Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 30 December 2004

94 articles found

Large python saves Riza and twins

Large python saves Riza and twins The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A few survivors of Sunday's calamity have a snake to thank for being alive. Riza, a 26-year-old clothes vendor, said that at about 8 a.m. she was enjoying the holiday in bed when suddenly she saw walls of water, mud, rocks and branches rushing into the neighborhood. People were screaming and running.

Walking the walk on reforms

Walking the walk on reforms Djisman S. Simandjuntak Though people were not clear on the policy direction and priorities of the contenders in the general elections, all seemed to agree on the need for change, and the year 2004 was full of hope with peaceful legislative and presidential elections. The country experienced its first direct elections and witnessed President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's (SBY) and Vice President Jusuf Kalla's (JK) landslide victory.

A starting point in eradicating graft: A personal experience

A starting point in eradicating graft: A personal experience Gamawan Fauzi In the past few decades, graft has become extremely difficult to separate from Indonesian society. Voices of concern against graft have been heard in many places but corruption has become even more widespread, involving nearly all institutions and social bodies in cities and villages. As the voices demanding that corruption be stopped gain intensity, corrupt practices have also intensified.

Famine, trauma consume tsunami survivors

Famine, trauma consume tsunami survivors The Jakarta Post Banda Aceh/Lhokseumawe/Jakarta Starvation appears imminent for thousands of tsunami survivors sheltered in tents across Aceh, who are still waiting for humanitarian assistance that has trickled in far too slowly since Sunday's nightmare began.

India's tennis event to go ahead

India's tennis event to go ahead Agence France-Presse, Madras The season-opening ATP Indian Open will go ahead as scheduled next week in the southern city of Madras despite the heavy death toll caused by tsunami tidal waves in the area, organizers said on Wednesday. "The tournament is definitely on and no player has pulled out," said Ravi Krishnan of the International Management Group (IMG), which has organized the event for the past eight years.

KPK says 61 vie

KPK says 61 vie for advisory seats JAKARTA: The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) said on Tuesday that 61 candidates have passed administrative selection to become members of the commission's advisory team. The candidates were selected from 177 applicants who were required to submit essays.

Police destroy counterfeit ink

Police destroy counterfeit ink JAKARTA: The police burned at least 12,000 printer cartridges and ink-jet refills in front of TC Square in Kemang, South Jakarta, on Wednesday. The counterfeit products used well-known brands such as Canon, Epson and Hewlett-Packard were confiscated in a series of police operations at several computer counters across the city. The legal staff of each of the brand owners witnessed the destruction of the cartridges.

Acehnese pilgrims anxious about families

Acehnese pilgrims anxious about families The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Acehnese haj pilgrims may want their trip to Mecca to conclude as soon as possible so they can rush home to find their families. Some Acehnese pilgrims who have just arrived in Saudi Arabia said they could not reach their husband, wife, children or relatives at home in the province that was ravaged by an earthquake and tidal waves.

In search of meaning to the grief of disasters

In search of meaning to the grief of disasters Martin Kettle, Guardian News Service, London The modern era flatters itself that human beings can now know and shape almost everything about the world. But an event like the Indonesian earthquake exposes much of this for the hubris that it is. Perhaps we have talked so much about our civilization's potential to destroy the planet that we have forgotten that the planet also has an untamed ability to destroy civilization too.

Power sharing -- Who is really in charge?

Power sharing -- Who is really in charge? Endy M. Bayuni, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta When Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono won the presidential election in September with more than 60 percent of the total votes, many people breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, a president with a strong mandate and trust from the people to fix all the problems that this country has had for a long time. So they thought. Or so they hoped.

Indonesia market outlook: Another better year ahead

Indonesia market outlook: Another better year ahead David Chang This time last year, I predicted that the stock market in 2004 would be better than in the previous year despite the political concerns, even after being one of the strongest performers in Asia for 2003. That has proven to be right as the Jakarta Stock Exchange composite index has since climbed 36 percent from 692 points at end-2003 to 939 as of Dec. 15, 2004.

JP/5/LONGSOR

JP/5/LONGSOR Riau-Sumatra highway cut by landslide Puji Santoso, The Jakarta Post/Pekanbaru The main highway between the provinces of Riau and West Sumatra was cut on Friday by a landslide triggered by torrential rains in Kampar regency over the past week. Mud and rocks covered about 30 meters of the highway, while heavy rains aggravated the situation. Hundreds of vehicles traveling to and from West Sumatra were left stranded and a massive traffic jam formed along the highway.

