Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 6 November 2004

96 articles found

JP/5/cap

JP/5/cap Antara IMPROMPTU DUET: Noted pop singer Vina Panduwinata (left) invites Navy chief Adm. Bernard Kent Sondakh to join her in singing Can't Help Falling in Love at a change-of-guard ceremony in Surabaya, East Java. At the event on Friday, outgoing Navy Education Command chief Maj. Gen. Mar Sjafzen handed over the post to his successor, Rear Adm. Waldi Murad.

63,000 apply for local govt jobs

63,000 apply for local govt jobs BANDA ACEH, Aceh: At least 63,000 young people have applied for jobs with the Aceh provincial government. More people are expected to apply as applications may be submitted until Nov. 24. The competition will be tight as there were only 6,227 civil service posts available in the provincial government, said Tantawi Ishak, the secretary to the Aceh provincial administration. A resident, Trisna, said that if she became a civil servant she would be safe.

Defense minister told to restructure office

Defense minister told to restructure office Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta While welcoming defense minister Juwono Sudarsono's plan to eradicate corruption and markup practices in arms-purchase procedures, an expert has urged for the restructuring of the ministry and the introduction of a special bureau to deal with the procurement of jobs.

Pertamina seeks big fuel deliveries

Pertamina seeks big fuel deliveries JAKARTA: PT Pertamina, Indonesia's state oil company, is seeking to buy 1.44 million barrels of gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and fuel oil for delivery between late November and December, a company official said.

Temasek raises $480m from SingTel

Temasek raises $480m from SingTel SINGAPORE: State investment firm Temasek Holdings said on Friday that it raised S$800 million (US$480 million) from the sale of a tiny fraction of its shares in Singapore Telecommunications (SingTel). About 339 million shares were placed out on Thursday with institutional investors at S$2.36 per share, a Temasek statement said.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov.5, 2004

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov.5, 2004 _____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume _____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 225 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 2,925 -75 11,529,500 Adhi Karya 470 -5 5,563,000 Adira Dinamika 2,500 -150 12,000 AGIS Tbk 100 -5 80,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 160 0 132,000 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,150 0 826,000 Alakasa Industrindo 165 0...

Indonesian maid sentenced to death for murdering Malaysian boss

Indonesian maid sentenced to death for murdering Malaysian boss Agencies Kuala Lumpur/Jakarta An Indonesian housemaid was sentenced to death by hanging for killing her Malaysian employer who scolded her for burning a meal, news reports said on Friday. Herlina Trisnawati, 22, had pleaded insanity when charged with murdering businesswoman Soon Lay Chuan in a Kuala Lumpur suburb on Aug. 14, 2001. However, High Court judge K.N.

Telkom service

Telkom service I bought a Telkominstansave prepaid internet card some time ago. I tried to dial up using the number printed on the card -- 080981111 -- and after trying about 15 times, I came to the conclusion the line didn't exist at all. Then, I rang the Telkom customer service number but all I got was an incomplete recorded message. I then wrote an email to them and still no reply. The card expires in May 2005.

RI scientists refute Flores Man finding

RI scientists refute Flores Man finding Tarko Sudiarno, The Jakarta Post/Yogyakarta A team of Indonesian scientists refuted on Friday a claim that the skeleton of a dwarf-sized human species recently found on the remote island of Flores would rewrite the evolutionary history of mankind.

Melia Purosani green globe certified

Melia Purosani green globe certified Melia Purosani hotel on Jl. Suryotomo was declared Green Globe Certified last week after an independent auditor from Australia, Richelen and Associates, conducted an assessment on the hotel's commitment to operating to the world's highest environmental standards. According to Richard Hooper of Richelen and Associates, Melia Purosani is the first hotel outside Bali that has been thus certified this year.

S'pore industry grows slower

S'pore industry grows slower SINGAPORE: A key manufacturing index on Friday showed Singapore's industrial sector grew at a slower pace in October due to lower orders. The forward-looking Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) fell to 51.5 points in October from 53.2 points in September, the Singapore Institute of Purchasing and Materials Management said. However, the index stayed above the crucial 50-point level which indicates the industrial sector was still in expansion mode.

Navy deploys ships for Idul Fitri

Navy deploys ships for Idul Fitri SURABAYA: Navy chief Adm. Bernard Kent Sondakh said on Friday that the Navy was ready to deploy a number of war ships to carry passengers during their Idul Fitri travels. "Our ships are ready," he told reporters after a ceremony here. The Navy is also ready to carry Indonesian migrant workers who are returning from neighboring Malaysia currently. For transporting the migrant workers, the Navy has prepared five war ships.

Pertamina seeks big fuel deliveries

Pertamina seeks big fuel deliveries JAKARTA: PT Pertamina, Indonesia's state oil company, is seeking to buy 1.44 million barrels of gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and fuel oil for delivery between late November and December, a company official said.

Indonesia to boost military cooperation with China

Indonesia to boost military cooperation with China Fabiola Desy Unidjaja The Jakarta Post/Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is slated to meet Chinese President Hu Jintao on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Santiago, Chile, later this month to discuss mutual cooperation in various fields, especially military.

SBY's budget review

SBY's budget review From Republika The third key priority of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to review the 2005 state budget and law enforcement measures is interesting to note. In regards the budget and its irregularities, there are three main causes of misappropriation. First, the absence of any budget allocation for holiday allowances prompts the use of funds from other expenditures or via alternative means.

Jakarta minimum wage up by US$4

Jakarta minimum wage up by US$4 Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta With a monthly salary of Rp 600,000 (US$66), Adi, who works as a factory worker, has to work overtime, sometimes until 1 a.m., to bring home around Rp 1 million per month so that his wife and two children can have a decent life. His base salary is below the provincial minimum wage set by the Jakarta administration of Rp 671,550.

Malaysia extends amnesty deadline for migrant workers

Malaysia extends amnesty deadline for migrant workers The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Malaysian government has extended the amnesty period for undocumented Indonesian migrant workers to return home from Nov. 14 to December, Indonesian Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Fahmi Idris said. Fahmi said an agreement on the extension was reached during his meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in Kuala Lumpur on Friday.

Karimunjawa, paradise of flora, fauna

Karimunjawa, paradise of flora, fauna Bambang M, Contributor/Jepara, Central Java The blueness of the sea, the cleanliness and whiteness of the sand, and the virginity of the coastal forests are only part of the natural, exotic beauty tourists can enjoy at Karimunjawa National Park in the Karimunjawa islands, Jepara regency, Central Java, about 72 kilometers north of the provincial capital, Semarang.

ITS provides free education for youths

ITS provides free education for youths SURABAYA: The November 10 Institute of Technology (ITS) in Surabaya, East Java started on Friday a free education program for 62 street kids, dropouts and poor children. ITS assistant rector Achmad Jazidie said the program was established in cooperation with the education ministry's directorate general for informal education. The 62 children would be divided into three vocational classes -- car generator maintenance, general engine repair and printing.

UGM holds writing competition

UGM holds writing competition In order to increase journalists' understanding about tertiary education quality assurance, and promote its policy regarding the matter with the public at large, Gadjah Mada University (UGM) is offering a writing competition on tertiary education quality assurance for journalists. According to head of UGM's Quality Assurance Office Toni Atyanto Dharoko the competition is open to print media journalists.

Astra obtains loans from foreign banks

Astra obtains loans from foreign banks The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Publicly listed PT Astra International, the country's largest automotive distributor and assembler, announced on Friday it had signed a facility with foreign lenders to help refinance the company's debts and for working capital. The company has signed a dual-currency revolving credit facility worth US$170 million and Rp 600 billion (US$65 million) with a syndicated bank consisting of 16 foreign-based lenders.

House approves Ryamizard nomination

House approves Ryamizard nomination The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Bandung In a move that could worsen its relationship with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the House of Representatives' defense commission said it had endorsed Army chief Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu's nomination as new Indonesian Military (TNI) chief. House Commission I chairman Theo L. Sambuaga told the press that the decision would be put before a plenary meeting for approval next week.

RI sports turn to overseas training

RI sports turn to overseas training Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Sending athletes overseas for training is an option many sports organizations are forced to resort to, given the poor development programs at home, according to a sports official.

Novotel offers 'Lebaran' packages

Novotel offers 'Lebaran' packages With the approach of Idul Fitri, a celebration that marks the end of Ramadhan, or Lebaran as it is locally called, Novotel Yogyakarta hotel on Jl. Jendral Sudirman is offering a range of special Lebaran packages. Apart from its Lebaran parcels offering a variety of cakes and cookies, it also offers buffet menus for both lunch and dinner on Idul Fitri, which will fall on Nov. 14 and Nov. 15, 2004.

Abilio acquittal 'erodes trust in rights tribunal'

Abilio acquittal 'erodes trust in rights tribunal' The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The acquittal of former East Timor governor Abilio Soares could further erode people's confidence in the country's commitment to justice, a senior Cabinet minister announced on Friday. Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda said that the verdict served as fresh ammunition for people to question the credibility of the courts.

Jasa Marga completes road construction

Jasa Marga completes road construction CIREBON, West Java: State toll road operator PT Jasa Marga completed the construction on Friday of six kilometers of toll road connecting Tegalkarang and Palimanan in Cirebon regency, West Java. The new toll road is expected to help reduce traffic congestion along the north coast of West Java during the Idul Fitri holiday, said Hardjono Santoso, the head of the company's Palimanan-Kanci District Office.

Misreporting on Unicef

Misreporting on Unicef I am writing to respond to a report you published on Nov. 4 on page 4: Unicef to campaign against land mines. My name was mentioned as a source, which I do not mind as long as the content is in accordance with what I released to the media. Unfortunately, the last paragraph in your report contains a serious mistake. In the media advisory sent to all media on Nov. 3, it was clearly stated that Indonesia signed the Mine Ban Treaty in 1997, but had not ratified it.

Foreign water firm 'abused rights'

Foreign water firm 'abused rights' JAKARTA: The Community of Tap Water Customers (Komparta) and an individual consumer, Suta Widhya, reported tap water operator PD PAM Jaya and its foreign partner Thames PAM Jaya (TPJ) to the National Commission for Human Rights (Komnas HAM) on Friday due to their poor service to customers.

Anticorruption court in Kuningan

Anticorruption court in Kuningan JAKARTA: The Central Jakarta District Court announced on Friday that the first anticorruption court in the country would start hearing cases in the Uppindo building on Jl. HR Rasuna Said in Kuningan district. I Made Karna, the district court president, told reporters that the Uppindo building was currently being renovated for the court. The building was chosen due to its facilities and security.

Ministry to create 5,492 new jobs

Ministry to create 5,492 new jobs JAKARTA: The Ministry of Manpower and Transmigration plans to spend Rp 28 billion to create jobs for 5,492 people over the next three months. Kirnadi, the ministry's director for domestic employment, said on Friday many of the people would be placed in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). He added that the SMEs should be able to encourage the people to run their own business afterward.

Poor showing

Poor showing The performance of the legislators seems to be counterproductive. They fight each other, and do not seem to care that they have been chosen to represent Indonesian citizens in voicing the urgency for recovery from the multidimensional crises. We are very disappointed to see the terrible scene. Who cares about this situation? They are all educated people. They should know how to make Indonesia a better country, as they said in the last campaign.

Govt to allocate Rp 4.01t for regions

Govt to allocate Rp 4.01t for regions The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Ministry of Finance announced on Friday the central government would allocate as much as Rp 4.01 trillion (US$441.63 million) next year to help regional governments finance economic and social programs. The government allocated Rp 3.1 trillion in the current 2004 state budget for the same purpose.

Govt to revive investment in Aceh, Maluku, Poso

Govt to revive investment in Aceh, Maluku, Poso The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In an attempt to boost investment, the government plans to revive business and investment activities in some conflict-torn areas in the country, such as Central Sulawesi's town of Poso as well as the provinces of Aceh and Ambon.

Herculean task of health minister

Herculean task of health minister From Koran Tempo In her swearing-in ceremony on Oct. 21, Health Minister Siti Fadilah Supari expressed her commitment to ensuring that under her leadership the health ministry would be corruption-free, disciplined and hard-working.

[b]Malacca Strait: Clash of sovereignty?

Malacca Strait: Clash of sovereignty? Mark J. Valencia Hawaii, United States 2. Daily -- Questioning World Bank immunity 1 X 48 Policy mistakes and World Bank immunity Mohammad Zakaria The Daily Star Asia News Network Dhaka 3. Star8 -- With Bush still in charge, where do we go from here? 1 x 30 Bush win: Where do we go from here? Bunn Nagara The Star Asia News Network Selangor, Malaysia

Anarchy and terrorism

Anarchy and terrorism The Islam Defenders Front's (FPI) actions are the very best to isolate both Islam as well as Indonesia in the world. With all key players known to the police, I absolutely don't understand why no proper action has been taken. If the state of Indonesia is willing to tolerate anarchy and terrorism, then this is the very best way to do so.

Australia may test new generation weapons in Australia: Expert

Australia may test new generation weapons in Australia: Expert Agencies, Sydney/Jakarta New-generation weapons like smart bombs could be tested in Australia under an agreement being negotiated with the United States military, news reports said on Friday. The agreement with the Pentagon is expected to lead to upgraded joint military training centers in Australia's north that would be used for air, sea and land exercises.

Press and new information minister

Press and new information minister Ignatius Haryanto , Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has assigned Sofyan A. Djalil as State Minister of Communications and Information. Sofyan holds a doctorate in international finance and capital marketing from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, as well as being a corporate communications consultant and an advisor with the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights.

Rp 1.9t of remainds unspent

Rp 1.9t of remainds unspent Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The halted land acquisition for several infrastructure projects in the capital has been blamed on the city administration's failure to make use of the entire 2004 budget. Of the Rp 12.26 trillion (US$1.35 billion) total budget, some Rp 1.9 trillion has not been used. That figure is an improvement from last year, when the administration failed to absorb Rp 2.24 trillion of the Rp 11.56 trillion budget.

Defense minister advised to restructure office

Defense minister advised to restructure office Tiarma Siboro The Jakarta Post/Jakarta While welcoming defense minister Juwono Sudarsono's plan to eradicate corruption and markup practices in arms-purchase procedures, an expert has urged for the restructuring of the ministry and the introduction of a special bureau to deal with the procurement of jobs.

1. 3 x 15

1. 3 x 15 Malaysia extends amnesty deadline for migrant workers 2. 2 x 24 Minister to get tough on corrupt civil servants 3. 1 x 24 RI, China to boost cooperation 4. 2 x 24 Defense minister to restructure office

Court delays euthanasia ruling

Court delays euthanasia ruling JAKARTA: The Central Jakarta District Court has delayed issuing a decision on the legality of euthanasia on an appeal by Bogor resident Hasan Kesuma, whose wife Agian Isna Naili has been in a "persistent vegetative state" for more than three months. Judge Cicut Sutiarso said on Friday the panel of judges and an expert team were still studying the request, which was filed with the court on Oct. 22. "We will deliver the decision to the husband on Monday," he said.

Shares end at new high on Wall Street gains

Shares end at new high on Wall Street gains Dow Jones, Jakarta Indonesian shares closed at a fresh record high in volatile trading on Friday as Wall Street's gains overnight spurred buying of select local blue chips, dealers said. Quick profit-taking, however, erased some of the gains and even sent the main index into negative territory in the morning session, before recovering later in the day. The Jakarta Stock Exchange Composite ended up 5.303 points, or 0.6 percent, at 893.639.

RI workers say Malaysia no longer land of opportunity

RI workers say Malaysia no longer land of opportunity Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post/Makassar Malaysia, which had long been a land of hope and promise for Indonesian migrant workers (TKI) seeking better lives, has now closed its doors. Ants are drawn to sugar, and Malaysia was sugar for Indonesians laboring to make a living and improve their families' welfare, even if it meant going abroad.

Ex-rivals SBY, Wiranto have 'small talk' at presidential office

Ex-rivals SBY, Wiranto have 'small talk' at presidential office Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Long-time comrades President Gen. (ret) Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and former presidential rival Gen. (ret) Wiranto held a brief reunion on Friday. The two former generals met for 20 minutes at the presidential office to reminisce and chat, said Wiranto, a former commander of the Indonesian Military (TNI), in response to questions as to whether the TNI leadership issue was raised.

Millions of fish die of mysterious 'virus'

Millions of fish die of mysterious 'virus' Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post/Medan The Simalungun regency administration in North Sumatra banned on Friday the consumption of fish from Lake Toba after millions of fish died in the lake over the past week. While there has been no official explanation for the deaths, the administration has speculated that a virus could be to blame. "The ban will remain in effect until a further announcement is made by the government.

Surocolo neglected but offers diverse tourist charms

Surocolo neglected but offers diverse tourist charms Singgir Kartana, Contributor, Yogyakarta Yogyakarta, as the cultural heart of Java, boasts a wide range of tourist attractions, including historical and archeological sites. However, the sheer number of attractions means that some of them are neglected, despite their obvious potential to draw tourists.

Car plunges into river, six people die

Car plunges into river, six people die ID Nugroho, The Jakarta Post/Surabaya Six people were killed and six others severely injured late on Thursday night when their Isuzu Bison van plunged into a river in Gunung Malang, Situbondo, East Java. The accident occurred as the van headed south to Besuki from Bondowoso city in the province. On Jl. Gunung Malang, the driver of the van, Rudy, attempted to overtake another car, when a truck appeared from the opposite direction.

and pls see in green: I thought the National desk decided his

and pls see in green: I thought the National desk decided his name was spelled Taufik. Which is correct? and in blue: is minister's office right, or is it the commission? ;JP;MTR;CD; ANPAa..r.. Minister-Corrupt-pledge Minister to get tough on errant civil servants JP/4/Kontrak Minister to get tough on errant civil servants M.

Improve welfare of teachers

Improve welfare of teachers From Media Indonesia Generally, teachers in Indonesia, particularly those teaching at elementary schools in remote places, are poorly paid. To show the people that the government in its first 100 days can improve things in the educational sector, the salaries of elementary school teachers assigned to remote places must be immediately raised. The government should also find out how much other countries, like Malaysia, Britain and Holland, pay their teachers.

TV Today: Saturday, November 6, 2004

TV Today: Saturday, November 6, 2004 TVRI 3:30 a.m. Variety Show: Sahur 4:30 Religious Teachings 5:30 Koran Reading: Iqra 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.

Breaking of the fast en masses eases burdens

Breaking of the fast en masses eases burdens Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Sapto Hadi had spent his entire morning looking for a job. Holding a bachelor's degree in management from a university in the capital, he has been trying his luck from one office to another in the past year but to no avail. Since Ramadhan started, each day at about 1 p.m., he goes to the Istiqlal Grand Mosque in Central Jakarta to pray and rest.

Beggars bad for tourism

Beggars bad for tourism From Kompas A Dutch friend of mine came to Indonesia on holiday several months go and visited several cities like Jakarta, Denpasar, Yogyakarta and Bandung. While admiring the beauty of Indonesia and its culture, she also wondered why there were so many beggars around, particularly in Bandung, where you come across beggars almost everywhere.

Eliminate illegal fees

Eliminate illegal fees Four corporate guests of mine arrived from Thailand on Oct. 18 at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, and the immigration officer in charge, for no apparent reason, denied them entry unless they paid US$100 each. They were allowed to pass through immigration after they paid $40 each. My guests from Singapore had a similar experience some time ago. Such treatment of foreign visitors to Indonesia obviously brings disgrace to the nation.

Jakarta's Provincial Minimum Wage

Jakarta's Provincial Minimum Wage Jakarta's Provincial Minimum Wage 1997-2005 % increase Inflation 1997 Rp 172,500 8.0 % 1998 198,000 14.78 77.63 % 1999 231,000 16.67 2.01 % 2000 344,250 49 9.35 % 2001 591,000 38 12.55 % 2002 631,000 7 9.08 % 2003 671,550 6 5.78 % 2004 711,843 6 *6.50 % * predicted

[b]Bush entrusted with the world's security

Bush entrusted with the world's security The Daily Yomiuri Asia News Network Tokyo 2. Pro6 -- China's AIDS crisis 1 x 48 JP/7/PRO06 Implication of AIDS crisis in China and its solution Cynthia Li Project Syndicate 3. RIA6 -- Dollar victory most important for Russian economy 2 X 21 Dollar victory crucial for the Russian economy Yana Yurova RIA Novosti Moscow

Managing Komodo park

Managing Komodo park I have had the privilege of visiting Komodo National Park a number of times over the last few years and I consider it an unequalled gem of the archipelago. The park is managed jointly by the Balai Taman Nasional Komodo and The Nature Conservancy, the latter an international organization. Non-Indonesian visitors pay a very modest fee of Rp 20,000 to enter this World Heritage Site.

Search underway for victims of landslide

Search underway for victims of landslide JAMBI, Jambi: As of Friday, a search and rescue team was still trying to locate two people who went missing during a landslide that happened a day earlier in Talang Lindung subdistrict, Kerinci regency. The two victims could be buried under collapsed houses or under the mud, said Syamsul, a member of the team.

The season ahead

The season ahead The end of Ramadhan is the time of year when Indonesia's transportation system, its bureaucracy and network is the most severely tested. For as long as can be recalled, mudik -- the trek home by millions of people from cities back into rural areas -- has been a tradition that few Indonesians who can afford it want to pass over.

New hope in oil industry

New hope in oil industry Amid the plunge in Indonesia's oil production to 966,500 barrels per day (bpd) this year from as many as 1.2 million bpd in 2002 -- which degraded the country as a net oil importer -- there have, of late, been several promising developments in the petroleum industry.

Most Papuans no longer sympathize with security forces

Most Papuans no longer sympathize with security forces Like war-torn Aceh, Papua remains in the spotlight. Papua Governor Jaap Solossa talked with The Jakarta Post's Ridwan Max Sijabat on Friday after leading a Papuan delegation to meet with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to discuss the situation in the province.

Police up security for Idul Fitri

Police up security for Idul Fitri SEMARANG, Central Java: The Central Java Provincial Police will deploy over 17,000 police officers to ensure the safety of travelers and residents over the Idul Fitri festivities, a top police officer said here on Friday. They will work in shifts in police stations, police posts and on the streets throughout the province, said Central Java Police chief Insp. Gen. Chaerul Rasyid.

Police link local elite to Mamasa conflict

Police link local elite to Mamasa conflict Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post/Parepare Police said on Friday they believed that local politicians masterminded the latest violence in Mamasa regency, West Sulawesi, in which three villagers were killed. South Sulawesi Police chief Insp. Gen. Saleh Saaf said a total of 36 suspects, being held by the police over the Oct. 15 attack in the town, were merely victims of local politicians' machinations, who wanted to grab or retain power.

JP/13/BI

JP/13/BI Govt aims to revive investment in Aceh, Ambon, Poso The Jakarta Post/Jakarta In an attempt to boost investment, the government plans to revive business and investment activities in some conflict-torn areas in the country, such as Central Sulawesi's town of Poso as well as the provinces of Aceh and Ambon.

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, November 6, 2004

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, November 6, 2004 Exhibitions * Art and Culture Kamoro People's Art Exhibition, presented by Kal Muller, at QB World Kemang, Jl. Kemang Raya 17, South Jakarta, (Tel. 7180818), 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., until Nov. 7. * 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.

Kalbe to Sign $30 Mln Debt Pact, Get More Time to Pay

Kalbe to Sign $30 Mln Debt Pact, Get More Time to Pay Bloomberg/Jakarta PT Kalbe Farma, Indonesia's biggest drugmaker by sales, will sign a US$30 million debt-restructuring agreement on Nov. 12, getting a lower interest rate and more time to pay, Finance Director Vidjongtius said. Creditors will extend the maturity of the debt from 2005 to 2010 in an accord Vidjongtius said follows an Oct.

Fighting injustice

Fighting injustice The Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) and the Betawi Brotherhood Forum (FBR) have conducted raids against entertainment venues. Why don't they just raid Terminal III of Soekarno-Hatta Airport? A lot of injustice happens there. For example, my brother's maid recently went to the airport to pick up her sister, who was arriving from overseas. Upon entering the parking lot, she was asked to pay Rp 80,000.

'I'm saving bonus for my wedding'

'I'm saving bonus for my wedding' As Idul Fitri approaches, many people have begun home improvement projects and have started buying new clothes and presents for family, friends and colleagues, relying on the annual holiday bonus for the expenditures. The Jakarta Post asked some residents how they were going to spend their Idul Fitri bonus. Jana, 27, is a secretary at a private company in Tebet, South Jakarta.

Tension rises as Christian beheaded

Tension rises as Christian beheaded Ruslan Sangadji, The Jakarta Post/Poso Local residents discovered at dawn Friday a severed head in Sayo subdistrict, Poso regency, at dawn on Friday, with the Idul Fitri holiday only a week away. The body of the victim, a 48-year-old Christian, was discovered later in the day in Gunung Potong, some 10 kilometers from the place where the head was found.

JP/5/mamasa

JP/5/mamasa 2 x 20 Police link local elite to Mamasa conflict JP/5/CRASH 1 x 39 Car plunges into river, six people die JP/5/MIGRANT 2 x 26 RI workers say Malaysia no longer land of opportunity

The Malacca Strait: A clash of sovereignty concepts?

The Malacca Strait: A clash of sovereignty concepts? Mark J. Valencia, Hawaii, United States When then U.S. Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific Admiral Thomas Fargo was reported as suggesting that U.S. marines would help patrol the Strait of Malacca, it unwittingly summoned forth the unrequited haunts of history.

Indonesia waives the rules?

Indonesia waives the rules? Everywhere Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) goes the skeletons of the past rattle like hell, and they will cause him enormous problems. The tight web of corruption, which has efficiently engulfed all walks of life, has virtually left no one who can say, hand on heart, "I am Mr. Clean". You don't get anything in Indonesia for nothing, and that has been the case for a long while now.

Defense minister to restructure office

Defense minister to restructure office Tiarma Siboro The Jakarta Post/Jakarta While welcoming defense minister Juwono Sudarsono's plan to eradicate corruption and markup practices in arms-purchase procedures, an expert has urged for the restructuring of the ministry and the introduction of a special bureau to deal with the procurement of jobs.

Governor must resign: NGOs

Governor must resign: NGOs PADANG, West Sumatra: A group of 16 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) demanded on Friday that West Sumatra Governor Zainal Bakar step down following charges that he is involved in a corruption case. The governor needed to resign to expedite the investigation into his case, said the group of NGOs in a statement that was made available to the media.

The real threat to security in Asia

The real threat to security in Asia Michael Vatikiotis, Bangkok Forget Taiwan. The real threat to security in Asia is the brewing cold war between Japan and China. Most people believe that serious animosity between China and Japan is constrained by the growing economic symbiosis between Asia's largest economy and its largest market-and more than US$100 billion in trade. Dream on.

1. MASJID: 2 LINES, 24 COUNTS

1. MASJID: 2 LINES, 24 COUNTS Breaking of the fast en masse eases burdens 2. ABILIO: 2 LINES, 20 COUNTS Abilio acquittal 'erodes trust in rights tribunal' 3. POSO: 2 LINES, 21 COUNTS Tension rises in Poso as Christian beheaded 4. FOSSIL: 1 LINE, 35 COUNTS RI scientists refute Flores Man finding 5. WIRANTO: 1 LINE, 40 COUNTS Ex-rivals SBY and Wiranto have 'small talk'

Govt to sell more shares to plug deficit

Govt to sell more shares to plug deficit Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The government is in a hurry to sell its remaining shares in several publicly listed banks this year to help plug the state budget deficit amid a shortfall in revenue from the privatization program. "We will sell more of our minority stakes in the banks in an effort to cover the deficit," Minister of Finance Yusuf Anwar said on Friday.

Govt seeks out-of-court deal for KBC's claim

Govt seeks out-of-court deal for KBC's claim The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government is seeking to reduce a US$299 million claim made by Karaha Bodas Co. (KBC) against state oil and gas firm PT Pertamina over a canceled geothermal power project through an out-of-court settlement, a senior government official said. The government will also file an appeal with the State Supreme Court of New York, asking the court not to freeze US$256 million of its funds in Pertamina's accounts in U.S. banks.

* 'Abilio's acquittal will erode trust in judiciary' Page 2

* 'Abilio's acquittal will erode trust in judiciary' Page 2 * RI to boost military cooperation with China Page 4 * Police link politicians to Mamasa conflict Page 5 * Implication of AIDS crisis in China and its solution Page 7 * Rp 1.9t of budget remains unspent Page 8 * Shaq a big draw in home debut for Heat Page 9 * U.S. to test smart bombs on Australia Page 11 * Govt aims to revive investment in Aceh, Ambon, Poso Page 13 * Karimunjawa, paradise of flora and fauna Page 17

Minister to get tough on errant civil servants

Minister to get tough on errant civil servants M. Taufiqurrahman and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Civil servants still have two months to mess up before the performance contracts they signed with the Office of the State Minister of Administrative Reforms take effect in January 2005.

Defense minister advised to restructure office

Defense minister advised to restructure office Tiarma Siboro The Jakarta Post/Jakarta While welcoming defense minister Juwono Sudarsono's plan to eradicate corruption and markup practices in arms-purchase procedures, an expert has urged for the restructuring of the ministry and the introduction of a special bureau to deal with the procurement of jobs.

Komatsu to build steel plant

Komatsu to build steel plant Publicly listed PT Komatsu Indonesia, a unit of Japanese heavy-equipment producer Komatsu Ltd, plans to build a new plant that will double the company's production capacity for casted steels in Indonesia, a company official said. Komatsu spokesperson Petra Ho said the company would invest some US$11 million in the new plant, with its operation scheduled to start next year.

1. 3 x 15

1. 3 x 15 Malaysia extends amnesty deadline for migrant workers 2. 2 x 24 Minister to get tough on corrupt civil servants 3. 1 x 24 RI, China to boost cooperation 4. 2 x 24 Defense minister to restructure office

Resume military ties with U.S.: Expert

Resume military ties with U.S.: Expert M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The reelection of President George W. Bush is expected to offer a greater opportunity for the resumption of Indonesian military ties with the United States and to clear the way for more aid to help in the domestic fight against terrorism.

JSX lifts suspension of Ades shares

JSX lifts suspension of Ades shares The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) resumed trading on Friday in the shares of beverage company PT Ades Alfindo Putrasetia after a three-month suspension following problems with its audited financial reports. The bourse decided to lift the suspension after the company agreed to pay a fine of Rp 150 million (about US$16,400), and acknowledge the second warning letter sent by the bourse to the company on Tuesday.

ARF delegates call for closer military relations

ARF delegates call for closer military relations CHINA: Delegates to a meeting of Asia's biggest security grouping called on Friday for closer military cooperation amid concerns over terrorism and North Korea's nuclear program. The gathering of military officials from 24 governments in the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) is meant to "open new channels of dialog and exchange among defense officials", said its chairman, Indonesian Deputy Defense Minister Sudrajat.

KONI faces continued funding shortage for sports program

KONI faces continued funding shortage for sports program Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The National Sports Council (KONI) is again facing the prospect of strained finances next year with the disclosure of potential government funding for its sports activities. KONI budgeting and planning head Indra Kartasasmita revealed on Friday that the council would likely get only Rp 132 billion (US$14.6 million) from the government, far below the proposed Rp 201 billion.

RI, China to boost cooperation

RI, China to boost cooperation Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is slated to meet Chinese President Hu Jintao on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Santiago, Chile, later this month to discuss mutual cooperation in various fields, especially military.

1. DISCOURSE: 1x50

1. DISCOURSE: 1x50 Most Papuans no longer sympathize with security forces 2. ECONOMY: 4 X 12 Govt to sell more bank shares to plug deficit 3. RIGHTS: 1 X 30 Christian right takes credit for Bush win 4. BUSH: 4 x 9 U.S. should reestablish military ties with RI: expert 5.SUSUL: 1 X 28 Bush urged to fix transatlantic ties

Building the future together

Building the future together From Koran Tempo Oct. 20 became an historic day, marking the day the first directly elected president and vice president were sworn into office. The government of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is beginning a new era that will define his five-year term. The nation is facing problems so great in magnitude and complexity that they can be solved only through a common effort that involves all levels of government and society.

Indonesian maid gets death for murder in KL

Indonesian maid gets death for murder in KL Agencies, Kuala Lumpur/Jakarta An Indonesian housemaid was sentenced to death by hanging for killing her Malaysian employer who scolded her for burning a meal, news reports said on Friday. Herlina Trisnawati, 22, had pleaded insanity when charged with murdering businesswoman Soon Lay Chuan in a Kuala Lumpur suburb on Aug. 14, 2001. However, High Court judge K.N.

Gasoline lead phase-out? The time's still not right

Gasoline lead phase-out? The time's still not right Bob Larbey Jakarta In 2003, Indonesia's government expressed its intention to ban leaded gasoline in 2005. This would mean the entire gasoline- powered vehicle fleet, ie cars, taxis, motor cycles, mopeds and bajas will next year be running on unleaded fuel. One of the urgent issues that need to be addressed by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his cabinet is a review of this policy.

There is no medical evidence on the effects of lead on health

There is no medical evidence on the effects of lead on health to oppose the view that the orderly gradual lead phase-out in Indonesia, which is already underway, should continue. ;JP; ANPAk..r.. Gasoline lead phase-out? The time's still not right JP/6/BOB Gasoline lead phase-out? The time's still not right Bob Larbey Jakarta In 2003, Indonesia's government expressed its intention to ban leaded gasoline in 2005.

BNI funds traced to overseas accounts

BNI funds traced to overseas accounts JAKARTA: The police are investigating the legality of a US$12 million worth of funds stashed in banks abroad and whether or not they are part of Rp 1.7 trillion ($186.81 million) embezzled from Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) in a lending scam last year. "We're working with PPATK to check if the funds are legal or illegal. We suspect the money related to that which was taken from BNI," National Police Chief of Detective Comr. Gen.

Major Asian cities to seek solutions to their problems

Major Asian cities to seek solutions to their problems Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Pollution, transportation and urban development are among the major issues faced by 12 Asian metropolises, and will comprise the priority agenda for the fourth Asian Network of Major Cities 21 (ANMC 21), to be held from Nov. 21 to Nov. 25 here.

Kal Muller has the best of all worlds

Kal Muller has the best of all worlds Emmy Fitri, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta An adventurer, writer and photographer, Kal Muller could have led a cushy life or become a "somebody" in a busy metropolis in America or any other part of the globe, for he can live anywhere, adapting to cultures as necessary. Now 65, the Hungarian-born Muller has traveled to at least 80 countries over a span of 15 years. He lived in Hungary until his father sent him abroad, and has lived in France, Switzerland, the U.S.