Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 21 December 2004

85 articles found

RI, E. Timor balk at UN experts commission idea

RI, E. Timor balk at UN experts commission idea Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia and its former province East Timor are set to reject an idea to establish a commission of experts to review the judicial processes of human rights abuse cases involving Indonesian military and police officers during a meeting with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan this week, a spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in Jakarta.

Munir's death and TNI

Munir's death and TNI From Media Indonesia The death of human rights activist Munir has evolved into a polemic following an autopsy that showed his death was caused by arsenic poisoning. Many legislators and nongovernmental organizations believe he was killed because of his critical approach to rights violations.

176 North Sumatra firms declared toxic: Agency

176 North Sumatra firms declared toxic: Agency Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan The North Sumatra Environmental Impact Management Agency (Bapedalda) has discovered that at least 176 companies in the province produced toxic wastes. Industries found producing the most toxic wastes are located in the Deli Serdang regency.

Antiterror spooks to team up in provinces

Antiterror spooks to team up in provinces Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Denpasar The government said on Monday it would form multi-agency intelligence teams in provinces throughout the country to prevent further terrorist attacks, a move some fear could revive the repressive Soeharto-era measures against freedom of expression. Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Widodo A.S.

Rupiah Rates Dec.20

Rupiah Rates Dec.20 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,499.20 6,730.19 7,152.83 7,076.33 Brunei dollar 1 5,963.76 5,352.46 5,688.31 5,627.73 Canadian dollar 1 7,983.72 7,164.47 7,614.98 7,532.94 Swiss franc 1 8,479.29 7,610.82 8,087.66 8,002.25 Danish krone 1 1,757.96 1,577.31 1,676.76 1,658.43 Euro 1 13,060.33 11,726.97 12,457.12 12,330.10 Poundsterling 1 19,018.69 17,072.55 18,140.28 17,950.60 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,260.64 1,131.96 1,202.41 1,190.18...

Human rights protection remains a far off hope

Human rights protection remains a far off hope Muninggar Sri Saraswati The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The year 2004 was capped by the appointment of Indonesia's senior diplomat, Makarim Wibisono, as head of the United Nation's Human Rights Commission for the next year. Starting Jan. 17, 2005, Indonesia will officially see its representative at the helm of this prestigious commission.

Kalla ready to bury old House order

Kalla ready to bury old House order Tony Hotland and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Newly elected Golkar Party leader Vice President Jusuf Kalla strongly signalled Golkar was out of the National Coalition on Monday by saying there was no such permanent bloc in the House. Meanwhile, analysts said Kalla's victory could threaten the support from parties backing President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

UGM celebrates 55th anniversary

UGM celebrates 55th anniversary YOGYAKARTA: Gadjah Mada University (UGM), the oldest university in the country, celebrated its 55th anniversary on Monday, while pledging to promote the values of humanity, democracy, unity and social justice in the country. In his anniversary speech, UGM Rector Sofian Effendi called on students and lecturers to make UGM a source of inspiration for people. UGM was established on December 19, 1949.

Stop illegal fees

Stop illegal fees From Warta Kota The government's attempt to stamp out graft must be made at all levels of the government. While major corruption cases are handled by the police, the prosecutor's office, the Corruption Eradication Commission and other agencies, small-scale corruption, which has a direct impact on the public, must also be stamped out. One obvious example is the collection of illegal fees at virtually all levels of the government.

Councillors carry hopes of Jakartans

Councillors carry hopes of Jakartans Bambang Nurbianto The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The April 5 legislative election found Jakartans differing from the rest of the country over who should represent them in the legislative body. Nationwide, the Golkar Party and the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) received the most votes and together controlled the House of Representatives.

Govt to revise taxation, customs laws

Govt to revise taxation, customs laws Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government is planning to revise the taxation laws to help improve the country's investment climate, the finance ministry says. It would also revamp customs and excise laws to help crack down on the widespread smuggling occurring in the country, it said.

Bapepam to probe firms linked to Global

Bapepam to probe firms linked to Global Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Capital Market Supervisory Agency (Bapepam) is planning to investigate five securities houses over their involvement in helping executives of troubled Bank Global Internasional to falsely inflate the bank's assets, an official said.

Govt must get tough on illegals

Govt must get tough on illegals V.K. Chin, The Star, Asia News Network, Selangor, Malaysia There are two ways the government can consider to minimize the number of Indonesians entering Malaysia illegally. One is for more Malaysian companies to invest in projects in Indonesia. The other is to turn Malaysia, or at least the peninsula, into a fortress so that it will be more difficult for the Indonesians to sneak into the country by sea.

Residents demand work on lake

Residents demand work on lake TANGERANG: The Tangerang regional administration needed to do something quickly about the silting Lake Tujuh Muara before more homes were flooded, residents said. Hundreds of villagers said conservation work on the lake, which was silting up and had shrunk to under half its size, was urgent. The lake in the Pamulang district is surrounded by three villages -- Pondok Benda, Pondok Baru and Pamulang Barat.

Malaysian PM sees great potential in economic relations with India

Malaysian PM sees great potential in economic relations with India Agence France-Presse, New Delhi Malaysia sees tremendous potential for growth in economic ties with India and is looking west for new alliances here as New Delhi looks east, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said on Monday. "I am told that India is increasingly looking east to develop stronger trade and financial ties," Abdullah told a meeting of Indian industrialists in New Delhi.

Bodies of drowned students found

Bodies of drowned students found BOGOR: The partial remains of a second student swept away by a flash flood on Bogor's Ciandong River on Saturday were found by a search team late on Sunday, police said. The team found the head of a woman they suspected to be Dwi Haryanti, one of three students and a local guide who were swept away by a flash flood while crossing the river on Saturday afternoon.

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.

BPI placed under BI's special care

BPI placed under BI's special care Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The central bank has placed Bank Persyarikatan Indonesia (BPI) under its special surveillance program -- a measure designed by Bank Indonesia to help prevent a bank's financial woes from worsening. Anton Torihorang, BI's bank monitoring director, said on Monday that the bank's financial condition was deteriorating badly, leaving the central bank with little choice but to step in and adopt rescue measures.

Danamon to issue Rp3t of bonds in 2005

Danamon to issue Rp3t of bonds in 2005 Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bank Danamon, the country's fifth largest lender, plans to issue Rp 3 trillion (US$326 million) of bonds next year, a top executive says. Vice president Emirsyah Satar said on Monday that the rupiah denominated bonds offering would be conducted within the first six months of 2005.

Can Southeast Asian Muslims spearhead interfaith dialog?

Can Southeast Asian Muslims spearhead interfaith dialog? Nazry Bahrawi, Singapore When Australian-based Muslim scholar Prof. Abdullah Saaed delivered a series of lectures in Singapore last month, he verbalized an important point, which challenges the fallacy that Muslims are a monolithic bunch, when he rightly pointed out that what is considered Islamic changes depending on the contemporary ideas and values subscribed to by a specific group of Muslims in a certain context.

Graft councillors promise to return ill-gotten gains

Graft councillors promise to return ill-gotten gains Suherdjoko, The Jakarta Post, Semarang Some 14 former Central Java legislative council members, declared suspects in a Rp 14.8 billion (US$1.6 million) scam, have promised to pay back their ill-gotten gains, prosecutors said on Monday.

Indonesian police take French security lessons

Indonesian police take French security lessons Agence France-Presse, Megamendung, West Jakarta Fighting off an ambush by terrorists and dislodging overzealous handshakes were among lessons learned by an Indonesian VIP guard squad who graduated Monday from training by French police.

Public, lawyers asked not to 'distract' judges

Public, lawyers asked not to 'distract' judges Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A judge has called on people, particularly lawyers, to leave judges alone when they are making decisions in legal cases and to stop distracting them with bribes, in a bid to produce fair verdicts.

JP/16/ITAUTO

JP/16/ITAUTO Today's cars are smarter, but drivers must still use their heads Zatni Arbi Contributor/Jakarta We were traveling in the center lane of the Jakarta-Merak toll road. Suddenly, the white BMW 3-Series in front of us veered sharply to the left and slammed into the metal guard rail. My friend quickly stepped on the brakes, fearing that the BMW was going to ricochet to the right. It did not. It just slowed down after scraping some of its left fender.

C. Jakarta to clear red light district

C. Jakarta to clear red light district JAKARTA: Central Jakarta Mayor Muhayat said on Monday that his office had sent the first warning to owners of illegal brothel complexes in Bongkaran, Tanah Abang, to vacate the area. "They have at least 11 days to vacate the area. If they refuse, we will exert force to drive them away," Muhayat said. Muhayat said the first warning would expire in seven days, while the second and final warnings would be given on the seventh and 10th days.

3,000 schools to have free data access

3,000 schools to have free data access JAKARTA: Some 3,000 vocational schools in Java will have free data access based on CDMA technology, following a memorandum of understanding signed on Monday between the Ministry of National Education's Directorate of Vocational Education and telecommunication firm PT Mobile-8 Telecom. Both students and teachers will be able to get free information through the website http://dikmenjur.mobile-8.net on curriculums, competency standards and education mapping.

Kia Motors develops regional auto hub

Kia Motors develops regional auto hub KUALA LUMPUR: South Korean automaker Kia Motors plans to buy a stake of at least 15 percent in Malaysia auto assembler Naza Automotive Manufacturing in a bid to develop a regional auto hub in Malaysia, a news report said on Monday. The plan probably will be finalized next year, Kia Motors Corp.'s Kuala Lumpur-based Asia-Pacific managing director, Young S. Koh, told the Business Times daily. Naza Automotive Manufacturing Sdn.

Munir's death and TNI

Munir's death and TNI From Media Indonesia The death of human rights activist Munir has evolved into a polemic following an autopsy that showed his death was caused by arsenic poisoning. Many legislators and nongovernmental organizations believe he was killed because of his critical approach to rights violations.

Jakarta must double police to tackle threats: ICG

Jakarta must double police to tackle threats: ICG Dan Eaton, Reuters/Jakarta Indonesia needs to double the size of its police force and give the military a clearer role if it hopes to cope with a multitude of security threats from terrorists to ethnic conflict, a report said on Monday. Indonesia's 280,000-strong police force lacks the capacity to tackle the threats facing the world's most populous Muslim nation, the respected Brussels-based International Crisis Group (ICG) said.

Illegals to get free documents

Illegals to get free documents Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta More Indonesian illegal workers are expected to leave Malaysia before the amnesty offer expires on Dec. 31, as they are no longer required to pay for immigration documents. Minister of Justice and Human Rights Hamid Alawuddin said the government had made the move in a bid to convince the Malaysian government of its seriousness in solving the problem that has long plagued ties between the two countries.

1. Analysis -- 1x40

1. Analysis -- 1x40 Give Indonesia's democracy more credit 2. Reax ------ 3x16 Cabinet welcomes Kalla, observers warn of backlash 3. Bomb ------ 1x30 Police find grenade in Hilton garden 4. Christmas - 1x30 Seniors get ready for Christmas 5. Susul --- 4x11 Jakarta must double police to tackle threats: ICG

Put Muhammadiyah and NU back on track

Put Muhammadiyah and NU back on track Imam Cahyono, Jakarta Following on Nahdlatul Ulama's (NU) 31st congress (Muktamar) in Boyolali, Central Java, Muhammadiyah will hold their 45th congress in Malang, East Java, on July 2005. Although they are quite different Islamic organizations, many of the crucial problems facing them are similar. In their respective congresses, these two giant Indonesian Muslim organizations can not absent themselves from discussion in relation to practical politics.

