Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 27 November 2004

89 articles found

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.

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.

BP seeks govt help on LNG project

BP seeks govt help on LNG project The Jakarta Post, Jakarta British energy giant BP Plc., which leads a consortium that will develop and manage the Tangguh liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant in Papua, has asked the government to provide help in speeding up the construction of the project. The request was conveyed by BP CEO Lord Browne to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono during a meeting at the State Palace on Thursday, a source said on Friday.

'Bakpia', 'geplak' still favorite Yogya souvenirs

'Bakpia', 'geplak' still favorite Yogya souvenirs Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta "If you want to buy bakpia (baked cake stuffed with a mixture of green bean powder and cane sugar), you had better not buy it here. It's expensive. I can take you to a producer that sells bakpia more cheaply, but with the same quality and taste. You can try it yourself there.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov.26, 2004

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov.26, 2004 ____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading _____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 225 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 2,525 -50 84,500 Adhi Karya 575 0 8,133,500 Adira Dinamika 2,500 -50 26,500 AGIS Tbk 105 0 1,323,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 175 5 413,500 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,175 0 1,637,000 Alakasa Industrindo 165 0 0 Alfa...

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.

'I wish I could have more holidays'

'I wish I could have more holidays' The holiday season is not over yet. People are expecting another week off for Christmas and New Year. The Jakarta Post asked some residents how they are dealing with the holiday hangover after almost 10 days holiday during Idul Fitri. Tirta, 28, works for an advertising company in Blok M, South Jakarta. He lives in Bintaro, also in South Jakarta: I just stayed at home during the long holiday, because my maid returned to her hometown to celebrate Idul Fitri.

JP/13/GDP

JP/13/GDP 2 x 26 GDP grows faster at 5.03% in third quarter, says BPS JP/3/micro 2 x 26 Govt seeks funds to boost microcredit program JP/3/MYANMAR 2 x 25 Myanmar pledges to keep 'road map' to democracy JP/3/TIGER 1 x 35 More funds sought to protect tigers JP/2/Islam 1 x 33 Education 'needs to promote pluralism' JP/3/PURNOMO 1 x 52 Energy ministry categorically denies KBC graft accusations

Six policemen deny involvement in Bojong violence

Six policemen deny involvement in Bojong violence Theresia Sufa and Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Bogor/Jakarta Six low-ranked police officers have denied involvement in Monday's violent protest by locals opposing the presence of Bojong waste treatment facility in Klapanunggal, Bogor regency, West Java. The officers -- Second Insp. Parlaungan Simatupang and Second Brig. Ahmad Walyuhri of Cileungsi Police, and Second Brig. Asep Saepul, Second Brig. Agus Gunawan, Second Brig.

Kaliurang suffers increased environment damage

Kaliurang suffers increased environment damage Mimin Dwi Hartono, Contributor, Yogyakarta Located 950 meters to 975 m above sea level on the slopes of Mt. Merapi is Kaliurang, which encompasses an area of 250 hectares. It has grown rapidly since it was developed as a tourist resort in the 1980s, and has now become a well-known holiday resort in the Yogyakarta area.

Govt seeks funds to boost microcredit program

Govt seeks funds to boost microcredit program Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government plans to use proceeds from state-owned enterprises (SOEs), in addition to idle funds in banks, to finance the expansion of microcredits next year. It will also ask donor countries grouped in the Consultative Group on Indonesia to focus more attention on microcredits at their meeting in January.

Execution of convicts on death row urged

Execution of convicts on death row urged BANDA ACEH, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam: Minister of Justice and Human Rights Hamid Awaluddin urged the Attorney General's Office on Friday to immediately execute nine drug convicts on death row, six of whom are foreigners.

Universities asked to handle vendors

Universities asked to handle vendors JAKARTA: Central Jakarta Mayor Muhayat will involve the management of universities located on Jl. Kramat and Jl. Salemba, to resolve problems arising from the presence of street vendors near their campuses. "I will invite the rectors of the University of Indonesia, Christian Indonesian University and YAI Persada Indonesia University to discuss how to handle the vendors," he said on Friday. "We will seek an amicable solution.

