Archive: 30 March 2004
78 articles found
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Success in fighting dengue declared
Success in fighting dengue declared Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Sleman regent Ibnu Subiyanto claimed here on Monday that the regency had been successful in overcoming the dengue fever outbreak that had plagued Sleman since January. Ibnu said the local government declared dengue fever an "extraordinary occurrence" on February 5 after seven fatalities from the disease was recorded in the first five weeks of the outbreak.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Cirebon mayor under fire for airport name change
Cirebon mayor under fire for airport name change Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon, West Java The Cirebon municipal government's unilateral decision to change the name of Penggung Airport to Cakrabhuwana Airport has been criticized by residents and the Cirebon Legislative Council. Council speaker Suryana said the decision showed the arrogance of the administration.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Changing equilibrium in international oil market
Changing equilibrium in international oil market Kurtubi, Energy Analyst, Jakarta On March 17, 2004, the price of oil on the world market reached a record high for the past two decades. The price of light crude of WTI (West Texas Intermediate) type, which is the benchmark for oil prices in the American region, went beyond the level of US$38.18 per barrel.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Clarifying some errors
Clarifying some errors On Friday, March 26, The Jakarta Post published an opinion piece of mine entitled Malaysians shun theocratic society. In the following passage, the percentage of indigenous Malays is 48 percent and not 38 percent, and they are known as bumiputras, and not pribumi, a term used to refer to their Indonesian counterparts. THANG NGUYEN Jakarta
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Commitment to better
Commitment to better education needed From Suara Karya The high cost of education in the country has led to a large number of school dropouts, while many others fail to pursue higher education, meaning that good education is only enjoyed by a privileged few.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
BII net profit jumps 135%
BII net profit jumps 135% The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Publicly listed Bank Internasional Indonesia (BII) reported a 135 percent jump in its 2003 audited net profit on the back of strong revenue from lending and low cost of funds. The country's sixth largest lender said on Monday its net profit surged to Rp 309 billion (about US$36.3 million) last year from Rp 132.5 billion in 2002.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Marketing strategy: Big fish need more tempting bait
Marketing strategy: Big fish need more tempting bait Burhanuddin Abe, Contributor, Jakarta The credit card business has become a gold mine for the issuing banks in Indonesia as each year the number of cardholders increases. Data recorded by the Indonesian Association of Credit Cards (AKKI) as per November 2003 show the number of cardholders as 4.8 million, a 24 percent increase from the previous year.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
checked by rich
checked by rich (Caption for Spotlight advertisement) HSBC INDONESIA AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS: HSBC Indonesia CEO Richard Mchowat (right) presents a check for Rp 207 million to a primary school student representative, while State Minister for the Acceleration of East Indonesia Development Manuel Kasiepo (center) and Chairman of East Indonesia Development Acceleration Foundation (YPM-KTI) Andi Mappaganty (left) look on.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Govt finishes draft regulation to delay election
Govt finishes draft regulation to delay election The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has completed a draft decree that will be issued in the event that the general election cannot be held simultaneously nationwide or must be postponed altogether. A Ministry of Justice and Human Rights official confirmed on Monday that the ministry had completed the draft decree.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Akbar-Surya rivalry at convention intensifies
Akbar-Surya rivalry at convention intensifies Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In an apparent bid to prevent the rivalry between Golkar Party presidential candidates Akbar Tandjung and Surya Paloh from becoming hostile, the party's executives have decided to separate them during the final rally here scheduled for Wednesday.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
SE Asia must curb child trafficking: Unicef
SE Asia must curb child trafficking: Unicef The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) urged on Monday Southeast Asian nations to enhance cooperation to curb child trafficking for sexual purposes in the region. Unicef's representative in Indonesia, Steven Allen, said on Monday that the region needed to do more to enforce laws so that child exploiters were systematically pursued and charged.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Solidarity in autonomy
Solidarity in autonomy From Warta Kota Regional autonomy is society's hope for true development based on regional needs. Such development certainly should involve direct public participation in regional policy-making. This hope will be realized if regional government officials are prepared to meet with local communities in order to absorb their aspirations.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
More landslides feared in Gowa
More landslides feared in Gowa Andi Hajramurni, Makassar, South Sulawesi Fears of more landslides in the Gowa regency in South Sulawesi materialized late Sunday and Monday as similar, though less severe, incidents ruined a bridge and therefore isolated a village. No casualties were reported, while residents' search for at least 31 people thought to be buried alive in Friday's disaster yielded no results.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
* Headlines:Foreign direct investment down 66% in Jan-Feb 2
* Headlines:Foreign direct investment down 66% in Jan-Feb 2 * National:Akbar-Surya rivalry at convention intensifies 4 * Archipelago:Despite frustration, Papuans to still go to the polls 5 * Opinion:Changing equilibrium in international oil market 6 * City:Jakarta to sign deal with Japanese firm over monorail 8 * Sports:Spanish teen stuns world number one Federer at Masters 9 * World:Thai govt under fire over south, aid plan delayed 11 * Business:Antitrust watchdog needs legal support 13 *...
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Deception by phone
Deception by phone From Media Indonesia Through a Jakarta newspaper on March 15, I sought the address of a man from whom I could obtain information on the accreditation of Global 21 vocational high school (SMK), which had been seeking for about four years.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Vietnam to remove stock market's 30% foreign investor limit
Vietnam to remove stock market's 30% foreign investor limit Associated Press Hanoi, Vietnam Vietnam will lift a cap on the amount of stock foreigners can own in listed companies in an attempt to attract more investment from abroad, a government official said on Monday. Last July, Vietnam allowed foreign investors to own a maximum of 30 percent of companies listed on the market, up from the 20 percent limit that had been in place since the country's stock exchange was launched in July 2000.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Thief makes off with solar panel
Thief makes off with solar panel GARUT, West Java: A thief stole a solar panel from the Guntur Mountain observatory in Garut regency, West Java. "The thief is irresponsible. The lost of the equipment could put many people in danger because this equipment helps us monitor the mountain, whether it is going to erupt," said Ade Koswara, who is stationed at the observatory. The stolen equipment is valued at Rp 4 million.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
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Changing equilibrium in international oil market Kurtubi Energy Analyst Jakarta 2. Pro -- America's schizophrenic economy 1 X 30 Employment stagnant amid U.S. growth J. Bradford DeLong Professor of Economics University of California Berkeley Project Syndicate
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
India, China to boost military ties
India, China to boost military ties INDIA: India and China announced on Monday a series of proposals to strengthen ties between their armed forces to help bolster a new friendship between the world's most populous countries, who went to war decades ago. The proposals were agreed during talks between Indian Defense Minister George Fernandes and his counterpart Cao Gangchuan, the first Chinese defense minister to visit New Delhi in a decade.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Imbalances between nuke haves and have-nots threaten NPT: RI
Imbalances between nuke haves and have-nots threaten NPT: RI Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The growing imbalances between nuclear weapon states (NWS) and non-nuclear weapon states (NNWS) may pose a threat to the credibility of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) itself if they are not redressed, a senior government official warned on Monday.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Model officials wanted
Model officials wanted From Republika A program on SCTV recently indicated that the nation would be deprived of the benefits of its tropical forests before long because of the greed of some forestry officials. Worse, this greed is now being imitated by these officials' subordinates and even local communities involved in illegal logging with the backing of criminal organizations.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Soldiers find bombs in Aceh
Soldiers find bombs in Aceh BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Government troops found three homemade bombs allegedly belonging to the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) during a raid in Idi Rayeuk district, East Aceh regency, on Sunday, a military spokesman said. A member of the Indonesian Military (TNI)'s information task force in Aceh, Lt. Col. Asep Sapari, said on Monday it was believed the bombs were going to be used to create unrest ahead of the April 5 elections.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Free market and competitiveness
Free market and competitiveness From Koran Tempo The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) has proposed that the government reduce taxes for the mining sector. "This is important to maintain the nation's competitive edge in the international arena," the chairman of the permanent committee for domestic development at Kadin, Herman Afif Kusumo, said here recently (Tempo Interaktif, March 12).
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Kampar teachers questioned for orchestrating protest
Kampar teachers questioned for orchestrating protest Haidir Anwar Tanjung, The Jakarta Post, Pekanbaru, Riau Although Kampar has seemingly returned to normal after the recent dismissal of Kampar regent Jefri Noer, police plan to summon teachers who allegedly ordered and mobilized students to hold massive protests against the controversial regent.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Banker details problems in textile industry
Banker details problems in textile industry Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The banking sector is still reluctant to extend loans to the country's textile companies as they doubt their business prospects given the lingering problems in the industry.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Wholesale market plan unclear
Wholesale market plan unclear TANGERANG: The plan to build a wholesale vegetable market, or an agricultural terminal, in Balaraja district, Tangerang regency, was first revealed last September, but six months later, the project remains unclear. "We have heard that the project has attracted many investors from Asian countries. However, we know nothing about the progress of the plan," Tangerang agricultural agency head Nana Mulyana said on Monday.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
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Akbar-Surya rivalry at convention intensifies Dengue outbreak subsiding: Govt Holes in water bill 'must be plugged'
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Dengue outbreak subsiding: Government
Dengue outbreak subsiding: Government Leony Aurora , The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Although the number of people infected with dengue fever is steadily declining, the government is still maintaining an alert in 12 provinces and keeps reminding citizens to continue to eradicate potential mosquito breeding places. Minister of Health Achmad Sujudi said during a visit to Pasar Rebo Hospital in East Jakarta on Monday that the extraordinary status would possibly be lifted in late April or May.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Grand Imam of Istiqlal passes away:
Grand Imam of Istiqlal passes away: Muchtar Nasir, the Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque, passed away on Monday at the age of 79. The imam suffered a stroke last year and had been hospitalized for the past 19 months at the Gatot Subroto Army Hospital. He is survived by four daughters and one son, nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. His wife passed away in 1986 at the age of 53. Muchtar will be interred on Tuesday at Tanah Kusir Cemetery, South Jakarta, at 9 a.m.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
JP/03/DPD
JP/03/DPD DPD candidates struggle to win the crowd M. Taufiqurrahman and Abdul Khalik The Jakarta Post Jakarta During the 22-day legislative election campaign period, which will end on April 1, the contesting 24 political parties have dominated the wooing of voters, leaving Regional Representatives Council (DPD) candidates with the challenge of convincing the public about the prominent role of the soon-to-be established institution.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Australian IT experts help in bomb case
Australian IT experts help in bomb case Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta Police have started to work hand-in-hand with experts on information technology from Australia to find out more on the links and sources of funding of the Cimanggis bombing group. "The experts have just arrived; we started by opening some files on the notebook computer today," city police spokesman Sr. Comr. Prasetyo said on Monday.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
KL warns Asian bond markets risk being sidelined
KL warns Asian bond markets risk being sidelined Eileen Ng Agence France-Presse Kuala Lumpur Malaysia called on Monday for the development of a unified regulatory framework to integrate bond markets in Asia, warning the region risked being sidelined by global investors if markets remain fragmented.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
City protests to regency over dump
City protests to regency over dump BEKASI: Bekasi municipality administration strongly protested to neighboring Bekasi regency for dumping its waste in Mustikajaya subdistrict, Bekasi municipality, since last month. "We have protested to Bekasi Regent Saleh Manaf for illegally turning part of our territory into their dump," said Bekasi municipality spokesman Cecep Sutandi on Monday, adding that the regent had yet to respond.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Election emergency plans
Election emergency plans Having denied the facts for weeks while apparently waiting for some kind of miracle to happen, the General Elections Commission (KPU) yesterday was finally forced to admit it would be practically impossible for the country to hold simultaneous legislative elections throughout the country on April 5.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Airline reaps profits during election
