Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 22 October 2004

73 articles found

JP/ /

JP/ / Minister of Justice and Human Rights Hamid Awaluddin Born in Pare-pare, South Sulawesi, on Oct. 5, 1962, Hamid attended the province's Hasanuddin University. He was a judiciary observer before working for the General Elections Commission (KPU). As a student, he was actively involved in the Muhammadiyah Students association and the Association of Islamic Students (HMI) in Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi province. He is close to Jusuf Kalla, who hails from the same province.

Minister wants to make sports an industry

Minister wants to make sports an industry Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After being installed as the State Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs on Thursday, Adhiyaksa Dault broke his fast later in the day with a group of people and revealed his hopes and dreams for Indonesia's sports future.

New govt to improve Australia ties

New govt to improve Australia ties Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is looking to mend ties between Jakarta and Canberra, which have been strained since Australia led a multinational peacekeeping force in East Timor in 1999. Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda said on Thursday that his office was looking into the possibility of Susilo making his first foreign bilateral visit to Australia.

Daudy, Hengky face Thais in E. Kalimantan

Daudy, Hengky face Thais in E. Kalimantan JAKARTA: Two Indonesian boxers, super lightweight Daudy Bahari and lightweight Hengky Tobias, are scheduled to fight against a pair of Thais, yet to be named, in Tenggarong, East Kalimantan, in early December. The matches will be on the undercards of the main bout which pits World Boxing Association featherweight champion Chrisjon of Indonesia against his challenger Derrick Gainer of United States on Dec. 3.

East Timor invites President Susilo

East Timor invites President Susilo JAKARTA: President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono received East Timor Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri during his busy second day in office on Thursday. Susilo and Alkatiri met for around 30 minutes to discuss various topics, including those related to border issues, assets and economic cooperation between the two neighbors. Alkatiri also conveyed an invitation to Susilo to visit East Timor in the near future, Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirajuda said.

Kristiani ready for state responsibilities

Kristiani ready for state responsibilities Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Long before the Cabinet ministers picked by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono signed their contracts, Kristiani Herawati signed one that would bind her to him for life, though not imagining for a moment that it would entail the role of First Lady. The prospect dawned on her only as the General Elections Commission announced her husband's landslide win in the presidential election.

Palace door closed to legislators

Palace door closed to legislators JAKARTA: Under the new president, the State Palace has apparently introduced stricter rules on punctuality, which on Thursday resulted in six House of Representatives being denied admission to the inauguration ceremony for new Cabinet members. Guards refused the lawmakers, including Agus Kartasasmita from the Golkar Party, admission to the State Palace, where the ceremony was taking place, as they had arrived a few minutes late.

Questioning celebrity intellectuals

Questioning celebrity intellectuals Ardimas Sasdi, Jakarta As this country goes through an historic democratic transition period, intellectuals are again at center stage, but this time in an unfavorable light. Critics accuse some of them of behaving like celebrities rather than scholars.

'Bank loan scheme for SMEs a hoax'

'Bank loan scheme for SMEs a hoax' For the first time in history, Indonesia has its first president who was directly elected by the people. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Jusuf Kalla, or more popularly known as SBY and JK, took oaths of office on Wednesday 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.

Jakarta City Center provides token space for small businesses

Jakarta City Center provides token space for small businesses The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Although touted as the first commercial complex that embraces small-and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), the Jakarta City Center which opened on Thursday will not provide 20 percent of its total space for that purpose as regulated by law.

Abdul Rachman to tackle big cases

Abdul Rachman to tackle big cases Abdul Khalik and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Newly installed Attorney General Abdul Rachman Saleh pledged on Thursday to focus on corruption cases that had drawn public attention in his first 100 days in office to help the country's law enforcers regain public trust. To reach his target, he said he would establish a special team that would review all cases and hunt down corruption suspects who had fled the country.

Honest, clean or else: Susilo

Honest, clean or else: Susilo Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono spoke strongly to his Cabinet ministers on Thursday, warning them that he would not hesitate to dismiss those who violated the political contract to stay honest, clean and loyal to the state.

Singaporean gets 12 years for ecstasy trafficking

Singaporean gets 12 years for ecstasy trafficking Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang The Tangerang District Court sentenced a Singaporean citizen on Thursday to 12 years imprisonment and fined him Rp 500 million (US$54,945) for possessing 20,800 ecstasy pills when he was arrested at Sukarno-Hatta International Airport in May. Presiding judge Suprapto said defendant Tay Lai Hock, 31, had been found guilty beyond all reasonable doubt of illegally possessing and transporting the drugs.