Quality growth

Quality growth The Jakarta Stock Exchange Composite Index closed at a new record high of 1,004.43 on Wednesday, while the death toll from Sunday's earthquake and tidal waves jumped to over 32,000. How is that for a contrast? Apparently, the destruction in northern Sumatra has not had a direct effect on individual and portfolio investors, so the stock market has continued to rise -- which is good.

Hambali sentenced to prison

Hambali sentenced to prison Suy Se, Agence France-Presse/Phnom Penh A Cambodian court on Wednesday sentenced Indonesian terror suspect Hambali, in absentia, and five other Muslims to life in prison for plotting a terrorist attack in the country, while freeing one Egyptian suspect, the judge said. "The court sentenced Hambali, (Malaysian) Ibrahim and (Egyptian) Rousha Yasser to life in prison," presiding judge Ya Sakhorn said, reading his verdict to the court.

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;JP;AFS;IMN; ANPAk..r.. Yearender-photo JP/20/PHOTO B THE EXPECTED, AND THE UNEXPECTED: While the Indonesian people wait for President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice President Jusuf Kalla (left) to fulfill their election campaign commitments and meet their 100-day targets, a part of the nation is devastated by a cataclysm, with tidal waves sweeping over coastal areas of the northern part of Sumatra on Dec.

Indonesia's tourism development and challenges in 2005

Indonesia's tourism development and challenges in 2005 Meity Robot Tourism plays an important role in the development of a nation. It is not only a major contribution to a country's economy, but it also is a means to develop peace and understanding among people. World Tourism Organization (WTO) data shows the sector is one of the top five export categories for 83 percent of countries in the world and is the main source of foreign exchange earnings for at least 38 percent of the countries.

Tuition waived for Aceh students

Tuition waived for Aceh students YOGYAKARTA: Gadjah Mada University (UGM) has waived tuition for Acehnese students at the state university following the disaster in their home province. The move was taken to ease the financial burden on Acehnese students affected by the earthquake and tidal waves. UGM executive secretary Agus Sartono said on Wednesday he sent a circular to all of the university's departments explaining the policy.

RI shares end flat, index at record high on Telkom

RI shares end flat, index at record high on Telkom Dow Jones, Jakarta Indonesian shares ended flat on Wednesday, with late gains in Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom) and nickel miner Inco helping the main index hit a fresh closing high, dealers said. "It's a dull and thin market," said a trader with a European securities firm.

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JP/5/KAKAK White cockatoo population dwindling Indra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post/Surabaya The population of White Cockatoo (Cacatua alba) in North Maluku is dwindling due to uncontrolled poaching. More than 500 of them are traded in Jakarta and other places annually, say an environmental group.

Finding meaning to catastrophe

Finding meaning to catastrophe Martin Kettle Guardian News Service London The modern era flatters itself that human beings can now know and shape almost everything about the world. But an event like the Indonesian earthquake exposes much of this for the hubris that it is. Perhaps we have talked so much about our civilization's potential to destroy the planet that we have forgotten that the planet also has an untamed ability to destroy civilization too.

Good governance through law enforcement

Good governance through law enforcement Frans Hendra Winarta All over the world, people demand good governance for political as well as for economic reasons. Politically, good governance is an issue of democracy, public accountability, transparency and fairness. In democracy, those in power are accountable to those who have put them in power.

Is Indonesia shining?

Is Indonesia shining? Satish Mishra Head/Chief Adviser of UNSFIR (UNSFIR is a joint project of the Indonesian government and UNDP) Countries, like individuals, it would seem, need acclaim and recognition. When the front cover of the Economist magazine, just after July 5, 2004, the first round of presidential elections, carried the caption "shining example", it was taken to signify that Indonesia had turned the corner in its transition to democracy.

Is Indonesia shining?

Is Indonesia shining? Satish Mishra, Head/Chief Adviser of UNSFIR (UNSFIR is a joint project of the Indonesian government and UNDP) Countries, like individuals, it would seem, need acclaim and recognition. When the front cover of the Economist magazine, just after July 5, 2004, the first round of presidential elections, carried the caption "shining example", it was taken to signify that Indonesia had turned the corner in its transition to democracy.

Getting it straight: Navel temptations vs gender equality

Getting it straight: Navel temptations vs gender equality Ati Nurbaiti, The Jakarta Post Toward the end of this year, we were treated to the laments of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who is beginning to show a sagely side to his personality: He expressed his regret over the many broadcasts that were "alien to Indonesia's norms and identity". Initially, a minister referred to the "navel", a reference to MTV crooners and their wannabes.

New complexity, leaders and art of leadership

New complexity, leaders and art of leadership Rizal Sukma This article examines recent changes in Indonesia's politics, perceived and real, since the election of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, affectionately called SBY, as Indonesia's sixth president in October 2004. These changes have brought about additional elements to the already complex political scene in the country. In such a circumstance, the need to create change is easier said than done.

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, December 30, 2004

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, December 30, 2004 .TB.30" 1.0" Exhibitions * Painting Opposite Attract, a collaboration show by Made Wianta and Filippo Sciascia, Gaya Fusion of Senses, Jl. Raya Sayan Ubud (Tel. 0361 979252, www.gayafusion.com), until Jan. 30. * Painting by Yasco Kanehira at Alam Kulkul Jl. Pantai Kuta Legian until Jan. 31, 2005. * Exhibition of Vernacular Photographs from Padang Minang Memories, at Richard Meyer Culture Jl. Petitenget 200X, Kerobokan (Tel.

Heavy rain uproots tree on Jl. Bangka

Heavy rain uproots tree on Jl. Bangka JAKARTA: Heavy rain and strong wind uprooted a tree in front of Pasir Putih cafe on Jl. Bangka, Kemang, South Jakarta, on Wednesday at around 11 a.m. The fallen tree blocked traffic from Jl. Kemang to Jl. Bangka and cut down the electricity and telephone wires. Police officers arrived at the scene to direct traffic to avoid gridlock. In February, a violent storm toppled nearly 200 trees in Jakarta, 150 of which were in South Jakarta.

Ban lifted, foreign aid workers arrive

Ban lifted, foreign aid workers arrive The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Foreign humanitarian workers have come to the rescue of the people in Aceh, who are desperate for aid following the quake and tidal waves that have killed more than 37,000 in the war-ravaged province.

Law enforcement prospects for 2005

Law enforcement prospects for 2005 Satya Arinanto One of the most important issues expected to be resolved promptly by the new government under President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice President Jusuf Kalla is law enforcement; it is an expectation based on a pledge the two made in their presidential campaign. In a White Paper titled "The Vision, Mission and Programs", the pair presented their program for justice, law, human rights and democracy.

Malaysia to adopt 'Baywatch' alert towers: minister says

Malaysia to adopt 'Baywatch' alert towers: minister says Agencies, Penang, Malaysia/Geneva Malaysia said on Wednesday it will build beach towers nationwide as an early warning system modeled on that used by lifeguards in the U.S. television series Baywatch. Tourism Minister Leo Michael Toyad said the towers would be built as soon as possible and the respective state tourism authorities would supervise their management.

KONI guns for better

KONI guns for better funding, infrastructure Moch. N. Kurniawan The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The National Sport Council (KONI) conceded to yet another grim fact of the sports scene, with KONI chairman Agum Gumelar pointing to lack of funds and infrastructure as contributing to poor performance. In a self-evaluation gathering with the media on Sunday, Agum said the two prolonged problems had affected athletes' performance in multi-event competitions.

World unites to help tsunami victims

World unites to help tsunami victims Associated Press, London/Crawford, Texas People around the world pitched on Wednesday to help the millions left homeless and destitute by the Indian Ocean tsunamis, donating money, clothes, blood and even air miles to ferry doctors to the disaster scene. U.S. President George W.

'If our neighbors take our market, we will lose national pride'

'If our neighbors take our market, we will lose national pride' The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Local electronics producers claim that 50 percent of the electronic goods traded in Indonesia are illegally brought into the country. This situation has hampered domestic growth and discouraged new investment. The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry's (Kadin) vice chairman for industry, technology and maritime affairs, Rachmat Gobel discussed the situation in a recent meeting with The Jakarta Post.

Quake shifted islands: Scientist

Quake shifted islands: Scientist Reuters, Los Angeles, California The massive earthquake that devastated parts of Asia permanently moved the tectonic plates beneath the Indian Ocean as much as 30 meters, slightly shifting islands near Sumatra an unknown distance, U.S. scientists said on Tuesday. A tsunami spawned by the 9.0-magnitude quake off the northern tip of Sumatra killed an estimated 60,000 on Sunday in Indonesia, Thailand, India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and East Africa.

JP/5/PILKADA

JP/5/PILKADA Candidates gear up for June elections Oyos Saroso H.N., The Jakarta Post/Bandarlampung Candidates vying for top posts in the direct elections for heads of regional governments in Lampung province are confused over which political party to register with, as each party has its own screening process.

Classical 'Arja' given contemporary touch

Classical 'Arja' given contemporary touch I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post/Singapadu It all started on a sleepy afternoon around a month ago when Prof. Dr. I Wayan Dibia, a respected scholar and accomplished choreographer, decided to spend his free afternoon reading a short story titled Katemu Ring Tampaksiring (An Encounter at Tampaksiring). The story was penned by Made Sanggra, a hermetical yet widely respected figure in Balinese literary circles.

Traders donate shrouds for Aceh

Traders donate shrouds for Aceh The Jakarta Post, Jakarta If suffering can bring people together, the calamity in Aceh has pulled the textile traders of Mayestik traditional market in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, together to donate the most needed items: Shrouds for the dead and blankets for the survivors.

City slammed over revised budget draft

City slammed over revised budget draft Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The Indonesian Budget Transparency Forum (Fitra) questioned on Wednesday the upward revision to the draft 2005 budget to Rp 14 trillion (US$1.5 billion) from the initially proposed Rp 13.83 trillion. "If the administration is professional in their work, there shouldn't be any significant changes to the draft budget," Arif Nur Alam, a senior analyst at Fitra, told The Jakarta Post.

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;JP;REN; ANPAf..r.. Rupiah-conversion-rates Rupiah Rates Dec. 29 JP/13/Conver Rupiah Rates Oct.

'I fear more social unrest'

'I fear more social unrest' The government's plan to increase gasoline and kerosene prices in the first quarter of next year has received strong opposition from the public, with some even demanding that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono step down. People argue that fuel price hikes will increase the price of basic commodities. The Jakarta Post asked some people for their opinions on the issue. Faisol Reza, 32, is an associate consultant in a public relation's company in South Jakarta.

Indonesia's economic fundamentals after fuel price hike

Indonesia's economic fundamentals after fuel price hike David E. Sumual Indonesia's financial markets have been shaky in recent weeks, raising scores of questions about the country's economic fundamentals. A volatile financial market typically indicates there is a battle of views being waged in the market. Such volatility usually marks an inflection point in regard to which direction the market will head.

Refugees flee devastation to uncertainty in Medan

Refugees flee devastation to uncertainty in Medan Dedy Ardiansyah, The Jakarta Post/Medan Thousands of residents of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, whose homes and belongings were swept away by Sunday's catastrophe, have begun fleeing to Medan, North Sumatra. Polonia Air Force base in Medan received on Tuesday the first airlift of refugees, including the injured, aboard a Hercules aircraft from the Aceh capital of Banda Aceh.

* KL extends amnesty for RI illegals Page 4

* KL extends amnesty for RI illegals Page 4 * More municipalities will mean better services Page 5 * Softly depoliticizing the Indonesian Military Page 6 * Classical 'Arja' given contemporary touch Page 7 * Giggs strike downs Villa in English Premiership Page 8 * Yanukovich contests Ukraine vote results Page 9 * LG to invest $15 million in RI next year Page 10

When Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was elected president, many in

When Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was elected president, many in the country were elated. They thought Indonesia had finally chosen the right man to clean up the country's biggest problem -- widespread corruption. Fighting corruption has been SBY's campaign motto ever since he began running for president. He has a huge task. Corruption has long been a structural, if not a cultural issue, something even schoolchildren accept as a way of life.

Marriott blast suspect on trial

Marriott blast suspect on trial JAKARTA: A man accused of abetting in the J.W. Marriott Hotel bombing last year went on trial on Wednesday at the South Jakarta District Court. Rahmat Puji Prabowo, 29, is accused of providing shelter for Abu Bujana, one of the suspected perpetrators of the blast that killed 11 people in August last year. Bujana is still on the run.

Stock prices at the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec. 29, 2004:

Stock prices at the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec. 29, 2004: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 225 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 2,375 75 35,500 Adhi Karya 650 0 577,500 Adira Dinamika 2,800 0 0 AGIS Tbk 100 0 0 Akbar Indo Makmur 170 30 500 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,150 0 846,000 Alakasa Industrindo 165 0 0 Alfa Retailindo...

Turning over a new leaf in RI politics

Turning over a new leaf in RI politics Jusuf Wanandi It has been a tradition for The Jakarta Post in the last few years to produce a special edition on developments in the various fields of life during the outgoing year and a projection on what to expect in the coming year. For that purpose The Jakarta Post has invited some of the best minds in their field to contribute.

Indonesia, ASEAN and Australia

Indonesia, ASEAN and Australia S.P. Seth Sydney Indonesia is understandably upset over Australia's recent announcement of its plan to establish a 1,000-mile maritime identification zone to fight terrorism and other international crimes.

1. Roundup (50) - 60 pts 6 cols 1line (1x24)

1. Roundup (50) - 60 pts 6 cols 1line (1x24) Trauma, hunger plague survivors 2. Wrapup (35) - 36 pts 4 cols 1 lines (1x28) World unites to help tsunami victims 3. Snake (35) -- 36 pts 4 cols 1lines (1x28) Large python saves Riza and twins --- 5. Photos (2 pieces) and 1 graphic

Eradicating corruption, means first crushing the Oligarchy

Eradicating corruption, means first crushing the Oligarchy Danang Widoyoko The new government has vowed to take real action against corrupt officials in its first 100 days as a form of "shock therapy" in an effort to gain public trust. But properly enforcing the law against such a widespread problem, with so many involved, is nothing short of a monumental task.

Government counts costs of rebuilding ravaged Aceh

Government counts costs of rebuilding ravaged Aceh Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta As more images of destroyed cities pour in from Aceh, the government has doubled its initial projection for the cost of infrastructure reconstruction in the decimated province to Rp 10 trillion (US$1.07 billion).

1. Divers --- 1x40

1. Divers --- 1x40 Divers on Pulau Weh tell of journey to safety 2. Budget --- 2x22 Govt counts costs of rebuilding Aceh 3. TAX ------ 1x35 Aceh tax breaks hailed, graft feared 4. Human ---- 1x45 Rich and famous caught up in tsunami terror

MMI Ahyani

MMI Ahyani Bandung The massive earthquake and subsequent tsunami that hit Aceh and other countries sharing the Indian Ocean on Sunday, claiming thousands of lives, reminds us that we truly live in a geographically hazardous area. The entire southern part of Indonesia, starting from Sumatra, Java, Bali, Nusa Tenggara to Maluku and Papua and also the northeastern part of the country -- Sulawesi and North Maluku -- constitute active seismo-tectonic regions.

More municipalities will equal better services, says council

More municipalities will equal better services, says council Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The City Council has recommended the creation of more, smaller municipalities to improve services for residents. The council suggested that Law No. 34/1999 on Jakarta as a provincial administration be revised to redraw the map of the capital to expand the number of municipalities from five to eight.

Parties to take place under dark cloud

Parties to take place under dark cloud Damar Harsanto and Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The New Year celebrations across the capital will still go ahead amid calls from state officials that celebrations be held in a modest way. Vice President Jusuf Kalla said on Wednesday during a meeting with ambassadors at the vice presidential palace that the money for the festivities should be donated to victims of a 9.0- magnitude earthquake and tidal waves in Aceh and North Sumatra.

NEW PRESIDENT, NEW ERA: Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono takes the oath

NEW PRESIDENT, NEW ERA: Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono takes the oath of office at a ceremony at the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) on Oct. 20, 2004. Susilo, Indonesia's first directly elected president, has the task of dealing with numerous problems, including rampant corruption and continuing violence in the country. ;REUTERS;IMN; ANPAk..r..

Michael Elmquist, head of the UN Office for the Coordination of

Michael Elmquist, head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs for Indonesia, estimated that the death toll might reach between 50,000 and 80,000. "I would say we are probably talking about somewhere in the order of 80,000 people, 50 to 80,000 people, that would be my educated guess," Elmquist was quoted by Reuters as saying.

Facing challenges of peaceful integration, coexistence

Facing challenges of peaceful integration, coexistence Franz Magnis-Suseno SJ Indonesia's amazing diversity -- her geographical dispersion, plurality of ethnicities and cultures and of religious communities and observances, the mixture between indigenous people and migrants, between the provinces, between "Jakarta and the rest", but also, vertically, between villages and cities -- has become a challenge, if not a threat, to the country.

Democracy and foreign policy: Outlook for 2005

Democracy and foreign policy: Outlook for 2005 Bantarto Bandoro, Jakarta It is no secret that foreign policy issues have always been external to the mainstream agenda of our national policy, particularly when Indonesia is bogged down by a series of domestic problems while in the midst of becoming a more stable and democratic country.

Red notice for Global fugitives issued

Red notice for Global fugitives issued Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The International Police (Interpol) has issued a red notice to help the Indonesian police capture two executives of the troubled Bank Global for their alleged role in a scam that led to the bank's suspension. "We have heard from Interpol that they have issued a red notice for Irawan Salim and Rico Santoso," National Police chief of detectives Comr. Gen. Suyitno Landung Sudjono said on Wednesday.

JP/5/PILKADA

JP/5/PILKADA Candidates gear up for June elections Oyos Saroso H.N. The Jakarta Post/Bandarlampung Candidates vying for top posts in the direct elections for heads of regional governments in Lampung province are confused over which political party to register with, as each party has its own screening process.

Photo A:

Photo A: Reuters/Beawiharta Photo B AP Photo C Reuters/Darren Whiteside Photo D Reuters/Darren Whiteside Photo E JP/Apriadi Gunawan Photo F Reuters/Dadang Tri Photo G AP/Irwin Fedriansyah

Donors race to help disaster victims

Donors race to help disaster victims The Jakarta Post, Jakarta More individuals, organizations, companies and foreign countries responded swiftly on Wednesday in giving donations for victims of the cataclysmic tsunami and earthquake that leveled parts of Aceh and North Sumatra three days earlier.

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;JP;REN; ANPAf..r.. Rupiah-conversion-rates Rupiah Rates Dec. 29 JP/13/Conver Rupiah Rates Dec.

TV Program: Thursday, December 30, 2004

TV Program: Thursday, December 30, 2004 .TB.30" .90" TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Cartoon: Maya the Bee 8:00 Talk Show 8:30 Music: Asyik-Asyik 10:00 Talk Show: Wirausaha 11:00 Singing Contest: Konteswara 12:00 p.m.

Divers at Pulau Weh tell of journey to safety

Divers at Pulau Weh tell of journey to safety Neil Western, Agence France Prese/Hong Kong When the catastrophic earthquake struck, British tourist Al Howard and his French girlfriend Sophie Pasquier were among the closest people on the planet to its tumultuous epicenter.

Spatial race to district competitiveness

Spatial race to district competitiveness Bambang PS Brodjonegoro, Department of Economics, University of Indonesia The period of severe economic crisis that has prevailed for the last six years might be over, what with continuing macroeconomic stability, indicated by modest economic growth and a controllable inflation rate.

1. MEULABOH: 4 X 12

1. MEULABOH: 4 X 12 Meulaboh, Calang two most decimated towns in Aceh or Meulaboh, Calang in West Aceh decimated 2. DISTRIBUTION: 1 X 28 Ban lifted, foreign aid arrives 3. SUMATRA: 4 X 9 Quake shifts islands: Scientists 4. DONOR: 1 X 32 Donors race to help disaster victims 5. REFUGEES: 1 X 36 Acehnese refugees continue to pour into Medan or Acehnese refugees pouring into Medan

Where to send donations for tsunami victims

Where to send donations for tsunami victims Dompet Dhuafa Republika 128 000 4397 839 Bank Mandiri Ciputat branch 676 030194 7 BCA Ciputat Mega Mall 004 002 990 7 Bank Syariah Mandiri Dompet Kemanusiaan Media Indonesia 309 300 7979 BCA Kedoya Baru Kotak Pundi Amal SCTV 084 266 2000 BCA Wisma Asia Kompas Media Nusantara 001 007 55555 1001 BNI Jakarta Kota 012 301 6600 BCA Gajah Mada Hard Rock Radio 219 301 1144 BCA Radio Dalam Kontras 2-072-267-196 BII Proklamasi PMI Jakarta chapter...

The future of corruption eradication

The future of corruption eradication Saldi Isra Lecturer at Andalas University's School of Law in Padang and recipient of the 2004 Bung Hatta Anti-Corruption Award The year 2004 will soon leave us. Aside from the successful legislative and presidential elections, this year marked an important point in the eradication of corruption in Indonesia.

Akbar loyalist out of election

Akbar loyalist out of election SURABAYA: The leader of Golkar's provincial chapter in East Java, Ridwan Hisyam, dropped on Wednesday his bid for a second term as head of the chapter. His withdrawal was announced by his deputy Farid Gaffar on the sidelines of the congress to elect the chapter's next leader. Ridwan, who is also the deputy speaker of the East Java legislature, is not attending the congress, which was opened by Golkar deputy leader Agung Laksono.

Tangerang to up water rates

Tangerang to up water rates TANGERANG: City-owned water operator Tirta Kerta Raharja plans to increase water rates up to 17 percent for households and 30 percent for industries next February. The company spokesman Anda Suhanda said the planned hike had been delayed since July. "We have gradually increased the price since December 2003 ... It has nothing to do with the planned fuel price hike next year," he was quoted as saying by Tempointeraktif.com news portal on Wednesday.

Germany seeks debt relief for RI

Germany seeks debt relief for RI German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder on Wednesday called for a debt repayment moratorium for Indonesia and Somalia, two countries hit by the quake-sparked tidal waves. Germany will propose the measure at a meeting of the Paris Club of creditor countries in January, he said. With the death toll in southeast Asian and East African coastal areas soaring on Wednesday to over 70,000, Schroeder said relief and reconstruction would require a massive international effort.

KL extends amnesty for RI illegals

KL extends amnesty for RI illegals The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Malaysia has extended again the amnesty period for hundreds of thousands of Indonesian migrants working illegally in the country after the 9.0-magnitude earthquake and tidal waves that hammered northern Sumatra and killed tens of thousands of people from Malaysia to Kenya.

Part 1 of 2: Serious, not soft, change in TNI

Part 1 of 2: Serious, not soft, change in TNI Agus Widjojo, Jakarta The term de-politicization is central to the whole concept of reforming the Indonesian Military (TNI). However, it should be mentioned that this reform is not only about de-politicization. What then, is TNI reform all about?

Rich and famous caught up in Asia quake and tsunami terror

Rich and famous caught up in Asia quake and tsunami terror Agencies, Hong Kong/Bangkok Rich and poor alike were swept up by Asia's killer tsunami, with a supermodel, multi-millionaire soccer players, royalty and movie stars among those running for their lives. Czech supermodel Petra Nemcova clung to a palm tree for eight hours in the devastated Thai resort of Khao Lak after being hit by a wall of water in Sunday's deadly tidal waves, her publicist in New York said.

Dompet Dhuafa Republika 128 000 4397 839 Bank Mandiri

Dompet Dhuafa Republika 128 000 4397 839 Bank Mandiri Ciputat branch, 676 030194 7 BCA Ciputat Mega Mall 004 002 990 7 Bank Syariah Mandiri Dompet Kemanusiaan Media Indonesia 309 300 7979 BCA Kedoya Baru Kotak Pundi Amal SCTV 084 266 2000 BCA Wisma Asia Kompas Media Nusantara 001 007 55555 1001 BNI Jakarta Kota 012 301 6600 BCA Gajah Mada Hard Rock Radio 219 301 1144 BCA Radio Dalam Kontras 2-072-267-196 BII Proklamasi PMI Jakarta chapter 746-30-05218-4 Bank Lippo Slipi

Eradicating corruption, means first crushing the Oligarchy

Eradicating corruption, means first crushing the Oligarchy Danang Widoyoko The new government has vowed to take real action against corrupt officials in its first 100 days as a form of "shock therapy" in an effort to gain public trust. But properly enforcing the law against such a widespread problem, with so many involved, is nothing short of a monumental task.

General elections and triumph of pragmatism

General elections and triumph of pragmatism Chusnul Mar'iyah For someone who has experienced working in conflict zones like West Kalimantan, Ambon, Poso and Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, and who worked with the student demonstrators in 1998 to bring down the Soeharto regime, both as a woman and an activist, the sense of deja vu that accompanied the unfolding of the "civil war" and my involvement as a member of the electoral commission (KPU, 2001-2006) in conducting the 2004 elections was...

Tsunami a gold mine for phone sellers

Tsunami a gold mine for phone sellers A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post/Medan Dicky, a sales executive at telecommunication company PT Pasifik Satelit Nusantara (PSN), was extremely busy on Tuesday night. He wandered around the company's office in the plush Mega Kuningan area, South Jakarta, organizing sales along with his office colleagues. He frequently spoke to clients using his mobile phone. He was not alone. Many other company employees were also busy serving customers.

Police nab shopper for having fake money

Police nab shopper for having fake money JAKARTA: Penjaringan Police arrested LPH, 54, on Tuesday evening for allegedly possessing counterfeit money when he was about to pay at Mega Mall Pluit, North Jakarta. A cashier at the mall refused to accept the money as she alleged that it was counterfeited. The cashier immediately reported her suspicion to the mall's security guards, and police officers. The suspect admitted to having five Rp 100,000 (US$10.75) banknotes.

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;JP;AFS;IMN; ANPAk..r.. Yearender-photo JP/20/PHOTO B THE EXPECTED, AND THE UNEXPECTED: While the Indonesian people wait for President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice President Jusuf Kalla (left) to fulfill their election campaign commitments and meet their 100-day targets, a part of the nation is devastated by a cataclysm, with tidal waves sweeping over coastal areas of the northern part of Sumatra on Dec.

Flexible labor market to solve manpower issues

Flexible labor market to solve manpower issues Mohamad Ikhsan Indonesia is facing several serious labor issues viewed both in the short and long-term. While some of these interrelated problems can be partially settled, they will need comprehensive solutions that should not be limited to the labor market. Total as well as well as what is called "open" unemployment has increased.

Is Indonesia shining?

Is Indonesia shining? Satish Mishra, Head/Chief Adviser of UNSFIR (UNSFIR is a joint project between the government of Indonesia and the United Nations Development Program) Wherever you look -- in national daily newspapers, in academic journals, at ministerial seminars, at industrial road maps put forward by leading business associations and at those annual gatherings of the economic cognoscenti -- it seems obvious that old habits really do die hard.

Temasek quits plan to buy Medco stake

Temasek quits plan to buy Medco stake JAKARTA: Everitt Investments Pte, a unit of Singapore's state investment company Temasek Holdings Pte, scrapped talks to buy a stake in Indonesia's biggest publicly traded oil company, PT Medco Energi Internasional. Negotiations "were halted for an indefinite period," Melli Darsa, Everitt's lawyer, said in a letter to the Indonesian Capital Market Supervisory Agency that was filed by Medco Energi in a statement to the Jakarta Stock Exchange.

Puteh suspended as Aceh governor

Puteh suspended as Aceh governor Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono suspended Abdullah Puteh as Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam governor as he faced on Wednesday the second hearing of his corruption trial in Jakarta, which began on Monday. A presidential decree on the suspension was issued on Sunday, when Puteh's province was crushed by a gigantic tsunami that was unleashed by an extremely powerful earthquake, killing over 30,000 people as of Wednesday.

Meulaboh, Calang in West Acah decimated

Meulaboh, Calang in West Acah decimated The Jakarta Post, Jakarta More than 8,000 people are confirmed dead in Meulaboh in West Aceh and the Aceh Jaya town of Calang and other places along a stretch of the western coastline of Aceh as the Navy reached the area on Wednesday to distribute food and water.

Tax break facility welcomed, graft feared

Tax break facility welcomed, graft feared Leony Aurora , The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Economists praised the government's decision to provide tax breaks for companies donating aid to tsunami victims in Aceh and North Sumatra, but warned of the possibility of corruption. The incentives should encourage more aid for the affected areas and benefit the government, the companies and most of all the victims, said Aviliani of the Institute for Development of Economics and Finance on Wednesday.

Trauma, hunger plague survivors

Trauma, hunger plague survivors The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh/Lhokseumawe/Jakarta Starvation appears imminent for thousands of tsunami survivors sheltered in tents across Aceh, who are still waiting for humanitarian assistance that has trickled in far too slowly since Sunday's nightmare began.

LG to invest $15 million in RI next year

LG to invest $15 million in RI next year Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Consumer electronics producer PT LG Electronics Indonesia (LGEIN) said it would invest up to US$15 million in the country next year, bringing its total investment in Indonesia to $90 million, a senior executive said.

Tsunamis won't change S&P's Asian debt ratings

Tsunamis won't change S&P's Asian debt ratings Bloomberg, Singapore Asian nations hit by Indian Ocean tsunamis won't have their debt ratings changed because reconstruction efforts will limit the impact on their economies and international aid will ease the burden on government budgets, Standard & Poor's said.

Police delay hearing for officers

Police delay hearing for officers JAKARTA: A disciplinary hearing for 16 police officers over their handling of the bank BNI 46 scandal was postponed until Thursday because of difficulty summoning witnesses. The officers are accused of violating the police's code of ethics while investigating the Rp 1.7 billion (US$188 million) banking scandal. The hearing was originally scheduled for Tuesday. National Police detectives deputy chief Insp. Gen.

JP/5/FOCUS

JP/5/FOCUS Inmate suspected of running drug ring BANDUNG, West Java: Following the arrest of six suspected drug dealers over the weekend, the Bandung Police announced they suspected an inmate was controlling the city's drug trade from inside prison. The police came to this conclusion after collecting information from the suspected dealers, one of whom reportedly admitted to being part of a gang controlled by the inmate.

Challenges, rooms for Susilo in adressing violence

Challenges, rooms for Susilo in adressing violence Sidney Jones, Indonesia continues to be plagued by astonishingly diverse forms of violence: vigilantism, communal conflict, armed insurgencies and counter-insurgency responses, terrorism, land and resource disputes, and shoot-outs between the army and police. That's not counting the occasional high-profile murder of a beloved public figure like Munir. The challenges for Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, also popularly known as SBY, are enormous.