Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 18 March 2004

76 articles found

New Order attempts to regain political power

New Order attempts to regain political power Muhammad Qodari, Director of Research, Indonesian Survey Institute (LSI), Jakarta, qodari@lsi.or.id Watch out for the return of the New Order! The Concern for the Nation Functional Party (PKPB) was established a year ago by former Army chief of staff R. Hartono and Soeharto's eldest daughter, Siti Hardijanti "Tutut" Rukamana, to restore the "glory" of the New Order regime in Indonesia.

Imbalance twixt Asian, European museums

Imbalance twixt Asian, European museums Farah Wardani, Contributor, Singapore For centuries, Asia and Europe have been harmoniously sharing their glory as sites of the world's cultural history. The two continents were home to much of early civilization. In fact, the history of Asian and European cultures also tracks the interaction between the two continents, which has been taking place from ancient times until today.

Palu allows traffic chaos for security

Palu allows traffic chaos for security PALU, Central Sulawesi: Hendro Surahmat, a senior official at Palu municipality administration, said on Wednesday that his office had canceled regular ticketing for traffic violations during the 7-month election period for security reasons. He said that traffic monitoring had been stopped since March and it would resume at least one week after the second round of presidential election in late September.

Rupiah Rates Marc 17

Rupiah Rates Marc 17 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 6,745.37 5,998.53 6,405.91 6,337.76 Brunei dollar 1 5,336.11 4,745.71 5,067.58 5,014.09 Canadian dollar 1 6,823.20 6,068.18 6,479.83 6,411.35 Swiss franc 1 7,115.10 6,327.62 6,757.03 6,685.46 Danish krone 1 1,496.86 1,330.93 1,421.53 1,406.20 Euro 1 11,151.47 9,919.43 10,590.27 10,480.40 Poundsterling 1 16,501.09 14,679.94 15,670.67 15,510.13 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,165.65 1,037.16 1,106.99 1,095.81...

PDI-P candidate tried for early campaigning

PDI-P candidate tried for early campaigning Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) legislative candidate Alex Nasution stood trial at the Cibinong District Court on Wednesday for breaching laws forbidding early campaigning. Alex was charged with violating Article 138 (3) of Law No. 12/2003 on the general elections. If convicted, he would face a maximum three months' jail and a fine of Rp 1 million (US$117).

UI to open new master's program

UI to open new master's program JAKARTA: Minister of Social Affairs Bachtiar Chamsyah and University of Indonesia (UI) rector Usman Chatib Warsa signed an agreement on Tuesday to develop a new master's program in social welfare management. Bachtiar said the program aimed to enhance professionalism and competence in social work. Usman said the new master's included discussion forums on social policies and research.

'Papua division may end with separatism'

'Papua division may end with separatism' Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The whole of Papua society could unite in a movement to secede from the Republic of Indonesia if the government insisted on splitting the province, a religious leader warned. Jayapura Bishop Leo Labalaja told the Constitutional Court on Wednesday the separatist movement in Papua already had support from people at the grassroots level.

Thursday, March 18, 2004

Thursday, March 18, 2004 .TB.30" .90" TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Travel 7:30 Children Show: Pentas Ceria 9:00 Entertainment News: Pro Biz 10:00 TV Drama: Sekar Pembayun 11:00 Life Clip 12:00 p.m. Singing Contest: Konteswara 1:00 News: Berita Siang 1:30 Documentary 2:30 English News Service 4:00 City News 4:30 Music 5:30 Comedy 6:00 TV Drama 7:00 News: Berita Nasional 8:00 Talk Show: Kampanye Dialogis UI 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 9:30 Music: Country Road 11:30 TV Drama 12:30 a.m.

Consumer watchdog finds food labels substandard

Consumer watchdog finds food labels substandard Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Perusing the label on packaged foods may be the last resort for consumers in ensuring the safety of the products, as most labels only adds to the confusion of exactly what it contains.

Party flags taken down in Bandung

Party flags taken down in Bandung BANDUNG: Poll officials in Bandung hauled down on Tuesday afternoon party banners and flags along the city's main thoroughfares as they said the roads were campaign-free zones. Benny Moestofa, the chairman of Bandung mayoralty's General Election Commission (KPUD), complained that the violations were committed by at least nine political parties in Bandung. Of those nine, all six of the largest parties were included.

