Archive: 24 March 2004
87 articles found
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Red onion crop lost to flood
Red onion crop lost to flood YOGYAKARTA: A crop of red onions planted on 150 hectares of land in Bantul was lost in the flooding that hit the area last week. The crop was being grown in the districts of Sanden and Kretek in Bantul regency, Yogyakarta. As a result of the crop failure, local farmers stand to lose Rp 1.8 billion (US$225,000). Edy Suharyanto, an official with the Bantul agricultural office, said the red onions were destroyed after being under the floodwaters for four hours.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
KPUD seeks emergency funds
KPUD seeks emergency funds BANDUNG: With the passage of a presidential decree on emergency poll funds, the West Java General Elections Commission (KPUD) will request Rp 17 billion (US$2.2 million) from the provincial government. The Rp 17 billion in emergency funds will be used to educate people on how to vote and to pay members of election committees across West Java.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
TB still a threat in Indonesia
TB still a threat in Indonesia Muherman Harun, Contributor, mhjkt@attglobal.net World TB Day on March 24 should be an important day for people around the world to learn more about the global health threat posed by tuberculosis (TB). It will also be a day dedicated to recognize the collaborative efforts of all countries involved in battling TB.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Police question Golkar candidate
Police question Golkar candidate BANYUMAS, Central Java: Police questioned Slamet Effendy Yusuf, a legislative candidate from the Golkar Party, for three hours on Tuesday over allegations he took part in early campaigning at the end of February in Kedung Banteng district, Banyumas regency. During the questioning, Slamet insisted he had not violated any poll regulations or rulings.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Fake booze maker faces jail
Fake booze maker faces jail TANGERANG: The prosecution in a fake booze case has urged a four-year prison term for a bootlegger who sold his moonshine in bottles bearing the labels of popular brands. Ganda Kurniawan was arrested on Sept. 26, 2003, after police found hundreds of bottles of liquor in his store and shop in Karawaci, Tangerang. "According to a police laboratory test conducted on Oct.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Govt rejects UN report on bird flu spread
Govt rejects UN report on bird flu spread Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Refuting the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) announcement on Monday, the Ministry of Agriculture asserted on Tuesday that avian influenza cases in Indonesia were declining rather than increasing. The ministry stated that among the 11 provinces that had previously reported bird flu cases, five provinces reported zero cases in February, while only 14 regencies were affected, down from 51 last month.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Chen's win in Taiwan reflects aspiration for self-determination
Chen's win in Taiwan reflects aspiration for self-determination Kavi Chongkittavorn, The Nation, Asia News Network, Bangkok Incumbent President Chen Sui-bian's razor-thin victory on Saturday signals two broad but contradictory trends on the island of 23 million people -- a growing desire for self-determination versus increasing economic dependency on China. In the coming months, leaders in Beijing and Taipei have to handle this dilemma with utmost finesse.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
'How can we monitor councillors?'
'How can we monitor councillors?' Four Jakarta councillors have bowed to the demands of some city residents and signed a social contract in which they promise to eradicate corruption in the administration and to work only for the interests of the public. The Jakarta Post talked to some residents about whether they believed a legally binding contract could force representatives to honor their campaign promises. Donna Bachri, 27, works in a private company located in Jl. Sudirman, Central Jakarta.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Police probe Epson's caterer
Police probe Epson's caterer BEKASI: Lemah Abang Subprecinct Police chief Adj. Comr. Muryono said his men had questioned on Tuesday the caterer of printer manufacturer PT Epson in Cikarang, in connection with food poisoning suffered by 228 factory workers after eating breakfast at work last Saturday. "We have also analyzed the vomit of the workers and expect the results to come through in the next few days. We had yet to name any suspects in the case," he said.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Parties Still obsessed with shows of foece
Parties Still obsessed with shows of foece The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Even though the political parties are legally confined to hold their rallies indoors for most of the campaign period, they are still obsessed with parading through town in a "show of force" with huge gangs of mostly tough-looking young men waving flags.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Pertamina vows to resolve kerosene deficit in the markets
Pertamina vows to resolve kerosene deficit in the markets Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State oil and gas firm PT Pertamina plans to intensify market operations as a temporary measure to help resolve kerosene shortages faced by households in Jakarta and other cities. Pertamina spokesman M. Harun said the company would cut kerosene supplies to retailers and sell directly to household consumers in areas hit by kerosene shortages.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
BHP Billiton coy on Gag Island nickel plan
BHP Billiton coy on Gag Island nickel plan Dow Jones Melbourne BHP Billiton Ltd. remains guarded over whether it intends to develop a controversial open-pit nickel mine at Gag Island in Indonesia. BHP Billiton's stainless steel materials unit president, Chris Pointon, said no thinking has taken place around Gag Island, given the Indonesian government has yet to formalize any move that would allow development to go ahead.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Most provinces yet to get ballot papers
Most provinces yet to get ballot papers Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With only 13 days to go to polling day, only 11 provinces have received all the ballot papers need for the elections to each legislative body, the General Elections Commission (KPU) said. Despite repeated delays in the election preparation schedule, the KPU has said it has no plans so far to postpone the elections, even in areas far removed from the capital.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Dengue fever still clear and present danger
Dengue fever still clear and present danger Rusman, The Jakarta Post, Samarinda, East Kalimantan The dengue fever epidemic that struck the nation three months ago remains a clear and present danger in some areas in Indonesia. Sugiyanto, an official at the health office of East Kalimantan provincial government, said that a state of emergency had been imposed in the province as of Tuesday, as the number of people with dengue fever had reached an alarming level.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
A landmark victory
A landmark victory It is no exaggeration to say that Monday's election results in Malaysia has sent out strong signals, not only in that country, but throughout the Southeast Asian region and possibly around the globe as well.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Boycotting coaches want PBSI to focus on youth
Boycotting coaches want PBSI to focus on youth The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Coaches boycotted last weekend's Thomas and Uber Cup simulation matches to send a message to badminton's governing body the PBSI to improve its development and handling of young players, according to national coach Joko Supriyanto.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Hospital denies charging patients
Hospital denies charging patients Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-run Harapan Kita Hospital in West Jakarta denied a report that it had continued to charge poor dengue fever patients in spite of a nationwide program that provided free medical treatment. Hospital spokeswoman Marina Sidabutar told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday that the hospital continued to provide free medical treatment to dengue patients staying in the third-class ward.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
House tells foreign NGOs to be 'fair'
House tells foreign NGOs to be 'fair' JAKARTA: The House of Representatives has urged foreign non- governmental organizations (NGOs) not to become the instruments of destruction of Indonesia's forestry industry by encouraging campaigns for the boycott of the country's forestry products. "We urge the government to take action in response to these negative campaigns by foreign NGOs.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
1. POLL: 1 LINE, 35 COUNTS
1. POLL: 1 LINE, 35 COUNTS Most provinces yet to get ballot papers 2. TB: 1 LINE, 24 COUNTS RI ranks third in TB stakes 3. WIRANTO: 2 LINES, 21 COUNTS UN prosecutors call for Gen. Wiranto's arrest 4. BADAWI: 1 LINE, 40 OUNTS Indonesian Islamic parties unfazed by PAS defeat
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian woman wins science award
Indonesian woman wins science award Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta An Indonesian woman scientist has received an international fellowship "For Women in Science" award for her research in microbiology, making her the first person from this country to receive such an honor. Along with two other scientists, one from Pakistan and one from New Zealand, Ines Atmosukarto, 31, defeated around 300 candidates from the Asia Pacific region. "I didn't even know about the award.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Govt urged to avoid monopoly in computer software market
Govt urged to avoid monopoly in computer software market Dewi Santoso The Jakarta Post Jakarta Aside from its move in negotiating to buy licensed software at lower prices from giant U.S. software company Microsoft, the government should also give room to other operating systems so as to avoid a monopoly situation arising, analysts say.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
OCBC acquires 22.5% stake in Bank NISP
OCBC acquires 22.5% stake in Bank NISP The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Overseas-Chinese Banking Corp. Ltd (OCBC), Singapore's third- largest bank, has wrapped up the purchase of a 22.5 percent shareholding in Indonesia's medium-sized Bank NISP for S$119 million (about US$75 million). NISP president Pramukti Surjaudaja told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday that OCBC had signed a sales and purchase agreement with NISP on Monday.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
UN prosecutors urge arrest of former TNI chief Wiranto
UN prosecutors urge arrest of former TNI chief Wiranto Agencies Jakarta United Nations prosecutors have urged East Timor legal authorities to issue an international arrest warrant for former Indonesian Military (TNI) military chief Gen. (ret) Wiranto, saying he was responsible for war crimes committed by Indonesian forces in the territory in 1999.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Center set up for migrant workers
Center set up for migrant workers Fadli, The Jakarta Post, Batam, Riau The central government has established a training and empowerment center for Indonesian overseas workers on the industrial island of Batam, Riau province. The center, to be managed by the PT Batam International Training Center, will be inaugurated on March 26 by Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Jacob Nuwa Wea.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
IBL to launch 2004 season in May
IBL to launch 2004 season in May Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The fledgling Indonesian Basketball League (IBL) season will launch its 2004 season on May 9 in Jakarta with ten teams to compete in six cities through late August.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Traffic jams on
Traffic jams on UKI to Cawang route From Warta Kota Every day, at around 6 a.m., East Jakarta residents always have to face traffic congestion on the UKI to Cawang route, where an underpass is now under construction. It is not the project that has worsened traffic jams but the unauthorized terminal about 10 meters away from the UKI to Cawang route. The name of a Siliwangi Division retired Army captain can be found at this location.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Sutiyoso sees sunny road ahead with low-sulfur diesel
Sutiyoso sees sunny road ahead with low-sulfur diesel Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta administration and its private partner PT Petross will provide low-sulfur diesel fuel for public transportation vehicles, to reduce vehicular air pollution gradually.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Teachers seek 13th month's salary
Teachers seek 13th month's salary BANJARMASIN: Hundreds of elementary school teachers in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, staged a demonstration at the Banjarmasin municipality offices on Tuesday, demanding that the administration pay their 13th month's salary. The teachers, mostly female, said that the municipality had promised to pay them in January this year, but so far had failed to do so. They said that this was their second rally as their first one had gone unheeded by the municipality.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
U.S. election good for RI economy
U.S. election good for RI economy Riyadi Suparno Staff Writer The Jakarta Post Birmingham, UK 2. Imam -- Iraq a year after the war 1 X 45 Time for Iraqis to regain political sovereignty Imam Cahyono Researcher Al Maun Center for Islamic Transformation Jakarta 3. Star2 -- Thumbs up for Pak Lah's style of governance 2 X 21 Thumbs up for Badawi's moderate governance Suhaini Aznam The Star Asia News Network Selangor, Malaysia
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Vendors lie on road to stop eviction
Vendors lie on road to stop eviction Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung Some 1.000 traders and street vendors prevented security personnel from bulldozing their kiosks in the traditional Antri market in Cimahi, Bandung, West Java on Tuesday. The Cimahi administration plans to clear the land to build a shopping center. The protesters arrived at the 8,000-square meter market at 7 a.m. hoping to thwart the 200 public order officers deployed to evict them.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Photo-captions
Photo-captions Photo A : INS Tarangini JP/R Berto Wedhatama MAKING WAVES: Indian Naval Ship (INS) Tarangini lies at anchor at Jakarta's Tanjung Priok port. Tarangini, which literally means "waves", is India's only sail training ship. It arrived here on a five-day visit on Sunday, with 43 cadets on board.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Indosiar suffers 50% drop in profit
Indosiar suffers 50% drop in profit The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Publicly listed television company PT Indosiar Visual Mandiri, which runs Indosiar television network, reported on Tuesday over a 50 percent decline in unaudited net profit for 2003, mainly due to higher operating costs.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
60 NU clerics to meet in Jombang
60 NU clerics to meet in Jombang Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta About 60 Muslim clerics, including former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid, from across Java are to hold talks on Wednesday at the Tebuireng Islamic boarding school in Jombang, East Java. "Yes, I was invited to the meeting but I don't know what the agenda is.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
1. ROUNDUP: 50 pt, 3 cols, 3 x 18
1. ROUNDUP: 50 pt, 3 cols, 3 x 18 Parties still obsessed with shows of force 2. PDI-P: 36 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 28 PDI-P banking on regents 3. DADAN: 32 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 25 No major policy changes expected after elections 4. MEDIA: 30 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 35 TV news failing to answer campaign challenges 5. POLL: 28 pt, 2 cols, 2 x 18 Jakartans express electoral preferences
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
True statesmanship
True statesmanship From Koran Tempo Now that the general elections are only a few weeks away, it is interesting to observe how some political party figures that happen to be government officials are acting as campaigners for their parties. Obviously, these government officials must take leave so as to concentrate on their political party. As a result, the state will not be properly managed. In this context, it is interesting to note that State Intelligence Agency (BIN) chief A.M.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Save the election
Save the election The legislative election is just 17 days away. There are two important things to note -- first, millions of ballot papers have yet to be printed and second, official ballots have landed into the hands of some people. These are important matters worthy of the attention of those on all sides because they may determine whether or not the polls can be run on schedule and if there are violations that could hinder the holding of an honest, clean and secret ballot.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Azyumardi named honorary professor
Azyumardi named honorary professor Noted Muslim scholar Azyumardi Azra has been made an honorary professor by the University of Melbourne Australia. Australian Ambassador to Indonesia David Ritchie, on behalf of the University of Melbourne, appointed Azyumardi in the position in Jakarta on Tuesday. "With the appointment I wish to strengthen university to university relations, and to support studies on Islam and Asia in our neighboring country (Australia)," Azyumardi told The Jakarta Post.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Police shoot two students in Kampar rally
Police shoot two students in Kampar rally Haidir Anwar Tanjung The Jakarta Post Pekanbaru, Riau Violence erupted in Kampar regency on Tuesday with police firing live rounds at thousands of protesting teachers, students and civil servants who pressed for their demand that Kampar Regent Jefri Noer be immediately dismissed.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
IBRA to disburse funds for new govt agency
IBRA to disburse funds for new govt agency The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The management of the now-defunct Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) will disburse on Thursday funds totaling Rp 150 billion (US$17.6 million) to its successor, the Assets Management Company (AMC). "The sum can hopefully be used by AMC to start its operations," said IBRA chairman Syafruddin A. Temenggung after a meeting with Minister of Finance Boediono on Tuesday.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Traffic jams on
Traffic jams on UKI to Cawang route From Warta Kota Every day, at around 6 a.m., East Jakarta residents always have to face traffic congestion on the UKI to Cawang route, where an underpass is now under construction. It is not the project that has worsened traffic jams but the unauthorized terminal about 10 meters away from the UKI to Cawang route. The name of a Siliwangi Division retired Army captain can be found at this location.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian Islamic parties unfazed by PAS defeat
Indonesian Islamic parties unfazed by PAS defeat Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The leaders of the country's Islamic parties have reluctantly accepted the defeat of political Islam by Malaysia's dominant secular political grouping in the neighboring country's national elections on Sunday, but said it was far from being final.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
34 people hospitalized with food poisoning
34 people hospitalized with food poisoning Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post, Makassar, South Sulawesi Thirty-four residents of Talaka subdistrict in Pangkajene Kepulauan regency, some 60 kilometers north of Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi, were hospitalized late on Monday with food poisoning. Sixteen of the residents remain hospitalized for further treatment. The residents fell sick after attending a wedding party held by the family of a resident of Talaka subdistrict.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Supreme Court to elect deputy chief
Supreme Court to elect deputy chief Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Supreme Court (MA) will elect on Wednesday two deputy chief justices to fill vacant posts, despite opposition from legal experts and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
RI rank third in TB stakes
RI rank third in TB stakes Leony Aurora , The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The rate of tuberculosis (TB) has declined steadily in the past few years but the country remains among those with the highest number of TB patients, says the World Health Organization (WHO). According to WHO, the rate dropped from an estimated 130 per 100,000 people in 1999 to 122 in 2001, and further down to 115 in 2002.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
