Archive: 1 December 2004
105 articles found
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
AirAsia to offer flights to China in February
AirAsia to offer flights to China in February Haslinda Amin and Khoo Hsu Chuang, Bloomberg/China AirAsia Bhd., Southeast Asia's biggest discount airline, plans to start flights to China in February, expanding outside of Southeast Asia, as it prepares to face competition from as many as eight low-cost rivals.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
W. Java villagers die of asphyxiation in well
W. Java villagers die of asphyxiation in well Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post/Bandung A grim atmosphere loomed over Selacau village, Sumedang regency, West Java, following the death of four residents who died of gas poisoning inside a well on Tuesday. The victims were Aceng Kurniawan, 35, his brother-in-law Jajuli, 21, and two of his neighbors Asikin, 45, and Yoyo Sunarta, 21. Another neighbor, Ayi, said that the tragedy occurred at about 9 a.m.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Last bond issue draws strong response
Last bond issue draws strong response The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government auctioned its last bond issue of the year worth Rp 1.8 trillion (US$199 million) on Tuesday, with the proceeds to be used for financing the state budget deficit, the Ministry of Finance said. Treasury director general Mulia Nasution said the auction drew bids amounting to Rp 7.3 trillion, making the issue four times oversubscribed.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Govt to double agricultural exports
Govt to double agricultural exports The government has set itself a target of raising exports of agricultural products to US$9 billion in 2009, or more than double this year's estimate of $3.7 billion, a senior official said on Tuesday. Minister of Agriculture Anton Apriyanto said his ministry aimed to increase the annual production of food crops by 2 percent, horticulture by 5 percent, plantation commodities by 5 percent and livestock by 5 percent.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Workers protest minimum wage
Workers protest minimum wage BANDUNG: At least 3,000 workers in Cimahi regency staged a protest on Tuesday outside the regent's office, demanding that he raise the minimum wage in the regency. The workers said the minimum wage in Cimahi had to equal the minimum wage in Bandung municipality, as the cost of living in the two regions was the same. The current minimum wage in Cimahi is Rp 610,000 per month, while it is Rp 642,500 per month in Bandung. -- JP
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Only 50% TKI use KL amnesty: Govt
Only 50% TKI use KL amnesty: Govt JAKARTA: Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Fahmi Idris said on Tuesday that only 76,000 Indonesian migrant workers (TKI), or a little over half of the 150,000 TKI expected to return, took advantage of the amnesty program offered by Malaysia to repatriate. "As of Nov. 28, about 76,000 people have returned, but I really hope at least 150,000 of them will return under the program," Fahmi said.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Vin+ offers booze at attractive prices in stylish surroundings
Vin+ offers booze at attractive prices 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.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
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.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
HIV patients still fear discrimination
HIV patients still fear discrimination Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Rohana of Bukit Duri, South Jakarta, is still grieving for her nephew, who spent the last three months of his life in hospital. "He was never told what was making him so ill, as other family members were reluctant to say," she said on Tuesday. Rohana said her nephew died of kidney failure, but the doctor finally declared he had developed AIDS. "It must have been because of his past sex life," she said.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
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.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Policemen nabbed after drinking spree
Policemen nabbed after drinking spree Jongker Rumthe, The Jakarta Post/Manado Seven boozing policemen whose unruly escapades almost caused a riot in Tuminting, Manado, have been thrown into the drunk tank until they are disciplined, the North Sulawesi Police say. The officers, six of whom who are members of the province's Mobile Brigade unit and one who is from the Likupang station, have been in police custody since Sunday night. Provincial police provost and chief of security Adj. Comr. M.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Banker allegedly amassed Rp 9.4b
Banker allegedly amassed Rp 9.4b Evi Mariani , The Jakarta Post/Jakarta If it were not for a promotion that moved him to the bank's headquarters office, no one would have suspected that a Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) official allegedly misused his authority to amass wealth of about Rp 9.4 billion over the past five years. Jakarta Police revealed on Tuesday that they had detained the suspect, identified as Gun, when the alleged scam was reported by internal audit officers on Nov. 12.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia in danger of HIV/AIDS explosion in 2005
Indonesia in danger of HIV/AIDS explosion in 2005 Yulia Wardhani, Jakarta There has recently been a shift in the perception of HIV/AIDS that has accompanied the increasing number of intravenous drug users (IDUs) who have become HIV positive. I was recently lecturing on the dangers of illegal drugs and HIV/AIDS at a leading high school in Jakarta when a student asked: "My brother is HIV positive. Can he be cured?" There were no hints of gloom, fear or embarrassment on the student's face.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
BRI to make Rp 12t new loans next year
BRI to make Rp 12t new loans next year Bank Rakyat Indonesia, the nation's fourth-largest lender, expects to give Rp 12 trillion (US$1.3 billion) of new loans next year as consumers and companies borrow more. The figure marks a 9 percent increase over the 2004 target, which has already been achieved, the lender said. "The bulk of the loans will be for small and medium enterprises," Finance Director Wayan Alit Antara told reporters in Jakarta.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
