Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 23 November 2004

73 articles found

S. Sulawesi pans W. Sulawesi law

S. Sulawesi pans W. Sulawesi law MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: South Sulawesi Governor Amin Syam criticized on Monday Law No. 26/2004 on the establishment of West Sulawesi province, saying it was discriminative. The law rules that the South Sulawesi government must channel an Rp 8 billion (US$851,063) annual grant to West Sulawesi for two consecutive years after the establishment of the province, until 2006.

Indonesia says Myanmar pledges to press reform

Indonesia says Myanmar pledges to press reform Agencies, Santiago/Kuala Lumpur/Yangon Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda said on Sunday he had received assurances from Myanmar's military rulers that they would move toward democracy despite sacking the country's prime minister, but he said those assurances could prompt skepticism.

Indonesia wants foreign investment success stories

Indonesia wants foreign investment success stories Fiona Ortiz, Reuters, Santiago Indonesia's new government wooed Japanese and U.S. foreign investment during an Asia-Pacific leaders' summit this week, hoping companies' positive experiences will help overcome the country's reputation for corruption and violence. In their first ever meeting at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, U.S. President George W.

Part 1 of 2: The challenge of security for the world economy

Part 1 of 2: The challenge of security for the world economy Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Santiago It goes without saying that security and prosperity are two sides of the same coin. But since Sept. 11, the dynamics between them are changing. The demands for greater security are affecting economic activities and business costs like never before. The world economy, particularly APEC economies, must now strive to find the right balance between security concerns and open trade.

Selection team for judicial commission yet to be formed

Selection team for judicial commission yet to be formed Muninggar Sri Saraswati The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Fifteen prominent lawyers and law experts have been proposed for the team to select members of the judicial commission, an institution mandated by the Constitution to monitor the performance of judges and nominate Supreme Court judges.

Probe Munir's death

Probe Munir's death From Media Indonesia The Institute for Study of Democracy (LKaDe) welcomes the formation of a team by the National Police to investigate the death of Munir, rights campaigner and coordinator of the National Commission on Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras). Based on the Dutch Forensic Institute's report, a lethal dose of arsenic was found in the body of Munir following an autopsy.

U.S., RI military ties remain in the balance

U.S., RI military ties remain in the balance Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A United States Senate's demand for the putting on trial of the Indonesian Military (TNI) officers deemed to be responsible for atrocities in East Timor remains a thorny issue in the efforts to restore military ties between the two countries, a minister has said. Minister of Defense Juwono Sudarsono said on Monday that the U.S. Senate also demanded the bringing to justice of servicemen believed by some U.S.

The Ismail Marzuki Arts Center (TIM) seems to have been

The Ismail Marzuki Arts Center (TIM) seems to have been forgotten now. While in the past this arts center was always associated with quality performances from the regions and other countries, today it is only a place where people have their lunch, make love in their cars or see a movie. Of course, the Jakarta Arts Council still organizes some arts events there but they are usually low in quality and attract only a small audience.

SE Asia's killer roads to claim 385,000 lives in 5 years: Study

SE Asia's killer roads to claim 385,000 lives in 5 years: Study Agence France-Presse, Manila An estimated 385,000 people will die and 24 million be injured on Southeast Asian roads over the next five years unless authorities take road safety seriously, an Asian Development Bank (ADB) report said on Monday.

Two killed, five injured in Riau land disputes

Two killed, five injured in Riau land disputes Puji Santoso and Jon Afrizal, The Jakarta Post, Pekanbaru/Jambi Two people were killed and at least five others were seriously injured in two separate clashes in Riau and Jambi during the weekend, both caused by land disputes. Amrin Lubis, 38, and Irfan, 40, died after protesting villagers were attacked on Saturday by security guards at a palm oil plantation in Rokan Hulu, some 40 kilometers from Pasir Pengairan city, Riau.

KL reserves up 2.4% to $60.9b

KL reserves up 2.4% to $60.9b KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's foreign-exchange reserves rose to a record in the first two weeks of November as exporters brought home overseas earnings and foreign investors put more money into the stock market. Reserves rose 2.4 percent to $60.9 billion on Nov. 12, Bank Negara Malaysia, the central bank, said in a faxed statement in Kuala Lumpur today. That's 5.6 times the country's short-term external debt and enough to pay for 7.5 months of retained imports, it said.

Govt requires SOEs to pay more dividends

Govt requires SOEs to pay more dividends Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has requested 10 of the largest, healthy state- owned enterprises (SOEs) to increase their allocation for dividend payments and to pay interim dividends to meet the state revenue target from SOEs this year, a minister said.

Nine ministers yet to declare wealth

Nine ministers yet to declare wealth JAKARTA: Nine of the 32 members of the Cabinet have yet to submit their wealth reports to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) despite the deadline set President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Susilo had earlier set a deadline of one week counting from Oct. 20. He then revised it to one month when most of his Cabinet members failed to meet the deadline. M.

Dengue outbreaks hit Medan and Indragiri Hilir regions

Dengue outbreaks hit Medan and Indragiri Hilir regions Apriadi Gunawan and Puji Santoso, The Jakarta Post, Medan/Pekanbaru Fourteen people have died and dozens remain in hospital after dengue cases peaked in the Medan and Indragiri Hilir regions during the past two weeks, officials said. The last fatality from the disease in Medan was Mardiati, 27, who died on Sunday after being treated in Sarah Hospital here.

Prophetic religiosity

Prophetic religiosity From Media Indonesia A year ago (Nov. 25, 2003), in his Idul Fitri sermon at Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, General Chairman of the central board of Muhammadiyah, Syafii Ma'arif said, "A religion failing to defend justice is a withering religion, one that has lost is vigor." This message implies that a vigorous faith is the kind that responds to the demands of justice in the community.

China OKs asset sale to Temasek

China OKs asset sale to Temasek SHANGHAI: China's bank regulators have approved the purchase of a 4.55 percent stake in China Minsheng Banking Corp. by a unit of the Singapore government's main investment arm, newspapers reported Monday. The China Banking Regulatory Commission recently approved the plan by Temasek Holdings Pte. Ltd.'s Asia Financial Holdings to buy the stake in Minsheng, the China Securities Journal and other state-run newspapers reported.

Interest and investment

Interest and investment From Koran Tempo President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has introduced three economic strategies for the banking sector, namely (i) an average economic growth rate of 6.5 percent in five years, (ii) creation of macro-economic stability to drive the real and business sectors and (iii) fulfillment of people's basic rights. Investment is necessary if you wish to achieve a growth level of about 5 percent.

Police nab five alleged kidnappers

Police nab five alleged kidnappers JAKARTA: The police have arrested five suspected members of a group that had kidnapped junior high school students in the capital and Depok over the past few months, an officer said on Monday. The suspects, Budi, Wawan, Toni, Joni and Yusmanti, were arrested last week at a house in Bintaro, South Jakarta, and admitted to their involvement in last month's kidnapping of Michael, 13, and Fajar, 13, in Depok.

Judicial commission selection team not ready

Judicial commission selection team not ready Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Fifteen prominent lawyers and law experts have been proposed for the team to select members of the judicial commission, an institution mandated by the Constitution to monitor the performance of judges and nominate Supreme Court judges.

Police to change traffic procedures

Police to change traffic procedures The National Police pledged on Monday to evaluate their procedures for halting traffic for VIPs after six people died in a pileup on Jagorawi toll road on Wednesday. "We will examine whether the accident was caused purely by the negligence of the drivers or faults in the vehicles or by some flaws in our procedures for halting traffic," Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Firman Gani said. "We did not station officers to alert drivers some distance before the site.

Amnesty, but will it work?

Amnesty, but will it work? The 15-day amnesty period for illegal migrant workers expired on November 14, but only 98,000 people responded to the programme. It is understandable that Domestic Affairs Minister Datuk Azmi Khalid was deeply disappointed. The authorities have agreed to extend the grace period at the request of the Indonesian government. However, illegal foreign workers do not seem to appreciate this goodwill. It won't help even if the government extends the deadline further.

Global warming in Asia

Global warming in Asia The Nation, Asia News Network, Bangkok The heat is literally on, and climate change could wreak havoc with basic subsistence patterns across the continent One cannot fail to notice a change in the weather pattern. For Thailand, a hotter climate has persisted over the past several years. The rainy season has become less consistent. This year, for instance, the rainy months were clearly shorter.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov. 22, 2004:

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov. 22, 2004: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 225 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 2,600 0 25,500 Adhi Karya 475 0 374,500 Adira Dinamika 2,500 0 557,500 AGIS Tbk 100 -5 402,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 150 0 0 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,175 0 1,301,000 Alakasa Industrindo 165 0 0 Alfa...

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.

Part 2 of 2: Strengthening Indonesia-U.S. ties

Part 2 of 2: Strengthening Indonesia-U.S. ties Ambassador Marie T. Huhtala, Washington DC We are very interested in seeing Indonesia act as a stabilizing and responsible force in the region. Indeed, we have always viewed Indonesia as the cornerstone of regional security in Southeast Asia. In the past, Indonesia has played a significant leadership role in regional institutions like ASEAN and APEC.

1. ROAD: 1 X 43

1. ROAD: 1 X 43 SE Asia's roads to kill 385,000 in 5 years: Study 2. TRADE: 4 x 12 APEC leaders balk at study for Pacific free trade zone 3. HASSAN: 2 x 28 Indonesia wants foreign investment success stories 4. BUSH: 3 x 9 Bush APEC visit not glitch-free 5. TENNIS: 1 x 36 Federer fills space left by Sampras

1. SBY -- The challenge of security for the world economy

1. SBY -- The challenge of security for the world economy 3 x 15 The challenge of security for the world economy FIRST OF TWO This is an abridged text of a keynote address given by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the APEC CEO summit in Santiago on Nov. 20, 2004. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono Santiago 2. Maria T.Huhtala--Indonesia-US ties: building mutual understanding. 1 X 30 Strengthening Indonesia-U.S. ties Ambassador Marie T. Huhtala Washington DC 3.

Eradicating corruption

Eradicating corruption From Koran Tempo Corruption is a chronic social ill in Indonesia. However, it is not enough for the government just to find the right way to eradicate it. It is more important for the government to look for its root causes. One of the reasons why corruption has become rampant is that civil servants are still underpaid.

East Timor jails former militiamen

East Timor jails former militiamen EAST TIMOR: Eight former pro-Jakarta militiamen have been jailed in East Timor for murders committed in mayhem surrounding a 1999 UN-backed vote that led to the country's separation from Indonesia, officials said on Monday. A special court issued last Monday verdicts in two cases involving the eight, bringing to 63 the number of people convicted in East Timor over the violence, according to a statement by the country's serious crime unit.

Idul Fitri toll sees decline in C. Java

Idul Fitri toll sees decline in C. Java SEMARANG: Traffic accidents claimed the lives of 23 people over the Idul Fitri holiday this year in Central Java, a senior provincial police officer said on Monday. Central Java Police chief Insp. Gen. Chaerul Rasyid said the figure covered two weeks -- the week before and after the holiday, which fell on Nov. 14 and Nov. 15. Last year, 36 people were killed in road accidents over the same period. -- JP

AirAsia makes solid stock market debut; aircraft purchase imminent

AirAsia makes solid stock market debut; aircraft purchase imminent Sean Young, Associated Press, Kuala Lumpur AirAsia Bhd., the first low-cost carrier to be listed in Southeast Asia, made a solid debut Monday on the Malaysian stock exchange, while company officials said they'll decide within two months on plans to acquire 40 new aircraft. Shares of Asia's best-known budget airline soared soon after its debut on Bursa Malaysia to 1.45 ringgit (38 U.S.

Civil servant test leak probed

Civil servant test leak probed MEDAN, North Sumatra: The local administration is investigating a rumor that materials for civil servant recruitment tests had been sold to applicants. Each copy of the exam was sold for a maximum Rp 10 million (US$1,063), said North Sumatra Secretary Muchyan Tambuse. The rumor of the leaked exam surfaced two days before the civil servant entrance exam for North Sumatra was to be held on Nov. 24.

House reluctant to back Munir death probe

House reluctant to back Munir death probe M. Taufiqurrahman and Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives (DPR) appeared reluctant on Monday to lend their support for a thorough probe into the death of human rights campaigner Munir, who died of acute arsenic poisoning.

Three die of alleged food poisoning

Three die of alleged food poisoning PADANG, West Sumatra: Three people have died and scores of others were hospitalized on Sunday for alleged food poisoning in Limapuluh Kota regency. Local residents said they got a headache and vomited after drinking cendol -- small, rice-flour beads used in shaved ice beverages -- served during a public function in Batu Ampar subdistrict. Roza Indriani, a doctor at a local hospital, said the hospital admitted at least 19 victims on Sunday. -- Antara

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.

Agency to handle market trash

Agency to handle market trash JAKARTA: As of Jan. 1, city market operator PD Pasar Jaya will hand over the management of the garbage produced by 151 traditional markets to the City Sanitation Agency. PD Pasar Jaya spokesman Nurman Adhi said that 160 employees of the company -- who are currently tasked with collecting and picking up the garbage -- would be transferred to other divisions.

Absentee officials may face sanctions

Absentee officials may face sanctions Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city's civil servants straggled back into the office on Monday, the first day back to work after the long Idul Fitri holiday. Of about 6,000 civil servants at City Hall only about 250 attended an Idul Fitri gathering that was held at 8 a.m. There are about 12,000 civil servants in all of Jakarta and their official working hours are from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Summit to discuss ASEAN single market, Thailand, Myanmar

Summit to discuss ASEAN single market, Thailand, Myanmar Martin Abbugao, Agence France-Presse, Vientiane Accelerating regional economic integration, unrest in Thailand, terrorism and Myanmar's political problems are expected to dominate the annual summit of Southeast Asian leaders in Laos.

Pertamina may raise LPG prices

Pertamina may raise LPG prices JAKARTA: PT Pertamina, Indonesia's state-owned oil company, said it plans to boost retail liquefied petroleum gas prices next month and January to cut losses from rising international prices. The company is losing Rp 820 rupiah a kilogram of LPG at the current selling price of Rp 3,000 rupiah (35 U.S. cents) a kilogram, Achmad Faisal, the company's general manager for domestic gas business, told reporters in Jakarta.

Papua illegal logging may involve senior officers

Papua illegal logging may involve senior officers Tony Hotland and Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Jayapura Police are investigating the possible involvement of high-ranking police officers in illegal logging in Papua following the confession of a low-ranking officer who surrendered late last week after years on the lam. National Police chief of detectives Comr. Gen.

First India-ASEAN car rally begins amid tough challenges

First India-ASEAN car rally begins amid tough challenges The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Twelve Indonesian drivers are among 250 racers who will dodge armed separatists, heroin traffickers, diseases and mosquitoes in the first India-ASEAN car rally, which began on Monday in Guwahati, India.

Stanchart-Astra plans to add stake in Permata

Stanchart-Astra plans to add stake in Permata Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The new majority owner of Bank Permata, a consortium made up of local automotive giant PT Astra International and Britain's Standard Chartered PLC. (Stanchart), plans to add to its ownership in the bank by buying more shares.

Adrian charged with corruption

Adrian charged with corruption The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The trial of Adrian Herling Waworuntu, a key suspect in the Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) scandal, began on Monday, with the prosecution indicting him with corruption and money laundering. Adrian, who tried to escape justice by sneaking out of the country early this year, is being charged under Law No. 31/1999 on corruption and Law No. 25/2004 on money laundering.

13 countries sign up for Indonesia Open

13 countries sign up for Indonesia Open JAKARTA: Aside from host Indonesia, 12 other countries have confirmed their participation in the US$170,000 Indonesia Open badminton tournament, to be held from Dec. 15 to Dec. 19 at the Gelora Bung Karno Tennis Indoor Stadium in Senayan, Central Jakarta.

'I have to force myself to go to work'

'I have to force myself to go to work' In a bid to develop discipline among civil servants, the central government has encouraged regional administrations to impose sanctions against those who failed to show up for work on Monday, after the extended Idul Fitri holiday. The Jakarta Post talked to some residents who work at private companies about how they deal with the holiday hangover. Franky, 27, works for a public relations company in Tebet, South Jakarta.

* Adrian charged with corruption, money laundering Page 2

* Adrian charged with corruption, money laundering Page 2 * Constitutional amendments not urgent: Jimly Page 4 * Diarrhea outbreaks strike three provinces Page 5 * The challenge of security for the world economy Page 7 * City told to prepare for possible floods next January Page 8 * Playoff bogey enough to bring Sorenstam LPGA crown Page 9 * Iran suspends key nuclear work to avoid sanctions Page 11 * Govt requires SOEs to pay more dividends Page 13 * Are wild birds culprits or innocent over...

1. APEC (50) - 60 pts 5cols 1line (1x25)

1. APEC (50) - 60 pts 5cols 1line (1x25) APEC targets terror but dodges trade 2. Bojong (35) - 28 pts 1 col 4 lines (4x10) Seven shot at protest against new dump 3. Rally (36) - 32 pts 3cols 2lines (1x27) First India-ASEAN car rally begins amid tough challenges 4. Dengue (36) - 36 pts 6 cols 1line (1x45) Dengue outbreaks hit Medan and Indragiri Hilir regions --- 5. Photo 3 pieces

Melawai students start school

Melawai students start school The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Having lost their school, the students and teachers of junior high school SMP 56 on Jl. Melawai Raya, South Jakarta, started the first day back at school on Monday by holding a flag-hoisting ceremony in the parking lot of a nearby hotel. The ceremony in the parking lot, some 50 meters away from their school, began at 7:15 a.m., attended by some 70 out of 95 students, who just got back from their two-week holiday.

Indonesia to host first military expo

Indonesia to host first military expo Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia is set to host its first defense industry showcase, featuring over 250 prominent companies from around the world, from Wednesday through Saturday.

Law enforcement and political will

Law enforcement and political will From Koran Tempo The initial drive launched by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to eliminate corruption, collusion and nepotism through the government's 100-day program has apparently received a serious response from all ministers and law enforcers. What is now obvious is that the entire state apparatus is capable of more arduous work as long as the chief executive shows strong political will.

PGN plans bond issue next year

PGN plans bond issue next year The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned gas utility company PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) plans to issue up to Rp 1.5 trillion (US$166 million) in bonds in the first quarter of next year to help finance its pipeline project linking gas-rich South Sumatra with the heavily populated West Java and Banten provinces. PGN finance director Joko Pramono said the gas pipeline would cost around $188 million, of which some $80 million had been secured via a World Bank loan.

Civil servant absenteeism level low after Monday's return to work

Civil servant absenteeism level low after Monday's return to work The Jakarta Post, Medan/Batam/Yogya Fewer civil servants skipped work on Monday, the first working day following the Idul Fitri holiday, raising confidence among high-ranking government officials that the civil servant corps was much more disciplined today than a few years ago. North Sumatra Governor Rizal Nurdin estimated that the number of absentees this year was some 8 percent, compared to 10 percent last year.

;JP;DAN;

;JP;DAN; ANPAf..r.. Rupiah-conversion-rates Rupiah Rates Nov. 22 JP/13/Conver Rupiah Rates Nov. 22 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp Australian dollar 1 7,422.34 6,634.55 7,066.22 6,990.41 Brunei dollar 1 5,768.25 5,156.84 5,491.48 5,433.43 Canadian dollar 1 7,942.88 7,102.91 7,561.77 7,483.88 Swiss franc 1 8,161.63 7,297.83 7,770.03 7,689.26 Danish krone 1 1,663.19 1,486.81 1,583.39 1,566.56 Euro 1 12,355.40 11,049.96 11,762.58 11,642.64 Poundsterling 1 17,604.

Tax office seeks arrest of U.S.-based power company KBC executives

Tax office seeks arrest of U.S.-based power company KBC executives The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The tax office started pursuing three executives of the U.S.- based power firm Karaha Bodas Company (KBC) on Monday, saying the government had given it the OK to jail them on charges of tax evasion.

City told to prepare for possible floods

City told to prepare for possible floods Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Meteorologic and Geophysics Agency (BMG) warned on Monday of possible heavier-than-normal downpours hitting the Greater Jakarta area as the rainy season came a month behind schedule. "We must seriously anticipate the possibility of very heavy rainfalls this season, particularly during its peak in January," chief of public meteorological services Achmad Zakir told The Jakarta Post.

APEC Summit 2004 and regional trade agreements

APEC Summit 2004 and regional trade agreements Aziz, Munich, Germany It is quite stunning to witness the growth of Free Trade Agreements (FTA) around the world over the last ten years. Following the rise of capitalism over socialism, since the collapse of the Soviet Union regime, trade and investment liberalization has become a major global program.

1. LOGGING: 2 LINES, 21 COUNTS

1. LOGGING: 2 LINES, 21 COUNTS Papua illegal logging may involve senior officers 2. EXPO: 3 LINES, 16 COUNTS Indonesia to host first military expo 3. ADRIAN: 1 LINE, 25 COUNTS Adrian charged with corruption 4. MUNIR: 1 LINE, 35 COUNTS House reluctant to back Munir death probe 5. CITIES: 1 LINE, 49 COUNTS Twelve leaders of major Asian cities join forces

Probe Munir's death

Probe Munir's death From Media Indonesia The Institute for Study of Democracy (LKaDe) welcomes the formation of a team by the National Police to investigate the death of Munir, rights campaigner and coordinator of the National Commission on Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras). Based on the Dutch Forensic Institute's report, a lethal dose of arsenic was found in the body of Munir following an autopsy.

Waiting for President to protect pluralism

Waiting for President to protect pluralism I do agree with Pandaya's opinion in his article Sang Timur affair exposes government discrimination (The Jakarta Post, Nov. 11). There are many forms of discrimination and conflicts that are partly caused by our weak legal system, and lack of government intervention. The Sang Timur affair, and many other conflicts, are not only about religious matters, or the minority versus the majority, they are about human rights.

Quake victims facing rice shortages

Quake victims facing rice shortages Yemris Fointuna and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Alor/Jakarta Thousands of quake victims on the East Nusa Tenggara island of Alor are facing a shortage of staple food as the rice supply in the local administration's warehouse is starting to run out. Deputy Alor regent Abraham Maulaka said on Monday only 2.5 tons of rice was in storage at the provincial logistics depot, which he said would be enough to feed the quake victims for two days.

Law enforcement

Law enforcement and political will From Koran Tempo The initial drive launched by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to eliminate corruption, collusion and nepotism through the government's 100-day program has apparently received a serious response from all ministers and law enforcers. What is now obvious is that the entire state apparatus is capable of more arduous work as long as the chief executive shows strong political will.

Shares end at record high; profit-taking looms

Shares end at record high; profit-taking looms Dow Jones, Jakarta Indonesian shares ended slightly higher at a new closing high on Monday, catching up on gains in the U.S. and on other regional bourses last week, dealers said. The local stock market was closed for a Muslim Holiday from Monday to Friday last week. Profit-taking, however, erased some of the gains. The Jakarta Stock Exchange Composite index ended up 0.6 percent at a new all time closing high of 939.991.

Police take over probe into graft cases

Police take over probe into graft cases The Jakarta Post, Semarang/Bandung/Samarinda/Banda Aceh Unimpressed with poor and sluggish performance of regional police offices in probing graft cases, the Central Java provincial police have taken over investigations into corruption allegations involving local councillors and former regents. Central Java police chief Insp. Gen.

AGO to submit names of watchdog members

AGO to submit names of watchdog members JAKARTA: Attorney General Abdul Rachman Saleh said on Monday that he would present the names of candidate members and the organizational structure of the proposed public prosecution service commission to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in the next two weeks. After a meeting with Vice President Jusuf Kalla here on Monday, Abdul Rachman said the commission was aimed at overseeing the performance of prosecutors across the country.

Gus Dur supports Mustofa for NU chair

Gus Dur supports Mustofa for NU chair BANDUNG, West Java: The chief patron of the country's largest Muslim Organization, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid, announced his support on Monday for the nomination of cleric Mustofa Bisri for the NU chairmanship. Gus Dur said that Mustofa, who was also a renowned poet, was the strongest contender among the candidates who would contest the race for the NU chairmanship at the organization's congress, slated to be held between Nov.

Constitutional amendments not urgent: Jimly

Constitutional amendments not urgent: Jimly Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar The Constitutional Court president has said he was opposed to any plans to amend the Constitution in the near future, and instead suggested that the country stabilize the state system following four amendments in the last five years. Jimly Asshidiqie warned that too many amendments of the Constitution, the highest law in the country, would only create problems instead of solving them.

Surabaya tops 2005 minimum wage

Surabaya tops 2005 minimum wage SURABAYA: East Java Governor Imam Utomo has signed a decree on minimum wage in 38 cities across the province, with Surabaya municipality ranking the highest. The new minimum wage will take effect in January 2005, said East Java Manpower Office head M. Djaelani. Only workers who have been working less than a year are eligible for the new minimum wage, according to the decree.

Seven shot at protest against new dump

Seven shot at protest against new dump The Jakarta Post, Bogor/Jakarta A protest over a waste treatment plant turned violent on Monday as police opened fire on residents of Bojong village in Klapanunggal district, Bogor, wounding seven. Police fired live rounds into the crowd after protesters allegedly attempted to set the plant on fire. Reinforcement officers arrived at about 3 p.m. and arrested 33 residents for provoking the violence.

Gus Dur supports

Gus Dur supports Mustofa for NU chair BANDUNG, West Java: The chief patron of the country's largest Muslim Organization, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid, announced his support on Monday for the nomination of cleric Mustofa Bisri for the NU chairmanship. Gus Dur said that Mustofa, who was also a renowned poet, was the strongest contender among the candidates who would contest the race for the NU chairmanship at the organization's congress, slated to be held between Nov.

Gus Dur supports

Gus Dur supports Mustofa for NU chair BANDUNG: Influential figure of the country's largest Muslim Organization, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid, announced his support on Monday for the nomination of cleric Mustofa Bisri for the NU chairmanship. Gus Dur said that Mustofa, who was also a renowned poet, was the strongest contender among the candidates who would contest the race for the NU chairmanship at the organization's congress, slated to be held between Nov. 28 and Dec.

Diarrhea outbreaks strike three provinces

Diarrhea outbreaks strike three provinces The Jakarta Post, Makassar/Semarang/Manado Thousands of people in South Sulawesi, Central Java and North Sulawesi provinces have been treated for diarrhea over the past few months, with some succumbing to complications resulting from the condition. In South Sulawesi province, at least 15 people have died of the disease as of Monday at several hospitals. Local government data shows that over 6,200 people were treated for diarrhea between Nov. 1 and Nov.

Twelve leaders of major Asian cities join forces

Twelve leaders of major Asian cities join forces Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Mayors and governors of 12 major cities in Asia attended on Monday in Jakarta the opening of the fourth plenary meeting of the Asian Network of Major Cities 21. The 21 in the title of the organization refers to the 21st century.

Franchise businesses grow by 15% this year, association says

Franchise businesses grow by 15% this year, association says Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Franchise businesses in the country have grown by 15 percent this year and are expected to further thrive, considering the fact that Indonesia's economy still mostly relies on domestic consumption, the Indonesian Franchise Association (AFI) said.