Prison terms await motorists with polluting cars

Prison terms await motorists with polluting cars Indra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya Suwito, the owner of an auto repair shop, was very pleased when he learned of Surabaya municipality's plan to implement a bylaw on emission inspections for motor vehicles. "I very much agree because besides making Surabaya's air cleaner, it's a great chance for auto repair shop owners to make additional profits," he told The Jakarta Post.

Civilian volunteers ready to promote peace here

Civilian volunteers ready to promote peace here A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Yulianus J. Hisage, 36, has just completed two weeks of conflict- resolution training in Jakarta and is ready to apply his knowledge back home in Wamena, Papua. He is proud to be numbered among those working for peace in the province, where sporadic conflict between the Indonesian military (TNI) and separatist groups has occurred over the last few decades.

Happy, safe holiday

Happy, safe holiday Unmindful of updated travel advisories, holidaymakers from Australia headed to Bali last week. Visitors from other countries are also opting to go through their plans, having booked flights and accommodation a few months in advance. Meanwhile, residents in the nation's major cities may well have bought tickets to gala dinners at luxury venues for Christmas and New Year's Eve, in spite of recent terror warnings concerning five-star hotels.

Palu church bombing materials identified

Palu church bombing materials identified JAKARTA: The police have identified explosive materials used in a blast at Anugerah Protestant church and weapons used to spray bullets at the Immanuel church in Palu, Central Sulawesi on Dec. 12. National Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Paiman said on Monday low explosives were used to attack the Immanuel church, mostly consisting of potassium, sulfur and aluminum.

Indonesia to stage EPGA Tour event

Indonesia to stage EPGA Tour event PARIS: The European PGA Tour is to break new ground by staging an event in Indonesia for the first time. The Indonesian Open will be held at the Cengkareng Golf Club in Jakarta from March 24-27 with a total prize money of US$1 million, the tour said in a press release. The European Tour has speed its wings in recent years and currently stages or co-stages events in China, Malaysia, South Africa and the Gulf states among others. --AFP

Indo-Pak dialog

Indo-Pak dialog There are reasons to be optimistic about the current round of talks between the two big South Asian neighbors. The present talks under the rubric of composite dialog that includes Kashmir, apart from seven other subjects, is now underway at the secretary level, in Islamabad.

Judges extend Puteh's detention

Judges extend Puteh's detention JAKARTA: Judges to hear the corruption case involving Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam Governor Abdullah Puteh have extended his detention period for 30 days. Ridwan Mansyur, the spokesman for the Central Jakarta District Court, which supervises the antigraft court, said on Monday the decision would keep Puteh behind bars after the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) submitted his case file last week. Puteh's trial is expected to begin at the end of this month.

JP/13/Bapepa

JP/13/Bapepa Bapepam to probe securities firms linked to Global Rendi A. Witular The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The Capital Market Supervisory Agency (Bapepam) is planning to investigate five securities houses over their involvement in helping executives of troubled Bank Global Internasional to falsely inflate the bank's assets, an official said.

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.

Policeman detained for Poso attacks

Policeman detained for Poso attacks Ruslan Sangadji, The Jakarta Post, Palu A policeman has been detained for his alleged role in spreading terror in Poso regency, Central Sulawesi, which recently saw renewed attacks on the Christian community. Central Sulawesi Police chief Brig. Gen. Aryanto Sutadi confirmed on Monday the detention of Second Brig. Efendi at the provincial headquarters following the recent violence.

TV Program: Tuesday, December 21, 2004

TV Program: Tuesday, December 21, 2004 TVRI .TB.30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Cartoon: Maya the Bee 8:30 Music: Asik-asik 9:00 Variety Show: Hari Jadi T.N.I 11:00 Singing Contest: Konteswara 12:00 p.m.