Sports ministry hailed, urged to improve sports

Sports ministry hailed, urged to improve sports Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Several national sports figures have applauded the reinstatement of the sports ministry, but cautioned that it was not guarantee that more attention would be paid to sports affairs. President Susilo Bambang Yudoyono picked Adhyaksa Dault as State Minister of Youth and Sports in his new Cabinet for 2004- 2009 term announced on Thursday.

Sugiharto pledges to combat corruption in state companies

Sugiharto pledges to combat corruption in state companies Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The newly appointed State Minister of State Enterprises, Sugiharto, pledged on Thursday to rid the ministry of corrupt officials and prevent political parties from using state-owned enterprises (SOEs) as their cash cows.

Three suspected FKM members get jail terms

Three suspected FKM members get jail terms Aziz Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon After a trial lasting three months, the Ambon District Court handed down jail terms on Thursday to three sympathizers of the Maluku Sovereignty Front (FKM) separatist movement after their conviction on treason charges.

[b]Minister of National Development Planning/Chairperson of the

Minister of National Development Planning/Chairperson of the National Planning Agency (Bappenas) Sri Mulyani Indrawati Born in Tanjungkarang, Lampung, on Aug. 26, 1962, Mulyani received her doctorate in economics from the University of Illinois. She is an executive director of the International Monetary Fund representing 12 economies in Southeast Asia. In 2001, Mulyani left for Atlanta, United States, to serve as a consultant with the U.S.

[b]

Jostling and compromise, the making of a Cabinet 2. Todung -- 2 x 30 New government must get tough against big-fish corruptors High in corruption ranks Todung Mulya Lubis Jakarta

North Sumatra to have 10 more police precincts

North Sumatra to have 10 more police precincts MEDAN, North Sumatra: The North Sumatra Police announced on Thursday that they would soon create 10 new regental and municipal precincts, following the establishment of 10 new regencies and municipalities in the province. This would bring the number of regental and municipal police precincts in the province to 26. The North Sumatra Police are now recruiting officers to fill new positions in the precincts, said North Sumatra Police spokesman Sr.Comr.

Low-cost housing tops C. Jakarta mayor's agenda

Low-cost housing tops C. Jakarta mayor's agenda Central Jakarta has a new mayor. Former City Hall spokesman, Muhayat, was installed as mayor by Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso, replacing Hosea Petra Lumbun on Thursday. Leading the municipality -- that hosts vital government offices, including the presidential palace, and foreign embassies -- is a tough task for Muhayat due to the existing problems such as street vendors and housing.

Shortening election process

Shortening election process First of all, heartiest congratulations to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on the occasion of his assuming office on Oct. 20 as the very first directly and democratically elected president of Indonesia. The event was of such epic and monumental importance that, for the first time in many years, many presidents and prime ministers of neighboring countries came to be part of this historical moment.

M. Sahid now under city arrest

M. Sahid now under city arrest Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor The Bogor prosecutor's office has changed the detention status of deputy mayor M. Sahid to that of city arrest as Sahid, a suspect in a Rp 5.5 million (US$597,826) corruption case, is now receiving medical treatment. Chief Prosecutor Kornelis Lere said that the city arrest status started on Wednesday and would end on Nov. 25. "He is suffering from a heart ailment ...

Trading

Trading Shares Close Change Volume Abdi Bangsa Tbk 225 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 3,000 0 0 Adhi Karya 445 0 3,868,000 Adira Dinamika 2,600 0 0 AGIS Tbk 105 0 493,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 140 -15 79,000 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,050 -25 529,000 Alakasa Industrindo 125 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 900 25 67,500 Alumindo Light 425 -15 147,500 Andhi Chandra 475 0 0 Aneka Tambang 1,425 25 18,112,000 Anta Express Tour & Travel 90 0 267,500 Anugrah Tambak 275 0 0 Apac Citra 150 0 50,000 Apexindo Pratama 365 -5...

JP/18/SUCI

JP/18/SUCI Dancing for self-purification Tarko Sudiarno The Jakarta Post/Yogyakarta That night, the soft light emanating from the bamboo torch planted on the ground gently danced on the surface of Sendang Kasihan bathing pool. Four pretty women clad in white slowly descended from the edge of the pond into the water in the Bedhaya Keraton royal dance movement.