Airline reaps profits during election MANADO, North Sulawesi: The number of air passengers from and to North Sulawesi's provincial capital of Manado has risen 10 percent to 20 percent since the electoral campaigning period began last March 11, an airline executive said. Until the third round of the election campaigns, the load factor of planes flying from and to Manado reached 80 percent to 90 percent of their capacity, Batavia Air's district manager Freddy Mangindaan said on Sunday.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
;AFP;
;AFP; ANPAf..r.. Malaysia-Asia-bond Malaysia warns Asian bond markets risk being sidelined if not uni JP/16/Bond Malaysia warns Asian bond markets risk being sidelined if not unified Eileen Ng Agence France-Presse Kuala Lumpur Malaysia called on Monday for the development of a unified regulatory framework to integrate bond markets in Asia, warning the region risked being sidelined by global investors if markets remain fragmented.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
RI shares end up on late rebound
RI shares end up on late rebound Agencies Jakarta/Singapore Indonesian shares ended slightly higher Monday, after falling in the previous two sessions, on a late rebound in select blue chips, dealers said. Overall sentiment remained weak and cautious amid security concerns ahead of parliamentary elections next week, they added. "The market was seen trying to recover after recent losses," said a trader with a foreign brokerage firm.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Uzbekhistan women deported
Uzbekhistan women deported JAKARTA: The directorate general of immigration of the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights deported 10 Uzbekhistani women to their home country on Sunday for visa violations, a spokesman said. Ade E. Dachlan, the immigration department' spokesman, said that the foreigners had worked as prostitutes in several high- profile night clubs in the city while holding a tourist visa.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Amien stands high to contest election
Amien stands high to contest election The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The world's most famous stadiums across the world are known for hosting memorable matches, but here the country's biggest stadium has been reduced to a meeting point of party supporters. After the rally of the United Development Party (PPP) and the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) on Sunday, the National Mandate Party (PAN) had its turn to rock the 42-year-old Bung Karno stadium on Monday.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Correcting some errors
Correcting some errors On Friday, March 26, The Jakarta Post published an opinion piece of mine titled Malaysians shun theocratic society. In the following passage "the percentage of indigenous Malays is 38 percent", I should have written 48 percent. Also, they are known as bumiputra, not pribumi, a term used to refer to their Indonesian counterparts. THANG NGUYEN Jakarta
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
1. INVESTMENT: 50 pt, 3 cols, 3 x 18
1. INVESTMENT: 50 pt, 3 cols, 3 x 18 Foreign direct investment down 66% in Jan-Feb 2. LANDSLIDE: 36 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 28 More landslides feared in Gowa 3. TANAHABANG: 30 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 24 Traders, residents unaware of Tanah Abang makeover 4. MEDAN: 28 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 36 SE Asia must curb child trafficking: Unicef 5. NPT: 28 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 28 Imbalances between nuke haves, have-nots threaten NPT: RI
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Golkar's internal fight heats up as polls near
Golkar's internal fight heats up as polls near Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As the political party campaigns for the legislative election draw to a close, Golkar Party presidential hopefuls seem to have set their sights against one another. Two admonishments issued recently by the party's central executive board (DPP) are indicative of the heightened rivalry between the candidates. The first was addressed to media mogul Surya Paloh for his persistent criticism of corruption.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Tapping into rich clients through privilege cards
Tapping into rich clients through privilege cards Rudijanto, Contributor, Jakarta The continuous hunt for affluent clients has picked up among banks but, unlike the tapping of middle- and low-level clients, banks are not doing it with promises of spectacular rewards or prizes such as luxury cars and a huge amount of cash but more with what these holders of premium cards actually desire.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Activists seek worker protection
Activists seek worker protection JAKARTA: The Consortium for Indonesian Migrant Workers Advocacy (Kopbumi) urged the government on Monday to ratify the 1990 international convention on the protection of migrant workers and their families and draft a law on the same matter. Kopbumi said in a press statement that Indonesia needed to ratify the convention to be legally bound by it.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
City to sign deal with foreign firms for monorail
City to sign deal with foreign firms for monorail Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After dropping a Malaysian firm from its list of potential investors for the monorail project earlier this month, the Jakarta administration confirmed on Monday that it would sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a consortium led by Japanese firm Hitachi for the project. "The MOU between the administration and the consortium will be signed in mid-April," Governor Sutiyoso said on Monday.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Correcting some errors
Correcting some errors On Friday, March 26, The Jakarta Post published an opinion piece of mine titled Malaysians shun theocratic society. In the following passage "the percentage of indigenous Malays is 38 percent", I should have written 48 percent. Also, they are known as bumiputra, not pribumi, a term used to refer to their Indonesian counterparts. THANG NGUYEN Jakarta
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
S'pore nabs two Myanmar illegals
S'pore nabs two Myanmar illegals SINGAPORE: Singapore police arrested on Monday two 29-year-old men from Myanmar who were trying to swim into the island's territory illegally. Night vision devices helped Police Coast Guard authorities spot the two men swimming toward Singapore's north shore at about 2:50 a.m. (1:50 a.m in Jakarta), a statement from police said. Both men carried a plastic bag containing their personal belongings, it said.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Australia slammed for Timor gas deal
Australia slammed for Timor gas deal Agencies Sydney, Australia Canberra was accused on Monday of robbing East Timor of billions of dollars after parliament signed off on a controversial treaty with the impoverished nation covering oil and gas reserves in the Timor Sea. Parliament passed legislation on Monday allowing Australia and East Timor to share revenue from a Timor Sea gas and oil field in a deal that a Greens lawmaker said robs one of the world's poorest nations of vital revenue.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
TV stations want warning revoked
TV stations want warning revoked JAKARTA: The Association of Indonesian Private Television Stations (ATVSI) called on the General Elections Commission (KPU) and Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) on Monday to revoke a warning letter issued against several TV stations on March 23. Seven television stations, including state-owned TVRI, were reprimanded last week for violating a joint agreement between the KPU and KPI on election ads.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Environmentalist held over alleged GAM link
Environmentalist held over alleged GAM link Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam The Aceh martial law administration has arrested an environmental activist for alleged involvement with the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), sparking protests from his lawyer. Bestari Raden, 50, was arrested in the Southeast Aceh last Friday, when he visited the area to evaluate the feasibility of a controversial highway project there.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
RP demands apology from U.S.
RP demands apology from U.S. PHILIPPINES: Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Monday demanded an apology for a U.S. Republican congressional survey that described the country and Thailand as among nations aiding and harboring terrorists. Arroyo said the question - "Should American broaden the war on terrorism into other countries that harbor and aid terrorists such as Thailand, Syria, Somalia, the Philippines, etc.?" - was "fallacious" and "reflects irresponsibility".
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Three killed in Cirebon crash
Three killed in Cirebon crash CIREBON, West Java: Three people were killed and dozens of others injured on Monday morning when a public bus crashed into a toll booth at the entrance of the Plumbon toll road in Cirebon. The dead and the injured were taken to the Gunung Jati Hospital in Cirebon. Two of the fatalities were identified as Satiyem, a resident of Banjarnegara regency, and Mustariah, a resident of Brebes regency in Central Java. The third fatality has not been identified.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Official calls for preservation
Official calls for preservation PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: Many of Palembang's historic buildings have been lost in the rush to modernize the city, a government official said on Monday. Rahman Zeth, head of the provincial administration's Development and Planning Agency, said modernization could not be stopped, but that efforts had to be made to ensure the city's past was not lost forever. He said the government must prohibit the destruction of historic buildings.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Parties praised for upholding ethics
Parties praised for upholding ethics SEMARANG: A top ulema expressed relief recently that as of the 15th day of the election campaign, campaigners had not attempted to exploit the verses of the Koran or hadith (stories about the live of the Prophet Muhammad). Ahmad Daroni, the chairman of the Central Java branch of the Indonesian Council of Ulemas (MUI), praised the political parties and their campaigners, saying that they were well educated and politically mature.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
'Tempo' files appeal over Tomy civil suit verdict