Garuda sees profits doubling this year

Garuda sees profits doubling this year Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta National carrier Garuda Indonesia expects its pre-tax profits to skyrocket by more than 100 percent this year on improved operating efficiency and rising passenger volumes against a background of rapidly recovering domestic and regional economies. Garuda president Indra Setiawan said the company was targeting a profit of Rp 500 billion (US$58.8 million) this year, up from Rp 238.7 billion last year.

HHP receives award in Hong Kong

HHP receives award in Hong Kong JAKARTA: Hadiputranto, Hadinoto & Partners (HHP) was named the Indonesian Law Firm of the Year by London-based International Financial Law Review (IFLR) magazine last Thursday during the IFLR's Asian Awards 2003 ceremony, which was held in Hong Kong. This marks the fourth successive win for HHP. The firm has received the award every year since 2000.

[b]

New Order attempts to regain political power Muhammad Qodari Director of Research Indonesian Survey Institute (LSI) Jakarta qodari@lsi.or.id 2. Ross2 -- Farewell to IBRA 2 X 30 Assessing the banking industry in the wake of restructuring Part 2 of 2 Ross H. McLeod Indonesia Project Australian National University Canberra

Councillor gets 4 years for graft

Councillor gets 4 years for graft Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta The Yogyakarta High Court has increased the sentence of convicted local councillor Herman Abdurrahman, 53, to four years in prison and fined him Rp 200 million (US$23,529) in a bribery case. The defendant had been jailed for only two years and fined Rp 10 million by the Yogyakarta District Court last year for his key role in the Rp 150 million (US$17,647) case.

Declaration inked to reject violence, misuse of religion

Declaration inked to reject violence, misuse of religion M. Taufiqurrahman and A. Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Political parties, religious leaders and activists signed a declaration on Wednesday, calling on all parties to reject violence and the misuse of religion during election campaigns. Campaigners should "not use religion as a political commodity," Center for Electoral reform (Cetro) executive director Smita Notosusanto said at the signing.

PBVSI to host two international tournaments

PBVSI to host two international tournaments Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Volleyball Association of Indonesia (PBVSI) announced on Wednesday that it would host two international tournaments in 2004. PBVSI chairperson Rita Subowo said that Indonesia would host the 2004 Women's World Grand Prix in July and Under 185 centimeters (U-85) International Men's Championships in October. Both will be held in Jakarta.

FBI helps investigate bombing attempt in Medan

FBI helps investigate bombing attempt in Medan Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan, North Sumatra The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is helping North Sumatra police investigate an attempted supermarket bombing in the provincial capital, Medan, officials announced on Wednesday. North Sumatra Police chief Insp. Gen. Edy Sunarno said a two- member FBI team arrived in Medan to investigate the bomb found last week on the second floor of the Macan Yoahan supermarket.

16 concessionaires didn't pay fees

16 concessionaires didn't pay fees Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Disappointed by the government's lack of action, three non- governmental organizations have announced that 16 holders of forest utilization licenses (HPH and HPHT holders) evaded paying a total of Rp 262.04 billion in reforestation fees and forest resource dues (PSDH) in 2003.

Japan receives soldier's skeletons

Japan receives soldier's skeletons BIAK, Papua: The skeletons of 11 Japanese soldiers who died in Papua during World War II were handed over to Japan in a modest ceremony held in Kampung Paray district, Biak on Wednesday. Representing the Indonesian government was deputy head of Biak Numfor district, Adrianus Kafiar, while Japan was represented by certain Yamaguchi. Adrianus said the handover was based on an agreement reached by the two governments in 1993.

1. NGO ( 1 X 30 )

1. NGO ( 1 X 30 ) Activists fear losing more forests 2. TANI ( 2 X 16 ) Five regents awarded for farming policies 3. COURT ( 1 X 32 ) 'Papua division may end with separatism' 4. ANTEK ( 1 X 27 ) Sultan, Gus Dur reject antek remark 5. WALHI ( 1 X 36 ) 16 concessionaires didn't pay fees

Japanese firms, Airbus sign deals

Japanese firms, Airbus sign deals TOKYO: European aircraft maker Airbus said on Wednesday several Japanese companies, including Koito Manufacturing, will supply parts for the company's next-generation A380 super-jumbo programme. Along with Koito, which is Japan's biggest manufacturer of automotive lighting equipment, Matsushita Avionics Systems and JAMCO Corp. have been selected as "preferred suppliers" for the 555-seat A380, Airbus said.

Activists fear losing more forests

Activists fear losing more forests Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Forestry activists warn that the country will pay a much greater cost in the future compared to the short-term profits reaped by allowing open-pit mining companies to operate in protected forests.

Quality of road repairs poor

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.

'Dangdut' singer Vivi Effendy campaigns for Betawi

'Dangdut' singer Vivi Effendy campaigns for Betawi Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Vivi Effendy, who was a famous dangdut singer in the 1970s, is the only Betawi (native resident of Jakarta) woman among the 38 Regional Representatives Council (DPD) candidates. As a native Jakartan, she fully understands the frustrations of the Betawi people, when they say that they have been sidelined by migrants to Jakarta.

Life is just not fair

Life is just not fair From Kompas I've been let go from my job as a TV anchor for a Chinese geography program on a private television station in Jakarta because I've been named a legislative candidate. I don't think the reason they gave: that as a TV anchor I can influence public opinion is appropriate, because my program has nothing to do with politics. Several other actors and presenters have also been treated likewise. This treatment is just downright unfair.

1. MADU 2x24

1. MADU 2x24 Island of salt explored through Soemadji's works 2. MUSEUM 1x32 Imbalance twixt Asian, European museums

U.S. shares files on Hambali with RI

U.S. shares files on Hambali with RI P.C. Naommy, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The U.S. has handed over 125 files on its investigation of Indonesian-born terrorist suspect Riduan Isamuddin alias Hambali to the government, an official says. "The files were handed to the police several weeks ago," Dino Patti Djalal, director on North and Central America with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said on Wednesday.

The election and prices

The election and prices The General Election is undoubtedly important for the nation; however, it does not surpass everything. Farmers must continue to tend their land, fishermen must fish and vendors continue their daily activities. The state administration, too, should run as normal. The President, members of the Cabinet and the House should not become lazy as their terms of office will soon end.

Golkar rejects its old image

Golkar rejects its old image The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Growing resentment against calls to become loyalists of former president Soeharto has led the former dominant party, Golkar, to exercise a good measure of damage control in its campaigns by removing itself from symbols of the past regime. Soeharto was the main patron of Golkar and calls from a political party set up by his former aide, R.

Not much fodder in quiet elections for foreign media

Not much fodder in quiet elections for foreign media Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Journalists across the country are doing their best to cover the historic election campaigns -- however lackluster they may be -- but beyond a few neighboring countries, this year's elections will only be interesting when it comes to picking the president.

Angie gets wild card entry for Athens

Angie gets wild card entry for Athens Musthofid and Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesian tennis star Angelique "Angie" Widjaja, who is being sidelined by a nagging injury, has been granted a wild card entry for the Olympic Games in Athens, said the National Sports Council (KONI). KONI planning and budgeting official Indra Kartasasmita confirmed on Wednesday Angie's invitation from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Polls may create potential shocks, Moody's warns

Polls may create potential shocks, Moody's warns Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta International rating agency Moody's Investors Service has warned that the ongoing election process in Indonesia could slow down the pace of economic reform.

Rp 100b allocated for water works

Rp 100b allocated for water works JAKARTA: The central government has allocated Rp 100 billion (US$11.76 million) to repair water infrastructure in Greater Jakarta. The project, which will start this year, is held by the Development Project for the Ciliwung and Cisadane Rivers (PIPWSC), a task force under the authority of the Ministry of Settlement and Regional Infrastructure.

Director suspended, regular flights resume

Director suspended, regular flights resume Haidir Anwar Tanjung, The Jakarta Post, Pekanbaru, Riau Bowing to pressure from striking workers, PT Riau Airlines (RAL) suspended president director Yunus Bachri while prosecutors opened an investigation into graft allegations against him. The decision prompted striking employees, including all 11 RAL pilots, to return to work on Wednesday, meaning regular flights resumed a day after being canceled because of the strike.