Jostling and tossing, the making of the Cabinet

Jostling and tossing, the making of the Cabinet Meidyatama Suryodiningrat, Jakarta It was not the best of starts. Stuttering and full of political jostling. For a selection process that began so positively and transparently a week earlier, key decisions were eventually compromised in the final hours before the belated Cabinet announcement. The final lineup was certainly not what the President envisaged, but the fact that it did not overly displease anyone satisfied his goal of compromise.

1. REAX: 2 LINES, 20 COUNTS

1. REAX: 2 LINES, 20 COUNTS Susilo's Cabinet lineup gets mixed reactions 2. AGO: 1 LINE, 30 COUNTS Abdul Rachman to tackle big cases 3. SPORTS: 2 LINES, 21 COUNTS Minister wants to make sports an industry 4. MAYOR: 1 LINE, 40 COUNTS Low-cost housing tops C. Jakarta mayor's agenda

2. BILATERAL: 1 X 32

2. BILATERAL: 1 X 32 New govt to improve Australia ties 3. DIVERSITY: 3 X 16 All the president's ministers make for a diverse team 4. MARKET: 1 X 35 Markets down a bit on SBY's Cabinet

Susilo a soldier at heart

Susilo a soldier at heart President Susilo retired from active military service in 1999, but deep in his heart he remains a true soldier. To the surprise of Cabinet ministers and invitees attending the induction ceremony on Thursday, Susilo suddenly ordered them to stand at ease. "Everybody, at ease!" he said before delivering his speech, causing giggles among journalists and other participants at the ceremony.

The Volvo case

The Volvo case People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Chairman Hidayat Nur Wahid's rejection of the official Volvo limousines has a moral element to it and is also smart, especially because Volvo is Swedish brand, the same country that is "protecting" Free Aceh Movement (GAM) leader Hasan Tiro. In addition, Nur Wahid is against overly luxurious hotel facilities and prefers to return home after MPR sessions. This moral movement should be supported and welcomed by the mass media.

Prosecutors question police methods in Newmont probe

Prosecutors question police methods in Newmont probe Abdul Khalik and Jongker Rumteh, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Manado The North Sulawesi Prosecutor's Office asked the police to seek further verification from scientific experts about the methodology that was used by the police lab to conclude that Buyat Bay in Minahasa, North Sulawesi was heavily polluted.

Purnomo says new govt aims to boost oil output

Purnomo says new govt aims to boost oil output The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro said on Thursday he aimed to increase the country's oil output to more than 1 million barrels per day (bpd) later this year.

New government must get tough against big-fish corruptors

New government must get tough against big-fish corruptors Todung Mulya Lubis, Jakarta Amid the still reverberating vow of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to eradicate corruption, we find ourselves confronting the bitter reality that Indonesia remains among the world's most corrupt countries. Of the 146 countries that Transparency International surveyed, Indonesia ranks 137th, a position only slightly ahead of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Paraguay, Chad, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Haiti.

A conservative Cabinet

A conservative Cabinet For much of the past week, the nation has been so consumed by speculating about who President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will pick as his Cabinet ministers. The guessing game ended just before midnight on Wednesday with the announcement of the 35-strong Cabinet by President Susilo.

Hassan is one of few ministers from the Megawati Soekarnoputri

Hassan is one of few ministers from the Megawati Soekarnoputri Cabinet who retained his job. It was not because of his political affiliation or loyalty, but his distinguished diplomatic career, his negotiating skills as well his proven-leadership ability during Indonesia's chairmanship of ASEAN that earned him the job.

Ministers differ on economic plans

Ministers differ on economic plans The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The newly installed economics ministers are giving mixed signals in their bids to give a boost to the economy, showing their differences in views and approaches to the economy. Speaking to reporters after the inauguration of the United Indonesia Cabinet on Thursday, chief economics minister Aburizal Bakrie promised to boost the economy through the real sector.

[b]Minister of National Development Planning/Chairperson of the

Minister of National Development Planning/Chairperson of the National Planning Agency (Bappenas) Sri Mulyani Indrawati Born in Tanjungkarang, Lampung, on Aug. 26, 1962, Mulyani received her doctorate in economics from the University of Illinois. She is an executive director of the International Monetary Fund representing 12 economies in Southeast Asia. In 2001, Mulyani left for Atlanta, United States, to serve as a consultant with the U.S.

RI hails Malaysia's amnesty offer for illegal workers

RI hails Malaysia's amnesty offer for illegal workers Ridwan Max Sijabat and Ivy Susanti, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia has deemed the amnesty offered by the Malaysian government to illegal migrants ahead of the Idul Fitri holiday a good start to further enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries.

