Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 5 November 2004

78 articles found

Indonesia congratulates Bush, expects stronger ties

Indonesia congratulates Bush, expects stronger ties Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and M. Taufiqurrahman The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The government congratulated President George W. Bush on Thursday over his reelection and expressed a hope for stronger ties with the world's only superpower country. "The government of Indonesia congratulates President George W. Bush and Vice President Richard B.

RI the world's top pirates 'playground': Watchdog

RI the world's top pirates 'playground': Watchdog Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur Indonesia was the most dangerous country in the world for seafarers during the first nine months of this year, an international piracy watchdog said on Thursday. Out of a total of 251 pirate attacks worldwide, 70 took place in Indonesian waters, said the Malaysia-based Piracy Reporting Center of the International Maritime Bureau (IMB).

Man jailed for 20 years for BNI fraud

Man jailed for 20 years for BNI fraud The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Businessman John Hamenda, a defendant in the Rp 1.7 trillion (US$186.81 million) Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) scandal, was sentenced TO 20 years and fined Rp 1 billion on Thursday. However, the director of PT Petindo Perkasa, remains free pending appeal.

Full-year inflation not to exceed 6.2%: BI

Full-year inflation not to exceed 6.2%: BI The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Amid rising inflationary pressure ahead of the year-end religious festivities, the central bank still expects full-year inflation will not exceed 6.2 percent, Bank Indonesia governor Burhanuddin Abdullah said on Thursday.

RI seeks WTO rules governing services sector liberalizing

RI seeks WTO rules governing services sector liberalizing Zakki P. Hakim The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Indonesia along with other developing countries will continue to push for World Trade Organization rules to govern the liberalization of the services sector, particularly as regards the establishment of safeguard mechanisms to control the influx of foreign players in a way that could threaten the local services industry, a senior official at the Ministry of Trade said.

2 x 28

2 x 28 Landslide hits Jambi, leaves 1 person dead, another missing JP/5/KORUP 3 x 13 Two activists quizzed over graft comments JP/5/BAHOROK 1 x 44 A year of grief for Bahorok flood victims JP/5/papua 2 x 10 President wants MRP set up soon

Indonesia asks tough questions about deaths of Thai Muslims

Indonesia asks tough questions about deaths of Thai Muslims Pennapa Hongthong, The Nation, Asia News Network, Bangkok "What happened in your country?" "How could your government conduct this kind of violence against Muslims?" "Why have two incidents of violence against Muslims occurred in the South in just half a year?" Questions like these were directed to me from Indonesians, ones I know and ones I met for the first time, last week. "I'm so angry with your government.

China, ASEAN trade to top $100b

China, ASEAN trade to top $100b Agence France-Presse Beijing Trade between China and the 10 ASEAN nations should surpass US$100 billion this year, said Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi while calling for the fast tracking of a proposed free trade area (FTA). "From January to September, bilateral trade increased 35.6 percent year-on-year to stand at $75.45 billion," Wu was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency on Thursday.

RI hopes for better relations with U.S.

RI hopes for better relations with U.S. Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The government congratulated President George W. Bush on Thursday over his reelection and expressed a hope for stronger ties with the world's only superpower country. "The government of Indonesia congratulates President George W. Bush and Vice President Richard B.

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, November 5, 2004

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, November 5, 2004 Exhibitions * Painting Story Along the Street, by Totok BS, Gallery Linggar, Jl. Kemang Timur No. 36, South Jakarta (Tel. 71790008), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., until Nov. 6. * Cartoon Exhibition and Animated Film Workshop, Galeri Cipta II, Taman Ismail Marzuki Jl. Cikini Raya 73, Central Jakarta, until Nov. 6. * Caricature by Gun Gun, Gallery Lontar, Jl. Utan Kayu 68H, East Jakarta (Tel. 8573388), until Nov. 7.

Removing hurdles

Removing hurdles From Koran Tempo President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice President Jusuf Kalla deserve the congratulations and support of all citizens, not only those who harbor certain interests. I would like to suggest that the salaries of top government executives and officials of public institutions be reduced to prevent giving the impression that they seek wealth from their positions.

Govt set to announce Buyat inquiry result

Govt set to announce Buyat inquiry result JAKARTA: A government-sanctioned team mandated to probe possible metal contamination in Buyat Bay, North Sulawesi, is expected to announce the result of its investigation next week, an official said. Masnellyarti Hilman, the deputy environment minister who chairs the team, said on Thursday the team had made several conclusions regarding the probe, but refused to elaborate.

RI urged to ratify mine ban treaty

RI urged to ratify mine ban treaty JAKARTA: Indonesia should quickly ratify the International Mine Ban Treaty to show Indonesian was serious about stopping the use of dangerous landmines in Southeast Asia, a coalition of foreign and local non-government organizations said on Thursday.

Abilio acquitted after case review

Abilio acquitted after case review Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The Supreme Court acquited former East Timor governor Abilio Soares following a case review on Thursday. Abilio, who was charged with involvement in the 1999 atrocities in East Timor, had served less than four months of his three-year prison term. The court's head of criminal cases, Zarof Rikard, said that a panel of three justices had approved the case review filed by Abilio.

Landslide hits Jambi, leaves 1 person dead, another missing

Landslide hits Jambi, leaves 1 person dead, another missing Jon Afrizal, The Jakarta Post/Jambi A landslide hit Talang Lindung subdistrict in Kerinci, here on Wednesday night, leaving one resident dead, another missing and three others severely injured. The landslide, which occurred after three days of heavy rain, also damaged 20 houses in the area. The dead resident was identified as Dasni, 55, while the missing one has been named as Lusi, 16.

Cooperation with the EU

Cooperation with the EU In my article Enhancing cooperation between Indonesia and the EU in The Jakarta Post's Oct.

Madurese bull racing a lucrative tradition

Madurese bull racing a lucrative tradition Indra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post/Pamekasan, Madura "I was not disappointed about losing in the semi-final. We don't care how much money we have spent as the most important thing is that bull racing survives," said one of the participants, Atlah Hadianto of Pamekasan. Atlah said he had entered his racing bulls in the traditional event since 1980, at the regency or municipal level, and that he had never won.

Two activists quizzed over graft criticism

Two activists quizzed over graft criticism Nani Afrida, The Jakarta Post/Banda Aceh Two anticorruption activists in Aceh were grilled on Tuesday by local authorities, two days after they made harsh comments over the allegedly rampant corruption in the war-torn province. The two made the comments on Tuesday during a meeting between residents and a visiting ministerial team that included Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Adm. (ret) Widodo A.S.

1. Discourse - 1x50

1. Discourse - 1x50 It's easy to make speeches, but implementation is the real test 2. DEFEAT ------- 2 X 24 Kerry too aloof, leftist to beat Bush, say experts 3. ASIA ------ 2x25 Asia gives mixed reactions to President Bush victory 4. REACTION ---- 1 X 36 World leaders take stock of Bush victory 5. DANAMON: 1 X 42 Government rakes in Rp 1.74t from Danamon sale

Corporate bond issues to decline next year: SSX

Corporate bond issues to decline next year: SSX Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The Surabaya Stock Exchange (SSX) sees declining corporate bond issues next year as companies started to turn their attention to the surging stock market to raise funds, and on concerns over upward pressure on the domestic interest rate.

[b]

Man jailed for 20 years for BNI fraud 2. 2 x 14 Abilio gets review, is acquitted or Abilio acquitted after case review 3. 1 x 32 KPK to publish ministers' wealth 4. 2 x 18 Officials 'lying' about returning workers 5. 1 x 33 DPD wants Autonomy Law amended

Govt congratulates Bush, expects stronger ties

Govt congratulates Bush, expects stronger ties Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and M. Taufiqurrahman The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The government congratulated President George W. Bush on Thursday over his reelection and expressed a hope for stronger ties with the world's only superpower country. "The government of Indonesia congratulates President George W. Bush and Vice President Richard B.

Govt rakes in Rp 1.74t from Danamon sale

Govt rakes in Rp 1.74t from Danamon sale Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The government raised Rp 1.74 trillion (US$187 million) in cash on Thursday from the sale of a 10 percent stake in Bank Danamon, the Ministry of Finance's asset management company PPA said. Raden Pardede, PPA vice president director, told The Jakarta Post that the agency had sold 490.87 million shares in the bank priced at Rp 3,550 per share -- the proceeds of which would help cover the 2004 state budget deficit.

