Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 12 February 2004

86 articles found

Persik stumbles to 2-1 loss in Asian Champions League

Persik stumbles to 2-1 loss in Asian Champions League Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Kediri, East Java Indonesian champion Persik Kediri put up a tough fight against South Korean champion and heavily favored Seongnam Ilhwa Chunwa before losing 2-1 in their first-leg match of the Asian Champions League here on Wednesday.

Pressures up over regent

Pressures up over regent Haidir Anwar Tanjung, The Jakarta Post, Pekanbaru, Riau Thousands of teachers and students in Kampar regency, some 60 kilometers west of the Riau capital of Pekanbaru, took to the streets again on Wednesday, forcing schools in the regency to close for a second day. Unlike the first day of the protest on Tuesday when demonstrators occupied government offices, the students and teachers descended on the office of Kampar Regency Council on Wednesday.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Feb.11, 2004

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Feb.11, 2004 _____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ______________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,125 75 115,500 Adindo Foresta 50 0 0 AGIS Tbk 95 0 260,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 75 -5 290,000 Alakasa Industrindo 180 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 1,150 0 0 Alter Abadi Tbk 30 0 20,000 Alumindo Light...

1. Philip -- Coordinating against International terrorism: What

1. Philip -- Coordinating against International terrorism: What is to be done? 1 x 38 Coordination needed to fight terrorism Philips Jusario Vermonte Researcher Department of International Relations Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Jakarta 2. Pro11 -- Beyond the Sino-Japanese rivalry 1 X 45 Looking beyond Sino-Japanese rivalry Michael Armacost Project Syndicate 3.

Hamzah says he'll stick to the (road) rules

Hamzah says he'll stick to the (road) rules Following the public furor after his convoy occupied the busway lane to escape traffic congestion on Monday, Vice President Hamzah Haz has decided to observe the existing traffic rules. "I don't need other government officials reminding me of the regulations. From this day on, (my official motorcade) will stop at every red traffic light," he said after attending a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

KL under fire at environment talks

KL under fire at environment talks Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, which is hosting thousands of delegates to a major international conference on the environment, has found itself the target of strong criticism over illegal logging. The conservation group Greenpeace, in a document made available on the sidelines of the conference on Wednesday, accused Malaysia of "destructive forestry and corrupt land rights policies" often backed by "political nepotism".

Leave the cabinet

Leave the cabinet At least two questions beg to be answered regarding the statement of Coordinator Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Jusuf Kalla that they would leave the Cabinet as soon as they are officially named presidential candidates for the July elections. Government officials who plan to contest the national elections are also expected to follow suit.

Say 'I love you' with chocolate, red roses

Say 'I love you' with chocolate, red roses Dewi Santoso, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As Valentine's Day approaches right around the corner, chocolate and red rose sales has seen a significant increase. Elena Martha, co-owner of the Okky & Paul Cake, Chocolate and Bakery Shop in Manggarai, South Jakarta, said on Wednesday that demand for sweets and chocolates had increased by 30 percent.

Diplomatic corps warned of wiretapping

Diplomatic corps warned of wiretapping Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda said on Wednesday that wiretapping has become a global phenomenon and urged diplomats and staff at Indonesian Embassies abroad to be on the alert. Hassan said the United States and its allies had developed a system that could "monitor" over one million taps every half hour.

Trace the past living at Tenganan village

Trace the past living at Tenganan village Rachel Greaves, Contributor, Bali Within a neat, walled township against a backdrop of jungle and angular hills, a group of excited young children are crouched around a shallow hole in the shade of a huge banyan tree. Curious, I approach them to find out what is going on. Each child is armed with a small stick; and apart from a couple of suppressed giggles, they all fall quiet in anticipation of my reaction. "Argggghh!" Shrieks of laughter ensue.

NGOs urge timber companies to pay their debts

NGOs urge timber companies to pay their debts P.C. Naommy, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Environmental organizations and a corruption watchdog said on Wednesday they were giving 601 companies 30 days to pay reforestation funds and royalty arrears or they would announce their names to the public.