Flores shooting death toll rises to six

Flores shooting death toll rises to six KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: The death toll from a demonstration that went awry rose to six on Wednesday, as a 45-year-old man died in the hospital due to complications suffered after being shot by the police last week in Manggarai regency on Flores island. The victim was identified as Frans Atuk, 45, a resident of Biting subdistrict in the regency.

Luxury villas thrives despite uncertainty

Luxury villas thrives despite uncertainty Rita A. Widiadana, The Jakarta Post, Jimbaran, Bali As one of world's favorite holiday destinations, Bali still attracts numerous visitors to vacation on the island regardless of social, political and security issues, as can be seen during the current election campaign. Over the last few years, Bali has been grappling with an economic downturn that has badly affected its tourism and hospitality industries.

KL increases stake in Proton

KL increases stake in Proton KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian government's investment arm has increased its stake in national carmaker Proton by more than 4 percent, a week after Japan's Mitsubish Motors Corp. sold its chunk of the company.

JP/18/CHEDI

JP/18/CHEDI Chedi Villas offers tranquil and world-class luxury The Jakarta Post Jimbaran The grass is thick and green, resembling a mini golf-course. The water in the beautiful lotus ponds is extremely clear, with dozens of colorful fish swimming in the ponds. On the outside, lines of Japanese bamboo trees and coconut trees shade the once barren and rocky hill of Jimbaran regency. Welcome to Chedi Villas, home to those who seek perfect sanctuary on the island of Bali.

PHRI says election not to affect tourism sector

PHRI says election not to affect tourism sector Dewi Santoso, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) is hopeful that the current general election process will not harm the country's tourism sector. PHRI chairwoman Yanti Sukamdani Hardjoprakoso said on Wednesday that she had not seen anything untoward since the start of the election campaign a few days ago. "Thus far, the hotel occupancy rate is stable at between 45 percent and 50 percent.

Eight million women illiterate

Eight million women illiterate MATARAM: State Minister of Women's Empowerment Sri Rejeki Soemaryoto revealed on Wednesday that the number of illiterate women in the country stood at about eight million, twice the number of illiterate men. Speaking after a meeting with Muslim clerics at the Aziziyah Islamic boarding school in West Lombok, Sri Redjeki vowed to reduce the number of illiterate women as soon as possible. She, however, failed to spell out plans to bring down the number.

Sultan, Gus Dur reject 'antek' remark

Sultan, Gus Dur reject 'antek' remark Slamet Susanto and Suherdjoko, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta/Semarang Leader of the Concern for the Nation Functional Party (PKPB) Gen. (ret) R. Hartono has sparked uproar for his call for Yogyakarta people to devote themselves to former president Soeharto. Yogyakarta Governor Hamengkubuwono X said on Wednesday that Hartono's statement reflected the attempts of New Order followers to make a comeback, efforts, which he said, should be closely observed.

Chevrolet Blazer hits the elephant trail

Chevrolet Blazer hits the elephant trail Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Lampung Want to test how tough you car is? Go get an elephant; they don't know how to drive, but they sure can beat up on a car. Perhaps, this idea inspired General Motors Indonesia to hold a test-drive for its Chevrolet Blazer LT at the elephant training ground in the Way Kambas National Park in Lampung.

'If it's too difficult, I won't vote'

'If it's too difficult, I won't vote' For the first time in Indonesian history, people have an opportunity to vote for Regional Representatives Council (DPD) members. Although the legislative election is only 20 days away, many people are vague about the new institution, which will be formed after the legislative election, and correct voting procedures. The Jakarta Post talked to some people about the issue. Harmono (not his real name), in his 40s, works at a state- owned enterprise.

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, March 18, 2004

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, March 18, 2004 .TB.30" 1.0" Exhibitions * Painting Melukis dan Melihat by Wayan Muliastra, at K. Sudana Gallery, Campuhan, Ubud, until April 10. * Painting Spiritual Jewels by Walter Van Oelat Agung Rai Museum of Art, Jl. Raya Pengosekan, Ubud, Gianyar, at 6:30 p.m., until March 27. * Painting by I Nyoman Tusan, at Griya Santriyan, Galeri Sanur, until April 23. * Painting Perempuan by Made Gunawan, at Jenggala Keramik Bali, Jl Uluwatu 2, Jimbaran, until April 8.

Callaway launches 11 new products

Callaway launches 11 new products JAKARTA: Callaway Golf launched 11 new products under the brand names E.R.C+Fusion Driver, Great Big Bertha II 415 Drivers and Fairway Woods, Big Bertha Drivers and Irons, and Forged and Wedges, etc, here on Wednesday. "E.R.C.+Fusion Driver is a club with a revolutionary design, combining a forged titanium cup face area with a precision- weighted composite body to produce explosive performance," said Warren Lee, sales manager from Callaway's Asian distributor.

Government, BI agree on bank bailout mechanism

Government, BI agree on bank bailout mechanism Urip Hudiono and Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Ministry of Finance and Bank Indonesia reached an agreement on Wednesday on a mechanism to bailout ailing banks so as to avoid any recurrence of financial mess that resulted from the late 1990s bank bailout program.

More transmigrants to restive area

More transmigrants to restive area PALU, Central Sulawesi: A senior official said on Wednesday that a total of 875 families from seven provinces across the country, mostly Java, had been selected as transmigrants for the province, which was devastated by widespread Muslim-Christian warring over the last few years. Taufiq R.

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, March 18, 2004

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, March 18, 2004 .TB.30" 1.0" Exhibitions * Painting Melukis dan Melihat by Wayan Muliastra, at K. Sudana Gallery, Campuhan, Ubud, until April 10. * Painting Spiritual Jewels by Walter Van Oelat Agung Rai Museum of Art, Jl. Raya Pengosekan, Ubud, Gianyar, at 6:30 p.m., until March 27. * Painting by I Nyoman Tusan, at Griya Santriyan, Galeri Sanur, until April 23. * Painting Perempuan by Made Gunawan, at Jenggala Keramik Bali, Jl Uluwatu 2, Jimbaran, until April 8.

On label of food containing pork

On label of food containing pork From Republika In response to the demand on Feb. 28 by the Jakarta chapter of the Indonesian Council of Ulemas (MUI) to ban all food products containing pork, I would like to inform the public that a regulation on food containing pork has been in effect since 1976 and is stipulated in Health Minister Regulation No. 280/Men. Kes./Per/XI/76 dated Nov. 10, 1976 on the distribution and marking of food containing pork.

Welcome to the globalized world

Welcome to the globalized world You will soon be able to get air tickets to Johor Baru from Jakarta for just Rp 99,900. You may have to shell out Rp 149,999 to travel from Bandung to Kuala Lumpur. Hold your breath. We can fly from Surabaya to Kuala Lumpur for just Rp 299,999! (How come the fares all end with 999? Has a pricing strategist from the Bata Shoe Co.

3 x 11

3 x 11 Councillor gets 4 years for graft JP/5/DENGUE 2 x 22 Dengue claims more lives in some regions JP/5/RAL 1 x 42 Director suspended, regular flights resume JP/5/CULIK 2 x 32 Majalengka Police shoot dead suspect in councillor's abduction

* Headlines: FBI helps probe Medan bombing attempts 2

* Headlines: FBI helps probe Medan bombing attempts 2 * National: Activists fear RI will lose more forests 4 * Archipelago: Batam is losing foreign tourists 5 * Opinion: New Order attempts to regain political power 6 * City: Depressed man takes life of 3-year-old son 8 * Sports: Kittles leads Nets to easy win over Kings 9 * World: Singapore boosts defense spending 11 * Business: Garuda sees profits doubling this year 13 * Features: Luxury villas thrives in Bali despite crisis 18

1. MEDAN: 50 pt, 4 cols, 2 x 24

1. MEDAN: 50 pt, 4 cols, 2 x 24 FBI helps investigate bombing attempt in Medan 2. ACEH: 32 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 21 Swedish prosecutors question GAM prisoners 3. SUSUL: 30 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 37 RI not in hurry to sign accord with U.S. 4. FOOD: 28 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 27 Consumer watchdog finds food labels to be substandard

Beware of the 'antek' of the New Order

Beware of the 'antek' of the New Order The Indonesian dictionary defines the word antek as a person (or nation) that is exploited or made a follower, lackey or slave by others. Perhaps R. Hartono, chairman of the Concern for the Nation Functional Party (PKPB), explained the meaning of antek to his followers. Hartono, in a recent campaign in Yogyakarta, invited party supporters and sympathizers to become antek of former president Soeharto, who ruled the country for 32 years.

