Archive: 7 February 2004
87 articles found
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Three detained in pawn scam
Three detained in pawn scam JAKARTA: The police have detained two directors and a manager of state pawnshop PT Pegadaian in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, over alleged fraud which has caused Rp 5.5 billion (US$655,000) in state losses. National Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Basyir Barmawi told a media conference on Friday that the arrest of director DK, executive director KS and credit risk manager N, was based on an audit submitted by the Development Finance Comptroller (BPK) on Nov. 13, 2003.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Rini to rally int'l alliance ahead of WTO meet
Rini to rally int'l alliance ahead of WTO meet Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister of Trade and Industry Rini MS Soewandi will soon visit several countries of an agricultural alliance in anticipation of a possible World Trade Organization (WTO) meeting later this year.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Jamsostek to develop more trauma centers for workers
Jamsostek to develop more trauma centers for workers Ridwan Max Sijabat The Jakarta Post Pekanbaru, Rain State-owned insurance company PT Jamsostek is planning to help set up more trauma centers in industrial zones across the country to provide emergency medical treatment for workers. Jamsostek president Achmad Djunaidi said that although there were 24 trauma centers in the country, more were needed as the number of work-related accidents was so high.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
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Do Jakartans actually need more shopping centers? Iqbal Widastomo Researcher South-East Asian Division Global Link Business Consultancy London 2. Ali -- Is the "Busway" doomed to failure? 2 x 30 Is Jakarta's new busway system bound for glory or failure? M. Ali Transportation Researcher Cunningham Research Centre Manchester, United Kingdom
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Do Jakartans actually need more shopping centers?
Do Jakartans actually need more shopping centers? Iqbal Widastomo, Researcher, South-East Asian Division, Global Link Business Consultancy, London They are everywhere now in Jakarta! On every corner of the city there they are: massive and often overpowering in size, they are powerful presences in the city. They have changed the way millions live and they consume on a scale that should concern us all because it is unsustainable.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Bank Permata reports higher pretax profits
Bank Permata reports higher pretax profits The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bank Permata reported on Friday higher than projected pretax profits for 2003, on the back of higher interest earnings. The bank said in a report to the Jakarta Stock Exchange its unaudited profit before taxes last year was Rp 533 billion (US$63.45 million), much higher than the Rp 218.8 billion targeted in the bank's business plan for the year.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
1. Agus -- The cheapening of loyalty, Indonesian style
1. Agus -- The cheapening of loyalty, Indonesian style 1 X 38 The cheapening of loyalty, Indonesian style Aguswandi Researcher The Indonesian Human Rights Campaign (TAPOL) London 2. Rob -- RI-Australia museum exchange: A genuine good news story 1 X 48 RI-Australia museum exchange: A genuinely good story Rob Goodfellow Visiting Fellow Centre for Asia Pacific Social Transformation Studies University of Wollongong New South Wales, Australia sujoko@ozemail.com.au 3.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
KPU should popularize elections
KPU should popularize elections From Media Indonesia A survey conducted by Cetro, a non-government organization, has shown the greater part of the population remains uninformed about how to vote in the general elections, which will take place in less than 100 days. This lack of public knowledge is due to the low profile methods adopted to promote the 2004 election by the General Elections Commission (KPU).
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Powerful quake kills 23 people in Papua
Powerful quake kills 23 people in Papua Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura, Papua A powerful earthquake rocked the isolated town of Nabire in Papua province on Friday, killing at least 23 people and injuring hundreds of others with 33 of them sustaining severe injuries. The disaster forced panicky residents to flee their homes and camp out in the streets for fears of aftershocks.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Haj tragedies: Time for a look in the mirror
Haj tragedies: Time for a look in the mirror Azwar Hasan, Contributor, Jakarta As I took an early morning walk, I stopped to pick up the paper and was startled by the front-page headline: At least 244 pilgrims killed in stampede. How could it be happening again? My memory flashed back to the ghastly image of lifeless bodies of pilgrims, lying in the tunnel after what became known as the "Tragedy of Mina" in 1990. More than 1,400 pilgrims, mostly Indonesian, died in that terrible tunnel stampede.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Forecasts foment fear of elections
Forecasts foment fear of elections The most recent predictions on the upcoming general elections have not been good, and they will likely strike fear into the hearts of most people. Forecasts of the elections triggering riots, even a social revolution, cannot be ignored. Possible violence and chaos, which will disrupt the elections might stem from crimes, money politics, corruption, collusion and nepotism -- negative factors which continue to dominate Indonesian society.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Mahathir receives honorary doctorate from Unpad
Mahathir receives honorary doctorate from Unpad Riva Fadhillah, The Jakarta Post, Bandung, West Java Former Malaysian prime minister Dr. Mahathir Mohammad was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from Indonesia's state-run Padjadjaran University (Unpad) in Bandung, West Java on Friday, for his economic policies. Unpad Rector Yuyun Wirasasmita said Mahathir's economic policies had transformed Malaysia from an agricultural country to an industrial one.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
1. Agus -- The cheapening of loyalty, Indonesian style
1. Agus -- The cheapening of loyalty, Indonesian style 1 X 38 The cheapening of loyalty, Indonesian style Aguswandi Researcher The Indonesian Human Rights Campaign (TAPOL) London 2. Pro -- Childhood lost 1 X 30 Child workers: The loss of childhood Satyabrata Rai Chowdhuri Emeritus Professor India's University Grants Commission Project Syndicate 3. Ong -- Birdbrain leadership 2 X 21 Birdbrain leadership to blame for spread of bird flu Ong Hock Chuan Partner PT Maverick Solusi Komunikasi Jakarta
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Badawi puts his stamp on economy
Badawi puts his stamp on economy Eileen Ng, Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia's Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has stamped his mark on the economy in just 100 days in office, shifting away from mega projects and pledging to wipe out corruption to boost growth in one of Southeast Asia's leading economies. Since succeeding veteran strongman Mahathir Mohamad on Oct.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Presidency bill 'will reduce abuse of power'
Presidency bill 'will reduce abuse of power' Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Legislators and constitutional law experts have called on the President to quickly assign a minister to represent the government in the deliberation of the long-delayed presidency bill with the House of Representatives. They said the presidency bill should be finished before the presidential election in July in order to prevent the next president from abusing his or her power.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
KPU to be reported for fraud
KPU to be reported for fraud PALU, Central Sulawesi: An executive from the Pioneers' Party plans to report the General Elections Commission (KPU) of Donggala regency to police for fraud, involving the party's list of legislative candidates. Abdi, deputy chief of the party's Donggala chapter, said on Friday that the Donggala KPU had changed and deleted some candidates from the list without the party's knowledge. The list was submitted to the KPU on Dec. 29. "We will report the case ...
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Busway blamed for accident
Busway blamed for accident Damar Harsanto and Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta At least four accidents involving busway buses have occurred since the ambitious project was launched by Governor Sutiyoso on Jan. 15, with all of the collisions taking place at intersections where the busway lane opens up to regular traffic. All of the accidents took place in front of officers from the Trans-Jakarta Busway, the city transportation agency and the Jakarta Police traffic division.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
After box crisis, comes ink snag
After box crisis, comes ink snag Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Another problem may rise between the General Elections Commission (KPU) and the April 5 polls as a number of ink tender participants have asked for a delay in bidding and announcement of the winner. KPU member H.A. Royadi, secretary of the ink tender committee, said at least two consortia had officially, and others unofficially, requested a postponement of the bidding from the originally scheduled day on Monday.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
'Bribery still better than go to court'
'Bribery still better than go to court' Since the city administration enforced the new three-in-one traffic policy, hundreds of motorists have been ticketed. Under Law No. 14/1992 on highway traffic, offenders can be fined up to Rp 1 million (US$119). So far, the court has handed out light sentences, fining motorists only Rp 50,000. But some city residents The Jakarta Post spoke to said they would still rather bribe the police than go to court. Setio, 25, works for a software company on Jl. M.H.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Australia approves Medco's takeover bid
Australia approves Medco's takeover bid The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Publicly listed oil and gas company PT Medco Energi Internasional said on Friday the Australian government had approved its A$326 million takeover bid for Australian energy company Novus Petroleum Ltd. In a statement to the Australian Stock Exchange, Medco said the Australian government had no objection to the takeover plan, based on the Commonwealth Government's foreign investment policy.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Davis Cup
Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Zone Group II First round on Friday South Korea 2 Malaysia 0 Singles Hyung-Taik Lee (KOR) bt Dannio Yahya (MAS) 6-1, 6-0, 6-0 Hee-Seok Chung (KOR) bt Yew-Ming Si (MAS) 6-3, 7-5, 6-4 Uzbekistan 2 Taiwan 0 Singles Vadim Kutsenko (UZB) bt Liu Tai-wei (TPE) 6-0, 6-1, 6-1 Dmitriy Mazur (UZB) bt Chen Ti (TPE) 6-2, 6-4, 6-4 China 2 Philippines 0 Lu Hao (CHN) bt Johnny Arcilla (PHI) 7-5, 2-6, 6-1, 7-6 (7/3) Yu Xinyuan (CHN) bt Joseph Victorino (PHI) 6-1, 6-2, 6-1 (China lead 2-0)...
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Police raid small ecstasy lab
Police raid small ecstasy lab JAKARTA: Jakarta Police raided early Friday an ecstasy lab at a house on Jl. Kartini, Central Jakarta, confiscating four manual machines to produce ecstasy, chemical substances and 21 ecstasy pills of various colors. The police also arrested a woman named Sylvia, who was at the house. Police sources refused to explain the production capacity of each of the machines.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Bank divestment continues
Bank divestment continues The House of Representatives should approve immediately the government's request to sell its remaining stakes in four private banks that were nationalized at the height of the economic crisis in 1998. Additional divestment will not only help plug the big hole in the state budget, but will also speed up the restructuring of the banking industry ahead of the phasing out early next year of the government's blanket guarantee on bank deposits and claims.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Beng-beng makes money from rubbish to help the poor
Beng-beng makes money from rubbish to help the poor Fathuddin Muchtar, Contributor, Yogyakarta Compassion never turns a blind eye towards those who are in need. And compassion does not encourage one to wait until he or she prospers before they lend a hand. Bambang Sudiro has set an example of what one can do to improve the welfare of poor people. Bambang, or Beng-beng as he is fondly called, is not a rich man. He does not even have his own house.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
1. 5RIAU (4x12)
1. 5RIAU (4x12) Riau intent on putting a stop to unrestrained deforestation OR Riau to restrict forest concessions for sake of the environment OR Riau intends to restrict number of forest concessions, save environment Emergency schools for Egon victims Thai guns circulate in N. Sumatra: Police Toro vies for UN award OR Toro UN award contender
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
House mum on investigative audit for IBRA
House mum on investigative audit for IBRA Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representative needs to submit a formal request for the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) to conduct an investigative audit on the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA), says a senior audit official. BPK head Satrio "Billy" Budiharjo Joedono responded to journalists on Friday that the House had not made such a request, even though "reporters have repeatedly asked (about this issue)".
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
BMG warns of more storms, landslides, floods
BMG warns of more storms, landslides, floods The Jakarta Post Jakarta The Meteorology and Geophysics Agency (BMG) issued a public warning on Friday of more landslides and floods due to rainstorms that would fall until the end of this month, especially in the southern and eastern parts of the country.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Birdbrain leadership
Birdbrain leadership Ong Hock Chuan Partner PT Maverick Solusi Komunikasi Jakarta There are three simple steps to effective crisis management that government institutes ignore at the risk of losing their credibility: Respond quickly, tell the truth and make it right. The Indonesian government ignored all three with the bird flu outbreak.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
IBRA employees' severance pay
IBRA employees' severance pay From Koran Tempo The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) is making severance pay available for its 2,500 employees, worth half a trillion rupiah. Some 1,600 of its regular employees and 900 workers on a contract basis will be relieved of their jobs with the end of IBRA's assignment period on Feb. 27.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
The busway and tinted windows
The busway and tinted windows Seen from the bus riders' point of view, the busway project is a great idea. It is the only means of transportation that can take them from Blok M to Kota, and vice versa, without getting caught in traffic. Even for some who cannot get a seat during the ride, it is still pretty comfortable riding on an air-conditioned bus that runs along a traffic-free corridor. The busway is definitely a much improved ride.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
In Aceh, the price of loyalty to the unitary state of
In Aceh, the price of loyalty to the unitary state of Indonesia is not very expensive after all. It is equal to only the two cows and a small amount of cash given out by Aceh's governor, Abdullah Puteh, at each rally held to demonstrate the loyalty of Acehnese to the Republic of Indonesia. There is nothing extraordinary about bribery in Indonesia. It has long been a feature of society and will continue to be as it seems there is nobody who can stop it. But, in Aceh it has taken on a novel form.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Low-cost apartments only for ID-holders
Low-cost apartments only for ID-holders Dewi Santoso, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Evicted fishermen who do not possess Jakarta ID cards are not entitled to rent low-cost apartments in Muara Angke, North Jakarta, and are forced to return to their hometown in Indramayu regency, West Java.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Inco's 2003 profit tripled on higher nickel prices
Inco's 2003 profit tripled on higher nickel prices Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Publicly listed PT International Nickel Indonesia (Inco), a local unit of the world's second largest nickel company Inco Ltd., announced that its audited net profit more than tripled last year on the back of higher nickel output and price. In a report to the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) late on Thursday, the company said it had booked US$104.2 million in profit, up from $30.3 million in 2002.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
IBRA employees' severance pay
IBRA employees' severance pay From Koran Tempo The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) is making severance pay available for its 2,500 employees, worth half a trillion rupiah. Some 1,600 of its regular employees and 900 workers on a contract basis will be relieved of their jobs with the end of IBRA's assignment period on Feb. 27.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Police seize assets of firms involved in BNI scam
Police seize assets of firms involved in BNI scam Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Police have confiscated assets worth some Rp 1 trillion (US$125 million) of three firms implicated in the high profile Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) scandal, but their audited value is not yet known. "The estimated value of the assets of Gramarindo, Petindo and Mahesa is one trillion rupiah," National Police spokesperson Insp. Gen. Basyir Barmawi said here on Friday.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Malls for all?
