Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 30 November 2004

98 articles found

Rupiah Rates Nov.29

Rupiah Rates Nov.29 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,473.51 6,682.17 7,115.38 7,040.07 Brunei dollar 1 5,795.29 5,181.77 5,517.58 5,459.31 Canadian dollar 1 8,050.70 7,199.76 7,664.91 7,585.39 Swiss franc 1 8,313.63 7,434.80 7,915.24 7,833.01 Danish krone 1 1,695.41 1,515.50 1,614.17 1,596.67 Euro 1 12,591.32 11,259.27 11,987.94 11,862.33 Poundsterling 1 17,957.89 16,062.35 17,097.35 16,922.66 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,221.21 1,092.45 1,162.69 1,150.96...

The ASEAN family behind closed doors

The ASEAN family behind closed doors Meidyatama Suryodiningrat, The Jakarta Post, Vientiane Ten middle-aged men and one woman gathered around a table behind closed doors. With purpose and confidence each took a turn circling the four-meter-wide wooden round table, elaborating on issues that needed to be explained and suggestions that needed to be proposed. Some spoke in English, others in a language that not all could understand.

JP/19/VIN

JP/19/VIN Vin+ offers inexpensive booze in stylish surroundings Rich Simons Contributor/Jakarta Port (wine) is the comfort of age and the companion of the scholar and the philosopher. (Evelyn Waugh) In yet another tangible indicator that Indonesia, and Jakarta in particular, is recovering from the economic and social confusion of the 1990s, VIN+, a bright, spacious, oh-so-chic wine boutique has opened its doors to the public in Kemang.

Dwarfs in Flores mythology

Dwarfs in Flores mythology Liang Bua, in the local language of Teras, means cold water of the cave. It is so named because the stalactites of the cave's upper walls always drop fresh and cold water onto the floor below. According to folklore, Reba Ruek was a short, hairy and dark-skinned man in Liang Bua, who was first discovered by boar hunters.

E. Timor to deport 274 Indonesians

E. Timor to deport 274 Indonesians Agencies, Dili East Timor will deport 274 Indonesians, some of whom have been living in the former Indonesian colony for decades, for failing to acquire proper immigration documents, officials said on Monday. "We have to act according to law, even though it must hurt to leave their homes," said Carlos Jeronimo, head of East Timor's immigration office.

Russia offers scholarships

Russia offers scholarships JAKARTA: The Russian government has announced its intention to offer 20 scholarships for Indonesian students to study in Russia every year. "At the moment, we have about 100 Indonesians studying in our country, mostly through scholarships. Most of them are studying medicine or engineering," said deputy director of the international education and cooperation division of Russia's ministry of education, Alexei V. Talonov, here on Monday.

Top separatist gets nine years in prison

Top separatist gets nine years in prison M. Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon The Ambon District Court sentenced on Monday the secretary- general of the Maluku Sovereignty Front (FKM), Moses Tuanakotta, to nine years in prison for subversion. The sentence was six years lighter than what prosecutors had been seeking.

Response to Rudy on eastward flights

Response to Rudy on eastward flights I write this letter in response to Rudy Hendra of Bandung, who seems confused as to why commercial carriers fly eastward to the U.S. from Southeast Asia (The Jakarta Post, Nov. 27, Why fly eastward to reach the U.S.?). He wondered, specifically, if the Earth's rotation would hinder eastward flights.

Liang Bua, human evolution study center

Liang Bua, human evolution study center Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Manggarai At the end of October, the fossilized remains of a one-meter- tall hominid were discovered in Flores island, which lies within East Nusa Tenggara province. The Jakarta Post's Yemris Fointuna has written a profile of Liang Bua, where the discovery was made. The accompanying article makes reference to the role of dwarfs in Flores mythology.

Civil service is govt's 'political machine'

Civil service is govt's 'political machine' Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Vice President Jusuf Kalla called on members of the Indonesian Civil Servants Association (Korpri) across the country to comply with regulations set by the government, saying that the bureaucracy was the government's political machine.

Ulema want NU congress to empower 'syuriah'

Ulema want NU congress to empower 'syuriah' Blontank Poer and Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Surakarta Dozens of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) senior clerics want the country's largest Muslim organization to give the leader of its lawmaking body the power to dismiss members of the central executive board for political offenses. M.