Ba'asyir dismisses bombing charges as 'joke'

Ba'asyir dismisses bombing charges as 'joke' Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The elderly Muslim cleric who is on trial for the bombings in Bali and at the JW Mariott Hotel in Jakarta, Abu Bakar Ba'asyir, mocked the court on Thursday and challenged it to pile on the charges. Ba'asyir said in his defense plea that the charges addressed to him was a mere joke, made only to satisfy the United States.

Govt to replace BRI, BTN management

Govt to replace BRI, BTN management Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The government plans to reshuffle the top management of state- owned Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) and Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN) in the very near future to help improve the banks' performance, a senior government official said.

RI will not use electronic voting machines: KPU

RI will not use electronic voting machines: KPU Veeramalla Anjaiah, The Jakarta Post/ Jakarta Indonesia -- the third largest democratic nation in the world -- will not use electronic voting machines in the near future, as the machines are costly and not suited to the situation here, the General Elections Commission (KPU) chief said on Wednesday. "Each voting machine costs around US$3,000. We have around 600,000 polling stations ...

Navy sailor shot dead in tragic accident

Navy sailor shot dead in tragic accident MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: A Navy sailor was accidentally shot dead on Thursday while he and his fellow sailors were pursuing a fishing boat in the Sape Strait near Banta Island, West Nusa Tenggara province. Sgt. Maj. Yales was handing out rifles to his subordinates, including Second Corp. Bagus Nyoman Widnyana, 34, as their Navy boat was approaching a fishing boat that was believed to have been involved bomb fishing in the strait.

Euthanasia ruling expected Friday

Euthanasia ruling expected Friday JAKARTA: The Central Jakarta District Court is slated to make public its decision on the legality of euthanasia based on an appeal by Bogor resident Hasan Kesuma, whose wife Agian Isna Naili has been in coma for more than three months. Hasan's lawyer Iskandar Sitorus from the Legal Aid Institute for Health (LBHK) said his client has asked him to appeal to the higher courts if the district court rejected his request.

Situation tense in Donggala after clash

Situation tense in Donggala after clash DONGGALA, Central Sulawesi: The situation in Sidondo subdistrict, Donggala regency, was still tense on Thursday, one day after an ethnic clash that killed two people. People stood in groups in their respective neighborhoods, while the police continued their search for the remains of Sabri, a member of the Kaili community, who has been missing since Sunday and was reportedly killed by members of the Bugis ethnic group.

Police see links in child kidnapping cases

Police see links in child kidnapping cases Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta With one kidnap victim still unaccounted for, city police said the latest two child kidnapping cases in Kelapa Gading and Depok were committed by the same syndicate. "Our conclusion is based on the fact that the syndicate gave the parents of the abducted children the same account number, be it in Kelapa Gading or in Depok," Jakarta Police detectives chief Sr. Comr. Mathius Salempang said on Thursday.

TV Today: Friday, November 5, 2004

TV Today: Friday, November 5, 2004 .TB.30" .90" TVRI .tb .30" .90" 3:30 a.m. Variety Show: Sahur 4:30 Religious Teachings 5:30 Koran Reading: Iqra 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Children Show 7:30 Health 8:30 Music: Asik-Asik 10:30 Religious Teachings 1:00 p.m.

China's shuttlers to join Indonesia Open

China's shuttlers to join Indonesia Open Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta China has confirmed its participation in the US$170,000 Indonesia Open badminton championship next month, while defending champion Taufik Hidayat expects a tough challenge from opponents. The five-star tournament will be staged at the Bung Karno Tennis Indoor Stadium from Dec. 15 to Dec. 19.

AGO could employ ex-prosecutors

AGO could employ ex-prosecutors MEDAN, North Sumatra: The Attorney General's Office is considering appointing several former prosecutors to sit on the planned prosecutors commission, an official said. "There is an idea to involve those people who once served as attorney generals, or former prosecutors and legal experts," spokesman R.J. Suhandoyo said here on Thursday.

Corrupters arrive on Nusakambangan

Corrupters arrive on Nusakambangan Pande Lubis (photo: wearing a cap and carrying a bag), a former deputy of the now-defunct Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA), disembarks from a ship arriving on Nusakambangan island in Cilacap regency, Central Java. On Thursday, he and five other convicted corrupters joined former president Soeharto's youngest son Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra, who is also serving time in a maximum security prison on the island.