Malls for all? Jakarta's income per capita is approximately Rp 30 million (around US$3,500) per year. Which explains why, relatively speaking, Jakartans have great purchasing power. That is the argument used by administration officials to legally allow the establishment of more and more malls, plazas shopping centers, or whatever they are called these days. Six proposals from investors to build more retail centers this year are indicative of the decision-makers' openness to new shopping centers.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Riau determined to curb illegal logging
Riau determined to curb illegal logging Ridwan Max Sijabat The Jakarta Post Pekanbaru, Riau Riau plans to review its forestry policy to curb rampant illegal logging, which contributes to regular flooding in the resource- rich province, its governor says. Governor Rusli Zainal said the number of forest concessions given to businessmen and timber companies was too high and out of proportion to the size of forests in the province.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
1. Agus -- The cheapening of loyalty, Indonesian style
1. Agus -- The cheapening of loyalty, Indonesian style 1 X 38 The cheapening of loyalty, Indonesian style Aguswandi Researcher The Indonesian Human Rights Campaign (TAPOL) London 2. Rob -- RI-Australia museum exchange: A genuine good news story 1 X 48 RI-Australia museum exchange: A genuinely good story Rob Goodfellow Visiting Fellow Centre for Asia Pacific Social Transformation Studies University of Wollongong New South Wales, Australia sujoko@ozemail.com.au 3.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Oil prices climb ahead of OPEC meeting
Oil prices climb ahead of OPEC meeting Agence France-Presse, London Oil prices pushed upwards again on Friday ahead of a meeting of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) cartel next week to discuss whether to cut output to prop up the market in anticipation of a season decline in demand. The price of a barrel of reference Brent North Sea crude oil for March delivery climbed 16 U.S. cents to US$29.43 in early trading here.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Unique concepts of the zero-sum game
Unique concepts of the zero-sum game Bennett Silalahi, Chairman, Center for Global Economic Studies, Jakarta What is a zero-sum game? The dictionary says it is a situation in which a gain by one is matched by an equal loss by another. This seems to be a universal phenomenon: A capitalist makes money at the expense of workers and/or customers. Money doesn't grow on trees, and they know this. Money grows from the pocket of consumers and the hardships of workers.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Govt nab suspect prostitutes
Govt nab suspect prostitutes BEKASI: Bekasi public order officers took 30 women into custody in the wee hours on Thursday on Jl. Juanda, Jl. Cut Mutiah and Jl. Ahmad Yani, suspecting them of soliciting for sex. The officers later released 18 of the women. "We released those who could produce their employee identification cards," head officer Hudoyo Saputro, explained. The remaining dozen were taken to the Palimanan Rehabilitation Center, Cirebon in West Java, he said.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Emergency schools for Egon victims
Emergency schools for Egon victims Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara The Sikka regency administration on Flores island said on Friday that they would build temporary schools for children currently languishing in refugee camps in Maumere town following the eruptions of nearby Mount Egon. Around 1,000 school-aged children were forced to abandon their studies almost two weeks ago, and many of them have exams in the near future, Sikka Regent Alexander Longginus said.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Schools for thought not just obedience
Schools for thought not just obedience Simon Marcus Gower, Executive Principal, High/Scope Indonesia, Jakarta "I can't believe it! Studying here is so enjoyable and I'm getting the best grades of my life." These are indeed positive and pleasing words to hear but sadly they are words of comparison between what a student has recently been experiencing in Malaysia and what she used to experience as a student in Indonesia.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Nusakambangan forests on the brink of destruction
Nusakambangan forests on the brink of destruction Agus Maryono and Amin A. Abdurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Cilacap, Central Java Most people might know Nusakambangan as a prison island with its maximum security lock-up for hundreds of hardened, dangerous criminals like former president Soeharto's son Tommy Soeharto. But only a few may be aware that the island has some rich low- land forests which are home to many kinds of species, including protected ones.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Terror suspects plan more attacks
Terror suspects plan more attacks JAKARTA: Prime Bali and Jakarta bombing suspects Dr. Azahari and Noordin M. Top, who are still at large, continue to plan more terror attacks in Indonesia, National Police Chief Gen Da'i Bachtiar said here on Friday. "I received information from sources in Malaysia that the prime suspects in the Bali and JW Marriott Hotel bombings still want to attack Indonesia, especially the National Police Headquarters," Da'i said.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
1. Agus -- The cheapening of loyalty, Indonesian style
1. Agus -- The cheapening of loyalty, Indonesian style 1 X 38 The cheapening of loyalty, Indonesian style Aguswandi Researcher The Indonesian Human Rights Campaign (TAPOL) London 2. Rob -- RI-Australia museum exchange: A genuine good news story 1 X 48 RI-Australia museum exchange: A genuinely good story Rob Goodfellow Visiting Fellow Centre for Asia Pacific Social Transformation Studies University of Wollongong New South Wales, Australia sujoko@ozemail.com.au 3.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Occupancy rate of hotels edges up
Occupancy rate of hotels edges up AMBON, Maluku: The occupancy rate of hotels in the Maluku capital of Ambon has shown significant increase since the lifting of the state of civil emergency in July 2003, a hotelier has said. "Ever since the government lifted the emergency status, hotels' occupancy rates have edged up from 30 percent to 60 percent," Thenny J Barlola, manager of Manise Hotel, said on Friday.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
City needs to enforce bylaw on fire prevention
City needs to enforce bylaw on fire prevention P.C. Naommy, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Fire has destroyed hundreds of houses across the city during the current wet season, mostly at night, raising concerns over just how safe our homes are. A housewife, Prima, 32, who lives in a housing complex in Tangerang admitted that a recent fire -- that took place in a housing estate and killed the occupants -- had alarmed her.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
China vaccine spark controversy
China vaccine spark controversy Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government's decision to allow the importation of avian influenza (AI) vaccine from China has sparked controversy in the poultry industry amid worries that the vaccine, reportedly still uncertified by international health agencies, could give rise to new diseases.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Local government to help logistics contingency plan
Local government to help logistics contingency plan Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Regional governments will also share the burden of emergency measures in anticipation of problems that may hinder the upcoming elections, Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno said on Friday.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Mega to attend Summit in Teheran
Mega to attend Summit in Teheran JAKARTA: President Megawati Soekarnoputri is slated to attend the D-8 Summit in Teheran, Iran later this month, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda said on Friday. He said that the President would leave on Feb. 17 as the summit would be held on Feb. 18. "It was actually Indonesian's turn to host the summit, but due to our tight schedule of events we asked Iran to take over the chairmanship," Hassan said after meeting the President.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
BMG warns of more disasters
BMG warns of more disasters The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Meteorology and Geophysics Agency (BMG) issued a public warning on Friday of more landslides and floods due to rainstorms that would fall until the end of this month, especially in the southern and eastern parts of the country.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Toro United Nations award contender
Toro United Nations award contender The Jakarta Post, Margaret Agusta, Contributor The Toro community of Central Sulawesi is among 26 finalists for the United Nations Equatorial Prize for environmental protection to be presented at the ongoing Conference on Parties 7th Convention on Biodiversity, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
LPG scarcity and Pertamina
LPG scarcity and Pertamina From Warta Kota Kerosene was recently scarce in Tangerang and Bekasi. Now liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is hard to find in both areas for no apparent reason. Its producer, PT Pertamina, should be able to explain. According to public observations, since its conversion into a limited liability company, PT Pertamina has tended to remain closed to society. Before the status change, it would always respond to consumer complaints at least through its spokesman.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Ali Alatas to leave for Myanmar soon
Ali Alatas to leave for Myanmar soon JAKARTA: President Megawati Soekarnoputri is sending special envoy Ali Alatas to Myanmar to seek further explanation on the ongoing democratization and reconciliation process in the neighboring country. Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda said on Friday that as chair of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Indonesia needed to keep abreast of developments in the military- ruled country.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Malaysia questions ramin report
Malaysia questions ramin report P.C. Naommy, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A senior Malaysian diplomat doubted the validity of a joint report released by local non-governmental organization Telapak and the London-based Environment Investigation Agency (EIA) on the smuggling of Indonesian ramin wood (Gonystylus bancanus), which is classified as endangered, to Malaysia.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Popularizing elections
Popularizing elections From Media Indonesia A survey conducted by Cetro, a non-government organization, has shown the greater part of the population remains uninformed about how to vote in the general elections, which will take place in less than 100 days. This lack of public knowledge is due to the low profile methods adopted to promote the 2004 election by the General Elections Commission (KPU).
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Muchtar Pakpahan tries again to win workers' support
Muchtar Pakpahan tries again to win workers' support Anton Doni, Head, Research and Development Unit, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Freedom of expression following the fall of the New Order government led to unprecedented strikes among civil servants, employees at state-owned companies, bank employees and other white-collar workers. Unions popped up everywhere, finally joining those developed since the 1980s in the manufacturing sector and others among blue-collar workers.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Hotels gear up for St. Valentine
Hotels gear up for St. Valentine YOGYAKARTA: February is upon us. Many consider this the month of love. And to participate in the amorous time, star-rated hotels here are offering various packages to celebrate the popular Valentine's Day. Five-star Melia Purosani Hotel, for example, is offering a Valentine's Package for Rp 980,000 net per room per night for the whole month of February.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Is Jakarta's new busway system bound for glory or failure
Is Jakarta's new busway system bound for glory or failure M. Ali, Transportation Researcher, Cunningham Research Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom The statement: "Traffic problems have just got much worse in Jakarta!" came from a person who has to travel from his home in South Jakarta to his place of work in an office tower on Jl. Thamrin in the center of the city. Naturally you would question his use of the word "just".
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Hippo dies in duel with son
Hippo dies in duel with son Dewi Santoso, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Ragunan Zoo in South Jakarta suffered a serious loss on Wednesday when one of its two hippopotami died in a fight with the other animal. Two days after the death, zoo veterinarian Wardani confirmed on Friday that the hippo named Omon died in a "common territorial fight with his son, Jacky".
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
PPIB brings fresh prospects to elections
PPIB brings fresh prospects to elections The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As a newcomer on the political scene, the New Indonesia Alliance Party (PPIB) has set out to garner the 3 percent electoral threshold necessary to proceed to the presidential election. While this may be a prudent first step to establishing its presence, it does not mean that they have no further ambitions nor the courage to drive them.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
We are not amused
We are not amused I must say, I fail to see The Jakarta Post's purpose in printing the article titled Sumatra cow almost jumps over the moon on Feb. 3, 2004 Not exactly news, nor was it amusing. If it was to show concern for animals, it hardly does that. Though it did point out how animals seem to certainly have the same horror of death as humans (which of course then makes it logical that most of their other emotions would be much the same).
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Poe approved to run for president
Poe approved to run for president PHILIPPINE: Election officials in the Philippines affirmed on Friday an earlier ruling that movie icon Fernando Poe is qualified to run for president, throwing out a petition to disqualify him on citizenship grounds. The Commission on Elections voted unanimously to deny a motion alleging that Poe, the front runner in opinion polls ahead of the May 10 election, is a U.S. citizen and thus barred by the constitution from standing.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
1. Jusuf -- Myanmar: Difficult road to reconciliation and
1. Jusuf -- Myanmar: Difficult road to reconciliation and democracy 2 X 23 Myanmar: Difficult road to reconciliation, democracy Jusuf Wanandi Member, Board of Trustees Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Jakarta 2.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Riau determined to curb illegal logging
Riau determined to curb illegal logging Ridwan Max Sijabat The Jakarta Post Pekanbaru, Riau Riau plans to review its forestry policy to curb rampant illegal logging, which contributes to regular flooding in the resource- rich province, its governor says. Governor Rusli Zainal said the number of forest concessions given to businessmen and timber companies was too high and out of proportion to the size of forests in the province.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Three detained in pawn scam
Three detained in pawn scam JAKARTA: The police have detained two directors and a manager of state pawnshop PT Pegadaian in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, over alleged fraud which has caused Rp 5.5 billion (US$655,000) in state losses. National Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Basyir Barmawi told a media conference on Friday that the arrest of director DK, executive director KS and credit risk manager N, was based on an audit submitted by the Development Finance Comptroller (BPK) on Nov. 13, 2003.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Military replaces its legislator
Military replaces its legislator JAKARTA: Maj. Gen. Willem T Da Costa, a legislator from the Military/Police faction, was officially replaced on Friday by colleague Maj. Gen. M. Ali Fathan as he is due to retire. The replacement took place at a modest ceremony headed by House Speaker Akbar Tandjung here. In his speech, Akbar said that the new legislator should quickly adapt to his role as a member of the House of Representatives.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah Rates Feb.6
Rupiah Rates Feb.6 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 6,819.90 6,053.93 6,470.90 6,402.69 Brunei dollar 1 5,277.12 4,684.74 5,007.08 4,954.63 Canadian dollar 1 6,691.09 5,941.26 6,348.68 6,283.54 Swiss franc 1 7,165.16 6,360.51 6,798.49 6,726.94 Danish krone 1 1,507.57 1,338.79 1,430.42 1,415.92 Euro 1 11,233.15 9,975.66 10,658.31 10,550.36 Poundsterling 1 16,406.25 14,569.17 15,566.69 15,408.50 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,151.38 1,022.60 1,092.46 1,081.51...
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
TV Today: Saturday, February 7, 2004
TV Today: Saturday, February 7, 2004 TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:30 Cartoon 10:00 TV Drama: Nostalgia 11:30 Battle of Wits 12:30 p.m. Music 1:00 News: Berita Siang 1:30 Documentary 2:00 Music 2:30 English News Service 3:00 TV Drama: Paviliun 21 3:30 City News 4:00 Film 6:00 Pesona Fisika 7:00 News 8:00 TV Series 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 9:30 Music 10:00 Indonesian Film 12:00 a.m. Shadow Puppet TPI 6:00 a.m.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Mining business help lift UT sales
Mining business help lift UT sales The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Publicly listed heavy equipment company PT United Tractor (UT) announced on Thursday that it booked slightly higher sales last year, contributed mostly by its mining businesses. In its report to the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX), the company said that its sales surged to Rp 6.89 trillion (US$820 million) from Rp 6.88 trillion last year, on the back of an increase in coal output and price.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Riau intent on putting a stop to rampant deforestation
Riau intent on putting a stop to rampant deforestation Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Pekanbaru, Riau Riau plans to review its forestry policy to curb rampant illegal logging, which contributes to regular flooding in the resource- rich province, its governor says. Governor Rusli Zainal said the number of forest concessions given to businessmen and timber companies was too high and out of proportion to the size of forests in the province.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
BMG warns of possible landslides, floods
BMG warns of possible landslides, floods The Jakarta Post Jakarta The Meteorology and Geophysics Agency (BMG) warned public on Friday of more landslides and floods due to rainstorms that would fall until the end of this month, especially in the southern and eastern parts of the country.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Art classes for kids begin
Art classes for kids begin YOGYAKARTA: The Yogyakarta Cultural Center (TBY) officially launched a program called Art for Children, which offers various arts and performances classes, especially designed for kids as early as kindergarten age up to junior high school. Head of TBY Suprapto said the free enrollment would begin on March 7 go every Sunday morning at the center's office on Jl. Sriwedani.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Faboulus Febi holds Japan to a 1-1 draw in Davis Cup
Faboulus Febi holds Japan to a 1-1 draw in Davis Cup Zakki Hakim and M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia held Japan to a 1-1 draw thanks to host's No. 1 Febi Widhiyanto, who defeated Gouichi Motomura in five sets in the second singles tennis match of the Davis Cup Asia Oceania Zone Group I tie here, on Friday. Febi's 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 7-5 victory at the Bung Karno Tennis Open Stadium put a dampener on the Japanese squad's excitement.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
RI-Australia museum exchange: A genuine good news story
RI-Australia museum exchange: A genuine good news story Rob Goodfellow Visiting Fellow Centre for Asia Pacific Social Transformation Studies University of Wollongong New South Wales, Australia sujoko@ozemail.com.au In The Jakarta Post article A Rosier Account of RI-Australia Relations, Jan. 25, 2004, Dewi Anggraeni, reviewed the publication, Australia and Indonesia, Partners in Development, ACFOA, Melbourne.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
City plans eviction in red light area
City plans eviction in red light area JAKARTA: Central Jakarta city officials are planning a mass eviction of residents in at least 886 houses on Jl. Kebon Melati, Tanah Abang, after neighbors complained the houses were being used for prostitution. Tanah Abang municipality deputy head Arifin MD said the city would provide Rp 500,000 (about US$60) each as compensation for evicted house owners. "The eviction is based on the Bylaw No.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Executive class bus to join busway
Executive class bus to join busway Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Just three weeks after the busway was launched on Jan. 15, the TransJakarta Busway management has said it plans to add executive-class buses and widen the corridor to allow for overtaking, which will impinge upon the rights of other road users. "The executive buses will need more space to pass the regular buses, because they will only stop at one designated shelter," management head Irzal Z. Djamal said on Friday.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
House tells govt to start deliberating 2005 budget
House tells govt to start deliberating 2005 budget The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government should begin discussing the 2005 state budget now as the new government, expected in October, would have little time to draft one, House of Representative legislators said. Based on the House's Internal Regulations, the state budget must be endorsed at least one month before its implementation in January. A new president is expected to take office on October 20, 2004.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Short circuits or wrong wiring?
Short circuits or wrong wiring? From Suara Karya An increasing number of buildings have caught fire in the city lately, which are widely believed to have been caused by short circuits. In the 1970s, I saw a film, Towering Inferno, depicting a big fire that consumes a high-rise building due to the wrong use of cables. The installation of cables of inappropriate diameters causes overloading of electricity and thus the conflagration. The building contractor, therefore, is to blame in the movie.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Unpaid workers arrested for stealing from factory
Unpaid workers arrested for stealing from factory Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang Tangerang Police arrested on Friday 10 workers of PT Starwin Indonesia, which produces Reebok shoes, including the company's union chairman and deputy chairman. Union chairman Nurhayat Santoso and deputy chairman Suwondo were arrested for provoking workers to hold a massive strike between Dec. 23 and Dec. 30 last year. Both have been questioned by the Tangerang Police but remain free.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Slovakia to have Hyundai Motors plant
Slovakia to have Hyundai Motors plant SEOUL: Kia Motors Corp., controlled by South Korean auto giant Hyundai Motor, has made a tentative decision to build a 1.5 billion-dollar factory in Slovakia, rather than in Poland, a news report said on Friday. Slovakia is offering more favorable terms, such as wages 10-20 percent lower, than Poland, the Seoul-based Mail Business Newspaper reported, citing an unnamed Hyundai Motor official.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Turk named suspect in theft
Turk named suspect in theft MEDAN, North Sumatra: After two days of investigation, Turkish national Sensettin, 31, was named a suspect on Friday by Medan Police and was charged with hypnotizing and robbing a local resident. Adj. Comr. Maruli Siahaan, Medan Police chief of detectives, said the case began when Sensettin, along with his wife and a friend, dropped by pet shop Sumber Ternak Makmur Shop on Jl. Pinangbaris, Medan Sunggal, on Wednesday.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
* Headlines:Moscow blast kills 39, Putin blames rebels2
* Headlines:Moscow blast kills 39, Putin blames rebels2 * National:Police seize assets of firms involved in BNI scam 4 * Archipelago: Riau intent on putting a stop to deforestation5 * Opinion: Do Jakartans actually need more shopping centers?6 * City: Busway blamed for accidents8 * Sports:Hewitt helps Australia draw level with Sweden 10 * World:Sharon seeks U.S.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Tribes involvement in conservation sought
Tribes involvement in conservation sought Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government should recognize the rights of tribal communities to manage natural resources in Indonesia's conservation areas, an environmental forum said. The Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) said it knew of many tribal communities who were evicted from and had no access to conservation areas despite having lived in them for a long time. The government regarded the tribes as a threat, it said.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Thai guns circulate in North Sumatra: Police
Thai guns circulate in North Sumatra: Police Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan, North Sumatra A Thai criminal syndicate is believed to be smuggling large quantities of firearms into North Sumatra through seaports across the province, police said on Friday. Provincial police chief Insp. Gen. Edi Sunarno said his office knew of at least 91 AK-47 and M-16 rifles recently smuggled into Indonesia. Thirty-five of the guns were still believed to be circulating in North Sumatra, he said.
Sat, 07 Feb 2004, 00:00 WIB
Councillor reported for bigamy
Councillor reported for bigamy PEKANBARU, Riau: Zanzibar Nong, deputy speaker of the Riau provincial council, has been reported to police for tying the knot with Elinar, 45, the wife of local resident Tengku Indra Kusuma. Indra, in a press conference held on Friday, said he had filed the report on Thursday. "The marriage is illegal because Elinar is still married to me," he told reporters, accompanied by his lawyer Aswar HS.