17 universities sign MOU with Microsoft

17 universities sign MOU with Microsoft JAKARTA: Sixteen public and one private university signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Microsoft on Monday to receive technical assistance in information technology. The seventeen universities were recommended by the Ministry of National Education's Directorate of Higher Education, "and we are still waiting for the (recommendation) of one more university," PT Microsoft Indonesia's education manager L. Chandra Mohan said here on Monday.

Ferry runs aground on way to Alor

Ferry runs aground on way to Alor KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: The ferry Balibo, operated by a state-owned company, ran aground on its way from Alor regency to Kupang, the capital of East Nusa Tenggara at dawn Monday, but no fatalities were reported in the incident. The ferry, carrying some 220 passengers, became lodged on a coral reef off of Kera island, 17 kilometers from Bolok port in Kupang.

Garuda seeks debt refinancing to avoid bankruptcy

Garuda seeks debt refinancing to avoid bankruptcy Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Due to the lack of funds for expansion amid a huge debt burden, national flag carrier Garuda Indonesia acknowledged on Monday that it could eventually collapse unless the government takes action in allowing the airline to refinance its debts.

BKPM seeks to complete new investment bill

BKPM seeks to complete new investment bill The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) said on Monday the foot- dragging process in the drafting of a crucial investment bill was mainly caused by stiff resistance from the Ministry of Forestry. The strong rejection of the ministry had forced the state secretary to send the bill back to the Office of the Coordinating Minister for the Economy for further study, putting the bill's status in jeopardy, BKPM Chairman Theo F.

JP/18/HVAIDS

JP/18/HVAIDS HIV/AIDS threatens Papuan tribes with extinction Nethy Dharma Somba The Jakarta Post/Jayapura Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) that causes it, may be contributing to the extinction of some of Papua's 250 tribes. With a population of 2.4 million, 15,000 people in the province have developed the disease, while 660,000 are HIV positive. In Papua, the virus has generally been transmitted through sexual intercourse.

Astra Agro's CPO sales rise 37%

Astra Agro's CPO sales rise 37% JAKARTA: PT Astra Agro Lestari, Indonesia's largest publicly traded plantations company, said palm oil sales rose 37 percent in the first ten months of the year as exports more than doubled. Sales of the edible oil rose to 602,353 metric tons in the ten months ended Oct. 31, from 439,275 tons a year earlier, the company said in a statement to the Jakarta Stock Exchange.

Government to build quake-proof schools

Government to build quake-proof schools JAKARTA: The Ministry of National Education is planning to build earthquake-proof schools in quake-prone areas across the country. "We have sent a team representing all directorates to Alor in East Nusa Tenggara to make an inventory of damaged schools, and price building materials. We expect to do the same in Nabire, Papua," the ministry's directorate general of elementary and middle school education, Indra Jati Sidi, said on Monday.

YPI center deals with increase in HIV/AIDS

YPI center deals with increase in HIV/AIDS Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Pelita Ilmu Foundation's (YPI) center for drug users in Kampung Bali, Central Jakarta, is struggling to curb the number of drug users in the area and the spread of HIV/AIDS, with the first case of HIV infection in the area recorded three years ago. Program manager of the center, Pungky Djoko, said on Monday that it had helped around 10 percent of 1,555 drug users registered in the area to get clean this year.

Govt to review authority of Tariff Team

Govt to review authority of Tariff Team Zakki P. Hakim The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The government is reviewing which ministry should have the authority to determine trade-related fiscal policies such as import duties in an effort to maximize the use of the "injury clause" to curtail the excesses of trade liberalization, a senior official said.

NU convention: How it can benefit the members

NU convention: How it can benefit the members Muhammad Nafik, Surakarta Will the five-day congress (muktamar) of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), which began on Sunday in Surakarta, Central Java, mean anything for the some 40 million members of the country's largest Muslim organization? Many hope that the 31st national congress will depart from the pattern set by previous conferences by taking into account the plight of NU members, mostly farmers, fishermen, laborers and other people on low incomes.

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.

Kuningan to have pilot bus terminal

Kuningan to have pilot bus terminal Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Kuningan The Ministry of Transportation is planning to build a large bus terminal in Kuningan regency, West Java, that will cost the state Rp 20 billion (US$2.2 million). The terminal, which is part of a national pilot project, will be built to accommodate the high rate of mobility among Kuningan residents, according to Kuningan Regent Aang Hamid Suganda.

Govt to review ways of determining tariffs: Minister

Govt to review ways of determining tariffs: Minister Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government is reviewing which ministry should have the authority to determine trade-related fiscal policies such as import duties in an effort to maximize the use of the "injury clause" to curtail the excesses of trade liberalization, a senior official said.

Indonesia revives President's Cup boxing championship in Batam

Indonesia revives President's Cup boxing championship in Batam Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After a four-year hiatus, Indonesia will hold the President's Cup boxing championship from Dec. 9 to Dec. 18 in Batam, Riau islands. The head of the organizing committee, Toto Heryanto, said here on Monday that 15 countries had confirmed their participation in the 20th President Cup.

Foundation finds 'waste donors' for charity

Foundation finds 'waste donors' for charity Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta "Killing two birds with one stone" is not an empty proverb for low-cost apartment residents built by Taiwan-based Buddha Tzu Chi Foundation in Cengkareng Timur, West Jakarta. They not only help clean up some parts of the city by collecting nonorganic waste from nearby areas but also sort it into three categories of paper, plastic and aluminum cans before selling it.

An end to coups in Southeast Asia?

An end to coups in Southeast Asia? Meidyatama Suryodiningrat, The Jakarta Post, Vientiane Coup d'etats and military takeovers could be a thing of the past if leaders of the 10 southeast Asian nations are truly committed in their pledge to ending unconstitutional changes in the region.

Muslim leaders join call for peaceful proselytization

Muslim leaders join call for peaceful proselytization M. Taufiqurrahman and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Muslim leaders joined the call for the dissemination of Islamic teachings (dakwah) on Monday, saying that teaching others about the religion had long been a principle of Islam in the country.

Liang Bua, human evolution study center

Liang Bua, human evolution study center Yemris Fointuna The Jakarta Post/Manggarai At the end of October, the fossilized remains of a one-meter- tall hominid were discovered in Flores island, which lies within East Nusa Tenggara province. The Jakarta Post's Yemris Fointuna has written a profile of Liang Bua, where the discovery was made. The accompanying article makes reference to the role of dwarfs in Flores mythology.

Sang Timur parents demand solution, again

Sang Timur parents demand solution, again Parents of children attending the Sang Timur Catholic School in Karang Tengah district, Tangerang, on Monday urged Mayor Wahidin Halim to take immediate measures to ensure that their students can study in peace. Parents' forum chairman Hillon Goa said that all existing access into the school compound have been blocked by local residents. "We want a guarantee that there'll be no more disturbances ... the administration must find a solution by Dec.

Residents protest over electricity

Residents protest over electricity JEMBER, East Java: Dozens of residents in Curahdami subdistrict, Jember regency staged a protest on Monday outside the Jember council building, demanding that the administration act quickly to install electricity throughout the subdistrict. The residents' representatives met with local councillors after the protest, and during the meeting, they expressed anger at the government, which was incapable of providing electricity in the subdistrict.

Shares end lower on profit taking in Gresik, Telkom

Shares end lower on profit taking in Gresik, Telkom Shares ended down on Monday as profit-taking hit Semen Gresik, Telekomunikasi Indonesia and other stocks that posted recent gains, dealers said. "Many investors adjusted their positions after recent sharp gains," said a trader with Kuo Capital Securities. He added that overall sentiment remains cautious due to the weakness of the rupiah against the U.S. dollar.

Tax chief fears misuse of planned amnesty facility

Tax chief fears misuse of planned amnesty facility Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The tax office will oppose plans to provide a tax amnesty unless the government provides the office with unlimited access to taxpayer information to ensure the amnesty is not abused, the tax chief said.

'I can't imagine it happening to us'

'I can't imagine it happening to us' Official estimates reveal that between 90,000 and 130,000 people live with HIV/AIDS throughout the country, although most activists believe the number is much higher. In conjunction with World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, The Jakarta Post talked to two residents about the issue. Hendri Suhenda, 33, owns a drinks stall on Jl. Jend. Sudirman, South Jakarta. He also works as an accountant with a private company in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta.

ASEAN wages war against trafficking

ASEAN wages war against trafficking VIENTIANE: Southeast Asian countries agreed on Monday to jointly wage war against human trafficking, especially of women and children, an often-overlooked problem that has been fostered by widespread poverty and weak law enforcement in the region. Leaders of the 10-country Association of Southeast Asian Nations, assembled in Laos for a summit, called for stronger border controls, cooperation in breaking up syndicates and better assistance for the victims.

Java wins national cricket's first game

Java wins national cricket's first game The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Java's cricket team defeated its Balinese opponent by virtue of a faster run rate in the first match of the National Cricket Championship at Ceylon Cricket Ground in Cibubur, East Jakarta on Sunday. The game was pushed into an early close due to heavy rain at around 2:00 p.m.

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.

Juwono, Andung submit reports to KPK

Juwono, Andung submit reports to KPK JAKARTA: Defense minister Juwono Sudarsono and industry minister Andung Nitimihardja submitted on Monday their respective wealth reports to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). Maritime and fisheries minister Freddy Numberi is thus the only Cabinet member not to have submitted a wealth report. M.

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.

From Santiago to Vientiane and the chances of economic integration

From Santiago to Vientiane and the chances of economic integration Romeo A. Reyes, Jakarta November is certainly a busy month for summitry. Last week 21 leaders of Pacific Rim "economies" met in Santiago, Chile for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit. They include leaders of 7 (out of 10) ASEAN member countries,China, Japan, Republic of Korea, Australia and New Zealand, the U.S. Russia, Mexico and Chile.

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.

ASEAN speeds up tariff reductions in 11 sectors

ASEAN speeds up tariff reductions in 11 sectors Meidyatama Suryodiningrat, The Jakarta Post, Vientiane Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) agreed on Monday to accelerate tariff reductions by eliminating Common Effective Preferential Tariffs (CEPTs) in 11 sectors by 2007. The 11 sectors are agro-based, automotive, electronics, fisheries, rubber-based, textile and apparels, wood-based, air travel, e-commerce (also known as "e-ASEAN"), health care and tourist industries.

Part 1 of 2: The future of ASEAN competitiveness

Part 1 of 2: The future of ASEAN competitiveness Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Vientiane/Laos It is a pleasure and honor for me to address all of you, the leaders of business from ASEAN, at this very important ASEAN Business and Investment Summit. And in this spirit of togetherness, it is timely that we are joined here today to think about the many ways and means of enhancing our collective competitiveness. Yet as many of you will agree, our critics have probably begun snickering now.

Eight local govts given awards

Eight local govts given awards SURABAYA: Seven regencies and a municipality in East Java were named best administrations in terms of public services this year. The decision was announced by East Java Governor Imam Oetomo on Monday during a ceremony in Surabaya, to commemorate the 33rd anniversary of the Indonesian Civil Servant Association (KORPRI). The eight administrations are part of the total of 38 regencies and municipalities in East Java province.

Merpati seeks cooperation with regional govts to expand services

Merpati seeks cooperation with regional govts to expand services The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Ailing state-owned air carrier PT Merpati Nusantara Airlines plans to expand its services in remote areas around the country by cooperating with local administrations to provide airplanes that can be operated by the airline.

China, ASEAN move towards world's biggest FTZ

China, ASEAN move towards world's biggest FTZ Peter Harmsen, Agence France-Presse/Vientiane China and 10 Southeast Asian countries signed historic trade pacts Monday to pave the way for the world's biggest free-trade zone by 2010, covering nearly two billion people. Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao and his counterparts from the 10-country Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) signed the agreements in the Laotian capital Vientiane.

PGI's 14th congress kicks off

PGI's 14th congress kicks off The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Communion of Indonesian Churches (PGI) is scheduled to kick off its 14th annual national congress on Tuesday to find better ways to serve their people. PGI chairman priest Nathan Setiabudi will open the conggress, which will hear the speech from President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Wednesday night.

Papa Ron's Pizza goes int'l

Papa Ron's Pizza goes int'l Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung Indonesian-based Italian restaurant chain Papa Ron's Pizza will go international next year with the opening of three outlets in Singapore, China and the United Arab Emirates, a company executive said on Monday.

Govt sees 2005 deficit widen to 1% of GDP

Govt sees 2005 deficit widen to 1% of GDP Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government is considering revising upward next year's state budget deficit to 1 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) from a previous projection of 0.8 percent, the finance minister said.

Attorney general to review major corruption cases

Attorney general to review major corruption cases M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Attorney General's Office promised Monday to complete hundreds of corruption cases throughout the country within three months, including a review of big cases. After being pressed by legislators, Attorney General Abdul Rahman Saleh disclosed at a hearing that his office would review big cases that had been buried by the so-called "order to stop investigation", popularly known as SP3.

Drawn-out court proceedings

Drawn-out court proceedings My company was legally appointed in 1994 as the sole agent in Indonesia of German firm Eickhorn to import and sell commando- type combat knives from Solingen, Germany, to an Indonesian state institution as the authorized end-user. A number of orders were successfully completed and payments were remitted to Germany. However, the commissions agreed upon as per contract have never been paid. Instead fake credit notes were issued.

Thailand agrees to share security information

Thailand agrees to share security information Agencies, Vientiane/Bangkok Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia have agreed to boost cooperation on security amid fears that Muslim unrest in the southern Thai provinces could explode into a regional threat, officials said on Monday.

'Trash donors' sought for charity

'Trash donors' sought for charity Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta "Killing two birds with one stone" is not an empty proverb for low-cost apartment residents built by Taiwan-based Buddha Tzu Chi Foundation in Cengkareng Timur, West Jakarta. They not only help clean up some parts of the city by collecting non-organic waste from nearby areas but also sort it into three categories of paper, plastic and aluminum cans before selling it.

25 to study human rights in Norway

25 to study human rights in Norway JAKARTA: The Ministry of Justice and Human Rights will send 25 Indonesians to learn about conflict resolution and peace in Norway, a government official says. Human rights director general Hafid Abbas said on Monday that the group, comprising activists, local figures and officials from across the country, was expected to support resolutions of a number of conflicts involving human rights here.

Susilo, APEC and the broad issue of terrorism

Susilo, APEC and the broad issue of terrorism S.P. SETH, Freelance Journalist While global terrorism is a major problem, sometimes it is even a bigger problem for countries to convince the United States that they share its commitment to fight and eradicate it. Indonesia is an important example. It has been the target of terrorist violence on more than one occasion, and is quite serious about combating this threat.

House delays all bill deliberations

House delays all bill deliberations Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Represantives legislation body (Baleg) agreed on Monday to delay all bill deliberations, pending discussions between the government and the legislators on which bills should be dealt with first. Baleg chairman Muhammad AS Hikam said the discussions with the government would take place in January and could take some time to reach an agreement.

ASEAN action plan to form trade community

ASEAN action plan to form trade community Agence France-Presse, Vientiane Southeast Asian leaders sealed on Monday a six-year plan to fast- track trade liberalization and regional integration to create a powerful ASEAN community by 2020. Leaders of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting in Laos adopted the Vientiane Action Program, the second in a series of plans to steer the grouping towards its long-term vision.

LSP released from prison

LSP released from prison The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Director General of Taxation Hadi Purnomo confirmed on Monday an earlier press report that LSP, an executive of the American- controlled Karaha Bodas Company (KBC), who had been put in jail for alleged tax evasion, was released on Friday night after settling his tax arrears.

Brit Council library in new home

Brit Council library in new home Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Starting on Monday, around 7,000 members of the British Council can visit its library now located in the compound of the Ministry of National Education, opposite the site of its old premises on Jl. Sudirman, Central Jakarta. The new library appears spacious and well-designed, standing out among the older buildings within the ministry compound.

Semen Gresik's sales rose 9% in October

Semen Gresik's sales rose 9% in October JAKARTA: PT Semen Gresik, Indonesia's biggest cement maker by volume, said cement sales rose 9 percent to 1.55 million metric tons in October, from 1.43 million tons in the same month last year. Domestic sales in October gained 7 percent to 1.33 million tons, while export sales jumped 21 percent to 221,778 tons, the Gresik, East Java-based cement maker said on Monday in a faxed statement. In the 10 months ended Oct.

Detention center visitor arrested

Detention center visitor arrested JAKARTA: Police arrested on Monday a woman who was on her way to visit a detainee in the Jakarta Police's narcotics detention center, finding one gram of shabu-shabu (crystal methamphetamine) on her personage. The police said Widyasari had arrived at the detention center at about 1 p.m., and asked permission to visit a woman, identified as Agustin.

ADS : PT Indolok Bakti

ADS : PT Indolok Bakti Date: November 30 Integrated solution to security problems Few companies can supply a complete range of security products and services. One that can is PT Indolok Bakti Utama, which offers sophisticated security products and presents them in an integrated way. This capability is PT Indolok Bakti Utama's competitive advantage not yet found in other security equipment companies in Indonesia.

Bureaucrats' performance

Bureaucrats' performance From Media Indonesia Spot checks at government offices to listen to public complaints about their service delivery will also be revealing of their performance. If performance keeps declining despite warnings, there must be something wrong with either the organization or its personnel.

Cilincing to undergo facelift

Cilincing to undergo facelift JAKARTA: The slum area of North Jakarta, Cilincing, will undergo a facelift starting next year, the city's official news portal, Beritajakarta, reported on Saturday. Improvements to the area will include the construction of low- cost apartments and industries that produce containers. Cilincing is also one of the areas that will be affected by the ongoing construction of the East Flood Canal, which will help ease possible flooding in the northern part of the capital.

2 x 23

2 x 23 ;JP;NFK; ANPAa..r.. NU-Analysis-Convention JP/6/nu NU convention: How it can benefit the members 2. Romeo-- 2 x 30 ;JP;PRB; ANPAk..r.. APEC-ASEAN-comparison JP/6 / From Santiago to Vientiane and the chances of economic integration

Japanese seeking business opportunities

Japanese seeking business opportunities PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: A Japanese lawmaker and two businessmen met with Palembang government officials on Sunday night, in hopes of exploring investment opportunities in the city. The lawmaker in question was a senator from Fujimi City, Ishikawa Shinichiro, and the two businessmen were Shinbori Naoki and Suzuki Yusihiro.

1. NU-2 (36) - 36 pts 3 cols 2lines (2x24)

1. NU-2 (36) - 36 pts 3 cols 2lines (2x24) Ulema want NU congress to empower 'syuriah' 2. Pluralism (50) - 48 pts 7 cols 1line (1x45) Muslim leaders join call for peaceful proselytization 3. Quake (45) - 36 pts 4 cols 1line (1x28) Death toll in Nabire earthquake shoots up to 19 4. Garbage (43) - 36 pts 4cols 1line (1x28) 'Trash donors' sought for charity --- 5. Photos (2 pieces) 6. Oddworld

RI to start selling 16% Bank Niaga stake

RI to start selling 16% Bank Niaga stake By Shanthy Nambiar and Aloysius Unditu, Jakarta/Bloomberg Indonesia's government will start selling a stake of as much as 16 percent in PT Bank Niaga this week, as it seeks to finance its budget deficit. The stock will be offered to investors after the close of trading on the Jakarta Stock Exchange at 4:00 p.m. today, Mohammad Syahrial, president director of PT Perusahaan Pengelola Aset, a government agency in charge of selling state assets, said today.

When the state fails to create a secure environment

When the state fails to create a secure environment Rudijanto, Contributor, Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's order to Indonesian police chief General Da'i Bachtiar to capture the alleged masterminds of bomb blasts, Nurdin M Top and Dr. Azahari, is a re-assuring sign to improve the nation's security, but suicide bombings are not the only danger for businesses. When a bomb exploded in front of Australian embassy in Jakarta's busy Jl.

Grauffel in 7th on first day at AustralAsia

Grauffel in 7th on first day at AustralAsia Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Sanur, Bali World champion Eric Grauffel of France ended the opening day of the AustralAsia Practical Shooting Championship 2004, here on Monday, in seventh place on provisional standings. Competing in the Open category, equipped with a handgun super auto caliber 38, Grauffel had to be content with collected points of 687.1451. Chavananand Voravith of Thailand topped the standings with 1304.1537 points.

The falling dollar and the rupiah

The falling dollar and the rupiah The euro and most major Asian currencies have recently risen sharply against the American dollar. Last week alone, the euro appreciated by almost 2 percent to an all time high of US$1.32. The Japanese yen has strengthened by 8 percent since October, and the South Korean won by nearly 10 percent. Likewise the Taiwanese and Singapore dollars have been at their highest levels for three and six years, respectively.

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.

Asia's share of U.S. trade deficit smaller

Asia's share of U.S. trade deficit smaller Asia does not deserve all the blame for the United States' burgeoning trade deficit, DBS Bank Research said on Monday. Contrary to popular perceptions, the bank's economists found Asia is now responsible for a smaller share of the deficit that six years ago. Other regions such as Europe are increasing their share of the deficit, which economists believe is the largest risk to the global economy.

*Muslim leaders join call for peaceful proselytization Page 2

*Muslim leaders join call for peaceful proselytization Page 2 *House delays bill deliberations Page 4 *FKM secretary general sentenced to nine years in jail Page 5 *NU convention: How it can benefit members Page 6 *City may return to Bantar Gebang dump after Bojong clash Page 8 *Fred Couples hits the jackpot at Skins Game Page 9 *Ukraine top court meets to tackle election crisis Page 11 *Govt sees 2005 deficit widen to 1 percent of GDP Page 13 *Liang Bua, human evolution study center Page 18

Gus Dur-Hasyim showdown heats up NU congress

Gus Dur-Hasyim showdown heats up NU congress Muhammad Nafik and Bontank Poer and Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Surakarta A showdown between former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid and incumbent chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Hasyim Muzadi over the NU chairmanship heated up on the second day of the organization's national congress here on Monday with two camps mobilizing their ranks.

Idea for new municipality in Tangerang challenged

Idea for new municipality in Tangerang challenged Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang Residents of six districts in Tangerang regency are at odds over the idea to form a new municipality, which would border on Jakarta. Joint Committee for the Establishment of Independent Cipasera (KBKO) secretary-general Hidayat Suhali, said on the weekend that the organization had started to carry out a feasibility study on the formation of the municipality.

Businessman Rudy Sutopo gets 15 years in state pen

Businessman Rudy Sutopo gets 15 years in state pen The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The South Jakarta District Court have found businessman Rudy Sutopo guilty of fraud in the high-profile Rp 1.7 trillion (US$185 million) Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) scandal and sentenced him to 15 years in a state penitentiary. A panel of three judges, presided over by Judge M. Syarifuddin, also ordered Rudy to pay a Rp 1 billion fine.

JP1/HEADING/TUESDAY, 30 NOVEMBER 2004:

JP1/HEADING/TUESDAY, 30 NOVEMBER 2004: 1. NU: 3 x 15 Power struggle heats up NU congress 2. ASEAN: 2 x 20 An end to coups d'etat in Southeast Asia? 3. TAX: 2 x 27 Tax chief fears misuse of amnesty facility 4. CORRUPTION: 2 x 27 Attorney general to review major corruption cases

Burhanuddin Abe

Burhanuddin Abe Contributor Jakarta Like other places in the world, concern for security in all aspects of life has also become a top priority in Indonesia. A number of bombings -- in Bali as well as the recent one in front of the Australian Embassy in Jakarta -- and other types of violence raging in several parts of the nation have further heightened everyone's awareness of the urgent need to secure themselves and every place prone to such threats.

JP/7/

JP/7/ The future of ASEAN competitiveness 2. Seth-- 1 x 48 ;JP; ANPAk..r.. Susilo-terrorism-APEC JP/7/opinion Susilo, APEC and the broad issue of terrorism 3. Island-- 2 x 21 ;THEISLAND; ANPAk..r.. Buddha-compassion JP/ / A good life demands boundless compassion

Malaysia host first East Asia Summit

Malaysia host first East Asia Summit Jim Gomez, Associated Press/Vientiane Southeast Asian leaders on Monday approved Malaysia's long-held dream to hold a summit of East Asian countries, seen as an important step toward creating a strong Asia trading bloc, but the number of countries that would be invited was left unclear.

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.

PTBA plans Rp 1.8t investment for railway

PTBA plans Rp 1.8t investment for railway Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned coal mining firm PT Tambang Batubara Bukit Asam (PTBA) plans a huge investment next year to improve the railway facilities used to transport its coal products.

Myanmar extends Suu Kyi house arrest: Opposition

Myanmar extends Suu Kyi house arrest: Opposition Aung Hla Tun, Reuters/Yangon Myanmar police have told democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi she is being held under house arrest under a law which allows for such detention for up to a year, an opposition spokesman said on Monday. U Lwin, spokesman for Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD), said police visited her lakeside villa in Yangon, where she has been under house arrest since Sept. 26, to tell her the detention had been extended.

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.

Heading

Heading Battling against the stigma of HIV/AIDS When he was diagnosed as HIV-positive at the age of 19 in 2002, Rico Gustav said he initially felt nothing. But deep down he knew his life would never be the same again. Young and talented, Rico admitted last week he no longer entertained any serious long-term plans for his future. His only wish now was to keep assisting other HIV-positive people. "All my other dreams have gone. My only dream now is to be of help to other HIV carriers.

Flooding, landslides hit Java, Sumatra islands

Flooding, landslides hit Java, Sumatra islands Puji Santoso, The Jakarta Post, Pekanbaru After the prolonged dry season, rain has begun falling in various areas across the archipelago over the past few days, leading to landslides and flooding. Hundreds of residents of Pekanbaru had to abandon their homes on Monday after floodwaters rose to a depth of one meter in several parts of the city.

W. Papua, bone of contention between govt and Papuans

W. Papua, bone of contention between govt and Papuans Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The establishment of West Papua province could remain a stumbling block in the relations between the central government and Papuans, if it is not resolved in a way that both sides agree upon.

Cholera outbreak strains health services in Lampung

Cholera outbreak strains health services in Lampung Oyos Saroso H.N., The Jakarta Post, Bandarlampung The rain, for some people is not always a boon, and the torrential rains that have hammered Bandarlampung over the past week have also brought with them new problems, specifically cholera.

'Trade key to ASEAN ties'

'Trade key to ASEAN ties' CANBERRA: Australia has defended its stand against signing a non-aggression pact with Southeast Asian nations, saying on Monday that the treaty would conflict with military obligations to the United States. Prime Minister John Howard is the first Australian prime minister to be invited to a meeting of Association of South East Asian Nations, which is set in Laos to endorse formal talks on a free trade deal with Australia and New Zealand.

Merpati seeks cooperation with regional govts

Merpati seeks cooperation with regional govts Ailing state-owned air carrier PT Merpati Nusantara Airlines plans to expand its services in remote areas around the country by cooperating with local administrations to provide airplanes that can be operated by the airline. Merpati president director Hotasi Nababan said the airline had already inked a deal with Merauke regency in Papua to operate an airplane to link people in the area to other cities in Papua and other islands.

Two more victims bring death toll to 19 in Nabire earthquake

Two more victims bring death toll to 19 in Nabire earthquake The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Two more bodies were found on Sunday evening, bringing the number of people killed in the devastating Nabire earthquake to 19, a senior police officer said on Monday. The new fatalities included a two-month-old baby who was found beneath a pile of debris after the Friday earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale.

JP/13/Tax

JP/13/Tax LSP released from prison: Tax office The Jakarta Post Jakarta Director General of Taxation Hadi Purnomo confirmed on Monday an earlier press report that LSP, an executive of the American- controlled Karaha Bodas Company (KBC), who had been put in jail for alleged tax evasion, was released on Friday night after settling his tax arrears.

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.

Howard arrives at summit amid pressure to sign pact

Howard arrives at summit amid pressure to sign pact Australian Prime Minister John Howard arrived in Laos on Monday for a summit of Southeast Asian nations where he is expected to face pressure over his refusal to sign a regional non-aggression pact. Howard, whose stated policy of pre-emptive strikes to avert terrorist attacks has raised concerns in the region, joined New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark for their first summit with the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

T. Abang project resumes despite ban

T. Abang project resumes despite ban JAKARTA: Several vendors at Tanah Abang textile market in Central Jakarta informed the City Council on Monday that a temporary market was still being erected, despite the council's order that the project be halted. The council had called on the Jakarta administration and city market operator PD Pasar Jaya to delay the project, pending a second opinion as to whether the old market should be demolished and replaced with a new, modern shopping center.

City may return to Bantar Gebang dump after Bojong clash

City may return to Bantar Gebang dump after Bojong clash Damar Harsanto and Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Bogor The Jakarta administration is looking into the possibility of returning to the Bantar Gebang dump in Bekasi municipality should it be unable to resolve the controversy over the Bojong waste disposal plant in Bogor regency. "If we can't go ahead with our plan to use Bojong, we have no other choice but to use Bantar Gebang.