JP/ /

JP/ / Minister of Transportation Hatta Rajasa Born in Palembang, South Sumatra province, on Dec. 18, 1953, Hatta graduated from the Bandung Institute of Technology in 1980. He was president director of PT Arthindo Utama between 1982 and 2000. Hatta left his career in business and entered politics in 2000, joining the National Mandate Party (PAN) to later be named its secretary-general. He became a legislator in 1999 and was once chairman of the House of Representative's PAN faction.

Mari aims to push exports, help economic growth

Mari aims to push exports, help economic growth Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's government aims to boost the country's export performance in a bid to help accelerate economic growth, new Minister of Trade Mari Elka Pangestu says. Mari said in order to push exports, improving the productivity and efficiency of the country's manufacturing sector was a must.

JP/17/SIDE

JP/17/SIDE Germany to extend quality program in RI YOGYAKARTA: The German government is likely to extend the Urban Quality program in Indonesia for another four years, considering that the continuation of the program will further help the country meet the challenges and opportunities of decentralization, a visiting German senior official said.

DUTCH A:

DUTCH A: Minister of Foreign Affairs Hasan Wirayuda (far right) and Minister Bernard Bot (second from right) during the ASEM Asia Europe Meeting that took place in Hanoi recently. Dutch -- 3 : Council of the European Union The flags of all member states in front of the Council of the European Union

U.S. provides aid for bomb victims

U.S. provides aid for bomb victims JAKARTA: The U.S. government has donated US$150,000 toward providing medical assistance and ongoing trauma counseling for victims of the bombing outside the Australian Embassy on Sept. 9. The bomb killed at least 10 people and injured more than 200 others. The donation was made through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

Drivers, conductors demand fair salaries

Drivers, conductors demand fair salaries MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: As the Idul Fitri holidays draw near, dozens drivers and conductors at two fuel distribution companies in Mataram staged a protest on Thursday, demanding their employers raise their salaries to the provincial minimum wage. Standing in front of the West Nusa Tenggara provincial council, the demonstrators said they were paid only Rp 300,000 a month (US$31.9), far below Rp 412,500 provincial minimum wage set by the government.

Thai fishermen seek Deplu clearance

Thai fishermen seek Deplu clearance AMBON, Maluku: Twenty-six Thai fishermen charged with murder are being held at the Ambon Naval Base in Maluku, pending deportation clearance from the Indonesian Department of Foreign Affairs (Deplu). First. Adm. Lili Suparmono said on Thursday that he expected deportation clearance from the ministry in the near future.

JP/17/DUGD

JP/17/DUGD 'Dugderan' marks the beginning of Ramadhan, creates business opportunities Suherdjoko The Jakarta Post/Semarang Jostling among thousands of people, a 55-year-old grandmother, Partiyah, from Simongan village, West Semarang, and her six-year- old grandson, Ardi, struggled to reach a good position along Jl. Pemuda in Semarang.

Juwono to seek end to embargo

Juwono to seek end to embargo JAKARTA: Restoring military ties with the United States looks set to be the priority for newly inaugurated minister of defense, Juwono Sudarsono. Speaking to reporters after his swearing-in on Thursday, Juwono said he was heading for the U.S. to try to convince the Americans to restore military ties between the two countries. "I will travel to the U.S. soon to brief them on the difficulties facing our soldiers.

JP/17/PALACE

JP/17/PALACE Revitalization of palaces a threat to democracy Sri Wahyuni Contributor/Yogyakarta A dialog on culture held recently during the Indonesia Palaces Festival (FKN) IV in Yogyakarta agreed on the need to make the palaces in the country the centers of culture. Author of Bangsawan dan Kuasa (Noble Families and Power), AAGN Ari Dwipayana, of Gadjah Mada University school of political and social sciences, however, said that it could be a setback and a threat to democracy.

Three FKM supporters get jail terms

Three FKM supporters get jail terms Aziz Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon After a trial lasting three months, the Ambon District Court handed down jail terms on Thursday to three sympathizers of the Maluku Sovereignty Front (FKM) separatist movement after their conviction on treason charges.

Five more Mamasa 'provocateurs' nabbed

Five more Mamasa 'provocateurs' nabbed Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post, Makassar The Indonesian military (TNI) and police personnel arrested on Thursday five more suspects accused of provoking a recent riot in Mamasa regency, West Sulawesi province. The arrests were made one day after the joint team of police and TNI soldiers apprehended Andi Jalilu, the main suspect behind the recent Mamasa clashes, which claimed at least three lives.