Lion Air disappoints

Lion Air disappoints Lion Air should not only upgrade the maintenance of its fleet, but they should also upgrade their customer care services. On Nov. 8 my wife and I went to Singapore by Lion Air for medical treatment, the complications of which unexpectedly prolonged our stay. I called the Lion Air office in Singapore to change our return flight reservation, explaining to the employee, Zena, the reason for the change.

Government builds 'quake-proof' house

Government builds 'quake-proof' house BANDUNG: The Center for Housing Research and Development completed on Monday a prototype for an earthquake-resistant house, called the Healthy Modest Instantaneous House (RISHA). The houses would be affordable for low-income people and were able to withstand earthquakes of up to 7.0 on the Richter scale, according to the Minister of Public Works, Djoko Kirmanto.

1. COALITION: 3 x 15

1. COALITION: 3 x 15 Kalla ready to bury old House order 2. SECURITY: 4 x 10 Antiterror spooks to team up in provinces 3. PAWN: 2 x 21 Councillors pawning job letters for cash 4. FRAUD: 1 x 48 BI renews agreement to nab fraudsters

Send House members back to school

Send House members back to school From Warta Kota It has been reported in the mass media that many members of the House of Representatives have demonstrated improper behavior. On one occasion, for example, 24 House members from the Golkar Party gave their personal guarantee so that Nurdin Halid, a suspect in a corruption case now in detention, could return home to celebrate Idul Fitri with his family.

Palm oil futures may fall ahead of holidays

Palm oil futures may fall ahead of holidays Bloomberg/Jakarta Palm oil futures in Malaysia, the world's biggest exporter of the edible oil, may fall for a fifth week ahead of year-end holidays as buying orders slow. Four out of five traders, analysts and producers polled in Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta on Friday and Saturday said they plan to sell palm oil, while one recommended holding the commodity.

Police find grenade in Hilton garden

Police find grenade in Hilton garden Eva C. Komandjaja and Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A rusty hand grenade was found in a garden in the grounds of Hilton Apartment complex here on Monday morning, prompting an increase in security there. Police, who collected the explosive, said the grenade was inactive and had probably been buried under the soil for a long time.

Rogue on Pakuan Express

Rogue on Pakuan Express From Kompas As a commuter traveling by the Bogor-Jakarta Pakuan Express train, I consider this railway service fairly secure, except for the presence of beggars, who often make passengers feel uncomfortable as they push and shove for money. On Oct. 8, by the same train, I left Juanda station at 6:26 p.m and was approached by a boy, who asked for money. His "disadvantaged" appearance prompted me to give him some.

Teenager faces trial over Bojong dump clash

Teenager faces trial over Bojong dump clash Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor A 15-year-old student, Atang Ombak, stood trial at the Cibinong District Court on Monday. He was charged with violating Article 170 of the Criminal Code on violent behavior. The trial was staged behind closed-doors since the defendant is underaged. Atang was accompanied by his parents and a counselor from the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights.

Government to issue regulation on management of SOEs

Government to issue regulation on management of SOEs Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government will soon issue a regulation on the formation of a holding company that will oversee poorly managed state-owned enterprises (SOEs), as part of efforts to help restructure and revitalize them, a minister said.

Students leave SMP 56, principal stays on

Students leave SMP 56, principal stays on The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The remaining 53 students from SMP 56 junior high school in Melawai, South Jakarta, bid farewell to their old school on Monday during the last flag-hoisting ceremony. The ceremony was held on the parking lot of state bank BNI's Melawai branch, as the school building was sealed off by the Jakarta administration on Nov. 17.

Cops axed for drugs, burglary

Cops axed for drugs, burglary BANDA ACEH, Aceh: The Aceh police ethics commission dishonorably discharged on Monday two police officers in Aceh who were found guilty in two separate cases, one for burglary and the other for drug abuse. First. Brig. Abu Rimansyah, 22, was fired for stealing a motorcycle, while his fellow police officer First. Insp. Khairuddin, 48, was fired for taking illegal narcotics. Chief of the local police ethics tribunal Sr. Comr.

