Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 17 November 2004

58 articles found

Homeward bound? Godspeed

Homeward bound? Godspeed It seems odd to say that a national holiday can boost a government's credibility, but that is exactly the case with Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. His new administration is facing a huge challenge early on, as it oversees the movements of some 17 million people during the...

Discipline is a shared responsibility

Discipline is a shared responsibilitySimon Marcus Gower, Jakarta Recently the Letters pages of The Jakarta Post have seen a flurry of letters concerning matters of school policies, discipline and parental responsibility.

Family consoles female inmate before execution

Family consoles female inmate before executionID Nugroho The Jakarta Post/MalangCrushing sadness and wan smiles marked the last Idul Fitri for Astini as she bade farewell to her family and fellow inmates in Malang women's penitentiary, aware that she is likely to face the firing squad in the coming...

Alor quake toll continues to rise

Alor quake toll continues to riseYemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post/Kupang The death toll from a powerful earthquake that jolted Alor island in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) rose to 25 on Tuesday as strong aftershocks continued to rattle the island.

Numerous fatalities mark Idul Fitri

Numerous fatalities mark Idul FitriThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Kupang Up to 20 people have been killed in separate accidents as some 17 million Muslims around the country spend their Idul Fitri holidays away from home.

Using ideas as weapons for mass improvement

Using ideas as weapons for mass improvementGraeme Macmillan, Jakarta Using ideas as weapons is as old as democracy itself. Ideas are far more effective and lasting than bullets because they change people's minds, which leads to changing their behavior, and this can result in better living.

S'pore to host AMED meeting

S'pore to host AMED meetingSINGAPORE: Singapore announced on Tuesday that it would host an inaugural meeting of officials and other influential figures from Asia and the Middle East next year to boost regional links and counter Islamic extremism.

Imron denied special leave

Imron denied special leave DENPASAR: Prison officials Tuesday denied a convicted Bali bomber permission to attend the funeral of his infant son, the bomber's lawyer said.Ali Imron is serving a life sentence in a Bali jail for helping to plan the attacks, which took place on Oct.

Athletes'need attention

Athletes'need attention From Kompas I felt quite sad to learn from a report in Kompas Oct. 3) that a number of national athletes that have contributed to the good reputation of the country now live in poverty and seem to have been forgotten.

Malaysian death sentence

Malaysian death sentence It's very upsetting to see a young woman, Herlina Trisnawati sentenced to death by a Malaysian court, after being found guilty of murdering her employer.What drove an 18-year-old girl to commit such a crime? The answer can only be an act of despair after years of...

Diarrhea outbreak kills four

Diarrhea outbreak kills fourSyofiardi Bachyul Jb, The Jakarta Post/Padang An outbreak of diarrhea has been plaguing Solok municipality, West Sumatra, since last week, leaving at least four people dead and 217 others hospitalized at one stage or another, local officials said on Tuesday.

Govt plans to extend Exxon's Cepu contract

Govt plans to extend Exxon's Cepu contractDow Jones, Singapore Indonesia's new government plans to grant Exxon Mobil Corp. a long-delayed extension of its contract to develop a giant oil field and resolve other disputes with foreign investors, the Financial Times reported on its Web site, citing...

Family consoles convict before execution

Family consoles convict before executionID Nugroho, The Jakarta Post/Malang Crushing sadness and wan smiles marked the last Idul Fitri for Astini as she bade farewell to her family and fellow inmates in Malang women's penitentiary, aware that she is likely to face the firing squad in the coming...

Extortion on migrants on the increase

Extortion on migrants on the increaseEvi Mariani, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Homeward-bound migrant workers have long been victims of robbery and extortion, but it's only recently that the Jakarta Police sounded the alarm due to the rising toll.Sr. Comr.

Native Jakartans preserve old Idul Fitri traditions

Native Jakartans preserve old Idul Fitri traditionsAbdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Sixty-one-year-old Masyim doesn't mind looking around for young coconut leaves far away from his neighborhood in Srengseng Sawah, South Jakarta, as he can earn Rp 1.

China owns up to marine incursion

China owns up to marine incursion JAPAN: Beijing admitted on Tuesday that a Chinese nuclear submarine entered Japanese territorial waters last week, announced the foreign ministry.Japanese Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimura said that the Chinese government admitted the submarine belonged to...

1. BETAWI: 2 X 24

1. BETAWI: 2 X 24 Native Jakartans preserve Idul Fitri traditions 2. ALOR: 1 X 28 Alor quake toll continues to rise 3. ACEH: 2 X 24 Extension of civil emergency a certainty 4. POSO: 1 X 33 Poso violence acts of terrorism: Widodo 5. NORTH: 1 X 27 Numerous fatalities mar Idul Fitri

U.S. policy on Asia seen steady in new Bush govt

U.S. policy on Asia seen steady in new Bush govtKarl Malakunas, Agence France-Presse/Singapore Asian governments will miss Colin Powell's moderating voice in the Bush administration but his resignation as secretary of state does not necessarily signal a more hawkish U.S.

KL deputy premier visits Philippines

KL deputy premier visits PhilippinesPHILIPPINES: Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak on Tuesday visited the southern Philippines, where a Malaysian-led team is monitoring a cease-fire between government troops and separatist rebels.

Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's administration is prioritizing the

Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's administration is prioritizing the eradication of corruption in its first 100-day program. In this context, the first thing to do must be to put law-enforcement agencies -- the prosecutors, the judges and the police -- in order, to ensure they are corruption-free.

Poso violence acts of terrorism: Widodo

Poso violence acts of terrorism: WidodoThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Widodo Adi Sucipto said that the latest string of violent acts in Poso regency, Central Sulawesi, could be classified as acts of terrorism.

Toll road traffic rule needed

Toll road traffic rule neededFrom Bisnis Indonesia On Oct. 28, I was entering the Pejompongan toll road gate during peak hours at around 4 p.m. and was blocked by a minibus from Tomang, which was trying to reverse from a slow lane in order to enter the same gate.

Speeding up East Asian integration

Speeding up East Asian integrationZhao Huaipu, China Daily/Asia News Network, Beijing As regional integration remains one of today's world's trends, booming East Asian cooperation is becoming a precursor of Asian integration.

Celebrating Idul Fitri between solemnity and fanfare

Celebrating Idul Fitri between solemnity and fanfareOn the eve of Idul Fitri, a bomb blast killed six people in the troubled town of Poso, Central Sulawesi, while Muslims on Alor island in East Nusa Tenggara marked the end of Ramadhan outside their homes in fear of more aftershocks after a strong...

China, ASEAN to start cutting duties in 2005

China, ASEAN to start cutting duties in 2005 China and 10 Southeast Asian countries will start cutting import duties next July as part of a plan to form a free-trade zone by 2010, said Thai government spokesman Jakrapob Penkair.

Officials and regular people visit Susilo at State Palace

Officials and regular people visit Susilo at State PalaceFabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta State officials and their spouses as well as lower-income people waited for up to two hours in front of the State Palace on Sunday to greet President Susilo Bambang on the first day of Idul...

Monkey killed for attacking infant

Monkey killed for attacking infantTheresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post/Bogor A monkey attacked Prihasto Setianto's four-month-old son who was sleeping in a baby carriage near the Putri Astrid soccer field in the Bogor Botanical Garden, where Prihasto was attending a mass Idul Fitri prayer meeting early...

Drunk youths fall to death

Drunk youths fall to death BANDARLAMPUNG, Lampung: Two people were killed when four youths who were taking a walk after a wine party fell into a deep well in Sukarame subdistrict here on Monday.Local police said they were still investigating why they had fallen into an unfinished well.

Unsustainable fuel subsidies

Unsustainable fuel subsidies One of the most difficult decisions facing the new government will be how to deal with an increasingly exorbitant fuel subsidy situation. Under the shadow of all-time high crude oil prices, as well as the fact that Indonesia has become a net oil importer, fuel subsidies...

Homeward bound? Godspeed

Homeward bound? Godspeed It seems odd to say that a national holiday can boost a government's credibility, but that is exactly the case with Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. His new administration is facing a huge challenge early on, as it oversees the movements of some 17 million people during the...

Power plant project to cost NTB Rp 1t

Power plant project to cost NTB Rp 1t MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: The project to build a geothermal power plant in West Lombok regency will cost the West Nusa Tenggara province Rp 1 trillion (US$111 million), an official said on Tuesday.Head of the province's development planning office L.

Got chemistry, can relate

Got chemistry, can relate Personal chemistry is going to feature in relations that Singapore conducts with its two main neighbors, Indonesia and Malaysia. When all is said and done about treaties, memoranda of understanding and complementing one another's economic strengths, it is the easy,...

Hu to stand firm on yuan-dollar peg at APEC as China tries to

Hu to stand firm on yuan-dollar peg at APEC as China tries to brake economyRobert J. Saiget Agence France-Presse Beijing China will loom large over an Asia-Pacific summit in Chile, with the United States hoping that Beijing will loosen a fixed yuan-dollar link and cool, but not freeze, its red-hot...

Family consoles female inmate before execution

Family consoles female inmate before executionID Nugroho The Jakarta Post/MalangCrushing sadness and wan smiles marked the last Idul Fitri for Astini as she bade farewell to her family and fellow inmates in Malang women's penitentiary, aware that she is likely to face the firing squad in the coming...

Most streets deserted, all Jakartans relax, enjoy

Most streets deserted, all Jakartans relax, enjoyThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta Taxi driver Tadi wrongly decided to rush back to Jakarta from his hometown in Tegal, Central Java, expecting less competition and lots of passengers during Idul Fitri, which fell on Nov. 14 and Nov. 15.

GAM negotiators get sentence cut

GAM negotiators get sentence cut BANDUNG: Three former negotiators for the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) rebel group were among 41,907 inmates who had their prison terms reduced to mark the Idul Fitri holiday.

'It's true that Jakarta is already too crowded'

'It's true that Jakarta is already too crowded' Anticipating an influx of migrant workers after the Idul Fitri holiday, the Jakarta administration has banned people from entering the capital without a Jakarta identity card or documents showing that they have a permanent job and residence.

Timah predicts tin prices will stay at current levels

Timah predicts tin prices will stay at current levelsRendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta State PT Timah, the world's largest integrated tin miner, said tin prices were unlikely to get stronger next year despite higher global demand, due to rampant illegal trade of metal.

Akbar ready to face contenders at party congress

Akbar ready to face contenders at party congressThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta Seasoned politician Akbar Tandjung said on Tuesday that he was ready to face any challenger in the upcoming Golkar National Congress to elect the leader of the country's largest political party.

Indonesia waives the rules?

Indonesia waives the rules? Everywhere Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) goes the skeletons of the past rattle like hell, and they will cause him enormous problems. The tight web of corruption, which has efficiently engulfed all walks of life, has virtually left no one who can say, hand on heart, "I...

* Extension of civil emergency in Aceh a certainty Page 2

* Extension of civil emergency in Aceh a certainty Page 2 * Diarrhea outbreak kills four in West Sumatra Page 4 * Tourism won't benefit from visa on arrival policy Page 6 * Migrant workers easy target of robbery Page 8 * Federer makes triumphant return in title defense Page 9 * Tony Blair urges U.S.

35,000 bottles of booze destroyed

35,000 bottles of booze destroyed BEKASI: Witnessed by residents, the police bulldozed on Monday at least 35,000 bottles of alcohol, including vodka, white wine and beer, that had been confiscated over the last few weeks from dozens of unlicensed vendors in Bekasi.Bekasi Police chief Sr. Comr.

Indonesia tourism won't benefit from visa policy

Indonesia tourism won't benefit from visa policyEvan Jones, Batam It is welcoming news to see that our new State Minister of Culture and Tourism Jero Wacik is looking at extending the number of countries whose tourists will be eligible for a visa on arrival, albeit a visa that costs US$25 and is...

Munir autopsy report leads police to Holland

Munir autopsy report leads police to HollandTiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta As part of a thorough investigation into the death of rights campaigner Munir, the National Police has allowed the coordinator of the National Commission on Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras), Usman...

West Irian Jaya province questioned

West Irian Jaya province questionedTiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The Constitutional Court's recent ruling on Papua should prompt a revision to Law No. 21/2001 on special autonomy for the province that will justify the establishment of West Irian Jaya as a separate province, an expert says.

Susilo seeks a meeting with Bush

Susilo seeks a meeting with BushFabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has added United States President George W. Bush to his list of world leaders he would like to talk to on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Chile...

Indonesia's image problem overseas: Can SBY fix it?

Indonesia's image problem overseas: Can SBY fix it?S.P. Seth, Sydney Among the myriad problems facing President Susilo Bambang Yudhhoyono, the one that doesn't receive adequate attention concerns its external image. Frankly, Indonesia has an image problem abroad.

National discipline needed

National discipline neededFrom Warta KotaThe newly formed United Indonesia Cabinet has started its move particularly in law enforcement. Cases under the former attorney general will be thoroughly settled, including those offending the public's sense of justice.

Govt plans to detain KBC executives for alleged tax evasion

Govt plans to detain KBC executives for alleged tax evasionLeony Aurora, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta In the midst of a lengthy and ongoing dispute between Indonesia and U.S. power firm Karaha Bodas Company (KBC), the Directorate General of Tax is planning to immediately detain three top KBC executives...

Extension of civil emergency a certainty

Extension of civil emergency a certaintyFabiola Desy Unidjaja The Jakarta Post/JakartaThe extension of the civil emergency in the troubled province of Aceh is now a foregone conclusion as the House of Representatives has thrown its support behind the government.

500 street vendors ousted from T. Abang

500 street vendors ousted from T. Abang JAKARTA: About 500 sidewalk vendors at the Tanah Abang textile market in Central Jakarta have lost their right to space in the market following relocation to the market's Block G, formerly the Kebon Jati traditional market.

1. Bodas (40) - 48 pts 3cols 3lines (3x18)

1. Bodas (40) - 48 pts 3cols 3lines (3x18)Govt plans to jail KBC executives for alleged tax evasion 2. Powell (52) - 36 pts 3cols 2lines (2x21)U.S. policy on Asia seen steady in new Bush govt3. Enviro (42) - 36 pts 4cols 1line (1x30) Bangkok meet to plan global green agenda 4.

'Donations' to private universities

'Donations' to private universitiesFrom KompasParents whose children wish to join private universities are often baffled by the universities' policies on "donation" payments.When a candidate student passes the entrance test, the university sets the deadline of payment and the amount of this...

Challenges, opportunities and hope for the House

Challenges, opportunities and hope for the HouseMochtar Buchori, Jakarta The current internal conflict within the House of Representatives has prompted many people to express concerns and worry about our future as a nation.

House backs Aceh emergency extension

House backs Aceh emergency extensionFabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The extension of the civil emergency in the troubled province of Aceh is now a foregone conclusion as the House of Representatives has thrown its support behind the government.

1. SBY: 4 LINES, 10 COUNTS

1. SBY: 4 LINES, 10 COUNTS Officials, regular folk meet Susilo 2. MUNIR: 2 LINES, 21 COUNTS Munir death report leads police to Holland 3. MONKEY: 4 LINES, 10 COUNTS Monkey killed after attacking baby 4. TENNIS: 2 LINES, 24 COUNTS Sharapova wins WTA Tour to solidify elite status

Experts welcome move to ease investment procedures

Experts welcome move to ease investment proceduresUrip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta While welcoming the government's most recent plan to improve the country's investment climate by reducing the time required for an investment permit to just 30 days, analysts are questioning how the government...

Betawi old timers yearn for tastes of yore

Betawi old timers yearn for tastes of yoreAbdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta It was a festive Lebaran -- the local name for Idul Fitri -- at Setu Babakan, a Betawi (native Jakartan) cultural reserve in Srengseng Sawah, South Jakarta, but many of the elder generation were longing for the good...