Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 12 March 2004

82 articles found

BI to auction on monthly basis

BI to auction on monthly basis The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The central bank is planning to change its weekly SBI promissory note auctions to monthly auctions as part of its effort to push banks to boost lending, according to an official. "Bank Indonesia wants the banks to know that the SBIs are not portfolio investments but rather monetary instruments," central bank spokesman Rusli Simanjuntak was quoted by Dow Jones as saying on Thursday.

'Angkot' driver assaults reporter

'Angkot' driver assaults reporter JAKARTA: An angkot (public minivan) driver working the route between the Cililitan bus terminal and Gandaria, East Jakarta, allegedly attacked a reporter from Jakarta evening paper Suara Pembaruan with a tire iron on Wednesday. The reporter, Marthin Brahmanto, suffered a gash to the back of his head that required four stitches to close. The driver is being detained at the Ciracas Police station for questioning.

Cocoa producers urge govt to drop VAT

Cocoa producers urge govt to drop VAT The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government target to increase the export value of the country's cocoa and cocoa products by 25 percent this year can only be achieved if the existing value-added tax (VAT) on the commodity is scrapped, says an industry leader.

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

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on March 11, 2004 ___________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ___________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,000 -50 1,034,500 AGIS Tbk 130 -15 6,566,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 85 0 765,000 Alakasa Industrindo 135 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 1,150 0 0 Alter Abadi Tbk 35 0 0 Alumindo Light 260 0 0 Andhi Chandra...

Oil climbs as watchdog predicts soaring China demand

Oil climbs as watchdog predicts soaring China demand Reuters, Singapore Oil prices rose on Thursday, ending a three-day run of losses as the West's energy watchdog upgraded its forecast for global demand growth for this year, with booming China accounting for almost one-third of the rise. U.S. light crude traded 30 cents higher to US$36.40 a barrel, retracing 26 percent of the $1.16 lost in the first three days of the week. London's Brent crude climbed 35 cents to $32.34 a barrel.

Telkom sees rising broadband accounts

Telkom sees rising broadband accounts Dewi Santoso, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned telecommunications company PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom) projected that the number of its broadband users this year would surge to 50,000 from last year's 3,000. Telkom president Kristiono said on Thursday that the company had long been developing its broadband service, and would continue to focus on developing the technology.

Money can buy supporters

Money can buy supporters Money can buy just about anything in this country, including a political campaign supporter. Sugiyono, a resident of Setia Budi, Central Jakarta, said he had agreed to participate in Thursday's campaign for the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) only after a party activist gave him Rp 40,000 (US$4.70). "Actually, I am not going to vote for PDI-P. I just want its money, that's all.

* Headlines: Two injured by stray bullets in Jakarta 2

* Headlines: Two injured by stray bullets in Jakarta 2 * National: Govt raps U.S.

PKB pauses campaign for late 'TVRI'

PKB pauses campaign for late 'TVRI' JAYAPURA, Papua: Apparently for the National Awakening Party (PKB), state-owned television network TVRI, holds an important place in their hearts. "Brothers and sisters, we will soon start our campaign activities. But, we have to wait for the TVRI journalists first," said a singer on stage, where PKB officials were scheduled to make campaign speeches on Thursday.

Iraq invasion has marred U.S. image among Muslims: Analysts

Iraq invasion has marred U.S. image among Muslims: Analysts Simon Martin, Agence France-Presse, Jakarta The U.S.-led invasion of Iraq almost one year ago tarnished America's reputation among Southeast Asian Muslims and eroded support for its war on terror, analysts and Islamic leaders say. Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri, who heads the world's largest Muslim-populated nation, was among the first foreign leaders to express condolences to the United States after the Sept.

Journalists dumped for candidacy

Journalists dumped for candidacy PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: Fourteen journalists at Sriwijaya Post have been suspended since Tuesday because they had registered as candidates for the upcoming elections, according to a release available to the media on Thursday. The order was issued only two days before the election campaign kicked off on Thursday. The 14 journalists have registered as legislative candidates and Regional Representative Council (DPD) candidates.

National cricket team to have int'l debut

National cricket team to have int'l debut Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A national cricket team is to participate for the first time in an internationally recognized event the East Asia Pacific (EAP) cricket tournament in Japan in May, an Indonesian Cricket Foundation (ICF) official has said. ICF chairman M.K. Kuresh said that the squad would consist of approximately eight Indonesians, while the remaining positions would be filled by eligible expatriates.

Mega heads to Bali amid Cabinet storm

Mega heads to Bali amid Cabinet storm Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri is slated to address supporters of her Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) in Bali on Friday amid criticism that she may be violating the election law for campaigning without taking official time off.

Nurturing tax culture

Nurturing tax culture President Megawati Soekarnoputri set a good example of voluntary tax compliance on Tuesday by filing her annual income tax returns about 20 days before the deadline for the settlement of 2003 income tax. That was the third consecutive time that the President fulfilled her statutory duty to declare her income, rightly assessing her tax obligation and filing her tax returns and paying her tax dues in a timely manner.

1. market (2 x 22)

1. market (2 x 22) Stocks tumble, rupiah at 8-month low on election JP/13/Market Stocks tumble, rupiah at 8-month low on election concerns Rendi A. Witular The Jakarta Post Jakarta As the first day of the election campaign began on Thursday, shares on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) dropped and the rupiah plunged to its lowest level in eight months because of jitters over security during the campaign. The Jakarta Composite Index dropped by 2.5 percent or 19.129 points to 741.198 from 760.327.

* Feb. 18 - President Megawati Soekarnoputri holds a cabinet

* Feb. 18 - President Megawati Soekarnoputri holds a cabinet meeting to draft government regulations on the campaign for state officials and asks her ministers whether they will run for presidency. * Feb. 22 - Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono goes on a week-long visit to China. * Feb. 25 - Megawati signs Government Regulation No.

Timorese can no longer reclaim assets

Timorese can no longer reclaim assets KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: East Timorese refugees in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) province can no longer claim any assets in East Timor, as Thursday was the deadline for the refugees to do so back in the country of their birth. Stanis Tefa, the secretary of the East Nusa Tenggara Task Force for Disasters and Refugees, said that the government of East Timor did not extend the deadline for refugees to reclaim assets.

Governor will pay for campaign victims

Governor will pay for campaign victims MEDAN, North Sumatra: T. Rizal Nurdin, the governor of North Sumatra, promised on Thursday that all victims of violence or accidents during the election campaign in North Sumatra province would receive free medical treatment. "It has become the responsibility of the government," he said. The first day of campaigning in Medan claimed its first victim.

(Advertorial)

(Advertorial) INDOLOK is synonymous with quality and service Today, more than ever, security has become a serious concern for everyone: individuals, corporations, organizations and institutions. How should one evaluate a provider of security services and equipment? Who should be relied upon for this extremely crucial matter?

Elections may cause price hikes: Association

Elections may cause price hikes: Association Urip Hudiono and Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Food and Beverages Association (GAPMI) has warned the government that rallies during the current campaign period for parties contesting the general election could disrupt the distribution of basic food items in the country and hike their prices.

1. SECURITY: 28 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 28

1. SECURITY: 28 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 28 Jakarta records 960 traffic violations on 1st day of campaign 2. CABINET: 50 pt, 2 cols, 3 x 12 Mega heads to Bali amid Cabinet storm 3. DPD: 28 pt, 1 cols, 4 x 9 Distribution deadline for ballot papers moved again 4. PKB: 32 pt, 5 cols, 1 x 45 Nomination of Gus Dur challenged by party members 5.

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

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on March 11, 2004 ___________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ___________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,000 -50 1,034,500 AGIS Tbk 130 -15 6,566,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 85 0 765,000 Alakasa Industrindo 135 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 1,150 0 0 Alter Abadi Tbk 35 0 0 Alumindo Light 260 0 0 Andhi Chandra...

Ban on head scarves

Ban on head scarves From Koran Tempo The French government has appealed for Indonesian Muslims' understanding of the Laicite bill, which bans the conspicuous use of religious symbols, including head scarves. According to the French Embassy's cultural adviser in Jakarta, Gilles Garachon, the bill reflects his country's neutral attitude toward all citizens. Who can guarantee the neutrality of a bill after its enforcement?

Armed robbery must be stopped

Armed robbery must be stopped From Warta Kota Armed robbers operating on motorcycles are still at large, and are becoming increasingly brutal. A couple in their car in Jagakarsa, South Jakarta, for instance, narrowly escaped a recent attempted holdup by four armed robbers by racing away in the car as the criminals tried to stop it. The police are capable of preventing such robbery by carrying out raids on motorcycles in all parts of Jakarta.

Sutiyoso wants polluting 'bajaj' replaced

Sutiyoso wants polluting 'bajaj' replaced The Jakarta Post Jakarta The ubiquitous, noisy, smoky, three-wheeled bajaj (motorized pedicabs) are set to be replaced, either with less-polluting newer models or with locally made Kancil vehicles, Governor Sutiyoso revealed on Thursday. "We are still studying whether we will choose the gas-fueled blue bajaj or the Kancil. But, we will definitely withdraw the red bajaj since they are no longer roadworthy," he said at City Hall.

RI entertainers get on HIV/AIDS awareness bandwagon

RI entertainers get on HIV/AIDS awareness bandwagon Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Little did the four young men know what they had started, but the song they made, Matahari Pagi (Morning Sun) and its English version Overcome, is the first song in this country to be dedicated to the national campaign against HIV/AIDS.

Govt rips U.S. over Ba'asyir

Govt rips U.S. over Ba'asyir Jakarta, Deutsche Presse-Agentur The government blasted on Thursday the double standards applied by the United States and Australia in criticizing a supreme court decision earlier this week to reduce the jail sentence of a radical Moslem cleric and a similar court decision in Germany.

Illegal logging law may stop rape of forests

Illegal logging law may stop rape of forests The government will issue a government regulation in lieu of law (perpu) to deal with illegal logging in an emergency measure to stop the rapid destruction of the nation's forests. Minister of Forestry M. Prakosa said the new regulation would become a special law on illegal logging outside the current criminal law. "Illegal logging has become an acute problem.

First day of campaign receives lackluster reception

First day of campaign receives lackluster reception The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Compared to the candid public reception they received during the 1999 general elections, it will be much tougher for the 24 political parties contesting the April 5 legislative election to win voters to believe their campaign programs.

Papua to intensify drug war

Papua to intensify drug war JAYAPURA, Papua: Papua governor JP Salossa inaugurated on Thursday his deputy Constan Karma as the chairman of Papua Anti- Drug Body. The body is established to deal the problem of drug abuse that begun to plague Papua, the country's easternmost province. "Papua is facing the danger of drug abuse. We have often heard reports that hashish is being transported from the Papua New Guinea to Papua, while other illicit hallucinogens were often sent to Java.

Campaign violators must be punished

Campaign violators must be punished The three-week political campaigning period started on Thursday with people wondering if the campaigns would proceed peacefully. All layers of society must be fully aware that riots or melees during campaigns will benefit nobody, except the instigators.

BP West Java loses court lawsuit against supplier

BP West Java loses court lawsuit against supplier Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Energy firm BP West Java has lost a lawsuit against chemical supplier PT Mestaco Swarnadwipa, in a verdict criticized by foreign investors. The South Jakarta District Court ruled in favor of Mestaco and ordered BP West Java to pay US$2.037 million or about 3 percent of the $70 million compensation demanded by Mestaco, Hafzan Taher, a lawyer for BP West Java said.

Residents demand electricity

Residents demand electricity SOUTH SOLOK, West Sumatra: Residents in South Solok regency in West Sumatra demanded on Thursday that the government provide them with electricity. Residents from the remote villages of Jorong Paninjuan Bukit Sikumpa and Jorong Ampalu, have never been connected to the state power grid. Efrianto, a resident in Jorong Ampalu, complained that children in the villages could not study properly because of the absence of proper lighting.

Acceptance of corruption may foil drive

Acceptance of corruption may foil drive Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Without intending to dampen the spirit of anticorruption crusaders and their fight against crooked politicians, a noted lawyer asserted that the campaign not to vote for those figures will likely have little impact.

Govt allows mining firms back into protected areas as investment lure

Govt allows mining firms back into protected areas as investment lure Fabiola Desy Unidjaja/Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has issued a regulation in lieu of law (perpu) that will allow 13 mining companies to resume their operations in protected forests in a bid to provide legal certainty for investors. The decision was greeted by protests from environmental activists, who said it would open the way for the further destruction of the country's natural resources.

Jakarta records 960 traffic violations on 1st day of campaign

Jakarta records 960 traffic violations on 1st day of campaign The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jakarta Police recorded 960 traffic violations on Thursday as political parties held a joint parade in the city to mark the first day of the election campaign. "The violations were largely committed by party supporters on motorbikes," said Sr. Comr. Sulistyo Ishak. "Many of the motorists failed to wear helmets.

1. ANITA 1x35

1. ANITA 1x35 Baker returns to studio after 10-year hiatus 2. HIV 1x48 RI entertainers get on HIV/AIDS awareness bandwagon 3. UN 2x27 Kidman, Penn start work on 'The Interpreter' at UN HQ

War materiel found in Kalimantan

War materiel found in Kalimantan PONTIANAK, West Kalimantan: Local residents discovered two mortars in Tanjung Gundul area of Bengkayang regency here, some 120 kilometers north of Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan. The discovery was reported to local police authorities, who asked the bomb squad from the West Kalimantan provincial police to deal with the explosives. Bomb squad officers went to the area on Thursday and defused the mortars. "They were apparently manufactured in 1969.

Sutiyoso wants eco-friendly 'bajaj'

Sutiyoso wants eco-friendly 'bajaj' The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The ubiquitous, noisy, smoky, three-wheeled bajaj taxis are set to be replaced, either with less-polluting newer models or with locally made Kancil vehicles, Governor Sutiyoso revealed on Thursday. "We are still studying whether we will choose the (natural) gas-fueled blue bajaj or the Kancil. But, we will definitely withdraw the red bajaj since they are no longer roadworthy," he said at City Hall.

Partners in crime receive life, 15 years in prison

Partners in crime receive life, 15 years in prison Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang Tangerang District Court sentenced on Thursday Yoseph Ndaaba, 35, a citizen of Lesotho in southern Africa to life imprisonment and fined him Rp 50 million (US$5,882) for possession of 250 grams of heroin. The same panel of judges at the court also handed down a 15- year sentence and Rp 5 million fine to Indonesian Melani Taurisia Setiyati, 31.

Students ready for science contest

Students ready for science contest PEKANBARU: Riau has selected 80 elementary, junior high and senior high school students to compete for 40 slots in the National Science Olympics, due to be held in August in Pekanbaru. "The students come from all over Riau to participate in preparatory programs before they are sent to the Olympics," said Kasmianto, the Riau supervisor of the programs.

Distribution deadline for ballet papers moved again

Distribution deadline for ballet papers moved again The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The distribution deadline for the 660 million ballot papers needed for the legislative election has been set back again, 13 days -- from March 15 to March 28 -- the General Elections Commission (KPU) said on Wednesday. Despite the delay, the KPU assured the public the papers would be delivered on time for the April 5 polling day. KPU head of ballot paper printing Mulyana W.

TV Today: Friday, March 12, 2004

TV Today: Friday, March 12, 2004 .TB.30" .90" TVRI .tb .30" .90" 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 6:30 Documentary 7:00 Entertainment News: Selebrita 8:00 Music: Sik Asik 10:00 TV Drama: Si Kabayan 11:00 Religious Teachings 12:30 p.m.

Aceh game for soccer, not campaigns

Aceh game for soccer, not campaigns In ensuring that the Aceh Free Movement (GAM) would not disrupt campaigns in the province, the Martial Law Administrator deployed 10 fully armed Mobile Brigade personnel to safeguard the Lampineung soccer field. Four political parties were scheduled to campaign at the soccer field, but as of late Thursday afternoon, not a single party had come. The policemen, who had been on duty since early morning, were relieved when several youths turned up a little later.

Study finds voter confusion over ballots

Study finds voter confusion over ballots Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Invalid ballot papers should be a cause for concern after a survey revealed that less than 40 percent of respondents knew how to cast their ballots.

Cipayung locals block dump entrance

Cipayung locals block dump entrance Marilin, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Around 20 residents of Cipayung subdistrict, Pancoran Mas, Depok, blocked the entrance of the Cipayung dump on Thursday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., causing dump trucks to line up in front of the gates. The residents demanded that the dump management, under the Depok Sanitation and Park Agency improve the waste treatment facility to reduce pollution in the neighborhood caused by the site.

East-west busway corridor begin to begin soon

East-west busway corridor begin to begin soon Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The next busway route will connect the Pulogadung bus terminal in East Jakarta through Harmoni, down to Kalideres in West Jakarta, TransJakarta Busway management said on Thursday. "The construction of infrastructure for the new corridor will begin next year," director Irzal Z. Djamal said at City Hall.

Facts on Asia's electoral year

Facts on Asia's electoral year Facts and figures on some of the key elections expected to take place in Asia this year: Poll date Country Election Eligible voters - March 20 Taiwan Presidential 15m - March 21 Malaysia Parliamentary 10m - April 2 Sri Lanka Parliamentary 12m - April 5 Indonesia Legislaturer 147m - April 15 South Korea Parliamentary 35m - April 20-May 10 India Parliamentary 674m - May 10 Philippines Presidential 38m - July 5 Indonesia Presidential (1st rd) 147m - Sept.

Dengue stings 470 in Lampung

Dengue stings 470 in Lampung BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: The nationwide dengue fever crisis has also had an adverse impact in Lampung with at least 470 reported cases this year and 10 fatalities. The latest death was Eva Novita, 10, a resident of Bandar Lampung who succumbed to the virus on Wednesday night. Head of the Lampung health office, Sofyan A.T, said that his office would intensify fumigation and education campaigns soon. -- JP

Urip Hudiono and

Urip Hudiono and Abdul Khalik The Jakarta Post Jakarta The Indonesian Food and Beverages Association (GAPMI) has warned the government that rallies during the current campaign period for parties contesting the general election could disrupt the distribution of basic food items in the country and hike their prices. However, a farmers association dismissed the fear saying that rather than increasing, the prices of several food products would continue to decline.

OPEC allows members to up output

OPEC allows members to up output JAKARTA: The president of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) said on Thursday the cartel will allow member states to raise output to stabilize high world prices. "We have a tolerance, they can increase their production in the framework of stabilizing prices," Purnomo Yusgiantoro, who is also Indonesia's Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources told reporters.

'Men from lower-income group abusive'

'Men from lower-income group abusive' International Women's Day was commemorated on Monday across the world. The theme of the day was the issue of HIV/AIDS, which is increasingly affecting women and girls. Another issue highlighted by women's groups on that day was domestic violence. The Jakarta Post talked to some residents about these issues. Janni, 28, is an analyst for a national bank on Jl. Sudirman, Central Jakarta.

PT Securicor Indonesia retains its reputation as the only

PT Securicor Indonesia retains its reputation as the only security company in Indonesia offering the most comprehensive and reliable range of services, from cash services and cash management to manned guarding and incorporating electronic systems. This might partly explain why Securicor Indonesia continues to lure more diversified customers, starting from small households up to the largest international companies in Indonesia, and to be the leader in the security industry in the country.

Campaign drive breaks record

Campaign drive breaks record KENDAL, Central Java: An estimated 100,000 people locked arms along Kendal regency's main street on Thursday, as part of a peaceful campaign drive. The line of people was 31 kilometers long, breaking a previous record last year, when drug company PT Kimia Farma mobilized some 4,000 people to lock arms in the regency. The new record was registered by Indonesian Record Museum based in Semarang.

Police nab alleged credit card frauds

Police nab alleged credit card frauds JAKARTA: Police detectives arrested two men, identified as Noto Soehandojo and Michael Samuel Wijaya, and charged them with being members of a credit card theft ring, an officer said on Tuesday. Noto Soehandojo was arrested on Feb. 28 as he allegedly attempted to use a stolen credit card to purchase six cans of powdered milk for Rp 712,000 (about US$84) at the Alfa supermarket in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta.

Garbage dumps

Garbage dumps From Media Indonesia The garbage dump issue has become a prolonged controversy and real health problem, particularly in Jakarta. In my view, the problem will not be settled as long as the dump remains located near residential areas. Therefore, I suggest that the city garbage dumps be situated on the islets in the pristine, undefiled Thousand Island group, most of which are useless because they have no houses and will be able to receive as much garbage as we can dump.

RP sells US$500m global bonds

RP sells US$500m global bonds MANILA: The Philippines said on Thursday it sold US$500 million in 11-year global bonds to finance government operations. The issue, which matures in March 2015, was priced to offer investors a yield of 9.0 percent. HSBC, Credit Suisse First Boston and UBS sold the securities. Standard and Poor's Ratings Services has assigned a BB debt rating on the bond issue.

PTDI to reopen after protests

PTDI to reopen after protests BANDUNG: The management of insolvent PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) is to reopen one of its gates after being closed for almost nine months following the massive workers lay-off. PTDI spokesperson Rakhendi Triatna said on Thursday that the reopening of the gate, where the company's labor union had staged numerous demonstrations, was intended to speed up daily operations. Currently, remaining employees must enter through a single gate.

Gus Dur nomination challenged by party members

Gus Dur nomination challenged by party members Indra Harsaputra and A. Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya/Jakarta Dissension among members of a major Islam-oriented party was apparent when some leaders and supporters refused the party's recommendation of Abdurraham "Gus Dur" Wahid as its presidential candidate. Hundreds of supporters of the National Awakening Party (PKB) on the first day of the campaign period in Batam refrained from expressing their support for Gus Dur.

KAI abruptly hikes train fares

KAI abruptly hikes train fares Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung Without any prior notification or consultation with the House of Representatives (DPR), state railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (PT KAI) has abruptly increased train fares for economy class seats by 13 percent. The increase came into effect on March 1. The fare increase was based on a resolution by PT KAI's management issued on Feb. 25, 2004, which was signed by its director of operations, Juda Sitepu.

All England badminton championship: prestigious but not so at home

All England badminton championship: prestigious but not so at home Riyadi Suparno, The Jakarta Post, Birmingham, England The All England badminton championship is back in the city of Birmingham this week, and yet it hardly seems to be causing a ripple in the city. There is no media fanfare, and few overt signs that the tournament is being staged, except at the tournament's venue, the National Indoor Arena (NIA), and a few tourist information centers.

[b]What the 2004 election

What the 2004 election tells young generation Thomas Hidya Tjaya Lecturer Driyarkara School of Philosophy Jakarta 2. US -- U.S. plutocracy 2 X 30 American presidential election is a fight between plutocracies Linda Colley Guardian News Service London

Sunu fights back to beat Weerapat

Sunu fights back to beat Weerapat Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Defending champion Sunu Wahyu Trijati of Indonesia moved a step closer to defending his title at the Salonpas International Junior Tennis Championship, beating top seed Weerapat Doakmaiklee in a quarterfinal match at the Kemayoran Tennis Center here on Thursday. Sunu recovered after dropping the first set to put on a convincing performance in defeating the young Thai star 5-7, 6-1, 6-2.

Thaksin's chance for leading role in the region

Thaksin's chance for leading role in the region John D. Ciorciari, The Straits Times, Asia News Network, Singapore When Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad stepped down last October, he brought an end to an era of Southeast Asian politics. Mahathir was the last of a generation of core ASEAN leaders, including Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew and Indonesia's Soeharto, to depart from office.

South Sulawesi: Culture, history in focus

South Sulawesi: Culture, history in focus Carla Bianpoen, Contributor, Jakarta On March 5, an exhibition on the culture of South Sulawesi opened at Bentara Budaya Jakarta. It draws attention to the province's rich and varied arts and culture. South Sulawesi is the province that constitutes the narrow, southwestern peninsula of the mountainous, orchid-shaped island, formerly known as the Celebes.

Susilo quits after open rift with Megawati

Susilo quits after open rift with Megawati The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Surabaya The row between President Megawati Soekarnoputri and Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono culminated on Thursday with Susilo's resignation from the Cabinet. "After long and deep consideration, I wrote a letter to the President a moment ago in which I asked permission to resign from the Cabinet," Susilo said during a press conference at his office.

JP/4/comment

JP/4/comment 3 x 20 Susilo's resignation may pose risk to Mega in polls: Observers JP/2/war 2 x 25 Iraq war has marred U.S.' image among Muslims: Analysts JP/2/Perpu 2 x 36 Govt allows mining firms back into protected areas as investment lure JP/2/SHOOT 2 x 29 Two injured by stray bullets

Japan offers health care grant

Japan offers health care grant JAKARTA: Japan has pledged a US$133,757 fund to help fiance health care projects the country. Fuji Hamada, Director of Information and Culture at the Japanese Embassy in Jakarta, said on Thursday that the agreement would be signed on Friday. Japan has appointed the Indonesian Planned Parenthood Association (PKBI) as its project partner for its success in improving the health standards of people nationwide.

1. market (2 x 22)

1. market (2 x 22) Stocks tumble, rupiah at 8-month preelection low JP/13/Market 2. Band (4 x 10) Telkom sees rising broadband accounts JP/13/BAND 3. Mandiri (2 x 12) Govt sells 10 % shares in Mandiri 4. BI (1 x 32) BI to hold auction on monthly basis JP/13/BI 5. Cocoaa (1 x 32) Cocoa producers urge govt to drop VAT

Unidentified shooter hits two

Unidentified shooter hits two Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Two people were injured on Thursday by four stray bullets shot in the air by a man after he was involved in a traffic brawl with another motorist on Jl. Ahmad Yani, Central Jakarta. One bullet hit Solomon Simatupang, 50, a resident of Rawasari subdistrict, Central Jakarta, in the chest, while another hit Abdul Rauf, 35, a resident of Pulogadung, East Jakarta in the stomach.

What the 2004 elections tell young generation

What the 2004 elections tell young generation Thomas Hidya Tjaya, Lecturer, Driyarkara School of Philosophy, Jakarta Many Indonesians, if not all, observe the upcoming general election with much apprehension. Logistical arrangements, including the preparation of ballot boxes, seem far from complete. People fear the election campaigns under way may easily turn into chaotic clashes to nobody's benefit.

Stocks tumble, rupiah at eight-month preelection low

Stocks tumble, rupiah at eight-month preelection low Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As the first day of the election campaign began on Thursday, shares on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) dropped and the rupiah plunged to its lowest level in eight months because of jitters over security during the campaign. The Jakarta Composite Index dropped by 2.5 percent or 19.129 points to 741.198 from 760.327.

Gus Dur misses extortion trial three times

Gus Dur misses extortion trial three times M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid again failed to appear as a key witness in the trial of the man who is reportedly his spiritual advisor on Thursday at the Central Jakarta District Court. Spokesman for the former leader, Adhi Massardi, said that Gus Dur was in Sukabumi, West Java, to attend a meeting. He declined to reveal the purpose of the meeting.

Home minister scolded for joke

Home minister scolded for joke A member of the Surabaya Election Supervisory Committee (Panwaslu) admonished Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno on Thursday after the minister demonstrated the correct way to cast a vote to a group of local election officials. Originally, said Hari, voters were expected to punch the picture of their chosen candidates, but a special box had been prepared on the ballot paper for security reasons.

Susilo's exit may pose risk to Mega in polls: Observers

Susilo's exit may pose risk to Mega in polls: Observers Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Political observers say Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's decision to resign his ministerial post may signal the retired Army general is taking a few steps back to prepare for a big leap that could derail Megawati Soekarnoputri's bid for another term as President.

Govt sells 10% shares in Mandiri

Govt sells 10% shares in Mandiri Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government collected on Thursday Rp 2.87 trillion (about US$330 million) in proceeds from the sale of a 10 percent stake in Bank Mandiri in the stock market via private placement in another round of the privatization of the bank. Mahmuddin Yasin, a deputy to the State Minister for State Enterprises in charge of privatization, said that the shares were priced at Rp 1,450 each.

Cash withdrawals soar ahead of poll

Cash withdrawals soar ahead of poll Suherdjoko, The Jakarta Post, Semarang As election campaigning began this week, the number of cash withdrawal transactions and the number of counterfeit notes recorded by the Bank Indonesia's (BI) Semarang office have nearly tripled, said Bachri, head of the Central Java provincial office on Wednesday. "The cash trend is apparent as it is seen from the number of withdrawal transactions by all the banks in the province.

One billion people to vote in Asia this year

One billion people to vote in Asia this year Peter Cunliffe-Jones and Mark McCord, Agence France-Presse, Hong Kong More than a billion ballots will be cast and counted in 11 different Asian elections this year, as democracy becomes slowly entrenched in the world's most populous region, political scientists told AFP this week.

KPUD vexed by false candidacy hope

KPUD vexed by false candidacy hope Agustinus Tjiuh was very eager to serve as a legislator for his province, East Kalimantan. He did not hesitate in spending millions of rupiah to put promote himself in several local newspapers, placing advertisements on his development plans for the province. Meanwhile, head of East Kalimantan General Elections Commission (KPUD) Noorsyamsu Agang was confused as to how to tell the ambitious politician to stop the ads.

Manggarai returns into normal

Manggarai returns into normal Yemris Fointuna and P.C. Naommy, The Jakarta Post, Kupang/Jakarta The situation in Manggarai regency, East Nusa Tenggara, has returned to normal following a bloody rampage in the regency town of Ruteng on Wednesday that killed five people and injured 28 others, including several police personnel.

Poso Muslims visit predominantly Christian Tentena

Poso Muslims visit predominantly Christian Tentena Ruslan Sangadji, The Jakarta Post, Poso, Sulawesi Tengah More than three years after the signing of the Malino peace agreement, around 150 Muslim residents of Poso town traveled some 50 kilometers south to make a historic visit to the predominantly Christian town of Tentena, both are in Poso regency. The visit on Thursday was apparently a move to build peace among the two religious communities.

Govt help needed to promote technology development

Govt help needed to promote technology development Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia would continue to lag behind other countries in high-tech innovation unless the government improved financial and reward systems for researchers and technology users, a scientist said. Kurleni Ukar, a research head at the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), Kurleni Ukar, said difficulty in commercializing local inventions was hampering the development of technology in the country.