Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 11 December 2004

88 articles found

Indonesia cautiously welcomes opposing Malaysian leaders

Indonesia cautiously welcomes opposing Malaysian leaders Adianto P. Simamora and M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In the past week Indonesia has welcomed two prominent political figures from neighboring Malaysia, the country's Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Mohd Najib Tun Haji Abdul Razak, and the renown ex-political prisoner and former deputy prime minister, Anwar Ibrahim.

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Why residents oppose Bojong waste plant Andri G. Wibisana Maastricht, Netherlands 2. Simon -- International outlook helps education 2 x 30 International schools in Jakarta an attractive option for locals Simon Marcus Gower Jakarta

Rupiah Rates Dec.10

Rupiah Rates Dec.10 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,305.29 6,548.78 6,963.02 6,890.92 Brunei dollar 1 5,853.92 5,246.63 5,579.65 5,520.74 Canadian dollar 1 7,919.25 7,099.09 7,548.22 7,469.98 Swiss franc 1 8,401.98 7,530.98 8,008.32 7,924.43 Danish krone 1 1,731.72 1,552.17 1,650.58 1,633.27 Euro 1 12,867.35 11,535.98 12,264.48 12,138.66 Poundsterling 1 18,603.83 16,678.72 17,732.20 17,550.08 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,246.05 1,117.31 1,187.67 1,175.68...

Managing waste properly

Managing waste properly From Koran Tempo I have been wondering if the government can draw up a regulation on the proper management of waste, which regulates the separation of organic from inorganic garbage and recycling. This way, organic waste can be turned into compost, while craftsmen and artists may benefit from recycled materials to create various objects with artistic value.

More scholarships from Sampoerna

More scholarships from Sampoerna JAKARTA: The Sampoerna Foundation and the British Council on Friday signed an agreement to provide scholarships for two Indonesians to pursue master's degrees in business administration in the United Kingdom next year.

Revolution is right on streets, General Sutiyoso

Revolution is right on streets, General Sutiyoso Damar Harsanto The Jakarta Post/Jakarta When one looks at the evolution of Jakarta one cannot go past Governor Ali Sadikin who was once dubbed the city's "father of development". For many, Ali's reign over the city was controversial as it was successful.

JSX to launch two new instruments next year

JSX to launch two new instruments next year Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) plans to launch two new market instruments next year in an attempt to increase revenues and help attract more investors into the stock market. JSX president director Erry Firmansyah said the two new instruments were close-end mutual funds for real estate and American Warrants.

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JP/ / Major economic and political events in 2004 March 4: The government launches a US$1 billion international bond, more than double the initial plan of $400 million, to meet overwhelming demand from global investors. The sovereign bond is oversubscribed four times. March 11: The 22-day official campaign period for the legislative election begins.

Education and worship issue

Education and worship issue From Kompas In connection with the recent report in Kompas (Nov. 30) on the Sang Timur school affair, we would like to explain that the school committee and students' parents have met with the mayor of Tangerang to voice complaints and exchange views for a concrete solution.

Women's forum struggles to improve lot of domestic helpers

Women's forum struggles to improve lot of domestic helpers Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta A theater performance in the city during the weekend pulls in a packed house, but this is no usual theater audience. Instead of middle class actors playing to an upwardly mobile crowd, this was a play about and by "the help".

House goes into recess

House goes into recess JAKARTA: The House of Representatives (DPR) closed its first sitting session on Friday, without accomplishing anything in the field of legislation. The legislators, who were sworn in on Oct. 1, will make regional visits during the recess and are scheduled to open the second session on Jan. 9, 2005. In his closing speech, House Speaker Agung Laksono suggested that legislators, especially members of the legislation body (Baleg), continue discussing high-priority bills.

Soldiers kill alleged GAM rebels

Soldiers kill alleged GAM rebels BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Soldiers in West Aceh shot dead two alleged members of the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) during a raid on Thursday in Sekundo subdistrict, West Aceh regency. Soldiers confiscated a gun, dozens of rounds of ammunition and a GAM flag from the dead rebels. Also on Thursday, soldiers seized 171 GAM flags in West Aceh.

Plane skids off runway in Nabire

Plane skids off runway in Nabire SORONG, Papua: A Twin Otter airplane skidded off the runway at Sukikai airport in the earthquake-devastated town of Nabire on Friday, but no injuries were reported. The light plane had one of its wings broken in the incident, which occurred some 10 days after a plane crashed at a Surakarta airport killing 27 people. Paniai Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr.

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, December 11, 2004

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, December 11, 2004 Exhibitions * Photo The Master Class Klavdij Sluban, Oktagon Gallery, Jl. Gunung Sahari Raya No. 50A, Central Jakarta, until Dec. 22. * The Hungry Box: the endless interiors of MVRDV, Erasmus Huis, Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said, Kav S-3, Kuningan, South Jakarta (Tel. 5241069), Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., until Jan. 7.

Kali Malang bridge obstructed

Kali Malang bridge obstructed From Warta Kota The bridge over Kali Malang as part of the Jaka Setia intersection in South Bekasi is now packed with food stalls that line the sidewalk around the south end of the structure. The situation forces pedestrians to walk along a very narrow strip of pavement left vacant by the vendors, while traffic is generally heavy in the area.

Maria C. Sumarsih wins Yap Thiam Hien Award

Maria C. Sumarsih wins Yap Thiam Hien Award Joining a select group of lauded Indonesian human rights activists, Maria Catarina Sumarsih received on Friday the 2004 Yap Thiam Hien Award for her consistent and courageous fight over the past six years in seeking justice for victims of human rights abuses.

1. BUDGET: 2 x 21

1. BUDGET: 2 x 21 City health budget down, infrastructure up 2. CORRUPT: 1 X 30 Police unable to handle graft cases 3. VISA: 1 X 32 U.S. govt rethinks student visas 4. MUNIR: 1 X 36 Rights award to be named after Munir

Susilo to visit Alor regency

Susilo to visit Alor regency SURABAYA: President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will visit Alor regency on Saturday to check on the situation after a devastating earthquake killed at least 34 people in the area on Nov 13. The President will present building materials to residents, said Umu Saga Anakaka, spokesman for East Nusa Tenggara provincial administration. Susilo will stay overnight in Kalabahi, the capital of Alor regency, and return to Jakarta on Sunday.

Photo exhibit to go ARTificial

Photo exhibit to go ARTificial YOGYAKARTA: Several photographers from the Bandung Institute of Technology are to show their work here at the Kedai Kebun Forum (KKF) on Jl. Tirtodipuran 3, from Dec. 13, to Jan. 16. Participating artists include Ditto Priutomo Aimir, Rendy Syahdan Praditya, Safaat Akbar, Aji Kurniawan Azhari, J.

U.S. govt rethinks student visas

U.S. govt rethinks student visas M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Alarmed by the slump in the number of visa applications, especially for education, a U.S. State Department spokesperson said on Friday that it had streamlined its visa application procedures. Special assistant to the assistant secretary for consular affairs at the U.S.

Bandung Film Festival to showcase work of young filmmakers

Bandung Film Festival to showcase work of young filmmakers The 2004 Bandung Short-Film Festival (FFPB) will feature films and videos made by young, local filmmakers. Documentaries, fiction and experimental films will be screened from Dec. 21 through Dec. 23. The first-ever event of this type put on by Forum Dokumentasi Budaya (the Cultural Documentation Forum or FDB), this festival is aimed at creating room for young alternative filmmakers to introduce their work to a wider public.

Kidnappers target good-loking students

Kidnappers target good-loking students Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Judging from his immaculate grooming, people's first guess would be that Hartono, 18, comes from a rich family. It was his appearance that attracted a kidnap syndicate to abduct the Tarumanagara University freshman while he was walking alone in front of his West Jakarta campus on Dec. 2. Jakarta Police detective chief Sr. Comr.

JP/6/PURBA

JP/6/PURBA Just do it! Clean up the crooks in the Palace 2 x 23 Kornelius Purba, Jakarta "Just do it!" President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono did not intentionally mean to promote a popular footwear brand -- which is famous for this slogan -- when he drew on the motto in his speech when declaring war against corruption on Thursday at Merdeka Palace. His message is simple: Eradicate corruption, now!

Police break up art fair amid rights day

Police break up art fair amid rights day The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Police broke up a fine arts fair in Surakarta, Central Java, on Friday, as students and activists staged protests around the country to mark International Human Rights Day. Attendees of the arts fair were forcibly dispersed by police intelligence officers, who said they were preventing a possible social disturbance.

1. HEALTH: 1 LINE, 24 COUNTS

1. HEALTH: 1 LINE, 24 COUNTS SBY: Avoid unsafe sex, drugs 2. JAIL: 4 LINES, 12 COUNTS Drug inmates escape prison in Medan 3. CONTRACT: 3 LINES, 14 COUNTS Tax officials feel heat over graft charges 4. PHONE: 1 LINE, 36 COUNTS Illicit camera phone use could mean jail

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JP/ / Major economic and political events in 2004 March 4: The government launches a US$1 billion international bond, more than double the initial plan of $400 million, to meet overwhelming demand from global investors. The sovereign bond is oversubscribed four times. March 11: The 22-day official campaign period for the legislative election begins.

Tree felling and pollution

Tree felling and pollution If the trees left on Jl. Suprapto, Cempaka Putih, Central Jakarta had any rights in this republic, they would file a suit to the high court as witnesses of a violation: The felling of other trees. So the court need not seek other evidence. I wonder if the Jakarta authorities are too dull to consider the impact of removing trees on the worsening air of the city and the cost to offset its effect.

Regions want changes in Golkar rules

Regions want changes in Golkar rules Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Golkar Party held a one-day meeting here on Friday, with several of its local leaders proposing that the party's regency branches be granted the right to vote at its upcoming election for a new chairman. Golkar is holding its national congress to elect a new leader from Dec. 15 through Dec. 20 in Nusa Dua, Bali. Under the party's prevailing standing orders, only provincial chapters have voting rights.

Why residents oppose Bojong waste plant

Why residents oppose Bojong waste plant Andri G. Wibisana, Maastricht, Netherlands Designating locations, referred to as "siting", for facilities such as dumps or waste treatment plants seems always to be accompanied by public opposition. This is a common phenomenon that occurs not only in Indonesia but also in developed countries.

November car sales rise 62 percent

November car sales rise 62 percent Naila Firdausi, Bloomberg, Jakarta Indonesia's automobile sales in the local market rose 62 percent in November from a year earlier, PT Astra International said, citing figures from the Association of Indonesian Automotive Industries. A total of 35,162 vehicles were sold last month, compared with 21,683 in the same month last year.

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, December 11, 2004

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, December 11, 2004 Exhibitions * Painting Fabel op. 1 by Antonius Widodo, Kedai Kebun Forum's Gallery, Jl. Tirtodipuran No. 3 (0274 376114), until Jan. 16. * Installation Tanah Air, Rumah Seni Cemeti Jl. D.I Panjaitan No. 41 (Tel. (0274) 371015), until Dec. 30. * Graphic Pabrik Artifisial, works of ITB's Keluarga Grafis Berseni - KGB at Kedai Kebun Forum's Gallery, Jl. Tirtodipuran No. 3 (0274 376114), Dec. 13 to Jan. 16.

Billy, Donny steal limelight amid Thai dominance

Billy, Donny steal limelight amid Thai dominance Moch. N. Kurniawan and ID Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya Indonesia won two more gold medals in the swimming competition and another four in pencak silat at the 12th ASEAN University Games here on Friday. Billy Arfianto in the 200-meter breaststroke and Donny. B. Utomo in the 200-meter butterfly stole the limelight briefly amid Thailand's domination in the pool.

PPP against review of disputed decree

PPP against review of disputed decree JAKARTA: The Muslim-based United Development Party (PPP) faction of the House of Representatives has vowed to oppose any plan to revise the joint ministerial decree on the construction of places of worship, which certain non-Muslims have labeled as being discriminatory.

TV Today: Saturday, December 11, 2004

TV Today: Saturday, December 11, 2004 TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:30 Religious Teachings 8:00 Talk Show: Hembing 10:00 Sports 11:30 Dangdut Music 1:00 p.m. News: Berita Siang 3:00 English News Service 3:30 Music 4:30 TV Drama 5:00 Children Show 5:30 Variety Show 6:30 Documentary 7:00 News: Berita Nasional 7:30 TV Drama 8:00 TV Series: Demigods 9:00 Indonesian Film Festival 10:30 Class Music 11:00 Boxing Match 12:00 a.m.

SGS audits Yogya hotel

SGS audits Yogya hotel YOGYAKARTA: For the departments of the Santika Yogyakarta hotel on Jl. Jend. Sudirman, the recent ISO-SGS inspection was a big deal. The audited departments include the engineering, housekeeping, recreation, and business centers. According to the hotel's training manager Eddy Sasmita, the audits were focussed on keeping quality high. Eddy said that the hotel had obtained the ISO 9001:2000 SGS certificate three years ago.

South Africa vows to strengthen relations with RI

South Africa vows to strengthen relations with RI Veeramalla Anjaiah, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta South Africa wants to improve its overall relationship and form a strategic partnership with Indonesia, its Foreign Minister Nkosozana Dlamini Zuma said in Jakarta. Dlamini Zuma, who arrived in Jakarta on Wednesday, and her Indonesian counterpart Hassan Wirayuda met on Friday and signed an agreement to boost economic, political and cultural ties.

'Don't expect much from Cabinet'

'Don't expect much from Cabinet' Scholars have warned the public that they should not anchor much hope on President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's administration, as from the outset it has shown signs of incompetence. In their year-end assessment of political, economic and social affairs for 2004, researchers of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) said, to date, the new administration's performance had been unimpressive and, moreover, it appeared to be at a loss as to what to do next.

Don't be self-centered

Don't be self-centered This country is facing a host of problems in virtually every sector of life. All these problems need to be immediately addressed to ensure a better Indonesia characterized by greater justice and welfare. Unfortunately, it is sad to see that many bureaucrats and people's representatives are still too busy elbowing and shoving in pursuing the interests of their own groups or political parties.

Puteh case goes to court next week

Puteh case goes to court next week Eva C. Komandjaja and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) expects to prosecute Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam Governor Abdullah Puteh early next week, while the National Police are wrapping up an investigation into another graft case allegedly involving Puteh. "We plan to submit his case early next week," Erry Riyana Hardjapamekas of the commission said on Friday.

Many kinds of lotteries and "disguised" gambling are conducted

Many kinds of lotteries and "disguised" gambling are conducted shamelessly today via short message service (SMS), even during the holy month of Ramadhan. Indonesia is a predominantly Muslim country, and Islam strictly forbids lotteries and gambling. It is time that the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) and other organizations took steps to scrap lotteries and gambling via SMS. Malaysia, for one, banned these activities a long time ago. YUDI MUHAMMAD Jakarta

Fraud victims mob house

Fraud victims mob house JAKARTA: Tired of the slow progress of the Jakarta Police's, a dozen fraud victims on Thursday besieged a house in Setiabudi, South Jakarta, seeking Imansyah Putra, the alleged fraudster, who has gone missing since July. A relative told the angry mob that the family also did not know the Imansyah's whereabouts. Imansyah is alleged to have run off with funds totaling Rp 70 billion (US$7.7 million) collected from people investing in cell phone credit vouchers.

Gus Dur suffers ignominious defeat

Gus Dur suffers ignominious defeat John Mcbeth, The Straits Times/Asia News Network, Singapore In the final decade of president Soeharto's rule, Abdurrahman Wahid emerged as a towering figure on the Indonesian stage, championing democratization, religious tolerance and moderation.

A thief who cries thief

A thief who cries thief A thief who cries thief, or maling teriak maling, is a famous old Indonesian expression that has come back into vogue with the dawn of the government's latest corruption campaign. In today's political context, the expression translates into corruptors crying corruption, that is, those who cry the loudest about waging the war against corruption are, in all likelihood, corrupt themselves.

U.S. foreign policy and the Muslim world

U.S. foreign policy and the Muslim world Anak Agung Banyu Perwita , Bandung Despite its military's success in bringing Saddam Hussein down from power following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack on two of its major cities, the United States is now facing challenges to its foreign policy on the Muslim world. The recent attack of al-Qaeda on the U.S. diplomatic mission in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was an obvious reprisal to the U.S. military's offensive in Iraq (The Jakarta Post, Dec. 8, 2004).

Taiwanese businessman Liao helps produce China's missile

Taiwanese businessman Liao helps produce China's missile Harry Bhaskara, The Jakarta Post, Xiamen, China The Foreign Affairs Ministry of China invited six Indonesian journalists, including one from The Jakarta Post, to visit the country in late November. The following is the first of a series of articles based on the visit. Liao Wanlung has only one year left before he retires. The Taiwanese businessman founded the Xiamen-based CB Carbide Group in 1994.

16-yr-old gets 8 years for murder

16-yr-old gets 8 years for murder JAKARTA: The Central Jakarta District Court on Thursday sentenced Harlan Adi Majreha, 16, to eight years in prison after finding him guilty of murdering his employer on Sept. 5. The sentence is more lenient than the 10 years sought by the prosecutors, and was half of the maximum 20-year sentence for murder cases as stipulated in the Criminal Code. Taking the defendant's age into consideration, the judges reduced the sentence.

City sees no progress on monorail project

City sees no progress on monorail project Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With no significant progress made after six months of work, the Jakarta administration has called on investors to take the monorail project more seriously. "The investors have the obligation to proceed with its development ... Governor Sutiyoso has done his bit by giving his assurance through a Memorandum of Understanding," Deputy governor Fauzi Bowo said at City Hall.

Tax officials feel heat over graft charges

Tax officials feel heat over graft charges Urip Hudiono and Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Apparently irritated by recent reports highlighting the grotesque corruption within the directorates under his control, the finance minister has ordered the directors general dealing with taxation and customs and excise to sign an antigraft pledge. The "political contract" makes it clear that they must resign if they are unable to stamp out corruption in their offices and meet other obligations.

City health budget down, infrastructure rises

City health budget down, infrastructure rises Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As a result of a greater focus on infrastructure development, the budget allocation for the health sector in Jakarta next year will significantly decline, but the overall budget will increase to Rp 13.83 trillion (US$1.53 billion) from Rp 12.63 trillion this year.

Much ado about Anwar

Much ado about Anwar Why the fuss? What should have been a simple social visit nearly escalated into a potential diplomatic row that would have put two friendly governments in a needlessly embarassing position. And eventually, this episode only helped to stimulate greater sympathy for the very person one government sought to restrict. Former prisoner and Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim's recent visit to Indonesia is another test for the growing democratic climate in Southeast Asia.

* Study raises questions on benefits of folate supplements Page 3

* Study raises questions on benefits of folate supplements Page 3 * Aceh governor faces prosecution next week Page 4 * Surakarta police break up fine arts fair Page 5 * Why residents oppose the Bojong waste plant Page 6 * Governor saves the last dance for Monas fountain Page 8 * Tiger shares lead while Singh shares last place Page 9 * Japan approves new defense plan Page 11 * JSX to launch two new market instruments next year Page 13 * 'Coffee and Cigarettes': Talking about everything and...

Truck crashes into house/restaurant

Truck crashes into house/restaurant BEKASI: Suhendar lost a battle with drowsiness, unfortunately he was also the driver of a truck at the time, which lost control and slammed into a house-cum-restaurant on Jl. Perjuangan, Bekasi Utara, on Friday morning, bringing down the whole building. Munawaroh, 25, the daughter of house owner Dasuki, was injured as the building crashed to the ground. She was taken to Asri Nugraha hospital.

PLN to avoid tariff hike despite rising fuel prices

PLN to avoid tariff hike despite rising fuel prices Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned electric company PT PLN said that its power generation costs could increase by Rp 8.5 trillion (US$944 million) if the government goes ahead with its plan to hike domestic fuel prices by 40 percent next year.

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, December 11, 2004

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, December 11, 2004 Exhibitions * Photo The Master Class Klavdij Sluban, Oktagon Gallery, Jl. Gunung Sahari Raya No. 50A, Central Jakarta, until Dec. 22. * The Hungry Box: the endless interiors of MVRDV, Erasmus Huis, Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said, Kav S-3, Kuningan, South Jakarta (Tel. 5241069), Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., until Jan. 7.

Inmates escape prison in Medan

Inmates escape prison in Medan Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan Scores of adult inmates, who were being kept temporarily at a Children's Penitentiary in Medan, escaped at dawn on Friday, raising public concern over poor security and overcrowding in prisons. Three of them, however, were reportedly recaptured a few hours after the escape.

Regions want Golkar voting rules changed

Regions want Golkar voting rules changed Kurniawan Hari The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The Golkar Party held a one-day meeting here on Friday, with several of its local leaders proposing that the party's regency branches be granted the right to vote at its upcoming election for a new chairman. Golkar is holding its national congress to elect a new leader from Dec. 15 through Dec. 20 in Nusa Dua, Bali. Under the party's prevailing standing orders, only provincial chapters have voting rights.

Rights award to be named after Munir

Rights award to be named after Munir Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Relatives and close friends of the late rights campaigner Munir have established a new award called the Munir Courage Award, and will present it beginning next year to exemplary human rights activists.

German company to manage waste

German company to manage waste PALEMBANG: A German company specializing in converting waste into energy is showing interest in investing US$100 million to manage Palembang's garbage. Municipality spokesman Thamrin said on Friday Germany-based Waste Energy Action SA. Conversation System planned to turn solid waste into gas and then into electricity. Organic waste would be turned into compost and water, he added.

Banten workers demand more money

Banten workers demand more money TANGERANG: Thousands of workers held a rally at the Banten gubernatorial office in Serang on Friday, arguing that the Rp 693,500 (about US$77) monthly minimum wage set for 2005 was below the minimum cost of living. "We demand that the governor put the minimum wage up to Rp 777,500 for workers in Cilegon, Rp 735,873 for Tangerang and Rp 722,200 for Serang regency," said Andi Romly of the Federation of Indonesian Metal Workers Associations (FSPMI).

Government to sign new oil and gas deals worth billions of dollars

Government to sign new oil and gas deals worth billions of dollars The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government will sign 46 new oil and gas contracts worth more than US$4.2 billion -- to be witnessed by President Bambang Yudhoyono -- as part of the effort to boost dwindling oil output and secure gas supplies for the domestic market.

Governor saves the last dance for Monas laser fountain

Governor saves the last dance for Monas laser fountain Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta This year, Jakartans were treated to Rp 15 billion worth of laser lights in the National Monument (Monas) Park to commemorate the city's 477th anniversary. Next year, a "dancing water fountain" will be installed in the park to mark the city's anniversary celebration.

JP/ /

JP/ / Major economic and political events in 2004 March 4: The government launches a US$1 billion international bond, more than double the initial plan of $400 million, to meet overwhelming demand from global investors. The sovereign bond is oversubscribed four times. March 11: The 22-day official campaign period for the legislative election begins.

IMF upgrades economic growth target

IMF upgrades economic growth target The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is upbeat on this country's economy, saying it could expand even more than predicted, due mostly to a favorable market response to the peaceful general elections and the new government's policy intentions.

Waste disposal and welfare

Waste disposal and welfare From Koran Tempo The recent riot at the waste treatment plant in Bojong, Bogor, which left several villagers hospitalized, has aroused public concern over the fate of ordinary people struggling to make a living. The case of the Bantar Gebang garbage dump in Bekasi has not yet been resolved and now the Bojong plant is going to be opened without any communication with the local community.

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, December 11, 2004

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, December 11, 2004 Exhibitions * Painting Fabel op. 1 by Antonius Widodo, Kedai Kebun Forum's Gallery, Jl. Tirtodipuran No. 3 (0274 376114), until Jan. 16. * Installation Tanah Air, Rumah Seni Cemeti Jl. D.I Panjaitan No. 41 (Tel. (0274) 371015), until Dec. 30. * Graphic Pabrik Artifisial, works of ITB's Keluarga Grafis Berseni - KGB at Kedai Kebun Forum's Gallery, Jl. Tirtodipuran No. 3 (0274 376114), Dec. 13 to Jan. 16.

'I've no other way than to bribe the police'

'I've no other way than to bribe the police' Most residents say the Jakarta Police are unable to deal with crime and traffic in the capital. In conjunction with the Jakarta Police's 55th anniversary on Dec. 6, The Jakarta Post asked residents for their opinion on this much-maligned force. Rahmat, 46, is a taxi driver. He lives with his family in Bekasi: I deal a lot with the traffic police.

SBY: Avoid unsafe sex, drugs

SBY: Avoid unsafe sex, drugs Slamet Susanto and Tarko Sudiarno, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has called on the nation to avoid drugs, free sex and smoking as part of a healthy lifestyle campaign he launched on Friday. "Let's make a healthy life part of our lifestyle," the President said at the commemoration of National Health Day held at the Prambanan Hindu temple complex east of Yogyakarta.

Insights, not incitement, needed

Insights, not incitement, needed Rachel Davies, Sydney, Australia Sadly it seems that the issue of religion and schools in Indonesia continues to be a thorny one. One that is filled with the kinds of prejudices, claims and counter-claims and ultimately quite often wild gossip that does nothing to advance the cause of either people generally, children specifically or the religions involved. The debacle at the Catholic school, Sang Timur, in Tangerang exemplifies this.

Bianca Jagger wins 'Alternative Nobel'

Bianca Jagger wins 'Alternative Nobel' STOCKHOLM: Bianca Jagger of Nicaragua was awarded an honor known as the "Alternative Nobel Prize" on Thursday for her work to promote human rights and social justice. Jagger, who first became famous for her eight-year marriage to rock star Mick Jagger, shares the 2004 Right Livelihood Award with two others.

Didik no longer hurt by 'transvestite' accusations

Didik no longer hurt by 'transvestite' accusations Tarko Sudiarno, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta "Well, which one should I go to?" asked a man standing in front of the men's and ladies' rooms at a restaurant, drawing laughter among troupe members who were having a rest on their way from Yogyakarta to Jakarta. The joke restored the artists' vigor on their long, exhausting journey.

PT Caltex beset by burglars

PT Caltex beset by burglars PEKANBARU, Riau: American oil company PT Caltex Pacific Indonesia has been hit by a string of burglaries recently, causing the company losses of dozens of millions of rupiah. According to data from the Mandau Police station in Duri, Riau province, where the company operates, there have been three burglaries in the past month. The first occurred on Nov. 12 and involved a Hewlett Packard laptop computer valued Rp 16 million.

International schools in Jakarta an attractive option for locals

International schools in Jakarta an attractive option for locals Simon Marcus Gower, Jakarta Jakarta, like many a world city, is a city of considerable development. Many parts of the city, as they are today, would hardly be recognizable in comparison to what they were some twenty or even just ten or five years ago. There are perhaps too many shopping mall developments but these can perhaps be seen as increasing the sophistication and cosmopolitan nature of the city.

Indonesia and the UN

Indonesia and the UN The United Nations is currently examining proposals for reform with the objective of making the UN as relevant in this century as it was in the last. Recent articles in The Jakarta Post and The New York Times have highlighted some of the major issues the UN is considering. In an editorial on Dec. 7 The New York Times commented "The most widely discussed proposals concern expanding the Security Council whose permanent membership reflects the power relations of 1945, not 2004.

Police unable to handle graft case

Police unable to handle graft case Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Police managed to recover only Rp 139.7 billion out of Rp 8 trillion (US$889 million) lost to corruption over the past three years, said a police officer on Friday. The National Police Detectives' chief, Comr. Gen. Suyitno Landung, said police had finished investigating 233 out of 662 cases probed in the past three years, while the others were still being investigated.

Taiwan, Japan to build factories

Taiwan, Japan to build factories MEDAN: Three investors from Japan and two from Taiwan plan to develop factories to produce road material and organic fertilizer in North Sumatra. The construction of the factories will start as soon as suitable locations have been found, said a spokeswoman for the investors, Jeanne S.C. Wang.

OPEC approves cutting oil output

OPEC approves cutting oil output Associated Press, Cairo OPEC on Friday agreed to cut production back to target production levels early next year in a bid by the organization's 11 member states to stave off further falls in the world price while trying to avoid a new frenzy of buying. Saudi Oil Minister Ali Naimi said the total reduction of 1 million barrels a day will be implemented starting Jan. 1.

Karangbanjar tourist village still suffering

Karangbanjar tourist village still suffering Agus Maryono and Amin A Abdurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Purbalingga, Central Java Since the Bali bombings two years ago not a single foreigner has come, and the head of the Karangbanjar tourist village in Purbalingga says she is getting desperate. "We've lost it all now," Atingah said. "The arrival of one or two tourist buses a day used to produce for us a net income of some Rp 300,000 to Rp 500,000.

Ibrahim continues his struggle

Ibrahim continues his struggle M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Soon after he was released from jail in September, former Malaysian deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim said the first country he would visit would be Indonesia. Anwar told an Indonesian TV station that, in following political developments in Indonesia from behind bars, he marveled at how such a rapid change could transpire.

Dispute over Papua continues despite ruling

Dispute over Papua continues despite ruling Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Leading Papuan figures said the establishment of West Irian Jaya province as a province from Papua was still the subject of heated controversy despite the Constitutional Court's ruling upholding the split. Papua Governor Jaap P. Solossa said on Friday the ruling, which it was hoped would end the controversy, had instead created more problems.

Another 'GAM' is born ?

Another 'GAM' is born ? The public was recently treated to another surprise twist in the development of local democracy through the creation of "GAM", not related to the separatist movement in Aceh, i.e. Gerakan Aceh Merdeka (GAM), as one might mistakenly conclude, but involving three prominent politicians as stakeholders.

Qantas adds flights to Indonesia

Qantas adds flights to Indonesia JAKARTA: Australian flag carrier Qantas Airways is adding additional flights from Jakarta to Sydney and Perth to encourage more Indonesian tourists to visit the country during the holiday season. In a press statement, Qantas general manager for Indonesia Stephen Farquer said the airline had increased its flights from Jakarta to Sydney to six times a week from four, and to Perth to four times a week from the usual two.

Animals die after anthrax shots

Animals die after anthrax shots Slamet Susanto and Tarko Sudiarno, The Jakarta Post, Sleman A Sleman resident, Katiman, 36, is still puzzled why two of his goats died after being inoculated with anthrax vaccine by animal husbandry officials on Nov. 29 and Nov. 30 respectively. One of them died a day after being vaccinated and the other died a day later.

Idle child protection body revived

Idle child protection body revived Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta While other children are shielded from violence on TV, Ratih experienced it firsthand, in her own home. The eight-year-old Bekasi student was allegedly burned on the chest and back by her stepmother, and bears the scars. Her neighbors took her to a nearby medical clinic for treatment. Then, for her own protection, Ratih was taken to the neighborhood unit chief's house.

Stock prices on teh Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec.10 2004

Stock prices on teh Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec.10 2004 ___________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading volume ____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 225 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 2,325 -75 9,000 Adhi Karya 550 -25 1,396,000 Adira Dinamika 2,600 50 29,000 AGIS Tbk 100 0 70,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 155 0 0 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,100 0 1,685,000 Alakasa Industrindo 165 0 0 Alfa...

Muhammadiyah and interfaith discourse

Muhammadiyah and interfaith discourse Hilman Latief, Kalamazoo, Michigan It is interesting to note that the Muhammadiyah, the country's second largest Muslim organization, played a key role during the recent two-day interfaith dialog in Yogyakarta. The dialog was sponsored by Indonesia and Australia and gathered together religious leaders of the Asia Pacific to discuss religious tolerance and moderation in the war on terror.

Netherlands firm to invest in Sorong

Netherlands firm to invest in Sorong SORONG, Papua: A private company from the Netherlands, NV Waterleiding Maatschappy Drenthe (WMD), plans to invest in the construction of water plants in six regions in Papua, including Sorong, Manokwari and Jayapura municipalities. Karst Hoogsteen, the company's president director, said on Friday the investment would help local residents overcome water shortages in the six regions.

From free market to 'Our Power'

From free market to 'Our Power' Liam Salter, Jakarta Energy and sustainable development are inherently linked -- a fact recognized by all organizations. Furthermore the inherent unsustainability of an energy system based upon the wasteful use of fossil fuels and non-renewable fuelwood supplies is also widely accepted. The power sector epitomizes and provides the focus for the sustainable energy debate across the region.

Rights body demands reopening of past cases

Rights body demands reopening of past cases Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Marking International Human Rights Day, the National Commission on Human Rights recommended on Friday that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono reopen probes into past shooting incidents that killed students who were demanding reform. The commission said the legal processes supposed to uphold justice following the incidents had failed to implicate those persons most responsible.