Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 26 November 2004

103 articles found

Corruption-free agencies

Corruption-free agenciesFrom 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...

Govt's battle with KBC, a year late and $300m short

Govt's battle with KBC, a year late and $300m shortRiyadi Suparno, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe 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...

Yushchenko appeals to Supreme Court to declare poll void

Yushchenko appeals to Supreme Court to declare poll voidAgencies, Kiev/Vilnius, UkraineDefeated 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...

Appeal for modest living

Appeal for modest livingFrom KompasThe 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.

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.

Before the project

Before the projectOct. 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.

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.

Nokia phone smuggling scam sets off alarm bells

Nokia phone smuggling scam sets off alarm bellsEvi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe 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.

[b]

ASEAN summit more than a ceremonial occasion Bantarto Bandoro Jakarta2. Dan -- Indonesia's Micro-entrepreneurs know Business Best Practices 2 x 30 Indonesia's micro-entrepreneurs know best business practices Daniel Kingsley Jakarta

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.

Jakarta in dispute over Tanah Abang

Jakarta in dispute over Tanah AbangThe 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...

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.

Top legislator tried over graft charges

Top legislator tried over graft chargesThe Jakarta Post, Bandung/Padang/SamarindaAfter 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...

ASEAN to endorse Thai FM as UN head

ASEAN to endorse Thai FM as UN headLAOS: 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.

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.

JP/3/SUMMIT

JP/3/SUMMIT3 x 21 Laos beautifies and seals off its capital for historic summit JP/3/WNI1 x 45 U.S. holds 23 Indonesians for document forgery JP/3/Purnomo2 x 19 Minister accused of role in KBC debacle JP/3/KBC1 x 50 Govt's battle with KBC, a year late and $300m short

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.

JP/6/ASC

JP/6/ASCEthnic nationalism, a challenge to Southeast Asian securityIvy Susanti JakartaEthnic 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...

ASEAN to OK dozens of pacts in Laos

ASEAN to OK dozens of pacts in LaosMartin 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.

Susilo to make first visit as president to restive Aceh

Susilo to make first visit as president to restive AcehFabiola Desy Unidjaja and Nani Afrida, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Banda AcehPresident Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is scheduled to hold a one- hour dialog with non-governmental organizations, youth groups and religious leaders during his first visit...

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.

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 36President receives new envoys after formal accreditation

Gajah Tunggal eyes debt swap deals

Gajah Tunggal eyes debt swap dealsJAKARTA: 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.

Sanctions await officials involved in test fraud

Sanctions await officials involved in test fraudFabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, JakartaCoordinating 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.

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.

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.

BI sees rupiah settling down at about Rp 9,000

BI sees rupiah settling down at about Rp 9,000The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe 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.

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.

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...

India sees sun rising in eastern economies

India sees sun rising in eastern economiesPenny MacRae, Agence France-Presse/New DelhiWhen 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.

Alor people rebuild homes, many schools stay shut

Alor people rebuild homes, many schools stay shutYemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, KupangMost 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.

Probe Munir's death

Probe Munir's deathFrom 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).

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).

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.

'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.

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.

Police probe into foundation providing illegal adoption

Police probe into foundation providing illegal adoptionEvi Mariani The Jakarta Post/JakartaWorking 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.

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.

Timeline of Karaha Bodas case

Timeline of Karaha Bodas caseBefore the projectOct. 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.

Thorough measures badly needed

Thorough measures badly neededYOGYAKARTA: 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.

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.

Govt shares blame in Buyat Bay case: Alwi

Govt shares blame in Buyat Bay case: AlwiFabiola Desy Unidjaja and Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe 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...

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.

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.

Pluralism, a Stance for Interfaith Dialog

Pluralism, a Stance for Interfaith DialogY. 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...

BPKP lists BP Migas among top abusers

BPKP lists BP Migas among top abusersRendi 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.

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...

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...

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.

10 killed in Aceh before Susilo visit

10 killed in Aceh before Susilo visitBANDA 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.

JP/2/CRASH

JP/2/CRASHHead-on collision in Batang claims 16Suherdjoko The Jakarta Post/BatangSixteen 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.

Gajah Tunggal eyes

Gajah Tunggal eyes debt swap dealsJAKARTA: 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.

Minister accused of role in KBC debacle

Minister accused of role in KBC debaclePrivately, 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.

Papuan police seize illegal logs in raid

Papuan police seize illegal logs in raidNetty Dharma Somba and Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura/MakassarPapuan Police have seized thousands of cubic meters of rare Merbau timber aboard a ship after they found problems with its timber permits.

Indonesia's micro-entrepreneurs know best business practices

Indonesia's micro-entrepreneurs know best business practicesDaniel 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...

Papuan police seize illegal logs in raid

Papuan police seize illegal logs in raidNetty Dharma Somba and Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura/MakassarPapuan Police have seized thousands of cubic meters of rare Merbau timber aboard a ship after they found problems with its timber permits.

Vientiane, the apex of ASEAN summits

Vientiane, the apex of ASEAN summitsS. 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.

Police to question Garuda crew on Munir's death

Police to question Garuda crew on Munir's deathM. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, JakartaAlmost 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...

Undignified scramble for seats

Undignified scramble for seatsFrom Koran TempoIn 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.

Police investigate illegal adoptions

Police investigate illegal adoptionsEvi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, JakartaWorking 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.

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.

President receives credentials from three new foreign envoys

President receives credentials from three new foreign envoysFabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe 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.

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.

ASEAN meeting targets integration

ASEAN meeting targets integrationIan Mader, Associated Press/VientianeReclusive 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...

Understanding the fundamentals of acute poisoning

Understanding the fundamentals of acute poisoningIwan 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.

Police to grill Bogor Police chief over clash

Police to grill Bogor Police chief over clashThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta/BogorThe 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.

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...

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.

12-years education mandatory

12-years education mandatorySlamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, YogyakartaThe 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.

Taiwan's envoy meets with Hu at APEC

Taiwan's envoy meets with Hu at APECTAIWAN: 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.

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, November 26, 2004

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, November 26, 2004Exhibitions* 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.

* 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...

Three soldiers nabbed for stealing excavator

Three soldiers nabbed for stealing excavatorPuji Santoso, The Jakarta Post, PekanbaruLocal residents apprehended three soldiers and three civilians in Kampar regency, Riau province, here for stealing an excavator.

ASEAN summit more than a ceremonial occasion

ASEAN summit more than a ceremonial occasionBantarto 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...

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...

Gus Dur threatens to split NU if Hasyim wins

Gus Dur threatens to split NU if Hasyim winsIndra Harsaputra and Muhammad Nafik, Surabaya/JakartaRivalry 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.

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.

Undignified scramble for seats

Undignified scramble for seatsFrom Koran TempoIn 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.

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.

RI to increase sugar import quota next year

RI to increase sugar import quota next yearZakki 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.

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.

Fuel price hike to have little impact on inflation: BI

Fuel price hike to have little impact on inflation: BIUrip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, JakartaA 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.

JSX ends lower on blue chips profit-taking

JSX ends lower on blue chips profit-takingDow 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.

President Hu to attend Asian-African meeting

President Hu to attend Asian-African meetingThe Jakarta Post, BeijingChinese 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.

U.S. hols 23 Indonesians for document forgery

U.S. hols 23 Indonesians for document forgeryFabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe United States authorities have detained 23 Indonesian nationals who are now facing charges of immigration document forgery.

No-frills Jetstar Asia to launch seven budget routes from S'pore

No-frills Jetstar Asia to launch seven budget routes from S'poreAgence 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.

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...

Bakrie firm awarded extension for oil block

Bakrie firm awarded extension for oil blockDadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, JakartaPT 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...

KPPU seeks an end to railway sector monopoly

KPPU seeks an end to railway sector monopolyLeony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe brakes screeched, the train slowed and finally came to a halt. Nadya, 26, got up and tried to open the window nearest her.

Suggestions on tourism

Suggestions on tourismFrom Koran TempoAs 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.

Probe Munir's death

Probe Munir's deathFrom 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).

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.

Indonesia out of contention for singles title

Indonesia out of contention for singles titleMoch. 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...

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.

Using ideas as weapons for mass improvement

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

WTO rules in favor of S. Korean shipbuilders

WTO rules in favor of S. Korean shipbuildersAgence 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.

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.

Batang head-on collision claims 16 lives

Batang head-on collision claims 16 livesSuherdjoko, The Jakarta Post, BatangSixteen 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.

Airbus deal with Thailand will go ahead: Analysts

Airbus deal with Thailand will go ahead: AnalystsJack 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,...

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.

Eight monkeys rescued

Eight monkeys rescuedJAMBI: 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.

Thailand is likely to join Myanmar in ASEAN hot-seat

Thailand is likely to join Myanmar in ASEAN hot-seatAgencies, 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.

Court rules Ba'asyir trial to go on

Court rules Ba'asyir trial to go onSari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe 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...