Archive: 24 December 2004
89 articles found
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
From ASEAN+3 to Asia-Europe
From ASEAN+3 to Asia-Europe Bunn Nagara The Star Asia News Network Selangor, Malaysia From regionalization, a process in which countries within a region cooperate and integrate over a range of issues, comes inter-regionalism. This involves regional entities like the European Union (EU) and the impending East Asian economic community working more closely together.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Santa among super-heroes in malls
Santa among super-heroes in malls Dewi Santoso, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Christmas is almost here, and adults and children alike are expecting wonderful things to happen during the holiday season. But young visitors at Mal Taman Anggrek in West Jakarta on Thursday almost certainly did not expect their favorite comic heroes to show up, inviting them to take photo's together with long-suffering mothers in tow.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
8,000 illegal guns in N. Sumatra used for violent crimes, police say
8,000 illegal guns in N. Sumatra used for violent crimes, police say Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan About 8,000 illegal firearms are circulating in North Sumatra, many of which are being used for violent crimes, provincial police chief Insp. Gen. Iwan Pandjiwinata said on Thursday. Iwan did not say how police had arrived at the estimate. One of the biggest provinces in the country, North Sumatra is also one of the most crime-ridden, with armed robberies by gangs a regular occurrence.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Cyber-graffiti costs six months in slammer
Cyber-graffiti costs six months in slammer The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The country's first defendant in a cyber crime, Dani Firmansyah, 25, was sentenced on Thursday to six months and 21 days imprisonment after he was found guilty of defacing the General Elections Commission (KPU) website in April. Presiding judge Hamdi ruled that the defendant had caused much distress and had, he said, undermined the reputation of the country's Internet experts.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
TNI ready to protect Susilo in Papua
TNI ready to protect Susilo in Papua BIAK, Papua: The Indonesian Military (TNI) had readied some 1,600 personnel in Biak Numfor and Nabire regencies to provide security for President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his entourage, who are set to visit the area on Friday and Saturday. Chief of local military resort command, Lt. Col. Masrumsyah, said that a rehearsal had been held on Thursday morning and the troops were ready to protect the President during his visit.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
What's wrong with development planners?
What's wrong with development planners? Budhi Santoso Jakarta The Indonesian economic crisis of 1998 provoked a number of practitioners and critics to review national development planning systems that had been implemented for 30 years during the New Order era. Simple questions were raised: What has the planning institute been doing to allow such a severe crisis to occur?
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
20 men rounded up over tower theft
20 men rounded up over tower theft BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: A top police officer here said on Thursday that his men had nabbed members of a syndicate behind the theft of eight electricity towers two weeks ago that caused a blackout in South Kalimantan and Central Kalimantan provinces. Brig. Gen. Soedibyo, the chief of South Kalimantan Police, disclosed that the well-organized syndicate comprised of some 20 men, some of whom came from outside South Kalimantan.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Cracked pipe a danger to passersby
Cracked pipe a danger to passersby Four steel pillars reinforce the sides of an overhead road viaduct (see picture above) built during the Dutch colonial period on Jl. Raya Kedunghalang in Bogor. Yayan Kusyana, an official from the Ciliwung-Cisadane regional water resource management office, said on Wednesday the concrete viaduct had been cracked after it was repeatedly struck by passing container trucks taller than the 3.75 meter high pipe.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Religion, ethnics not the issue but seniority, money
Religion, ethnics not the issue but seniority, money President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said pluralism was a blessing for Indonesia and not a threat to national unity. However, this sentiment is apparently not shared or understood by all Indonesians. An example of this is the threats by religious extremists ahead of the Christmas holiday.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Susilo gives Christmas 'gifts' to Papua, Munir's family
Susilo gives Christmas 'gifts' to Papua, Munir's family The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Ahead of Christmas and New Year's Eve, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has given two precious gifts to Papuans and the family of the late rights campaigner, Munir. He signed on Wednesday night presidential regulations on the establishment of the long-awaited Papua People's Assembly and an independent team to probe Munir's death.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Chinese university to have Bahasa class
Chinese university to have Bahasa class BANDUNG, West Java: Bandung's Padjajaran University is providing the Shanghai International Studies University in China with Indonesian language classes. During the signing of an agreement on Thursday Padjajaran University dean of languages Padjajaran Fatimah Djajasudarma said the cooperation topped off previous joint ventures between the two institutions, involving research, publications and student exchange programs.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Expats to be forced to join Jamsostek
Expats to be forced to join Jamsostek The Jakarta Post, Jakarta All expatriates in the country not covered by social security schemes will soon be required to join programs provided by state insurance company PT Jamsostek, the labor minister says. Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Fahmi Idris said on Thursday it would soon become compulsory for all expatriates working in the country who were not covered to apply.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Persebaya crowned RI league champions
Persebaya crowned RI league champions ID Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya Persebaya claimed the Indonesian premier soccer league trophy after defeating Persija 2-1 in the league's closing match at the Tambaksari stadium here on Thursday. The victory put Persebaya on top of the 18-strong league with 61 points.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Scientists discover monster cockroaches
Scientists discover monster cockroaches Agence France Presse/Jakarta Monster cockroaches and dwarf crabs are among a rich and exotic menagerie of new species discovered by a team of international scientists exploring caves deep inside Indonesia's teeming jungles. More than a dozen previously unknown types of fish, insect, snail and plant were found in a limestone cavern system in the remote East Kalimantan region of Indonesian Borneo, expedition organisers Nature Conservancy said this week.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
The European Union is considering lifting its arms embargo
The European Union is considering lifting its arms embargo against China, which has been in place since the Tiananmen Square incident in 1989, next year. We are very concerned about this. It would mean even more of a headache for Japan, as it would present a serious security problem for the nation. Over the past year, China has been making moves that pose a threat to Japan's security. The EU is considering lifting the ban because ties between it and China have improved over recent years.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
'I will stay home on Christmas Day'
'I will stay home on Christmas Day' Over the past four years, Christmas celebrations have been haunted by terror threats following several bombs in major cities in 2000. Jakarta Police have deployed around 15,000 officers to safeguard the capital for Christmas. The Jakarta Post talked to some residents on their plans to celebrate Christmas and how the terror threats would affect their holiday plans. Adj. Sr. Comr. Petrus Golose, the city police cyber crime division chief.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
The exhausting legal journey
The exhausting legal journey From Media Indonesia Law enforcement in Indonesia is like a long and exhausting journey with no certainty in sight. Law becomes a commodity most demanded by wealthy and powerful buyers, while its enforcers can be so directed that justice is exchanged for money and pleasure. The law becomes bland, vague and hard to digest for the rich and powerful but it gets simple, smooth and easily applicable when ordinary people are involved.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Bigger steps towards Asian integration
Bigger steps towards Asian integration Eric Teo Chu Cheow China Daily Asia News Network Beijing The recent Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit held in Vientiane, Laos on November 28-30, could have broken new ground in Asian integration and community-building.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
JP/13/INTRO
JP/13/INTRO Year-end Special Edition The year 2004 produced a mixed picture on the arts and entertainment scene. Much happened in the world of the performing arts but the largest, most eagerly awaited events did not necessarily provide the most rewarding experiences. The visual arts scene was as lively as ever, and was marked by the emergence of Visual Arts, Indonesia's first-ever magazine devoted entirely to that subject.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Genting ups stake in London Clubs
Genting ups stake in London Clubs KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: Malaysia's leisure and sole casino operator Genting Berhad has raised its stake in British gaming company London Clubs International PLC to generate more revenue from its overseas operations. Genting bought 6.5 million shares in London Clubs for an undisclosed price, raising its stake to 19.1 percent from 16.2 percent, a statement posted on the London-based Regulatory News Service Web site said late on Wednesday.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Art'Suku, a show of true artists
Art'Suku, a show of true artists Now that the curtain has been lowered to mark the end of the show, what is left is just the images of beautifully choreographed traditional dances, rarely heard musical arrangements and their accompanying lyrics in languages that are strange to a Jakarta audience. What do we know about our own traditional art and culture? What do we know about the lives of the tribal groups in faraway islands?
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, December 24, 2004
Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, December 24, 2004 Exhibitions * 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. * Arts by Canadian artist Ken Pattern, at Four Seasons Hotel (Regent), Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav. B-4, South Jakarta, until Jan. 15.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
One haj pilgrim dies aboard a Saudi plane
One haj pilgrim dies aboard a Saudi plane The Jakarta Post, Jakarta An Indonesian haj pilgrim has died aboard a Saudi Airlines flight heading for Medina in Saudi Arabia due to a suspected heart attack. Meanwhile, an official with the Ministry of Religious Affairs said an Indonesian haj pilgrim has been found alive after going missing for 10 hours in Medina. The dead pilgrim was identified as Muhammad Nisan bin Nikam, 62, from the Jakarta departure point. His flight left Jakarta at 10:00 p.m.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Drivers protest ban on travel vans
Drivers protest ban on travel vans PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: Some 250 travel drivers from various cities of South Sumatra province visited Palembang Municipal Council on Thursday, to demand that city councillors revoke a bylaw that prevents minivans for hire or travel vans from entering the city. The drivers complained that they had been blocked from entering the city by local transportation office personnel for the past two weeks, upon the issuance of the bylaw.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Women legislators urged to unite
Women legislators urged to unite Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Given their minority status, women legislators have no other option than to join forces, regardless of their political allegiances, if they are to fight for women's interests.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Bakrie Sumatera's Rubber Harvest May Rise 23% in 2005
Bakrie Sumatera's Rubber Harvest May Rise 23% in 2005 Bloomberg Jakarta PT Bakrie Sumatera Plantations, Indonesia's third-biggest publicly traded agriculture company, may harvest about 23 percent more rubber next year, President Ambono Januarianto said in Jakarta. The company's natural rubber output may rise about 5,000 metric tons from a forecast output of 21,562 tons in 2004, Januarianto told investors today. On Dec.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
JP/ /
JP/ / Here come the 'teen lit' writers Ignatius Haryanto Contributor/Jakarta Pay a visit to local bookstores in big cities around the country and you will surprised at the phenomenon of books that fit into the "chick lit" (young women's literature) and "teen lit" categories. These are not works that have been translated into Bahasa Indonesia from Western writers but those written for and by Indonesian teenagers.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
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.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Police questioned over certificate
Police questioned over certificate JAKARTA: The police began a disciplinary hearing on Wednesday for three officers from the Transnational Crime division who failed to resolve a diploma forgery case involving Bangkalan regent Fuad Aminoma in 2002. The officers are charged with violating the police's disciplinary rules for halting the investigation and for being unable to present original academic certificates for the Bangkalan regent. A member of the internal affairs division Sr. Comr.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
The nail trap
The nail trap From Kompas We were riding on our motorcycle on Jl. Daan Mogot, West Jakarta late on Nov. 13 when our rear tire got a puncture near Pesing area. Some ojek (motorcycle taxi) drivers in the area said that tire repair workshop owners spread various kinds of nails over the road to boost their business. In fact, on that evening, many motorbikes had their inner tubes replaced due to flat tires.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Civil disobedience against graft
Civil disobedience against graft From Koran Tempo It is not so hard to eliminate corruption if every member of society is committed to the cause, such as when we are asked for money for identity cards (KTP) and driver's licenses (SIM). In the case of KTPs, we should refuse to pay any fees other than official ones and we should always demand receipts. In renewing our SIM, we should avoid using the services of brokers, most of whom are off-duty cops.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Lampung journalists get special government funds
Lampung journalists get special government funds Oyos Saroso H.N., The Jakarta Post, Bandarlampung The provision of a special government fund for the media has been commonplace in Lampung province for years, raising concern over the impartiality of news coverage here. Some Rp 50 million (US$5,555) to Rp 300 million is allocated annually for periodic disbursements to journalists posted at government agencies and local legislative councils in the province.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Cimanggis blast trial delayed
Cimanggis blast trial delayed JAKARTA: The Cibinong District Court delayed on Thursday the trial of OR, a 32-year-old defendant in the Cimanggis explosion, because the prosecutors failed to complete the indictment. "We are not ready yet because the indictment still has to be discussed with the Attorney General's Office," said prosecutor Basuki. Presiding judge Eka Budhi Prijanta set the deadline on Jan. 10, 2005 for the prosecutors to complete the indictment.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Hospitals asked to put service first
Hospitals asked to put service first Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city administration's plan to turn its three hospitals into city corporations has worried residents, who fear that medical care could become more expensive as a consequence. Hasan, a resident of Cijantung in East Jakarta, said he and his family had been relying on the health services of Pasar Rebo Hospital in East Jakarta for years. "I hope there won't be any increase in medical fees and the price of medicine.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
The jacket story
The jacket story It may sound frightening but it's true. It happened to my daughter last year when she was in her last year of junior high school. She attended a reputable private school, located in South Jakarta, in front of the statue in Pancoran. As parents we know that sometimes there are lots of extra fees required, with or without special announcement from the school.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Nine arrested for illegal logging
Nine arrested for illegal logging JAKARTA: Police have arrested nine businessmen and confiscated trucks, boats, heavy machinery and 107,337 cubic meters of timber worth Rp 600 billion (US$66 million) in a series of raids on illegal logging operators over the past month. The series of raids took places from Nov. 28 to Dec. 18, in East Kalimantan. National Police Brig. Gen. Suharto said on Thursday there were other suspects in this large illegal operation.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Student found dead from drug overdose
Student found dead from drug overdose BEKASI: A senior high school student, identified as Hardani Nugroho, 18, was found dead from a suspected drug overdose by several residents of Pondok Benda village, Jatirasa, Bekasi on Thursday. The residents immediately reported to Jatiasih Police. Thirty minutes later, police officers arrived and took the body to the Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital for examination. "We found no injuries on his body.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Merpati may become budget airline: Govt
Merpati may become budget airline: Govt Urip Hudiono and Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government is mulling to transform ailing state carrier PT Merpati Nusantara Airlines into a budget airline to make it more competitive with other local and international airlines and to avoid bankruptcy, a minister said.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Reporting car theft
Reporting car theft On reading the article in The Jakarta Post on Dec. 14 titled Police say no charge to report stolen car; public beg to differ and the letter from M. Hussien Police covering up car theft bribery dated Dec. 20, I concluded that even though there is no solid evidence, the practice of paying police officers to get such reports done was real -- but could not be proved.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Political parties ignore campaign fund regulation
Political parties ignore campaign fund regulation M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Most political parties contesting the legislative elections have turned a blind eye to the Election Law requiring them to be financially accountable and have gotten away with failing to submit reports on campaign funds, an international poll watchdog says.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Shilla aims to improve mark in World Cup
Shilla aims to improve mark in World Cup Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia's markswoman Yosehpin Shilla Prasasti is set take part in the World Cups series in Changwon, South Korea, in April 2005 hoping that she will be able to break her personal mark. Shilla was Indonesia's only shooter at the Olympic Games in Athens in August where she scored her best of 392.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
[b]
Lonesome in Bethlehem, living dangerously here Kornelius Purba The Jakarta Post Jakarta 2. Benny -- Misunderstanding of the substance 2 x 30 Religious tolerance and the need for understanding Benny Susetyo Jakarta
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
KPK seeks regional antigraft courts
KPK seeks regional antigraft courts JAKARTA: The powerful Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has urged President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to go ahead and to set up antigraft courts in the regions. In a report, the commission said the courts needed to be set up at the provincial level to hear cases of corruption, which were widespread across the country. The first antigraft court has been established in Jakarta and more are expected to be set up in several main centers.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Improving the dreadful
Improving the dreadful state of transportation From Warta Kota With the frequent reports of fatal road accidents, in which vehicles drive into oncoming traffic, causing head-on collisions, I would like to suggest that median strips be built to prevent further mishaps. The medians on such two lane roads and highways should reach such a height that technically will not allow cars cross them and they should not have sharp edges.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Russia hails RI for holding Asian-African Summit in 2005
Russia hails RI for holding Asian-African Summit in 2005 Veeramalla Anjaiah The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Russia has wholeheartedly welcomed Indonesia's efforts to revive the Bandung spirit and hold a commemorative summit of the Asian- African Conference in Jakarta and Bandung next year, the Russian Ambassador to Indonesia said. "Fifty years ago, we supported the holding of Bandung conference to promote solidarity and cooperation among Asian and African countries.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
House's internal
House's internal conflict harmful From Kompas The protracted conflict in the House of Representatives between the Nationhood Coalition and the People's Coalition has remained unresolved. This problem is doing considerable harm to public interests because the House has been rendered unproductive, with the tendency to manipulate democracy.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Bankers get five years, fined Rp 5b for tax fraud
Bankers get five years, fined Rp 5b for tax fraud Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post, Makassar A district court in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Thursday sentenced two bankers to five years jail and fined each of them Rp 5 billion (US$537,000) for tax fraud. Paulce Hans, a former Universal Bank director at its Makassar branch, and Irma Soedjono, the bank's former marketing director, were proven guilty in a corruption scam involving Rp 41.9 billion.
Fri, 24 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.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
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.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Corruption and democracy
Corruption and democracy From Koran Tempo President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono declared Dec. 9 Anticorruption Day for the purpose of waging a war against corruption. On several occasions he even said he would direct the corruption eradication movement himself. Indonesia belongs to the group of most corrupt countries, occupying top place on Transparency International's corruption list. This has been due to the lack of serious attempts to fight corruption, with no punishments imposed in major cases.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Lawyers agree to form association
Lawyers agree to form association Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta People may well hope for better conduct from the country's lawyers -- who are often accused of being part of notorious "judicial mafias" -- with Indonesia's eight lawyer associations deciding to merge into a single bar association on Thursday.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
CapitaLand buys Chinese malls
CapitaLand buys Chinese malls SINGAPORE: CapitaLand Ltd, Southeast Asia's largest property firm, said on Thursday it is investing S$196 million (US$120 million) in a portfolio of Chinese shopping malls. The Singapore company will control a 51 percent stake in six firms that will develop and own a chain of Chinese retail malls anchored by Wal-Mart, it said in a statement. It is signing a joint venture deal with China's state-owned Shenzhen International Trust & Investment Co.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Bring back the plurality of our cultures
Bring back the plurality of our cultures Atmakusumah Jakarta How many times in a week, or even in a day, is it that I stumble in a conversation in my own national language, Bahasa Indonesia. I realize at such moments that I am unable to finish my sentence because I could only find the proper words for certain thoughts in my mother tongue -- the Bahasa Sunda spoken by the majority of the West Javanese ethnic group -- but which may not be understood by my companions.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Bakrie Sumatera's 2005 rubber harvest may rise
Bakrie Sumatera's 2005 rubber harvest may rise Bloomberg, Jakarta PT Bakrie Sumatera Plantations, Indonesia's third-biggest publicly traded agriculture company, may harvest about 23 percent more rubber next year, President Ambono Januarianto said in Jakarta. The company's natural rubber output may rise about 5,000 metric tons from a forecast output of 21,562 tons in 2004, Januarianto told investors today. On Dec.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
*Political parties ignore campaign fund regulation Page 2
*Political parties ignore campaign fund regulation Page 2 *TNI to embark on hearts, minds mission Page 4 *Bankers get five years, fined Rp 5b for tax fraud Page 5 *Lonesome and dangerous in Bethlehem Page 6 *Religion, ethnic groups not the issue in schools Page 8 *NBA fights decision to trim O'Neal ban Page 9 *Muslims play key role in French hostage release Page 11 *Bank loans to SMEs to grow by 22% next year Page 13 *Thailand aims to emerge as Asian Hollywood Page 17
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Eddy Utama promotes Indonesian traditional arts
Eddy Utama promotes Indonesian traditional arts A. Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Eddy Utama's professions -- photographer, filmmaker, journalist and writer -- focus on traditional arts, especially in West Sumatra. "I learn about people through their traditional arts. I can do this through the media of photography or film, or others," Eddy said in an interview with The Jakarta Post recently. Eddy and celebrated choreographer Boi G.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Bank loans to SMEs to grow by 22% next year
Bank loans to SMEs to grow by 22% next year Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta It might be easy for many of us these days to get bank credit for consumer goods like motorcycles and home appliances, but it is not the case for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Fri, 24 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.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
2. Cina27 -- Bigger steps towards Asian integration 1 x 48 Bigger steps toward accelerating Asian integration Eric Teo Chu Cheow China Daily Asia News Network Beijing 3. Star27 -- From Asean+3 to Asia-Europe 1 x 30 From Asean+3 to Asia-Europe Bunn Nagara The Star Asia News Network Selangor, Malaysia
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Astra bets on Permata to boost auto sales
Astra bets on Permata to boost auto sales Jakarta, Bloomberg PT Astra International, Indonesia's biggest automobile distributor, says it's counting on a return to banking after a five-year hiatus to help sell more cars and motorcycles in the nation of 235 million people. Astra and Standard Chartered Plc, a U.K.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
1. CRASH: 2 X 18
1. CRASH: 2 X 18 TNI helicopter crashes in Wonosobo, 14 killed 2. ISURANCE: 4 X 12 Expats to be forced to join Jamsostek 3. TIMOR: 4 X 11 U.S. supports UN inquiries on Timor bloodshed 4. CHRISTMAS: 1 X 54 Fears of bomb attacks haunt Christmas celebrations
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Jambi official detained in graft case
Jambi official detained in graft case The Jakarta Post, Jambi, Padang/Samarinda Prosecutors in Jambi province said on Thursday they were detaining a senior government official for alleged graft that cost the state more than Rp 300 million (US$33,333) in losses. Jambi national unity and people's protection office head Anang Fachri was detained shortly after undergoing questioning on Wednesday, local chief prosecutor M. Adi Toegarisman said.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
The jacket story
The jacket story It may sound frightening but it's true. It happened to my daughter last year when she was in her last year of junior high school. She attended a reputable private school, located in South Jakarta, in front of the statue in Pancoran. As parents we know that sometimes there are lots of extra fees required, with or without special announcement from the school.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Russia backs next year's Asia-Africa Summit
Russia backs next year's Asia-Africa Summit Veeramalla Anjaiah, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Russia has wholeheartedly welcomed Indonesia's efforts to revive the Bandung spirit and hold a commemorative summit of the Asian- African Conference in Jakarta and Bandung next year, the Russian Ambassador to Indonesia said. "Fifty years ago, we supported the holding of Bandung conference to promote solidarity and cooperation among Asian and African countries.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
1. IFES (45) - 48 pts 4cols 2lines (2x26)
1. IFES (45) - 48 pts 4cols 2lines (2x26) Political parties ignore campaign fund regulation 2. Graft (36) - 36 pts 4cols 1line (1x28) AGO slaps travel ban on APHI suspects 3. MRP (40) - 36 pts 3cols 2lines (2x21) Susilo gives 'gifts' to Papua and Munir's family 4. Hacker (36) - 36 pts 2cols 3lines (3x14) Cyber-graffiti costs 6 months in slammer 5. Malls (32) - 36 pts 4cols 1line (1x28) Santa among super-heroes in malls --- 5. Photo 1 piece 6. Oddworld 7. Ad- 1 piece
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
TNI chopper down in Dieng, 14 dead
TNI chopper down in Dieng, 14 dead Agus Maryono and Nethy Darma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Wonosobo/Jayapura A military helicopter crashed and burst into flames in mountains near Wonosobo regency in Central Java on Thursday, killing all 14 Air Force officers on board. Police and military officials blamed bad weather for causing the deadly accident involving the locally assembled Super Puma helicopter. Kedu Police chief Sr. Comr. Agus Wantoro said the helicopter went down at about 12:15 a.m.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
The anti-corruption
The anti-corruption campaign and the UNCAC A number of politicians from the House of Representatives (DPR) have commented positively on President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's declaration on Dec. 9 to crack down on corruption. One of them, Maiyasyak Johan, a member of the DPR's Commission III, came up with two proposals for Yudhoyono to immediately deal with the problem.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Religious tolerance and the need for understanding
Religious tolerance and the need for understanding Benny Susetyo, Jakarta Indonesia has been independent for 59 years but the religious life of the country has been going for a much longer period. Despite some ups and downs, the nation's religious coexistence has been generally stable. Nonetheless, this coexistence amid religious diversity has not been without some serious disturbances.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Senator enraged over NGOs' poor work
Senator enraged over NGOs' poor work AMBON, Maluku: A Dutch senator expressed concern on Thursday that the work of international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in Ambon was below standard, despite the millions of Euro being poured in by the Dutch government. A case in point was the construction of bathrooms and toilets in a refugee camp in the compound of Waiahong People's Amusement Park, said Sam R. Pormes, a senator of the Dutch parliament.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
U.S. supports both national, UN inquiries on Timor bloodshed
U.S. supports both national, UN inquiries on Timor bloodshed Agencies Washington The United States on Wednesday welcomed creation of a joint Indonesia-East Timor commission on the 1999 bloodshed in the former Portuguese colony, but made clear the necessity of a separate UN inquiry as well. U.S.
Fri, 24 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.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Ichsan Malik fights for peace
Ichsan Malik fights for peace A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Ambon city was like a ghost town a year after major sectarian violence erupted in 1999. Markets and streets were deserted, ruined buildings could be seen down nearly every street and the sound of weapons and bombs could be heard sporadically across the city. Thousands of people had been killed in the year-long conflict and hundreds of thousands more displaced.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
The exhausting legal journey
The exhausting legal journey From Media Indonesia Law enforcement in Indonesia is like a long and exhausting journey with no certainty in sight. Law becomes a commodity most demanded by wealthy and powerful buyers, while its enforcers can be so directed that justice is exchanged for money and pleasure. The law becomes bland, vague and hard to digest for the rich and powerful but it gets simple, smooth and easily applicable when ordinary people are involved.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Irregularities abound in draft city budget: NGOs
Irregularities abound in draft city budget: NGOs Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Activists slammed the Rp 13.839 trillion (US$1.483 billion) draft city budget on Thursday, saying would be a gold mine for dodgy deals because it had not been allocated transparently. "There have already been efforts to block public access to obtain the budget draft or to limit the public in providing input," the Coalition of Non-governmental Organizations Monitoring the City Budget said on Thursday.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
No paper
No paper The Jakarta Post will not be published on Christmas Day, Saturday Dec. 25. The Post will reappear on Sunday. -- Publisher
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
U.S. backs UN probe into Timor bloodshed
U.S. backs UN probe into Timor bloodshed Agencies, Washington The United States on Wednesday welcomed creation of a joint Indonesia-East Timor commission on the 1999 bloodshed in the former Portuguese colony, but made clear the necessity of a separate UN inquiry as well. U.S. officials said coordination of the efforts was the key topic at a meeting here of Secretary of State Colin Powell, Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda and his East Timorese counterpart Jose Ramos Horta on Wednesday.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Shilla aims to improve mark in World Cup
Shilla aims to improve mark in World Cup Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia's markswoman Yosehpin Shilla Prasasti is set take part in the World Cup series in Changwon, South Korea, in April 2005, hoping that she will be able to break her personal mark. Shilla was Indonesia's only shooter at the Olympic Games in Athens in August where she scored her best of 392.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Fears of bomb attacks haunt Christmas celebrations
Fears of bomb attacks haunt Christmas celebrations The Jakarta Post, Palu/Medan/Semarang Ompu Monang, a Christian from Medan, has decided not to attend his church's Christmas Eve service this year on safety concern. The string of bloody Christmas Eve bomb attacks on churches nationwide during the past four years has put him off, he says. "I generally opt to stay and pray at home on Christmas Eve.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
AGO slaps travel ban on APHI suspects
AGO slaps travel ban on APHI suspects Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Attorney General's Office slapped a travel ban on Thursday on four suspects in the alleged misuse of Rp 268 billion (US$29.7 million) and US$4 million in funds belonging to the Indonesian Forestry Association (APHI).
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Govt should give up control in electricity
Govt should give up control in electricity The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In the era of free competition, it is not necessary for the government to have a controlling stake in "important commodities" to protect the public interest, as it still has political and legal power to prevent market forces from hurting the public, a businessman said on Thursday.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Police named for Munir's case
Police named for Munir's case JAKARTA: Police named Brig. Gen. Marsudi Hanafi on Thursday as their representative in the investigative team to assist police investigations into Munir's death. Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Paiman said that Marsudi, who was currently head of the planning and administration bureau at the police headquarters, was chosen because of his good track record.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Corruption and democracy
Corruption and democracy From Koran Tempo President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono declared Dec. 9 Anticorruption Day for the purpose of waging a war against corruption. On several occasions he even said he would direct the corruption eradication movement himself. Indonesia belongs to the group of most corrupt countries, occupying top place on Transparency International's corruption list. This has been due to the lack of serious attempts to fight corruption, with no punishments imposed in major cases.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
TNI to embark on hearts, minds mission
TNI to embark on hearts, minds mission Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Claiming that security threats will remain high in 2005, the Indonesian Military (TNI) is planning to send personnel to conflict-prone areas to engage in what it calls a "non-physical civic missions" (hearts and minds missions). TNI chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto said here on Thursday that officers would brief people in conflict-torn areas about, among other things, national unity, nationalism and defense concepts.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Lonesome in Bethlehem, living dangerously here
Lonesome in Bethlehem, living dangerously here Kornelius Purba, Jakarta A Bethlehem resident recently asked his Jakartan friends to pray for peace in his city, while his friends here worried whether it would be safe to go to church to celebrate Christmas. While the Palestinian friend hoped that more tourists would come to his city so he could feed his family, his friends in Jakarta could only hope there would be no repeat of the Christmas Eve bombings of 2000.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Tangerang to spend 49 percent of 2005 budget on education
Tangerang to spend 49 percent of 2005 budget on education Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang The Tangerang municipal administration has proposed allocating Rp 379 billion (US$40.75 million), or 49 percent of its Rp 769 billion 2005 budget, for the education sector. That would be a 7 percent increase from this year's Rp 238 billion budget allocation for education. Tangerang's total budget this year is Rp 569 billion.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
JP/5/PONIRA
JP/5/PONIRA Grandma Ponirah, 'becak' driver for 15 years Ponirah, 55, a mother of six children and grandmother to two, is no ordinary woman. The woman from Jeblog village, Kasihan district, Bantul regency, Yogyakarta, sports a crew cut and is of solid build, the muscles of her biceps and forearms clearly defined. At first glance, Ponirah, better known as Mbak Pon, looks like a man, and with her strong physique and short hair, people presume she is a soldier.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Schools close in province hit by Muslim insurgency
Schools close in province hit by Muslim insurgency Agencies, Bangkok More than 300 schools in a southern Thailand province hit by a Muslim insurgency closed their doors on Thursday, with fearful teachers saying they won't return until the government can provide adequate protection, an education official said.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
RP economy grew above target
RP economy grew above target MANILA: The Philippine economy likely grew 6.1 percent in 2004, higher than the government's target of between 4.9 and 5.8 percent, Economic Planning Secretary Romulo Neri said on Thursday. The projection was based on the strong performance of the services and agriculture sectors, he said. However, growth will likely ease in 2005 to 5.3 percent, still within the government's official forecast of between 5.3 and 6.3 percent, Neri said.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
13 guards quizzed over inmate escape
13 guards quizzed over inmate escape CIREBON, West Java: Cirebon Police personnel questioned 13 prison guards following the escape of three big-time criminals from the prison at dawn on Wednesday. The guards are being questioned as witnesses, said chief of Cirebon Police detectives Adj. Comr. Eka Mulyana. In order to recapture the inmates, Eka said that Cirebon Police had also tightened security at the borders of Cirebon city, with police personnel checking cars leaving the city.