Police work on illegal logging

Police work on illegal logging TANGERANG: Serang Police have arrested three officials of state forestry company PT Perhutani along with two other men suspected of involvement in illegal logging in the Cinangka district. Police chief Sr. Comr. Joko Irianto said the five men had been in detention since Wednesday. He would not name the suspects fearing it would jeopardize the ongoing investigations, saying that police planned to detain more people.

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.

Disorganized waste management takes its toll, again

Disorganized waste management takes its toll, again Bambang Nurbianto The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Incidents surrounding garbage disposal opened and closed the year 2004. Residents of Cilincing, North Jakarta, witnessed the death of thousands of fish in their fish ponds following the Jakarta administration's decision to dump its waste in the surrounding area.

Women artists given due recognition

Women artists given due recognition Carla Bianpoen, Contributor, Semarang On December 18, Galeri Semarang in Central Java launched yet another of its initiatives in the world of art in Indonesia. It did so by giving space to young women artists whose names have no record in the annals of the visual art market.

1,000 wheelchairs donated to poor

1,000 wheelchairs donated to poor CIBUBUR, West Java: The Wheelchair Foundation and Latter-day Saints Charity (LDSC) donated on Monday 1,000 wheelchairs for poor people with disabilities in the country. The wheelchairs were handed over to Minister of Social Services Bachtiar Chamsyah during the commemoration of National Social Solidarity Day, which falls on Dec. 20. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono attended the commemoration.

Bengkulu arson attack suspects apprehended

Bengkulu arson attack suspects apprehended JAKARTA: The police have arrested three suspects in an alleged arson attack on the official residence of Bengkulu Prosecutors' Office head Rusdi Taher on Dec. 9. National Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Paiman said on Monday the police had detained EL, SP and IH as suspects and seized one Mitsubishi Kuda van, two Suzuki motorcycles and three Nokia cell phones on Monday.

*Give Indonesia's democracy more credit Page 2

*Give Indonesia's democracy more credit Page 2 *People told not to 'seduce' judges Page 4 *Policeman detained for Poso attacks Page 5 *Put Muhammadiyah and NU back on track Page 6 *Matraman residents try to overcome feud Page 8 *India sweeps series in test against Bangladesh Page 9 *Opposition urged to end Thaksin's 'dictatorship' Page 11 *Bapepam to probe security firms linked to Global Page 13 *Organic matter may be cancer key Page 18

Cabinet welcomes Kalla, observers warn of backlash

Cabinet welcomes Kalla, observers warn of backlash Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Those attending the Cabinet meeting on Monday were all smiles, particularly Vice President Jusuf Kalla. Showing no signs of fatigue, Kalla was indeed the man of the moment as all Cabinet members present, including President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, took turns in congratulating him on his successful bid for the Golkar Party's top post.

Bank Indonesia renews agreement to nab fraudsters

Bank Indonesia renews agreement to nab fraudsters Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In light of the increasing number of fraud cases occurring in the country's banking sector over the past year, Bank Indonesia (BI) on Monday renewed its cooperation agreement with the National Police and the Attorney General's Office (AGO) in order to better tackle such cases.

Give Indonesia's democracy more credit

Give Indonesia's democracy more credit Endy M. Bayuni, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The naysayers are at it again. No sooner was Vice President Jusuf Kalla elected Golkar chairman, and they are already warning that Indonesia's nascent democracy is under threat from the old guard of Golkar. Others say that with one foot in the executive branch and the other in the legislative branch, Jusuf could subvert the democratic powers of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Car accident kills two

Car accident kills two SEMARANG: Two people were killed and another was injured after a Toyota Kijang minivan crashed into a truck on Monday in the Bawen industrial area in Semarang regency. Anis Suryadi, 62 and Ina Susanti, 55, died instantly and their son Teguh Suryadi, 22, was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries. Witnesses said that the accident occurred as the speeding Toyota seemed to lose control, made a sharp right and crashed into the truck. -- JP

'I'll go to church no matter what'

'I'll go to church no matter what' President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has ordered security tightened ahead of the Christmas and New Year's holidays, following attacks on two churches in Palu, Central Sulawesi, and the recent discovery of crude bombs on a bus in Bandung. The Jakarta Post asked residents if the security warnings affected their holiday plans. Advent Tambun, 30, teaches at the Spanish cultural center at Trisakti University in West Jakarta.

Ship with illegal logs nabbed

Ship with illegal logs nabbed Hasrul, The Jakarta Post, Kendari Southeast Sulawesi water police personnel have apprehended a ship loaded with thousands of undocumented logs in Wangi-wangi waters, Wakatobi regency. The ship was on its way from Sorong, Papua to Semarang, Central Java, when it was nabbed on Friday, said Sr. Comr. Sistomo, the chief of Water Police Division of Southeast Sulawesi provincial police.

Councillors pawning job letters for cash

Councillors pawning job letters for cash Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang Several Tangerang regency councillors have handed their letters of appointment over to pawnshops or banks as collateral for loans. They claim the benefits and incentives provided by the regental administration are insufficient. "It's true that my letter of appointment is now held by Bank Jabar," a councillor who requested anonymity told The Jakarta Post recently.

Seniors get ready for Christmas

Seniors get ready for Christmas Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With the glow of dozens of candles lighting her face, Nasiah, 87, gazed at a shimmering Christmas tree as she thanked God for blessing her with such a merry Christmas. "I have no family left. No husband and no children. I am alone. But I am blessed that I can stay here in a retirement home together with other seniors. And I thank God for giving me this cheerful Christmas," she told The Jakarta Post.

City set to dole out Rp 3.15b to journalists

City set to dole out Rp 3.15b to journalists Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city plans to allocate of Rp 3.15 billion (US$338,710) for journalists in the 2005 city budget -- a move its critics call outright bribery that threatens press freedom. The allocation is part of the Rp 34.24 billion budget proposed to the city council for the administration's public relations and protocol bureau.

Indonesia regrets Thaksin's comments on radical groups

Indonesia regrets Thaksin's comments on radical groups The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government regretted on Monday Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Sinawarta's statement accusing Indonesian radicals of helping Muslim militants in southern Thailand. Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Widodo A.S. said, however, said Indonesia would settle the issue through diplomatic channels.

Police foil fuel hoarding

Police foil fuel hoarding MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: Police officers foiled on Saturday a fuel hoarding attempt at Pemenang gas station on Lombok, and apprehended a truck loaded with 15 drums of gasoline and a drum of diesel fuel. The arrest took place at 10 p.m on Saturday as police officers discovered the truck crew filling up the drums at the gas station in West Lombok regency.

Pobsi expects more interest from media

Pobsi expects more interest from media JAKARTA: The Indonesian Billiard and Snooker Association has complained that the local media was not disseminating enough news about the sport. "I feel envious at times about how the media allocates so much space for other sports like badminton or soccer. They run the stories broadly even with in-depth reports. Why are they not interested in billiards?" Pobsi Chairman Putera Astaman asked during a one-day seminar at the Senayan Trade Center here on Monday.

Rogue on Pakuan Express

Rogue on Pakuan Express From Kompas As a commuter traveling by the Bogor-Jakarta Pakuan Express train, I consider this railway service fairly secure, except for the presence of beggars, who often make passengers feel uncomfortable as they push and shove for money. On Oct. 8, by the same train, I left Juanda station at 6:26 p.m and was approached by a boy, who asked for money. His "disadvantaged" appearance prompted me to give him some.

Send House members back to school

Send House members back to school From Warta Kota It has been reported in the mass media that many members of the House of Representatives have demonstrated improper behavior. On one occasion, for example, 24 House members from the Golkar Party gave their personal guarantee so that Nurdin Halid, a suspect in a corruption case now in detention, could return home to celebrate Idul Fitri with his family.

Ethnic hatred, poverty spell bloodshed

Ethnic hatred, poverty spell bloodshed As if sitting on a volcano, the residents who live along Jl. Matraman have to be ready for an outbreak of fighting to erupt at any time. The first incident can be traced back to the early 1950s when groups of KNIL members -- an Indonesian army recruited and trained by the Dutch -- were forced to leave the Berlan housing complex as thousands of Indonesian Military (TNI) troops from Central and East Java came in.

Kalla consolidates power

Kalla consolidates power Dean Yates, Reuters/Jakarta Even before taking over Indonesia's most powerful opposition party on the weekend, Vice-President Jusuf Kalla oozed confidence. In an interview with Reuters on Nov. 11, Kalla made clear he had torn up the script that for decades confined Indonesian vice- presidents to the ceremonial role of cutting ribbons and entertaining less important state guests. "This country is just too big for a president to control.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec.20, 2004

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec.20, 2004 ____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume _____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 225 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 2,325 -25 15,500 Adhi Karya 600 0 2,692,000 Adira Dinamika 2,600 0 0 AGIS Tbk 95 -5 250,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 145 0 0 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,100 0 1,171,000 Alakasa Industrindo 165 0 0 Alfa...

Matraman residents try to overcome feud

Matraman residents try to overcome feud President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's statement that pluralism has proven to be a blessing for Indonesia rather than a threat to national unity, apparently is not understood by many. An example of that is the terror threats ahead of Christmas celebrations. Some Indonesians do not understand the meaning or spirit of pluralism, and are thus easily provoked to participate in ethnic or religious conflicts -- often sparked by trivial incidents.

BII to issue up to US$200 million subordinated bonds

BII to issue up to US$200 million subordinated bonds Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Publicly listed Bank International Indonesia (BII) plans to issue up to US$200 million in subordinated bonds early next year to strengthen its working capital and fund its acquisition of a financing firm. BII president Henry Ho Hon Cheong said that the dollar denominated bonds would be on offer in January next year and listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange.

PT Ingold responds

PT Ingold responds I was amazed reading an article in The Jakarta Post on Dec. 20 titled, Environmentalists urge STD ban. The article stated that PT Ingold planned to use submarine tailings disposal (STD) in Maluku. This is a big lie. PT Ingold is an exploration company that indeed did some exploration on Haruku island in Maluku for zinc, from February 1998 to December 2001.

3 x 12

3 x 12 Policeman detained for Poso attacks JP/5/CLASH 2 x 35 Border dispute kills three people in Riau amid fears of ethnic conflict JP/5/LOG 1 x 30 Ship with illegal logs nabbed JP/5/EMISI 1 x 49 Prison terms await motorists with polluting cars JP/5/korup 2 x 30 Graft councillors promise to return ill-gotten gains

Four new busway corridors to be built next year

Four new busway corridors to be built next year Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city administration has proposed the construction of four new busway corridors in next year's Rp 13.83 trillion (US$1.49 billion) budget to help ease chronic traffic congestion in the capital.

Send legislators back to school

Send legislators back to school From Warta Kota It has been reported in the mass media that many members of the House of Representatives have demonstrated improper behavior. On one occasion, for example, 24 House members from the Golkar Party gave their personal guarantee so that Nurdin Halid, a suspect in a corruption case now in detention, could return home to celebrate Idul Fitri with his family.

Border dispute kills three people in Riau amid fears of ethnic conflict

Border dispute kills three people in Riau amid fears of ethnic conflict Puji Santoso, The Jakarta Post, Pekanbaru A protracted dispute over border area between residents of two neighboring regencies in Riau province has eventually taken its toll when at least three people were killed in a deadly clash. Two other residents were seriously injured in the fresh brawl on Sunday between two groups of people living in villages along the border of Indragiri Hulu and Indragiri Hilir regencies.