Jakarta minimum wage to increase by 6 percent

Jakarta minimum wage to increase by 6 percent Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Jakarta's provincial minimum wage increase is likely to be approved at 6 percent, a wage of Rp 711,843 (US$78.23), after the provincial wage council voted at a meeting on Thursday, minus all seven members of the Workers Association.

Astra Agro to plant new palm trees

Astra Agro to plant new palm trees The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With third quarter profits more than double the same period last year, crude palm oil (CPO) producer PT Astra Agro Lestari (AALI) is confident about its plans next year of intensifying its plantations to further boost production.

City to double health spending

City to double health spending Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The City Health Agency has proposed Rp 100 billion (US$10.99 million) be spent on a health care card scheme for poor families in 2005, more than twice the amount in this year's city budget. The Gakin card scheme would cover about 40 percent of Jakarta's 8.3 million population, or about 3.32 million people, agency head Abdul Chalik Masulili said on Thursday.

Yogyakarta students undergo urine tests

Yogyakarta students undergo urine tests YOGYAKARTA: Some 2,000 senior high school students in Yogyakarta underwent urine tests on Thursday as part of the city's drive against drugs. The students were picked randomly from 50 senior high schools across Yogyakarta. The impromptu tests were aimed at frightening students into shunning drugs, said Syukri Fadholi, the mayor of Yogyakarta, whose office organized the test.

Abilio acquitted of rights crime

Abilio acquitted of rights crime Muninggar Sri Saraswati The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The Supreme Court acquited former East Timor governor Abilio Soares following a case review on Thursday. Abilio, who was charged with involvement in the 1999 atrocities in East Timor, had served less than four months of his three-year prison term. The court's head of criminal cases, Zarof Rikard, said that a panel of three justices had approved the case review filed by Abilio.

Govt to write off bad loans owed by SMEs

Govt to write off bad loans owed by SMEs Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The Ministry of Finance is preparing a government regulation that will enable state-owned banks to write off bad loans owed by small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs) in an effort to accelerate the recovery of their businesses, a government official said.

House factions meet to resolve conflict

House factions meet to resolve conflict Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta After a week-long deadlock, the bickering factions in the House of Representatives met for the first time for a consultation meeting facilitated by House Speaker Agung Laksono on Thursday. Agung claimed the closed-door meeting had resulted in some agreements that would contribute to a settlement to the fierce dispute between the factions.

TNI chief issue widens Susilo-House divide

TNI chief issue widens Susilo-House divide Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono banned Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu on Thursday from responding to a House invitation to a selection hearing for the post of Indonesian Military (TNI) chief.

Officials 'lying' about returning workers

Officials 'lying' about returning workers The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A hearing at the South Sulawesi provincial legislature about the handling of illegal migrant workers returning from Malaysia turned ugly on Thursday, with councillors accusing government officials of lying.

Police chief warned over rare animals

Police chief warned over rare animals he Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Animal Advocacy Institution (LASA) sent a warning letter on Thursday to Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Firman Gani over the presence of caged endangered animals on police grounds. "These mini zoos are in the compound of the driver's license administrative office on Jl. Daan Mogot in West Jakarta, and at the police's Language School in Pisangan Baru Raya, East Jakarta," said LASA executive director Wahyu Kuncoro.

JP/5/caption

JP/5/caption Antara PROTEST FOR BONUSES: Dozens of student and labor activists stage a rally at the Surabaya legislative council building, East Java, to demand that all companies pay their workers Idul Fitri bonuses. The protesters urged authorities to prosecute firms that failed to do so.

DPD wants Autonomy Law amended

DPD wants Autonomy Law amended M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The Regional Representatives Council (DPD) demanded on Thursday that Law No. 34/2004 on regional administrations be amended to allow direct elections for governors and regents. Council deputy speaker Laode Ida said the prevailing law -- which was a revision to Law No. 22/1999 -- curtailed wider participation in local elections as it disallowed independent candidates.

Kemang to host art exhibition

Kemang to host art exhibition JAKARTA: A group of international and local artists will display their works in rahAsia ARTinesia EXHIBITed at the Jakarta International Community Center & Essence complex in Kemang, South Jakarta. The three-week exhibition will open to the public from Nov. 8 until Nov. 27, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

KPK to publish ministers' wealth

KPK to publish ministers' wealth Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has allowed the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to publicly announce the wealth reports of his Cabinet members. During a one-hour meeting on Thursday, Susilo said the Cabinet should set an example for other state officials and uphold principles of clean governance. "We will announce the wealth reports of all 36 Cabinet members after we complete verification of the reports.

President wants MRP set up soon

President wants MRP set up soon Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono ordered on Thursday the immediate establishment of a long-awaited Papuan People's Council (MRP) as required by the special autonomy law for Papua province. However, the President underlined that the council would simply be a cultural representative of the country's easternmost province.

10 districts prone to drug trafficking, BNP says

10 districts prone to drug trafficking, BNP says Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The Provincial Narcotics Agency (BNP) of Jakarta announced on Thursday that 10 of the capital's 47 districts were prone to drug trafficking. The 10 districts are Tanah Abang, Kemayoran, Menteng and Gambir in Central Jakarta; Taman Sari, Tambora and Cengkareng in West Jakarta; Tanjung Priok in North Jakarta; Makasar in East Jakarta and Kebayoran Lama in South Jakarta.

Flowers survive amid thrash

Flowers survive amid thrash Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post/Bogor The beauty of Bulltongue Arrowhead (Sagittaria Lancifolia), a perennial herb with lance-shaped leaves and white flowers with three petals, which is commonly found in Florida and Puerto Rico, has attracted many visitors to the Bogor Botanical Gardens. But, many visitors who come to see the flower throw plastic bottles into a nearby pond.

Tokyo, KL continue free trade talks

Tokyo, KL continue free trade talks TOKYO: Japan and Malaysia on Thursday began three days of talks in a sixth round of negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA). "We are hoping to reach an agreement by the end of this year but we still have to narrow differences over automobile exports and Malaysian plywood imports," an official with the Japanese trade ministry said. Tokyo is expected to press Kuala Lumpur to abolish tariffs and regulations on Japanese car exports.

Traffic arrangements to shorten trip home

Traffic arrangements to shorten trip home Wahyuana and Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post/Bekasi/Jakarta Agus Mahmud had planned to spend seven hours on the Jakarta- Cikampek toll road, and 20 hours in total, most of it in heavy traffic, to reach his hometown Yogyakarta for Idul Fitri on Nov. 14 and Nov. 15.

Close gambling places

Close gambling places From Media Indonesia In response to the call by famous Muslim cleric, KH Abdullah Gymnastiar, all entertainment places must, during this Muslims' fasting month, be closed. Unfortunately, a gambling den located on the third floor of a big shopping center somewhere in Glodok, West Jakarta, where billions of rupiah changes hands daily, continues to run apparently untouched by the law.

[b]

Repatriation of 'illegal' RI workers Wahyu Susilo Jakarta 2. Dyer -- Bin Laden speaks (But not the truth) 2 X 21 Bin Laden speaks, but not the truth Gwynne Dyer London 3. Asahi -- Race against time in quake-hit 'snow country' 1 x 30 note: the quake-hit area is often referred to as 'Snow Country' in Japanese because it has severe winters Race against time in 'Snow Country' Yoshiaki Kawata The Asahi Shimbun Tokyo

Acehnese want peace

Acehnese want peace The country has been through an enormous political transformation in the last few weeks. On Oct. 20, a new president was sworn in and, on Oct. 1, a new batch of House members were installed. But rather than immediately buckling down to their jobs, House members quickly became embroiled in a power struggle that has paralyzed the House for weeks now. As high-profile political events unfold, it would be easy to overlook the nation's pressing problems.

JP/1/corrupt

JP/1/corrupt Corrupters join Tommy in Nusakambangan Pande Lubis (photo: wearing a cap and carrying a bag), a former deputy of the now-defunct Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA), disembarks from a ship arriving on Nusakambangan island in Cilacap regency, Central Java. On Thursday, he and five other convicted corrupters joined former president Soeharto's youngest son Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra, who is also serving time in a maximum security prison on the island.

Enough of democratizing, time for institutionalizing

Enough of democratizing, time for institutionalizing James Van Zorge, Jakarta Over the coming months and years, Indonesians and those who govern should come to the realization that the office of the presidency and the men and women who occupy it -- foremost the President -- needs to be given greater resources in order to lead more effectively in an era of democratization. To not recognize so would be folly; to argue against it would be an injustice.

World leaders take stock of Bush victory

World leaders take stock of Bush victory Agencies, Paris/Jakarta World leaders took stock on Thursday of what four more years of George W. Bush in the White House will bring, with many hoping the president will vigorously pursue the war on terror and boost the Middle East peace process. The Indonesian government congratulated on Thursday Bush over his reelection and expected to build a stronger relationship with the world's only superpower country.

'I'll save some of my salary for the new baby'

'I'll save some of my salary for the new baby' The government requires employers to pay at least one holiday bonus, or the equivalent of an extra month's salary, to workers. The Jakarta Post asked some residents about how they will spend this extra money. Rinto, 46, is a janitor at the Jakarta Police headquarters. He lives with his wife and three children in Petamburan, Central Jakarta: I'm planning to save the holiday bonus given by my superior to pay for my children's education.

A year of grief for Bahorok flood victims

A year of grief for Bahorok flood victims Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post/Medan Adi has been living in a shelter with 350 families in the compound of Bukit Lawang public bus terminal since the Bahorok flood last year. Adi, 38, has to make do with the four-by-four-meter room that has been allocated to each family. There is no furniture and the quietness of the empty room often makes him cry when he thinks about what has happened since the flood.

* The charges are a joke: Ba'asyir Page 2

* The charges are a joke: Ba'asyir Page 2 * Man jailed for 20 years for BNI fraud Page 4 * Landslide hits Jambi, leaves 1 person dead Page 5 * Repatriation of 'illegal' RI workers Page 7 * City to double health spending Page 8 * Juventus and Lyon qualify for KO phase Page 10 * Annan says strong indication of war crimes in Darfur Page 11 * Full-year inflation not to exceed 6.2%: BI Page 13 * Madurese bull racing a lucrative tradition Page 19

Bogus newsmen seek Idul Fitri bonuses

Bogus newsmen seek Idul Fitri bonuses SEMARANG: A government official claimed on Thursday that an increasing number of bogus journalists visited many government offices in Semarang, asking officials to pay then Idul Fitri bonuses. The journalists normally came in groups, with each group consisting of between five and six journalists.

Two apprehended for circulating fake money

Two apprehended for circulating fake money CIREBON, West Java: Cirebon Police arrested on Thursday two men -- Rosidin, 28 and Slamet, 31 -- for allegedly circulating counterfeit money in the Cirebon and Bandung areas. During the arrests , which took place separately in Cirebon and Bandung regencies, the police also confiscated hundreds of sheets of fake Rp 100,000 bills from the two suspects.

Tanah Abang vendors to be relocated

Tanah Abang vendors to be relocated Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta City-run market operator PD Pasar Jaya will relocate about 2,000 street vendors on Jl. Kebon Jati, located next to Tanah Abang textile market, Central Jakarta, starting on Nov. 14, the day before Idul Fitri.

It's easier to make speeches, but implementation is the real test.

It's easier to make speeches, but implementation is the real test. Last week, the World Bank, launched the World Development Report 2005: A Better Investment Climate for Everyone, which highlights barriers to creating a conducive business climate, based on a worldwide survey of some 30,000 firms across the globe, including some 850 Indonesian businesses. The Jakarta Post's Dadan Wijaksana talked with the author of the Report Warrick Smith, about the issue. These are excerpts from the interview.

Australia to seek clemency in drug case

Australia to seek clemency in drug case AUSTRALIA: Australia would seek clemency if an Australian woman facing drugs trafficking charges in Indonesia's tourist island of Bali should be sentenced to death, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said on Thursday. Schapelle Leigh Corby, 27, was arrested at Denpasar airport on Oct. 9 with 4.2 kilograms of high-grade cannabis in a bodyboard bag after arriving on a flight from Sydney.

Repatriation of 'illegal' RI workers

Repatriation of 'illegal' RI workers Wahyu Susilo, Jakarta About 160,000 Indonesian illegal migrant workers will return home under an amnesty scheme provided by the Malaysian government, which has set a repatriation deadline of Nov. 14. Kuala Lumpur's amnesty policy for illegal Indonesian workers comes as a relief, as they can come home without fear of sanctions, at least temporarily. On the other hand, the policy has created more difficulties for Jakarta.

1. Election (60) - 60 pts 4cols 1line (1x22)

1. Election (60) - 60 pts 4cols 1line (1x22) Bush to focus on tax and Iraq 2. House (50) - 36 pts 2cols 2lines (2x14) House factions meet to resolve conflict 3. Bush (35) - 32 pts 1cols 3lines (3x10) RI hopes for better ties with U.S. 4. Corrupt (20) - 28 pts 2col 2lines (1x24) Corrupters arrive on Nusakambangan --- 4. Photo -- two pieces

Gymnasts hope to keep up with their studies

Gymnasts hope to keep up with their studies Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta While being enthusiastic about their planned trip to Romania for a two-year training program, Indonesia's young gymnasts hope that their academic activities will not be hampered. "I hope I can continue my studies in Romania while training," Natalia Winindo said after undergoing a physical test here on Thursday.

Rupiah Rates Nov.4

Rupiah Rates Nov.4 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,270.08 6,508.48 6,926.27 6,852.07 Brunei dollar 1 5,773.74 5,169.20 5,500.69 5,442.09 Canadian dollar 1 7,963.50 7,128.06 7,586.89 7,504.35 Swiss franc 1 8,049.64 7,207.51 7,668.96 7,588.00 Danish krone 1 1,656.69 1,483.14 1,578.34 1,561.44 Euro 1 12,313.92 11,026.06 11,731.57 11,608.13 Poundsterling 1 17,755.20 15,901.40 16,915.53 16,740.85 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,234.38 1,105.51 1,176.00 1,163.87...

Howard told not to have ties with RI military

Howard told not to have ties with RI military Reuters, Canberra The Australian government should not make any move to strengthen military ties with Indonesia's elite Kopassus special forces on Thursday, an Australian think tank said on Thursday. A new report from the Australian National University's Strategic and Defense Studies Center said Kopassus had not changed from its history of illegal operations and human rights abuses.

RI seeks WTO rules governing services sector

RI seeks WTO rules governing services sector Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Indonesia along with other developing countries will continue to push for World Trade Organization rules to govern the liberalization of the services sector, particularly as regards the establishment of safeguard mechanisms to control the influx of foreign players in a way that could threaten the local services industry, a senior official at the Ministry of Trade said.

Indonesia the world's top pirates' playground: watchdog

Indonesia the world's top pirates' playground: watchdog Agence France-Presse Kuala Lumpur Indonesia was the most dangerous country in the world for seafarers during the first nine months of this year, an international piracy watchdog said on Thursday. Out of a total of 251 pirate attacks worldwide, 70 took place in Indonesian waters, said the Malaysia-based Piracy Reporting Center of the International Maritime Bureau (IMB).

PM Lee to visit Susilo Monday

PM Lee to visit Susilo Monday JAKARTA: Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong is scheduled to begin his two-day working visit to Indonesia on Monday, when he will hold bilateral talks with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Indonesian foreign ministry spokesman Marty Natalegawa said on Thursday there was no formal agenda for the meeting, but there would be numerous outstanding issues the two countries would address during Lee's visit.

James Van Zorge

James Van Zorge Jakarta 2. Nation -- Indonesia asks tough questions about Tak Bai 2 x 30 Indonesia asks tough questions about deaths of Thai Muslims Pennapa Hongthong The Nation Asia News Network Bangkok

1. TNI: 4 LINES, 10 COUNTS

1. TNI: 4 LINES, 10 COUNTS TNI chief issue widens Susilo-House divide 2. BAASYIR: 3 LINES, 16 COUNTS Ba'asyir dismisses bombing charges as 'joke' 3. MUDIK: 2 LINES, 21 COUNTS Traffic arrangements to shorten trip home 4. UMP: 2 LINES, 16 COUNTS Jakarta minimum wage to increase by 6 percent

Indonesia has established its own aerospace industry, PT

Indonesia has established its own aerospace industry, PT Dirgantara Indonesia (DI, formerly known as IPTN). In the past, IPTN made CN-235, evidence of the country's mastery of high- technology in aircraft making. PT DI has also received orders for components of jumbo Airbus A-380 aircraft. In 1996 was the test flight of N-250, the most technologically sophisticated airplane of its class originally designed by Indonesia.