Archive: 13 March 2004
93 articles found
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Mayor's favoritism complained
Mayor's favoritism complained TANGERANG: A group of artists on the Tangerang Municipal Art Council (DKKT) have complained the Tangerang mayor favors sports over the arts. Endro, a DKKT leader, said in a meeting on Friday that Mayor Wahidin Halim only paid attention to soccer players, providing them with lavish facilities. "Artists don't even have a theater or art center as a means to develop their talents," Endro said.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
The elections and anti-corruption measures
The elections and anti-corruption measures Patrick Guntensperger, Business Consultant, Jakarta, ttpguntensperger@hotmail.com This year there will be a new government in Indonesia. You can be sure that we will see some of the same old faces around the legislature just as we will see some new ones. But it is a chance to make a fresh start.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
PDI-P can't satisfy people's aspiration
PDI-P can't satisfy people's aspiration JAYAPURA, Papua: Maybe they were nervous or just overly emotional, but two campaigners for the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) had a difficult time pronouncing "aspiration" during a campaign rally at Trikora field in Jayapura. Rosiati Anwar, a legislative candidate for the party, took three times to get the correct pronunciation of "aspiration".
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Akbar rambles on to silence rival
Akbar rambles on to silence rival Golkar leader Akbar Tandjung had his own method for sidelining fellow party member Surya Paloh, who did not obey the party's ruling that among Golkar's six possible presidential candidates, only Akbar can campaign outside of Java. Defying the ruling, Surya campaigned on the same stage with Akbar in Pekanbaru, Riau, on Thursday.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
KPU drops ultimatum to President, VP
KPU drops ultimatum to President, VP The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Ambon After repeated threats, the General Elections Commission (KPU) retreated on Friday from its demand that President Megawati Soekarnoputri and Vice President Hamzah Haz take leave to campaign for the respective political parties. KPU member Hamid Awaluddin, who is also chairman of the electoral campaign working committee, said the commission had dropped its ultimatum.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
PM Abdullah marks new break with Mahathir era
PM Abdullah marks new break with Mahathir era M. Jegathesan, Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia's ruling coalition has made sweeping changes in its line-up of candidates for elections on March 21, marking a fresh break with the leadership of retired strongman Mahathir Mohamad.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Transparent election
Transparent election budgets needed From Kompas The District Elections Committee of East Bekasi has announced the pay for the ballot support group (KPPS) head is Rp 40,000 a day while this year's general election takes place. It implies the fee is paid only on election days. The Kompas, Feb. 16 election issue, however, put the fees at Rp 50,000 for the KPPS head and Rp 40,000 for lesser officials each month, including tax deductions.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Endemic to Sumatra island, Amorphophallus titanum, which means
Endemic to Sumatra island, Amorphophallus titanum, which means the god Titan's scepter, has the largest inflorescence among the Araceae family. The flower can reach a height of six meters and a diameter of three meters. Also known as Titan Arum, the plant is locally known as Bunga Bangkai (carcass flower) due to its smell, which has been compared to that of a rotting carcass. The smell is more intense during the blooming process, which takes less than one day.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
RI, China battle in Thomas and Uber
RI, China battle in Thomas and Uber Zakki Hakim and Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Titleholder Indonesia faces the prospect of a tough game with top seed China with the two Asian and world badminton powerhouses drawn in the same group for the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup competitions. The men's Thomas Cup, the International Badminton Federation (IBF)'s oldest trophy, and the women's version the Uber Cup will be held in Jakarta from May 7 to May 16 at the Bung Karno Indoor Stadium.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Major parties fight over Susilo
Major parties fight over Susilo The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Semarang Political parties are rushing to court Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono following his resignation from President Megawati Soekarnoputri's Cabinet on Thursday. The National Awakening Party (PKB), the National Mandate Party (PAN) and the Crescent Star Party (PBB) all said on Friday they were interested in having Susilo be either their presidential or vice presidential candidate for the July 5 presidential election.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
The sultan and I held talks: Wiranto
The sultan and I held talks: Wiranto Following in the footsteps of fellow Golkar Party presidential hopeful Surya Paloh, former Indonesian Military chief Gen. (ret). Wiranto paid a visit to Yogyakarta Sultan Hamengkubuwono X on Friday. Speaking after the meeting, Wiranto said he shared his concerns about several national issues and Golkar internal affairs with Hamengkubuwono, who is also Yogyakarta governor, during the brief meeting.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Health study prompts recall of famous dog, cat food brand
Health study prompts recall of famous dog, cat food brand The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The distributor of well-known dog and cat food, PT Effem Indonesia, the local branch of U.S.-based Effem Foods voluntarily recalled several products from the market starting Friday over concerns as to the quality of raw materials used at Effem Foods facility in Thailand.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
A groundwater tax?
A groundwater tax? The city bylaw on a groundwater tax which was approved by the Jakarta administration on Wednesday has provoked concern and questions among the public. The promotion of the bylaw has apparently been inadequate. As usual, controversial statements are made by officials following any new policy, and this issuance of the bylaw is no exception.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Bappenas warns of economic impact of elections
Bappenas warns of economic impact of elections Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Economic growth may slow down this year to 3 percent if the general elections become violent and create instability, the National Development Planning Board (Bappenas) said in a study issued on Friday. The government's 2004 economic growth target is 4.8 percent. A severe drop in growth would worsen the country's already pressing unemployment problem.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Indovision's poor service
Indovision's poor service I'm a subscriber to Indovision (P.T. Matahara Lintas Cakrawala) and I have patiently ignored the customer service representatives' unfriendly behavior over a period of five (!) years. Every month I get hustled by Indovision, either via telephone, SMS or E-mail to pay my subscription fee. When I answer that I already transferred the money (via BNI, Amlapura) they request a fax of the bank receipt, which means more paperwork and costs for me.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Schools must be able to stimulate their students to love learning
Schools must be able to stimulate their students to love learning Simon Marcus Gower, Executive Principal, High/Scope School, Jakarta Classrooms in Indonesian schools can be sombre places. Heavy benches behind which students sit in regimented rows. Walls with meager decorations hardly portray any evidence of active use of the space, but funds may be a problem here. However, even slightly exuberant behavior from students may be construed as unruly and is quickly put down by a dictatorial teacher.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Jamsostek to reduce investments in bank deposits
Jamsostek to reduce investments in bank deposits The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned social security firm PT Jamsostek plans to cut its investment in bank time deposits this year amid the current low interest rate environment. The director of investment at Jamsostek, Samuel Tobing, said on Friday that the amount of money put in time deposits would be reduced to around 40 percent of the company's investable funds by the end of this year, from the current 50 percent.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
'If I've had a fight, I go to a beauty salon'
'If I've had a fight, I go to a beauty salon' Many people point to a lack of education and poverty as the main triggers for domestic violence, the victims of which are most often women and children. In observance of International Women's Day last Monday, The Jakarta Post discussed domestic violence with residents, some of whom said ignorance and poverty were not to blame. Depi Iskandar Muda, 28, is an ojek (motorcycle taxi) driver in Bendungan Hilir, Central Jakarta.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Amoseas to build third geothermal power plant
Amoseas to build third geothermal power plant Dewi Santoso, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Amoseas Indonesia Inc., a unit of U.S.-based ChevronTexaco, is currently under negotiation with two state-owned companies to build a third geothermal power plant, Darajat III, in Darajat, West Java, a company senior official has said.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Exhibition in homage to Widayat
Exhibition in homage to Widayat MAGELANG, Central Java: To commemorate the anniversary of the late maestro Widayat's birthday, the management of the Museum Haji Widayat in Mungkid, Magelang, Central Java, is to hold a two-week painting exhibition here. Widayat was born on March 9, 1919, and died on June 2, 2002. Titled "Reading Widayat's World", the exhibition is scheduled to be officially opened on March 13 by senior artist G. Sidharta Soegijo.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Poll body assures public all is OK
Poll body assures public all is OK The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Ambon/Samarinda Despite repeated rescheduling the General Elections Commission (KPU) claimed on Friday that 85 percent of over 300 million ballot papers would reach all polling stations by March 25. The papers are for the House of Representatives and Regional Representatives Council (DPD) candidates, which the KPU says have been distributed to regencies and municipalities.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Thousands of PAN supporters bored
Thousands of PAN supporters bored MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Most of some 1,000 supporters of the National Mandate Party (PAN) abandoned PAN campaign on Friday, held at Bumi Tamalanrea Permai field in Makassar city. Most of the supporters initially flooded the field at 1 p.m and listened attentively to the PAN campaigners, who spelled out PAN programs. But, few minutes later, they became boring and started to flee the field.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Supreme Court's ruling
Supreme Court's ruling From Bisnis Indonesia The Supreme Court ruling to exonerate Akbar Tandjung is just a plagiarized, humorous piece by Srimulat, one of the country's famous groups of comedians. However, it falls flat as a joke. Unfortunately, ordinary citizens can do nothing about this. They can only pray that this ruling will pave the way for Akbar Tandjung to win the presidential race later this year so that Indonesia can become a full-fledged land of clowns.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah Rates March 12
Rupiah Rates March 12 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 6,669.43 5,933.28 6,334.86 6,267.62 Brunei dollar 1 5,335.29 4,746.85 5,067.64 5,014.34 Canadian dollar 1 6,908.32 6,145.34 6,561.77 6,491.63 Swiss franc 1 7,170.97 6,381.30 6,811.24 6,740.89 Danish krone 1 1,505.64 1,339.26 1,430.11 1,414.72 Euro 1 11,218.05 9,984.22 10,655.30 10,546.83 Poundsterling 1 16,445.37 14,636.12 15,620.40 15,460.86 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,168.80 1,040.37 1,110.17 1,099.00...
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Wahyoe Boediwardhana
Wahyoe Boediwardhana and Fabiola Desy Unandjaja The Jakarta Post Gianyar, Bali/Jakarta Megawati Soekarnoputri and her presidential challengers strived to make the most of their "comparative advantages" in their election campaign debuts on Friday. Campaigners from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) highlighted efforts to overcome terrorism on the resort island, which is still reeling from the bomb blasts of October 2002.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Mega, Akbar start subtle mudslinging in campaign
Mega, Akbar start subtle mudslinging in campaign Wahyoe Boediwardhana and Fabiola Desy Unandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Gianyar/Jakarta Megawati Soekarnoputri and her presidential challengers strived to make the most of their "comparative advantages" in their election campaign debuts on Friday. Campaigners from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) highlighted efforts to overcome terrorism on the resort island, which is still reeling from the bomb blasts of October 2002.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Strike strands bus passengers
Strike strands bus passengers SEMARANG: Hundreds of bus passengers plying the Solo-Semarang route were stranded on Friday at Tirtonadi Terminal in Solo as three bus companies went on strike. Hundreds of employees of bus companies Safari, Taruna and Duta Kartika have gone on strike since Wednesday. Slamet, a bus crew member, said the strike began on Wednesday, when the management of Taruna fired dozens of employees. The crew of 54 Taruna buses parked along Jl.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Council building emptied by campaign
Council building emptied by campaign SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: The East Kalimantan provincial council building on Jl. Karang Paci here was deserted on Friday, the second day of the election campaign, as most of the councillors were busy on the campaign trail. Only administrative staffers were seen in the office. "Most of the councillors are busy campaigning or holding meetings with their constituents.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Supporters of PPD demand T-shirts
Supporters of PPD demand T-shirts SURABAYA: Several participants of a campaign rally for the Indonesian Unity Party (PPD) complained on Friday that they were not given T-shirts by party officials. The T-shirt-less rally participants shouted at party officials on stage at the Gelora Deltras Stadium in Surabaya. "We need T-shirts," they said. The shouts did not produce any T-shirts but they certainly disrupted the campaign.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Minister Yusril a hit with women
Minister Yusril a hit with women Yusril Ihza Mahendra, the leader of the Crescent Star Party (PBB), seems to have won the unofficial title as handsomest politician. Some of his women fans say the politician takes full advantage of his looks, as reflected in his body language. Yusril, who is also minister of justice and human rights, met with a very special supporter on Thursday.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Council hopefuls try to outshine parties
Council hopefuls try to outshine parties The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Candidates of the newly established Regional Representatives Council (DPD) must compete alongside the 24 political parties in attracting people to attend their campaigns -- a difficult mission, as they must organize their campaigns independently of parties.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
One rebel killed in shootout
One rebel killed in shootout JAKARTA: At least one suspected rebel leader was killed in a Friday afternoon shootout with members of the Army's Special Forces (Kopassus) in Karmenawari village, West Coast district, Sarmi, Papua on Friday. Jayapura 172 Military Regiment commander Col. Inf. Agus Mulyadi said the Kopassus Rajawali task force, led by Lt. Inf. Tambunan, raided the village after receiving a tip from local people that a group of five rebels were holding a meeting there.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Delinquent customers owe PLN Rp 1 trillion
Delinquent customers owe PLN Rp 1 trillion The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned electricity firm PT PLN said on Thursday accumulated unpaid bills from customers had reached Rp 1 trillion (about US$117 million). "There are 600 customers nationwide who have not paid their electricity bills, amounting to Rp 1 trillion. Some Rp 400 billion are from Jakarta," Sunggu Aritonang, PLN's commercial director told reporters as reported by Antara.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Megawati to inaugurate Indragiri bridge
Megawati to inaugurate Indragiri bridge PEKANBARU, Riau: President Megawati Soekarnoputri is scheduled to inaugurate the Indragiri Bridge in Indragiri Hilir district, Riau province, on Saturday, a provincial administration spokesman said. "The ceremony was supposed to take place last Monday when the head of state was in Pekanbaru, but it was canceled due to bad weather," Edi Yusti said on Friday.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Worker killed in warehouse accident
Worker killed in warehouse accident TANGERANG: A man was killed when he was crushed by a forklift in a workplace accident at food producer PT Mayora in Jati Uwung, Tangerang, on Thursday evening. Tangerang Police Insp. Kustanto said on Friday that Wadi, 48, was driving the forklift loaded with food products in the company's warehouse when the incident occurred. "The victim turned the forklift right but suddenly it toppled on its side and he was crushed under it.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Mining in protected forests rejected
Mining in protected forests rejected Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A group of environmental non-governmental organizations (NGO) lashed out on Friday at the government for permitting 13 mining companies to resume activities in protected forests through the issuance of a regulation in lieu of law, or perpu.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Women, girls, focus of the World AIDS drive 2004
Women, girls, focus of the World AIDS drive 2004 Nafsiah Mboi, Senior Consultant, National AIDS Commission, Jakarta On March 8, Indonesians celebrated International Women's Day (IWD) along with people in many countries around the globe. The theme of IWD this year is "Women, Girls, HIV and AIDS". If we look at the development of the AIDS epidemic in this country and the way AIDS has moved across the globe it is clear that discussion of this issue is timely.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Regions urged to help finance police
Regions urged to help finance police Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Amid the regional autonomy era, regions should set aside a small portion of their annual budget to help curb corruption in the police force and at the same time make them more professional, police observers have said.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
PAN supporters ditch campaign stop
PAN supporters ditch campaign stop MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: About 1,000 supporters of the National Mandate Party (PAN) abandoned a PAN campaign rally held on Friday at the Bumi Tamalanrea Permai field in Makassar city. The supporters initially flooded the field at 1 p.m and listened attentively to the PAN campaigners, who spelled out the party's programs. But the supporters apparently grew bored with the speeches and began leaving the field on motorcycles and in cars.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Shepherd will tend
Shepherd will tend Indonesian flock I refer to the article by Benny Susetyo (The Jakarta Post, March 11, under the heading This country needs visionary leader, not simply a ruler).
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Bruised carcass flower breaks record
Bruised carcass flower breaks record Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor, West Java The carcass flower Amorphophallus titanum at the Cibodas Botanical Garden in Bogor bloomed late on Thursday, its solitary spadix reaching a height of 3.17 meters, while the diameter of the magenta spathe was about 1.54 meters. "It breaks the world record," head of the park, Holif Immanudin, said on Friday.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Day two campaigners find deserted fields
Day two campaigners find deserted fields The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Although the 22-day election campaign period just commenced on Thursday, minor political parties scheduled for Friday's first round of campaigns across the country had already begun showing signs that their funding was running out. Meanwhile, much of the public have turned their backs on the campaigns, apparently uninterested in politicians regurgitating programs not very different from those of the 1999 general elections.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Medan to redevelop historic City Hall
Medan to redevelop historic City Hall Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan, North Sumatra Plans are in the pipeline to redevelop the historic Balai Kota (City Hall) into an area called the City Hall Town Square at a cost of more than Rp 80 billion (US$9.5 million). Municipal spokesman Arlan Nasution said on Friday that the one hectare site, located at the Jl. Balaikota and Jl.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Japan provides US$200,000 grant to fight bird flu
Japan provides US$200,000 grant to fight bird flu Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Japanese government has provided a grant of US$200,000 for the government of Indonesia to help fund the latter's efforts in combating bird flu.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
3 x 20
3 x 20 Rupiah and stocks extend losses after Madrid terror attack JP/2/ANIMAL 2 x 27 Health study prompts recall of famous dog, cat food brand JP/2/FISH 1 x 46 Locals seek jobs at new ornamental fish complex JP/2/Thomas 2 x 33 Indonesia, China grouped together in Thomas and Uber Cup badminton
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Susilo quits as top security minister
Susilo quits as top security minister Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has finally decided to quit as coordinating minister for political and security affairs. He sent President Megawati Soekarnoputri his letter of resignation on Thursday morning. However, the President's response to Susilo's resignation from the cabinet is still unclear. To most of us, Susilo's exit came as no major surprise. News on the row between Megawati and Susilo had spread over the past few days.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Election 2004: New bottle, same content
Election 2004: New bottle, same content Endy M. Bayuni, Deputy Chief Editor, The Jakarta Post, Cambridge, Massachusetts The 2004 election is just around the corner, but many, especially those in the reformist camp, have already dismissed this important national event as nothing but a political charade. They are probably right insofar as the outcome is concerned, and most polls have confirmed their cynicism. However, this year's election should also be about the process as much as the result.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Security agencies and elections
Security agencies and elections From Media Indonesia Intelligence agencies and the police are bracing themselves to safeguarde this year's elections in all parts of the country. According to the head of the State Intelligence Agency, his men are now engaged in field operations to anticipate potential problems and will again be mobilized for monitoring on election days.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Is Jakarta a great city for expats to inhabit?
Is Jakarta a great city for expats to inhabit? James Kallman and Baudouin Coomans, PT. Moores Rowland Indonesia, Jakarta It was a small piece in last Thursday's The Jakarta Post that caught my eye Singapore tops Asian cities for expats. According to the latest Mercer rankings of the overall quality of life in 215 cities worldwide, Singapore has risen three places to share 33rd spot with Tokyo; Jakarta is ranked 139. Now with the greatest respect to Mercer, we beg to differ.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Busway system and the rich
Busway system and the rich From Tempo The busway continues to run, despite persistent public criticism. Among those arguing against this mode of city transportation are the well-to-do, who travel to work by car. Though the busway is still a luxury to blue-collar workers and low-ranking employees, it is sad to note the complaints of the rich in the mass media that, among other things, the system is not a solution to traffic jams but has even increased congestion.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Police chief confirms shooter is presidential guard
Police chief confirms shooter is presidential guard The Jakarta Post Jakarta Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Makbul Padmanagara confirmed on Friday that the man who fired into a crowd injuring two people in Rawasari, Central Jakarta, was a member of the Presidential Guard (Paspampres).
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Asian police officers to meet in RP
Asian police officers to meet in RP PHILIPPINES: Senior police officers from Asia and the Middle East will meet in Manila next week to map out plans to improve cooperation in fighting transnational crime and terrorism, officials said on Friday. The meeting, the 18th Interpol Asian Regional Conference, will tackle ways to support regional and national police forces, said a senior Interpol official from its headquarters in Lyon, France.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Susilo's exit made official
Susilo's exit made official Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri signed on Friday the decree making official the departure of Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono from the Cabinet, ending their weeks-long rift. State Secretary Bambang Kesowo, upon announcing the issuance of Decree No. 36/M/2004, said the President had appointed Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno as the interim senior security minister.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Jakarta keeps dumping amid Bekasi dispute
Jakarta keeps dumping amid Bekasi dispute The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso insisted that his administration would continue to dump its 6,000 tons of daily garbage at the Bantar Gebang dump although the Bekasi Legislative Council has repeatedly called on the Bekasi administration to close the site for the damage it has caused to the environment. "The dispute between Bekasi councillors and the administration is an internal issue.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Tiger takes revenge in Bengkulu
Tiger takes revenge in Bengkulu JAKARTA: A farmer was killed by a tiger thought to have wandered out of a national park in Bengkulu, an official said on Friday. "The victim was attacked by the tiger as he was walking home from the fields on Thursday afternoon," said Agus Priambudi, head of the Bengkulu Natural Resources Conservation Bureau. Bengkulu is one of the provinces in southern Sumatra.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Power plant to be built in Makassar
Power plant to be built in Makassar MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Construction company PT Kassa Listrindo is to build a power plant in Punaga subdistrict, some 40 kilometers south of Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi province. "We will start construction in June this year, with the total investment being worth Rp 500 billion (US$60 million)," said the chief commissioner of the company, Brahmantyo, after meeting South Sulawesi governor Amin Syam. The power plant has a capacity of 60 megawatts.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Locals seek jobs at new ornamental fish complex
Locals seek jobs at new ornamental fish complex Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor, West Java Kusbandi, 50, had high hopes of finding a job as a driver at the new, flashy complex in Nanggewer Mekar subdistrict, Cibinong, Bogor. But reality confronted him right at the compound's gate. "I thought working there would be much better than being a school bus driver.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
* Headlines: PT Effem Indonesia recalls pet feed 2
* Headlines: PT Effem Indonesia recalls pet feed 2 * National: Dengue death rate declines but outbreak remains 4 * Archipelago: Donggala tense after attack on Christian village 5 * Opinion: Women, girls focus of the World AIDS Day 2004 7 * City: Presidential guard on shooting spree 8 * Sports: Obscure Pettersson surprise leader at PGA Tour 9 * World: Badawi marks new break with Mahathir era 11 * Business: Amoseas to build 3rd geothermal power plant in RI 13 * Features: Java and beyond in Berlin...
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
[b]2004 election: New bottle,
2004 election: New bottle, same content, room for change Endy M. Bayuni Deputy chief editor The Jakarta Post Cambridge, Massachusetts 2. Pat -- The elections and anti-corruption measures 2 X 30 The elections, new government and anticorruption measures "Anticorruption" should be one word throughout article Patrick Guntensperger Business Consultant Jakarta ttpguntensperger@hotmail.com
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
One murdered, 5 injured as fears of religious war loom
One murdered, 5 injured as fears of religious war loom Ruslan Sangadji, The Jakarta Post, Palu, Central Sulawesi The situation in Donggala, Central Sulawesi, remained tense on Friday following a bloody attack on a predominantly Christian village in the regency a day before. Hundreds of villagers are now guarding the village with machetes, hand-made guns and spears and everybody who comes into the area is thoroughly checked.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
1. DPD: 28 pt, 1 cols, 4 x 9
1. DPD: 28 pt, 1 cols, 4 x 9 Council candidates struggle to lure voters 2. LOGISTICS: 36 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 28 Poll body assures public all is OK 3. CHAIRMAN: 50 pt, 2 cols, 4 x 12 Mega, Akbar start subtle mudslinging in campaign 4. PANWASLU: 32 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 37 KPU drops ultimatum to President, VP 5.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Indosat responds
Indosat responds We would like to thank Urs Wuthrich of Jakarta for his letter published in The Jakarta Post on Feb. 9, titled Satelindo so- called service. We would also like to apologize for any inconvenience experienced in using the Matrix service from Indosat. Our customer service representative called and visited Urs, explained the blocking of his mobile phone number and submitted the monthly bills for December 2003 and January 2004.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Classical music on offer at Melia
Classical music on offer at Melia YOGYAKARTA: In a treat for classical music lovers , the five- star Yogyakarta Melia Purosani Hotel is holding a series of classical music performances during March and April. The hotel's public relations manager, Atik Damarjati, said the performances would be held in a relaxed atmosphere in the lobby lounge. "So, you will be able to enjoy the performances while, say, enjoying wine, cigars or coffee, all of which we serve in our lobby room.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Wiranto visits Sultan
Wiranto visits Sultan Following in the footsteps of fellow Golkar Party presidential hopeful Surya Paloh, former Indonesian Military chief Gen. (ret). Wiranto paid a visit to Yogyakarta Sultan Hamengkubuwono X on Friday. Speaking after the meeting, Wiranto said he shared his concerns about several national issues and Golkar internal affairs with Hamengkubuwono, who is also Yogyakarta governor, during the brief meeting.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
BP West Java operates as usual
BP West Java operates as usual The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Energy firm BP West Java said production activities were running normally despite its recent loss in a controversial court case bought by a chemical supplier. Pradakso Hadiwidjojo, BP Indonesia senior manager of communications and internal affairs, said the court ruling did not hamper the company's work producing natural gas. BP West Java, a subsidiary of energy firm BP Indonesia, operates offshore natural gas rigs in north East Java.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Actress to give beauty tips
Actress to give beauty tips YOGYAKARTA: The five-star Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta Hotel on Jl. Palagan Tentara Pelajar is due to hold a discussion on feminine beauty on Monday, March 22, 2004, presented by noted actress and presenter Ira Wibowo. The show, titled Obrolan Cantik, which will be hosted by compere Dave Hendrik, will also include fashion designer Susie Hedijanto, make-up beautician Qiqi Franky and beauty advisor Yan Ismail of Clinique cosmetics.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
PAN supporters ditch campaign stop
PAN supporters ditch campaign stop MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: About 1,000 supporters of the National Mandate Party (PAN) abandoned a PAN campaign rally held on Friday at the Bumi Tamalanrea Permai field in Makassar city. The supporters initially flooded the field at 1 p.m and listened attentively to the PAN campaigners, who spelled out the party's programs. But the supporters apparently grew bored with the speeches and began leaving the field on motorcycles and in cars.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Jl. Thamrin sidewalk widening project to kick off in May
Jl. Thamrin sidewalk widening project to kick off in May Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta Parks Agency announced on Friday that the sidewalk widening project along Jl. Thamrin in Central Jakarta would take place in stages beginning in May. Sidewalks along the street will be widened from the current width of between two and 2.5 meters to between five and eight meters.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Australians rescue RI fishermen
Australians rescue RI fishermen JAKARTA: An Australian ship rescued six Indonesian men clinging to a makeshift raft in the Arafura Sea on Friday, two days after their fishing boat sank off Australia's north coast, Australian marine authorities said. They were first spotted by Australian air coast guards on Friday morning, said Australian Marine Safety Authority spokesman Ben Mitchell, about 70 nautical miles from the northern Australian town of Maningrida.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
ASEAN should seek more cooperative equilibrium
ASEAN should seek more cooperative equilibrium Bantarto Bandoro Editor, The Indonesian Quarterly Centre For Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Jakarta bandoro@csis.or.id ASEAN's commitment when it was first established in 1967 was to take care of its immediate region, Southeast Asia. It was decided that matters relating to Southeast Asia be managed through cooperative measures between ASEAN member countries.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
[b]Secret best left untold: Is
Secret best left untold: Is Jakarta a great city to inhabit? James Kallman and Baudouin Coomans PT. Moores Rowland Indonesia Jakarta 2. Simon -- Schools must nurture love of learning 2 X 30 Schools must be able to stimulate their students to love learning Simon Marcus Gower Executive Principal High/Scope School Jakarta
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Journalists query campaign prep
Journalists query campaign prep YOGYAKARTA: Local journalists questioned on Friday political party preparations in the election campaign. "I doubt whether the political parties are ready to campaign. It is the second day of the campaign, but the political parties are willing yet to inform poll organizer on where they will campaign and who will be the campaigners," said Yuyuk Sugarman, a local journalist.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Vietnam's army to launch Vietel
Vietnam's army to launch Vietel HANOI: A telecommunications company run by Vietnam's army is expected to launch a mobile phone service this year, making it the fourth operator in the country, a company executive said on Friday. The Army Electronic and Telecommunications Company, or Vietel, obtained government approval and plans to commence its phone service by the end of the third quarter, said company deputy director Duong Van Tinh.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
The situation in Donggala, Central Sulawesi, remained tense on
The situation in Donggala, Central Sulawesi, remained tense on Friday following a bloody attack on a predominantly Christian village in the regency a day before. Hundreds of villagers are now guarding the village with machetes, hand-made guns and spears and everybody who comes into the area is thoroughly checked. More than 100 antiriot police were also deployed in the village in anticipation of further clashes after the incident.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
JP/3/SAMARINDA
JP/3/SAMARINDA Council building deserted during campaign SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: The East Kalimantan provincial council building on Jl. Karang Paci here was deserted on Friday, the second day of the election campaign, as most of the councillors were busy on the campaign trail. Only administrative staffers were seen in the office. "Most of the councillors are busy campaigning or holding meetings with their constituents.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Police take samples around rig, results in two weeks
Police take samples around rig, results in two weeks Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta Police have taken samples of an oil spill caused by a China National Offshore Oil Corp. (CNOOC) rig in Kepulauan Seribu, or Thousand Islands regency, as part of the ongoing investigation into allegations that the company was polluting the area. "Our team took the samples on Thursday and have directly submitted them to the National Police forensic lab," Special Crimes chief Sr. Comr.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Monitors to visit MILF camps
Monitors to visit MILF camps PHILIPPINES: Malaysian cease-fire monitors will inspect 10 bases of the largest Islamic separatist group in the southern Philippines in coming days ahead of the resumption of formal peace talks with the government in April. Malaysia has been hosting negotiations to end more than three decades of a Muslim secessionist rebellion in which more than 120,000 people have been killed in the southern Philippines.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
NGOs urge probe into Manggarai shooting
NGOs urge probe into Manggarai shooting Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara An alliance of 23 nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) joined force on Friday to call on the National Commission of Human Rights to carry out an independent and thorough investigation into the Manggarai shooting that left five dead and 28 others wounded.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Megawati does pole dance with mike
Megawati does pole dance with mike Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) leader Megawati Soekarnoputri opened her first speech of the campaign season in Bali with an Islamic salutation and then a Hindu one, before firing up the crowd with a simple question: "Did you miss me?" The answer was a resounding "yes" to the President. All in all, it was a good crowd and a successful campaign stop. The only problem was caused by an uncooperative microphone stand that refused to stay put.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Six soldiers discharged for desertion
Six soldiers discharged for desertion KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Six more soldiers in East Nusa Tenggara have recently been discharged for desertion, a senior military officer said on Friday. They were Chief. Sgt. Untung Sumasto from the South Central Timor district military command and five other soldiers from the Wirasakti military command, namely First Sgt. Asmuni, Second Pvt. Eduardo Pareira, Second Pvt. Thomas dos Santos, Second Pvt. Jefrionas and First Pvt. Nomensen Neparasi.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Police chief says shooter a member of 'Paspampres'
Police chief says shooter a member of 'Paspampres' The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Makbul Padmanagara confirmed on Friday that the man who fired into a crowd injuring two people in Rawasari, Central Jakarta, was a member of the Presidential Guard (Paspampres).
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Illegal burial fees
Illegal burial fees From Koran Tempo A Jakarta councillor has questioned the fee for the burial of a citizen in the capital. The city administration has allocated Rp 150,000 per person for digging and filling a grave. He wondered why some people had been asked to pay Rp 1 million a person. This happened to my family. When my elder brother died and was buried in the Pondok Kopi public cemetery, Kedoya, West Jakarta, I had to pay Rp 950,000 in burial costs.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Vietnam to host ASEP meeting
Vietnam to host ASEP meeting VIETNAM: Parliamentarians from Asia and Europe will meet on March 25 in Vietnam's former imperial capital of Hue for two days of talks ahead of October's Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in Hanoi. The third Asia-Europe Parliamentary Meeting (ASEP) is a forum for deputies from the two regions "to participate in the ASEM process and promote their external activities", Vietnam's National Assembly said on Friday in a statement.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Dengue fatality rate declining gradually
Dengue fatality rate declining gradually The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Over three months since the dengue fever outbreak began, the case fatality rate (CFR) in the country is declining, but the outbreak has yet to be brought under control as new patients are checking into hospitals every day. Speaking to reporters in Jakarta on Friday, Minister of Health Achmad Sujudi said the national CFR had dropped to 1.2 percent from 1.8 percent on March 1 due to improved treatment for patients.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Wahyoe Boediwardhana
Wahyoe Boediwardhana and Fabiola Desy Unandjaja The Jakarta Post Gianyar, Bali/Jakarta Megawati Soekarnoputri and her presidential challengers strived to make the most of their "comparative advantages" in their election campaign debuts on Friday. Campaigners from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) highlighted efforts to overcome terrorism on the resort island, which is still reeling from the bomb blasts of October 2002.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
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?
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Java and beyond in Berlin expo
Java and beyond in Berlin expo Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta As part of an attempt to return to the 1980s glory of Yogyakarta and its vicinity as one of the country's leading tourist destinations, local officials and people from the tourist industry, grouped under Java Pavilion, are heading to the world's largest annual international tourism promotion event in Berlin, Germany. The event is the International Turismus Borse (ITB) Berlin, held from March 12 through March 16.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Quality control
Quality control for roads needed Quality of road repairs poor From Bisnis Indonesia A number of road sections in Jakarta are severely damaged. Roads newly repaired look alright for a while, only to be smashed again by rain and returned subsequently to their original state, with large holes appearing all over. Road repair in the capital city is usually conducted soon after damaged parts have claimed victims, or letters to the editor have been published in the print media.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Numerous challenges facing election organizers in Poso
Numerous challenges facing election organizers in Poso Ruslan Sangadji, The Jakarta Post, Palu, Central Sulawesi The upcoming elections in Poso regency are facing various challenges, including the fact that several areas in the conflict zone are still off limits to people of different religions. For example, Muslims do not dare enter the South Pamona area as it is a Christian stronghold, said the head of the Poso General Elections Commission (Poso KPU), Yasin Mangun.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Activists: End the sea turtle trade
Activists: End the sea turtle trade Bambang M, Contributor, Yogyakarta Eighteen protesters, members of the wildlife protection organization, ProFauna, staged a unique protest in front of the Serangan Oemoem 11 Maret monument in downtown Yogyakarta recently. Clad in white jumpsuits, they unfurled two big banners reading, "Stop the sea turtle trade" and "Stop trading souvenirs made of sea turtles." No yells nor heroic songs were heard during the rally.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Defending champ Sunu faces Ocvirk challenges
Defending champ Sunu faces Ocvirk challenges Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Young Indonesian tennis star Sunu Wahyu Trijati is only one step away from successfully defending his title in the 2004 Salonpas International Junior Tennis Championships, after he defeated compatriot Elbert Sie 7-5, 6-3 in their semifinal match at the Kemayoran Tennis Center on Friday. Sunu, the fifth seed the tournament, has second seed Luka Ocvirk, of Slovenia, to tackle in Saturday's final.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Fake loan middlemen steal in Rp 1.89b
Fake loan middlemen steal in Rp 1.89b JAKARTA: Four members of a syndicate were arrested on Wednesday, after they stole Rp 1.89 million (US$222,353) by pretending to be middlemen in bank loans, the Jakarta Police said on Friday. The arrest was made after the four cashed the money, stolen from 21 victims over four months.
Sat, 13 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Ex-PKI members' right
Ex-PKI members' right From Koran Tempo The Constitutional Court on Feb. 24 decided to annul article 60(g) of Law No. 12/2003 on general elections, restoring the constitutional right for (suspected) ex-Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) members and their relatives to run for legislative posts. This decision constitutes a legal breakthrough, which gives certainty to the rights of former political detainees particularly ex-PKI members.