Archive: 19 February 2004
Showing 51-88 of 88 articles
Thu, 19 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
KL manufacturing sales surge
KL manufacturing sales surge KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian manufacturing sales in December rose 20.8 percent from the year-earlier period, official data showed on Wednesday, due to what economists called a "torrid pace of activity" in sales and output. The country's manufacturing sales rose to 30.8 billion ringgit (US$8.1 billion) in December, up 6.6 percent from the month before, the Statistics Department said in a statement.
Thu, 19 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Public services at haj terminal a disappointment
Public services at haj terminal a disappointment Multa Fidrus The Jakarta Post Tangerang Relatives of arriving haj pilgrims expressed disappointment over the poor facilities and services at the newly inaugurated Haj Terminal at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. The absence of an information counter and the unfriendly attitude of airport security officers contributed to their confusion when they picked up their relatives.
Thu, 19 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Navy ready to assist KPU
Navy ready to assist KPU SURABAYA: The Indonesian Navy is ready to aid the General Elections Commission (KPU) in distributing ballot boxes throughout the archipelago as the election draws near. Navy deputy chief Vice Adm. I Wayan Argawa said the Navy had readied a fleet of 36 ships and several aircraft for the task, and were waiting for word from the KPU. -- JP
Thu, 19 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
1. AUTONOMY: 48 pt, 4 cols, 2 x 24
1. AUTONOMY: 48 pt, 4 cols, 2 x 24 WB urges greater cooperation between central, local govts 2. PTDI: 36 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 28 Bandung court favors PTDI workers 3. CRIME: 30 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 27 Police hunt for perpetrators behind pornographic pictures 4. MADCOW: 28 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 36 Humans blamed for animal-related disease 5. TERROR: 28 pt, 5 cols, 1 x 47 Infrastructure investment key to tackling poverty: ILO
Thu, 19 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Legislators skip bill debate
Legislators skip bill debate JAKARTA: Many of the legislators deliberating the truth and reconciliation bill skipped the debate on Wednesday without explanation. Only 13 of the 50 members of the House Special Committee attended Wednesday's debate, despite claims by committee chairman Sidarto Danusubroto that 26 legislators signed the attendance sheet. No legislators from Vice President Hamzah Haz's United Development Party (PPP) showed up. There was no explanation for their absence.
Thu, 19 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Residents frustrated by services at haj terminal
Residents frustrated by services at haj terminal Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang Relatives of arriving haj pilgrims expressed disappointment over the poor facilities and services at the newly inaugurated Haj Terminal at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. The absence of an information counter and the unfriendly attitude of airport security officers contributed to their confusion when they picked up their relatives.
Thu, 19 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Ex-cops gets 2 years for bomb possession
Ex-cops gets 2 years for bomb possession M. Taufiqqurahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The South Jakarta District Court sentenced on Wednesday a former member of the Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) to two years in prison for explosives possession, a similar sentence to what the court handed down last week for his wife. Sahlan, alias Alan, 26, and wife Eni Budiastuti were charged for a foiled bombing attempt on the Jakarta Police headquarters.
Thu, 19 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
* Headlines: Humans behind mad cow disease, bird flu 2
* Headlines: Humans behind mad cow disease, bird flu 2 * National: Akbar case is over, experts say 4 * Archipelago: Kampar regent 'must go' 5 * Opinion: Behind the scenes of the busway project 6 * City: Services at haj terminal a disappointment 8 * Sports: Pantani died of cocaine overdose 9 * World: Child Wise regrets Bali child abuse report 11 * Business: Investors want higher gas output split 13 * Features: Sudimara, the other face of Bali 18
Thu, 19 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Fifteen years on Yogyakarta's Cemeti keeps art in the house
Fifteen years on Yogyakarta's Cemeti keeps art in the house Asip A. Hasani, Contributor, Yogyakarta While artists here have more commercial opportunities than before and the public is showing a greater appreciation of fine art, Yogyakarta's Cemeti Art House is one of the few galleries in the country that are not profit driven.
Thu, 19 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
AP;APS:
AP;APS: ANPAu..r.. AGlance-Malaysia-corruption Minister resigns over graft deal JP/11/J01 Minister resigns over graft deal MALAYSIA: A Malaysian minister has resigned after being charged with an illegal share deal, falling victim to a major anti- corruption drive launched by new Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Kasitah Gaddam, the land and cooperative development minister, handed in his resignation on Tuesday just before Abdullah left on an official visit to Iran.
Thu, 19 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
To punish or aquit
To punish or aquit From Koran Tempo The judges who sentenced Golkar Party leader Akbar Tandjung to three years in prison should protest the Supreme Court's decision to acquit him by resigning. It is worth noting that if Akbar Tandjung had been handed down a prison sentence, many of the high-ranking officials in the country would also have faced legal punishment, because of their wrongdoings in the New Order period.
Thu, 19 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Photos recount WWII horror
Photos recount WWII horror ================= Tantri Yuliandini The Jakarta Post Jakarta ----------------- A casual visitor might simply regard it as an odd assortment of black-and-white photographs of grim-faced, bare-chested, old men. But a closer look will award them greater insight; it is the story of war victims. Each of the 24 men in the photographs, displayed at the Erasmus Huis Dutch cultural center until the end of this month, has a profound, yet dreadful story to tell.
Thu, 19 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Golkar told to ensure fair convention
Golkar told to ensure fair convention Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A Golkar Party executive has called on the organizing committee of the party's convention and all six presidential candidates to maintain fairness in the next stage of the selection process of the party's presidential candidate.
Thu, 19 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Bandung court favors PTDI workers
Bandung court favors PTDI workers Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung A panel of judges at the Bandung District Court ruled on Wednesday in favor of the union at aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), which had filed a suit to stop the firing of more than 6,000 employees. The three defendants in the suit were the management of the ailing company, the Office of the State Minister for State Enterprises and the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA).
Thu, 19 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Akbar's graft case is over, legal expert confirms
Akbar's graft case is over, legal expert confirms Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has no authority to reopen the Rp 40 billion (US$4.7 million) graft case involving House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung, but could investigate possible collusion in that case's verdict, a lawyer said.
Thu, 19 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Lawmakers accept puzzling 'payments'
Lawmakers accept puzzling 'payments' Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung Several West Java legislative councillors have admitted to accepting Rp 10 million (US$1,200) each from the West Java Bank, which is owned by the provincial government. The payments, which were disbursed less than two months before the councillors end their five-year terms in April this year, are suspected to be severance bonuses for the councillors.
Thu, 19 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Agencies
Agencies Jakarta Indonesian shares closed 1.14 percent higher on Wednesday in heavy trade as blue chips resumed their advance and second-liners continued to draw speculative interest, dealers said. "It's mainly foreigners that are behind blue chips gains," Kuo Capital Raharja analyst Edwin Sinaga told AFP He said gains in blue chips like Indosat and Gudang Garam managed to sustain buying interest among second-liners.
Thu, 19 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Justice officials reject new head
Justice officials reject new head JAYAPURA, Papua: Dozens of civil servants at the Justice and Human Rights office here have protested for three consecutive days, demanding that the government cancel the appointment of Sukarno as the head of the office, as he was incapable of leadership. Sukarno has served three years as the head of Immigration at the office. Antonius, a protester, said Sukarno was incapable of recruiting and filling 31 Immigration posts when he led the section.
Thu, 19 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Thai Prime Minister admits army guns smuggled to Aceh
Thai Prime Minister admits army guns smuggled to Aceh Agencies Bangkok Hundreds of weapons smuggled into the war-ravaged Indonesian province of Aceh came from a Thai army arsenal, Thailand's prime minister admitted on Wednesday. Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra refused to say if corrupt army officials were involved in smuggling the stolen arms to Aceh rebels, or whether common criminals were responsible.
Thu, 19 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.
Thu, 19 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Sidewalk vendors get stiff fines
Sidewalk vendors get stiff fines BOGOR: Dozens of sidewalk vendors around Suryakencana market were apprehended on Wednesday and tried on the spot for violating Bylaw No. 1/1990 on public order. Public order officer Bugi Setianto said the 23 vendors were ordered to pay fines ranging from Rp 20,000 (US$2.4) to Rp 50,000. "Usually after the fines, the vendors will be gone for a while. If we find them here again, we will take away their merchandise," he said. Imam, who sells cassava fritters on Jl.
Thu, 19 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Japan finances voter education
Japan finances voter education JAKARTA: Japan has provided US$270,889 to four non- governmental organizations (NGOs) to finance voter education ahead of the 2004 elections. Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia Yutaka Iimura handed over the aid during a ceremony on Wednesday to representatives of Muhammadiyah Youth, Parwi Foundation, the Institute for Economy and Social Research, Education and Information, and the Indonesian Survey Institute.
Thu, 19 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Bankers expose weaknesses in government deposit insurance plan
Bankers expose weaknesses in government deposit insurance plan The Jakarta Post, Jakarta While generally acceptable in principle, the government- proposed bank deposit insurance law still contains weaknesses that could deal a serious blow both to the public and banking sector, top bankers have warned.
Thu, 19 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Policemen nabbed for extortion
Policemen nabbed for extortion TANGERANG: Tangerang Police arrested on Tuesday two of five police officers assigned to West Jakarta Police headquarters and a civilian on charges of extortion. Tangerang Police chief Sr. Comr. I Ketut Untung Yoga identified the three suspects as Brig. ANB Sulaiman, 42, Second Adj. Brig. Sunaryo, 48, and Untung Subandri, 40, a resident of Tanjung Duren, West Jakarta. The three other officers are still on the run.
Thu, 19 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
To punish or aquit,
To punish or aquit, a difficult decision From Koran Tempo The judges who sentenced Golkar Party leader Akbar Tandjung to three years in prison should protest the Supreme Court's decision to acquit him by resigning. It is worth noting that if Akbar Tandjung had been handed down a prison sentence, many of the high-ranking officials in the country would also have faced legal punishment, because of their wrongdoings in the New Order period.