'Tempo' files appeal over Tomy civil suit verdict M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The defense team for Tempo magazine filed an appeal with the Central Jakarta District Court on Monday against a court decision ordering the weekly to pay Rp 500 million (US$58,100) to Tomy Winata and to publicly apologize to the businessman.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Traders, residents unaware of Tanah Abang makeover
Traders, residents unaware of Tanah Abang makeover Eva C. Komandjaja and Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Traders and residents around Tanah Abang textile market, Central Jakarta, are unaware of the Jakarta Administration's latest plan to transform the site into a plush business district. Indrawati, who sells household appliances in her shop near the market, said on Monday that she had not heard of any plans to restore the market.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Leaders and environment
Leaders and environment Brilliant! Just as my interest in reading the newspaper begins to wane, Bam! There again is a most beautiful tiger exotically decorating the front page of The Jakarta Post. The continuing news stories regarding issues that are causing havoc to the environment and the natural world, are featured regularly in the Post, and are a tribute to the sincerity of the editor and his staff.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
'Party flags, posters make Jakarta messier'
'Party flags, posters make Jakarta messier' In conjunction with the election campaign period, the 24 political parties began putting up their flags and posters all over the city. Various shapes, sizes and colors in overwhelming abundance now adorn the city, however, it has given the city an even less orderly look than normal. The Jakarta Post talked to few Jakarta residents for their thoughts. Adrianus Kwinta, 35, is a magazine sales executive.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
SingTel plans new submarine cable
SingTel plans new submarine cable SINGAPORE: Singapore's largest telecommunications provider said on Monday it will invest in a US$500 million undersea cable that will link 14 countries in Western Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The cable, which will span some 20,000 kilometers (12,000 miles) and carry telephone, Internet and broadband data streams, is expected to be ready for service in the third quarter of 2005, Singapore Telecommunications said in a statement.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Up to 52 Aceh villages may be denied elections
Up to 52 Aceh villages may be denied elections Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As many as 52 villages in war-torn Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam may skip the elections due to the unfavorable security situation there, a senior Cabinet minister said on Monday.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
TV Program: Tuesday, March 30, 2004
TV Program: Tuesday, March 30, 2004 TVRI .TB.30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Children Show 7:30 Music: Asyik Asyik 8:30 Documentary 10:00 TV Drama 12:00 p.m.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
DPD candidates struggle to win crowd
DPD candidates struggle to win crowd M. Taufiqurrahman and Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta During the 22-day legislative election campaign period, which will end on April 1, the contesting 24 political parties have dominated the wooing of voters, leaving Regional Representatives Council (DPD) candidates with the challenge of convincing the public about the prominent role of the soon-to-be established institution. Each of the country's 32 provinces will be represented by four DPD members.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Singapore arrivals drop 4%
Singapore arrivals drop 4% SINGAPORE: Visitor arrivals to Singapore dropped 4 percent in February from a year earlier because of a sharp fall in tourists from China and Hong Kong, the tourism board said on Monday. The city-state attracted 591,007 travelers during the month, but arrivals from China declined 43 percent on-year to 51,000 while Hong Kong numbers dipped 30 percent to 17,000, the Singapore Tourism Board said in a statement.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Jakarta shares close 0.39 percent higher
Jakarta shares close 0.39 percent higher Jakarta share prices closed up 0.39 percent on Monday, bolstered by Telkom, although sentiment remained weak on concerns about a possible delay to legislative elections, dealers said. The Jakarta Stock Exchange composite index added 2.792 points to 716.921 on volume of 636.7 million shares worth Rp 469.48 billion (US$54.46 million). Gainers led losers 57 to 34, with 73 stocks unchanged. The rupiah was slightly higher at Rp 8,597-8,602 to the U.S.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Journalists warn of bogus press
Journalists warn of bogus press TANGERANG: A group of journalists warned government officials and businessmen on Monday to turn down legislative election campaign coverage proposals made by people claiming to be journalists who ask for money in return. "Real journalists, both print and electronic media, never ask for money to fulfill our task of covering the election campaign," said Syafril Elain, a journalist and also deputy chairman of the Tangerang Election Supervisory Committee (Panwaslu).
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Yusril threatens to put KPU members in jail of polls delayed
Yusril threatens to put KPU members in jail of polls delayed Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In a reaction to the General Elections Commission's decision (KPU) to prohibit his next campaign activity, Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra threatened to jail the commission's nine members, if they failed to hold the general election simultaneously throughout the country on April 5.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
APP seeks support for restructuring plan
APP seeks support for restructuring plan Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Asia Pulp & Paper Co. (APP), the world's leading pulp and paper producer, said on Monday it would not be able to obtain enough support from creditors for a debt work-out scheme by the March 31 deadline. The company is now seeking creditors' consent to extend the deadline to May 30, according to G. Sulistyo, deputy chairman of the APP's debt restructuring team.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
BlueScope Steel launches new painting facility
BlueScope Steel launches new painting facility The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Private-owned flat steel manufacturer PT BlueScope Steel Indonesia launched on Monday its new A$7.94 million (US$6.07 million) paint line, which will increase its capacity to 55,000 tons annually from 25,000 tons. BlueScope Steel Indonesia president Rob Crawford said the investment in the new flat steel paint line at the company's operations in Cilegon, Banten, was aimed at giving better service to customers.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Foreign direct investment down 66% in Jan-Feb
Foreign direct investment down 66% in Jan-Feb The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Approved foreign direct investment (FDI) plunged by 66 percent in the first two months of this year from the same period last year amid rising uncertainty ahead of the country's first direct general election. Data from the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) reveals that FDI approvals in Indonesia fell to US$805.4 million during January and February 2004 from $2.4 billion in the corresponding period last year.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
5,000 Poso residents have yet registered
5,000 Poso residents have yet registered POSO, Central Sulawesi: Some 5,000 Poso refugees have yet to be registered as eligible voters as of today. They are Poso residents living in refugee camps in Tentena, North Pamona district and in Poso Pesisir district.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Two separate events rock Poso regency
Two separate events rock Poso regency Irvan NR and Ruslan Sangadji, The Jakarta Post, Palu/Poso Central Sulawesi Police have been hunting down since Sunday snipers who shot dead a local man, Jhon Christian Tanalida, 37, a senior police officer said on Monday in Palu, the capital of Central Sulawesi. Jhon was shot dead late on Saturday in Kawua subdistrict, Poso regency. Central Sulawesi Police spokesman Adj. Sr. Comr.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
More busway corridors prepared
More busway corridors prepared JAKARTA: Jakarta will start the construction of two more busway corridors this year. These will stretch from Pulogadung, East Jakarta, to Harmoni, Central Jakarta, and from Harmoni to Kali Deres, West Jakarta. Governor Sutiyoso said the corridors were expected to be operational next year. "The new corridors are in line with our expert team's recommendation," he said, adding that the administration was still looking for a funding source.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
The 'White Group' expresses its disenchantment
The 'White Group' expresses its disenchantment Endy M. Bayuni, Deputy Chief Editor, The Jakarta Post, Cambridge, Massachusetts How many people will stay away from the polling booths on April 5, or whenever the general election is eventually held? The number of people who boycott the election has always been a subject of a heated debate and speculation each time the country holds an election.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Antitrust watchdog needs legal support
Antitrust watchdog needs legal support Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU) expressed a need for better support from relevant judicial institutions in enforcing the Antimonopoly Law, as some of its antitrust rulings have ended up in court and have resulted in unfavorable verdicts. "We particularly need judges who really understand the Antimonopoly Law and related cases.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Bandung for Tuesday, March 30, 2003
Where to go in Bandung for Tuesday, March 30, 2003 Performances * Operetta, Taman Budaya, Jl. Bukit Dago Selatan No. 53 A (Tel. 022 2504912), 7:30 p.m., April 3. * Traditional Performances Teater Rakyat Uyeg, Taman Budaya, Jl. Bukit Dago Selatan No. 53 A (Tel. 022 2504912), 7:30 p.m., April 10. Film * French Film Le Pays Des Sourds, CCF (French Cultural Center), Jl. Purnawarman 32 (Tel. 022 4212417), 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., April 6 and April 8.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Holes in water bill must be plugged: Observed
Holes in water bill must be plugged: Observed Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government needs to add more regulations to the newly-passed water bill to make sure possible commercialization in the sector would not cut off public access to water, observers say.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Komnas HAM visits police HQ
Komnas HAM visits police HQ JAKARTA: A team from the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) visited the National Police Headquarters on Monday to learn more about how human rights concepts are being applied in the institution. "We have observed several rights violations by police officers," said Komnas HAM chairman Abdul Hakim Garuda Nusantara, citing violations in Aceh, Bulukumba in South Sulawesi, and Abepura in Papua provinces.
Tue, 30 Mar 2004, 00:00 WIB
Gus Dur cracks joke on Hamzah Haz
Gus Dur cracks joke on Hamzah Haz SURABAYA: Abdurrahman Wahid alias Gus Dur, a former president of Indonesia, is widely known as a funny guy. Gus Dur, who is head of patron board at the National Awakening Party (PKB), again established his title in the last round of PKB's campaign in Sidoarjo, East Java province. In the campaign, he commented on the television ads presenting Hamzah Haz, the chairman of the United Development Party (PPP) and also currently the vice president of Indonesia.