East Timor deports dozens of Muslims to Indonesia
East Timor deports dozens of Muslims to Indonesia Reuters Jakarta Tiny East Timor has deported 61 Muslims to neighboring Indonesia after detaining nearly 300 who had been living illegally near the only mosque in the capital Dili, officials said on Tuesday. The Muslims originated from Indonesia but consider themselves East Timorese.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Touchy Indonesia keeps tight lid on foreign researchers
Touchy Indonesia keeps tight lid on foreign researchers Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The government is drafting a new decree setting out even more onerous rules for foreign scientists conducting research here due to a growing number of "illegal studies", an official says. The deputy chairman of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), Lukman Hakim, claimed on Tuesday that not only had illegal studies cost the country dearly but also given rise to security concerns.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
HSBC gives $292m loan to Pertamina
HSBC gives $292m loan to Pertamina JAKARTA: Banking giant HSBC signed on Tuesday a US$292 million syndicated loan agreement to finance the import of crude oil by state oil and gas company Pertamina. HSBC is the lead arranger and sole book runner for the loan, which was raised from several sharia banks and is to be disbursed to Pertamina via the sharia banking system.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Newmont faces off against police, activists
Newmont faces off against police, activists Michael Casey, Associated Press/Buyat Bay, North Sulawesi Mention Newmont Mining Corp. in this impoverished seaside community and villagers angrily recount how pollution from its gold mine has killed the fish and sickened residents with headaches, nausea and tremors. But local leaders praise Denver-based Newmont for providing hundreds of jobs and buildings schools and clinics. Complaining villagers, they say, are just looking for a quick payout.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
OPEC production exceeds quota
OPEC production exceeds quota JAKARTA: OPEC is currently producing 28.5 million barrels of oil per day, exceeding its quota by 1.5 million bpd, the cartel's president said on Tuesday. "We have oversupply (amounting to) 1.5 million barrels per day. Currently, total output stands at 28.5 million barrels per day," Purnomo Yusgiantoro said. Purnomo predicted that demand for oil would decrease in the second quarter of 2005. OPEC will discuss plans for 2005 at its ministerial meeting in Cairo on Dec.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
JP/ /
JP/ / Part 2 of 2 Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono Vientiane/Laos The future of ASEAN's competitiveness But that's not all -- the road to success is much tougher than that. To gain maximum benefit from integration, we need to meet other conditions. First of all, governments -- and I am speaking of my country as well -- we all need to increase the efficiency of all economic transactions in the region.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
RI shares end at record high, cigarette stocks lead
RI shares end at record high, cigarette stocks lead Dow Jones, Jakarta Indonesian shares ended higher Tuesday, with foreign-led buying in cigarette makers Hanjaya Mandala Sampoerna and Gudang Garam driving the main index to close at a fresh record high, dealers said. "There is a big possibility that the main index will hit the 1000 level by the end of the year," said Laksono Widodo, analyst with Macquarie securities in Jakarta.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Telekom Malaysia's 3rd-Qtr Profit Falls on Higher Tax
Telekom Malaysia's 3rd-Qtr Profit Falls on Higher Tax Bloomberg Kuala Lumpur Telekom Malaysia Bhd., Southeast Asia's second-largest phone company, said third-quarter profit fell 1 percent because it paid higher taxes. Net income dropped to 330 million ringgit (US$87 million) in the three months ended Sept. 30 from 333.2 million ringgit a year ago, Telekom Malaysia said in a statement. Sales fell 0.7 percent to 3.29 billion ringgit.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
India-ASEAN rally pauses for ceremony
India-ASEAN rally pauses for ceremony Aye Aye Win, Associated Press/Vientiane, Laos A caravan of about 60 mostly Indian-made cars reached Laos on Tuesday after meandering through jungles and mountains of Southeast Asia in an Asian car rally to promote the region's little used byways for travel and freight. The four-by-four vehicles, which had set off from India on Nov.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
More countries join the rush to sign on for free trade talks with ASEAN
More countries join the rush to sign on for free trade talks with ASEAN Agencies, Vientiane Four Pacific Rim economies from Australia to Japan joined the rush to court Southeast Asia, agreeing on Tuesday to launch free trade talks with the region's leaders hours after they clinched a momentous market-opening deal with booming China.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
One Asia
One Asia The walls of division which separate the people's of South, Southeast and East Asia came down earlier this week for a brief moment as leaders of 14 Asian countries gathered in Vientiane as equals and colleagues. The annual summit of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Monday and Tuesday included meetings with leaders from China, Japan, South Korea and India. The proceedings were full of fanfare and the customary officialdom, laced with fancy rhetoric.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah Rates Nov.30
Rupiah Rates Nov.30 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,392.63 6,613.38 7,039.23 6,966.64 Brunei dollar 1 5,798.36 5,187.26 5,521.17 5,464.34 Canadian dollar 1 8,015.83 7,170.64 7,632.64 7,553.67 Swiss franc 1 8,320.66 7,442.55 7,922.90 7,840.10 Danish krone 1 1,698.64 1,519.20 1,617.44 1,600.35 Euro 1 12,615.16 11,287.20 12,012.10 11,890.12 Poundsterling 1 17,978.55 16,085.39 17,119.10 16,944.61 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,223.99 1,095.28 1,165.48 1,153.79...
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Asian monies down on concern central banks will sell
Asian monies down on concern central banks will sell Christina Soon, Bloomberg/Singapore Asian currencies fell on speculation the region's central banks will sell them to protect exporters after the Wall Street Journal said South Korea, China and Japan voiced concern about the dollar's decline. "The recent dollar depreciation is huge and that may affect Korean and other countries' exports," Go You Sun, an economist at Dongwon Securities Co., said in Seoul.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
1. LION: 1 LINE, 30 COUNTS
1. LION: 1 LINE, 30 COUNTS Over 20 die in Solo plane crash 2. FUEL: 1 LINE, 28 COUNTS Public to pay 40% more on fuel 3. ASEAN: 1 LINE, 32 COUNTS ASEAN dimmed by Myanmar issue
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
ASEAN backs Japan's bid for permanent UN Security Council seat
ASEAN backs Japan's bid for permanent UN Security Council seat Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders on Tuesday backed Japan's bid to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, an official said. ASEAN gave its support during a meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and his counterparts from the 10- member regional grouping on the final day of an ASEAN summit in Laos.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
CSFB named best foreign bank
CSFB named best foreign bank JAKARTA: Credit Suisse First Boston (CSFB) has been awarded the Asset Triple-A Country Awards for best foreign investment bank in Indonesia and Malaysia by banking and finance publication The Asset. "CSFB won the distinction in Indonesia, given the bank's spread of activity during the past 12 months.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
General Issue: Corporate Social Responsibility
General Issue: Corporate Social Responsibility Dec - 1 ;JP; ANPAd..r.. Business-CSR-program CSR may be debatable, but not the recipients Rudijanto Contributor Jakarta "Help me, I want to get well," reads a brochure featuring seven-year-old Faizal, a leukemia patient at Jakarta's Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital (RSCM).
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Consumer confidence rises to 37-month high
Consumer confidence rises to 37-month high Delight and relief after the successful elections lifted the Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) by 6.2 percent to a 37-month high of 105.8 in October, Danareksa Research Institute (DRI) announced on Tuesday. According to DRI, the Present Situation Index (PSI) climbed 2.9 percent to a 35-month high of 84.2, while the Expectation Index (EI) soared by 8.1 percent to 122.0, a level unseen since October 2001.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
S'pore to give medical tourism a shot in the arm
S'pore to give medical tourism a shot in the arm Lilian Karunungan, Reuters/Singapore When Indonesian Rismayanti Maulana's husband was diagnosed with liver cancer, she had no hesitation in bringing him to Singapore for an operation despite the city-state's higher medical costs. Syahrul, a 36-year-old former civil servant, still travels to Singapore for chemotherapy after being hospitalized for three weeks following an operation.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Online identity system
Online identity system From Koran Tempo The government of Malaysia can easily trace its citizens, who traveled abroad and never returned, through the identity system called "I/C online". Indonesia's new government should have included this in its 100-day agenda. This system would be an efficient way to control the Indonesian population. At the same time, the online system is also important to unveil corruptors, who use more than one identity card for their operations. FAISYAL AKLI Jakarta
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Lion Air
Lion Air Plane skids off runaway, dozens die Blontank Poerwoko, The Jakarta Post/Surakarta At least 23 people have been killed and dozens more were injured after a Lion Air passenger jet skidded off a slippery runway and slammed into a graveyard after landing at a Surakarta airport on Tuesday evening. The aircraft, carrying 146 passengers and seven crew, was badly damaged, breaking into two pieces with a wing ripping off.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Buyat case: Economic growth versus environment
Buyat case: Economic growth versus environment Todung Mulya Lubis, Jakarta The Buyat Bay case reflects the never ending tension between the concept of economic growth on the one hand and that of environmental management on the other. This is a classical tension that can never be satisfactorily resolved, although people have, on many occasions, talked about the concept of sustainable development, which is, in essence, the blend of economic growth and environmental management.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Coffee brings Indonesia and Romania closer
Coffee brings Indonesia and Romania closer Veeramalla Anjaiah, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Bela Lugosi's famous introduction to film audiences, "I -- am -- Drac -- ula...", the brutal communist regime in Bucharest and soccer legend Georghe Hagi are some of the things that come to mind upon mention of Romania. So, what causes many Romanians to think every day about Indonesia? One could hazard a guess that the answer is the tourist paradise of Bali. But, "No, it's coffee from Indonesia.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
CSR may be debatable, but not the recipients
CSR may be debatable, but not the recipients Rudijanto, Contributor, Jakarta "Help me, I want to get well," reads a brochure featuring seven-year-old Faizal, a leukemia patient at Jakarta's Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital (RSCM). His sad and tired eyes staring out of the "Let's Cure the Children" brochure distributed by PT Prudential Life Insurance (Prudential) reflect prolonged suffering as well as bewilderment.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Graft suspect challenges KPK Law
Graft suspect challenges KPK Law JAKARTA: Bram Manoppo, a suspect in a graft case involving Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam Governor Abdullah Puteh, challenged on Tuesday the law on the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). According to Bram, whom the commission has named a suspect, Law No. 20/2002 on KPK carries a retroactive clause that is unconstitutional.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
HIV/AIDS now major threat to Papuan tribes
HIV/AIDS now major threat to Papuan tribes 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.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
JP/6/6eds1
JP/6/6eds1 A rude awakening An Indonesian visitor to Paris once noted how she was struck by the many more elderly faces filling the famous city's trams and streets, compared to the youthful scene in crowded Jakarta. This, she noted was in stark contrast to Indonesia, where the young population, typical of most developing nations, were more likely to be seen commuting and shopping in the cities and towns.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
ASEAN-China free trade a likely disaster, say trade unions
ASEAN-China free trade a likely disaster, say trade unions Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Labor unions here called the historic trade pact between China and the 10 Southeast Asian countries a disaster on Tuesday, claiming that Indonesia would not be able to compete with Chinese products.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
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.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
JP;IWA;CD;
JP;IWA;CD; ANPAs..r.. Putbrief-Gymnastics-Rumania Gymnasts departure to Rumania delayed JP/9/brief Gymnasts departure to Romania delayed JAKARTA: The Romanian's winter training break will prompt a rescheduling of the Indonesian gymnasts' planned departure for a two-year training program in Romania, according to the Indonesian Gymnastics Association (Persani). Persani will be sending ten gymnasts, but they will now depart in February instead of the previous plan of this month.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
;JP;BBY;
;JP;BBY; ANPAj..r.. Greater-antidrug-campaign Anti-drug campaign leads to new law JP/8/ Antidrug campaign leads to new law JAKARTA: The Jakarta Library and Yayasan Cahaya Hati Bangsa will hold a panel discussion on Dec. 8, and their conclusions will be submitted to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono as a revision draft of the existing antidrug laws, both issued in 1997.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
;JP;
;JP; ANPAk..r.. Buyat-environment-damages JP/7/opinion Buyat case: Growth versus environment 2. SBY-- 1 x48 JP/7/ The future of ASEAN's competitiveness 3.Yulia-- HIV/AIDs explosion 2 x 21 Indonesia in danger of HIV/AIDS explosion
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
TV Program: Thursday, December 2, 2004
TV Program: Thursday, December 2, 2004 .TB.30" .90" TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Documentary 8:00 Talk Show 8:30 Music: Asyik-Asyik 10:00 Talk Show: Wirausaha 11:00 Singing Contest: Konteswara 12:00 p.m.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Panel puts two proposals for UNSC reform
Panel puts two proposals for UNSC reform Agencies, United Nations/Vientiane/Jakarta A high-level panel on reforming the United Nations has proposed two models for enlarging the United Nations Security Council, according to a major report obtained by Reuters on Monday. After a decade of failed approaches, Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who appointed the panel of 16 men and women, wants UN members to act on one of the two proposals in 2005.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Thugs attack public order officers
Thugs attack public order officers TANGERANG: A group of thugs at Pasar Anyar market attacked public order officers while the latter were evicting street vendors occupying part of the road, injuring two of the officers. Head of the public order officers' 35-strong team, Sabar Situmorang, and Fatillah were rushed to Tangerang General Hospital after receiving serious machete wounds to their hands and legs.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
* Vijay Singh poised for overdue players' accolade Page 3
* Vijay Singh poised for overdue players' accolade Page 3 * Govt drafts plan to restrict foreign researchers Page 4 * Prosecutors drop graft charges against Solok businessman Page 5 * Buyat case: Economic growth vs environment Page 7 * Rainy season catches City govt with pants down Page 8 * Celtics snap losing streak by beating Magic Page 9 * East Timor deports over 60 Muslims to Indonesia Page 11 * Retail sales expected to expand 25%-30% next year Page 13 * HIV/AIDS major threat to Papuan...