* Headlines:General elections to run on schedule: Commission 2

* Headlines:General elections to run on schedule: Commission 2 * National:Red Cross appeals for safe access to Acehnese 4 * Archipelago:Pressures upped over Regent 5 * Opinion:The dispute over Islamic headscarves in the West 6 * City:Tommy given pass for medical checkup 8 * Sports:Henry reaches century to take Arsenal in the lead 10 * World:Israeli troops kill 13 Palestinians in Gaza 11 * Business:Garuda hurt by global uncertainties 13 * Features:Balinese masseurs mix old, new therapy 18

Students get suspended jail term in hostage case

Students get suspended jail term in hostage case YOGYAKARTA: The Bantul District Court handed down on Wednesday a suspended sentence of six months in jail and one year probation to two students for holding journalists hostage two years ago on campus. Wendy HS and Desi Suryanto were students at the Yogyakarta Indonesian Fine Arts Institute (ISI Yogyakarta) at the time of the incident.

Deadline set for MOU with Malaysia

Deadline set for MOU with Malaysia Kurniawan Hari and Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has set March 2004 as the deadline for signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Malaysia on labor in the formal sector; otherwise, Indonesia would suspend its labor supply to the neighboring country. The MOU won full support from the House of Representatives Commission VII on labor and social affairs at a hearing on Wednesday.

Police brace for Akbar's verdict

Police brace for Akbar's verdict The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Surabaya/Medan Hundreds of police personnel will be deployed at the Supreme Court compound as security authorities brace up for possible violence during the corruption trial of Golkar Chairman Akbar Tandjung on Thursday. Jakarta Police spokesperson Sr. Comr.

Religious harmony law imperative

Religious harmony law imperative From Koran Tempo Indonesia's pluralistic society badly needs a law on religious harmony because the existing rules on coexistence among religious groups impose no penalties, which has led to serious communal conflicts. The regulations governing this aspect of national life are still in the form of decrees from the Minister of Religious Affairs and joint decrees from the Minister of Religious Affairs and the Minister of Home Affairs.

Gunawan stands trial for Asaba case

Gunawan stands trial for Asaba case The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The North Jakarta District Court opened on Wednesday the trial of Gunawan Santosa, the sole defendant in the murder of the president director of PT Aneka Sarana Bakti (Asaba), Boedyharto Angsono, and his bodyguard, Army Special Forces (Kopassus) member Second Sgt. Edi Siyep. Prosecutor Andi Herman charged the defendant with committing and ordering premeditated murder under Article 340 of the Criminal Code.

Utut vs Zhu in blindfold chess game

Utut vs Zhu in blindfold chess game Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta GM Utut Adianto, Indonesia's number one chess grand master, is scheduled to take on world women's champion GM Zhu Chen of China in a two-game blindfold match on Sunday in a prelude to the Makita-Lakoni International Grand Master Tournament. While not playing their moves on a chessboard, Utut and Zhu will announce their moves through chess notation and match officials will move the pieces for them.

Mina tragedy

Mina tragedy Those returning from this year's haj pilgrimage will for a long time mourn the death of the 244 pilgrims trampled to death in Mina during the "Stoning of the Devil" ritual, when thousands of people of different nationalities formed an uncontrollable and angry mob. I happened to be lucky enough to be chosen to perform the haj this year after waiting for about fifty years, mostly due to a lack of financial resources.

Muhammadiyah endorsement of Amien Rais regretted

Muhammadiyah endorsement of Amien Rais regretted Kurniawan Hari and A. Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Criticism greeted the official support from the country's second largest Muslim organization Muhammadiyah for Amien Rais' presidential bid on Wednesday, with a political observer expressing fear that the move would jeopardize the moderate orientation of the organization. Muhammadiyah deputy secretary Hajriyanto Y.

U.S. naval commander meets TNI chief

U.S. naval commander meets TNI chief JAKARTA: Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto held talks with visiting United States Pacific Commander Adm. Thomas B. Fargo at the TNI Headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta, on Wednesday. The talks were aimed at improving military cooperation between the two countries, which have not yet returned to normal following the U.S. arms embargo in the last few years. Fargo was accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia Ralph L. Boyce.

KPU told to consider quick ink re-tender

KPU told to consider quick ink re-tender Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A monopoly watchdog has suggested that the General Elections Commission (KPU) consider repeating the ink tender due to the dubious financial capability of the final eight bidders. Monopoly Watch chairman Samuel Nitisaputra said on Saturday the KPU should keep the option for re-tendering wide open to avoid irregularities in the Rp 150 billion (US$17.7 million) tender.

3-in-1 exemption for diplomats?

3-in-1 exemption for diplomats? From Koran Tempo For the time being, foreign diplomats are not subject to the 3-in-1 traffic rule, according to Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso. This, I think, is outrageous. Based on the Vienna Convention, reciprocally diplomats have legal immunity, covering tax exemption and other privileges. But they, like our diplomats abroad, should respect local laws. It means that the immunity is not unlimited freedom.

Red Cross appeals for safe access to Acehnese

Red Cross appeals for safe access to Acehnese Tiarma Siboro and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) urged on Wednesday the two warring parties in Aceh to allow humanitarian workers to move around freely when carrying out their duties there. It also called on both the Indonesian Military (TNI) and Free Aceh Movement (GAM) not to interfere in the work of humanitarian volunteers to prevent them from harm.

'I'm sure my money goes to the state if I go to court'

'I'm sure my money goes to the state if I go to court' Most traffic violators prefer to bribe their way out of a ticket rather than have to go to court, which most people imagine to be a time-consuming and complicated process. The Jakarta Post talked to some residents about the issue. Anto, 30, is a freelance copywriter who lives in Klender, East Jakarta: Going to court for a traffic offense is annoying.

Govt lacks money for bird flu campaign

Govt lacks money for bird flu campaign Eva C. Komandjaja and Indra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Surabaya The government admitted on Wednesday it could not organize a public campaign to contain the spread of bird flu due to a lack of funds. Director General of Communicable Diseases at the Ministry of Health Umar Fahmi told The Jakarta Post most of the budget allocated to control the outbreak had been spent on educating poultry farmers and workers.

Mina stampede must not recur

Mina stampede must not recur The 205,000 Indonesian pilgrims heading back home from Mecca this year will have had a variety of experiences, be they good or bad. However, the tragedy at Mina -- the stampede at the devil- pelting ritual in which 57 Indonesians were killed -- is likely to be at the forefront of their minds. The Indonesian casualties could have been avoided if the victims abided by the schedules set for their rituals.

Outline of PKP Indonesia's platform:

Outline of PKP Indonesia's platform: The party's aims to build a nation that is just and united based on the supremacy of the law. Its mission includes defending the unitary state of the Republic based on Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution; struggling for a clean government which respects human rights, and a dignified nation in the international community with the ability to withstand global competition.

Indonesia bans chicken imports from United States

Indonesia bans chicken imports from United States Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia has joined many other Asian countries to slap temporary bans on chicken imports from the United States, following the discovery of two birds with avian influenza (AI) in that country.

Crooked journos slammed

Crooked journos slammed Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon, West Java Dozens of media representatives, students and activists held a rally against crooked journalists in Cirebon on Wednesday. Held amid a nationwide campaign against crooked politicians, the rally was organized by journalist groups, students and other non-governmental organizations.

Minister warns diplomatic corps of wiretapping

Minister warns diplomatic corps of wiretapping Kurniawan Hari The Jakarta Post Jakarta Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda said on Wednesday that wiretapping has become a global phenomenon and urged diplomats and staff at Indonesian Embassies abroad to be on the alert. Hassan said the United States and its allies had developed a system that could "monitor" over one million taps every half hour.

Telkom directors may face dismissal over audit

Telkom directors may face dismissal over audit Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government is considering axing the board of directors and commissioners of state-owned telecommunications company PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom) over a reaudit of the company's 2002 financial report that resulted in a negative adjustment.

Church figure to visit Indonesia

Church figure to visit Indonesia JAKARTA: Seventh-day Adventist Church (GMAHK) World President Jan Paulsen is scheduled to arrive here on Thursday for a four- day visit. During his stay in Indonesia, Paulsen will make a courtesy call on President Megawati Soekarnoputri and Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Jusuf Kalla on Friday and meet with Indonesian Adventist Church leaders. "The visit of Dr.

Belfood sees a decline in sales

Belfood sees a decline in sales Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Frozen food manufacturer PT Belfoods Indonesia has seen declining sales and an export ban on its products by Japan as a result of the bird flu scare in Indonesia and the region.

General election to run on schedule: Commission

General election to run on schedule: Commission Moch. N. Kurniawan and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The General Elections Commission (KPU) assured the public on Wednesday that despite technical and logistical problems, the upcoming general election would run smoothly and on schedule.

PDK wants regime change, autonomy

PDK wants regime change, autonomy A. Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Unity Democratic Nationalist (PDK) Party has vowed to support the much-criticized regional autonomy program and to struggle to improve public administration. "To achieve these goals we need to change the current administration first," party secretary-general Rivai Pulungan said on his visit to The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.

Zob Ahan (Iri) 1 Pakhtakor (Uzb) 0

Zob Ahan (Iri) 1 Pakhtakor (Uzb) 0 BEC Tero (Tha) 4 Shanghai Shenhua (Chn) 1 Chonbuk Motors (Kor) 1 Jubilo Iwata (Jpn) 2 Hoang Anh Gia Lai (Vie) 5 PSM Makassar (Ina) 1 Persik Kediri (Ina) 1 Seongnam Ilhwa (Kor) 2

Women trafficking gang uncovered

Women trafficking gang uncovered Fadli, The Jakarta Post, Batam, Riau The country's top detective, Comr. Gen. Erwin Mappaseng, said in Batam on Wednesday that the National Police, in cooperation with the Malaysian police, had uncovered a women trafficking syndicate. The syndicate, which sent Indonesian women to Malaysia to work as prostitutes, operated from 2001 to 2003.

Bank interest and syaria

Bank interest and syaria From Tempo As the polemics on the ruling made by the Council of Indonesian Ulema (MUI) that bank interests are forbidden according to the Islamic law are intensifying, I have been prompted to comment as follows: I know for sure that MUI has competent people who are very knowledgeable about the Islamic law, especially in relation to economic matters.

Coordinating needed to fight terrorism

Coordinating needed to fight terrorism Philips Jusario Vermonte, Researcher, Department of International Relations, Centre for Strategic and International Studies, (CSIS), Jakarta Two years have elapsed after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington D.C. During that time, several measures have been adopted in a concerted global attempt to combat international terrorism.

Balinese masseurs mix old and new therapy

Balinese masseurs mix old and new therapy Ni Luh Dian Purniawati, Contributor, Kuta As the sun rises, I Wayan Sudra prepares himself for the work day, although the clock has not yet struck seven. Someone has already been waiting a few hours outside Sudra's bale (bedroom). Within 15 minutes, Sudra is ready to serve his first client. He appears with a tender smile and approaches his guest. "Are you feeling better now?." The young man grins.

Honeymoon now over for busway

Honeymoon now over for busway Damar Harsanto and M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Less than a month since Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso launched the busway project on Jan. 15 -- after being showered with praise -- the "city's best bus drivers" are now at the receiving end of harsh criticism from the TransJakarta Busway Management and the Jakarta Transportation Agency for their "bad behavior and bad habits".

Conjoined twins separated in Yogyakarta

Conjoined twins separated in Yogyakarta YOGYAKARTA: Doctors at state-owned Sardjito Hospital here successfully separated on Wednesday 25-day-old conjoined twins Siti Maryati and Siti Maryani. The babies were born on Jan. 17. They were delivered by caesarean section at Margohusada Hospital in Wonogiri, Central Java. Their parents, Daryono, 27, and Luluk Kusnaini, 30, live in Pencil hamlet in Wonogiri.

Tangerang to have low-cost apartments

Tangerang to have low-cost apartments TANGERANG: Low-cost apartments will be built for the Tangerang municipality administration to rent out to accommodate people who live in flood-prone areas. Financed by the Ministry of Settlement and Regional Infrastucture, the apartments in Manis Jaya subdistrict, Jatiwangi, will be completed in February.

Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A monopoly watchdog has suggested that the General Elections Commission (KPU) consider repeating the ink tender due to the dubious financial capability of the final eight bidders. Monopoly Watch chairman Samuel Nitisaputra said on Saturday the KPU should keep the option for re-tendering wide open to avoid irregularities in the Rp 150 billion (US$17.7 million) tender.

ANN members meet Malaysian PM Abdullah

ANN members meet Malaysian PM Abdullah Members of Asia News Network (ANN), including The Jakarta Post's editor-at-large Sabam Siagian, met Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Tuesday in Kuala Lumpur to introduce their organization to the premier. The delegation was led by ANN acting chairman Ravindra Kumar from the Indian newspaper The Statesman.

N. Sumatra and Asahan Authority to save Lake Toba ecosystem

N. Sumatra and Asahan Authority to save Lake Toba ecosystem Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan, North Sumatra A memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed by the provincial government of North Sumatra and the Asahan Authority, to save Lake Toba in the province. Having signed the MOU, North Sumatra Governor T. Rizal Nurdin and head of the Asahan Authority Saut M.P. Hutauruk, said that the two institutions would help protect the environment and ecosystem of Lake Toba.

Presidential hopeful refuses hotel bill

Presidential hopeful refuses hotel bill PHILIPPINES: A fringe candidate in May's presidential election in the Philippines was threatened with arrest on Wednesday after refusing to pay a hotel bill for his campaign staff, police said. Eddie Gil, who is scoring less than 1 percent in opinion polls ahead of the May 10 vote, barred himself in his room when staff of the VIP hotel in this southern city summoned police to have him arrested.

1. FLU: 1 LINE, 35 COUNTS

1. FLU: 1 LINE, 35 COUNTS Indonesia bans chicken imports from U.S. 2. KL: 2 lines, 18 COUNTS Malaysia under fire at environment talks 3. PRESIDENCY: 1 LINE, 35 COUNTS Govt refuses to discuss presidency bill 4. HAMZAH: 2 LINES, 18 COUNTS Hamzah vows to stick to the (road) rules 5. PKPI: 1 LINE, 49 COUNTS Answer to country's woes 'lies in time-tested values'

Street named after PMI volunteer

Street named after PMI volunteer BOGOR: The Bogor administration named a major thoroughfare after volunteer Dady Kusumayadi of the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) on Wednesday, who died while evacuating landslide victims in Kampung Lengkong hamlet, Pasir Buncir subdistrict, Caringin, last year. Dady, or Bulldog to his close friends, died on Sept. 26, 2003, in an operation to dig out four illegal sand miners buried in a landslide. He was 32 years old.

BMW 730 Li on sale for those who want a taste of luxury

BMW 730 Li on sale for those who want a taste of luxury Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The party mood that filled the air at the beginning of this year was utilized by the German carmaker BMW to launch its latest 7 Series model, the four-door BMW 730 Li recently. PT BMW Indonesia used the party atmosphere, which included the provision of cigars and cognac, to officially launch the car here at a cafe in Kemang, South Jakarta.

Mohamad Abdun Nasir

Mohamad Abdun Nasir Leiden 2. yALE -- Headscarf ban misses the point 1 x 30 Headscarf ban misses the point Shada Islam Journalist Yale Center for the Study of Globalization Brussels

BALIAN 1x35

BALIAN 1x35 Balinese masseurs mix old, new therapy

Answer to country's woes lies in 'time-tested values'

Answer to country's woes lies in 'time-tested values' Rais Hidayat, Research and Development Unit, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta During the latter years of former president Soeharto's rule, it became apparent that a number of senior figures in the military were unhappy at his leaning toward politically aspiring Muslim groups.

Lawmakers urge free-trade zone status for Batam

Lawmakers urge free-trade zone status for Batam Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Lawmakers have criticized the government for being too slow in drafting a law on free-trade zone (FTZ) status for Batam, saying that further delays will harm the investment climate in the industrial island.

Thursday, February 12, 2004

Thursday, February 12, 2004 .TB.30" .90" TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Entertainment News: Selebrita 8:00 Music: Sik Asik 9:00 Entertainment News: Pro Biz 10:00 TV Drama: Nostalgia 12:00 p.m. Singing Contest: Konteswara 1:00 News: Berita Siang 2:00 Quiz 2:30 English News Service 3:00 Trend 4:00 City News 5:30 Comedy: Canda 6:00 TV Drama: Cinta Yang Ku Mau 7:00 News: Berita Nasional 8:00 Music 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 9:30 Music: Country Road 11:30 TV Drama: Klasik Kangxi 12:30 a.m.

The party's aims to build a nation that is just and united

The party's aims to build a nation that is just and united based on the supremacy of the law. Its mission includes defending the unitary state of the Republic based on Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution; struggling for a clean government which respects human rights, and a dignified nation in the international community with the ability to withstand global competition.

Change from within first

Change from within first From Republika Articles on Chinese-Indonesians recently published in Warta Kota daily suggest that Indonesian citizens of Chinese descent are still subject to discrimination in this country. As an example, they receive different treatment in processing documents like identity cards, birth and marriage certificates. In fact, the government from the period of BJ Habibie to the term of Abdurrahman Wahid improved the various regulations concerning Chinese-Indonesians.

Conference to discuss image of Islam

Conference to discuss image of Islam JAKARTA: The International Conference of Islamic Scholars, scheduled to take place on Feb. 23, 2004, will not only discuss religious issues, but the image of Islam in Indonesia. Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda said an appropriate image of Islam was needed to counter opinions that pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) were a breeding ground for terrorists.

Election violations increase

Election violations increase JAKARTA: The police recorded 15 cases of election violations in Jakarta, Tangerang, Bekasi and Depok, most of which were early campaigning. The latest figures showed an addition of seven cases within the last two weeks. "Of the 15 cases, we have submitted four to the Jakarta Prosecutor's Office," Jakarta Police detectives chief Sr. Comr. Mathius Salempang said on Wednesday, but refused to elaborate.

ADB signs $85m loan to help SMEs

ADB signs $85m loan to help SMEs Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Asian Development Bank (ADB), one of the country's major lenders, said on Wednesday it had signed a US$85 million export credit agreement with six local banks -- including Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) and Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI).

Ink bidders' funds doubted

Ink bidders' funds doubted Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Doubts over the financial capability of companies participating in the General Elections Commission (KPU)'s ink tender are looming large as the date for the commission to pick four winners is fast approaching. Secretary of KPU's ink tender committee H. A. Royadi said on Wednesday that the commission planned to sign contracts with the winners on Monday at the latest.

NGOs urge timber companies to pay their debts

NGOs urge timber companies to pay their debts P.C. Naommy The Jakarta Post Jakarta Environmental organizations and a corruption watchdog said on Wednesday they were giving 601 companies 30 days to pay reforestation funds and royalty arrears or they would announce their names to the public.

Telkomsel revenue up 47% to Rp 11t

Telkomsel revenue up 47% to Rp 11t JAKARTA: PT Telekomunikasi Selular Indonesia, or Telkomsel, the country's largest cellular phone company, Wednesday said 2003 revenue rose by 47 percent on year due to an increase in its subscribers base. Revenue last year rose to Rp 11 trillion (US$1.3 billion) from Rp 7.5 trillion a year earlier, Telkomsel spokesman Suryo Hadiyanto told reporters. The company's subscribers for the year rose 60 percent to 9.6 million from 6 million in 2002.

Call for Islamic coalition

Call for Islamic coalition From Republika My suggestion in 2001 that only one Islamic party should be set up received a muted response from the Muslim party elite. In 2003 I attended three meetings with Islamic and Muslim-based parties to voice the same aspiration, but failed to secure any follow-up while general elections were approaching. On Jan.

Tour de Langkawi cycling results

Tour de Langkawi cycling results JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia, Feb 11 (AFP) - Results from the Cycling Tour de Langkawi Sixth stage here on Wednesday, a 175.2km ride from Muar to Johor Bahru 1. Ivan Quaranta (Bra) Formaggi Pinzolo Fiave 3hrs 39mins 20secs 2. Luciano Pagliarini (Bra) Lampre s.t. 3. Ruben Bongiorno (Arg) Ceramiche Panaria-Margres s.t. 4. Gordon Fraser (Can) Health Net Pro s.t. 5. Eugene Moriarty (Irl) Ireland s.t. Overall 1. Marlon Perez (Col) 17hours 46mins 38secs, 2.

Nabiel loses case against BP Panture

Nabiel loses case against BP Panture M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Environmental protection efforts suffered a setback on Wednesday after the Jakarta State Administrative Court ruled in favor of the Jakarta Waterfront Development Board (BP Pantura) in its dispute against the State Minister of the Environment over a controversial land reclamation project for Jakarta's northern coast. The panel of judges ruled that Decree No.

Dossiers on BNI suspects completed

Dossiers on BNI suspects completed JAKARTA: The National Police submitted to the Jakarta Prosecutor's Office on Wednesday two files of dossiers on nine suspects in the Rp 1.7 trillion (US$200 billion) BNI scam, after more than five months of investigation. The dossier on former BNI Kebayoran Baru branch operational manager Nirwan Ali was revised after prosecutors deemed it incomplete early last month.

Govt refuses to discuss presidency bill

Govt refuses to discuss presidency bill Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Lawmakers' hopes of endorsing the presidency bill during their term dimmed after the government rejected on Wednesday the draft unless it is overhauled. Claiming that almost 70 percent of the draft contents are outdated and contradict the amended 1945 Constitution, the government said the bill should be dropped.

New calf brings hope to Sumatran elephants

New calf brings hope to Sumatran elephants ID Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya Staff members of the Safari National Park II in Prigen, East Java are rejoicing in the birth of a male Sumatran elephant (Elephas Maximus) calf. The calf was born at 9:45 a.m. on Monday to bull Subaru and cow Rahayu. He weighs 75 kilograms, and is 120 centimeters long and 90 centimeters tall.

Garuda Indonesia hurt by global uncertainties

Garuda Indonesia hurt by global uncertainties Dadan Wijaksana Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Citing unfavorable global conditions and stiffer competition at home, national carrier Garuda Indonesia's pre-tax profits in 2003 nose-dived by 76 percent from the previous year, it was revealed on Wednesday.

Govt awards WHO's SE Asia director

Govt awards WHO's SE Asia director JAKARTA: The government conferred on Wednesday the Satya Lencana Wirakarya medal on the World Health Organization (WHO) director for Southeast Asia, Uton Muchtar Rafei. The award, the highest in the health sector, was presented by Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Jusuf Kalla. Also attending the presentation was Minister of Health Ahmad Sujudi.

Bird flu outbreak impacts Asian politics

Bird flu outbreak impacts Asian politics Eric Teo Chu-cheow, The China Daily, Asia News Network, Beijing In Southeast Asia, avian or bird flu has infected poultry in five of the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations countries: Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Indonesia. A regional meeting convened by Thailand on Jan. 28 in Bangkok clearly highlighted the flu's "regional dimension" and the utmost necessity for regional co-operation and a regional approach in eradicating it.

Minister annoyed by worker extortion

Minister annoyed by worker extortion Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The extortion of Indonesian migrant workers when they returned home continued despite measures to curb the practice, the minister responsible for their welfare told a House of Representatives commission on Wednesday. Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Jacob Nuwa Wea expressed his frustration to the Commission VI on labor and social affairs, saying his efforts to stamp out the problem had proved ineffectual.

Deadline set for MOU with M'sia

Deadline set for MOU with M'sia 2. Ink (2x 14) Ink bidders' funds doubted 3. PMI (2 x 24) Red Cross appeals for safe access to Acehnese 4. WHO (2 x 20) Govt lacks money for bird flu campaign 5. SADAP (2X20) Diplomatic corps warned of wiretapping

Garuda hurt by global uncertainties

Garuda hurt by global uncertainties Dadan Wijaksana Rendi A. Witular The Jakarta Post Jakarta Citing unfavorable global conditions and stiffer competition at home, national carrier Garuda Indonesia's pre-tax profits in 2003 nose-dived by 76 percent from the previous year, it was revealed on Wednesday. Garuda President Indra Setiawan said that the company posted Rp 238.7 billion (about US$28 million) in pre-tax profits last year, a sharp decline from Rp 1 trillion booked a year earlier.

Tommy given pass for medical checkup

Tommy given pass for medical checkup M. Taufiqurrahman and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A team of 10 doctors at Gatot Subroto Army Hospital is expected to carry out a thorough medical checkup -- using state-of-the-art equipment -- on convict Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra, former president Soeharto's youngest son, on Thursday to determine the seriousness of his illness.

Reporters distribute meals to workers

Reporters distribute meals to workers BOGOR: In conjunction with the commemoration of the National Press Day, which falls on Feb. 9, reporters distributed food packages on Wednesday to railway workers, security guards at hospitals and Katulampa floodgate attendants. The coordinator, Daatje S. Achmad, said the workers "had sincerely helped the journalists in covering stories on floods and criminals". The event was also held in cooperation with the Bogor Institute of Agriculture. -- JP

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, February 12, 2004

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, February 12, 2004 .TB.30" 1.0" Exhibitions * Photographs featuring works by Indonesian noted photographer Rama Surya and William R Durman, Cottage Art, Jl By Pass Ngurah Rai 888XX, Pemogan, Denpasar, until Feb. 20. * Painting What is behind a Picture? at K. Sudana Gallery - Campuhan, Ubud. The exhibition will be opened by a performance by I Ketut Sugantika: Journey of a Pig, the exhibition continues until Feb. 29.

Bank interest and sharia

Bank interest and sharia From Tempo As the polemics on the ruling made by the Council of Indonesian Ulema (MUI) that bank interests are forbidden according to the Islamic law are intensifying, I have been prompted to comment as follows: I know for sure that MUI has competent people who are very knowledgeable about the Islamic law, especially in relation to economic matters.

House approves sales of Permata, other banks

House approves sales of Permata, other banks Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives finally approved on Wednesday the government's plan to sell a majority stake in Bank Permata and a minority stake in several other banks. Chairman of House Commission IX on financial affairs Emir Moeis said the commission approved the sale of a 71 percent stake in Permata, with 51 percent to be sold to a strategic investor and 20 percent to public investors.

Govt tries to stop Cemex exit

Govt tries to stop Cemex exit The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government said it will try to prevent Mexican-based cement giant Cemex SA from leaving the country by offering a settlement to resolve a protracted dispute over the company's investment in this country. "I cannot reveal what option the government will take now, because it is confidential.

Farmers refute governor's statement, have yet to receive compensation

Farmers refute governor's statement, have yet to receive compensation Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Fish farmers in Cilincing, North Jakarta, refuted Governor Sutiyoso's statement that the city administration had compensated them for the destruction of their ponds due to environmental pollution caused by a nearby dump. "We have not received any compensation. The administration hasn't even discussed it with us," farmer Edi Djubaedi told the press at his fish pond on Wednesday.

Painter Roedyat, a low profile eccentric

Painter Roedyat, a low profile eccentric Little did the Indonesian public realize that the country had lost one of its finest painters on April 8, 2002, when Roedyat Martadiradja died on that day at the age of 72. The public was not to blame because, despite his contribution to the treasury of Indonesian paintings, Roedyat did not like publicity about himself and never cared much as to whether his works were publicized by the media whenever he took part in an exhibition -- solo or group.

Court to open BRI graft case

Court to open BRI graft case BOGOR: The Bogor Prosecutor's Office filed a graft case involving the state-owned Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) with the Bogor District Court on Wednesday, in a case that has allegedly caused a total of Rp 93.5 billion (US$11 million) in state losses. "We received the dossiers from the Jakarta Prosecutor's Office on Jan. 19 and we just completed the prosecution papers," prosecutor Indrasyah said. The court will hold the trial later this month.

Pluit apartment tenants prepare to oppose eviction

Pluit apartment tenants prepare to oppose eviction Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Hundreds of tenants at city-owned, low-cost rental apartments in Pluit, North Jakarta, waited anxiously on Wednesday afternoon for their planned eviction by apartment operator PT Jakarta Propertindo. They had gathered in front of their apartment buildings since morning, gearing up for the arrival of security guards and public order officers who might arrive at any time. "We are ready to face them.