One injured, three homes gutted in fire

One injured, three homes gutted in fire JAKARTA: A resident, Edy Sirait, was injured in a fire that gutted three houses on Jl. Bendi Besar, Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta, on Wednesday night. The police said on Thursday that the fire was believed to have been caused by a gas stove that exploded in Edy's house at around 8 p.m. The fire quickly spread to the two other houses. Edy tried to save his father's belongings from the blaze but received an electric shock from an exposed power cable.

TV Today: Saturday, October 23, 2004

TV Today: Saturday, October 23, 2004 TVRI 3:30 a.m. Variety Show: Sahur 4:30 Religious Teachings 5:30 Koran Reading: Iqra 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:30 Religious Teachings 8:00 Talk Show: Hembing 10:00 Sports 11:30 Dangdut Music 1:00 p.m.

Susilo's Cabinet lineup gets mixed reactions

Susilo's Cabinet lineup gets mixed reactions M. Taufiqurrahman and Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Cabinet lineup of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono drew mixed reactions on Thursday, with an expert upbeat it could deliver significant changes, albeit slowly. Others said, however, the Cabinet was a result of political compromise as were past Cabinets. Political observer J.

ADS: THE NETHERLANDS

ADS: THE NETHERLANDS European Council's conclusions on Indonesia The European Council agreed on Oct. 11 on the following conclusions regarding the priorities in the cooperation and dialogue between the European Union and Indonesia. The main topics of the conclusions on Indonesia were the following: General remarks The EU is attached to a united, democratic, stable and prosperous Indonesia.

The United Indonesia Cabinet 2004-2009

The United Indonesia Cabinet 2004-2009 Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Widodo Adi Sucipto Born in Boyolali, Central Java, on Aug. 1, 1944 and graduating from the Navy Academy in 1968, Widodo became Indonesian Military (TNI) chief during the Abdurrahman Wahid administration from October 1999 to June 2002. He was the first Navy officer to take the military's top job, heading the Navy before being promoted to deputy TNI chief during president BJ Habibie's term.

*Susilo Cabinet gets mixed reactions Page 2

*Susilo Cabinet gets mixed reactions Page 2 *East Timor vows to work with new RI President Page 3 *Five more suspects nabbed over Mamasa riot Page 4 *Jostling and compromise, the making of a Cabinet Page 6 *City Center provides token space for small businesses Page 8 *Red Sox reach World Series Page 9 *New Myanmar PM directly behind attack on Suu Kyi Page 11 *Sugiharto pledges to combat corruption in SOEs Page 13 *Kristiani ready to become First Lady Page 20

Fire razes a house in Pekanbaru, kills baby

Fire razes a house in Pekanbaru, kills baby PEKANBARU, Riau: A 20-month-old girl died on Thursday when her parents' house on Jl. Lembah Damai, here, burned down. Aisyah, a resident of the street, claimed to have seen the blaze in the morning but had not been aware that anyone was inside. It was later discovered that the little girl, Ines Permata, had been trapped in the house.

Rupiah Rates

Rupiah Rates Oct. 21 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,058.98 6,318.68 6,724.10 6,653.33 Brunei dollar 1 5,738.65 5,137.24 5,466.40 5,409.32 Canadian dollar 1 7,706.71 6,901.51 7,341.10 7,267.03 Swiss franc 1 7,858.25 7,035.46 7,485.46 7,408.07 Danish krone 1 1,624.00 1,453.86 1,546.95 1,530.86 Euro 1 12,071.23 10,810.91 11,498.57 11,383.49 Poundsterling 1 17,446.99 15,621.87 16,619.30 16,449.25 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,231.72 1,103.26 1,173.28 1,161.69...

TV Today: Friday, October 22, 2004

TV Today: Friday, October 22, 2004 .TB.30" .90" 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 Children Show 7:30 Health 8:30 Music: Asik-Asik 10:30 Religious Teachings 1:00 p.m.

Markets down a bit on SBY's Cabinet

Markets down a bit on SBY's Cabinet Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta stock market tumbled on Thursday amid reservations from investors over the Cabinet of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, specifically the ministers dealing with money matters. Some market analysts theorized that the team may be unwilling to push through badly needed economic reform programs.

Ismoko cleared of bribe, gets new job

Ismoko cleared of bribe, gets new job Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Director of the police's fraud squad Brig. Gen. Samuel Ismoko was removed from his post on Thursday, following media reports that he had received a bribe worth US$20,000 (Rp 180 million) from fugitive Adrian Waworuntu. National Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Paiman said Ismoko would swap positions with Brig. Gen. Andi Chaeruddin, chief of operations at the police headquarters.

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 Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) faction.

Human rights, antigraft drive first priority: Watchdogs

Human rights, antigraft drive first priority: Watchdogs M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Non-governmental organizations demanded on Thursday that the new government make corruption eradication and human rights promotion its priorities.

Congo man suspected of involvement in money laundering

Congo man suspected of involvement in money laundering Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta Police have arrested a man holding Congo citizenship as they suspect he was involved in transnational money laundering. "The suspect, identified as Ndoba Bijou alias Livni Shlomo, 38, was arrested on Oct. 11 at a Bank Mandiri branch at Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital (RSCM) in Central Jakarta," city police spokesman Sr. Comr. Tjiptono said on Thursday. "He was named a suspect on Oct. 12.

All the President's ministers make for a diverse team

All the President's ministers make for a diverse team The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has good reason to call his team of ministers the United Indonesia Cabinet, perhaps because they represent the country's diverse sociopolitical landscape. Susilo said upon revealing his Cabinet lineup that he had tried to accommodate the aspirations of his supporters, and acknowledged he could not satisfy all parties.

Many Indonesian businesspeople will come to E. Timor to invest

Many Indonesian businesspeople will come to E. Timor to invest On the sidelines of his visit here to attend the inauguration of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice President Jusuf Kalla, East Timorese Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri talked on Wednesday with The Jakarta Post's Veeramalla Anjaiah and Adianto P. Simamora. The following are excerpts of the interview. Question: What do you think of a retired Army general, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, becoming Indonesia's new president?

Sports ministry hailed, urged to improve RI sports

Sports ministry hailed, urged to improve RI sports Eva C. Komandjaja The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Several national sports figures have applauded the reinstatement of the sports ministry, but cautioned that it was not guarantee that more attention would be paid to sports affairs. President Susilo Bambang Yudoyono picked Adhyaksa Dault as State Minister of Youth and Sports in his new Cabinet for 2004- 2009 term announced on Thursday.

[b]

Jostling and compromise, the making of a Cabinet 2. Todung -- 2 x 30 New government must get tough against big-fish corruptors High in corruption ranks Todung Mulya Lubis Jakarta

A conservative Cabinet

A conservative Cabinet For much of the past week, the nation has been so consumed by speculating about who President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will pick as his Cabinet ministers. The guessing game ended just before midnight on Wednesday with the announcement of the 35-strong Cabinet by President Susilo.

Bad regulations must be revised: Andung

Bad regulations must be revised: Andung The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Newly appointed Minister of Industry Andung A. Nitimihardja said on Thursday that one of his immediate priorities was to review existing regulations that have hampered the performance of the country's manufacturing sector. "Not only regulations under my ministry, but also those of other ministries that have affected the manufacturing sector," he said.

HIV/AIDS cases in Jambi on the rise

HIV/AIDS cases in Jambi on the rise JAMBI, Jambi: The Jambi administration is surveying brothels and prisons in the city, to determine the number of HIV/AIDS cases there. Erwita, the head of Communicable Disease Management at Jambi's health office, said some 600 people would be included in the survey. There has been an increase in HIV/AIDS cases in Jambi.

Hassan is one of few ministers from the Megawati Soekarnoputri

Hassan is one of few ministers from the Megawati Soekarnoputri Cabinet who retained his job. It was not because of his political affiliation or loyalty, but his distinguished diplomatic career, his negotiating skills as well his proven-leadership ability during Indonesia's chairmanship of ASEAN that earned him the job.

JP/ /

JP/ / Minister of Justice and Human Rights Hamid Awaluddin Born in Pare-pare, South Sulawesi, on Oct. 5, 1962, Hamid attended the province's Hasanuddin University. He was a judiciary observer before working for the General Elections Commission (KPU). As a student, he was actively involved in the Muhammadiyah Students association and the Association of Islamic Students (HMI) in Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi province. He is close to Jusuf Kalla, who hails from the same province.

Officials dissent over Pemuda forest conversion

Officials dissent over Pemuda forest conversion Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The opinions of Jakarta administration officials differed on Thursday over the legality of the conversion of the Pemuda city forest in Cibubur, East Jakarta, into a sports hall. City Spatial Agency head Nurfakih Wirawan insisted that the construction of the sports hall on the 10-hectare city forest was legal, as the administration had produced a building permit.