Archive: 22 December 2004
95 articles found
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
City asks House support
City asks House support The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta administration is seeking help from members of the House of Representatives to put pressure on the central government to disburse funds to finance several big projects in the city, including the development of the subway and the East Flood Canal.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Fuel price hike hurts people
Fuel price hike hurts people From Republika The government's policy of raising fuel oil prices and reducing fuel subsidies is likely to be adopted, and this is going to hurt the public at large. The reality is, once fuel prices are increased, virtually all prices for goods and services will rise also. The capitalist ideology that is applied in this country always regards subsidies as something that spoils the people.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Golkar decides new role
Golkar decides new role Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Golkar Party held a coordination meeting Tuesday evening to discuss its new political stance following the election of Vice President Jusuf Kalla as its chairman. Tuesday's meeting was presided over by vice chairman Agung Laksono and attended by the party's chairpersons, Secretary- General Sumarsono and some of his deputies.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Akbar contributes to Golkar revival
Akbar contributes to Golkar revival Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Although Akbar Tandjung and George W. Bush are of a different political caliber, to some extent some parallels can be drawn between the two political leaders as they are both loved and hated by the people. Yet, the two have a experienced a different fate: Bush won reelection in the recent U.S. presidential election while Akbar was defeated in the recent Golkar Party congress in Nusa Dua, Bali.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
JP//HOUSE
JP//HOUSE When will the 'play group' move up a grade? Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Former president Abdurrahman Wahid had such a difficult time finding a polite word to describe the House of Representatives that, back in 2001, he called it a "kindergarten". Gus Dur, as the former president is known, was referring to the enthusiastic legislators who, in the name of freedom of speech, took every opportunity to interrupt plenary meetings.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Global case won't affect sub debt market: Analysts
Global case won't affect sub debt market: Analysts Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Bank Global case, which could likely cause more than a dozen big bond holders to lose billions of rupiah, would not affect the subordinated debt market as it was caused more by "uncritical" investments, analysts say.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia's rich natural resources won't last forever
Indonesia's rich natural resources won't last forever Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A high ranking official with the (then) Trade and Industry Ministry was clearly puzzled when a journalist asked for his comment about a number of companies accused of polluting a river in West Java. Seconds later, he laughed and asked the journalist to solicit comments from the State Minister for the Environment instead.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Violations of environmental law 'rife'
Violations of environmental law 'rife' Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Disposing of unprocessed hazardous waste in the environment and the absence of waste management licenses are examples of the violations committed by companies, an official said on Tuesday.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Women victims and their place in the news
Women victims and their place in the news Djatmika, Surakarta, Central Java The celebration of Women's Day on Dec. 22 often ironically reminds us that crimes against women occur daily in our country. News stories about such crimes are readily found in local as well as national newspapers, which report the abuses by exploiting language to present how, when and where the crimes took place, and who the actors as well as the victims are.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Komodos from Indonesia capture Czech President at Prague Zoo
Komodos from Indonesia capture Czech President at Prague Zoo Veeramalla Anjaiah, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia's Komodo dragons -- the world's rarest and largest lizard species -- recently captured the heart of the Czech Republic's President Vaclav Klaus. President Klaus -- an ardent nature lover -- was at the Prague Zoo on Nov. 29 to inaugurate the Indonesian Pavilion, Indoneska Zungle or Indonesian Jungle.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah Rates Dec.21
Rupiah Rates Dec.21 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,525.34 6,756.08 7,177.66 7,103.66 Brunei dollar 1 5,974.29 5,363.34 5,698.27 5,639.28 Canadian dollar 1 7,984.53 7,168.44 7,615.64 7,537.25 Swiss franc 1 8,537.97 7,663.85 8,143.50 8,058.14 Danish krone 1 1,766.99 1,586.57 1,685.35 1,668.20 Euro 1 13,134.78 11,793.42 12,527.94 12,400.17 Poundsterling 1 19,099.16 17,145.10 18,216.76 18,027.18 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,260.32 1,131.63 1,202.09 1,189.85...
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Jakarta Stocks Gain; Bank Mandiri, Perusahaan Gas Negara advance
Jakarta Stocks Gain; Bank Mandiri, Perusahaan Gas Negara advance Naila Firdausi , Bloomberg/Jakarta Jakarta stocks rose for the fourth day in five. Banks such as PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia led gains after PT Bank NISP said profit surged in the first 10 months of the year on more lending. "Banks have good profit potential as demand for loans will continue to grow," said Katarina Setiawan, deputy head of research at Kim Eng Securities in Jakarta.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
KPI rejects broadcasting rules
KPI rejects broadcasting rules Muninggar Sr Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) and a number of broadcasting groups raised their opposition on Tuesday to the draft of a government regulation on broadcasting, as it would revive the government's power in the broadcasting sector.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Travel warning gentle reminder of civilian protection
Travel warning gentle reminder of civilian protection Ivy Susanti, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian government has continually played down the travel warnings issued by Western countries, but as it turns out, Indonesians are the most wary as the Christmas/New Year holiday season approaches. The issue of citizen protection, is not likely something to be proud of for the Indonesian government.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Parents in Christmas present-shopping consumer frenzy
Parents in Christmas present-shopping consumer frenzy Dewi Santoso, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Christmas is just around the corner and parents are already busy buying lots of toys for their beloved children, from bicycles and plastic swimming pools to dolls and remote-controlled cars. Hanny, 33, was busy choosing a toy for her four-year-old daughter, Pricilla. "I'm kind of confused, you know.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
President's official car park?
President's official car park? From Kompas On Nov. 15, I parked my car outside of Klub Bimasena (health/sports center) in South Jakarta, near the gate of the club, which shares the same complex with Hotel Dharmawangsa. When I left my car near the entrance, club security men told me to move my car to the parking lot at the rear of the building, because the car park near the gate was reserved for the president, vice president and ambassadors.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Once bitten by their failure to include Bali in travel
Once bitten by their failure to include Bali in travel warnings ahead of the Oct. 12, 2002, nightclub bombings at Kuta Beach, Australian security officials are determined to be everything but twice shy. Having received notice from an eavesdropping national ally of a potential terrorist attack against upmarket hotels in Indonesia -- particularly those of the Hilton brand -- authorities upgraded tourist warnings for the second time in 24 hours.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
India, KL to build satellites, airports
India, KL to build satellites, airports Agence France-Presse, New Delhi India and Malaysia on Monday agreed to join forces to develop satellites and build an international airport in Hyderabad following wide-ranging talks between the two countries' leaders, the Indian government said.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
JP/4/y-tabel
JP/4/y-tabel Malpractice cases in 2004 No. Cases Location Result -------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Complications after Jakarta Solved by the Ethics otorhinolaryngology Committee (MKEK) head & neck surgery Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI) Jakarta 2. Eye surgery leads to Banjarmasin Solved by the Ethics blindness Committee (MKEK) Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI) Surabaya 3.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Bengkulu mayor's aide held for arson
Bengkulu mayor's aide held for arson The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Police said on Tuesday they had arrested a police adjutant assigned to Bengkulu Mayor Chalik Effendi in connection with an alleged arson attack on the official residence of local chief prosecutor Rusdi Taher. The adjutant, 26, identified only by his rank and initials, First Brig. SN, is being held on charges of masterminding the arson on Dec. 9, Bengkulu Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. M. Elia WM was quoted by Antara as saying.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Adriana Venny: media do not protect victims
Adriana Venny: media do not protect victims A. Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The chief editor of prestigious feminist publication Jurnal Perempuan (Women's Journal), Adriana Venny, is concerned about violence and the exploitation of women in the mass media, particularly television. "If we look at the media, especially television, it is as though there are no regulations," Venny said in an interview with The Jakarta Post recently.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Being herself cost Megawati her presidency
Being herself cost Megawati her presidency Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With a sorrowful and troubled look in her eyes, Megawati Soekarnoputri pleaded for the lives of two Indonesian maids held hostage by militants in Iraq. Wearing a white head-scarf, the image of the Indonesian president was aired over and over again by the Qatar-based Al- Jazeera television, and apparently contributed to the release of the two women, who arrived home safely just days afterwards.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Kalla leaps to defense of family businesses
