Archive: 31 December 2004
100 articles found
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
SBY and good governance in Indonesia
SBY and good governance in Indonesia Fauzi Ichsan 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.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Tsunami victims
Tsunami victims 1. Australia Assistance - Overall, a pledge of AS10 million in aid for all affected countries - For Indonesia: * Water treatment, water containers, shelters, food and medicine.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Indocement buys back $27.5m debt
Indocement buys back $27.5m debt JAKARTA: PT Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa, controlled by Germany's largest cement maker, HeidelbergCement AG, said it bought back US$27.5 million in debt earlier this week. Indocement bought back the debt through an auction on Dec. 27 using cash from operations, Corporate Secretary Ria Sjahroni said in a phone interview. She didn't give more details. Outstanding debt has been cut to $495 million, she said.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Candy as change
Candy as change This is in response to the letter from Wendy (of Freiburg, Germany) who complains of getting candy in lieu of Rp 100 change at Balinese stores (Cheating in Bali, The Jakarta Post, Dec. 16). Indeed, your life must be idyllic if something as insignificant as that has prompted you to write a letter of complaint to this newspaper.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Lesser graft must be unveiled
Lesser graft must be unveiled From Koran Tempo The disclosure of alleged corruption in the purchase of Scorpion tanks means considerable progress in the unveiling of cases that were formerly seen as untouchable, but the flow of funds in such cases should also be traced. If the funds as commission went to the accounts of state agencies, there is no need to examine the people concerned because whoever negotiated or closed the business deal becomes irrelevant.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Eradicating corruption - first crush the oligarchy
Eradicating corruption - first crush 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. The previous presidents of Indonesia have failed to eradicate corruption, although a lot of regulations have been reviewed and new laws enacted.
Fri, 31 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, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
New Year convoys OK, but no parking
New Year convoys OK, but no parking Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jakartans will still be allowed to participate in convoys along the capital's streets on New Year's Eve, but they will not be allowed to stop or park their cars on the major thoroughfares, Jakarta Police announced on Thursday. City Police chief of operations Sr. Comr.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Lonsum to issue $100m in bonds for expansion
Lonsum to issue $100m in bonds for expansion Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Publicly listed plantation company PT PP London Sumatra Indonesia (Lonsum) plans to issue bonds or sell some of its shares via a rights issue to finance the expansion of its plantations and the construction of new oil palm mills.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Jakarta stocks wrap up slightly lower on profit taking
Jakarta stocks wrap up slightly lower on profit taking Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As investors and traders grieved over the devastation in Aceh and North Sumatra, the Jakarta stock market closed without the usual fanfare and slightly lower due to profit taking. The Jakarta Composite Index ended on Thursday with a dip of 0.42 percent, or 4.197 points, at 1,000.233 and a volume of 1.13 billion shares valued at Rp 755.99 billion (US$81.22 million).
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Media gloom
Media gloom Taufiqurrahman's article on Dec. 27 concerning the Press Law and press freedom is appropriate and pithy. He states that the freedoms that Indonesia has gained in recent years have been shackled by a powerful elite offended by the media disturbing their comfortable lives. Also mentioned is the duty of the media to publish negative news as part of its social control function.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Deputy Attorney General dies
Deputy Attorney General dies JAKARTA: Deputy Attorney General for General Crimes Haryadi B. Widyasa died early on Thursday morning at Pertamina Hospital after being hospitalized for a stroke. Haryadi was rushed to the hospital when he lost consciousness while observing Friday prayer on Dec. 24 at the Attorney General's Office. He is survived by his wife and three children.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Singapore sets up competition body
