Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 18 November 2004

70 articles found

Jakartans swamp recreation centers

Jakartans swamp recreation centers The majority of people, including non-Muslims, made the most of the extended Idul Fitri holiday. Some traveled overseas or visited resorts in Java, Bali, North Sulawesi or North Sumatra, but most stayed close to home and spent their time at recreation centers. II. Captions: 1. Photo A & B: JP/Tarko Sudiarno and JP/P.J. Leo People at Gembira Loka Zoo in Yogyakarta (right) watch a dangdut performance after viewing caged animals in the zoo.

Poso violence acts of terrorism: Widodo

Poso violence acts of terrorism: Widodo The 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. "Therefore, the government will hunt down and arrest all of the perpetrators of these acts and process them accordingly," Widodo said in Poso on Tuesday during talks with local community leaders.

JP/2/Alor

JP/2/Alor Alor quake toll continues to rise Yemris 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. An 11-month-old girl named Margareth Moymoley passed away Tuesday morning and a 15-year-old boy died on Monday night as a result of aftershocks, according to Alberth Ouwboly of the relief center in the island's main town of Kalabahi.

Fighting corruption

Fighting corruption There are many causes and problems of corruption in this country. All these should be eradicated, one by one with the same approach. If I may list a few of them.

Discipline is a shared responsibility

Discipline is a shared responsibility Simon 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. The spark that lit this fire of debate was a letter from Etie Dirapradja on Oct. 20 that was essentially a cry for help and advice. Although this original letter was in many ways quite sad to read, it has been the source of some interesting discourse over the matters it raised.

Quake victims need more tarpaulins

Quake victims need more tarpaulins Yemris Fointuna and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post/Kupang/Jakarta Thousands of people on Alor island in East Nusa Tenggara who have been left homeless by a strong earthquake on Friday are in dire need of tarpaulins, while the death toll in the disaster has risen to 27.

S'pore eye Latin America for trade

S'pore eye Latin America for trade SINGAPORE: Export-reliant Singapore is looking to expand trade ties with Latin America, with a high-powered business mission starting on Thursday, the government said. The Singapore delegation will visit Chile, Argentina and Brazil during the week-long 18-25 trip, the government trade body International Enterprise Singapore (IE Singapore) said. The trip comes on the heels of Singapore's efforts to cultivate trade and business ties with the Middle East.

People are waiting for prosecution of 'big fish'

People are waiting for prosecution of 'big fish' Jeffrey Winters and Ridarson Galingging, Chicago President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has stated repeatedly that he intends to make fighting corruption a top priority. If he does so, he will be the first Indonesian president since Independence to pay serious attention to the rule of law. The rule of law means one thing: enforcement of the law fairly and justly for everyone. The "fairly and justly" part is more important than people realize.

Gift parcels

Gift parcels From Koran Tempo In the context of bolstering the establishment of clean governance, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has issued an appeal that government officials do not receive gift packages. This appeal has received a mixed reaction from the public.

Toll road traffic rule needed

Toll road traffic rule needed From 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. The bus would not give way and forced itself to back into the toll road (which is not allowed particularly when the road is busy). After a while, the traffic on my right stopped to let me pass.

Singapore cuts 2004 growth forecast

Singapore cuts 2004 growth forecast Bernice Han, Agence France-Presse, Singapore Singapore cut its growth forecast for this year to 8.0-8.5 percent from 8.0-9.0 percent Wednesday following a sharp slowdown in the third quarter and warned of uncertainties on the economic outlook for 2005. However, the government maintained next year's forecast at 3.0-5.0 percent, with officials and economists saying the general slowdown was not a cause for major concern following a period of very strong growth.

Speeding up East Asian integration

Speeding up East Asian integration Zhao 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. How to push forward steady and continuous cooperation among East Asian countries, which are still divided on numerous concrete issues, must be resolved by regional members with time and experience.

Endy Bayuni, Jakarta

Endy Bayuni, Jakarta In physics, the smallest particle of an element is called an atom. In business, the smallest unit is called a micro- enterprise. It's smaller than the conventional small business. Like an atom, it is sometimes too small to be visible. Like an atom, a micro-enterprise has vast potential energy. Millions of such enterprises are scattered throughout the Indonesian archipelago. The Central Statistics Agency estimates there are at least 39 million of them.

'Banning migrants is against human rights'

'Banning migrants is against human rights' The Jakarta administration will check people entering the capital after the Idul Fitri holiday, anticipating would-be job seekers. The capital is about to close its doors to migrants, especially the unskilled. The Jakarta Post asked some residents about their opinion on the issue. Ari Mohammad, 32, is an executive at a non-governmental organization.

Oil slips below $46 in Asian trade

Oil slips below $46 in Asian trade Agence France-Presse, Singapore Crude oil prices slipped below 46 dollars a barrel in Asian trade Wednesday on increasing hopes of adequate heating fuel supply during the northern hemisphere winter, dealers said. At 03:35 pm (02:35 p.m Jakarta time), light sweet crude for delivery in December was at US$45.80 a barrel, down 31 cents from its close of $46.11 in New York on Tuesday.

City claims Melawai school amid legal uncertainty

City claims Melawai school amid legal uncertainty Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Although the Supreme Court is yet to determine the legal status of junior high school SMP 56 on Jl. Melawai, South Jakarta, the Jakarta administration took the liberty of shutting it down on Wednesday. Teachers, students and parents have strongly opposed a land- swap deal made in 2000, which involved the school and property developer PT Tata Disantara.

Small businesses still face limited access to microcredits

Small businesses still face limited access to microcredits Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta People in the market call her Bu Haji, because the salted fish seller has been on a pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia or sometimes Bu Janda, the widow, as her husband passed away a year ago. Her son left shortly afterward, taking everything from his parents' kiosks in Bendungan Hilir market in Central Jakarta, even the worn out wooden racks.

Banks urged to reveal credit history of debtors

Banks urged to reveal credit history of debtors Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Bank Indonesia (BI) should require all financial institutions to participate in its plan of setting up a credit information bureau, to ensure that its goal of creating a more solvent lending environment in the country is achieved, analysts said.

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. I hope the new administration can pay more attention to these athletes so that they can live decently. EDDY SUKMANA Bandung

Confusing signals from Jakarta

Confusing signals from Jakarta .tb0.1" 1.6" Oct. 4, 1999 President B.J. Habibie signs Law No. 45/1999 carving Irian Jaya into three provinces: West Irian Jaya, Central Irian Jaya and East Irian Jaya. Dec. 31, 1999 President Abdurrahman Wahid renames Irian Jaya as West Papua Nov. 21, 2001 President Megawati Soekarnoputri signs Law No. 21/2001 granting special autonomy status to Papua Jan. 1, 2002 Papua becomes the official name for the province once called Irian Jaya Nov.

'Powerful institution' may be behind Munir's death

'Powerful institution' may be behind Munir's death Tiarma Siboro/Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Rights activists say certain powerful institutions were behind the poisoning of fellow campaigner Munir and urge President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to set up a joint team to investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice.

1. MUNIR: 2 x 21

1. MUNIR: 2 x 21 Political motives may be behind Munir's death 2. PAPUA: 1 x 42 Court ruling perpetuates conflict in Papua 3. HELI: 2 x 27 Susilo attempts to dampen public's high expectations 4. PROCEDURE: 2 x 18 Abrupt traffic stoppage for VVIPs not allowed

KIA Sorento named best value SUV

KIA Sorento named best value SUV The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The KIA Sorento sports utility vehicle (SUV) added another feather to its cap when it won the Best Value SUV award at the annual Mudfest competition, held recently by the Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA) in the United States. Spokesman of South Korean carmaker KIA Motors Christopher Dore said in an e-mail that previously the KIA Sorento was named Best SUV Value and Best SUV Under US$25,000 at the 2002 event.

Tanah Abang vendors resell new kiosks

Tanah Abang vendors resell new kiosks The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Vendors in Tanah Abang market, Central Jakarta, have a new business: illegally selling their new temporary stalls at the nearby Kebon Jati market. "I have four stalls and two of my friends have three each," a vendor who identified himself as Sahroni, 45, told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday, while offering one of his stalls to interested buyers. He said he was able to obtain four stalls by using the names of his wife and children.

* Constitutional Court verdict ensures conflict in Papua Page 2

* Constitutional Court verdict ensures conflict in Papua Page 2 * Alor quake victims need more tarpaulins Page 4 * People are waiting for prosecution of 'big fish' Page 6 * Tanah Abang vendors sell kiosks illegally Page 8 * Spain favored to win World Cup golf Page 9 * Chirac doubts Blair's competence to fix U.S.-EU ties Page 11 * Banks urged to reveal credit history of debtors Page 13 * Botanical park preserves Bali's ceremonial plants Page 18

Government plans to sell unprofitable SOEs

Government plans to sell unprofitable SOEs Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta As part of the major restructuring of all state-owned enterprises (SOEs), the new government plans to sell or close those considered to be in bad shape and with no business prospects, according to a senior official.

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 am Mr. Clean". You don't get anything in Indonesia for nothing, and that has been the case for a long while now.

Munir's death: Foul play must be probed

Munir's death: Foul play must be probed H.S. Dillon, Jakarta The forensic results recently released by the Dutch authorities have served to confirm a nagging suspicion. The large traces of arsenic found in his organs have reportedly led the Dutch to recommend a criminal investigation into the exact circumstances under which such a lethal dosage found its way into Munir.

Bali to host Global Healing Conference

Bali to host Global Healing Conference Bali is to host a major international conference on global healing at ARMA Museum in the famous art village of Ubud from Dec. 4 through Dec. 9. The conference will be organized by Jaffe Enterprises and Cross Cultural Journey. The five-day gathering will present noted speakers and participants, including Nobel laureate Desmond Tutu, who played a critical role in the transition of South Africa.

S'pore moves one step closer to casino project

S'pore moves one step closer to casino project Agence France-Presse, Singapore Singapore will soon ask potential investors to submit proposals for a Las Vegas-style casino resort despite strong opposition from religious and civic critics, press reports said on Wednesday. Senior Minister for Trade and Industry Vivian Balakrishnan admitted to local media on Tuesday that building a casino was a "polarizing" issue in Singapore, an affluent city-state where gambling addicts are already on the rise.

LG Card needs another $1.1b

LG Card needs another $1.1b SEOUL: South Korea's state-owned Korea Development Bank (KDB), the main creditor of LG Card, said Wednesday it is pursuing another debt-equity swap to the tune of more than US$1 billion as part of efforts to rescue the country's largest credit card issuer.

Hasyim told not to seek reelection in NU congress

Hasyim told not to seek reelection in NU congress The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) chairman Hasyim Muzadi should refrain from seeking reelection otherwise it would exacerbate internal conflict within the country's largest Muslim organization, a renowned figure said. Yusuf Hasyim, the son of NU founder Hasyim Asy'ari, suggested on Wednesday that the incumbent NU chairman join the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) instead.

RI boats try to ram Australian vessel

RI boats try to ram Australian vessel AUSTRALIA: Two Indonesian boats tried to ram an Australian navy patrol vessel after being caught fishing illegally off Australia's north coast, the government said on Wednesday. Australian Fisheries Minister Ian Macdonald said the boats and the 19 crew aboard were being towed to northern Australia after being caught with almost 1,000 kilograms of fresh fish and dried shark fins.

Using ideas as weapons for mass improvement

Using ideas as weapons for mass improvement Graeme 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. This article provides some ideas for improving Indonesian government and governance.

Titik: I've simply tried to empower the disabled

Titik: I've simply tried to empower the disabled ID Nugroho, The Jakarta Post/Surabaya There is nothing notable about the house at Jl. Sidosermo Indah II No. 5 in South Surabaya, except for its waist-high corroded iron fence. "There is nothing special about the house from the outside. It is a simple house, and also our workshop," said Titik Winarti, while welcoming The Jakarta Post on Friday. Titik has called the place Tiara Handicraft workshop.

Bekasi evicts street vendors

Bekasi evicts street vendors BEKASI: At least 500 street vendors along Jl. Juanda in Bekasi were evicted on Tuesday by public order officers. Their permits to use the street expired on the eve of the Idul Fitri holiday. The head of Public Order Agency, Dedi Djuanda, said on Wednesday that Bekasi Mayor Akhmad Zurfaih gave the street vendors permission to stay only until a day before Idul Fitri. "They broke their promise and were still there even after Idul Fitri.

PPA hopes to see more investors bid for Permata stake

PPA hopes to see more investors bid for Permata stake The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government hopes that more investors will submit bids for a 20 percent stake in Bank Permata later this year so as to ensure a favorable price. Raden Pardede, vice president of the Ministry of Finance's asset management company, the PPA, said recently that although Standard Chartered Bank had openly expressed strong interest in the 20 percent stake, the PPA still hoped that other investors would become involved.

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. The Attorney General took a promising step when he subjected all his workers to an examination.

Zoo trip ends up at morgue for 4 family members

Zoo trip ends up at morgue for 4 family members Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Six-year-old Dicky Putra Sukma had been anxiously awaiting his first trip to Ragunan Zoo in South Jakarta, and the day finally arrived on Wednesday, but Dicky never made it, instead he lies in a hospital bed, while his mother, two cousins and an auntie are all dead. "My youngest son had never been to the zoo ...

Botanical park preserves Bali's ceremonial plants

Botanical park preserves Bali's ceremonial plants I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Bedugul, Bali A narrow concrete pathway took us deeper into the woods where lofty trees embraced one another, forming a green archway that filtered the glare of the afternoon sun. The soft moss that blanketed most of the tree trunks made the woods look like a thick line of velvety pillars. At a quick glance, this patch of woods was no different to the larger forest that surrounded it.

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. I hope the new administration can pay more attention to these athletes so that they can live decently. EDDY SUKMANA Bandung

Microcredit aims at lofty goal

Microcredit aims at lofty goal With more than two decades of experience in the development of microfinance as a core component of its poverty-alleviation program, Indonesia can contribute to the International Year of Microcredit 2005 program United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan is launching on Thursday. The UN-initiated program aims at underscoring to the global community the importance of microfinance to eradicate poverty and hunger, which tops the Millennium Development Goals.

Susilo attempts to dampen public's high expectations

Susilo attempts to dampen public's high expectations Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta In an apparent attempt tone down the public's high expectations of his new administration, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono stressed on Wednesday that the success of his 100-day program should not be used as an indicator of success of his government.

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, November 18, 2004

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, November 18, 2004 .TB.30" 1.0" Exhibitions * Sculpture Objects of Life by I Wayan Jana, Griya Santrian Gallery, Jl. Danau Tamblingan 47, Sanur, until Dec. 3. * Ceramic Reflections on Bali by Michael Pugh, at Jenggala Keramik Bali, Jl. Uluwatu II - Jimbaran, Kuta, until Nov. 25. * Painting by Yasco Kanehira at Alam Kulkul Jl. Pantai Kuta Legian until Jan. 31, 2005.

Another fine mess in Papua

Another fine mess in Papua The Constitutional Court could not have come up with a worse decision when it ruled that the carving of Papua into three provinces was illegitimate while also recognizing the presence of the new West Irian Jaya province as a fact of life. This ruling is sowing more confusion into an already confused state of affairs in Papua.

Shelters struggle to help women and prevent abortions

Shelters struggle to help women and prevent abortions Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta When Galuh Pratiwi, 25, found out one morning early this year that she was three weeks pregnant, she felt like her world had turned upside down. Her boyfriend, an employee of a multinational telecommunications company in Jakarta, avoided responsibility, demanding that she have an abortion.

Deadly crash as SBY convoy passes

Deadly crash as SBY convoy passes The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's trip to Jakarta from his house in Cikeas, Bogor, on Wednesday morning was an ill-fated one, as traffic direction to allow his convoy to pass may have caused a deadly accident, in which six people were killed and 10 others injured.

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, November 18, 2004

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, November 18, 2004 .TB.30" 1.0" Exhibitions * Sculpture Objects of Life by I Wayan Jana, Griya Santrian Gallery, Jl. Danau Tamblingan 47, Sanur, until Dec. 3. * Ceramic Reflections on Bali by Michael Pugh, at Jenggala Keramik Bali, Jl. Uluwatu II - Jimbaran, Kuta, until Nov. 25. * Painting by Yasco Kanehira at Alam Kulkul Jl. Pantai Kuta Legian until Jan. 31, 2005.

1. CRASH: 1 LINE, 30 COUNTS

1. CRASH: 1 LINE, 30 COUNTS Deadly crash as SBY convoy passes 2. VICTIMS: 3 LINES, 16 COUNTS Zoo trip ends up at morgue for 4 family members 3. ACEH: 1 LINE, 32 COUNTS Aceh state of emergency extended Aceh emergency extended for 6 months

Singapore firm wins Thai contract

Singapore firm wins Thai contract SINGAPORE: Singapore SembCorp. Industries Ltd. said Wednesday it had won a US$112 million contract to build an offshore platform for Thailand's national oil firm, PTT Public Company. The platform will be built by SembCorp's offshore engineering unit, SMOE Pte. Ltd., and the Asian arm of Italian oil services company Saipem.

Police must follow procedures for traveling VVIPs

Police must follow procedures for traveling VVIPs The Jakarta Post Jakarta Police can move vehicles to the left side of the road to allow the president, or vice president, and their convoys pass by, according to the standard procedures applied during movements of important personages. The procedures also apply on toll roads, Jakarta Police Traffic Division chief Sr. Comr. Joko Susilo said on Wednesday.

Cemetery used for parking lot

Cemetery used for parking lot JAKARTA: Overwhelming visitors to the Ragunan Zoo in South Jakarta during the Idul Fitri holiday had left the management no other choice but to make the visitors park their vehicles next to the zoo at the Pisangan cemetery. Ali, a parking attendant, said he should bribe security guards to open up parking space at the cemetery.

AIDS decimating two Papuan tribes

AIDS decimating two Papuan tribes Nethy Dharma Somba The Jakarta Post/Jayapura Around 500 locals and religious leaders staged a rally around the Provincial legislature in Jayapura, the capital of Papua province, protesting the prolonged supply of liquor and sex workers with HIV/AIDS from other provinces that has infected many people in the southern part of the country's easternmost province.

UN mission enters final months in Dili

UN mission enters final months in Dili UNITED NATIONS: The Security Council extended the life of a UN peacekeeping mission in East Timor for a final six months on Tuesday after Secretary-General Kofi Annan argued the fledgling nation was still too fragile to stand up on its own.

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 holiday season. The most populated islands of Java and Sumatra are the places where most of the action is taking place.

No newspapers, readers alienated

No newspapers, readers alienated MANADO, North Sulawesi: Thousands of people in Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi province, have felt alienated in their daily environment following the unavailability of local newspapers over the last four days. They said they felt alienated from the outside world and lost something important in their daily activities.

Bedugul a vital natural resource, says expert

Bedugul a vital natural resource, says expert The Jakarta Post, Denpasar The main road from Denpasar to Singaraja crosses the range of mountains that circle the beautiful Bratan, Buyan and Tamblingan lakes and make up the unique, resource-rich district of Bedugul. Bedugul, located on the border of Tabanan and Buleleng regencies, is home to a variety of precious natural resources.

Police believe same group undermining peace in Poso

Police believe same group undermining peace in Poso The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Police believe the perpetrators of last Saturday's bombing in the Central Sulawesi town of Poso came from the same group that slayed a prosecutor and killed a Protestant minister in the provincial capital of Palu a few months earlier. "We cannot reveal their identities yet as the investigation is still underway.

World Cup misery for China despite thrashing Hong Kong

World Cup misery for China despite thrashing Hong Kong Agence France-Presse, Guangzhou, China China's stuttering World Cup campaign came to a dramatic end on Wednesday despite a 7-0 thrashing of Hong Kong. The Asian giant, needing a cricket score to overhaul group- leading Kuwait's superior goal difference, duly obliged but was undone by the 6-1 scoreline in Kuwait City, which saw it heartbreakingly lose out on goals scored.

TV Program: Thursday, November 18, 2004

TV Program: Thursday, November 18, 2004 .TB.30" .90" TVRI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 TV Drama 8:00 Talk Show 8:30 Music: Asyik-Asyik 10:00 Talk Show: Wirausaha 11:00 Singing Contest: Konteswara 12:00 p.m.

Chevrolet Optra to race in FIA WTCC event

Chevrolet Optra to race in FIA WTCC event The Jakarta Post, Jakarta American carmaker PT General Motors Indonesia (GMI) announced on Nov. 4 that Chevrolet would, for the first time, participate in the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) as a full factory team. Three Chevrolet Optras will be developed, built and entered into the 2005 championship series by the British racing team Ray Mallock Limited.

JP/7/Munir

JP/7/Munir Munir's death: Foul play must be probed H.S. Dillon, Jakarta The forensic results recently released by the Dutch authorities have served to confirm a nagging suspicion. The large traces of arsenic found in his organs have led the Indonesian police to launch a criminal investigation into the exact circumstances under which such a high dosage found its way into Munir.

Wholesale market to go on-line

Wholesale market to go on-line JAKARTA: City market operator PD Pasar Jaya will provide on- line data on prices and supply of various commodities at the Kramat Jati wholesale market, the largest supplier of fruit and vegetables in the city. "We are ready to provide complete price and supply data to consumers. We hope the on-line data will be available in January 2005," the market's manager Lukman Hakim was quoted as saying by Antara news agency on Wednesday.

Transportation paralyzed in Jambi

Transportation paralyzed in Jambi JAMBI CITY, Jambi: A landslide hit a village in Kerinci regency, paralyzing traffic between Jambi and Sungai Penuh, the regency's capital. People traveling from Sungai Penuh to Jambi and visa versa have to take the Trans-Sumatra highway bypassing Solok in the neighboring province of West Sumatra, which costs them twice as much as the regular fare.

Aceh emergency extended for 6 months

Aceh emergency extended for 6 months Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has extended the civil state of emergency in Aceh for up to six months after securing approval from the House of Representatives (DPR). Speaking after a four-hour meeting with House leaders, including faction and commission heads, Susilo said the extension was necessary to encourage order in the province.

Abrupt traffic stoppage for VVIPs not allowed

Abrupt traffic stoppage for VVIPs not allowed The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Police can move vehicles to the left side of the road to allow the president, or vice president, and their convoys pass by, according to the standard procedures applied during movements of important personages. The procedures also apply on toll roads, Jakarta Police Traffic Division chief Sr. Comr. Joko Susilo said on Wednesday.

Court ruling perpetuates conflict in Papua

Court ruling perpetuates conflict in Papua Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post The decision by the Constitutional Court on the judicial review of Law No. 45/1999 in Jakarta on Thursday surprised many, including those opposed to and those who support the controversial formation of West Irian Jaya province.

Orphanages struggle for self-sufficiency

Orphanages struggle for self-sufficiency Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Lies Haryoso, who runs the Hairun Nisaa orphanage, faces a constant struggle to find the money to buy food and pay the school fees for all 80 of her children. "To tell you the truth, we don't have enough money to be provide the children with enough food and pay all of their school fees at the same time," Lies told The Jakarta Post recently.

National discipline needed

National discipline needed From Warta Kota The 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. Smugglers of various commodities will also be brought to trial.

AIDS decimating two Papuan tribes

AIDS decimating two Papuan tribes Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post/Jayapura Around 500 locals and religious leaders staged a rally around the Provincial legislature in Jayapura, the capital of Papua province, protesting the prolonged supply of liquor and sex workers with HIV/AIDS from other provinces that has infected many people in the southern part of the country's easternmost province.