GDP grows faster at 5.03% in third quarter, says BPS

GDP grows faster at 5.03% in third quarter, says BPS Leony Aurora , The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The year 2004 has been a good one for Imelda Ladianto. She was accepted as a teacher by a national plus school, rented a small house, and could officially call herself independent. "The first thing I bought was a washing machine," said the 26- year-old. "I didn't want to hand wash my laundry, it's way too impractical," she added.

Mitra Adiperkasa reports strong profit

Mitra Adiperkasa reports strong profit The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Publicly listed retail company PT Mitra Adiperkasa (MAP) reported an 88 percent surge in operating profit to Rp 141 billion (US$15.66 million) in the January to September period compared to Rp 76 billion in the same period last year.

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, November 27, 2004

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, November 27, 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.

Highway patrol blamed for pileup

Highway patrol blamed for pileup After studying printed media accounts and watching television reports on the multiple pileup on the Jagorawi freeway (Nov. 17), we come to the conclusion that highway patrol personnel are to blame for the accident.

Java to face Bali in cricket c'ship

Java to face Bali in cricket c'ship JAKARTA: The Java team will host the Bali team in the first match of the National Cricket Championships at the Ceylon Cricket Ground in Cibubur, East Jakarta, here on Sunday. The Indonesian Cricket Foundation (ICF) said in a press statement on Friday that the championship, the second match of which will be hosted by Bali on March 20, would play a vital role in the formation of the national team.

Pasar Jaya suspends plan to demolish Tanah Abang market

Pasar Jaya suspends plan to demolish Tanah Abang market The Jakarta Post, Jakarta City-run market operator PD Pasar Jaya finally bowed to pressure from traders and city councillors by suspending the demolition of the Tanah Abang textile market in Central Jakarta.

Sales clerks overworked during Idul Fitri holiday

Sales clerks overworked during Idul Fitri holiday Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang The Idul Fitri celebration ended nearly two weeks ago, but Ratna, a 25-year-old cashier at a department store in Supermall in Lippo Karawaci, still recalls the nightmare of the shopping mania the day before it, or on the last day of the Ramadhan fasting month. "I had to stand all day long. I was only allowed to leave the counter to pray or to go to the restroom.

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.

KKF to discuss Malik's poetry

KKF to discuss Malik's poetry YOGYAKARTA: Klompensastro (Kelompok Pecinta Sastra Sore) of the Kedai Kebun Forum (KKF) Art Gallery on Jl. Tirtodipuran is to present Saut Situmorang and Kris Budiman speaking at a book discussion to be held at KKF on Dec. 1, 2004, at 4 p.m. The work under discussion is Kuburan Bagi Penyair by poet Mulyadi J. Malik. Printed by Yogyakarta-based publisher Penerbit Ombak, the book contains 87 poems of Mulyadi J.

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.

Changi Airport beats total 2003 arrivals by October

Changi Airport beats total 2003 arrivals by October Agence France-Presse Singapore Singapore's Changi Airport welcomed 24.68 million passengers in the first 10 months of 2004, surpassing the total arrivals for all of 2003, aviation officials said on Friday. The January-October 2004 arrivals were 26.2 percent higher over the same period last year, when the travel industry in East Asia was ravaged by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) health crisis.

Malaysia to arrest illegal immigrants

Malaysia to arrest illegal immigrants MALAYSIA: More than half a million civilian volunteers will be given the power to arrest illegal immigrants next year, local media reported on Friday, despite fears that such a move would encourage vigilantism and undermine the law.

New television channel launched

New television channel launched The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A new Jakarta-centric television station, O Channel, has been launched and will focus on entertainment and lifestyle programs, its owner says. O Channel -- "Jakarta's own channel" -- is broadcast from the Sarinah Building in Central Jakarta and first went on air in August. The MRA Media Group-owned channel is currently only available on a restricted basis and will go to full broadcast around Central and Greater Jakarta by mid-next year.

Lions Club to hold charity bazaar

Lions Club to hold charity bazaar JAKARTA: The Jakarta Lions Club will hold a three-day charity bazaar at which free health checks will be conducted, and 250 packages of basic commodities distributed to poor residents of Pegangsaan subdistrict, Central Jakarta. Club president Arleen Djohan said on Friday that 200 mothers and babies in the area would be entitled to the check ups, which would include pap smears for the women.

NU stuck between ego and ambition

NU stuck between ego and ambition Blontank Poer The Jakarta Post/Surakarta Ahead of the 31st Congress of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), which will be held at the Donohudan Haj Dormitory, Surakarta, from Nov. 28 to Dec. 2, the focus of its members is on the heightened rivalry between supporters and opponents of incumbent chairman Hasyim Muzadi, who is seeking reelection for a second five-year term.

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.

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.

Regency takes over road repair work

Regency takes over road repair work TANGERANG: Tangerang regental administration will take over the construction of Jl. Raya Pasar Kemis from a developer following the latter's failure to repair a five-kilometer section of damaged road. Regent Ismet Iskandar said on Friday that the developer had collected funds from companies for the road's construction but had failed to see the project through. Pasar Kemis is home to dozens of the regency's major industries.

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.

Best Asia-Pacific ads seen at BBY

Best Asia-Pacific ads seen at BBY YOGYAKARTA: In order to provide food for thought for the advertising community in the province, some of the best ads in the Asia-Pacific area are being exhibited at Bentara Budaya Yogyakarta (BBY) until Nov. 28, 2004. Jointly organized by the Association of Indonesian Advertising Companies (PPPI), Kompas Daily, ARMA Gallery Ubud-Bali and Selasar Sunaryo Art Space, the exhibition will feature more than 200 ads.

Talks set for Japan, S. Korea, ASEAN

Talks set for Japan, S. Korea, ASEAN Japan and South Korea have agreed to begin negotiating a free trade agreement with Southeast Asian nations next year, and the discussions with Japan will wrap up within two years, an official said on Friday. The Japanese and Korean plans to begin the talks with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations came as one of their biggest economic rivals, China, prepared to sign parts of a trade pact with the 10-nation group.

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.

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.

JP/6/OTHER

JP/6/OTHER APEC must move ahead The Santiago summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum has ended. Few specifics emerged, but that is not the chief value of these annual gatherings. Above all, they provide a convenient opportunity for the leaders of 21 member economies surrounding the Pacific Ocean to meet. APEC summits, despite the 'Economic' in the grouping's name, have become as much political as economic affairs.

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.

* NU stuck between ego and ambition Page 2

* NU stuck between ego and ambition Page 2 * KPI wants authority to issue broadcasting licenses Page 4 * Two held for alleged graft, murder in Poso Page 5 * The Hague tribunal as a political agency Page 7 * Workers urge Sutiyoso to annul ruling on wage hike Page 8 * Tinsley helps shorthanded Pacers upset T-Wolves Page 9 * ASEAN wants Australia, NZ to sign non-aggression pact Page 11 * Kijang Innova makes export debut Page 13 * Kaliurang suffers increased environmental damage Page 17

Shares end at record high on telecoms rebound

Shares end at record high on telecoms rebound Dow Jones, Jakarta Indonesian shares ended higher on Friday, with a further rebound in Telekomunikasi Indonesia and Indonesian Satellite driving the main index to close at a fresh record high, dealers said. They added that underlying sentiment toward Indonesian shares remains positive due to expectations of higher 2004 corporate earnings and a better-performing economy under the new government.

Business confidence up in Q3: BPS

Business confidence up in Q3: BPS The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Business confidence throughout the country improved during the third quarter from the previous quarter, the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reported on Friday. The agency said the business index for the July-September period rose to 111.36. "This indicates that business conditions in the third quarter were generally better compared to the second quarter," the BPS said in its latest quarterly business confidence survey.

Energy ministry categorically denies KBC graft accusations

Energy ministry categorically denies KBC graft accusations The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources denied on Friday accusations of graft involving Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro. The ministry was responding to a report published in this daily on Thursday regarding demands raised by a number of Indonesian professional groups that the authorities investigate the minister in connection with the Karaha Bodas geothermal power project.

1. ANALYST: 1 X 49

1. ANALYST: 1 X 49 Nahdlatul Ulama stuck between ego and ambition 2. BOJONG: 3 x 18 Six policemen deny involvement in Bojong violence 3. NU: 1 x 32 NU to hold its national congress 4. MUNIR: 1 x 32 Team to probe Munir's death proposed 5. MUNIR2: 1 x 36 Dutch parliament to hold debate on Munir

Fastfood sees 15% sales increase next year

Fastfood sees 15% sales increase next year Publicly listed restaurant-chain company PT Fastfood Indonesia, the holder of the Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) franchise in Indonesia, said its sales were expected to rise by 15 percent next year on higher consumer spending and expansion. Fastfood director J.D. Juwono said the company had projected that sales would increase to Rp 1.05 trillion (US$116 million) from this year's estimate of Rp 914 billion.

Shortage of blood hits Makassar after Ramadhan

Shortage of blood hits Makassar after Ramadhan Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post, Makassar Trembling and shivering with fear, Syahruddin, who says he's terrified of needles, let a Red Cross paramedic take his blood. It was his first time ever to donate blood. "First, I was really scared as I imagined the needle puncturing through my skin and flesh.

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?

Firecrackers explode at general's house

Firecrackers explode at general's house YOGYAKARTA: A bundle of firecrackers exploded late on Thursday in front of a house in Sleman regency belonging to an Air Force general. No fatalities were reported. Suminah, the elder sister of Rear Marshall Joko Waluyo, who was staying in the house, described on Friday the explosion as loud, leaving a cloud of smoke, shattered windows and damage to a rolling door in its wake.

Workers urge Sutiyoso to annul ruling on wage hike

Workers urge Sutiyoso to annul ruling on wage hike Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Around 70 protesters grouped in the United Workers Alliance have demanded that the City Council revoke Governor Sutiyoso's decision to raise the provincial minimum wage to Rp 711,843 (US$79). They also said there were legal flaws in the ruling, which was issued two weeks ago. "The ruling is one-sided and did not comply with the results of the latest survey jointly conducted by the tripartite group.

BIDA to hold trade workshop

BIDA to hold trade workshop BATAM: The Batam Industrial Development Authority (BIDA), in cooperation with the European Union (EU), is set to hold a workshop on the EU Trade and Economic Cooperation. The workshop will be held in Batam city between Dec. 2 and Dec. 3, said BIDA spokesman Dwi Joko Wiwoho. The workshop is aimed at promoting investment and trade in Indonesia and European countries. -- JP

Govt to re-hold civil servant recruitment test on Dec. 2

Govt to re-hold civil servant recruitment test on Dec. 2 Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has set Dec. 2 as the new date for the civil service recruitment test for hundreds of thousands of applicants in five towns, who could not sit the national examination on Wednesday due to technical glitches facing the officials administering the selection process.

KPI wants authority to issue broadcasting licenses

KPI wants authority to issue broadcasting licenses Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) submitted to the government on Friday a proposal that would make the commission the sole authority mandated to issue broadcasting licenses. KPI deputy chairman Sinansari Ecip said he hoped President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono would adopt the draft ancillary regulation needed to support the Broadcasting Law.

NU to begin conggress amid bickering

NU to begin conggress amid bickering Blontank Poer and Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Surakarta/Yogyakarta The debate on involvement in politics seems likely to dominate the upcoming 39th congress of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the country's biggest Muslim group, to be opened in the Central Java town of Surakarta by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Sunday.

Two held for alleged graft, murder in Poso

Two held for alleged graft, murder in Poso Ruslan Sangadji, The Jakarta Post, Palu The Central Sulawesi police chief of detectives disclosed that investigators had detained two people from Poso regency believed to have stolen refugee aid money and murdered a village chief who refused to go along with their scheme. "Ahmad Laparigi is now being held at the Palu penitentiary, while Andi Makkasau is in custody at the Central Sulawesi police headquarters," Sr. Comr.

Police quiz orphanage owner

Police quiz orphanage owner JAKARTA: The Jakarta Police questioned on Friday the owner of Pancaran Kasih Foundation, which runs two orphanages, for allegedly facilitating the illegal adoption of babies by foreigners. "We started questioning Sri Mandagi late on Thursday. We haven't finished taking her statement," chief of detectives, Sr. Comr. Mathius Salempang said on Friday afternoon.

Autonomy best solution for Aceh: Susilo

Autonomy best solution for Aceh: Susilo Nani Afrida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono told the Acehnese on Friday that special autonomy was the best way to resolve the Aceh conflict, signaling that there would be no policy changes in dealing with the secessionist movement there. "I am sure the implementation of the special autonomy law is the only way to end the conflict in Aceh.

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.

Kijang Innova makes export debut to Thailand, Brunei

Kijang Innova makes export debut to Thailand, Brunei Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Less than three months after the Kijang Innova minivan was launched domestically, PT Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia (TMMIN) has sent the first batch of exports to Thailand and Brunei. TMMIN president director Sachio Yamazaki said on Friday some 7,000 completely built up (CBU) units of the multipurpose vehicle would be shipped to Thailand and another 600 CBU units to Brunei.

Russia cozies up to RI defense industry

Russia cozies up to RI defense industry Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Russia has said it is willing to provide Indonesia all the assistance it wants in developing its weaponry systems and defense industry.

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.

TV Today: Saturday, November 27, 2004

TV Today: Saturday, November 27, 2004 TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:30 Religious Teachings 8:00 Talk Show: Hembing 10:00 Sports 11:30 Dangdut Music 1:00 p.m. News: Berita Siang 3:00 English News Service 4:30 Documentary 5:00 Children Show 5:30 Variety Show 6:30 TV Drama 7:00 News: Berita Nasional 7:30 TV Drama 8:00 TV Series: Demigods 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 9:30 Music 10:00 Boxing Match 11:00 Weekend Cinema 12:00 Shadow Puppet TPI 6:00 a.m.

1. Quake (50) - 60 pts 4cols 2lines (2x16)

1. Quake (50) - 60 pts 4cols 2lines (2x16) Quake hits Nabire, 17 people dead 2. Aceh (38) - 36 pts 2cols 3lines (3x12) Autonomy best solution for Aceh: Susilo 3. Summit (28) - 28 pts 2cols 2lines (2x16) Bombs jolt Laos ahead of ASEAN summit 4. Wealth (40) - 36 pts 3 cols 1 line (1x30) Anton the 'poorest' Cabinet minister --- 5. Photo 2 pieces

Tourism graduates in high demand overseas

Tourism graduates in high demand overseas Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Work experience and a high salary were the two main factors that motivated Agung, a final year student of the Sahid Tourism Academy, to apply for a job as a crew member of an Italian cruise ship. "By working as a crew member on the cruise ship I'll get a lot of money and working experience. That's why I'm happy," said the 23-year-old with a big smile.

Dutch parliament to hold debate on Munir

Dutch parliament to hold debate on Munir Agence France-Presse, The Hague The Dutch parliament will have an emergency debate Tuesday on the death of Indonesian human rights activist Munir, who died in September after he was poisoned on a plane en route from Jakarta to Amsterdam, the environmental Groenlinks (Greenleft) party said on Thursday. Dutch Justice Minister Piet Hein Donner and Foreign Minister Bernard Bot will take part in the debate. "There will be an emergency debate next Tuesday.

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.

Ethnic nationalism challenges

Ethnic nationalism challenges 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.

Second Noordin look-alike arrested, released by police

Second Noordin look-alike arrested, released by police Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung In the latest incident that could serve to illustrate the police's incompetence in hunting down terrorists, police in West Java arrested a man they mistook for one of the country's most wanted terror suspects -- Noordin Mohd. Top.

Education 'needs to promote pluralism'

Education 'needs to promote pluralism' M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Arguing that the New Order's legacy of intolerance is still prevalent, an expert has suggested that it is high time for the government to design new curricula that will promote pluralism among students.

New television channel launched

New television channel launched The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A new Jakarta-centric television station, O Channel, has been launched and will focus on entertainment and lifestyle programs, its owner says. O Channel -- "Jakarta's own channel" -- is broadcast from the Sarinah Building in Central Jakarta and first went on air in August. The MRA Media Group-owned channel is currently only available on a restricted basis and will go to full broadcast around Central and Greater Jakarta by mid-next year.

Govt rejects Jasa Marga IPO plan

Govt rejects Jasa Marga IPO plan JAKARTA: The Indonesian government has rejected PT Jasa Marga's plan to hold a public share offering before the end of the year, a senior government official said on Friday. "We don't see the need for the company to go public as it could raise funds through other mechanisms such as a bond issue or bank loans," State Enterprises Minister Sugiharto told reporters on Friday.

Team to probe Munir's death proposed

Team to probe Munir's death proposed Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Activists and close friends of noted rights campaigner Munir submitted on Friday, to the government, candidates for an independent team, who would assist the police in investigating his mysterious death.

Bridge in Palembang may collapse due to excessive urination

Bridge in Palembang may collapse due to excessive urination Muhammad Uzair, The Jakarta Post, Palembang The Palembang Transportation Office will soon reroute heavy vehicles from Ampera bridge to the Musi II bridge in the near future because a section of the Ampera bridge continues to slope at an angle and cause an inordinate amount of resonance during heavy traffic.

Quake hits Nabire, 17 people dead

Quake hits Nabire, 17 people dead Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura A powerful earthquake rocked the Papua town of Nabire on Friday afternoon, leaving at least 17 people dead and 33 others injured, and destroying hundreds of buildings. It was the second devastating earthquake to hit the area in the past nine months. The earthquake, measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale, created chaos in Nabire, the capital of Paniai regency.

'Virgin' recalled from movie theaters

'Virgin' recalled from movie theaters MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: The Makassar administration officially recalled on Friday the locally produced movie titled Virgin from theaters here, for an indefinite period, for allegedly containing immoral scenes and dialog. Makassar Mayor Ilham Arif Siradjuddin said the film was not in line with the local culture and customs.

S. PANIRSHEELUAM

S. PANIRSHEELUAM Pekanbaru, Riau

Papuans banned from flying flags

Papuans banned from flying flags JAYAPURA, Papua: As Papua's independence anniversary draws near, the Papua provincial administration reiterated its demand on Friday for Papuan residents to refrain from marking the occasion. Residents are banned from flying Kejora flags or other paraphernalia associated with the separatist movement in the province. They are also prohibited from holding ceremonies to celebrate the Dec. 1 anniversary, said Papua Governor JP Salossa.

Anton the 'poorest' Cabinet minister

Anton the 'poorest' Cabinet minister Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With Rp 389 million (US$43,000) in assets, Minister of Agriculture Anton Apriyantono is the "poorest" of 11 Cabinet members whose wealth has been verified by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). Coordinating Minister for the Economy Aburizal Bakrie has Rp 1.1 trillion in assets, making him the wealthiest of the 11 ministers verified by the KPK.

Nurdin's detention extended: Police

Nurdin's detention extended: Police JAKARTA: The police have extended the detention period of former lawmaker Nurdin Halid, a suspect in the smuggling of 73,000 tons of sugar from Thailand last May, for another 30 days, pending his transfer to prosecutors. National Police chief of detectives Comr. Gen. Suyitno Landung said on Friday, due to the extension Nurdin would remain in police custody until Dec. 27.

Civil servants play hooky despite longer holiday

Civil servants play hooky despite longer holiday Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The absentee rate in government offices after the Idul Fitri holiday slightly rose compared to last year, despite the fact that civil servants were granted more time off. The office of the State Minister of Administrative Reform found that 87.45 percent of state employees checked in at their offices on Monday this week, the first day of work after an extended Idul Fitri holiday.

Nahdlatul Ulama stuck between ego and ambition

Nahdlatul Ulama stuck between ego and ambition Blontank Poer, The Jakarta Post, Surakarta Ahead of the 31st Congress of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), which will be held at the Donohudan Haj Dormitory, Surakarta, the focus of its members is on the heightened rivalry between supporters and opponents of incumbent chairman Hasyim Muzadi, who is seeking reelection for a second five-year term.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov.26, 2004

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov.26, 2004 ____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume _____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 225 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 2,525 -50 84,500 Adhi Karya 575 0 8,133,500 Adira Dinamika 2,500 -50 26,500 AGIS Tbk 105 0 1,323,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 175 5 413,500 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,175 0 1,637,000 Alakasa Industrindo 165 0 0...

Febi, Hendri advance to doubles final

Febi, Hendri advance to doubles final Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Third seeds Febi Widhianto and Hendri Susilo of Indonesia advanced to the doubles final of the US$6,250 Indonesia Men's Satellite Tennis Circuit by defeating Ketut Nesa Arta of Indonesia and Gafur Ishmatov of Uzbekistan 7-6 (4), 6-4 here on Friday.

ASEAN insists that Australia and NZ sign no-war pact

ASEAN insists that Australia and NZ sign no-war pact Agencies, Vientiane/Canberra Southeast Asian officials insisted on Friday that Australia and New Zealand sign a non-aggression pact with ASEAN to dispel any misconception about their intentions in the region. The officials noted that countries from as far away as Pakistan and Japan have acceded to the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC), with Russia and South Korea also due to sign on at next week's summit in Laos.

Tino Sidin's work on display

Tino Sidin's work on display YOGYAKARTA: In a bid to commemorate as well as show appreciation for once-prominent artist Tino Sidin, coffee shop Ministry of Coffee, Jl. Prawirotaman, is running a 15-day exhibition of the late artist's sketches. Opened on November 25, Tino Sidin's birthday, the exhibition will be officially closed on Dec. 9, 2004.

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.

More labor exporters to be closed down

More labor exporters to be closed down JAKARTA: The government has agreed to shut down several labor exporting agencies and provide better protection for Indonesian migrant workers employed in the informal sector abroad.

Thriving China forces ASEAN to raise its game

Thriving China forces ASEAN to raise its game Alan Wheatley, Reuters, Singapore After spending more than five years and millions of dollars on plans to build a US$550 million power station, Michael Reading knows how hard it it can be to do business in Southeast Asia. Reading remains confident the project will get off the ground, but his efforts to break into an industry dominated by state-run incumbents have been an exercise in frustration.

OPEC officials to visit RP

OPEC officials to visit RP MANILA: Senior officials of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) will visit the Philippines next month to discuss the impact of high oil prices and OPEC policies, the Energy Department said on Friday. OPEC secretary-general Maizar Rahman will lead the group that will arrive in early December "to update the Filipino public on OPEC's current policies and their impact on net energy importing countries like the Philippines," a department statement said.

Mangrove forests turned into shrimp ponds and squatter camps

Mangrove forests turned into shrimp ponds and squatter camps Oyos Saroso H.N., The Jakarta Post, Bandarlampung Shrimp farm companies have again complained over land clearance conducted by local residents that is impeding their operations and endangering the surrounding environment.

Bustanil acquitted of Bulog charges

Bustanil acquitted of Bulog charges JAKARTA: The Attorney General's Office has halted the investigation into former head of the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) Bustanil Arifin for alleged corruption, due to insufficient evidence. The office said in a statement that there were as yet no regulations that govern the use of non-budgetary funds belonging to the agency and, therefore, Bustanul could not be held accountable.