Singapore sets up competition body SINGAPORE: Singapore said on Thursday it will set up a commission aimed at cracking down on anti-competitive business practices in this wealthy city-state, which relies heavily on international trade. Singapore has in recent years signed a series of two-way free trade agreements with countries including the United States. Many of the nations with which it's made such deals have encouraged it to set up such a commission.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
SE Asia forces on alert against terror attacks
SE Asia forces on alert against terror attacks Paul Alexander, Associated Press/Manila Security forces on alert for possible terrorist attacks in Southeast Asia during the Christmas/New Year holidays are trying to remain vigilant, although their focus has shifted to coping with the tsunami that has devastated regional coastlines.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Safeguarding the constitutional economic system
Safeguarding the constitutional economic system A. Irmanputra Sidin Jakarta The Constitutional Court has, in the last two weeks, issued two historic decisions in the economic sector, namely constitutional reviews of Law No.20/2002 on Electricity and Law No.22/2001 on Oil and Gas. The main basis of the reviews is that "branches of production that are essential to the state and dominate the livelihood of the masses shall be controlled by the state.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Tsunami refugees cry out for medical help
Tsunami refugees cry out for medical help Apriadi Gunawan The Jakarta Post/Medan Nursiah, a refugee from Peusong Baru village in Lhokseumawe, North Aceh -- one of the areas hardest hit by Sunday's crushing tsunami and earthquake -- was pleading for doctors to immediately tend to her two children at the refugee camp in Hira field. She had brought her children to a makeshift health center early in the morning, but volunteers were hesitant to treat them because medical supplies were running low.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
RI's tourism development, challenges in 2005
RI's tourism development, 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.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Soeharto's last chance
Soeharto's last chance Finding the appropriate words has become impossible as by the hour, more and more personal tragedies are revealed, showing that barely a family in Aceh province has been left untouched by the devastation. Apart from the grief and sorrow of survivors, our thoughts are with aid and rescue teams who bring with them water, food, medical facilities and equipment -- and to hell with the financial cost.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Bracing for disaster
Bracing for disaster 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.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
1. Refugees (50) - 60 pts 6 cols 1line (1x24)
1. Refugees (50) - 60 pts 6 cols 1line (1x24) We feel like dogs: Survivor 2. US Carrier (40) - 36 pts 4 cols 1 lines (1x28) U.S. warships heading for Sumatra or U.S. warships head for tsunami-hit Aceh 3. New Year (35) -- 36 pts 4 cols 1lines (1x28) New Year parties become charity events 4. Boy (22) - 28 pts 1 col 4lines (4x10) Brave boy found alive after 2 days at sea 5. WHO (20) - 28 pts 2 cols 2lines (2x18) 5m displaced by tsunami, death toll hits 118,000 --- 5. Photos (4 pieces) and 1 graphic
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
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.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
S'pore's investment arm keen on RI energy sector
S'pore's investment arm keen on RI energy sector Singapore/Deutsche Press-Agentur Tanasek Holdings, the Singapore government's investment arm, is still keen on Indonesia's energy sector despite scrapping plans to buy a stake in the country's largest publicly traded oil company, a spokeswoman said in a published report on Thursday. "We are always open to opportunities," Eva Ho told The Business Times.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
French violinist plays arpegina
French violinist plays arpegina A. Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta French violinist Jean-Paul Minali-Bella plays even the most complex classical music on his arpegina, the only one of its kind in the world. "I can perform classical compositions from F. Schubert and J.S. Bach, as well as contemporary compositions," said Minalli- Bella in an interview with The Jakarta Post recently.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah Rates Dec.30
Rupiah Rates Dec.30 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,638.61 6,859.08 7,287.49 7,209.98 Brunei dollar 1 6,015.75 5,402.03 5,739.23 5,678.38 Canadian dollar 1 8,144.63 7,312.74 7,770.25 7,686.84 Swiss franc 1 8,691.24 7,805.89 8,291.74 8,205.22 Danish krone 1 1,803.66 1,620.34 1,720.75 1,703.23 Euro 1 13,412.66 12,049.88 12,796.12 12,666.33 Poundsterling 1 18,911.75 16,990.09 18,042.44 17,859.26 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,267.41 1,138.51 1,209.15 1,196.75...
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
TV Today: Friday, December 31, 2004
TV Today: Friday, December 31, 2004 .TB.30" .90" TVRI .tb .30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Cartoon: Maya the Bee 7:30 Health 8:30 Music: Asik-Asik 10:30 Religious Teachings 1:00 p.m. News: Berita Siang 1:30 Documentary 2:00 TV Drama 3:00 English News Service 4:30 Documentary 5:00 Children Drama 5:30 Sports 7:00 News: Berita Nasional 7:30 Music 8:00 TV Series: Demigods 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 9:30 2005 Old and New TPI 5:30 a.m.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
U.S. warships heading for Sumatra
U.S. warships heading for Sumatra Agencies, Jakarta/Singapore/Sydney/Moscow A U.S. aircraft carrier group was headed for Indonesia's tsunami- hit Aceh province on Thursday and several other U.S. military ships were on course to the Bay of Bengal to help with relief operations, officials said. The carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and four other vessels will be stationed off Aceh on the northern tip of Sumatra island where the death toll from Sunday's earthquake and tsunami has risen past 79,000.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
1. DJISMAN: 42 x 1 line
1. DJISMAN: 42 x 1 line Walking the walk on reform in a new era Djisman S. Simandjuntak 2. SATISH: 32 x 2 lines Indonesian economic outlook: Old habits die hard Satish Mishra 3. KAHLIL: 42 x 1 line RI and the new govt: 2004 Diagnosis, 2005 Prognosis Kahlil Rowter 4. CHANG: 32 x 2 lines Indonesia market outlook 2005: Another better year ahead David Chang 5. SUMUAL: 42 x 1 line Economic fundamentals after fuel price hike David E. Sumual 6.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Refugees cry out for medical help
Refugees cry out for medical help Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan Nursiah, a refugee from Peusong Baru village in Lhokseumawe, North Aceh -- one of the areas hardest hit by Sunday's crushing tsunami and earthquake -- was pleading for doctors to immediately tend to her two children at the refugee camp in Hira field. She had brought her children to a makeshift health center early in the morning, but volunteers were hesitant to treat them because medical supplies were running low.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Susilo told to ban dual positions for officials
Susilo told to ban dual positions for officials Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) was again urged on Thursday to prohibit government officials from holding double positions in an effort to fight corruption. Holding double positions can cause conflicts of interest among officials in state agencies, hampering efforts to build good governance, an official from the National Awakening Party (PKB) said.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
5m displaced by tsunami, death toll hits 118,000
5m displaced by tsunami, death toll hits 118,000 Up to five million people were displaced by tsunamis that killed more than 118,000 people in Asia, officials said Thursday, as aftershocks rocked traumatized survivors. "We estimate that up to five million people have been displaced and are at risk across the region," Harsaran Pandey, spokeswoman for the World Health Organization in South Asia, told AFP.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
IMF to mull debt relief for RI
IMF to mull debt relief for RI The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has joined the increasing number of creditors willing to consider granting Indonesia debt relief to help cushion the massive financial impact of the Aceh and North Sumatra calamity. An IMF official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said on Wednesday in Washington that the agency would be willing to talk about debt rescheduling with Indonesia.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
RI calls for global conference on tsunami disaster relief
RI calls for global conference on tsunami disaster relief Indonesia is pushing for a UN-sponsored international conference to discuss relief operations for nations affected by the Asian tsunamis, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said on Thursday. He said he had already received support for the proposal from UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and US President George W. Bush during phone calls on Wednesday. "I proposed to the UN secretary-general yesterday...
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Police enable SMS, radio reporting
Police enable SMS, radio reporting JAKARTA: Starting Jan. 17, Greater Jakarta residents will be able to submit security, traffic, violence and public order reports via short messaging service (SMS) and radio calls. Reports can be sent as SMS to 1717, or to Suara Metro, 91.1 FM, at (021) 5708037. "The two services are part of our integrated solutions," Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Firman Gani said on Thursday.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
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.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
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.
Fri, 31 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, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
RI's new govt: A diagnosis and a prognosis
RI's new govt: A diagnosis and a prognosis Kahlil Rowter With so many economic initiatives brewing it is necessary to shift direction from mere reaction to pressure. But the big bang eludes us. Either there was never one planned or the reality of the economy-polity nexus necessitates a more gradual approach. However, the speed chosen should not risk the momentum already gained. With the right nudges we expect growth to rise gradually. This paints an even brighter picture for the stock market.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Singapore calls on urgent ASEAN meet
Singapore calls on urgent ASEAN meet SINGAPORE: Leaders from Asia's wave-hit countries should meet within days to develop a strategy to cope with the devastation caused by Sunday's quake and tsunamis, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on late Thursday.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Disciplinary hearing delayed yet again
Disciplinary hearing delayed yet again JAKARTA: The National Police has postponed for the second time a disciplinary hearing for 16 officers charged with allowing Adrian Waworuntu, a key suspect in the BNI 46 graft scandal, to flee abroad. Initially scheduled for Thursday, the hearing was delayed until Jan. 18 because Adrian was attending his graft trial at the South Jakarta District Court and could not appear to testify at the policemen's hearing.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Government bans shrimp imports
Government bans shrimp imports Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government announced on Thursday a six-month ban on shrimp imports from all countries starting Dec. 28, saying the move was made to protect the local industry and consumers from a suspected contamination from imported seafood. The import ban, enacted through a joint decree signed by Minister of Trade Mari E.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Students, public take to streets for Aceh donations
Students, public take to streets for Aceh donations Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Aceh and North Sumatra have moved the hearts of Jakartans from all walks of life, particularly students, who fanned out onto the capital's streets to collect donations from passing motorists.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
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.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Run! The water is coming!
Run! The water is coming! Nani Afrida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh There is this shout that still keeps ringing in my ears: "Run!! The water's coming!!" Sunday morning began hotter than usual -- the sun was really bright at just 7:50 a.m. At home I was enjoying coffee and reading the local daily Serambi Indonesia. Sunday is when young people head for Ulee Lhee beach, only five kilometers from the town. After swimming they would usually have a picnic on the beach with food from home.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
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.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
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.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Resolving differences in disaster's wake
Resolving differences in disaster's wake Ooi Kee Beng The Straits Times Asia News Network Singapore The best memorial to the thousands of victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster will be for the politics of the region to change for the better because of the widespread suffering and through the international relief work that is now needed. The longer political considerations are kept out of the picture, the easier it will be for the flow of aid to reach the survivors.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Flexible market will solve manpower issues
Flexible market will 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.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Brave boy found alive after two days at sea
Brave boy found alive after two days at sea Feeling no fear, a five-year-old Indonesian boy spent two days floating at sea on a mattress to survive the tsunami that killed thousands of people from his town and was reunited with his family on Thursday.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Flandi/Eng Hian win Copenhagen Masters
Flandi/Eng Hian win Copenhagen Masters The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Flandi Limpele and Eng Hian ended their disappointing 2004 campaign on a high note by beating Shang Yang and Zheng Bo of China in the men's doubles final at the Copenhagen Masters on Wednesday. Flandi and Eng Hian defeated the Chinese pair 15-13, 15-5, according to the tournament's website, www.badminton.dk. The Indonesian pair of Candra Wijaya and Halim Haryanto also won the title.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
UGM extends aid to Acehnese students
UGM extends aid to Acehnese students YOGYAKARTA: Gadjah Mada University (UGM) offered on Thursday to pay living costs for its 304 Acehnese students, whose families were affected by a catastrophic earthquake and tsunami. "We have prepared an initial fund of Rp 15 million. They are welcome to apply for the January allowance. If necessary, they may also request an extension to cover the next few months," UGM rector Sofian Effendi said.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Good governance about issues of transparancy, accountability
Good governance about issues of transparancy, accountability 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.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Part 2 of 2: Serious, not soft, change in TNI
Part 2 of 2: Serious, not soft, change in TNI Agus Widjojo, Jakarta While it is unlikely to satisfy all parties concerned, the Indonesian Military (TNI) has made some progress in ensuring its soldiers are held to account for criminal or human rights abuses they commit. A significant step was the trials in a military court held in the operations zone in Aceh, relating to soldiers accused of misconduct and human rights violations. Never before have such trials been conducted in an operations zone.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
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.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Floating graveyard rescue by fishermen the tsunami forgot
Floating graveyard rescue by fishermen the tsunami forgot Nurdin Husin, Agence France-Presse/Sigli Muhammed and the crew of his Indonesian fishing trawler failed to notice when one of the most destructive forces in living memory rolled beneath their boat as it bobbed on the Indian Ocean. "We did not feel anything, we were in the middle of nowhere that Sunday morning," he said, taking a long drag on his clove- flavored cigarette.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
JP/18/PATUNG
JP/18/PATUNG Surabaya's four-faced Buddha, a religious tourism asset Indra Harsaputra The Jakarta Post/Surabaya Without squinting, Buddhist culture researcher Sirichai from Mahidol University, Thailand, focused his gaze with amazement and delight on the four-faced Buddha statue at Sanggar Agung (Great Temple) in Surabaya's coastal amusement park, Taman Ria Kenjeran. "I'm visiting this place specially to see this gold-plated statue.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Getting rid of corruption in Indonesia: The Future
Getting rid of corruption in Indonesia: The Future Saldi Isra 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.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
JP/5/KAKAK
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.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia fundamentals after fuel price hike
Indonesia 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.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Walking the walk on reform in a new era
Walking the walk on reform in a new era 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.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
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...
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Hypermarkets: Lessons from abroad
Hypermarkets: Lessons from abroad Barlev Nicodemus Brussels An article that appeared in The Jakarta Post on Dec. 20 attracted my attention. The article, When violence is used to overcome big business, shed light on an issue that is very crucial to all of us. The writer said small suppliers were complaining about the number of hypermarkets around Jakarta, and were afraid of being displaced by these massive retailers.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
No paper
No paper In observance of New Year's day, The Jakarta Post will not be published on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2005. The Post will resume publication on Sunday. Our website will keep out readers up to date on the latest findings and relief operations in Aceh and North Sumatra after the quake and tidal waves that all but decimated the two provinces. -- Publisher
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
;JP;AFS;IMN;
;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.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Court vows to erase graft
Court vows to erase graft JAKARTA: The Constitutional Court has declared a commitment to ensure that it is free of corruption practices. In a modest ceremony that was attended by a number of state officials on Wednesday, the Court judges pledged not to be involved in graft, while launching a road map on their commitment. Constitutional Court president Jimly Asshidiqie said the court must be a graft-free zone because of its important role and function in the country.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Anti-GAM raids continue despite catastrophe
Anti-GAM raids continue despite catastrophe Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta While volunteers, security officers and families are busy collecting and searching for the bodies of victims killed in Sunday's catastrophic tsunami in Aceh, soldiers are continuing their offensive against separatist rebels. A recent cease-fire offered by the military for Free Aceh Movement (GAM) members, whose hideouts were not affected by the tsunami, appear to be mere rhetoric.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Floods return to Riau, Jambi
Floods return to Riau, Jambi Jon Afrizal and Puji Santoso, The Jakarta Post, Jambi, Pekanbaru As thousands of people in Aceh and North Sumatra struggled for survival after Sunday's tsunamis, thousands of others in Jambi and Riau were dealing with flooding on Thursday after two weeks of rain. Floodwaters reaching 1.5 meters high submerged hundreds of houses, schools and rice fields in Jambi. The large Batanghari River burst its banks, submerging roads connecting regencies in the province.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
'Faith no reason for discord'
'Faith no reason for discord' Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Followers of Christianity and Islam need to communicate, instead of turning faith into a reason for discord, in a bid to build mutual understanding and avert conflicts, a Catholic leader said.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Graft indicated in SMP 56 deal
Graft indicated in SMP 56 deal JAKARTA: The Attorney General's Office has found indications of corruption in the land swap deal between PT Tata Disantara, owned by businessman Abdul Latief, and the Jakarta National Education Office. At the center of the controversial deal is state junior high school SMP 56. The school made headlines when dozens of its students and teachers refused to leave, eventually holding classes outside when the city seized the school on Nov. 17.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
RI Red Cross deploys trained volunteers
RI Red Cross deploys trained volunteers M. Taufiqurrahman and Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The scope and severity of devastation brought about by a monstrous tsunami in Aceh and North Sumatra is so massive that many trained relief workers are badly needed. The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) has deployed 832 relief workers to Aceh, consisting of trained volunteers recruited from the province prior to the deluge and those sent by PMI branches in neighboring provinces.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Corruption is 'rampant' in schools: ICW
Corruption is 'rampant' in schools: ICW Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The way school textbooks are procured leaves the door open to corruption in elementary and junior high schools, involving not only principals but also teachers and school committees, a survey revealed.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Alternative energy for electricity
Alternative energy for electricity From Bisnis Indonesia The high world oil price will certainly raise the cost of power production by state electricity company (PLN), whose cost components are 25 percent composed of fuel oil. Therefore, PLN should adopt a new policy to replace fuel in its power production with any of the other alternatives available in Indonesia. In 1989, I handled a research project on alternative energy production technology.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
'If our neighbors take our market, where is our pride?
'If our neighbors take our market, where is our 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.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia market outlook 2005: Another better year ahead
Indonesia market outlook 2005: 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.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
More major quakes to hit Sumatra: Geologists
More major quakes to hit Sumatra: Geologists Muninggar Sri Saraswati and Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Yogyakarta The disastrous earthquake that generated deadly tsunami on Sunday has made Sumatra island more vulnerable to more major earthquakes in the future, the Indonesia Science Institute (LIPI) said on Thursday. Geologist Danny H.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
NTT asks more funds to reconstruct Alor
NTT asks more funds to reconstruct Alor KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: The provincial government complained on Thursday it lacked funds to rebuild houses and public facilities ravaged by last month's earthquake on Alor island, which killed 23 people. The local administration had received only Rp 60 billion (US$6.6 million) from the central government to rebuild 1,300 houses, 28 school buildings, irrigation and clean water facilities, NTT public works office head Piet Djami Rebo said.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Tiger selayed due to tsunami
Tiger selayed due to tsunami Agencies, Tokyo The second leg of a Tiger Cup semifinal has been postponed after the weekend's deadly Asian tsunami, Southeast Asian soccer officials said on Thursday. Malaysia and Indonesia, both hit by the devastating tidal waves that swept the Indian Ocean on Sunday, were scheduled to meet in Kuala Lumpur on New Year's Day.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Tourists rush to Bali after tsunami
Tourists rush to Bali after tsunami Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Every cloud has a silver lining, so the saying goes, and Indonesia's tourist industry may prove to be the unintended beneficiary of the tsunamis that crushed several popular tourist destinations in Malaysia and Thailand.
Fri, 31 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, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Tsunamis haunt nightmares of child survivors
Tsunamis haunt nightmares of child survivors M. Jegathesan Agence France-Presse/Penang, Malaysia Killer tsunamis are coming again, over and over, in the nightmares of children who survived the waves which swept them from their homes or picnics on Malaysia's Penang island. Rahibah Osman's 11-year-old son, Mohamad Fikri Rahim, who was caught by ferocious waves "as high as coconut trees and blackened with mud", has troubled dreams in Penang General Hospital.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian economic outlook: Old habits die hard
Indonesian economic outlook: Old habits die hard Satish Mishra 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.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
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.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Don't betray Aceh - Get coordinated
Don't betray Aceh - Get coordinated Endy M. Bayuni, Jakarta Bodies are still scattered on the streets and under the rubble in Banda Aceh, Meulaboh and many other towns in Aceh. Tens of thousands of survivors are still without food, clean water, medicines or even clothes to change into. Their ordeal and suffering continue. Such is the scene depicted by Metro TV on Thursday, five days after the deadly combination of a strong earthquake and massive tidal waves devastated Aceh.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Asia holds its collective breath over bird flu threat for 2005
Asia holds its collective breath over bird flu threat for 2005 Michael Mathes, Agence France-Presse, Bangkok Chilling warnings about an inevitable global influenza pandemic that could kill millions signal more turmoil to come after a grim year in Asia when nations weary from fighting SARS faced a new foe in bird flu.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
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..
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Be proud of one's language!
Be proud of one's language! Pieter Van Der Vienhart's recent article on schooling (The Jakarta Post, Dec. 18) discussed how English language skills are being used as a criteria for employment in some schools above other more essential factors like teaching skills. This is sadly part of a wider trend where English is seen as the be all and end all of education.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
New Year parties become charity events
New Year parties become charity events The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Many of the planned New Year's celebrations will become charity events in the wake of Sunday's 9.0-magnitude earthquake and deadly tidal waves in Aceh and other nations on Indian Ocean that killed at least 80,000 in Aceh alone as of Thursday night.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
;JP;AFS;IMN;
;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.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Power industry enters a new era
Power industry enters a new era Eddy Satriya Jakarta Economic changes coupled with advances in new technology, the need to conduct good-governance practices, and intensifying pressure to reduce the central government's role have significantly brought new developments to the provision of public utilities and infrastructure in many developing countries. Waves of deregulation, liberalization and privatization started in the 1980s have had an effect on decision makers in setting up their industries.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
1. Analysis - 1x40
1. Analysis - 1x40 Don't betray Aceh -- get coordinated 2. Debt ----- 2x25 IMF to consider debt relief for Indonesia after disaster 3. Victms --- 1x33 Tsunami refugees cry out for medical help 4. Child ---- 1x45 Children haunted by nightmares of tidal waves 5. Vessel --- 2x27 Floating graveyard rescue by fishermen the tsunami forgot
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
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.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
KL to probe lack of tsunami warning
KL to probe lack of tsunami warning Agencies, Kuala Lumpur/New Delhi/Washington/Geneva/Singapore The Malaysian government has pledged a post-mortem on why the public was not warned about tidal waves which smashed into its northern coastal areas and killed at least 65 people. "We need to re-examine if there was any way we could have saved lives that day in our assessment of how we tackled the disaster," Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said in comments published on Thursday.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah Rates Dec.30
Rupiah Rates Dec.30 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,638.61 6,859.08 7,287.49 7,209.98 Brunei dollar 1 6,015.75 5,402.03 5,739.23 5,678.38 Canadian dollar 1 8,144.63 7,312.74 7,770.25 7,686.84 Swiss franc 1 8,691.24 7,805.89 8,291.74 8,205.22 Danish krone 1 1,803.66 1,620.34 1,720.75 1,703.23 Euro 1 13,412.66 12,049.88 12,796.12 12,666.33 Poundsterling 1 18,911.75 16,990.09 18,042.44 17,859.26 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,267.41 1,138.51 1,209.15 1,196.75...
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Law enforcement key to rights protection
Law enforcement key to rights protection Abdul Hakim Garuda Nusantara, Chairman of the National Commission on Human Rights Since the downfall of the repressive regime of former president Soeharto in 1998, Indonesia has produced several pieces of legislation which aim to strengthen human rights protection. Among them are Law No. 39/1999 on human rights and Law No. 26/2000 setting up the human rights tribunal.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
'We must accept the govt's decision'
'We must accept the govt's decision' In a bid to gradually lift subsidies on fuel, the government began increasing the prices of liquefied petroleum gas and high octane fuels in early December. The decision has sparked protests from people concerned that the price of basic commodities will rise as a result. The Jakarta Post asked residents for their opinions on this issue. Maryani, 30, works at a bank on Jl. Sudirman, Central Jakarta.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
1. MEULABOH: 2 X 21
1. MEULABOH: 2 X 21 Anti-GAM raids continue despite catastrophe 2. ACCOUNT: 1 X 30 Run! The water is coming! 3. VOLUNTEER: 2 X 15 RI Red Cross deploys trained volunteers 4. QUAKE: 1 X 40 More major quakes to hit Sumatra: Geologists 5. TOURISM: 1 X 36 Tourists rush to Bali after tsunami
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Hungry victims irate at lack of aid
Hungry victims irate at lack of aid The Jakarta Post, Jakarta, Banda Aceh Crucial food and medical supplies remained far too scarce for the traumatized survivors on Thursday, nearly five days since the earthquake-triggered tidal waves pounded northern Sumatra on Sunday. Criticism increased to a fever pitch over the government's poor handling of the relief operation thus far.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Soeharto's last chance
Soeharto's last chance Finding the appropriate words has become impossible as by the hour, more and more personal tragedies are revealed, showing that barely a family in Aceh province has been left untouched by the devastation. Apart from the grief and sorrow of survivors, our thoughts are with aid and rescue teams who bring with them water, food, medical facilities and equipment -- and to hell with the financial cost.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
Disbursement
Disbursement These supplies will be transported by a Boeing 747, scheduled to land in Medan on Dec. 30 at 8 p.m. The crew and equipment will be transported by a Boeing 747, scheduled to land in Medan on Dec. 30, at 10 p.m. 13. Philippines Assistance Medical assistance and supplies Disbursement Indonesian government will provide the list of doctors and medical professionals needed 14.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
San Miguel bids on National Foods
San Miguel bids on National Foods SYDNEY: San Miguel Corp. launched a takeover bid on Thursday for Australia's largest dairy company, National Foods, topping a previous offer from New Zealand's Fonterra as the Philippines brewing giant moved to expand its non-alcoholic food holdings. San Miguel's A$1.78 billion (US$1.38 billion) bid pushed shares in National Foods up more than 5 percent as investors anticipated a bidding war between the Manila-based brewer and its New Zealand rival.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004, 00:00 WIB
[b]When oil/gas on the market is not pro-people, the state must
When oil/gas on the market is not pro-people, the state must be held responsible.