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Gymnasts departure to Romania delayed
Gymnasts departure to Romania delayed JAKARTA: The Romanian's winter training break will prompt a rescheduling of the Indonesian gymnasts' planned departure for a two-year training program in Romania, according to the Indonesian Gymnastics Association (Persani). Persani will be sending ten gymnasts, but they will now depart in February instead of the previous plan of this month.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Sampoerna, France provide scholarships
Sampoerna, France provide scholarships Full scholarships to pursue doctorate programs in France are on offer for Indonesian nationals from the Sampoerna Foundation and the French government, starting next year. The foundation's director of operations Elan Merdy said on Tuesday that for the initial year, two successful candidates would be awarded the scholarships. Each scholarship is worth around US$90,000, with each recipient expected to complete his or her study in two years.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Building stakeholders' trust
Building stakeholders' trust Sudibyo M. Wiradji, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta There is a growing awareness among local companies that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become an important business concept to maintain long-term profitability. However, the lack of a clear definition of the CSR concept makes it difficult to apply.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
JP/6/YULIA
JP/6/YULIA Indonesia in danger of HIV/AIDS explosion in 2005 Yulia Wardhani Jakarta There has recently been a shift in the perception of HIV/AIDS that has accompanied the increasing number of intravenous drug users (IDUs) who have become HIV positive. I was recently lecturing on the dangers of illegal drugs and HIV/AIDS at a leading high school in Jakarta when a student asked: "My brother is HIV positive.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
RI's H1 coal sales reach 45.77m tons
RI's H1 coal sales reach 45.77m tons JAKARTA: Indonesia exported 45.77 million metric tons of coal in the January through June period, Indonesia's Central Statistics Bureau said. The shipments were valued at US$1.06 billion at Indonesian ports, the bureau said. The bureau said the January to June figures were the latest available. Indonesia sold 89.79 million tons of coal last year, the statistics office said. It did not give a comparative six-month figure for 2003.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
40 suffering from diarrhea after Nabire earthquake
40 suffering from diarrhea after Nabire earthquake The Jakarta Post, Agencies At least 40 Nabire residents have been struck down with diarrhea since a powerful earthquake rocked the city last Friday, while death toll in the disaster stood at 27 as of Tuesday afternoon. Dozens of people in Kalibobo district suffering from diarrhea have been brought to Nabire Hospital, Antara reported.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Public to pay 40% more on fuel
Public to pay 40% more on fuel Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The public will pay up to 40 percent more for fuel by early next year, as the government insists on raising the price of the commodity in order to lower subsidy costs, Vice President Jusuf Kalla said on Tuesday. The government has been facing increasingly higher subsidy costs, which has been soaring due to red-hot global oil prices.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Two officials named graft suspects
Two officials named graft suspects The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The West Jakarta Prosecutor's Office has named two top officials of the area's Parks Office suspects in a corruption case worth Rp 1.4 billion (US$155,555.56). "We are completing their case files this evening so we can continue further questioning," prosecutor Joko Yuhono told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday. Joko named both suspects as former parks office head Harun Al Rasyid and incumbent head Sri Budi Setiati.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Buyat case ordered to be taken to court
Buyat case ordered to be taken to court JAKARTA: The Attorney General's Office has ordered the North Sulawesi Prosecutor's Office to bring the pollution case involving PT Newmont Minahasa Raya to court, an official says. RJ Soehandoyo, spokesman of the office, said prosecutors were expected to prepare indictments against six Newmont employees. "The (office) has studied the case and has determined it is suitable for prosecution," he told a press conference on Tuesday.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
62 deported Indonesians arrive home from East Timor
62 deported Indonesians arrive home from East Timor Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post/Kupang After five hours of immigration checks in Motaain, on the border of East Timor and Indonesia, 62 people were deported from the neighboring country, finally arriving on Monday evening in Atambua, the capital of Belu regency in East Nusa Tenggara. The 62 are among 274 people who have been deported from East Timor for failing to acquire the proper immigration documents.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
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.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
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.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Busway sales over Rp 33b in 10 months
Busway sales over Rp 33b in 10 months JAKARTA: Since its grand opening 10 months ago, the management of the TransJakarta Busway has contributed Rp 33.89 billion (US$3.76 million) to the city's coffers, however most of that has already been spent on the salaries and expenses incurred by the city. Established in a gubernatorial decree, the busway management is not entitled to profit from the daily income, according to TransJakarta Busway chairman Irzal Djamal.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Ba'asyir is spiritual head of JI, say members
Ba'asyir is spiritual head of JI, say members Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Two Malaysian militants testifying in the trial of Abu Bakar Ba'asyir acknowledged on Tuesday that the elderly cleric was the spiritual leader of the regional terrorist group, Jamaah Islamiyah (JI).
