Archive: 16 February 2004
Showing 1-50 of 80 articles
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Parties urged to teleconference
Parties urged to teleconference INDRALAYA, South Sumatra: The chairman of the University Rector Assembly, Radi A. Gany, said on Sunday political parties could more effectively campaign for the upcoming elections is they employed video teleconferencing. By using this technology, campaign stops could be conducted simultaneously at several different locations, he said.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Airlines companies keep prices low to survive
Airlines companies keep prices low to survive P.C. Naommy,The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The country's airline companies have been cutting fares to record lows to survive amid fiercer competition, in what one analyst described as a price war that would eventually hurt the overall industry. But airline operators dismissed such a bleak projection, as they expect air fares to increase in the high season in the second half of the year.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
TV Program: Monday, February 16, 2004
TV Program: Monday, February 16, 2004 TVRI .TB.30" .90" 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Entertainment News: Selebrita 8:00 Music: Sik Asik 9:00 Entertainment News 10:00 TV Drama: Kabayan 12:00 p.m. Singing Contest: Konteswara 12:30 Jakarta Jakarta 1:00 News: Berita Siang 2:30 English News Service 4:00 News 5:30 News: Info Pemilu 7:00 News: Berita Nasional 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 9:30 Traditional Comedy Srimulat 10:30 Talk Show: Mimbar Indonesia 11:30 Judge Bao 12:30 News TPI 6:00 a.m.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Govt to build more overpasses
Govt to build more overpasses TANGERANG: Tangerang regent Ismet Iskandar said his office will soon construct overpasses in Ciputat and Balaraja to ease heavy traffic, and that Rp 29 billion (US$3.4 million) from the regental budget had been earmarked for the project. "We will also have additional funds from investors and Banten province ... part of the budget can be used to restore schools and for health services," he said as quoted by Tempo News Room.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
KPU bans mass gatherings before campaign season
KPU bans mass gatherings before campaign season Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After a prolonged deliberation the General Elections Commission (KPU) has issued a clarification of a law that bans political parties and their candidates from early campaining before the official start date of March 11. The guidelines were issued to clarify Law No. 12/2003 on the general elections. The law carries a maximum penalty of three months imprisonment and/or a Rp 1 million (US$120) fine.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
2,000 residents leave Nabire
2,000 residents leave Nabire JAYAPURA, Papua: At least 2,000 residents of quake-hit Nabire have left the town to find more suitable shelter elsewhere in Papua or outside the province, according to witnesses. Many residents have left Nabire because of continuing aftershocks and also because of the threat of disease. "Living in tents leaves people vulnerable to disease. Also, there are still aftershocks, so we decided to leave Nabire," said Wirda Fakaubun, a local resident, on Saturday.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Malaysia, RI should join in tackling wood theft
Malaysia, RI should join in tackling wood theft Julian Newman and Hapsoro, Jakarta You could be forgiven for never having heard of ramin. This blond tropical timber is only found in the swamp forests of Indonesia and Malaysia, and as its use is limited to a relatively small number of products, such as picture frames and pool cues, it is nowhere near as well known as more familiar timbers like teak and mahogany.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Dengue cases in Jakarta increase by over 200%
Dengue cases in Jakarta increase by over 200% Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta At least 16 people have died and 2,046 others have fallen sick from dengue fever since the beginning of this year, according to the Jakarta Health Agency, which warned that the number of dengue fever cases was three times higher compared to the same period last year. Agency head Abdul Chalik Masulili said that last year only four people died of dengue fever over the same period.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
1. AIR TICKET: 48 pt, 4 cols, 2 x 24
1. AIR TICKET: 48 pt, 4 cols, 2 x 24 Airline companies keep prices low to survive 2. MALAYSIA: 32 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 22 Row grows over Malaysia nuclear weapon link claim 3. PNI: 30 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 27 Another of Sukarno's daughters joins the campaign trail
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Muhammadiyah defends its support for Amien
Muhammadiyah defends its support for Amien A. Junaidi, The Jakarta Post,Jakarta In face of fierce criticism from many sides, Muhammadiyah, the country's second largest Muslim organization, has defended its endorsement to National Mandate Party (PAN) Chairman Amien Rais in the upcoming presidential election for what it called as strong commitment to reform and fight against corruption.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
New York Court rules in favor of Asia Pulp and Paper
New York Court rules in favor of Asia Pulp and Paper Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The New York Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the Asia Pulp and Paper Company (APP), denying a motion by its United States creditors aimed at supporting a previous ruling on collateral rights and halting the current litigation process in Indonesia. Judge Helen Freedman said in the final disposition signed on Feb. 5, that APP had already disclosed that any judgment obtained by creditors from a U.S.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Tanah Abang collapse victim buried
Tanah Abang collapse victim buried JAKARTA: Iwan, who was killed in the collapse of a wall in Blok A of the Tanah Abang textile market on Saturday, was buried in Brebes, Central Java, on Sunday. Two other construction workers who were injured in the incident remained at the city-run Tarakan Hospital in Central Jakarta. One of the workers, Dapan, is being treated for a concussion, while the other, Rasan, is hospitalized with a skull fracture.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Deadlock over price delays ballot printing
Deadlock over price delays ballot printing Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The General Elections Commission (KPU) and the ballot printing consortium failed on Saturday to reach an agreement on the price of the contract, threatening preparations for the general elections, which are now just 49 days away. The KPU has rescheduled the start of the ballot printing to Feb. 16, but the tender consortium warned the job might only commence on Feb.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
House refuse to revise presidency bill alone
House refuse to revise presidency bill alone Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives (DPR) will not succumb to pressure from the government for it to revise the bill on presidency, a senior lawmaker says. "The President should just assign a minister as soon as possible to start the deliberation and explain the government's objection during the debate," the House's Legislation Body (Baleg) chairman Zain Badjeber told The Jakarta Post on Sunday.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Parties told to stay committed to reform
Parties told to stay committed to reform Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta As rivalry is intensifying ahead of the elections, political groups need to uphold ethics as their reference, otherwise the country will fall into disintegration, a group of national figures has said. The group purported this view in a joint communique they signed after a discussion here on Saturday.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Pertamina sees huge profit from Pertamax, Pertamax Plus
Pertamina sees huge profit from Pertamax, Pertamax Plus The Jakarta Post Jakarta State-owned oil and gas company PT Pertamina expects huge profits from its special Pertamax and Pertamax Plus fuel products as demand rises. "The prospects are quite good, and looking ahead we want (these products) to become the backbone of Pertamina's revenue," said company spokesman Hanung Budya on Saturday. He said that when Pertamax was first introduced in 2002, demand was only about 300 kiloliters per day.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
600 U.S. troops arrive in RP
600 U.S. troops arrive in RP PHILIPPINES: Six hundred U.S. troops arrived at the former American naval base at Subic Bay in the Philippines on Sunday to take part in joint military exercises, the Philippine military said. The group is an advance party for the force of 2,500 U.S. troops who will take part in the training exercises with some 2,300 Filipino soldiers until March 7, said Brig. Gen. Rafael Romero. The troops belong to the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force based in Okinawa, Japan.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
President gives award to puppeteer
President gives award to puppeteer SOLO, Central Java : A senior puppeteer from Wonogiri, Central Java, Ki Warsino Guno Sukasno, received the Satya Lencana Kebudayaan medal from President Megawati Soekarnoputri on Saturday for his unceasing dedication to puppetry. Ki Warsono, the only Surakarta-style puppeteer still alive, has taught many younger puppeteers his techniques. His students include the famous Ki Manteb Sudharsono, Ki Anom Suroto and Ki Jlitheng Suparman.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Religion and economic development
Religion and economic development Muhamad Ali, Lecturer, The State Islamic University (UIN) Sharif Hidayatullah, Jakarta The New York Times recently reported about two Harvard scholars who found that religion is not an impediment to economic development, after analyzing data collected in 59 countries between 1981 and 1999.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Civilians get 20 years for Papua
Civilians get 20 years for Papua Arsenal thief escapes Wamena penintiary in Papua Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura, Papua The Wamena District Court sentenced on Tuesday two civilians to 20 years in prison each for their roles in breaking into a military arsenal in Wamena last year and stealing rifles and ammunition. The two, among seven defendants in the case, were identified as Kimanus and Des Wenda. Iwan K.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
New currency swap scheme proposed
New currency swap scheme proposed TOKYO: Japan will propose a new currency swap framework with its Asian neighbor countries to avert a financial meltdown in the region, a daily said on Saturday. Japan plans to make the proposal in May, when finance ministers of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as well as China and South Korea meet, the Asahi Shimbun said.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Asian badminton teams to battle for spots in Thomas, Uber cups
Asian badminton teams to battle for spots in Thomas, Uber cups Agence France-Presse Kuala Lumpur The Asian zone qualifiers for the Thomas and Uber cups get underway Monday at the Kuala Lumpur Badminton Association with five places for the Thomas Cup and four spots for the Uber Cup up for grabs. The best of Asia will be on parade to fight for a place in the inter-team event which is widely acclaimed as the world championships.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Woman detained for shoplifting
Woman detained for shoplifting TANGERANG: Security guards at Hero supermarket in Cilegon, Banten, caught a woman on Thursday who had hidden various merchandise inside her handbag, including a 800-gram packet of instant milk. The security guards also found 17 bottles of baby oil, 24 medium-sized deodorant sticks, four bottles of body lotion, five packs of face cream, and six cartons of tonic Irex inside the bulky bag.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Religious harmony law
Religious harmony law 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.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Frans Surdiasis, Research and Development Unit,
Frans Surdiasis, Research and Development Unit, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Three daughters of the country's founding father, Sukarno, have now entered the political arena. The victory of Megawati Soekarnoputri and her party in the 1999 elections, and subsequent criticism of her presidency, has inspired her sisters to seek a voice in politics. Megawati's youngest sister, Diah Mutiara Sukmawati Soekarnoputri, now leads the Marhaenisme Indonesian National Party (PNI Marhaenisme).
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
City to have new int'l school
City to have new int'l school Dewi Santoso, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jakartans are soon to have another option for their children's education, with the Singapore International School to open in North Jakarta in July. A member of the school's board, Osman Aman, said on Saturday that a number of parents had already expressed interest in the school. "Many people, particularly in North Jakarta, are interested in enrolling their children... There's a high demand," he told The Jakarta Post.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Concert costly and brief but Mariah still charms
Concert costly and brief but Mariah still charms Hera Diani , The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The poor had the last laugh on Sunday as pop diva Mariah Carey wrapped up her concert here in only one hour, leaving dozens of fans who had paid up to Rp 1.7 million (US$212) for tickets -- almost three times the capital's minimum wage -- disappointed. Other ticket prices were between Rp 500,000 and Rp 1.35 million.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian stocks seen moving slightly higher this week
Indonesian stocks seen moving slightly higher this week Agence France-Presse Jakarta Indonesia's stock market is expected to continue its rise this week after climbing 1.87 percent in the past week, an analyst said on Friday. "For this week, we anticipate the market to go up slightly due to attractive prices of some blue chip stocks," said BNI Securities analyst Norico Gaman.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
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.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Three-in-one bothersome
Three-in-one bothersome From Bisnis Indonesia The Jakarta city administration is now enforcing its three-in- one policy that requires that a car must carry a minimum of three passengers to be able to pass certain streets during certain hours in the morning and afternoon. Regarding this policy, I have had a bothersome experience traveling in Jakarta. It is understood that the slow lane in the street going from Jl. Gatot Subroto towards Jl. Jend.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Terms of reference for ethnic Chinese
Terms of reference for ethnic Chinese From Media Indonesia Suhento Liaw's recent article published in Media Indonesia on the terms of reference for the ethnic Chinese in Indonesia is nothing new, as the controversy emerged as far back as the 1920s. One of the books on ethnic Chinese affairs, written by Yunus Yahya (The Diary of an Indonesian Citizen), is relevant here.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Cimone closure worsens traffic
Cimone closure worsens traffic TANGERANG: The closure of Cimone bus terminal has worsened traffic in Tangerang with public minivan drivers now picking up passengers on crossroads instead of at the new Poris Plawad bus terminal, Antara reported on Saturday. The angkot (minivans) were seen queueing around the crossroads of Jl. Teuku Umar and Jl. Imam Bonjol, and of Jl. Proklamasi and Jl. Beringin to wait for passengers.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Jakarta still far from a city of fashion
Jakarta still far from a city of fashion T. Sima Gunawan Contributor Jakarta Fashion is Paris, New York and Milan. These are the three cities people all over the world refer to when they talk about the hottest new clothes. What about Jakarta? "No way," you might say. But why not? Jakarta has many talented fashion designers and Indonesia is rich in culture that could become a never-ending source of inspiration.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Media, parties agree to promote peaceful poll
Media, parties agree to promote peaceful poll Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post, Makassar, South Sulawesi Representatives of the media and political parties in South Sulawesi province agreed on Saturday that they would help spurn violence in the upcoming elections. The agreement was voiced by the members of the Alliance of Independence Journalists (AJI), the Media Coalition for Free Elections, the Partnership for Governance Reform and several political parties, including the Merdeka Party.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
'Chess queens' revel in Indonesia tour
'Chess queens' revel in Indonesia tour Musthofid The Jakarta Post Jakarta Three top international women chess players say they are relishing their tour of Indonesia and are excited about playing in the US$12,500 Makita-Lakoni International Grand Master tournament, which starts here on Monday. The six-way tournament will begin its 10-day competition at the Graha Kita Karya building in North Jakarta, pitting the woman against three Indonesian men.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
New HP Pavilion PC designed for digital geeks
New HP Pavilion PC designed for digital geeks Zatni Arbi, Columnist zatni@cbn.net.id My wife has been a happy user of an HP Pavilion 9850 desktop computer for a couple of years. The only component that I ever had to replace was the power supply, and that was because I failed to immediately replace the battery inside the Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) that I was using for this PC.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
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.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Manila's peace talks with MILF postponed: Talks being brokered by
Manila's peace talks with MILF postponed: Talks being brokered by Malaysia to settle a decades-old Muslim separatist uprising in the southern Philippines have been postponed, officials said on Sunday. The exploratory talks between Philippine government negotiators and the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Monday and Tuesday in Kuala Lumpur have been reset to a later date, Defense Secretary Eduardo Ermita said. Officials gave differing reasons for the delay.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Exploring the fashion world at local boutiques
Exploring the fashion world at local boutiques Debbie A. Lubis Contributor Jakarta It was a cool afternoon when a couple with discerning taste, browsed around Oscar Lawalata's collection at Centro, Plaza Semanggi in Central Jakarta. After several minutes of scrutiny, the couple decided to buy a two-piece collection of that young local designer. "I always admire Oscar's chic and feminine style and I want my lady to wear this dress at our Valentine's dinner," said Ando, a young executive.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Thousands of WB cows disappear
Thousands of WB cows disappear PALU, Central Sulawesi: At least 2,000 cows, raised by farmers in Poso and Morowali regencies under a World Bank (WB) assistance program, have reportedly disappeared over three years of religious conflict since 1999, an official said on Saturday. "As of 2003, not a single cow has been found from our field survey," head of the Palu agriculture, plantation and poultry office Abdul Rauf Toramai said.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Professional standard a must: Govt
Professional standard a must: Govt JAKARTA: Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Jacob Nuwa Wea underlined on Saturday the importance of adopting international professional standards. "We have not yet developed competence standards that should be applied at any work field," Nuwa Wea was quoted by Antara.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Akbar's acquittal spurs call for control of court
Akbar's acquittal spurs call for control of court Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta While the release of Golkar Party chairman Akbar Tandjung from corruption charges will soon become a past issue, the country badly needs a judicial commission to ensure the rule of law and a sense of justice, a former Supreme Court judge says.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
'Many break rules for personal reasons'
'Many break rules for personal reasons' Vice President Hamzah Haz publicly apologized for using the busway lane on his way to the office and has even vowed to stop at traffic lights despite his law-given privileges to break traffic rules. The Jakarta Post asked to some residents whether state officials really deserved such privileges. Teguh Susilo, 43, is an employee of a private company on Jl. Sudirman, Central Jakarta. He lives on Jl.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
On crooked politicians
On crooked politicians From Gatra In the period of reform no significant political change was introduced because the majority of politicians were perceivably exponents of the New Order. Even some newcomers in politics also have the vision and mission of the old regime. Worse still, New Order figures are already enjoying the gains of graft practices. For decades now they have appeared as candidates for national and regional legislative positions, even for presidency.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Hari urged to step in on Kampar case
Hari urged to step in on Kampar case Haidir Anwar Tanjung, The Jakarta Post, Pekanbaru, Riau Riau Governor Rusli Zainal said on Sunday he could ask Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno to intercede in the dispute between Kampar Regent Jefri Noer and thousands of teachers and students who are demanding the regent's resignation. Despite the increasingly strident demands for his resignation, Jefri is adamant that he will not step down.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Stronger market trust
Stronger market trust It is now almost seven weeks since the government has managed the economy without the direct supervision and balance-of- payments support from the International Monetary Fund; and market trust in both fiscal and monetary management has increased steadily. This positive development can be seen in the steady appreciation of the rupiah and the reduced volatility of its exchange rate.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Yudi still being treated
Yudi still being treated Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Parents of Yudi Susanto, a student of the Jakarta State University (UNJ) injured in Thursday's demonstration outside the Supreme Court building, have entrusted all matters regarding the incident, including a lawsuit against the police, to the UNJ Student Executive Body (BEM).
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Traffic In Jakarta
Traffic In Jakarta Traffic in Jakarta is characterized by heavy congestion and disorderliness. Too many vehicles are on the streets and roads today. The Jakarta administration's three-in-one policy, stipulating that on certain streets, a car must carry at least three passengers, has now been expanded and extended, so that it is enforced during rush hour -- both morning and late afternoon -- to accommodate the operation of the busway system.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Experts say busway project has failed
Experts say busway project has failed Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After a full month of the busway's operation, some transportation experts said the project was a failure because of poor planning and unfocused implementation. An urban transportation expert at the University of Indonesia, Jack Sumabrata, said on Sunday he doubted the busway would be successful because the city administration did not have a well thought out plan or a clear direction for implementing the project.
Mon, 16 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Utut sees way to victory in blindfold chess game
Utut sees way to victory in blindfold chess game Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta GM Utut Adianto of Indonesia overpowered his female counterpart, world champion GM Zhu Chen of China, in a blindfold chess exhibition here on Sunday that was a prelude to the Makita- Lakoni International Grand Master chess tournament. Utut chalked up a crushing win in each of the two games at the Graha Kita Karya building in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta.