Tuesday to strive for excellence in their new positions. "Otherwise, I can replace them if they perform below expectations during the first six months of their tenure," the governor told reporters after the installation ceremony at City Hall. Sutiyoso said he would not waste his remaining three years in office making excuses for mediocre officials. "They must work extra hard.

Testing cabinet loyalty

Testing cabinet loyalty From Suara Karya The fit-and-proper tests earlier put by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) to the candidates for his 2004-2009 Cabinet should be welcomed because such separate dialogs enables SBY to get an idea of their quality and eligibility for ministerial offices.

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.

World Bank honors former governor

World Bank honors former governor JAKARTA: Former Jakarta governor Lt. Gen. (ret) Ali Sadikin received an international award from the World Bank on Tuesday for his Muhammad Husni Thamrin program for village improvement. The award was presented by the bank's representative Andrew Steer in a ceremony -- A tribute to Bang Ali: The Kampong Improvement Program and Ali Sadikin's Vision for The Urban Poor.

Expert defends alleged hacker

Expert defends alleged hacker Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta An expert witness testified on Tuesday for defendant Dani Firmansyah, saying that the 25-year-old had not violated the Telecommunications Law he was being charged with for hacking into the website of the General Elections Commission (KPU) in April.

Jibril guilty of immigration offense

Jibril guilty of immigration offense Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Militant cleric, Fihiruddin Moqtie bin Abdul Rahman, alias Abu Jibril, was sentenced to five and a half month's jail at the Central Jakarta District Court on Tuesday for passport fraud but is set to walk free in a matter of days. Jibril, who is the elder brother of Indonesian Mujahidin Council (MMI) chairman Irfan Awwas, was deported from Malaysia where he was a member of a similar organization, earlier this year.

Councillor held for alleged fraud

Councillor held for alleged fraud BANDARLAMPUNG, Lampung: Lampung Police said on Tuesday that they had arrested Slamet Supriyadi, an executive with a local financial services company as well as a politician, on fraud charges.

Conflict spreads in Mamasa

Conflict spreads in Mamasa Violence continued in the newly established province of West Sulawesi on Tuesday in a dispute over the creation of Mamasa regency, some 400 kilometers from the South Sulawesi capital of Makassar. The conflict, which erupted over the weekend between those in support of the creation of the new regency and those opposed to it, spread to the neighboring district of Mambi on Tuesday despite the presence of some 400 police officers.

MPR members told to leave hotel

MPR members told to leave hotel Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Some 300 members of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) were told to check out of the Mulia Hotel on Tuesday after its leaders realized, belatedly, that there was no need after all for them to stay in the five-star hotel. Assembly leaders had agreed to convene from Oct. 18 to 20 to prepare for the inauguration of president-elect Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and vice president-elect Jusuf Kalla on Oct. 20.

Mt. Soputan erupts, spews hot ash, lava

Mt. Soputan erupts, spews hot ash, lava Jongker Rumthe and Ruslan Sangadji, The Jakarta Post, Manado/Palu Mount Soputan in Tomohon, some 25 kilometers from the North Sulawesi capital of Manado, belched blue smoke to a height of about 600 meters and spewed hot ash and lava, officials said on Tuesday. The eruption occurred at around 4 p.m. on Monday, but the activity of the 1,830-meter volcano reportedly decreased on Tuesday.

Finance minister's controversial decree

Finance minister's controversial decree From Bisnis Indonesia By the end of his office, the Minister of Finance issued a decree that will surely make certain public circles delighted. According to the minister, it was meant to assist the economically weak community. The decree allows up to 50 percent of principal debt reduction besides exemption from loan interest and interest on fines, particularly for the purpose of invigorating the sector of small- and medium-scale businesses (UKM).

Fire scare in Pasaraya mall

Fire scare in Pasaraya mall Fire scattered visitors and workers from the basement food court of the Pasaraya Grande shopping mall in Blok M, South Jakarta, just as they were about to break their fast on Tuesday. No one was injured in the incident as the visitors were quickly evacuated. "The fire was caused by a short circuit in the basement's electricity generator ... Fortunately, our fire control system worked well," assistant director Harun Kuswandono said.

Merdeka Palace: Big, old and spooky

Merdeka Palace: Big, old and spooky Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta For many people, home is a sanctuary, a place to show their true self and seek shelter from the chaos outside. If one lives at Merdeka Palace, however, being at home means conforming to yet another set of protocols.

Megawati's foreign policy legacy

Megawati's foreign policy legacy Teuku Faizasyah, Jakarta Despite domestic political hiccups at the sunset of Megawati Soekarnoputri's Cabinet -- that is, controversy surrounding the Cabinet's reshuffle -- within the sphere of foreign policy, Megawati's government apparently is not clouded by mischief. Megawati's government appears resolute in moving forward with its foreign policies choices, and in implementing programs that have been decided earlier.

Govt forms consumer protection Agency

Govt forms consumer protection Agency Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After a lengthy delay, the government inaugurated on Tuesday the National Consumer Protection Agency (BPKN), as mandated by Law No. 8/1999 on consumer protection. Minister of Industry and Trade Rini Soewandi installed 17 members of the BPKN for the period of 2004-2007.

JP/4/PAPUA

JP/4/PAPUA HIV/AIDS spread in Papua blamed on poverty, lack of education Dewi Santoso The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Despite an extensive campaign against HIV/AIDS in Papua, the number of local people living with the deadly virus continues to increase, making the province one of the regions worst affected by the disease. Lack of education and widespread poverty were largely blamed for the sharp increase in HIV/AIDS cases in the troubled province, which has faced decades of a separatist movement.

Good-bye the hardest word for Mega

Good-bye the hardest word for Mega Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Saying good-bye is never easy, but it is especially difficult for President Megawati Soekarnoputri as she prepares to leave her childhood home, the Presidential Palace. As her tenure officially came to an end on Tuesday, Megawati took care of some final business and bid farewell to her household staff, who have served her over the past three and a half years.

Military and police hunt killers of migrants in Papua

Military and police hunt killers of migrants in Papua Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura The whereabouts of the bodies of five migrants, killed a week ago by suspected separatist rebels in a remote area of Papua, remained a mystery on Tuesday as soldiers and police continued to hunt the gunmen. From Jayapura, Trikora military commander Maj. Gen. Nurdin Zainal, who is overseeing security in Papua, confirmed the military had not yet found the bodies.

1. CABINET: 3 X 10

1. CABINET: 3 X 10 Susilo bends under pressure 2. HOWARD: 3 X 9 Howard sees stronger ties with RI 3. MYANMAR: 2 X 10 Myanmar PM replaced 4. MEGAWATI: 1 X 29 Good-bye the hardest word for Mega

Pressure on young shuttlers in hunt for places in national training center

Pressure on young shuttlers in hunt for places in national training center Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Six of 12 shuttlers now taking part in the World Junior Championships in Vancouver, Canada, will have to put in a good performance in domestic tournaments if they are to go after places in the national training center, according to the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI). The Vancouver event will start on Thursday and run until Oct. 30.

Can RI take ASEAN leading role?

Can RI take ASEAN leading role? Kavi Chongkittavorn, The Nation, Asia News Network, Bangkok President Bambang Susilo Yudhoyono leads Indonesia, but will he also take a leading role in ASEAN in the years to come? Although he has not yet announced his Cabinet, all diplomatic indications suggest that Indonesia will become more assertive in regional and international affairs under his leadership.

People have their say on Susilo

People have their say on Susilo For the first time in history, Indonesia will have its first president who was directly elected by the people. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Jusuf Kalla, or more popularly known as SBY and JK, will take oath on Wednesday, Oct. 20, as the country's new president and vice president. Hopes are high that the pair can make a difference and bring about a better future. The Jakarta Post talked to city residents about their hopes for the new president.

Anwar to lead BPK in 2004-2009

Anwar to lead BPK in 2004-2009 Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Anwar Nasution, former deputy senior governor of the central bank, has been named chairman of the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) -- a state body overseeing the use of state funds in the budget and state institutions by both the central and local governments. A decree on Anwar's appointment has been signed by outgoing President Megawati Soekarnoputri, State/Cabinet Secretary Bambang Kesowo confirmed on Tuesday.

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.

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.

Tableware industry cries foul over competition

Tableware industry cries foul over competition Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia's tableware industry has been losing out to cheap imports, mostly from China, and is now clamoring for state protection. According to the Indonesian Ceramic Industry Association (Asaki), surging imports have cost the local industry dearly, including decreasing market share, closures and layoffs.

Indonesia shares end down on selling in banks

Indonesia shares end down on selling in banks Agencies, Jakarta Indonesian shares ended marginally lower on Tuesday as late selling in banking and cigarette blue chips reversed early gains, dealers said. They said the decline could also reflect investor caution ahead of the announcement of the new Cabinet lineup Wednesday. The Cabinet has been the subject of intense speculation in local media and is eagerly awaited by financial markets.

Japanese trains to arrive soon

Japanese trains to arrive soon JAKARTA: State railway operator PT KAI is expecting to begin operating two additional electric trains purchased from Japan. Spokesman of PT KAI Greater Jakarta Akhmad Sujadi said on Monday the company had ordered four trains formerly used by Japan Railway. The first two are expected to arrive on Wednesday and the remaining two in early December. Sujadi said the used trains, which were bought at Rp 10.2 billion (US$1.1 million) each, were still in good condition.

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.

Susilo bends under pressure

Susilo bends under pressure The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President-elect Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is struggling to put together a Cabinet on the eve of his inauguration as various political forces lobby to have their say or secure seats at the Cabinet table for their own people. The four-star retired Army general has now interviewed a total of 30 candidates, after he summoned five more candidates on Tuesday, mostly from parties that supported him during the election.

WB, lenders may meet in February

WB, lenders may meet in February Shanthy Nambiar, Bloomberg/Jakarta Indonesia's main international lenders, a group that pledged US$2.8 billion in new loans last year, may meet in January or February 2005 to review Indonesia's economic progress before pledging more funding. "We will need to discuss it with the new government" of President-elect Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, World Bank country director Andrew Steer said on Tuesday. He declined to elaborate.

New government told to monitor Aceh, Papua

New government told to monitor Aceh, Papua Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Acting coordinating minister for political and security affairs Hari Sabarno advised the new government to put law enforcement and rights promotion, particularly in conflict-torn areas, at the top of its priority list.

Rain disrupts flights in Medan

Rain disrupts flights in Medan MEDAN, North Sumatra: Two hours of rain forced a number of flights to cancel landing at Polonia International Airport in Medan, North Sumatra, on Tuesday, airlines and officials said. They said at least four flights -- one operated by Jatayu Airlines from Kuala Lumpur, and the others by Lion Air, Batavia and Adam Air, all from Jakarta -- had to reroute to Pekanbaru, Riau.

Rupiah Rates Oct.19

Rupiah Rates Oct.19 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 6,950.18 6,222.28 6,621.66 6,550.56 Brunei dollar 1 5,717.26 5,118.98 5,447.02 5,389.05 Canadian dollar 1 7,632.10 6,834.25 7,271.35 7,194.82 Swiss franc 1 7,779.22 6,965.92 7,411.52 7,333.44 Danish krone 1 1,609.88 1,441.20 1,533.78 1,517.24 Euro 1 11,972.63 10,721.83 11,406.72 11,287.91 Poundsterling 1 17,249.62 15,449.42 16,434.28 16,264.53 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,232.72 1,104.24 1,174.45 1,162.50...

Labor union protests AAF closure plan

Labor union protests AAF closure plan The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A labor union is protesting the government's plan to close down fertilizer manufacturer PT Asean Aceh Fertilizer (AAF), calling for efforts to seek alternatives. The Worker's Union of State-owned Enterprises Federation said it refused such a plan because the Aceh-based firm had made significant contributions to both the local and national economy.

Ramadhan fair brightens fasting month

Ramadhan fair brightens fasting month Apriadi Gunawan, Medan A Ramadhan fair to enliven the Muslim fasting month -- the first ever in Medan, capital of North Sumatra -- was officially opened by Medan Mayor Abdillah on Sunday, Oct. 17. The event started over the weekend and will end on Nov. 11. Thousands of people of all ages in Medan thronged the fair arena on Jl. Mesjid Raya before dusk for some food to break the fast while watching a variety of entertainment and contests.

JP/5/more

JP/5/more Rain disrupts flights in Medan MEDAN, North Sumatra: Two hours of rain forced a number of flights to cancel landing at Polonia International Airport in Medan, North Sumatra, on Tuesday, airlines and officials said. They said at least four flights -- one operated by Jatayu Airlines from Kuala Lumpur, and the others by Lion Air, Batavia and Adam Air, all from Jakarta -- had to reroute to Pekanbaru, Riau.

Tableware industry cries foul over competition, seeks protection

Tableware industry cries foul over competition, seeks protection Zakki P. Hakim The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Indonesia's tableware industry has been losing out to cheap imports, mostly from China, and is now clamoring for state protection. According to the Indonesian Ceramic Industry Association (Asaki), surging imports have cost the local industry dearly, including decreasing market share, closures and layoffs.

KONI plans tight scrutiny of Games hopefuls

KONI plans tight scrutiny of Games hopefuls Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The National Sports Council (KONI) has decided to be more selective when forming its team for the 2005 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, saying it will send athletes only with the best prospects of winning medals. The biennial 23rd SEA Games will be hosted by the Philippines next year.

U.S.-Indonesia ties under Susilo

U.S.-Indonesia ties under Susilo Anthony Smith, Jakarta One of the interesting photos from the recent Indonesian presidential election featured candidate Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono pausing for a day to sit for a doctoral-level examination in agricultural economics at the Bogor Institute for Agriculture. Given Susilo's overwhelming victory in the second round of Indonesia's presidential elections, Indonesia now has a head of state who is at least interested in the details of policy.

Govt bans draft revision of sharia

Govt bans draft revision of sharia JAKARTA: At the end of his tenure as minister of religious affairs, Said Agil Al Munawwar sparked controversy on Tuesday by banning any discussion of a draft revision of the Body of Islamic Law that was produced by a team under his ministry. "I declare any discussion, seminar or anything involving the draft revision banned," he said on Tuesday.

TV Program: Wednesday, October 20, 2004

TV Program: Wednesday, October 20, 2004 TVRI .TB.30" .90" 3:30 a.m. Variety Show: Sahur 4:30 Religious Teachings 5:30 Koran Reading: Iqra 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Dunia Wanita 8:30 Music: Asik-asik 10:00 Battle of Wits 11:00 Singing Contest: Konteswara 12:00 p.m.

Rain eases haze in Palembang

Rain eases haze in Palembang M. Huzair and Mikael Setiawan, The Jakarta Post, Palembang/Balikpapan Haze began to dissipate on Tuesday over Sumatra island, particularly in the South Sumatra capital of Palembang, following heavy rainfall. However, haze is still blanketing Kalimantan, impending people's mobility and raising health concerns. In Palembang, torrential rain on Monday and Tuesday resulted in flooding, with some parts of the city ending up 30 to 50 centimeters under water.

JP/5/volcano

JP/5/volcano Mt. Soputan erupts again, spewing hot ash, smoke Jongker Rumthe and Ruslan Sangadji The Jakarta Post/Manado/Palu Mount Soputan in Tomohon, some 25 kilometers from the North Sulawesi capital of Manado, belched blue smoke to a height of about 600 meters and spewed hot ash and lava, officials said on Tuesday. The eruption occurred at around 4 p.m. on Monday, but the activity of the 1,830-meter volcano reportedly decreased on Tuesday.

A new dawn

A new dawn Throughout 2004, this country has been living through a series of historic events. A year of firsts. And today, the nation will witness the most significant of those firsts -- the inauguration of Indonesia's first democratically elected president. Difficult challenges lie ahead, and the path to a bright and prosperous future is steep and narrow.

Healthy bones a matter of culture and good diet

Healthy bones a matter of culture and good diet Emmy Fitri, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta If you thought that the reduction of bone mass was a natural part of the aging process, you can afford to be more optimistic. While osteoporosis can affect you at any age, it can also be prevented.

1. INAUGURATION: 3 LINES, 15 COUNTS

1. INAUGURATION: 3 LINES, 15 COUNTS Assembly upbeat on presidential inauguration 2. MPR: 2 LINES, 24 COUNTS Assembly members told to leave Mulia Hotel 3. SBY: 2 LINES, 21 COUNTS Susilo to be judged by his deeds, not words 4. PALACE: 1 LINE, 36 COUNTS Merdeka Palace: Big, old and spooky

Assembly upbeat on presidential inauguration

Assembly upbeat on presidential inauguration Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Some changes have been made to the plenary session of People's Consultative Assembly on Wednesday, during which Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Jusuf Kalla will be inaugurated as the president and vice president respectively. Unlike presidential inaugurations in the past, which saw the president and vice president repeating the words of the chief justice, Susilo and Kalla will read their oaths themselves.

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.

Citigroup to buy ABN Amro's units

Citigroup to buy ABN Amro's units NEW YORK : Citigroup Inc., the world's biggest bank, agreed to buy ABN Amro Holding NV's transaction-services businesses in European and Asian countries such as the Netherlands, India and South Korea. Terms weren't disclosed. The units provide direct custody, securities clearing and fund services to 550 financial institutions in the Netherlands, Russia, Greece, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Poland and Taiwan, Citigroup said in a statement.

Howard sees stronger ties with RI

Howard sees stronger ties with RI Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President-elect Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono did not wait until his inauguration on Wednesday to meet with visiting world leaders to discuss bilateral ties. Amid a hectic schedule on Tuesday, Susilo held separate talks with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, newly reelected Australian Prime Minister John Howard and a special envoy from Japan. The meetings took place at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Central Jakarta.

Name Possible position

Name Possible position Adm. (ret) Widodo A.s. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs 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. Ma'aruf Minister of Home Affairs Meutia Hatta Minister of Social Affairs/State Minister for Women Empowerment E.E.

SBY, sixth president of Indonesia

SBY, sixth president of Indonesia Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Not so long ago, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was unlikely presidential material. He was not a politician, and only recently formed a tiny new political party. It seemed that in this reform era, many would have had enough of military figures like him, a retired Army general. Yet he has proven himself capable of rising to the occasion -- regardless of whether it has been a case of popularity over substance.

SG wraps up Semen Padang audit with negative adjustment

SG wraps up Semen Padang audit with negative adjustment Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned PT Semen Gresik (SG), the country's largest cement producer, has completed a forensic audit on its subsidiary PT Semen Padang, with possible losses resulting from irregularities committed by the previous management.

Police release pictures of Cicurug bomb makers

Police release pictures of Cicurug bomb makers Abdul Khalik and Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Bandung Police released on Tuesday pictures of Abdullah, Jabir and Afuy, three of four owners of high explosive found in Cicurug village, Sukabumi, West Java, after naming them suspects in the Sept. 9 bombing outside the Australian Embassy in South Jakarta. National Police detectives chief Com. Gen.

Canada holds symposium on RI

Canada holds symposium on RI INDONESIA: Canadian and Indonesian academics, diplomats and government officials gathered in Vancouver, Canada recently for a symposium to explore the future relations between the two countries. The meeting was jointly organized by Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia.

China's Chery cars to debut in KL

China's Chery cars to debut in KL KUALA LUMPUR: China's Chery Automobile Co. Ltd. has appointed Malaysia's Alado Corp. to produce and sell Chery cars in the country and in Southeast Asia, reports said on Thursday. Alado will invest 135 million ringgit (US$35 million) to set up operations to import, assemble, manufacture and distribute Chery cars, the New Straits Times said.

JP/5/HAZE

JP/5/HAZE Haze eases in Palembang, but still prevails in Kalimantan M. Huzair and Mikael Setiawan The Jakarta Post/Palembang/Balikpapan Haze began to dissipate on Tuesday over Sumatra island, particularly in the South Sumatra capital of Palembang, following heavy rainfall. However, haze is still blanketing Kalimantan, impending people's mobility and raising health concerns.

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.

Susilo to be judged by his deeds, not words

Susilo to be judged by his deeds, not words The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President-elect Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is expected to take office on Wednesday and before long he will have to start working and fulfilling the promises he and running-mate Jusuf Kalla made to the electorate during the election campaign.

A new friend in Jakarta

A new friend in Jakarta Indonesia's incoming President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, takes office tomorrow with a promise of "a beautiful era", including better relations with the West. In a public, and unprecedented, gesture of goodwill, the Prime Minister, John Howard, will attend the inauguration ceremony in Jakarta. Prospects for diplomatic harmony have rarely been better. Susilo comes to the job with a polished rhetoric of political and economic reform, language the West understands.