No journalistic scavengers at 'Tempo', expert asserts
No journalistic scavengers at 'Tempo', expert asserts The Jakarta Post, Jakarta An expert witness has testified in the Central Jakarta District Court in the defamation suit brought by well-connected businessman Tomy Winata against Tempo magazine's chief editor, Bambang Harymurti, and journalists Ahmad Taufik and T. Iskandar Ali, that statements such as the one by Tempo likening Tomy to "a scavenger" were common practice in press writing and far from libelous.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Kalimalang toll road
Kalimalang toll road From Kompas Construction of the Kalimalang Bekasi to Jakarta toll road began in 1997 but unfortunately had to be stopped in 1998 when an acute economic crisis hit the country. Virtually nothing has been heard about the project since then, except that the contractor is involved in a legal problem concerning a toll road construction project in South Jakarta.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Korean Embassy responds
Korean Embassy responds I refer to your publication in relation to President Roh Moo- hyun's impeachment. I have found three articles and two photos related to the matter in your March 13 edition. In this context allow me to sum up as follows: * The impeachment of a sitting president by the National Assembly is the first ever in the 56-year history of Korean democracy.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Students continue hunger strike to protest graft case
Students continue hunger strike to protest graft case Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon, West Java At least eight anticorruption activists continued their hunger strike on Tuesday to put pressure on the Cirebon Prosecutor's Office to thoroughly investigate a high-profile corruption case involving councillors and senior officials. The strike began on March 16 involving 12 students.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
15 years sought for Dutch woman
15 years sought for Dutch woman TANGERANG: A team of prosecutors asked the Tangerang District Court on Tuesday to sentence a Dutch woman to 15 years in prison for bringing 4,845 ecstasy pills into Indonesia from Malaysia in July last year. The prosecutors also proposed a Rp 150 million (US$17,647) fine.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Govt soon to sell Bukit Asam stake
Govt soon to sell Bukit Asam stake JAKARTA: The Indonesian government plans to sell a 20 percent stake in coal mining company PT Tambang Batu Bara Bukit Asam within the next three weeks, a senior government official said Tuesday. "We plan to sell the stake through a private placement," said Deputy State Enterprises Minister Mahmuddin Yasin. The government will soon name an investment bank to act as a bookrunner for the stake sale, he said.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
UGM researchers invent 'gama burner'
UGM researchers invent 'gama burner' YOGYAKARTA: Researchers from Gadjah Mada University (UGM) have invented a new but simple technology to dry unhulled paddy, which they have called tungku gama (gama burner). The researchers, Sutrisno, Suharnan and Umar Santosa, come from the university's School of Technical Engineering. Team leader Sutrisno said the researchers were motivated by the difficulties many farmers in Yogyakarta faced in drying unhulled paddy during the rainy season.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
U.S. govt expands Monsanto investigation
U.S. govt expands Monsanto investigation The United States Department of Justice has expanded an investigation into issues related to Monsanto Co.'s Indonesian affiliates, the company said. Monsanto said on Monday that the Justice Department is looking into whether a former Monsanto employee directed an outside consultant to make an improper Us$50,000 payment to an Indonesian government official in 2002.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Malaysia PM using landslide to overhaul cabinet
Malaysia PM using landslide to overhaul cabinet Agencies, Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, fresh from a landslide election victory, will overhaul his cabinet and restructure the finance ministry next week, sources close to the leadership said on Tuesday. Abdullah is expected to retain the finance minister's post himself. However, when a new, enlarged cabinet is sworn in next Tuesday around one-third could be new, the sources said.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
No major changes expected after elections
No major changes expected after elections Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The investment community hopes the general election will result in a winning party that can promote stability and certainty, which is crucial to ensure the current pace of economic reform, experts say. The last thing the country needs is an abrupt change in terms of policy, as it could shake investors' confidence and make the market nervous, Citigroup economist Anton Gunawan said on Tuesday.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Poll positions
Poll positions Jakartans express their views on the April 5 general election Teguh Sumantri, 41, is an employee of a state-owned institution on Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan. He lives with his wife and two children in Duren Sawit, East Jakarta: I have not yet made up my mind on which political party I will vote for. I have not found a political party that has candidates credible enough to represent the people. I have not been convinced by the election campaigns on television, which I often watch.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Police shoot two student protesters in Kampar rally
Police shoot two student protesters in Kampar rally Haidir Anwar Tanjung, The Jakarta Post, Pekanbaru, Riau Violence erupted in Kampar regency on Tuesday with police firing live rounds at thousands of protesting teachers, students and civil servants who pressed for their demand that Kampar Regent Jefri Noer be immediately dismissed.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Court starts hearing on 'death-wish' party hacks
Court starts hearing on 'death-wish' party hacks M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Central Jakarta District Court began on Tuesday the first trials of dozens of people who broke traffic laws while following the campaign trail. The court bailiffs recorded that of the 1,144 traffic offenses to be heard on Tuesday, 170 cases were for numerous violations committed by political party supporters since the first day of campaigning on March 11.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
U.S. election good for RI economy
U.S. election good for RI economy Riyadi Suparno, Staff Writer, The Jakarta Post, Birmingham, UK Macroeconomic stability normally weakens in most election years, but not this year in Indonesia. Three main indicators, the rupiah, interest rates and the inflation rate, will likely stay at their targeted levels.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Two children campaign to continue
Two children campaign to continue Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Boyolali, Central Java Despite some progress, the government will continue to trudge on with the family planning program known for its slogan "two children are enough" in order to achieve zero population growth in the fourth most populous country in the world. The people have long since become familiar with the program and its slogans but its results have fallen far short of the goal.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Texmaco workers rally
Texmaco workers rally KARAWANG: About 400 workers who have been dismissed by PT Texmaco Perkasa Engineering staged a demonstration in Karawang, West Java, on Tuesday, demanding that their severance pay be paid in full. "We reject the doling out of our severance pay in installments over 17 months. We badly need this money now," the workers' spokesman, Achmad Sobari, was quoted by Antara as saying.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Thumbs up for Badawi's moderate governance
Thumbs up for Badawi's moderate governance Suhaini Aznam, The Star, Asia News Network, Selangor, Malaysia Two trends emerged from this election. First, Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) lost its stranglehold over Kelantan and Terengganu, putting paid to its dream of an Islamic state -- at least for now. Secondly, the Democratic Action Party (DAP), which had almost been wiped out in 1999, regained some ground in Chinese-majority areas, especially in the Kinta Valley.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
RI leaders condemn murder of Yassin
RI leaders condemn murder of Yassin Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesians have expressed solidarity with Palestinians in the wake of Monday's assassination of Hamas spiritual leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin. The attack against the Palestinian militant group, which has in the past claimed responsibility for several suicide bomb attacks against Israelis, has also deepened resentment against being labeled terrorists in the war on terror.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
BHP Billiton coy on Gag Island nickel plan
BHP Billiton coy on Gag Island nickel plan Dow Jones, Melbourne BHP Billiton Ltd. remains guarded over whether it intends to develop a controversial open-pit nickel mine at Gag Island in Indonesia. BHP Billiton's stainless steel materials unit president, Chris Pointon, said no thinking has taken place around Gag Island, given the Indonesian government has yet to formalize any move that would allow development to go ahead.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
PDI-P banking on regents to attract voters
PDI-P banking on regents to attract voters Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) is counting on its members serving as regents and mayors across the country to help it win the April 5 legislative election. Since the implementation of regional autonomy, the party has established itself more at the municipality level across the country than at the provincial level, which is dominated by other political parties.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
34 people hospitalized with food poisoning
34 people hospitalized with food poisoning Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post, Makassar, South Sulawesi Thirty-four residents of Talaka subdistrict in Pangkajene Kepulauan regency, some 60 kilometers north of Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi, were hospitalized late on Monday with food poisoning. Sixteen of the residents remain hospitalized for further treatment. The residents fell sick after attending a wedding party held by the family of a resident of Talaka subdistrict.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
A 'lesson' from the Cimanggis bomb
A 'lesson' from the Cimanggis bomb The bomb that exploded during a religious gathering at a house in Depok, south of Jakarta, on Sunday, came as a shock to us. The explosion claimed no lives as the "materials concerned" were low-intensity explosives. However, since the explosion occurred during both a religious gathering and the election campaigning period, must be treated with the utmost seriousness.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Mazda to take stake in Chinese firm
Mazda to take stake in Chinese firm BEIJING: Mazda Motor will take a stake in the joint venture between its parent Ford Motor and China's Chongqing Changan Motor, paving the way for the production of the Japanese automaker's cars, state press reported on Tuesday. "Mazda will have equity relations with our joint venture under Ford's requirements," Changan president Yin Jiaxu told the China Daily.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
JP/3/TRAIL
JP/3/TRAIL KPUD seeks emergency funds BANDUNG: With the passage of a presidential decree on emergency poll funds, the West Java General Elections Commission (KPUD) will request Rp 17 billion (US$2.2 million) from the provincial government. The Rp 17 billion in emergency funds will be used to educate people on how to vote and to pay members of election committees across West Java.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
* Headlines: Pertamina vows to resolve kerosene shortage 2
* Headlines: Pertamina vows to resolve kerosene shortage 2 * National: Clerics from all over Java to convene 4 * Archipelago: Dengue fever still clear and present danger 5 * Opinion: Money politics breeds corrupt bureaucrats 6 * City: Jakarta wants low sulfur diesel oil for buses 8 * Sports:Campbell 10th in world golf rankings 9 * World: Australia govt lags in polls as terror fears grow 11 * Business: No monopoly in computer software market 13 * Features: Scientists warn of influenza pandemic 18
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Six make off with policeman's car
Six make off with policeman's car TANGERANG: Six robbers managed to make off with a Kijang minivan belonging to a middle-ranking police officer when the driver was parking the car outside Bintaro housing estate in the Pondok Aren district of Tangerang on Tuesday morning. The driver, Adam Wenas, 32, said that he was about to take his uncle Comr. Jimmy Tailaha, an officer of the logistics department of the National Police Headquarters, to work at about 5 a.m.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
JP/5/
JP/5/ 2 x 29 Students continue hunger strike to protest graft case JP/5/TKI 1 x 33 Center set up for migrant workers JP/5/more 3 x 12 34 residents hospitalized with poisoning JP/5/gusur 1 x 36 Vendors lie on road to stop eviction JP/5/DENGUE 1 x 42 Dengue fever still clear and present danger
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Murder of Sheikh Yassin feared to provoke hard-liners
Murder of Sheikh Yassin feared to provoke hard-liners Fabiola Desy Unidjaja The Jakarta Post Jakarta Indonesians have expressed solidarity with Palestinians in the wake of Monday's assassination of Hamas spiritual leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin. The attack against the Palestinian militant group, which has in the past claimed responsibility for several suicide bomb attacks against Israelis, has also deepened resentment against being labeled terrorists in the war on terror.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Govt urged to avoid monopoly in computer software market
Govt urged to avoid monopoly in computer software market Dewi Santoso, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Aside from its move in negotiating to buy licensed software at lower prices from giant U.S. software company Microsoft, the government should also give room to other operating systems so as to avoid a monopoly situation arising, analysts say.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
300 gas tanks explode in Serpong
300 gas tanks explode in Serpong Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang Around 300 portable gas tanks at the Jaya Gas LPG depot on Jl. Raya Cilenggang, near the German Centre in Bumi Serpong Damai, Tangerang, exploded on Tuesday. The explosions in broad daylight shocked residents in the area. The blasts burned down the depot, two parked trucks, five parked motorcycles and a house belonging to Ade, 45, who lives next to the depot.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Indosiar suffers 50% drop in profit
Indosiar suffers 50% drop in profit The Jakarta Post Jakarta Publicly listed television company PT Indosiar Visual Mandiri, which runs Indosiar television network, reported on Tuesday over a 50 percent decline in unaudited net profit for 2003, mainly due to higher operating costs.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
2. 1 x 35
2. 1 x 35 Supreme Court to elect deputy chiefs 3. 1 x 35 Indonesian woman wins science award 4. 2 x 18 RI leaders condemn murder of Yassin 5. 1 x 32 Two-children campaign to continue
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
KPU warned of poll delay
KPU warned of poll delay SEMARANG: Yusril Ihza Mahendra, leader of the Crescent Star Party (PBB), said on Tuesday the General Elections Commission (KPU) must not delay the April 5 legislative election. Delaying the elections would violate the elections law and, if the KPU insisted on a delay, members of the commission could be brought to court, he said. "The election can be delayed if there is a natural disaster or a riot.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
True statesmanship
True statesmanship and BIN chief From Koran Tempo Now that the general elections are only a few weeks away, it is interesting to observe how some political party figures that happen to be government officials are acting as campaigners for their parties. Obviously, these government officials must take leave so as to concentrate on their political party. As a result, the state will not be properly managed. In this context, it is interesting to note that State Intelligence Agency (BIN) chief A.M.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Gus Dur visits Theys' grave
Gus Dur visits Theys' grave JAYAPURA, Papua: The head of the National Awakening Party (PKB)'s advisory board, Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid, visited on Tuesday the burial place of murdered Papua independence leader Theys Hiyo Eluay. He made the visit while campaigning for the PKB in Jayapura, the capital of Papua. Gus Dur, also a former president, was greeted upon his arrival at Sentani airport here by hundreds of PKB supporters and local residents.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Hanoi to back Dhaka's bid to join ARF
Hanoi to back Dhaka's bid to join ARF BANGLADESH: Vietnam on Monday said it would back Bangladesh's bid to join the top security grouping in the Asia-Pacific region, a Bangladesh foreign ministry official said. The official spoke soon after Vietnam President Tran Duc Luong arrived in Dhaka for his maiden visit to Bangladesh aimed at expanding bilateral trade.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Jakarta likely target of Cimanggis bomb: Sutiyoso
Jakarta likely target of Cimanggis bomb: Sutiyoso Damar Harsanto and Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The explosion in Cimanggis, Depok, to the south of Jakarta, coming seven months after the JW Marriott Hotel bombing in South Jakarta, has worried Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso, who has called on the Jakarta Police and residents to beef up security measures in the neighborhood. "The blast took place just on the outskirts of the capital.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Students worried by new grading system
Students worried by new grading system KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: High school students in Kendari expressed concern on Tuesday that a new grading system introduced by the Ministry of National Education would prevent them from graduating. The new system was introduced through a ministerial decree, which establishes the minimum score (four out of 10) students must achieve on the national final for third-year students.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah Rates March 23
Rupiah Rates March 23 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 6,822.32 6,065.69 6,478.38 6,409.40 Brunei dollar 1 5,368.35 4,773.32 5,097.71 5,043.80 Canadian dollar 1 6,807.60 6,052.08 6,464.40 6,395.02 Swiss franc 1 7,212.19 6,412.50 6,848.60 6,775.86 Danish krone 1 1,502.27 1,335.44 1,426.54 1,411.11 Euro 1 11,189.84 9,952.21 10,625.72 10,516.15 Poundsterling 1 16,752.12 14,892.02 15,907.58 15,735.87 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,163.04 1,034.69 1,104.41 1,093.32...
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Korean Embassy responds
Korean Embassy responds I refer to your publication in relation to President Roh Moo- hyun's impeachment. I have found three articles and two photos related to the matter in your March 13 edition. In this context allow me to sum up as follows: * The impeachment of a sitting president by the National Assembly is the first ever in the 56-year history of Korean democracy.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Tourist arrivals may rise by 18% in Q1: Ardika
Tourist arrivals may rise by 18% in Q1: Ardika The Jakarta Post, Bandung The country's tourism sector is expected to remain buoyant in the first quarter of this year, despite earlier concern at the impact of the general election and the government's new restrictive visa policy, according to a senior official.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
UN prosecutors call for Gen. Wiranto's arrest
UN prosecutors call for Gen. Wiranto's arrest Agencies, Jakarta United Nations prosecutors assigned to a special court in Dili have urged East Timor to issue an international arrest warrant for former Indonesian Military (TNI) military chief Gen. (ret) Wiranto, saying he was responsible for war crimes committed by Indonesian forces in the territory in 1999.
Wed, 24 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
The political impact of the sharia question
The political impact of the sharia question Lambert J. Giebels Historian Breda, The Netherlands After the fall of president Soeharto the sharia movement did revive in the political field. The sharia question is haunting Indonesia from the very beginning of its existence.