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
The Vientiane opportunity
The Vientiane opportunity Verghese Mathews New Straits Times Kuala Lumpur ASEAN's 10th summit in Vientiane, Laos, is a good time to address what is rapidly becoming a major problem for three members of the grouping: The fate of the Montagnards in the central highlands of Vietnam. ASEAN has come a long way from the crestfallen days of the Asian financial crisis when even its close allies and trading partners seriously questioned its ability to get itself out of a self-created quagmire.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
ASEAN leaders held a succession of meetings with some of Asia's
ASEAN leaders held a succession of meetings with some of Asia's top leaders in Vientiane on Tuesday, the substance of which were overshadowed by alarm over the grouping's neglect of continued rights repressions by fellow member Myanmar. It was a cheerless way to end what had been a highly productive and historic two-day annual summit.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
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.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Security tight ahead of Dec. 1 in Biak
Security tight ahead of Dec. 1 in Biak The Jakarta Post, Antara The situation in Biak Numfor, Papua, remained secure on Tuesday, one day before separatists planned to celebrate the province's independence on Wednesday, a senior police officer said. Biak Numfor police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Wirawibawa said on Tuesday there had been no protests in the area in the past few days and the security situation was under control.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Grauffel denied championship in Bali
Grauffel denied championship in Bali Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Sanur, Bali World champion Eric Grauffel of France was denied a title of the AustralAsia Practical Shooting Championship after he ended up in second place here on Tuesday. Grauffel fired a total of 1297.3773 points after completing 24 stages in the Open category of the event.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Right body wants judicial power
Right body wants judicial power Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has called for a revision of human rights Law No.39/1999, to empower it with the right to press state institutions to follow up on the findings of its investigations. Komnas HAM Chairman Abdul Hakim Garuda Nusantara complained on Tuesday that some of the commission's findings were not followed up on by state institutions, rendering its investigations useless.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
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.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
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.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Police jailed for killing suspect
Police jailed for killing suspect PADANG, West Sumatra: The Padang District Court sentenced five policemen on Monday to 18 months in jail each for beating a drug suspect to death. The crime occurred last year, when a patrol officer arrested Faisal, 27, in connection with a drug case. A few hours after his arrest, Faisal was rushed to a hospital for severe head injuries.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
BRI to make Rp 12t new loans next year
BRI to make Rp 12t new loans next year Bank Rakyat Indonesia, the nation's fourth-largest lender, expects to give Rp 12 trillion (US$1.3 billion) of new loans next year as consumers and companies borrow more. The figure marks a 9 percent increase over the 2004 target, which has already been achieved, the lender said. "The bulk of the loans will be for small and medium enterprises," Finance Director Wayan Alit Antara told reporters in Jakarta.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Part 2 of 2: The future of ASEAN's competitiveness
Part 2 of 2: The future of ASEAN's competitiveness Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Vientiane/Laos But that's not all -- the road to success is much tougher than that. To gain maximum benefit from integration, we need to meet other conditions. First of all, governments -- and I am speaking of my country as well -- we all need to increase the efficiency of all economic transactions in the region.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Standard Chartered terror
Standard Chartered terror For the past few months members of my family have been receiving death threats and harassment from a Standard Chartered Bank representative/debt collector. In his last phone call to my house (Oct. 26), he threatened he would hunt me down and kill me. He has also threatened my father. The reason for this is that I am a Standard Chartered Bank credit card debtor.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
U.S., Indonesia fight HIV/AIDS
U.S., Indonesia fight HIV/AIDS Lynn B. Pascoe, Jakarta AIDS Day is Dec. 1. The people of the United States, through President George W. Bush's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, are privileged to be a partner with the people of Indonesia in building a future free from AIDS. This year's World AIDS Day observance focuses on women and girls. In Indonesia, 23 percent of the estimated 90-130,000 HIV- positive people are women. In Papua, 50 percent of the estimated 14,000 infected Papuans are women.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Every inch has a price in Cipinang prison, say visitors
Every inch has a price in Cipinang prison, say visitors Abdul Khalik The Jakarta Post/Jakarta A woman produced her identity card and Rp 15,000 (US$1.67), and handed them over to the prison guard at the entrance to the Cipinang penitentiary in East Jakarta. The identity card she would get back later after seeing her son, but she still had to cough up Rp 15,000 a go at each of the three subsequent gates.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
ASEAN proposes summit with Russia
ASEAN proposes summit with Russia VIENTIANE: Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) proposed to hold a Russia-ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur in 2005 and to send a relevant invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was informed about this decision in a meeting with ASEAN foreign affairs ministers in the capital of Laos on Monday.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Kiss of death may be on the lips for stations
Kiss of death may be on the lips for stations Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Now that a three-month grace period has expired, the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) is set to crack down hard against radio or television stations violating government-dictated broadcasting guidelines. The KPI issued the guidelines on Aug. 30 and gave the broadcasting stations three months to adjust.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Refugees reject relocation plan
Refugees reject relocation plan AMBON, Maluku: Thirty-four refugee families from Banda district now living in neighboring Waitatiri hamlet, Salahutu district, Central Maluku regency, rejected on Tuesday the government's plan to transfer them to a state-built housing complex in Suli hamlet, Salahutu. Refugee coordinator Y. Sohilait said the families preferred to stay in the Waitatiri refugee camp until the government disbursed repatriation funds of as much as Rp 500,000 (US$55.50) per person.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Prosecutors drop graft charges against Solok businessman
Prosecutors drop graft charges against Solok businessman Syofiardi Bachyul Jb and Ruslan, The Jakarta Post/Padang/Poso The West Sumatra Prosecutor's Office announced on Tuesday that it had dropped a corruption charge against a businessman in Solok municipality, saying there is not enough evidence to name him a suspect.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Retail sales to expand 25-30% next year
Retail sales to expand 25-30% next year Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The country's retail sector is projected to continue enjoying strong sales growth of between 25 percent and 30 percent next year on the back of robust consumer consumption and increased purchasing power of households as economic growth accelerates, according to an industry association.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
China-ASEAN ties become dynamic
China-ASEAN ties become dynamic Bi Lun, China Daily/Beijing, Asia News Network The Monday's meeting of leaders of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea (ROK), has the potential to inject new vitality into the already booming economic and trade relations between the Chinese and their regional peers.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Consumption not the spark behind economic growth
Consumption not the spark behind economic growth Christopher Lingle, Bali Indonesia's economic growth exceeded 5 percent in the third quarter of this year, up from a revised 4.54 percent in the previous quarter. Many commentators have suggested that a consumption boom was behind much of this news. For its part, consumption grew by 5.1 percent in the third quarter. It is often pointed out that private household consumption contributes almost 80 percent of GDP.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
'For increased consumer spending to be sustainable, there must
'For increased consumer spending to be sustainable, there must be employment growth as well as higher labor productivity.' ;JP; ANPAk..r.. Lingle-consumption-growth JP/6/ CONSUMPTION IS NOT THE SPARK BEHIND ECONOMIC GROWTH Christopher Lingle, Bali Indonesia's economic growth exceeded 5 percent in the third quarter of this year, up from a revised 4.54 percent in the previous quarter. Many commentators have suggested that a consumption boom was behind much of this news.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Sun bears run amok in Jambi
Sun bears run amok in Jambi JAMBI, Jambi: Four sun bears (Helarctos malayanus) frightened residents and livestock in two separate locations in Jambi in recent weeks, destroying kitchens in residences and preying on chicken and cattle. Three bears entered houses in Talang Lindung subdistrict, Kerinci regency, in search of food, while another trespassed Asiatic Persada plantation in Muarojambi regency.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Govt raises $65m from Niaga sale
Govt raises $65m from Niaga sale The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has raised around Rp 585.8 billion (US$65 million) from the sale of a 16.8 percent stake in publicly listed Bank Niaga on Tuesday. Ministry of Finance's asset management company PPA said that the government sold some 1.27 billion shares at Rp 460 per share. Proceeds from the sale would be used to finance the 2004 state budget deficit.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Chinese consumers most optimistic
Chinese consumers most optimistic CHINA: Chinese consumers are the most optimistic in the world, with 78 percent expecting the economy to improve in the coming year, according to a survey by market researcher AC Nielsen. China was followed by India, where 77 percent of consumers said they expect an improvement, and Indonesia with 76 percent, said New York-based Nielsen, which interviewed 14,134 people in 28 markets in Asia Pacific, Europe and the U.S. in October.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
'People with HIV should get help'
'People with HIV should get help' Studies have shown that injecting drug users are vulnerable to HIV/AIDS, as they frequently share needles with other junkies. Official data estimates that Indonesia is home to about 130,000 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). In commemoration of World AIDS Day, which falls on Dec. 1, The Jakarta Post talked to residents on their thoughts about the issue.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Multicultural approach vital in dealing with HIV
Multicultural approach vital in dealing with HIV On the sidelines of a seminar in Jakarta last week, Marina Mahathir, President of the Malaysian AIDS Council talked to The Jakarta Post's M. Taufiqurrahman last week about how reluctance to address the issue of multiculturism had aggravated the problems of AIDS in Malaysia. Questions: How do you relate AIDS to the concept of multiculturalism?
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Support grows for Sahal-Gus Mus ticket in NU
Support grows for Sahal-Gus Mus ticket in NU The Jakarta Post, Surakarta The ground under incumbent Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) leader Haysim Muzadi appeared to be moving on Tuesday, as ex-president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid's campaign to remove him from power gained some ground. The two rival camps of elite clerics inside Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) are still seeking a compromise deal to prevent an imminent split in the nation's biggest Muslim organization over the reelection bid of Hasyim.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Standard Chartered Bank's response
Standard Chartered Bank's response This is in response to the letter from Avian Eddyputra which was forwarded to the Standard Chartered Bank by The Jakarta Post. Avian Eddyputra has been our customer since April 2002 for both our Kredit Tanpa Agunan (KTA) -- unsecured loan -- and credit card products. After four months the outstanding amount on his card remained unpaid and our collection team was asked to make contact.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
JP/6/
JP/6/ One Asia The walls of division which separate the people's of South, Southeast and East Asia came down earlier this week for a brief moment as leaders of 14 Asian countries gathered in Vientiane as equals and colleagues. The annual summit of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Monday and Tuesday included meetings with leaders from China, Japan, South Korea and India. The proceedings were full of fanfare and the customary officialdom, laced with fancy rhetoric.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
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.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Bojong plant enlists support of House
Bojong plant enlists support of House Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The city administration is seeking support of the House of Representatives in its attempts to prove that the Bojong waste treatment facility in Bogor regency will not damage the environment nor cause health problems as feared by local people. "The plant has been planned in accordance with the normal procedures.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
RI employee loyalty lowest in Asia
RI employee loyalty lowest in Asia The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Two out of three Indonesian employees say they would move to a different company even if the position, field of work and remuneration were the same as in their current company. "This indicates a low level of commitment and loyalty that is quite significant among Indonesian employees.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Immigration officers ask for dollars
Immigration officers ask for dollars From Koran Tempo The government must start immediately its fight against fraud and corruption. In this context, Minister of Justice and Human Rights Hamid Awaluddin must inspect immigration checkpoints at international airports and domestic seaports because immigration officers assigned there usually ask expatriates and Indonesian residents abroad for U.S. dollars.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
New Golkar leader needed: Kalla
New Golkar leader needed: Kalla JAKARTA: Vice President Jusuf Kalla suggested on Tuesday that the Golkar Party change its leadership in order to grow, but pledged not to intervene in the party's upcoming congress. Kalla, a Golkar leader who was declared non-active by chairman Akbar Tandjung ahead of the presidential election, said new leaders would bring fresh blood into the country's largest party.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
(BCA Advertorial: 4 x 27: 108cm)
(BCA Advertorial: 4 x 27: 108cm) (Publishing date: December 1, 2004) Serving the people through education and health Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become an integral part of today's business world, in both developed and developing countries. CSR reflects a company's attention to community welfare in its country of operation.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Correction
Correction Correction: In the GDP story in this paper's Tuesday issue on page 13, the name of a Golkar Party legislator was mistakenly written as Achmad Hafiz Zawawi. The correct name is Harry Azhar Azis. We regret any inconvenience caused by the mistake. Editor
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
BRI to make Rp 12t new loans next year
BRI to make Rp 12t new loans next year Bank Rakyat Indonesia, the nation's fourth-largest lender, expects to give Rp 12 trillion (US$1.3 billion) of new loans next year as consumers and companies borrow more. The figure marks a 9 percent increase over the 2004 target, which has already been achieved, the lender said. "The bulk of the loans will be for small and medium enterprises," Finance Director Wayan Alit Antara told reporters in Jakarta.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
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.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Ship nabbed for illegal sugar
Ship nabbed for illegal sugar MEDAN, North Sumatra: The Customs and Excise Office at Belawan port in Medan apprehended a cargo ship allegedly smuggling 400 tons of sugar on Tuesday at Teluk Nibung port, Tanjung Balai regency. The ship, which was transporting the sugar from Port Klang in Malaysia, was seized when the captain, Awaludin, 50, was unable to show proper shipping and cargo documents.
Wed, 01 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Rainy season catches city govt with their pants down
Rainy season catches city govt with their pants down The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Residents in several flood-prone areas across the capital have not yet prepared for potential floods this rainy season, although the Meteorology and Geophysics Agency (BMG) has warned Jakartans that rains would peak within two weeks.