Court to issue verdict on 'Tempo' case

Court to issue verdict on 'Tempo' case JAKARTA: The Central Jakarta District Court is slated to hand down its verdict in a defamation suit filed by businessman Tomy Winata, who is seeking a whopping Rp 200 billion (US$23.5 million) in financial compensation from Tempo weekly.

Four of 84 councillors sign Social Contract to keep their promises

Four of 84 councillors sign Social Contract to keep their promises Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Fed up with the rampant bribery at City Council, a non- governmental organization invited nine "clean" councillors to sign a social contract on Wednesday with the residents they represent. However, of the nine councillors -- all of whom had responded positively to the invitation -- only four attended the signing. The reason behind the five other councillors' absence is not known.

Five regents awarded for farming policies

Five regents awarded for farming policies The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As part of its campaign to support farmers and the agriculture sector, the Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB) conferred on Wednesday special awards to five regents for their pro-farmer policies. Regents H.

Dengue claims more lives in some regions

Dengue claims more lives in some regions Apriadi Gunawan and Rusman, The Jakarta Post, Medan/Samarinda The dengue fever epidemic has claimed more lives in several parts of the country, despite reports that the number of cases was declining. North Sumatra health office head Fatni Sulani said on Wednesday at least two more children died of dengue fever within the past month, while another was nursed back to health despite his critical condition.

Police shoot dead suspect in councillor's abduction

Police shoot dead suspect in councillor's abduction Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Majalengka, West Java Majalengka Police in West Java shot dead on Wednesday a suspect accused of abducting and torturing local councillor Saleh Ali Idrus, 40, last year. The abduction is believed to have been politically motivated as the incident followed the failure of the candidate from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) to win in the Nov. 5 election of the Majalengka regent.

Part 2 of 2: Lessons from crisis management

Part 2 of 2: Lessons from crisis management Ross H. McLeod, Indonesia Project, Australian National University, Canberra In Part I of this series, I drew attention to the huge cost of the collapse of the banking system in 1997-1998, and canvassed some ideas as to how the government might recoup some of its losses. In this second part, I turn my attention to the very real possibility of a recurrence of a similar financial disaster.

Campaigning .....

Campaigning ..... Correction: The number of international election monitors, printed in the article Campaigning for elections gets off to slow start, which appeared on this page on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 should be 250 instead of 250,000. We regret the error. --Editor

More printing firms may withdraw

More printing firms may withdraw Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Three firms that have made little progress printing much-needed election ballot papers were being asked to explain themselves, the General Elections Commission (KPU) said on Wednesday. On Wednesday night the KPU was to met with representatives of two firms to clarify reports of their poor performance. It would meet with another firm on Thursday.

Border area to have integrated office

Border area to have integrated office ATAMBUA, East Nusa Tenggara: The government is planning to build an integrated office in Atambua, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) to manage immigration affairs, customs, and security affairs. Local military chief Lt. Col. Ganip Warsito said on Wednesday that some officials from the Defense Ministry had inspected the regency to examine security conditions along Indonesia-East Timor borders. He did not say when the visit took place. The delegation, headed by Lt. Col.

Appeal to women candidates

Appeal to women candidates From Media Indonesia Women have in fact played a role in our government since Indonesia first gained independence. Various woman figures have become political fighters, joining hands with their male counterparts in the struggle against Dutch colonizers. It is not surprising that women of today as the succeeding generation are carrying on the struggle of their predecessors.

Presidential guards almost clash with police on busway

Presidential guards almost clash with police on busway Damar Harsanto and Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Just a month after Vice President Hamzah Haz was roundly condemned for cruising down a restricted busway lane, a member of the Presidential Guard came close to getting into a brawl with a traffic police officer on Wednesday for the same reason. Second Corp.

Women candidates show substance

Women candidates show substance Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Instead of making lofty promises during the campaign, two female legislative candidates have pledged to provide their constituents with the basics -- public toilets and access to clean water. Separately, Eva Kusuma Sundari from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and Maria Pakpahan from the National Awakening Party (PKB) decried the fact the poor had limited access to clean water and public lavatories.

Island of salt explored through Soemadji's works

Island of salt explored through Soemadji's works Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Javanese artist Soemadji brings to life his memories and appreciation of Madura, or the island of salt as it is known, in a series of paintings currently on display at the Sambung Seni art gallery here in Keloran, Tirtonirmolo, Bantul.

Appeal to women candidates

Appeal to women candidates From Media Indonesia Women have in fact played a role in our government since Indonesia first gained independence. Various woman figures have become political fighters, joining hands with their male counterparts in the struggle against Dutch colonizers. It is not surprising that women of today as the succeeding generation are carrying on the struggle of their predecessors.

1. CETRO: 50 pt, 3 cols, 3 x 18

1. CETRO: 50 pt, 3 cols, 3 x 18 Declaration inked to reject violence, misuse of religion 2. PANWAS: 36 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 28 More printing firms may withdraw 3. BECKY: 32 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 24 Not much fodder in quiet elections for foreign media 4. CALEG: 30 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 36 Women candidates show substance 5. DPD: 28 pt, 3 cols, 1 x 28 Vivi campaigns for Jakarta's Betawi

Ex-bank owners declared debt free

Ex-bank owners declared debt free The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Four ex-bank owners will soon be declared free of debt by the government after the powerful Financial Sector Policy Committee (FSPC) decided late on Wednesday that they had fully repaid their debts to the state. FSPC secretary Lukito D. Tuwo told reporters that the former owners of the now defunct banks included The The Min (Bank Hastin), Husodo A. (Bank Sewu), The Nin Kong (Bank Baja), and Nirwan D. Bakrie (Bank Nusa Nasional).

16 crooked forest concessionaires published

16 crooked forest concessionaires published Muninggar Sri Saraswati The Jakarta Post Jakarta Disappointed by the government's lack of action, three non- governmental organizations have announced that 16 holders of forest utilization licenses (HPH and HPHT holders) evaded paying a total of Rp 262.04 billion in reforestation fees and forest resource dues (PSDH) in 2003.

PKI pamphlets appear in Kupang

PKI pamphlets appear in Kupang KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Kupang police precinct personnel tore to shreds several pamphlets bearing the symbol of the banned Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) along Kupang's main roads. Those pamphlets, with the picture of party's famous symbols -- the hammer and sickle -- were cleaned up by dawn on Tuesday. They were found glued to the walls of buildings along Jl. Sudirman, Jl. Achmad Yani and Jl. Timor Raya.

Swedish prosecutors question GAM prisoners

Swedish prosecutors question GAM prisoners The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh/Jakarta Swedish prosecutors have started questioning prisoners of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) in Banda Aceh in a bid to investigate alleged crimes committed by the separatist leaders now living in exile in the Scandinavian country. Arriving under tight security in Banda Aceh on Wednesday, the team, led by Thomas Lindstrand, immediately held a closed-door meeting with martial law administrator Maj. Gen.

Minister installs new consuls general

Minister installs new consuls general INDONESIA: Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda installed four new consuls general on Wednesday in a ceremony held at the ministry. Hassan advised the new consuls general to do more to promote Indonesia's image abroad. "I am confident that Indonesian representatives abroad will be able to promote trade, investment and tourism and Indonesia's image abroad to help in the recovery of the national economy," Hassan said. Col.

Indonesia not in hurry to sign accord with U.S.

Indonesia not in hurry to sign accord with U.S. Veeramalla Anjaiah and Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia will be in no hurry to sign a bilateral accord known as an Article 98 agreement with the U.S. as Jakarta has not yet ratified the Rome Statute (also known as the Rome Treaty) on the International Criminal Court (ICC), Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda said. "The problem is we just signed the Rome Treaty but have not yet ratified it.

Australians not well versed with Indonesian version of Islam

Australians not well versed with Indonesian version of Islam The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian version of Islam, which is moderate, is not well understood in Australia and Indonesians have little knowledge of Australian Islam, says Philip Flood, the chairman of Australia Indonesia Institute (AII) Board. "Islam in Indonesia shows how that religion can be a force for peace and Australians need to be better aware of this," Flood said in a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday.