Archive: 1 March 2004
73 articles found
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
European Union to help refugees in Maluku
European Union to help refugees in Maluku Muhammad Azis Tunny The Jakarta Post Jakarta The European Union (EU) will donate funds to help refugees in Maluku and North Maluku to return home or resettle to other areas. The funds will be disbursed soon after the two provinces submit their proposal to the EU headquarters in Belgium, said a local official. Ambon mayor M.J.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
CHECKED BY CHRIS
CHECKED BY CHRIS Bali spoils you with a myriad of trendy souvenirs Pratevi Devi Contributor Denpasar, Bali Whether you're talking about handicraft, handmade fabric, or decorative ceramics, stoneware, bamboo or woodwork, Bali provides you with endless choices. Every day, talented artists, artisans and craftsmen produce innovative items to jazz up the interior of your home.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
* Headlines: Corruption threatens Indonesia's defense system 3
* Headlines: Corruption threatens Indonesia's defense system 3 * National: House finishes revising judicial laws 4 * Archipelago: More home-made bombs found in Poso 5 * Opinion: Elections: Civilian vs. military nationalism 6 * City: 23 on death row in Tangerang 8 * Sports: Defending champ Woods enters final against Love 9 * World: Iraqi leaders struggle to complete basic law 11 * Business: Indonesian tourism lacks promotion 13 * Features: Umar Said voices media concerns 20
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
RI tourism industry lacks promotion, not security
RI tourism industry lacks promotion, not security Indonesia's tourism and hospitality industry has been trying to get back on its feet after several consecutive blows, starting with the 2002 Bali bombing incident, followed by SARS, the Marriott bombing and enactment of the visa-on-arrival policy. However difficult, some players have absolute confidence that the industry has rebounded and the climate has begun to improve.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Indofood profit plummets by 25 percent
Indofood profit plummets by 25 percent The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The world's largest instant noodle maker PT Indofood Sukses Makmur announced over the weekend that its audited net profit last year declined by 25 percent, mostly because of an increase in interest expense, financing charges and foreign exchange losses.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Semen Padang to build new plant
Semen Padang to build new plant Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta PT Semen Padang, the West Sumatra unit of the country's largest cement maker PT Semen Gresik, plans to construct a new cement plant, starting next year, to anticipate future rising demand. In its recent report to House of Representatives Commission V for trade and industry, the state-owned company said that the plant was estimated to cost US$345 million, with a construction period of around 36 months.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
"Cici and Koko" finalists to compete
"Cici and Koko" finalists to compete JAKARTA: The committee of the 2004 West Jakarta "Cici and Koko" (Chinese-Indonesian terms for sister and brother) pageant has selected 16 couples, out of 100 participating couples, to compete in next weeks final. Five couples will be announced the winners on March 6, and will be entitled to join the provincial competition. Another couple will also be selected as the audience's favorite.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Two GAM rebels killed, two others escape
Two GAM rebels killed, two others escape PEKANBARU, Riau: Two member of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) were killed, while two others managed to escape a gunfight with ten Army soldiers in Pangkalan Kerinci, 70 kilometers east of Pekanbaru, Riau, on Friday. Chief of the Pangkalan Kerinci military district Col. Karseno said here on Saturday that the gunfight had occurred after Friday prayers. "We opened fire after they refused to surrender.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Free medical treatment for dengue victims
Free medical treatment for dengue victims INDRAMAYU, West Java: The Indramayu administration in West Java has offered free medical treatment in its attempt to fight the outbreak of dengue fever in the regency. Indramayu regent Irianto MS Syafiuddin said that this was an emergency step. "The medical expenses of patients will be covered by the regency's 2004 budget," he said.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Death row dealers awaiting executions
Death row dealers awaiting executions Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang Since the enforcement of the 1997 narcotics and psychotropic substances law, the Tangerang District Court has made the most of the regulation to mete out capital punishment against drug traffickers, but none of them has actually been executed.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Govt ups security to attract investors
Govt ups security to attract investors Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro said the government would increase security at all vital projects and assets across the country, in a move hoped to help attract new foreign investment in the oil and gas sector. Purnomo said a presidential decree on the application of a multilayered security system at these projects soon would be issued.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Stamping out corruption
Stamping out corruption From Republika The Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) has done its job well enough and has reported its findings to relevant government agencies for follow-up measures. Now that there are intensified efforts to eradicate corruption, spearheaded particularly by university students and several other organizations, it is imperative that these BPK findings be followed up. As long as there is widespread corruption it will be almost impossible to develop this country.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Kalla calendars, food distributed
Kalla calendars, food distributed KENDARI, Central Sulawesi: A group of people distributed basic commodity packages and calendars bearing the photo of Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Jusuf Kalla to residents of Baruga district, in the Southeast Sulawesi capital of Kendari on Saturday. This was apparently an attempt to seek support for Kalla's presidential candidacy. Rahmatia, 28, a resident who received a basic commodity package, was happy with the package.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Politician jailed for supporting GAM
Politician jailed for supporting GAM BANDA ACEH, Nangroe Aceh Darussalam: The Aceh Besar District Court sentenced on Saturday Golkar Party politician Marwan bin Muhammad, 43, to three years in jail for giving donations to the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM). Presiding judge Ismail Hidayat said the defendant was guilty of providing financial assistance to GAM members in their fight for independence.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Australia welcomes arrest of fugitive child sex offender
Australia welcomes arrest of fugitive child sex offender Agencies Canberra/Denpasar Australia's justice minister congratulated Indonesian and Australian police on Sunday for tracking down and arresting a fugitive Australian child sex offender on the Indonesian resort island of Bali. Minister Chris Ellison said Paul Thompson, who uses the aliases Paul Spraggs and Paul Jarvis, was arrested on Bali on Friday and deported Saturday in the company of two Australian Federal Police officers.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
More calls to end PKI ostraction
More calls to end PKI ostraction Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Pressure is mounting for the government to scrap all legislation that discriminates against former members, suspected members or relatives of the outlawed Indonesian Communist Party (PKI). Noted historians said over the weekend that the communist ideology was no longer a threat to this country and thus all such laws that ostracize or stigmatize people had to be revoked.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Sweden's good intentions
Sweden's good intentions From Media Indonesia The prosecutor's office in Sweden has finally concluded that there is sufficient reason to conduct a preliminary investigation into the actions of leaders of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), who are Swedish citizens. This news gives some relief because the Swedish government has seriously responded to the appeal of Indonesian people to investigate and take legal action against GAM separatist figures.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Minister irked by illegal workers
Minister irked by illegal workers DUBAI: Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Jacob Nuwa Wea arrived here on Sunday, only to find 10 Indonesian women migrant workers who had been sent to the United Arab Emirates illegally by labor recruitment agencies. "I am very disappointed to see this. I will revoke the licenses of the six companies for this serious violation," Nuwa Wea said during a meeting with the undocumented migrant workers on Sunday.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Regions face poll delay: Cetro
Regions face poll delay: Cetro Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Bogor, West Java The Center for Electoral Reform (Cetro) has warned of elections delays in some areas after the General Elections Commission (KPU) set a March 30 deadline for ballot papers to reach polling stations, five days behind the initial schedule. "The new schedule for the printing and distribution of ballot papers only increases the possibility of elections delays in some areas," Cetro vice executive director Hadar N.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Suwandi lands double victory at Cigna Open tennis tourney
Suwandi lands double victory at Cigna Open tennis tourney Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Suwandi chalked up a double victory at the injury-marred Cigna Open tennis tournament which ended here on Sunday. Seeded second in the US$11,800 tournament, Suwandi became the new men's singles champion after he beat his Davis Cup doubles partner and top seed Hendri Susilo Pramono 6-3, 6-4, in the finals at the Hilton International Executive Club here on Sunday.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
1. INSIGHT: 50 pt, 7 cols, 1 x 42
1. INSIGHT: 50 pt, 7 cols, 1 x 42 Corruption threatens Indonesia's defense system 2. FIFA: 36 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 28 FIFA scraps golden, silver goals 3. POWER: 32 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 24 Govt power agency to dictate price in 'competition zones'
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Up for election 2004
Up for election 2004 Along with voting for political parties and legislative candidates in the House of Representatives (DPR) and City/Regency Council (DPRD) on April 5, voters will also pick candidates for the new Regional Representatives Council (DPD). The DPD will have four members from each of the 32 provinces and together with the 550 elected DPR members will make up the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR).
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Better technology needed for e-business
Better technology needed for e-business P.C. Naommy, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta E-commerce businesspeople hope improved technology and a payment system will lure the public back to the cyber marketplace. Deputy manager of Visa International Hariyanto Gunawan, however, said that customers must first make sure that the portal has a security system to protect credit cards from hackers.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Customs office imposes clearance fees
Customs office imposes clearance fees The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Directorate General of Customs and Excise will go ahead with a controversial plan to impose nontax fees on import and export clearance and inspections starting on Monday, after it was delayed for a month due to protests from businesspeople.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Akbar decision dangerous precedent
Akbar decision dangerous precedent From Media Indonesia The acquittal of Akbar Tandjung in his corruption case has established a dangerous precedent, in the sense that the court decision may serve as the reference for a future trial. In the case involving Akbar the Supreme Court decision has thus made legal the spending of state funds by a public official without fulfilling proper requirements and procedures.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
RI tourism industry lacks promotion, not security
RI tourism industry lacks promotion, not security Indonesia's tourism and hospitality industry has been trying to get back on its feet after several consecutive blows, starting with the 2002 Bali bombing incident, followed by SARS, the Marriott bombing and enactment of the visa-on-arrival policy. However difficult, some players have absolute confidence that the industry has rebounded and the climate has begun to improve.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Where's the porn bill?
Where's the porn bill? When pornography on TV became a topic of public discussion, the government and the House of Representatives announced that they were deliberating a bill on pornography. Unfortunately, little has been heard of this bill since. In the meantime, pornography on TV has increased. The public is very much concerned about the morality of the nation vis-a-vis the spread of pornography on TV.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
No, not pollution: Jakarta abuzz with Wifi waves
No, not pollution: Jakarta abuzz with Wifi waves Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta There is something in air in Jakarta these days and it is more than the usual pollution. The buzz is about Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), the latest in technological trends that has recently made its entrance in the capital's lounges and trendy cafes. WiFi liberates Internet users from wire constraints, allowing them to surf the net from cafes, restaurants, and airport lounges.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
1. BALI: 50 pt, 3 cols, 3 x 18
1. BALI: 50 pt, 3 cols, 3 x 18 Australia welcomes arrest of fugitive child sex offender 2. GRAFT: 36 pt, 4 cols, 2 x 27 Jakarta Police report little progress in corruption cases 3. MINE: 32 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 24 Govt to improve security to attract oil investors 4. JOKI: 28 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 37 A day in the competitive life of a 'joki'
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Will OPEC made the move to the euro?
Will OPEC made the move to the euro? Robert Koch Agence France-Presse Vienna Has the time come to start pricing oil in euros? As the dollar continues its decline analysts are mulling this question, though the member states of OPEC remain opposed to a change. OPEC president Purnomo Yusgiantoro of Indonesia made plain that switching to the euro "was not on the cards" during the cartel's last meeting in Algiers at the beginning of February.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Gas explosion rocks Kalibata
Gas explosion rocks Kalibata JAKARTA: A blast reportedly caused by a leaking gas pipe rocked Rawajati subdistrict in Kalibata, South Jakarta, late on Friday. Two people suffered minor injuries. The explosion, which came from within a trench along the side of the street, seriously damaged the concrete covering of the trench. Residents in the area said that they felt a jolt similar to that of a small earthquake. Pancoran Police chief Adj. Comr.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Govt to improve security to attract investors
Govt to improve security to attract investors Ridwan Max Sijabat The Jakarta Post Jakarta Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro said the government would increase security at all vital projects and assets across the country, in a move hoped to help attract new foreign investment in the oil and gas sector. Purnomo said a presidential decree on the application of a multilayered security system at these projects soon would be issued.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Govt power agency to dictate price in 'competition zones'
Govt power agency to dictate price in 'competition zones' Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government is preparing to select officials for a powerful new agency with tasks that would include dictating electricity prices and controlling competition in the country's soon-to-be deregulated/open competition power sector.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Guruh launches antidrug campaign
Guruh launches antidrug campaign BOGOR: Entertainer Guruh Soekarno Putra launched an antidrug campaign on Sunday that will be run mainly by former drug users. The "GSP 18" campaign, according to the younger brother of President Megawati Soekarnoputri, will offer training on the dangers of narcotics and information on how to help drug users kick their habits. "This campaign had attracted the attention of the United Nations Development Program on how Indonesians deal with drugs," Guruh said.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
More bombs discovered in Poso area
More bombs discovered in Poso area The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Police and military personnel have again found 13 homemade bombs in the ravaged town of Poso, Central Sulawesi province, sending a signal to Jakarta that security in the area has not yet returned to normal. The 13 bombs were discovered within the last four days in plantations belong to locals in Tumora and Kawende subdistricts, Poso Pesisir district, said a senior police officer on Sunday.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
School building in Yogyakarta to be replaced by shopping mall
School building in Yogyakarta to be replaced by shopping mall Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Ambarukmo Elementary School, Sleman, Yogyakarta, will be leveled to the ground soon, to be replaced by a shopping mall. The plan by Sleman education office has sparked concern among students and their parents, as the office has yet to determine a new location for the students and their teachers.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
A day in the competitive life of a joki
A day in the competitive life of a joki Starting Jan. 26, the Jakarta administration enforced a new three-in-one traffic policy, an extension of the 1993 policy. A longer period and additional restricted zones has not detered private car owners from defying the policy by simply hiring joki to meet the quota of three passengers.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Confusion hampers dengue treatment
Confusion hampers dengue treatment The Jakarta Post, Jakarta There continues to be confusion over the implementation of the government's promise to provide free medical care for poor dengue fever patients, while the death toll from the dengue outbreak, at 322 on Sunday, is expected to rise. In Jambi, the mother of two dengue patients at a state-run hospital said she had to pay not only for medicine, but also for infusions and food, Antara reported.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
PBB to nominate Yusril-Susilo duo
PBB to nominate Yusril-Susilo duo KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: The Crescent Star Party (PBB) will ask Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to be the vice presidential running mate of PBB leader Yusril Ihza Mahendra in the presidential election in July. PBB deputy secretary-general Abdul Kadir Lamanele said on Sunday the party's national congress had decided to nominate Yusril as its presidential candidate.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Politician jailed for supporting GAM
Politician jailed for supporting GAM BANDA ACEH, Nangroe Aceh Darussalam: The Aceh Besar District Court sentenced on Saturday Golkar Party politician Marwan bin Muhammad, 43, to three years in jail for giving donations to the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM). Presiding judge Ismail Hidayat said the defendant was guilty of providing financial assistance to GAM members in their fight for independence.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
JP/3/MUNIR
JP/3/MUNIR Corruption threatens Indonesia's defense system Munir Executive Director Indonesian Human Rights Monitor Jakarta The House of Representatives announced on Tuesday it has planned to set up a working committee of inquiry into alleged irregularities in the Military's procurement of Mi-17 helicopters from Russia. The case emerged following a report on the disappearance of US$3.2 million as a down payment to Russia for the purchase of four Mi-17 helicopters for the Army.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Elections: 'Civilian' vs 'military' nationalism
Elections: 'Civilian' vs 'military' nationalism Otto Syamsuddin Ishak, Civil Society Alliance for Democracy (Yappika), Jakarta The political dynamics in 2004 are accelerating as the general election nears. Political observers link this phenomenon to the fact that the process of the 2004 general election is of much greater complexity than that of the 1999 elections. This great complexity, unfortunately, is yet to be coupled with well thought out preparation.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
EU to help refugees in Maluku
EU to help refugees in Maluku Muhammad Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The European Union (EU) will donate funds to help refugees in Maluku and North Maluku to return home or resettle to other areas. The funds will be disbursed soon after the two provinces submit their proposal to the EU headquarters in Belgium, said a local official. Ambon mayor M.J.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Graft mars World Bank program
Graft mars World Bank program The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A project manager in a World Bank-funded program in the Central Sulawesi regency, Donggala, identified only by the intial of ZC, has been named a suspect in a Rp 700 million graft allegation. Iskandar Sukirman, head of the Donggala prosecutor's office, said on Sunday that ZC was named a suspect after he allegedly embezzled funds allocated to needy people or institutions in several districts in Donggala.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
'Ex-PKI members too old to stand for the elections'
'Ex-PKI members too old to stand for the elections' The Constitutional Court recently reinstated the rights of former members of the banned Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) and their relatives to run in future legislative elections. Shortly before this, the General Elections Commission banned some legislative candidates from standing as candidates because they were reportedly linked to the PKI. The Jakarta Post talked to some residents on their thoughts about this issue.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Mega to inaugurate projects in Aceh
Mega to inaugurate projects in Aceh JAKARTA: President Megawati Soekarnoputri is slated to visit the troubled province of Aceh next week, the first visit since martial law was imposed there in May last year. In the visit slated for March 7, the President will inaugurate several development projects, possibly including a controversial project to widen the Ladia-Galaska highway, which has a major impact on the conservation area between North Sumatra and Aceh provinces.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Govt urged to abandon road project
Govt urged to abandon road project Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Environmental and social destruction linked to the controversial Rp 1 trillion (US$112 million) Ladia Galaska highway project outweigh its economic value and it should therefore be abandoned, a number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) warned over the weekend.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Stop conflicts
Stop conflicts In response to the ruling by the Constitutional Court that allows former members of the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) to be nominated as legislative candidates, we, the National Forum for Good Relationships (FSAB), an organization set up by the children and grandchildren of perpetrators and victims of conflicts in this country since 1945, would like to express our stance as follows: * We fully support this ruling by the Constitutional Court, as it ends the denial of the right...
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Umar Said voice media concerns
Umar Said voice media concerns T.Sima Gunawan, Contributor, Jakarta As the country prepares for its general election the independence of Indonesia's press is a pertinent issue. It is common knowledge that the press has been 'used' by those who seek to promote their own interests. Political parties are greatly interested in media exposure ahead of the polls. A rumor has circulated that a television station was annexed to keep President Megawati Soekarnoputri in office. Senior journalist A.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Many roads damaged during in wet season
Many roads damaged during in wet season The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The head of the Jakarta Public Works Agency, Fodly Misbach, estimates that at least 5 percent of the city's roads have been damaged during this rainy season, and asks drivers to remain patient as the potholes worsen already bad traffic. "Yes, we have received reports from our staff members in the field that some sections of road have been damaged by the rain," Fodly said on Saturday.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
DPA;APS;
DPA;APS; ANPAi..r.. ATW-India-Elections India's election dates announced JP/11/J04 India's election dates announced INDIA: India's parliamentary elections will be held in four phases on April 20 and 26, and May 5 and 10, Chief Election Commissioner TS Krishnamurthy announced on Sunday. Simultaneous state elections will be held in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, Orissa and Sikkim.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Kimia Farma asks for a delay in divestment program
Kimia Farma asks for a delay in divestment program The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The management of state-owned pharmaceutical company PT Kimia Farma said the sale of the government's shareholding in the company should be delayed for another one to two years. Company finance director M. Syamsul Arifin said that the delay was needed to further improve the company's financial condition so that the value of the shares would be higher.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
The war on intolerance
The war on intolerance On the subject of Islam and religious extremism, Indonesia's President, Megawati Soekarnoputri, is impeccably qualified to speak. Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation, has consistently rejected the idea of itself as a theocratic Islamic state. Ms Megawati is a devout Muslim who passionately defends religious tolerance.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
3-in-1 bothersome
3-in-1 bothersome From Bisnis Indonesia The Jakarta administration is now enforcing its three-in-one policy that requires cars to carry a minimum of three passengers to be able to pass certain streets during certain hours of the morning and afternoon. I have had an annoying experience regarding this policy. It is understood that the slow lane from Jl. Gatot Subroto toward Jl. Jend.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Mission unaccomplished!
Mission unaccomplished! From the very beginning, the activities of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) did not reflect its prestigious name. The government established the agency in early February 1998, at the insistence of the International Monetary Fund, as one of the most important instruments to get Indonesia out of the unprecedented economic crisis that crippled the whole region at the time.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Party leaders bike for fun, but not everyone show up
Party leaders bike for fun, but not everyone show up Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Will there be peaceful competition among political parties set to run in the upcoming general election? The fun bike event held on Sunday gave a good hint, as the participating party leaders turned it into a raucous bike race. Still catching their breath, the 24 party leaders later read out a joint pledge to stand for election peacefully.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Public service and law enforcement
Public service and law enforcement From Suara Karya In declaring 2004 the year of public service, State Minister for Administrative Reforms Feisal Tamin emphasized the need to treat the public not merely as recipients of service but as loyal customers. The question raised by critical citizens is: Which customers? Good citizens are certainly different from those who are fond of bribing and violating applicable laws. Therefore, law enforcement should be prioritized to serve good citizens.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Hendri to meet Suwandi in Cigna Open final
Hendri to meet Suwandi in Cigna Open final Zakki Hakim The Jakarta Post Jakarta Sunday will see Hendri Susilo Pramono play his Davis Cup doubles partner Suwandi in the men's singles final at the US$11,800 Cigna Open tennis tournament. Top seed Hendri went to the final after he outplayed third seed Sebastian Dacosta 6-4, 6-2, and second seed Suwandi followed through when he beat Surya Wijaya 3-6, 6-1, 6-1, in Saturday's semifinals at the Jakarta Hilton International Executive Club.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Digital Islamic library launched in Jakarta
Digital Islamic library launched in Jakarta Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A few years ago, it was probably beyond imagination that students at traditional and modern Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) would be able to exchange ideas about Islamic teachings each day regardless of which part of the country or world they were in.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
PSM, Persija move up the ladder
PSM, Persija move up the ladder The Jakarta Post, Jakarta PSM beat Deltras Sidoarjo 1-0 in Makassar on Sunday to take the lead in the Indonesian soccer league standings, while a controversial goal gave Persija a win to remain in title race. The only goal for PSM was made by Ronal Pagundes in the 46th minute at the Mattoangin Stadium, Antara reported. PSM is at the top of the 18-club standings with 21 points, with Persikota second at 19. But the latter has two games in hands.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia's tourism industry lacks promotion, not security
Indonesia's tourism industry lacks promotion, not security Indonesia's tourism and hospitality industry has been trying to get back on its feet after several consecutive blows, starting with the 2002 Bali bombing incident, followed by SARS, the Marriott bombing and enactment of the visa-on-arrival policy. However difficult, some players have absolute confidence that the industry has rebounded and the climate has begun to improve.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Soldier, villager killed in Thailand
Soldier, villager killed in Thailand THAILAND: Southern Thailand's bloody unrest raged on over the weekend with an army officer and a local official slain by unidentified gunmen, police said on Sunday as the death toll from this year's violence neared 50. Sgt. Major Pisith Sriraksa, 55, was walking with his daughter when he was gunned down on Saturday by men riding on a motorcycle in Yala, one of three Muslim-majority provinces in the south where violence has surged this year, police said.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Former MP seeks royal pardon
Former MP seeks royal pardon MALAYSIA: Opposition leaders on Sunday urged Malaysia's king to pardon a prominent former lawmaker who was jailed for sedition, so he can run in general elections expected soon. Lim Guan Eng of the opposition Democratic Action Party was a member of parliament for 12 years until he lost his seat in August 1999, the same time he was released after serving two- thirds of an 18-month prison sentence.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Finding special gifts for special occasions
Finding special gifts for special occasions Sudibyo M. Wiradji, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Like people in many cities, discerning Jakartans have developed a habit of giving a gift to friends and family on special occasions. Gift-giving occasions popular with Jakartans include birthdays, wedding anniversaries, Valentine's Day and days related to religious events like Idul Fitri and Christmas. Giving a gift to someone special seems to be a simple idea.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Aquino mourns death of journalist
Aquino mourns death of journalist PHILIPPINES: Former Philippine president Corazon Aquino expressed sorrow on Sunday at the death of leading U.S. journalist Sandra Burton and recalled her role in pivotal events in her country's history. "Her death is a personal loss to me," Aquino said in a statement released after a doctor in Indonesia said the former Time magazine correspondent had died of natural causes on the resort island of Bali at the age of 62.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Students should
Students should keep struggling From Koran Tempo The acquittal of Akbar Tandjung by the Supreme Court is a betrayal of reform, which sets a bad precedent for law enforcement in Indonesia. But not all is lost. The struggle to uphold justice and eliminate corruption, collusion and nepotism will go on. Therefore, all students and people pursuing these common goals should maintain their fighting spirit.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
House of Representatives finishes revising judicial laws
House of Representatives finishes revising judicial laws Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives (DPR) is scheduled on Monday to endorse two bills on the revision of the laws on public courts and on the state administrative court, as part of a sweeping reform of the country's judicial institutions.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
STREET MISHAP: Workers try to hook a seriously damaged bus to a
STREET MISHAP: Workers try to hook a seriously damaged bus to a towing truck. The lack of discipline among motorists has turned Indonesian streets into a dangerous place.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Corruption threatens Indonesia's defense system
Corruption threatens Indonesia's defense system Munir, Executive Director, Indonesian Human Rights Monitor, Jakarta The legislature announced on Tuesday it has planned to set up a working committee of inquiry into alleged irregularities in the Military's procurement of Mi-17 helicopters from Russia. The case emerged following a report on the disappearance of US$3.2 million as a down payment to Russia for the purchase of four Mi-17 helicopters for the Army.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
After the 2004 national election: What next for the people?
After the 2004 national election: What next for the people? Max Lane, Visiting Fellow, Asia Research Centre, Murdoch University, Murdoch WA, Australia, m.lane@murdoch.edu.au Elwin Tobing's article The Elections: Substance or Babble? in The Jakarta Post, Feb. 25, presented a critique of the political elite's approach to the general elections that went to the central question.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Bali spoils you with a myriad of trendy souvenirs
Bali spoils you with a myriad of trendy souvenirs Pratevi Devi, Contributor, Denpasar, Bali Whether you're talking about handicraft, handmade fabric, or decorative ceramics, stoneware, bamboo or woodwork, Bali provides you with endless choices. Every day, talented artists, artisans and craftsmen produce innovative items to jazz up the interior of your home.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
JP/3/MUNIR
JP/3/MUNIR Corruption threatens Indonesia's defense system Munir, Executive Director, Indonesian Human Rights Monitor, Jakarta The legislature announced on Tuesday it has planned to set up a working committee of inquiry into alleged irregularities in the Military's procurement of Mi-17 helicopters from Russia. The case emerged following a report on the disappearance of US$3.2 million as a down payment to Russia for the purchase of four Mi-17 helicopters for the Army.
Mon, 01 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Substandard conditions keep state plantation workers in poverty
Substandard conditions keep state plantation workers in poverty Apriadi Gunawan and Ridwan Max Sijabat The Jakarta Post Medan, North Sumatra The government has not yet tended to poor labor conditions at state-owned oil palm plantations in North Sumatra, leaving the majority of workers underpaid and uninsured.