Thu, 19 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia secures 18 Olympic slots: KONI
Indonesia secures 18 Olympic slots: KONI Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia has secured 18 slots in the Athens Olympic Games in August -- but still far from its targeted 50, said a national sports official.
Thu, 19 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
E. Timor security bleak: UNPKF
E. Timor security bleak: UNPKF KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: The United Nations Peacekeeping Force (UNPKF) in East Timor voiced its negative outlook over local security conditions after the UN mission withdrew on May 20, an Indonesian Military officer said on Wednesday. "The UNPKF is pessimistic after assessing reports on security in East Timor," said Col. Moeswardi Moesanip of the Wirasakti Military Command.
Thu, 19 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Unruly police to go to court
Unruly police to go to court JAKARTA: City Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Prasetyo said eight policemen had been named suspects for beating student protesters in front of the Supreme Court on Feb. 12 and would be taken to public courts for trial. The students were protesting during the reading of the Supreme Court's verdict on Akbar Tandjung's appeal.
Thu, 19 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Tennis fans' unruly behavior
Tennis fans' unruly behavior I was in a crowd cheering for the Japanese team in the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group I tie on Sunday, Feb. 8, the final day of a three-day series of matches against Indonesia. As a Japanese national temporarily resident in Jakarta, I have a mixed reaction to the results of the matches. I would like to say, "Congratulations, Japan," as well as, "Thank you for some exciting games.
Thu, 19 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Locals want Halimun park expansion revised
Locals want Halimun park expansion revised Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor Residents living at the foot of Mt. Gunung Halimun want the central government to exclude their homes and land from the plan to expand the Gunung Halimun National Park here. This demand was conveyed by dozens of residents representing the people of Lebak Banten, Sukabumi and Nanggung districts in Bogor, which are located near the national park, during a seminar on the ecosystem of the park on Tuesday.
Thu, 19 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Flooding spreads in Indramayu homes regency
Flooding spreads in Indramayu homes regency Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Indramayu, West Java Torrential rains that have pounded Indramayu regency since last week have caused massive floods in the area, inundating at least 10,000 hectares of paddy fields and at least 1,400 homes, mainly in Kandanghaur district. Various sources at the Indramayu administration said that the flooded paddy fields were scattered across 62 villages in 14 districts. The regency is comprised of 28 districts.
Thu, 19 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Sudimara village, the other face of Bali
Sudimara village, the other face of Bali R. Segara , Contributor, Tabanan, Bali The island of Bali always conjures up an image of an exotic holiday destination, with white beaches and spectacular views. In reality the island has many impoverished fishing villages where people rely not on tourist-related businesses but on low- paying jobs as fishermen or producers of dried fish. Sudimara village, Tabanan regency, is one such example.
Thu, 19 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Jombang market fire causes Rp 5b losses
Jombang market fire causes Rp 5b losses The Jakarta Post, Tangerang A fire that razed the Jombang traditional market in Ciputat, Tangerang, was estimated to have caused over Rp 5 billion (US$595,238) in losses to vendors, the market's boss said on Wednesday. Nuskah said 395 kiosks were burned in the fire, allegedly caused by an electrical short circuit. He called on the Tangerang Regency to totally rebuild the market because its fire-affected condition would endanger both traders and buyers.
Thu, 19 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Minister Syamsul pledges 'TVRI's neutrality in general election
Minister Syamsul pledges 'TVRI's neutrality in general election Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State television station TVRI will continue to maintain its neutrality when covering the elections, the state minister of communications and information assured the public on Wednesday. Syamsul Mu'arif said TVRI management had created a standardized coverage manual and a code of ethics for journalists to help them stay independent during both the legislative and presidential elections.
Thu, 19 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Walhi seeks boycott of RI timber
Walhi seeks boycott of RI timber Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) is seeking a worldwide boycott of Indonesian wood products, saying that over 70 percent of the country's logs come from illegal sources. Walhi director Longgena Ginting said a worldwide boycott would help save Indonesia's rapidly disappearing forests.
Thu, 19 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
SE Asian officials worry about oil production cuts
SE Asian officials worry about oil production cuts Associated Press Manila, Philippines Thailand and the Philippines expressed concern on Wednesday over recent reductions in world oil production, warning that further cuts could slow global economic growth. The two Southeast Asian countries said in a joint statement that they will push for creation of a regional petroleum hub to be used for stockpiling and distribution.
Thu, 19 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Musicians give Bali all that jazz
Musicians give Bali all that jazz Bali hosted last weekend an international jazz festival to enhance the people's appreciation of this musical genre. The event was jointly organized by the Jakarta Jazz Society, Metro TV and InterContinental Resort Bali, with support from the Bali Jazz Forum. For two consecutive days, on Feb. 13 and Feb. 14, jazz music lovers were entertained by stunning performances by local and foreign jazz musicians from the Netherlands, Japan and the Philippines.
Thu, 19 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
D-8 opens economic summit
D-8 opens economic summit Agencies Tehran The economic summit of Islamic states known as the Developing Eight countries (D-8) opened on Wednesday with leaders including Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri saying they would seek to strengthen cooperation and push toward creation of a common market. The D-8 member states are Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey.