Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 8 March 2004

80 articles found

Students dead in Vietnam crash

Students dead in Vietnam crash VIETNAM: Seven teenagers were killed and 14 injured when a minibus carrying 22 high school students collided head-on with a truck in southern Vietnam, police said on Sunday. The high-speed crash happened on Saturday on the country's main north-south highway in Dong Nai province, when the truck encroached onto the other side of the road while trying to overtake, said a local traffic policeman.

Regent rejects new BPN chief

Regent rejects new BPN chief TANGERANG: Regent Ismet Iskandar rejected the appointment of the regency's new chief of the National Land Agency (BPN), Roli Irawan, who was sworn in last Tuesday. Ismet said on Saturday that the swearing in was against Law No. 22/1999 on regional autonomy and Government Regulation No. 6/1988 on coordination among regional state offices.

Sudibyo M. Wiradi

Sudibyo M. Wiradi The Jakarta Post Jakarta More domestic airlines fly regional routes Indonesians wishing to travel to other Asian countries now have more air carriers to choose from, with several new domestic airlines entering regional routes. In addition to established air carriers Garuda Indonesia and Merpati Nusantara Airlines, other local airlines are now flying to Asian countries, tapping the growing market in the region.

Two TNI raiders killed in Aceh

Two TNI raiders killed in Aceh BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Two soldiers from the Infantry Battalion 900 Raider squad have been killed in a gunfight with Aceh separatists in North Aceh. The two were First Pvt. Usman and Second Pvt. Johan Supriadi. The Indonesian Military's Operations Command in Aceh spokesman, Lt. Col. Asep Sapari, said here on Saturday the two soldiers were killed on Friday in the subdistrict of Tanah Jambo Aye. Their bodies had been sent to Java. One soldier, Second Pvt.

RI maids may not be able to vote

RI maids may not be able to vote MEDAN, North Sumatra: Thousands of Indonesian maids in Singapore might not be able to vote in the elections because they were not given time off by their employers, a maid said. "Based on previous experience, it has been difficult for us to take leave if the day is not a Singapore national holiday," said Yan, one among the thousands of Indonesian maids living with her employers in Singapore.

PNBK slams Golkar, PDI Perjuangan

PNBK slams Golkar, PDI Perjuangan JAKARTA: The Freedom Bull National Party (PNBK) launched direct attacks against the ruling Indonesia Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and the opposition Golkar Party on Saturday. Announcing the party's election preparations, PNBK party leader Eros Djarot said it would form a coalition with other nationalist parties to block a possible grouping of Golkar and the PDI-P in the upcoming elections. "People will stand behind us.

From Media Indonesia

From Media Indonesia Although not retroactively effective, the ruling of the Constitutional Court effectively annulling Article 60(g) of Law No. 12/2003 on general elections and restoring the right of former members of the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) to vote for and be nominated as legislative candidates has come as a shock and is, at the same time, cause for deep concern.

Jakarta stocks to move sideways

Jakarta stocks to move sideways Agence France-Presse, Jakarta, Singapore Indonesia's stock market is expected to trade sideways this week on concerns about possible violence when election campaigning starts, analysts said. "There is a potential for investors to move sideways while they wait and see for potential trouble during the campaign period," BCI Securities analyst Lorensius Chrisbiantoro said over the weekend. Campaigning for the April 5 legislative elections starts next Thursday.

Xacti, small video camera that does all

Xacti, small video camera that does all Zatni Arbi, Columnist, Jakarta, zatni@cbn.net.id People all over Indonesia have long associated electric water pumps with Sanyo. Over the decades they have come to call every water pump a pompa Sanyo (Sanyo pump), although it may be a Shimizu, a DAB or a Grundfost. Thus, Sanyo has become a generic name for water pump because of its popularity. However, the company does not excel in making reliable water pumps only.

Govt warned of catasrophe from mining in protected forests

Govt warned of catasrophe from mining in protected forests The Jakarta Post, Jakarta An expert on the environment has warned the government of permanent environmental devastation if coal and oil mining in eight protected forests in Central Kalimantan continues. Speaking to journalists who cover issue relating to the environment at a seminar organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan, Dr.

High-end TVs, including projection TVs, on the rise

High-end TVs, including projection TVs, on the rise Rudijanto, Contributor, Jakarta FOR MARKETING PERSPECTIVE -- TUESDAY -- MARCH 9 Projection TV producers and distributors expect better sales this year as many people want to see the news on the general election as well major sports events, such as Euro 2004 and the Olympics, on bigger screens.

U.S. expresses deep concern over recent arrests in Aceh

U.S. expresses deep concern over recent arrests in Aceh Agencies, Washington/Jakarta The United States has expressed deep concern over the recent arrests of non-violent activists in Indonesia's rebellious region of Aceh and the treatment of a leading campaigner. "This is the latest in a series of actions apparently intended to intimidate independent observers who would be in a position to monitor and report on serious human rights abuses in Aceh," the U.S.

Two TNI raiders killed in Aceh

Two TNI raiders killed in Aceh BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Two soldiers from the Infantry Battalion 900 Raider squad have been killed in a gunfight with Aceh separatists in North Aceh. The two were First Pvt. Usman and Second Pvt. Johan Supriadi. The Indonesian Military's Operations Command in Aceh spokesman, Lt. Col. Asep Sapari, said here on Saturday the two soldiers were killed on Friday in the subdistrict of Tanah Jambo Aye. Their bodies had been sent to Java. One soldier, Second Pvt.

1. Ecomine: 10 x 4 lines

1. Ecomine: 10 x 4 lines 'Mining in protected forests disastrous' 2. Hutan: 16 x 2 lines 'Stop logging in C. Kalimantan'

Ex-officers call on associates for polls

Ex-officers call on associates for polls Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As the April 5 legislative election draws near, the association of former military and police personnel, Pepabri, call on its members to vote for retired officers representing parties committed to maintaining the country's territorial integrity. New Pepabri chairman Insp. Gen. (ret) I.G.M.

Discrimination against women

Discrimination against women Given the persistent complaints that Indonesia is lagging behind other countries in the world in terms of protecting the rights of its women, the observance today, March 8, of the United Nations Day for Women's Rights should serve as a serious reminder of the huge task that lies ahead for the nation in this particular sphere of our social and political life.

Risk of libel in freedom of the press

Risk of libel in freedom of the press Patrick Guntensperger, Business consultant, Jakarta, ttpguntensperger@hotmail.com One of the cornerstones of a democratic society is a free press. Freedom of expression is therefore, one of the very first freedoms to be curtailed when a democracy is being undermined, either as a prelude to a coup d'etat or as an early step in the process of gradual tyrannization.

Men who can't get it up go off half-cocked in search of cure

Men who can't get it up go off half-cocked in search of cure P.C. Naommy, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Between 10 percent and 15 percent of Indonesian men suffer from erectile dysfunction, most of whom prefer to use unproven treatments rather than talk the problem over with their partners or doctors, an expert said.

Controlled media could cause mass deception

Controlled media could cause mass deception Thang D. Nguyen, Program Coordinator, United in Diversity Forum, Jakarta The media has become a weapon of mass deception. This has happened in two ways: The first is that governments have come to dominate the media, and the second is that too much freedom has made the media irresponsible. The first case is quite Orwellian in that the media, especially the state-owned media, serves as governments' obedient mouthpieces.

Overcoming thorny farm issues a key challenge in regional free-trade talks

Overcoming thorny farm issues a key challenge in regional free-trade talks Martin Abbugao, Agence France-Presse, Singapore Overcoming thorny farm issues will be a key challenge as the United States and Japan take on their developing Southeast Asian allies in free-trade negotiations, analysts said.

Bill bans public erotic dances

Bill bans public erotic dances Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Organizers of erotic dances should beware! Soon they could be sentenced to 10 years in jail or fined Rp 1 billion (US$120,000). A House-sponsored bill banning illegal acts of pornography includes people who organize erotic dances in public. The bill is yet to get the government's support and it will be some time before it could passed into law.

Macacaque Park to be completed

Macacaque Park to be completed JAKARTA: Construction of the two-hectare primate park within the Schmutzer Primate Center in Ragunan Zoo, South Jakarta, is expected to be completed early on August. The park, according to zoo director Edy Setiarto, will also be equipped with a health clinic for primates. Taman Makaka (Macacaque Park) is the third project jointly managed by the zoo and the primate center's Gibbon Foundation. The park may be the biggest of its kind in the world.

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

1. ACTIVIST: 50 pt, 3 cols, 3 x 18 U.S. expresses deep concern over recent arrests in Aceh 2. WOMAN: 36 pt, 4 cols, 2 x 28 I was once angry with God, myself, says woman with HIV 3. SUSUL: 30 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 24 PKB and NU officials meet in Kediri to mend ties 4. TAMBAH: 28 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 27 U.S. presidential vote a war of wives: Laura versus Teresa

The 2004 election

The 2004 election I have participated in several general elections before the upcoming elections and as far as I can remember everything went smoothly and there was not many problems, even during the preparations. So it is surprising for me that so many problems popped up this time, some of which are difficult to understand.

HEADINGS FOR PAGE 5

HEADINGS FOR PAGE 5 1. 5ecomine (4x12) Govt warned of catastrophe from mining in protected areas C. Kalimantan blind to illegal logging Power crisis still plagues SE Sulawesi

'Women should stand up against domestic violence'

'Women should stand up against domestic violence' All over the world International Women's Day is being commemorated today to raise the issue of HIV/AIDS, which is increasingly affecting women and girls, as the social impact on them is greater -- they assume the burden of care when family members are affected by the virus, not to mention that more young women are now living with HIV/AIDS. Violence against women, both a cause and a consequence of the spread of HIV/AIDS, has worsened.

1. 5ecomine (4x12)

1. 5ecomine (4x12) Govt warned of catastrophe from mining in protected areas C. Kalimantan blind to illegal logging Power crisis still plagues SE Sulawesi

Malaysia detains six Indonesian terror suspects

Malaysia detains six Indonesian terror suspects Agencies, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia has ordered six Indonesian terror suspects detained for two years after they were captured returning from a training camp in the Philippines, a senior security official said on Sunday. The suspects are believed to be members of the al-Qaeda-linked Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) that carried out the Bali bombings in 2002 which killed more than 200 people, the official said.

Kamala, warrior for women's rights

Kamala, warrior for women's rights Emmy Fitri, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta What does it take for a woman to fight for her rights? A woman of conviction might say that it takes life-long commitment and the commitment of others. Many women are impervious to the sufferings of their sisters, they live as though floating on a carpet, with little concern for the common people. Other women are so powerful that they abuse the weak and are saluted even so. "We do experience burn-out.

Woman falls 22 stories to death

Woman falls 22 stories to death JAKARTA: A 33-year-old woman was found dead on Sunday after jumping from the 22nd storey of the Robinson Apartment in, Penjaringan, North Jakarta, police said. The woman's body was found in the front yard of the apartment on Sunday at about 11:30 a.m. with severe head injuries and multiple bone fractures.

No poll monitors yet in Aceh

No poll monitors yet in Aceh LHOKSEUMAWE, Aceh: The Aceh General Elections Commission (Aceh KPUD) stated on Saturday that no poll monitors, including foreign observers, had yet registered with them, although the March 11 electoral campaign period was fast approaching. Aceh KPUD member Ridwan Ishak expressed his concern that poll violations would go unchecked in Aceh in the absence of poll monitors.

Indonesia lacks appreciation on women's rights

Indonesia lacks appreciation on women's rights In observance of the UN Day for Womens Rights that falls on March 8, Rita Serena Kolibonso, executive director of Mitra Perempuan, the Foundation of Elimination of Violence against Women, shared her view on the issue with The Jakarta Posts contributor T. Sima Gunawan.

Teachers protest late salaries

Teachers protest late salaries DONGGALA, Central Sulawesi: Some 40 teachers in Dolo district, Donggala regency, protested on Friday and Saturday at the office of the Dolo district head to demand their monthly salaries. The teachers, hailing from several schools in the district, said their salaries should have been paid last Tuesday, but they still had not received any payment as of Saturday. The protest has forced classes to be suspended at the expense of the students. -- JP

W. Jakarta Police handle brawl case

W. Jakarta Police handle brawl case JAKARTA: City police passed on the case of a brawl that killed two security guards at Stadium Discotheque in Taman Sari, West Jakarta last Tuesday, to the West Jakarta Police, an officer said on Saturday. The precinct head of detectives Adj. Comr. Herry Rudolf Nahak said the case had been given to him on Friday. He told Tempointeraktif that he has detained 17 suspects who are under investigation.

A paradigm loss, not paradise lost

A paradigm loss, not paradise lost Aloys Budi Purnomo, Contextual Theologian Pontifical Faculty of Theology "Wedabhakti", Yogyakarta, aloybudipurnomo@plasa.com In Indonesia, politics in future will have to engage with a new paradigm of the political aesthetic. If politics has not had an aesthetic experience, if politicians as a whole have not had it, if they are taught only the throne of power, all will die, little by little!

Bengkulu develops turtle breeding center

Bengkulu develops turtle breeding center BENGKULU: The local maritime resources and fishery office is developing breeding areas for turtles to prevent the extinction of the rare species. "The protected turtle species will become extinct unless such efforts are made because turtle egg poaching is rife in the province," Tony Sarwono, the chief of the local maritime resources and fishery office, said here over the weekend.

Political parties vie for top seven campaign spots

Political parties vie for top seven campaign spots Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Twenty-four political parties are eying seven popular rallying spots in the capital to kick off their open-air legislative election campaigns on March 26. To avoid any conflict between supporters of different parties, the Jakarta General Elections Commission (KPUD) will allocate the areas to parties on Monday.

TV Program: Monday, March 8, 2004

TV Program: Monday, March 8, 2004 TVRI .TB.30" .90" 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Entertainment News: Selebrita 8:00 Music: Sik Asik 9:00 Entertainment News 10:00 TV Drama: Kabayan 12:00 p.m. Singing Contest: Konteswara 1:00 News: Berita Siang 2:30 English News Service 4:00 News 5:30 News: Info Pemilu 7:00 News: Berita Nasional 8:00 Smash 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 9:30 Traditional Comedy Srimulat 10:30 Talk Show: Mimbar Indonesia 11:30 Judge Bao 12:30 News TPI 6:00 a.m.

Up For Election

Up For Election Along with voting for political parties and legislative candidates in the House of Representatives (DPR) and City/Regency Councils (DPRD) on April 5, voters will also select candidates for the new Regional Representatives Council (DPD). The DPD will consist of four members from each of the 32 provinces, who together with the 550 elected members of the DPR, will make up the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR).

PNBK slams Golkar, PDI Perjuangan

PNBK slams Golkar, PDI Perjuangan JAKARTA: The Freedom Bull National Party (PNBK) launched direct attacks against the ruling Indonesia Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and the opposition Golkar Party on Saturday. Announcing the party's election preparations, PNBK party leader Eros Djarot said it would form a coalition with other nationalist parties to block a possible grouping of Golkar and the PDI-P in the upcoming elections. "People will stand behind us.

Probe into Marriott blast to be completed

Probe into Marriott blast to be completed SURABAYA: The investigation into suspected terrorists in the Marriott hotel bombing was almost complete, National Police chief Da'i Bachtiar said here on Sunday. "The police have arrested several terrorist suspects, including the latest one, Amran, who have helped put our investigations on the right track," Da'i said during a elections briefing at the East Java military command headquarters on Saturday. More arrests would hopefully be made soon, he said.

No poll monitors yet in Aceh

No poll monitors yet in Aceh LHOKSEUMAWE, Aceh: The Aceh General Elections Commission (Aceh KPUD) stated on Saturday that no poll monitors, including foreign observers, had yet registered with them, although the March 11 electoral campaign period was fast approaching. Aceh KPUD member Ridwan Ishak expressed his concern that poll violations would go unchecked in Aceh in the absence of poll monitors.

PKB and NU officials meet in Kediri to mend ties

PKB and NU officials meet in Kediri to mend ties Indra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya Top figures from the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and the National Awakening Party (PKB) met in Kediri, East Java over the weekend as part of efforts to mend ties between the two groups ahead of the elections.

Police mull recruiting vocational school graduates

Police mull recruiting vocational school graduates The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A high-ranking officer suggested over the weekend that police personnel be recruited from the so-called D1 program, instead of high school graduates, in order to get professionals with civilian mind-sets and perspective. The governor of the Institute of Police Officers (PTIK), Insp. Gen.

No poll monitors yet in Aceh

No poll monitors yet in Aceh LHOKSEUMAWE, Aceh: The Aceh General Elections Commission (Aceh KPUD) stated on Saturday that no poll monitors, including foreign observers, had yet registered with them, although the March 11 electoral campaign period was fast approaching. Aceh KPUD member Ridwan Ishak expressed his concern that poll violations would go unchecked in Aceh in the absence of poll monitors.

;JP;

;JP; ANPAc..r.. Airline-fares-competition I. Christianto Contributor Jakarta Cheap fares but passengers get limited services During an aerospace or aviation show, flying enthusiasts enjoy jet fighters and other aircraft taking off, soaring and playfully chasing each other through the sky. Similar acrobatic maneuvers are apparent in the price war between budget airlines.

Indonesia on the brink of collapse

Indonesia on the brink of collapse From Koran Tempo Bob Hasan has been released from prison. While the public debates the decision of the Supreme Court to acquit an accused corruptor, another corruptor is now going to get his freedom back. Haven't corruptors already caused untold damage to this country. We are not yet 60 days into the year 2004 and the country has been hit by natural disasters and contagious diseases. These are warnings from God.

'Bajaj', top air polluter

'Bajaj', top air polluter From Warta Kota The Jakarta provincial administration is reportedly studying a project for the procurement of Toyota-Kijang taxis and the upgrading of the bajaj, by modifying the engines of the three- wheeled motorized public transportation vehicles from two-stroke to four-stroke. I disagree with the bajaj modification plan because in Jakarta today the bajaj has become the biggest single air polluter.

FOR FOCUS ISSUE

FOR FOCUS ISSUE JP Wings Air, a subsidiary of Lion Air, plans to add more aircraft this year to meet increasing demand for its services. Wings focuses its service on Indonesia's eastern provinces such as Papua, Maluku, Sulawesi and Kalimantan. State-owned air carrier Merpati is facing tough competition from new private airlines that are gaining popularity thanks to their lower fares.

Australia says boat people from RI

Australia says boat people from RI AUSTRALIA: The 15 people who arrived by boat last week on the remote Ashmore Reef were Indonesians hoping to work illegally as fruit pickers, Australian Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone said on Sunday. The group of nine women and six men were found on Thursday on Ashmore Reef, an uninhabited set of sand bars 320 kilometers northwest of Western Australia.

Govt to go ahead with zero steel tariff plan

Govt to go ahead with zero steel tariff plan Despite concerns from local steel producers, the government is determined to go ahead with its plan of lifting tariffs on steel imports to cope with the domestic supply shortage. "The (steel) shortage will last over a year, even five years.

1. DISCOURSE: 50 pt, 7 cols, 1 x 42

1. DISCOURSE: 50 pt, 7 cols, 1 x 42 Indonesia lacks appreciation of women's rights 2. INDAG: 36 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 21 Govt drafts ruling to tackle illegal logging 3. KL: 32 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 37 KL holds six RI Islamist militants 4. TRADE: 30 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 38 Farm issues a key challenge in trade talks

Disputed highway project wins Maga's backing

Disputed highway project wins Maga's backing Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh, Nangroe Aceh Darussalam Defying mounting criticism, President Megawati Soekarnoputri threw her weight on Sunday behind the controversial Ladia Galaska highway project that runs through the Leuser National Reserve Park.

C. Kalimantan blind to illegal logging

C. Kalimantan blind to illegal logging The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The relevant authorities in Central Kalimantan have paid no attention to media pressure to halt illegal logging, which is still rampant in tropical forests there, reports have said. Antara news agency reported over the weekend that out of several forests in the province, the large Sebangau forest located in Katingan and Pulang Pisau regencies and Palangka Raya municipality were the worst affected by illegal logging.

Persebaya jumps to second place

Persebaya jumps to second place The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Fifth placed Persebaya Surabaya crushed visiting Semen Padang 5-0 and moved into second place of the Indonesian Soccer League at the Sepuluh November Stadium, Surabaya, on Saturday. Meanwhile, Persikota Tangerang fell slightly to third place after being beaten 0-1 in its away match against host PSS Sleman at the Tridadi Stadium, Yogyakarta.

Enough prevarication on women's rights

Enough prevarication on women's rights Discrimination against women Given the persistent complaints that Indonesia is lagging behind other countries in the world in terms of protecting the rights of its women, the observance today, March 8, of the United Nations Day for Women's Rights should serve as a serious reminder of the huge task that lies ahead for the nation in this particular sphere of our social and political life.

Sharia insurance thriving, premium grows by 40% annually

Sharia insurance thriving, premium grows by 40% annually Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Sharia insurance has gained in popularity here over the past several years, prompting conventional insurance firms to explore opportunities in this new sector.

The time has come to 'open' your own home theater

The time has come to 'open' your own home theater Burhanuddin Abe, Contributor, Jakarta The upcoming elections will certainly be different from previous elections, as this year will see the country's first ever direct presidential election. Prior to the legislative election on April 5, the 24 contesting parties will campaign to try and win the hearts and minds of voters.

Garut to develop refugee shelters

Garut to develop refugee shelters GARUT, West Java: The local regional settlement and infrastructure office will develop camps for refugees in the regency's south because the Gasela area is quite prone to landslides and mudflows.

Money politics

Money politics From Republika Money politics, through bribery or other gifts to buy votes, marks the lead-in to the 2004 general election. With its detrimental effect on democracy, this practice is certainly familiar to crooked politicians with plenty of resources at their disposal. As it involves morality, the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) is expected to issue a ruling to outlaw such behavior.

Indonesians, unite!

Indonesians, unite! From Suara Karya The situation in our country is cause for great concern. The country is on the brink of collapse as it is mired in poverty, unemployment and massive debts. Worse still, Indonesians are involved in meaningless debates as each group tries to reach their own goals. Conflicts in Aceh, Ambon, Papua are some examples. Even East Timor, formerly one of Indonesia's provinces, is now an independent state.

I. Christianto

I. Christianto Contributor Jakarta Cheap fares but passengers get limited services During an aerospace or aviation show, flying enthusiasts enjoy jet fighters and other aircraft taking off, soaring and playfully chasing each other through the sky. Similar acrobatic maneuvers are apparent in the price war between budget airlines.

Steel industry demands export ban, objects to zero import tariffs

Steel industry demands export ban, objects to zero import tariffs Dewi Santoso, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government should ban steel exports rather than increasing import tariffs to overcome the supply shortages in the domestic market, an industrial executive said.

U.S. foundation to build 1,000 low-income homes

U.S. foundation to build 1,000 low-income homes M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A U.S.-based charity said on Sunday it would build 1,000 houses here over the next three years as part of its worldwide campaign to provide decent shelter for the poor. Habitat for Humanity International said the "1,000 House Campaign" was being launched in Indonesia because of the large number of homeless people in the country. "Many Indonesians are yet to have proper houses.

Power crisis still plagues SE Sulawesi

Power crisis still plagues SE Sulawesi The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Southeast Sulawesi provincial government has allocated Rp 20 billion (US$2.5 million) of its 2004 budget to purchase 5 Megawatt (MW) diesel power generators. The procurement aims to solve the electricity crisis still plaguing the province, said Aminuddin Arief, head of the Southeast Sulawesi Mines and Energy office in Kendari.

Elections prep in crisis: Lemhannas

Elections prep in crisis: Lemhannas Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Following a series of technical and logistical problems that put the elections at risk, the National Resilience Institute (Lemhannas) is calling on the government and the General Elections Commission (KPU) to implement crisis management in preparing for the polls. "The election may not fail, but it might not take place as scheduled. This is the latest condition based on our data.

I was once angry with God, myself, says woman with HIV

I was once angry with God, myself, says woman with HIV A. Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Unlike her peers, Yanti may commemorate International Women's Day, which falls on March 8, with past regret -- but hope for the future. Yanti was forced to resign last year from her company in Kebon Sirih, Central Jakarta, after her colleagues filed a petition with the firm's director, saying they would not work with a person who had been diagnosed HIV-positive.

Government drafts regulation to tackle illegal logging effectively

Government drafts regulation to tackle illegal logging effectively Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Government announced on Sunday that it is drafting a regulation in lieu of law (perpu) as an emergency measure to crack down on illegal logging practice that have caused trillions of rupiah to the nation. Minister of Forestry M.

TV Program: Monday, March 8, 2004

TV Program: Monday, March 8, 2004 TVRI .TB.30" .90" 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Entertainment News: Selebrita 8:00 Music: Sik Asik 9:00 Entertainment News 10:00 TV Drama: Kabayan 12:00 p.m. Singing Contest: Konteswara 1:00 News: Berita Siang 2:30 English News Service 4:00 News 5:30 News: Info Pemilu 7:00 News: Berita Nasional 8:00 Smash 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 9:30 Traditional Comedy Srimulat 10:30 Talk Show: Mimbar Indonesia 11:30 Judge Bao 12:30 News TPI 6:00 a.m.

Rescuers pull another body from mine

Rescuers pull another body from mine Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor A rescue team from state mining company PT Aneka Tambang (Antam) evacuated another body from inside the Mount Pongkor gold mine in Bogor regency on Sunday at 12:45 p.m., bringing the number of recovered bodies to seven. The body of the victim, identified as Jabir, 35, had been located on Friday near the exhaust fan at level four of the mine.

Ecotourism project to go on in Batam

Ecotourism project to go on in Batam BATAM, Riau: A private company will go ahead with its plan to develop an ecotourism project in the forest area in Matakucing Hill despite recent friction with the Batam Industrial Development Authority (BIDA). President of PT Karya Graha Sinar Abadi Netti Herawati said here on Saturday that she was waiting for compensation for damage caused by BIDA security guards to the project.

FOR FOCUS ISSUE

FOR FOCUS ISSUE JP Wings Air, a subsidiary of Lion Air, plans to add more aircraft this year to meet increasing demand for its services. Wings focuses its service on Indonesia's eastern provinces such as Papua, Maluku, Sulawesi and Kalimantan. State-owned air carrier Merpati is facing tough competition from new private airlines that are gaining popularity thanks to their lower fares.

* Headlines: Akbar Tandjung strengthens position 2

* Headlines: Akbar Tandjung strengthens position 2 * National: Veteran families s told to vote for ex-officers 4 * Archipelago: C. Kalimantan blind to illegal logging 5 * Opinion: Charting out the presidential election 7 * City: Political parties vie for top 7 campaign spots 8 * Sports: Nedved seals Juventus comeback win 10 * World: Thaksin's fortunes take a tumble with crises 11 * Business: Thailand shelves planned energy privatization 15 * Features: Kamala, fighter for women's rights 20

Many small furniture firms go bankrupt

Many small furniture firms go bankrupt Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Many small to medium furniture firms have collapsed in the past few months because of tight competition with products from China and Vietnam, an inadequate supply of raw materials and high costs, an industry spokesman said.

JP/1/hour

JP/1/hour 'Trans TV' studio catches fire: A fire spark caused a studio of private television Trans TV studio to be engulfed by thick smoke on Sunday evening on Jl. Kapten Tendean in Mampang Prapatan, South Jakarta forcing five people to be rushed to nearby Medistra Hospital. Trans TV news director Riza Primadi said the spark happened at about 7:30 p.m at our Studio 4 used to broadcast news programs.

No manipulation in BII's share trade: Bapepam

No manipulation in BII's share trade: Bapepam The Jakarta Post, Jakarta While some "procedural violations" occurred in the trading of Bank International Indonesia's (BII) shares last year, none could be categorized as illegal manipulation, the country's share market watchdog said. The Capital Market Supervisory Agency (Bapepam) said it had found no proof that traders of BII shares had deliberately driven up the bank's share price for personal gain from October to December last year.

Dumped lawmakers 'may abuse power'

Dumped lawmakers 'may abuse power' Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With most members of the House of Representatives' finance commission seeing no chance of reelection, there are fears they will use their remaining sitting period to demand bribes. Reports from the General Elections Commission (KPU) indicate more than half of the 55 members of the Commission IX on finance have a little or no chance of being reelected.

Soeharto probe has to be halted: Tutut

Soeharto probe has to be halted: Tutut SEMARANG: Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana, the daughter of former president Soeharto, has demanded the Attorney General's Office halt its investigation into alleged graft committed by her father. A team of doctors at the office, which was examining the health of Soeharto, should to stop its activities because his health had already been checked before, Siti Hardiyanti said, while visiting farmers and the poor in the Demak regency, Central Java.

Thai shelves planned energy privatisation

Thai shelves planned energy privatisation Anusak Konglang, Agence France-Presse, Bangkok Thailand's government on Saturday indefinitely postponed its plans to privatize the nation's largest power producer in May, caving in to mounting protests from state workers. Energy Minister Prommin Lertsuridej said the listing of 25 percent of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) would be shelved to allow for consultation with unions and the creation of a new power regulator.

Pope names head of E. Timor church

Pope names head of E. Timor church ITALY: Pope John Paul appointed on Saturday a new head of the Roman Catholic church in East Timor to succeed Nobel Peace Laureate Bishop Carlos Belo, who has stepped down for health reasons. The pope named Alberto Ricardo da Silva, 60, who has been rector of the seminary in the capital Dili since 2000, to succeed Belo as Bishop of Dili, a Vatican statement said. Belo resigned in November 2002, citing ill health.