Kalla leaps to defense of family businesses Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Vice President Jusuf Kalla asserted that the government would not ban the relatives of state officials from doing business, as long as they abide by the regulations. Brushing aside fears about collusion in favor of officials' relatives, Kalla said there was nothing wrong with them operating a business. "I think it is alright for relatives of state officials to do business.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
'Pempek', an appetizing regional specialty
'Pempek', an appetizing regional specialty Oyos Saroso HN, The Jakarta Post, Bandarlampung A visit to Bandarlampung, the capital of Lampung on the southern tip of Sumatra, would not be complete without savoring pempek, a regional specialty. Like Palembang, the South Sumatra capital, Bandarlampung is identified as a "pempek city", with the food sold almost everywhere, even hawked as cheap snacks.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
RI expects rise in medal count
RI expects rise in medal count JAKARTA: The National Sports Council (KONI) said on Tuesday that Indonesia would not be preoccupied by an ambition to win the most medals at the 2005 Southeast Asia (SEA) Games, but would still try to improve upon its medal count of 222 in 2003. KONI's head of development affairs Djoko Pramono said it would be difficult to emerge as the top medal winners now that Indonesia was still struggling in four major sports: athletics, swimming, gymnastics and shooting.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Legislator loses Rp 32m in parked car
Legislator loses Rp 32m in parked car BEKASI: Legislator Daday Hidayat of the Democratic Party lost more than Rp 32 million (US$3,440) as his parked Ford Everest was broken into, early on Tuesday morning. Daday reported that he lost Rp 22 million in cash, a Nokia 9500 Communicator valued at just under Rp 10 million, four House of Representatives/People's Consultative Assembly gold pins and other documents.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Lee warns foreign media not to meddle in S'pore
Lee warns foreign media not to meddle in S'pore Agence France-Presse, Singapore Former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew has brushed aside Singapore's dismal ranking in a global press freedom survey and renewed a warning to foreign media against interfering in the city-state's affairs. "Do you really believe that we are equal to North Korea?" the 81-year-old Lee said in a forum on late Monday with the Foreign Correspondents Association of Singapore.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
JP/17/SINGPO
JP/17/SINGPO An Asian identity for Christmas Henry Lie Contributor/Singapore Singapore is trying to invent an identity for themselves even if they have to redefine a foreign culture, and it seems they have been successful. They are redefining Christmas identity. This year is the greatest event of Christmas Celebration in Singapore since it was started in 1983, when the Orchard Road Light Up was started.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Regional elections on the way in 2005
Regional elections on the way in 2005 JAKARTA: A total of 225 regional government heads, including 11 governors, will be directly elected by the end of 2005. Minister of Home Affairs M. Ma'aruf said on Tuesday that the government was finalizing the regulations to administer the elections, while local governments are increasing dissemination of information on the new format of regional elections.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia Open has yet to produce strong match from local women
Indonesia Open has yet to produce strong match from local women Musthofid and Moch N. Kurniawan The Jakarta Post Jakarta While Indonesia's men's players salvaged some pride for the hosts, taking two titles at the recently-concluded Indonesia Open badminton championship, it has left the country's badminton governing body, PBSI, with the persistent problem of the lackluster women's field.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Malaysia looks to woo Indonesian crowd to F1 race
Malaysia looks to woo Indonesian crowd to F1 race Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Sepang International Circuit (SIC) plans to hold a road show to four major cities in Indonesia to woo local automotive enthusiasts to next year's Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix. The road show is scheduled to tour Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya and Denpasar in February. "Last year, we had 4,000 people come from Indonesia.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
JP/4/yearend
JP/4/yearend The Jakarta Post Jakarta The joy of having a second child proved to be short-lived for Hasan Kesuma, 33, a self-employed resident of Bogor, West Java. Just days after giving birth to their second child, his wife Agian Isna Naili, 33, slipped into a persistent vegetative state in July and has been on life support equipment for the past five months at the Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital in Central Jakarta.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
----------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------- No. Cases Potential State Losses Status ---------------------------------------------------------------- 1. BNI Kebayoran Baru Rp 1.3 trillion *No assets have been returned *Key suspects on the run 2. BI Account No. 502 Rp 20.9 trillion *Under police investigation *No suspects declared 3. Bulog scam Rp 841 billion *All suspects released *Case file rejected 4.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Government to announce planned tarrif changes
Government to announce planned tarrif changes Urip Hudiono and Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta If all goes to plan businesspeople will find out today just what has changed after the government officially announces revisions to import duties on 237 products. In a teaser announcement on Tuesday, Minister of Finance Yusuf Anwar said the revisions to be announced on Wednesday would include 144 cuts to subsidies and 93 increases.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Aussie travel warnings
Aussie travel warnings Once bitten by their failure to include Bali in travel warnings ahead of the Oct. 12, 2002, nightclub bombings at Kuta Beach, Australian security officials are determined to be everything but twice shy. Having received notice from an eavesdropping national ally of a potential terrorist attack against upmarket hotels in Indonesia -- particularly those of the Hilton brand -- authorities upgraded tourist warnings for the second time in 24 hours.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
1. MUNIR (1 x 30)
1. MUNIR (1 x 30) Munir's family, police agree on team 2. BUSINES (3 X 14) Kalla leaps to defense of family businesses 3. PROPER (1 X 32) Violations of environmental law 'rife' 4. KPI (1 X 32) KPI rejects broadcasting rules 5. PALU (2 X 18) Police pledge to protect churches
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Bomb attacks could be done by anybody, aim at anyone, anywhere
Bomb attacks could be done by anybody, aim at anyone, anywhere Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Following the Sept. 9 bombing outside the Australian Embassy in Kuningan, South Jakarta, John Douglas, 40, who worked for a U.S.- based multinational consultancy here, decided to return to Canada despite unfinished business. "I was scheduled to stay here for at least three months but I decided to leave, although I had been here for three weeks only. The bomb attack terrifies me.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Police pledge to protect churches
Police pledge to protect churches The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Police personnel nationwide pledged on Tuesday that they would beef up security at churches during Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations. The Police bomb squad will comb churches in search of bombs before Christmas sermons were held, and some churches would be equipped with metal detectors. Every church leader in South Sulawesi will be tightly guarded by police officers, everywhere they go.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Today's cars are smarter, but drivers must still use their heads
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.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Contemplating Susilo's navel fixation
Contemplating Susilo's navel fixation Meidyatama Suryodiningrat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Perversely speaking, it could just be a simple personal fetish on his part. But by asking a senior Cabinet minister to convey concerns over the showing of navels on television, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is treading on the ever precarious trinity of sexuality, morality and politics. With increasing regularity the issue of morality and public decency has protruded into the national debate.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Gloomy year for RI media as big guns try to sink it
Gloomy year for RI media as big guns try to sink it M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A year of living dangerously for the press here was signaled early last year when well-connected businessman Tomy Winata filed a criminal complaint with the police against Tempo magazine over an article published in February 2003. This was the first of a number of attacks on press freedom during the course of the year.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Toyota shrugs off steel shortage, sees sales up 8%
Toyota shrugs off steel shortage, sees sales up 8% Agence France-Presse, Tokyo Japan's biggest automaker Toyota on Tuesday shrugged off a steel shortage looming over the industry and said it expected sales to gain eight percent in 2005 after a 10 percent rise this year. Toyota Motor Corp. said its sales under the Toyota and Lexus brands would rise to 7.18 million vehicles next year compared with 6.67 million in 2004.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Council, journalists question budget for media
Council, journalists question budget for media Bambang Nurbianto and Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta administration's plan to allocate Rp 3.15 billion (US$338,710) for journalists in its 2005 budget has caused journalists and several councillors to raise their eyebrows.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Akbar to set up foundation
Akbar to set up foundation JAKARTA: Former Golkar Party leader Akbar Tandjung is considering to set up a foundation that will conduct research and monitoring of social and political development. Akbar, who had just lost party leadership to Jusuf Kalla, said on Tuesday he could not stay away from politics because he grew up in politics and youth organizations. "Some suggest that I should set up a foundation or a research center. But, I will think about it after January," he said.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Being herself cost Megawati her presidency
Being herself cost Megawati her presidency Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With a sorrowful and troubled look in her eyes, Megawati Soekarnoputri pleaded for the lives of two Indonesian maids held hostage by militants in Iraq. Wearing a white head-scarf, the image of the Indonesian president was aired over and over again by the Qatar-based Al- Jazeera television, and apparently contributed to the release of the two women, who arrived home safely just days afterwards.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Norah Jones cancels Indonesian concert after terror warnings
Norah Jones cancels Indonesian concert after terror warnings Agence France-Presse, Jakarta American jazz singer Norah Jones on Tuesday became the latest in a string of performers to cancel a concert in Indonesia after foreign governments warned of an imminent attack by extremists.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
JP/xx/y-tni
JP/xx/y-tni Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta During the initial years of the "reform" euphoria, the streets were abuzz with spirited talk about removing the military from politics. Approaching the elections this year, much of this hype evaporated -- some suggested this was because most voters had begun to yearn for security and stability, following six years of stagnant reformasi and the lingering socioeconomic crisis.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
1. ACEH: 4 X 10
1. ACEH: 4 X 10 TNI to send hundreds more spies to Aceh 2. FIFA: 2 X 21 Ronaldinho named World Player of the Year 3. MIGAS: 3 X 9 Oil and gas law constitutional, court decides 4. GOLKAR: 1 X 33 Golkar decides new role
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
22 inmates infected with HIV/AIDS
22 inmates infected with HIV/AIDS YOGYAKARTA: Twenty-two, out of hundreds of inmates in various prisons in Yogyakarta, have HIV/AIDS, sparking concern over the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS in prisons, a prison doctor revealed on Tuesday. Sixteen of the prisoners living with HIV/AIDS are detained in Wirogunan prison, while three others occupied cells in Sleman regency prison, said Budiman, a doctor at Wirogunan Prison. The data was based on a survey held two years ago.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Regional autonomy makes little headway
Regional autonomy makes little headway Ridwan Max Sijabat The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Regional autonomy, including special autonomy in the conflict- ridden provinces of Aceh and Papua, has made little headway in the years since its introduction, not only due to the government's apparent reluctance to implement the law, but also local leadership problems.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Teachers to get HIV/AIDS training
Teachers to get HIV/AIDS training JAKARTA: Counseling teachers from 75 high schools throughout the Greater Jakarta began training on Tuesday to educate students on HIV/AIDS prevention. The material has been provided by the Coca-Cola Foundation Indonesia (CCFI) and the Indonesian Humanitarian Committee (KKI), who have also donated a grant of Rp 1 million (US$107) for each school.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
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.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Megawati's last stand came too late
Megawati's last stand came too late In the last 10 months of her presidency, Megawati Soekarnoputri tried to do the impossible: make up for the disappointment of her first 28 months in office. Megawati went to great lengths to win reelection and retain her presidency with shows of affections toward the wong cilik, or little people, and by pushing for a series of popular policies. In the end, however, she found that 10 months of affection cannot make up for 28 months of disappointment.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
*Contemplating SBY's navel fixation Page 2
*Contemplating SBY's navel fixation Page 2 *Police, activists agree on Munir's investigation team Page 4 *Students, people protest LPG, gasoline price hike Page 5 *Women victims and their place in the news Page 6 *Ethnic hatred still a threat to melting pot city Page 8 *Yao scores 40 points as Rockets down Raptors Page 9 *Bush defends Rumsfeld, notes Iraq difficulties Page 11 *Global case won't affect sub debt market: Analysts Page 13 *Akbar contributes to Golkar revival Page 20
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Susilo to celebrate Christmas in Nabire
Susilo to celebrate Christmas in Nabire JAKARTA: President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is slated to celebrate Christmas with earthquake victims in Nabire, Papua, and New Year's Day in Manado, North Sulawesi. The presidential itinerary announced on Tuesday that Susilo is slated to leave for Jayapura on Friday and will spend Christmas Eve in Jayapura, before flying to Nabire on the next day.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
RP rebels declare Christmas truce
RP rebels declare Christmas truce PHILIPPINES: Philippines communist guerrillas on Tuesday declared a unilateral 10-day Christmas cease-fire, while offering a longer-term truce and tactical alliance with President Gloria Arroyo. The rebel truce declaration, in force between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2, reciprocates a three-week unilateral cease-fire ordered by Arroyo on Thursday.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
AirAsia asks for low cost airport
AirAsia asks for low cost airport Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur Malaysian discount carrier AirAsia on Tuesday urged the government to turn former Subang airport into a regional low cost aviation hub to help attract more tourists and reduce operating costs. AirAsia chief executive officer Tony Fernandes expects direct cost savings of 10-15 percent if the government approved plans for a dedicated low-cost terminal at Subang instead of one at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
JP/XX/MEGA
JP/XX/MEGA Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In the last 10 months of her presidency, Megawati Soekarnoputri tried to do the impossible: make up for the disappointment of her first 28 months in office. Megawati went to great lengths to win reelection and retain her presidency with shows of affections toward the wong cilik, or little people, and by pushing for a series of popular policies.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Dock workers urge revision of decree
Dock workers urge revision of decree BATAM, Riau Islands: At least 1,000 dock workers staged a protest on Tuesday in Batam, demanding that Governor Ismeth Abdullah revoke a gubernatorial decree on the minimum wage. In the protest, the second in the past month, the workers said next year's Rp 635,000 minimum wage set in the decree was below the estimated cost of living in the city.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
IIEF clarifies
IIEF clarifies Thank you for the article titled New TOEFL scraps grammar section, which is a coverage of our event held on Dec. 16 titled "The New Next Generation TOEFL 2005"'. We do hope the article will help many Indonesians, especially those who plan to take the TOEFL, prepare well in anticipation of the new test.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
TNI to send hundreds more spies to Aceh
TNI to send hundreds more spies to Aceh Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After claiming to have successfully cracked down on the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), the military is now planning to intensify intelligence operations against rebels in the troubled province. Aceh Military Commander Maj. Gen.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Inmates get sentence reduction
Inmates get sentence reduction PEKANBARU, Riau: A total of 352 inmates in various prisons in the provinces of Riau and Riau Island will have their sentences commuted ahead of Christmas, said a senior government official on Tuesday. With the reduction in the prison term, 12 of the 352 inmates will be released on Dec. 25, said Syaiful Rachman, the head of Riau Provincial Justice and Human Rights Office. -- JP
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
IBM, govt establish science museum
IBM, govt establish science museum PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: IBM in cooperation with the South Sumatra provincial government, has established a virtual science museum in Palembang, the capital of South Sumatra. The museum inauguration was attended on Tuesday by South Sumatra Deputy Governor Mahyuddin and IBM president director Betty Alisjahbana. The museum, equipped with Internet technology, provides tools for the community to explore the discoveries of famous scientists worldwide.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
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.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
BPK to get more investigative powers
BPK to get more investigative powers Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In order to give the nation's fight against corruption a boost, the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) and the government agreed on Tuesday to widen the former's authority in revealing irregularities in the disbursement of state budgets.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
JP/5/COUNCIL
JP/5/COUNCIL Councillors face uphill battle against graft charges A'an Suryana The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The 10 people who came to the Attorney General's Office here as representatives of councillors nationwide were kept waiting in a meeting room for more than 30 minutes. When senior prosecutor Sudhono Iswahyudi finally entered the room, the councillors duly rose and shook hands with the powerful deputy head of the special crimes division.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
IBL to hold first rookie contest
IBL to hold first rookie contest Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The A Mild Indonesia Basketball League (IBL) will start a competition for rookie players early next year for the first time as part of a campaign to scout for new talent. IBL business development manager Muhammad Rifky said on Tuesday that registrations for the contest opened on Dec. 20 and would close on Jan. 10.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
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.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
TV Program: Wednesday, December 22, 2004
TV Program: Wednesday, December 22, 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 10:00 Battle of Wits 11:00 Singing Contest: Konteswara 12:00 p.m.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Public asked to contribute to save tumbledown schools
Public asked to contribute to save tumbledown schools Indra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post, Pasuruan Manan Hadi, the school principal of Tanggul Angin 73 state elementary school in the Kejayan area, was very happy. He was escorting a group of journalists and non-governmental organization (NGO) activists, who were inspecting newly renovated school buildings. He occasionally greeted students studying in their class-rooms. "The students are very happy.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
JP/20/AZHAR
JP/20/AZHAR Al Azhar, 'president' of Free Riau Puji Santoso The Jakarta Post/Pekanbaru, Riau This thickly bearded gentleman, who is also a chain smoker and a cultural activist, is always restless. Very often he feels angry with the central government, which, in his opinion, is arrogant. This arrogance is why freeing Riau from Jakarta's control often crosses his mind.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Anti-corruption record poor as ever
Anti-corruption record poor as ever M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In 2004, almost six years after the dawn of the reform movement, Indonesia's record on corruption remained shabby as ever. In circumstances that would have raised eyebrows almost anywhere else, a main suspect in a multimillion dollar fraud case at state Bank BNI, Adrian Herling Wawowuruntu, somehow walked out of the police station where he was being held.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Protests against LPG and fuel price hikes continue in several cities
Protests against LPG and fuel price hikes continue in several cities Nana Rukmana and Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon/Bandung Hundreds of students held protests on Tuesday in cities throughout Java demanding the government reverse state oil and gas company PT Pertamina's decision to raise the price of high- octane gasoline and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Adira to sell up to Rp1t in bonds
Adira to sell up to Rp1t in bonds JAKARTA: PT Adira Dinamika Multi Finance, an automotive financing company, plans to sell as much as Rp 1 trillion (US$107.5 million) in bonds next year, corporate secretary Yulianthi Sugiharto said. The company, which is controlled by PT Bank Danamon, will use the proceeds to increase lending next year to Rp 10 trillion from an estimated Rp 6 trillion in 2004, Sugiharto said late yesterday in Jakarta.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Democracy takes root in world's largest Muslim country
Democracy takes root in world's largest Muslim country M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta In a period of less than eight months, Indonesia held this year an unprecedented three direct elections -- proving the skeptics wrong in their peaceful process and conclusion -- and heralding a new era in its political evolution.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
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.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
The great navel battle in the war of righteousness
The great navel battle in the war of righteousness Patrick Guntensperger, Jakarta Last week a minor controversy erupted when President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono deplored the depravity of television and cited by way of example the flagrant exposure of female navels. Of course, the usual reactions were immediately dusted off and deployed.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Munir's family, police agree on team
Munir's family, police agree on team Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post Police and activists, close friends and family members of noted rights campaigner Munir agreed on Tuesday to form an independent investigative team to assist the police investigation into Munir's death.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
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.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Oil, gas law not against Constitution, court rules
Oil, gas law not against Constitution, court rules The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Constitutional Court on Tuesday upheld a 2001 oil and gas law that was designed to liberalize the sector and to gradually reduce the role of state firm Pertamina, saying the law did not violate the 1945 Constitution and should therefore remain in place.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Indofood plans to buy back bonds
Indofood plans to buy back bonds The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A unit of publicly listed instant-noodle maker PT Indofood Sukses Makmur is seeking to redeem US$280 million in bonds it issued in 2002, in an effort to reduce tax payments on the debt. Indofood International Finance Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Indofood located in Mauritius, will present the buy-back plan at a bondholders' meeting on Dec. 23, parent company president Anthony Salim said in a media statement.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Aisyiyah's politics and independent womanhood
Aisyiyah's politics and independent womanhood Siti Syamsiyatun, Melbourne Nasyiatul Aisyiyah, the independent women's organization of the Muhammadiyah, held its 10th national congress from Dec. 8 to Dec. 11 in Surakarta, Central Java. Aisyiyah's membership consist of women between the ages of 17 and 40.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Regent quizzed for 10 hours over graft
Regent quizzed for 10 hours over graft The Jakarta Post, Kendari, Cirebon/Pekanbaru Corruption suspect Konawe Regent Lukman Abunawas was questioned for 10 hours on Tuesday by Southeast Sulawesi prosecutors over his connection with two cases of fraud worth Rp 2 billion (US$222,000). Lukman arrived at the prosecutor's office at about 8:30 a.m. in his official car. The closed-door session ended at 6:30 p.m.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
'I wish this holiday is peaceful'
'I wish this holiday is peaceful' The city has beautified itself with Christmas decorations, ready for the celebration despite reports on bomb threats. The Jakarta Post asked some residents if the security warnings affected their holiday plans. Ille Petrascu, 36, is a Romanian citizen on a business trip to Indonesia. He lives with his parents in Bucharest, the capital city of Romania: I am rather sad that I can't spend Christmas with my family back home in Bucharest.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
JP/4/yearend
JP/4/yearend Sari P. Setiogi The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The joy of having a second child proved to be short-lived for Hasan Kesuma, 33, a self-employed resident of Bogor, West Java. Just days after giving birth to their second child, his wife Agian Isna Naili, 33, slipped into a persistent vegetative state in July and has been on life support equipment for the past five months at the Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital in Central Jakarta.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
1 x 38
1 x 38 Regent quizzed for 10 hours over graft JP/5/arson 1 x 34 Bengkulu mayor's aide held for arson JP/5/EDU 2 x 30 Public asked to contribute to save tumbledown schools JP/5/FUEL 2 x 26 Protests continue against LPG and fuel price hikes
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
SIA moves to slash fares
SIA moves to slash fares SINGAPORE: Singapore Airlines (SIA) has slashed fares to Bangkok, Jakarta, Hong Kong and Taipei in a bid to undercut the prices of budget carriers, a spokesman said on Tuesday. Round trip tickets to the four cities are going for S$98 (US$59) each for passengers traveling in pairs from Jan. 3 to Jan. 31. It is the lowest fare the national carrier has offered since Valuair, the first budget airline to operate in Singapore, which took to the skies in May.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Ethnic hatred still a threat to melting pot city
Ethnic hatred still a threat to melting pot city 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 all. An example of that is the terror threats by religious extremists ahead of Christmas. Some people 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.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
;AFP;
;AFP; ANPAf..r.. India-Malaysia-economy India, Malaysia sign joint ventures for satellites, airports JP/16/Mou India, Malaysia sign joint ventures for satellites, airports Agence France-Presse New Delhi India and Malaysia on Monday agreed to join forces to develop satellites and build an international airport in Hyderabad following wide-ranging talks between the two countries' leaders, the Indian government said.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
DPD's role? Empowering itself ...
DPD's role? Empowering itself ... The Jakarta Post Jakarta The dream for better legislative representation appeared to have come true when the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) agreed in 2002 to adopt a bicameral legislative system. The creation of a new state institution, the Regional Representatives Council (DPD), was seen as a remedy for people's disappointment with politicians who were more concerned with their own short-term interests than with people's aspirations.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
JP/13/Indofood
JP/13/Indofood Indofood plans to buy back bonds to ease tax payment The Jakarta Post Jakarta A unit of publicly listed instant-noodle maker PT Indofood Sukses Makmur is seeking to redeem US$280 million in bonds it issued in 2002, in an effort to reduce tax payments on the debt. Indofood International Finance Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Indofood located in Mauritius, will present the buy-back plan at a bondholders' meeting on Dec.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Travel ban sought for Banten governor
Travel ban sought for Banten governor TANGERANG: The prosecutor's office has proposed a travel ban for Banten Governor Djoko Munandar, who has been named a suspect in an alleged corruption case. "We have sent the request to the Attorney General's Office on Monday," head prosecutor Kemas Yahya Rachman said on Tuesday.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Jambi sets up poll supervisory team
Jambi sets up poll supervisory team JAMBI, Jambi: The Jambi administration opened registration on Tuesday for Election Supervisory Committee (Panwaslu) aspirants to monitor the gubernatorial election in June next year. Registration is open until Dec. 31. Chief of the selection team Syafri Sofyan said that the committee would comprise five people, representing the police force, the prosecutor's office, the academia, the media and non- governmental organizations.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Ministry of Defense to have final say on all arms chases
Ministry of Defense to have final say on all arms chases Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The New Year will mark an end to the existing system of military arms procurement, which allows each armed force to directly purchase arms. Under the newly introduced "one-gate" policy, the defense ministry will be responsible for the process of arms procurement, ranging from listing the needs of each armed force to the selection of contractors through open tenders.
Wed, 22 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
CGI to discuss infrastructure, judicial reform: Japan
CGI to discuss infrastructure, judicial reform: Japan Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In an effort to increase the effectiveness of foreign loans, Japan will stress the importance of Indonesia improving its infrastructure and intensifying judicial reform during the upcoming meeting of the Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI).