Archive: 26 November 2004
103 articles found
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Govt's battle with KBC, a year late and $300m short
Govt's battle with KBC, a year late and $300m short Riyadi Suparno, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian tax office has suddenly become merciless against tax evaders and swiftly sent Loedito Setyawan Poerbowasi, son-in- law of former vice president Sudharmono, to Cipinang penitentiary for alleged tax evasion.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Yushchenko appeals to Supreme Court to declare poll void
Yushchenko appeals to Supreme Court to declare poll void Agencies, Kiev/Vilnius, Ukraine Defeated presidential candidate Viktor Yushchenko filed an appeal with Ukraine's Supreme Court on Thursday to declare the election results invalid, the Interfax news agency reported, stepping up actions in the country's political crisis. Huge throngs of Yushchenko supporters have jammed central Kiev since Sunday's elections, which they contend were rigged to allow Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych to win.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Appeal for modest living
Appeal for modest living From Kompas The Minister of Agriculture has followed in the footsteps of the speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly, who rejected a luxury car and accommodation. The move may also be imitated by other ministers of the new Cabinet. The time has come now for the President to declare a "modest living movement" as part of the 100-day program of the Cabinet. This drive could be coupled with the elimination of corruption, collusion and nepotism.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
There seems to be no better example than the present
There seems to be no better example than the present administration under the newly elected president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono -- at least outwardly -- to jump into immediate action when a crisis arises, responding almost as thought it were a public relations exercise. To make sure that trains were running well before the Idul Fitri holiday, President Susilo went personally to Gambir railway station, while his ministers visited supermarkets and inspected factories.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Before the project
Before the project Oct. 2, 1990: PT Manggala Pratama owned by Tantyo Sudharmono expresses its interest in participating in the geothermal business. June 16, 1993: Pertamina asks PT Manggala about the follow-up to its proposal. PT Manggala responds that it has transferred all responsibility on geothermal interests to PT Sumarah Dayasakti. Sept.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
1. Buyat (47) - 60 pts 2cols 4line (4x10)
1. Buyat (47) - 60 pts 2cols 4line (4x10) Govt shares blame in Buyat Bay case: Alwi 2. Cabinet (43) - 36 pts 3cols 2lines (2x22) Susilo to make first visit as president to restive Aceh 3. Energy (38) - 32 pts 2cols 2lines (2x20) Bakrie firm awarded extension for oil block 4. Laos (35) - 36 pts 3 cols 1 line (1x27) ASEAN meeting targets integration --- 5. Photo 2 pieces
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Nokia phone smuggling scam sets off alarm bells
Nokia phone smuggling scam sets off alarm bells Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Blora Center, an independent body that monitors reports from the public on corruption and abuse of power, revealed that thousands of smuggled Nokia cellular phones have flocked the local market.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
[b]
ASEAN summit more than a ceremonial occasion Bantarto Bandoro Jakarta 2. Dan -- Indonesia's Micro-entrepreneurs know Business Best Practices 2 x 30 Indonesia's micro-entrepreneurs know best business practices Daniel Kingsley Jakarta
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Susyana wins bronze in Asian wushu c'ship
Susyana wins bronze in Asian wushu c'ship JAKARTA: Indonesian women's wushu athlete Susyana won bronze at the Asian Wushu Championships in Yangon, Myanmar, on Wednesday according to the Indonesian Wushu Association (WI) here. The association said in a statement on Thursday that Susyana finished in third place in the gun shu category behind the gold medalist from Vietnam and the silver medalist from Chinese Taipei. Ten Indonesians are competing in the nine-day event, which will run until Sunday.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Jakarta in dispute over Tanah Abang
Jakarta in dispute over Tanah Abang The City Council and the administration are in a tug-of-war over plans to demolish the Tanah Abang textile market in Central Jakarta. While the Council tries to delay the demolition, which is opposed by textile traders, the administration and city-run market operator PD Pasar Jaya are pressing ahead with the plan and have begun to remove traders from the market. "The officials and PD Pasar Jaya have ignored our summons ....
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
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.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Corruption-free agencies
Corruption-free agencies From Koran Tempo 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.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
ASEAN to endorse Thai FM as UN head
ASEAN to endorse Thai FM as UN head LAOS: The 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian (ASEAN) bloc will formally endorse Thai Foreign Minister Surakiart Sathirathai next week for the post of United Nations secretary-general. The decision to support Surakiart to succeed Kofi Annan in 2006 is included in a draft copy of a statement, obtained on Thursday, that ASEAN leaders are expected to adopt on Monday at the end of a two-day summit here.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Traffic accidents kill six motorists
Traffic accidents kill six motorists TANGERANG: Six people were killed in three separate traffic accidents that took place at about the same time on Tuesday. In the first accident, two butchers on a motorcycle were hit by a container truck on Jl. MH Thamrin, Kebon Nanas district. Konjaya, 29, and Jumadi, 23, died on the spot. Two unidentified men were killed in a hit-and-run accident near the Jakarta-Merak toll road. Neither were carrying identity cards. The third took place on Jl.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
JP/3/SUMMIT
JP/3/SUMMIT 3 x 21 Laos beautifies and seals off its capital for historic summit JP/3/WNI 1 x 45 U.S. holds 23 Indonesians for document forgery JP/3/Purnomo 2 x 19 Minister accused of role in KBC debacle JP/3/KBC 1 x 50 Govt's battle with KBC, a year late and $300m short
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
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.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
JP/6/ASC
JP/6/ASC Ethnic nationalism, a challenge to Southeast Asian security Ivy Susanti Jakarta Ethnic clashes within Southeast Asian countries have drawn the attention of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a regional grouping to review and systematically address effective ways to maintain peace and security within the ASEAN community. This is particularly significant as numerous incidents take place in the domestic sphere, in which ethnic groups come into conflict with one another.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
ASEAN to OK dozens of pacts in Laos
ASEAN to OK dozens of pacts in Laos Martin Abbugao, Agence France-Presse, Vientiane East Asian leaders will next week endorse a record number of agreements to deepen economic integration, improve efforts to fight terrorism and stop human trafficking, according to draft statements on Thursday. Senior officials of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) started work on Thursday on finalizing 35 agreements and statements expected to be issued after the Nov.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Susilo to make first visit as president to restive Aceh
Susilo to make first visit as president to restive Aceh Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Nani Afrida, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Banda Aceh President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is scheduled to hold a one- hour dialog with non-governmental organizations, youth groups and religious leaders during his first visit as President to the troubled province of Aceh on Friday.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Stop environmentally risky projects: House
Stop environmentally risky projects: House JAKARTA: The House of Representatives Commission VIII for environmental, science and technology affairs urged the government on Thursday to review and halt projects that could pose a threat to the environment.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
1. DISCOURSE: 1 x 36
1. DISCOURSE: 1 x 36 'ASEAN has to be in the driving seat' 2. NU: 4 x 12 Gus Dur threatens to split NU if Hasyim wins 3. CRASH: 2 x 24 Batam head-on collision claims 16 lives 4. BABY: 2 x 18 Police investigate illegal adoptions 5. ENVOY: 1 x 36 President receives new envoys after formal accreditation
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Gajah Tunggal eyes debt swap deals
Gajah Tunggal eyes debt swap deals JAKARTA: PT Gajah Tunggal, Indonesia's biggest tiremaker, wants its creditors to approve a US$73.3 million and Rp 164.9 billion ($18 million) debt swap plan that will allow the company to set aside money for expansion. Gajah Tunggal's holding in unit PT GT Petrochem would be reduced to 28.36 percent from 50.01 percent under the proposed debt-for-equity swap, Gajah Tunggal said in a statement to be presented to investors in Jakarta on Thursday.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Sanctions await officials involved in test fraud
Sanctions await officials involved in test fraud Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Alwi Shihab said on Thursday that officials involved in fraud during the civil service recruitment examination would face harsh penalties, including dismissal.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Top legislator tried over graft charges
Top legislator tried over graft charges The Jakarta Post, Bandung/Padang/Samarinda After a year of delays, a former West Java councillor went on trial in Bandung on Thursday for corruption. If convicted, Kurdi Mukri, former deputy speaker of the West Java provincial council and currently a legislator at the House of Representatives, could face a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
BPKP lists BP Migas among top abusers
BPKP lists BP Migas among top abusers Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Development Finance Comptroller (BPKP) has again discovered massive financial irregularities in the Oil and Gas Implementing Body (BP Migas) this year. During a hearing with the House of Representatives' finance commission on Thursday, BPKP chairman Arie Soelendro said the agency had found irregularities in the use of state funds worth Rp 1.32 trillion (US$146 million) in the first nine month of this year.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov.25, 2004
Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov.25, 2004 ____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 225 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 2,575 -25 23,000 Adhi Karya 575 40 14,091,500 Adira Dinamika 2,550 150 500 AGIS Tbk 105 0 424,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 170 10 106,000 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,175 0 1,077,500 Alakasa Industrindo 165 0 0...
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Very few companies can supply complete security products
Very few companies can supply complete security products and services. One of them is PT Indolok Bakti Utama, which offers sophisticated security products and presents them in an integrated approach. This capability is PT Indolok Bakti Utama's competitive advantage not yet found in other security equipment companies in Indonesia, with its complete and internationally certified range of products.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
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.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
10 killed in Aceh before Susilo visit
10 killed in Aceh before Susilo visit BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Ten people, including seven alleged Aceh separatist rebels, have died in clashes ahead of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's first visit to the province as president, a military source said on Thursday. Among the victims were the village chief Ujung Pulo Cut in South Aceh, his wife and 10-year-old child, said district military chief Jamhur Ismail, who blamed the Free Aceh Movement rebels for the attack.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
JP/2/CRASH
JP/2/CRASH Head-on collision in Batang claims 16 Suherdjoko The Jakarta Post/Batang Sixteen people, five of them children, were killed and 11 others injured when a tourist bus crashed head-on into a pickup truck carrying on a highway in Batang regency, Central Java. The victims of the accident that occurred late on Wednesday were members of an extended family from Kebumen subdistrict who were all riding in the Isuzu Panther truck.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Gajah Tunggal eyes
Gajah Tunggal eyes debt swap deals JAKARTA: PT Gajah Tunggal, Indonesia's biggest tiremaker, wants its creditors to approve a US$73.3 million and Rp 164.9 billion ($18 million) debt swap plan that will allow the company to set aside money for expansion. Gajah Tunggal's holding in unit PT GT Petrochem would be reduced to 28.36 percent from 50.01 percent under the proposed debt-for-equity swap, Gajah Tunggal said in a statement to be presented to investors in Jakarta on Thursday.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Minister accused of role in KBC debacle
Minister accused of role in KBC debacle Privately, Indonesian professional groups are pushing for the authorities to investigate Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro in connection with the Karaha Bodas corruption case.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Papuan police seize illegal logs in raid
Papuan police seize illegal logs in raid Netty Dharma Somba and Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura/Makassar Papuan Police have seized thousands of cubic meters of rare Merbau timber aboard a ship after they found problems with its timber permits. The move came as law enforcers stepped up measures against illegal logging, which President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's administration has vowed to crack down on in its first 100 days in power.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Pluralism, a Stance for Interfaith Dialog
Pluralism, a Stance for Interfaith Dialog Y. Bambang Riyanto Jakarta In following the discourse about the conflicts between the Catholic Sang Timur foundation and its neighboring Muslim residents in The Jakarta Post two weeks ago, in which Pandaya and Tangerang Mayor Wahidin Halim both expressed opinions, a long existing problem on interfaith dialog came to mind. Is it really possible to have a genuine interfaith dialog in this country?
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Papuan police seize illegal logs in raid
Papuan police seize illegal logs in raid Netty Dharma Somba and Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura/Makassar Papuan Police have seized thousands of cubic meters of rare Merbau timber aboard a ship after they found problems with its timber permits. The move came as law enforcers stepped up measures against illegal logging, which President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's administration has vowed to crack down on in its first 100 days in power.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Vientiane, the apex of ASEAN summits
Vientiane, the apex of ASEAN summits S. Pushpanathan , Jakarta Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian (ASEAN) will soon be descending on Laos, a new member country of ASEAN, for the 10th ASEAN Summit on Monday and Tuesday. Their East Asian counterparts from China, Japan and South Korea will join them at the ASEAN Plus Three Summit, and individually at the ASEAN Plus One summits.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Police to question Garuda crew on Munir's death
Police to question Garuda crew on Munir's death M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Almost two weeks after the revelation that rights campaigner Munir died of arsenic poisoning, the National Police will finally start its investigation by questioning the Garuda flight crew members who flew the activist to the Netherlands. National Police Detective chief Comr. Gen.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Undignified scramble for seats
Undignified scramble for seats From Koran Tempo In the House of Representatives, the Nationhood Coalition and the People's Coalition are currently engaged in an undignified scramble for seats, instead of dealing with more substantive matters. They should be more broadminded and conduct intense communications by lowering their egos. Joint meetings should be held in a dynamic and friendly atmosphere to handle the root cause of the political deadlock for a speedy solution.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Police investigate illegal adoptions
Police investigate illegal adoptions Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Working on a tip, the Jakarta Police and the City Social Agency have opened an investigation into a foundation that allegedly placed more than 100 children in illegal adoptions. "We are searching for more information but we haven't named any suspect yet," city police detectives chief Sr. Comr. Mathius Salempang said on Thursday. He refused to identify the foundation.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Shadow Cabinet?
Shadow Cabinet? There seems to be no better example than the present administration under the newly elected president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono -- at least outwardly -- to jump into immediate action when a crisis arises, responding almost as though it were a public relations exercise. To make sure that trains were running well before the Idul Fitri holiday, President Susilo went personally to Gambir railway station, while his ministers visited supermarkets and inspected factories.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
President receives credentials from three new foreign envoys
President receives credentials from three new foreign envoys Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The newly appointed United States Ambassador to Indonesia, B. Lynn Pascoe, presented his credentials to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Thursday to mark the start of his mission here.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
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.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
ASEAN meeting targets integration
ASEAN meeting targets integration Ian Mader, Associated Press/Vientiane Reclusive Laos cordoned off its capital Thursday as it opened its first-ever major conference, drawing together Asian nations in their aspirations for European-style economic integration while addressing terrorism and other regional threats.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
'ASEAN has to be in the driving seat'
'ASEAN has to be in the driving seat' Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meet in Vientiane on Monday to adopt a roadmap for the establishment of an ASEAN Community consisting of three pillars -- an Economic Community, Security Community and Socio-Cultural Community. Before his departure to the Laotian capital, Foreign minister Hassan Wirayuda recently spoke to The Jakarta Post Meidyatama Suryadiningrat and Endy M.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Concerning fuel subsidy
Concerning fuel subsidy Regarding concerns over the fuel subsidy, which drains our development funds, the World Bank stated that the rich enjoyed five times more than the poor. In fact, most cars are owned by those in the medium to high income bracket. One solution would be to increase the annual vehicle registration fee (STNK) by imposing a fuel tax. At present the STNK is considered low as compared to Singapore's.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
BI sees rupiah settling down at about Rp 9,000
BI sees rupiah settling down at about Rp 9,000 The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The rupiah is unlikely to strengthen much beyond the Rp 9,000 per U.S. dollar level despite the current weakening of the dollar against many currencies, according to Bank Indonesia Governor Burhanuddin Abdullah.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Malaysian deputy PM to visit Indonesia
Malaysian deputy PM to visit Indonesia KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak will visit Indonesia early next month for talks on illegal immigrants and security in the Malacca Strait, local media reported on Thursday. Najib, accompanied by his home minister Azmi Khalid, will meet with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono during the three-day visit and hold talks with Vice President Jusuf Kalla on Dec. 8, the New Straits Times said.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Our hope for NU
Our hope for NU The outcome of the four-day congress of the country's largest Muslim organization, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), which is scheduled to be opened by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Sunday, will not only determine the future direction of the organization and the well-being of its 40-million members, but will also strongly influence the nation as a whole and the development of Islam in general.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
India sees sun rising in eastern economies
India sees sun rising in eastern economies Penny MacRae, Agence France-Presse/New Delhi When Prime Minister Manmohan Singh flagged off a car rally this week that will race through Southeast Asia, he was hoping to send a clear economic and political message to India's eastern neighbors. "This car rally is intended to rediscover the essential 'oneness' that binds India with its Asian neighbors," Singh told crowds cheering the drivers on their way from Guwahati in India's northeastern tip.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Alor people rebuild homes, many schools stay shut
Alor people rebuild homes, many schools stay shut Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang Most schools remain closed in Alor two weeks after a powerful earthquake that killed at least 34 people and damaged thousands of buildings in the regency. On Thursday, residents and children were seen cleaning up debris in schools and erecting makeshift tents to allow about 3,000 students to resume their studies.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
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.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
A. Dahana
A. Dahana Jakarta Sinologist I. Wibowo has recently published a book titled Belajar dari Cina: Bagaimana Cina Merebut Peluang dalam Era Globalisasi (Learning from China: How China seizes opportunities in the globalization era, Kompas Publishing, 2004). In his book, Wibowo presents a number of interesting aspects about China following Deng Xiaoping's reform drive and its opening up to the world.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Locals don't want to be railroaded
Locals don't want to be railroaded JAKARTA: Residents of Lorong W Barat in Tanjung Priok refused to vacate their homes in the area, to make way for the North Jakarta administration's project to reconstruct a railroad connecting Pasoso station and the Jakarta International Container Terminal in Koja. "We're not squatters. We've lived here for over 20 years now and we have legal documents and identity cards.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Regarding concerns over the fuel subsidy, which drains our
Regarding concerns over the fuel subsidy, which drains our development funds, the World Bank stated that the rich enjoyed five times more than the poor. In fact, most cars are owned by those in the medium to high income bracket. One solution would be to increase the annual vehicle registration fee (STNK) by imposing a fuel tax. At present the STNK is considered low as compared to Singapore's.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
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.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Police probe into foundation providing illegal adoption
Police probe into foundation providing illegal adoption Evi Mariani The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Working on a tip, the Jakarta Police and the City Social Agency have opened an investigation into a foundation that allegedly placed more than 100 children in illegal adoptions. "We are searching for more information but we haven't named any suspect yet," city police detectives chief Sr. Comr. Mathius Salempang said on Thursday. He refused to identify the foundation.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Deputy mayor Sahid returns to prison
Deputy mayor Sahid returns to prison BOGOR: After five weeks under city arrest status due to health issues, Deputy Mayor M. Sahid returned to Paledang prison on Thursday, pending trial in a corruption case involving the City Council when the suspect was a speaker in 2002. Sahid is the main suspect of the alleged misuse of a total of Rp 6 billion (US$666,667) of the Council budget.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Timeline of Karaha Bodas case
Timeline of Karaha Bodas case Before the project Oct. 2, 1990: PT Manggala Pratama owned by Tantyo Sudharmono expresses its interest in participating in the geothermal business. June 16, 1993: Pertamina asks PT Manggala about the follow-up to its proposal. PT Manggala responds that it has transferred all responsibility on geothermal interests to PT Sumarah Dayasakti. Sept.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Thorough measures badly needed
Thorough measures badly needed YOGYAKARTA: The government's efforts to combat malaria and dengue outbreaks across the archipelago will be fruitless unless they are undertaken in an integrated and coordinated manner, a senior expert said on Thursday. Indonesian Mosquito Control Association (APNI) president Sugeng Juwono Mardihusodo said here that the measures included spraying, creating good sanitation, eliminating mosquito breeding places and using anti-mosquito agents.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
BNI, Niaga may issue bonds next year
BNI, Niaga may issue bonds next year Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) and Bank Niaga, respectively the country's third and seventh largest banks by assets, plan to issue subordinated bonds in the first half of 2005 to improve their capital adequacy ratio (CAR) and long-term funds. BNI president Sigit Pramono said the bank planned to issue US$300 million subordinated bonds in the second quarter next year, after it completed its audited 2004 financial report and gained approval from the central bank.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Govt shares blame in Buyat Bay case: Alwi
Govt shares blame in Buyat Bay case: Alwi Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government may also be blamed for the pollution of Buyat Bay in North Sulawesi, Coordinating Minister for Social Welfare Alwi Shihab said on Thursday, one day after he vowed to punish PT Newmont Minahasa Raya for arsenic contamination in the area. Alwi said the government had approved Newmont's annual reports submitted as part of the requirements to have its operating license extended.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Mas Achmad Santosa
Mas Achmad Santosa and Nenad Bago Jakarta Abdul Rachman Saleh was sworn in as attorney general in October, raising hopes that the efficient defense of public interests would be realized through an ethical and professional Attorney General's Office.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Dams, pumps to minimize floods
Dams, pumps to minimize floods JAKARTA: City Public Works Agency workers are dredging canals, building dams and installing water pumps to minimize flooding in the city, an official says. The official said the work was ongoing and would end flooding in 19 of 78 flood-prone areas in the city by 2007. The administration plans to make four areas flood-free next year. When the East Flood Canal in the eastern part of the capital is finished in 2006, at least 13 areas are expected to be free of floods.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia's micro-entrepreneurs know best business practices
Indonesia's micro-entrepreneurs know best business practices Daniel Kingsley, Jakarta I recently had the pleasure of sitting for three days with a fascinating group of individuals; they included well-connected media and bank presidents, well-respected academics, newly installed government officials with backgrounds as fighters for human rights, and...some extremely happy and successful micro- entrepreneurs.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
No-frills Jetstar Asia to launch seven budget routes from S'pore
No-frills Jetstar Asia to launch seven budget routes from S'pore Agence France-Presse/Singapore Asia's newest budget carrier, Jetstar Asia, will take to the skies next month with seven destinations from Singapore that include Shanghai, Taipei, Manila and Pattaya, the airline announced on Thursday. Jetstar, in which Australian national carrier Qantas has a 49.9 percent stake, will also initially fly to Jakarta, Hong Kong and Surabaya, and plans to open up more routes early next year.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Gathering ASEAN
Gathering ASEAN Leaders of 10 Southeast Asian countries gather in Vientiane today for what has become an annual frat party for the regional grouping known as ASEAN. Skeptics will look down on this vigil as a self-absorbed meet- and-greet that only has value as a public relations exercise for an association that has become more prosaic with age. Mannered and out of reach of the man on the street, this staged event is far away from the often gritty lives of the region's 400 million inhabitants.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Bakrie firm awarded extension for oil block
Bakrie firm awarded extension for oil block Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta PT Energy Mega Persada (EMP), a local oil and gas firm controlled by the Bakrie Group, will be awarded a contract extension of 20 years to develop giant Kangean oil and gas block in East Java, according to government officials.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
KPPU seeks an end to railway sector monopoly
KPPU seeks an end to railway sector monopoly Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The brakes screeched, the train slowed and finally came to a halt. Nadya, 26, got up and tried to open the window nearest her. Two fans near her seat did not work and the people packed into the aisle only made the car hotter. "I take the train because they don't get stuck in traffic and it's easy to get home from the station," she said.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Suggestions on tourism
Suggestions on tourism From Koran Tempo As described in the 100-day program announced the tourism minister, the important part of the plan to boost the inflow of foreign tourists is security, which will be maintained in coordination with all levels of the government's security agencies. Other factors, however, are also no less important. Tourism infrastructure needs to be improved and/or built and tourist destinations should be further diversified.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
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.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Govt drafting teachers' ethics code
Govt drafting teachers' ethics code JAKARTA: The Ministry of National Education and the Indonesian Teachers Union (PGRI) are drafting a code of ethics for teachers to follow up a government policy that recognizes teaching as a profession. "The ministry, the PGRI, academics and other experts are drawing up the draft. Hopefully, it will be completed soon," Soewondo, the ministry's director general of elementary and secondary education said on Thursday.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia out of contention for singles title
Indonesia out of contention for singles title Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Suwandi and Bonit Wiryawan lost their second-round matches in the US$6,250 Indonesia Men's Satellite Tennis Circuit event at the Hilton Tennis Courts here on Thursday, ending any chance of Indonesia winning the single's title. Rain then interrupted the day's program, causing the postponement of the doubles matches.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Four down, more to go
Four down, more to go Guarded praise should go to the National Police for their 'success' in capturing four suspects connected to the bomb that exploded in front of the Australian Embassy in Jakarta on Sept. 9. This and other similar achievements go a long way in bolstering the growing credibility of the nation's primary law enforcement agency to protect and serve the public.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
U.S. hols 23 Indonesians for document forgery
U.S. hols 23 Indonesians for document forgery Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The United States authorities have detained 23 Indonesian nationals who are now facing charges of immigration document forgery. The Indonesians were sent to a prison in Arlington, Virginia, after a local district court ordered them put into custody on Tuesday. They were arrested in four separate locations on Monday.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
WTO rules in favor of S. Korean shipbuilders
WTO rules in favor of S. Korean shipbuilders Agence France-Presse, Seoul The World Trade Organization (WTO) has cleared South Korean shipbuilders of charges that they received illegal subsidies, wrapping up a five-year dispute with European rivals, officials said on Thursday. A WTO panel issued an interim report Wednesday, rejecting accusations by the European Union that the government-led restructuring of South Korean shipbuilders constituted a state subsidy, the foreign ministry said.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Malaysian currency peg to stay: Govt
Malaysian currency peg to stay: Govt KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has no immediate plans to drop or modify its currency peg to the U.S. dollar, International Trade and Industry Minister Rafidah Aziz said on Thursday. Reacting to widespread speculation that the government might move to a managed float system by June next year, she implied that a simple adjustment in the pegged rate of 3.80 ringgit to the dollar was more likely if any change was to be necessary.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Batang head-on collision claims 16 lives
Batang head-on collision claims 16 lives Suherdjoko, The Jakarta Post, Batang Sixteen people, five of them children, were killed and 11 others injured when a tourist bus crashed head-on into a pickup truck carrying on a highway in Batang regency, Central Java. The victims of the accident that occurred late on Wednesday were members of an extended family from Kebumen subdistrict who were all riding in the Isuzu Panther truck.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Airbus deal with Thailand will go ahead: Analysts
Airbus deal with Thailand will go ahead: Analysts Jack Barton, Agence France-Presse, Bangkok A major aircraft deal between Thailand and European consortium Airbus is likely to go ahead despite threats of a delay by the Thai government blamed on political grandstanding ahead of national elections, analysts said.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
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.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Eight monkeys rescued
Eight monkeys rescued JAMBI: Jambi officials have seized eight long tailed monkeys from people in Jambi city over the past two days. Krismanto Padang, an officer with the Jambi Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), explained that the monkeys were all aged between one and eight. He said that the agency would intensify its raid to rescue more protected monkeys as it is estimated that there are some 50 being held in captivity by affluent residents of the city.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Thailand is likely to join Myanmar in ASEAN hot-seat
Thailand is likely to join Myanmar in ASEAN hot-seat Agencies, Vientiane With the clock ticking to Myanmar's scheduled leadership of ASEAN in 2006, Southeast Asian leaders meeting next week are likely to ask the junta tough questions about its faltering progress towards democracy. For once, however, Yangon's reclusive generals will not be the only ones in the hot-seat at the annual summit of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), being held this year in the Lao capital, Vientiane.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Court rules Ba'asyir trial to go on
Court rules Ba'asyir trial to go on Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The South Jakarta District Court rejected on Thursday the defense argument of Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Ba'asyir, who will thus be standing trial for his alleged role in the 2002 Bali bombings and the 2003 attack on JW Marriott Hotel in Jakarta.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
What happened TIM?
What happened TIM? From Warta Kota 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.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Police to grill Bogor Police chief over clash
Police to grill Bogor Police chief over clash The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Bogor The National Police will summon Bogor Police chief Sr. Comr. Bambang Wasgito for questioning, following the bloody incident at Jakarta's waste treatment plant in Bojong village, Bogor regency, on Monday. The statement was issued by National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar on the sidelines of Thursday's hearing with the House of Representatives' Commission III overseeing security affairs.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Fahmi to attend Golkar congress
Fahmi to attend Golkar congress JAKARTA: Despite a court ruling upholding his dismissal from the Golkar Party, Fahmi Idris said he would attend the party congress in Bali next month. "I will go to the event because the organizational statute stipulates that the congress can serve as a forum for me to defend myself," he said on Thursday. Fahmi, the manpower and transmigration minister, admitted he had not been invited to the congress.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
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.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
12-years education mandatory
12-years education mandatory Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta The Yogyakarta municipality will implement a 12-year compulsory education program for students starting in the 2005-2006 academic year. The program is the first of its kind in the country. "The Yogyakarta government has already successfully implemented the nine-year compulsory education program.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Taiwan's envoy meets with Hu at APEC
Taiwan's envoy meets with Hu at APEC TAIWAN: Taiwan's envoy to last week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit said on Thursday his encounter with Chinese President Hu Jintao was too brief to allow him to discuss tensions between the foes. Lee Yuan-tseh, who attended the APEC summit on Nov. 20 and 21 because China objects to the presence of officials from the island it claims as a breakaway province, said his chat with Hu was friendly.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, November 26, 2004
Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, November 26, 2004 Exhibitions * Arts by Canadian artist Ken Pattern, at Four Seasons Hotel (Regent), Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav. B-4, South Jakarta, Dec. 3 to Jan. 15. * Fine Arts Agoes Jolly Sendiri, Galeri Cipta II, Taman Ismail Marzuki Jl. Cikini Raya 73, Central Jakarta, until Dec. 4. * Painting Rediscovering Indonesia by Italian Maestro Agostino De Romanis, Gedung Arsip Nasional (the National Archive Building), Jl. Gajah Mada 111, Central Jakarta, (Tel.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
* Gus Dur threatens to split NU if Hasyim reelected Page 2
* Gus Dur threatens to split NU if Hasyim reelected Page 2 * Court rules Ba'asyir trial to go on Page 4 * Top legislator tried on graft charges Page 5 * Death of a human rights champion Page 7 * Bogor Police chief to be questioned over Bojong clash Page 8 * James leads Cavs past struggling NBA champs Page 9 * Yushchenko appeals to court to declare poll void Page 11 * Fuel price hike to affect inflation little: BI Page 13 * Rockumentaries: Should we take them more seriously? Page 17
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Three soldiers nabbed for stealing excavator
Three soldiers nabbed for stealing excavator Puji Santoso, The Jakarta Post, Pekanbaru Local residents apprehended three soldiers and three civilians in Kampar regency, Riau province, here for stealing an excavator. Had the police not intervened, the three soldiers would have been burned alive by angry residents, a senior police officer claimed on Thursday.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
ASEAN summit more than a ceremonial occasion
ASEAN summit more than a ceremonial occasion Bantarto Bandoro, Jakarta The 10th summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Vientiane, which marks the beginning of the Lao chairmanship, will likely be the most important international event in Laos's recent history, as well as raising the image and position of Laos in the international arena.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Understanding the fundamentals of acute poisoning
Understanding the fundamentals of acute poisoning Iwan Darmansjah, Jakarta The alleged poisoning of human rights activist Munir attracted nationwide attention, although the poisoning of adults and children has become an alarming phenomenon these days. This article will discuss the basis and fundamentals of poisoning, poison identification, management of outbreaks, and the clinical management of the poisoned patient. It is important to distinguish between chronic and acute poisonings.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Gus Dur threatens to split NU if Hasyim wins
Gus Dur threatens to split NU if Hasyim wins Indra Harsaputra and Muhammad Nafik, Surabaya/Jakarta Rivalry is heating up inside Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) ahead of its national congress to elect a new leader, which observers say could lead to a split in the country's largest Muslim organization.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
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.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Undignified scramble for seats
Undignified scramble for seats From Koran Tempo In the House of Representatives, the Nationhood Coalition and the People's Coalition are currently engaged in an undignified scramble for seats, instead of dealing with more substantive matters. They should be more broadminded and conduct intense communications by lowering their egos. Joint meetings should be held in a dynamic and friendly atmosphere to handle the root cause of the political deadlock for a speedy solution.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
There seems to be no better example than the present
There seems to be no better example than the present administration under the newly elected president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono -- at least outwardly -- to jump into immediate action when a crisis arises, responding almost as though it were a public relations exercise. To make sure that trains were running well before the Idul Fitri holiday, President Susilo went personally to Gambir railway station, while his ministers visited supermarkets and inspected factories.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
RI to increase sugar import quota next year
RI to increase sugar import quota next year Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government will raise the country's sugar import quota to 500,000 tons next year from 400,000 tons in anticipation of rising demand, as the economy is expected to grow at a faster rate. Ministry of Trade's director of imports, Aang Kanaan Kusumah, said on Thursday that the decision was made by the National Sugar Council.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
The Vientiane opportunity
The Vientiane opportunity Verghese Mathews New Straits Times Kuala Lumpur ASEAN's 10th summit in Vientiane, Laos, is a good time to address what is rapidly becoming a major problem for three members of the grouping: The fate of the Montagnards in the central highlands of Vietnam. ASEAN has come a long way from the crestfallen days of the Asian financial crisis when even its close allies and trading partners seriously questioned its ability to get itself out of a self-created quagmire.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
Fuel price hike to have little impact on inflation: BI
Fuel price hike to have little impact on inflation: BI Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A hike in domestic fuel prices next year -- if carefully planned and carried out -- will have only a limited effect on the inflation rate, Bank Indonesia has said. "Inflation will, of course, rise when the hike is made, but it will only be temporarily and will likely not continue over the following months," central bank Governor Burhanuddin Abdullah said on Thursday.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
JSX ends lower on blue chips profit-taking
JSX ends lower on blue chips profit-taking Dow Jones, Jakarta Indonesian shares ended lower on Thursday as losses on many regional markets spurred profit-taking in telecom and automotive blue chips, ending the main index's rally during the previous seven sessions, dealers said. "Selling, however, wasn't that heavy," said an analyst with BNI Securities.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
President Hu to attend Asian-African meeting
President Hu to attend Asian-African meeting The Jakarta Post, Beijing Chinese President Hu Jintao will visit Indonesia next year to attend the 50th anniversary of the Asian-African conference in Jakarta, says a top Chinese official here. "President Hu Jintao is scheduled to make an official visit to Indonesia next year to attend the anniversary of the Asian- African congress," Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei told visiting Indonesian journalists at the Foreign Ministry Office on Thursday.
Fri, 26 Nov 2004, 00:00 WIB
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.