Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 16 April 2004

75 articles found

BCA plans stock split to improve liquidity

BCA plans stock split to improve liquidity The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Publicly listed Bank Central Asia (BCA) plans to increase the number of authorized shares via a stock split and is seeking approval at its upcoming May 6 general shareholders meeting, the bank unveiled on Thursday in a letter to the Jakarta Stock Exchange. BCA, however, did not provide details of the plan including the ratio of the split.

Central banks unveil 2nd ABF structure

Central banks unveil 2nd ABF structure Eileen Ng, Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur Asian central banks on Thursday unveiled the initial structure of a planned second Asian Bond Fund (ABF) to invest in debt securities denominated in local currencies as part of efforts to boost regional financial cooperation. They gave no timeframe for when it would be launched.

EMP extends book building

EMP extends book building JAKARTA: Oil and gas company PT Energi Mega Persada (EMP) has extended the book building deadline due to growing interest in its planned initial public offering (IPO) in May. EMP Commissioner Nazamudin Latief said in a press release on Thursday that the deadline for book building had been extended to April 26 from the initial April 15 deadline.

Drought haunts Malang farmers

Drought haunts Malang farmers Indra Harsaputra, Malang, East Java Like other areas across the archipelago, the dry season will soon begin in the East Java town of Malang. The dry season poses a threat for farmers whose crops may perish due to a shortage of water.

Mandiri opens Shanghai office

Mandiri opens Shanghai office JAKARTA: Bank Mandiri opened on Wednesday a representative office in China's major business city of Shanghai to help facilitate and promote increasing trade between Indonesia and China. "Bank Mandiri has many corporate and individual customers interested in expanding their businesses to China," president ECW Neloe said.

Rejection of election results

Rejection of election results From Media Indonesia The threat of over a dozen political parties to reject the results of the current general election and demand a repeat election is ridiculous, even though it was finally admitted that the statement represented the views of individual party figures rather than the parties themselves. Whatever may have been the reasons for their rejection, such an attitude is politically illogical in relation to the national interest.

Akbar wins full backing of party board

Akbar wins full backing of party board Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Golkar's presidential convention will not take place until Tuesday, but Akbar Tandjung has already secured the full backing of the party's Central Executive Board (DPP). Six days before party leaders and other members pick their flag-bearer for the July 5 direct presidential election, the DPP jumped the gun on Thursday and announced they would back Akbar.

More Lampung councillors charged with graft

More Lampung councillors charged with graft Oyos Saroso HN, The Jakarta Post, Bandarlampung, Lampung Prosecutors here on Thursday have charged three more suspects in a graft case involving Rp 19.5 billion (US$2.2 million) of transactions of state funds in Lampung's provincial budget.

RI, KL start study for key transmission project

RI, KL start study for key transmission project Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State electricity firm PT PLN and Malaysian state electricity firm Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) are to start a feasibility study for a power transmission project connecting the two countries. The project will bring the region one step closer to the realization of a fully integrated power highway among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Jakarta verifies ballot tally, starts manual count

Jakarta verifies ballot tally, starts manual count Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta General Elections Commission (KPUD Jakarta) is currently verifying the results of the electronic ballot counting after the process was completed three days ago, while manual counting is now being conducted in five districts in Jakarta.

Doctor to examine candidates' health

Doctor to examine candidates' health Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The General Elections Commission (KPU) and the Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI) signed on Thursday a memorandum of understanding that will allow the IDI to examine presidential and vice presidential candidates. IDI chairman Farid Anfasa Moeloek said the candidates had to pass both mental and physical examinations to qualify for the election, scheduled for July 5.

Local govt in stew over cattle markup

Local govt in stew over cattle markup Rusman, The Jakarta Post, Samarinda, East Kalimantan Provincial legislators here are set to question the East Kalimantan provincial administration on an alleged markup in the planned purchase of 1,000 head of cattle from Australia. "We will question them immediately over the alleged markup.

1. LIDO: 30 pt, 1 cols, 3 x 10

1. LIDO: 30 pt, 1 cols, 3 x 10 Two people killed in plane crash 2. SUDI: 60 pt, 6 cols, 1 x 32 Sudi Silalahi put out to grass 3. TALLY : 36 PT, 4 cols, 1 x 30 Accept Golkar victory: Analysts 4. TOWER: 36 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 30 Jakarta to get world's tallest tower

GMI expects growth of 30%-50%

GMI expects growth of 30%-50% JAKARTA: PT General Motors Indonesia (GMI) is expecting sales growth of some 30 percent to 50 percent this year, compared to last year's figures, in which it sold 4,000 vehicles. The company, which handles Chevrolet, is optimistic about the growth after the legislative election went smoothly, GMI's director of sales and marketing, Antonio Zara, told The Jakarta Post. In 2002, the company booked sales of some 2,000 vehicles.

Police to finish BNI scam probe

Police to finish BNI scam probe JAKARTA: The National Police is completing its examination of several documents belonging to fraternal businessmen Jeffrey and Yudi Baso, which are required by the prosecution to charge them with fraud in the Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) scam. National Police forensics head Brig. Gen. Dudon Satiaputra said on Thursday he had submitted the examination results on the authenticity of the suspects' signatures to the economic and special crimes head, Brig. Gen.

Bogus journalist cheats legislator

Bogus journalist cheats legislator SEMARANG: House of Representatives legislator Alvin Lie from the National Mandate Party (PAN) ducked an attempt at fraud by a bogus journalist when he appeared on Thursday at a local court to be tried for early campaigning. Alvin told reporters the extortion attempt took place just as he was leaving the courtroom. "I spotted this young man who did not interview me, but he approached my wife and asked her for my name card.

[b]Assessing the Golkar

Assessing the Golkar presidential candidate Budiman Moerdijat Consultant Jakarta 2. Muladi -- Golkar chance for the presidency 2 X 30 Wiranto's presidential bid unlikely to face international opposition Muladi Senior Lecturer Diponegoro University Jakarta

Ford reports 154% sales increase

Ford reports 154% sales increase JAKARTA: PT Ford Motor Indonesia (FMI) reported a record 154 percent increase in car sales for 2003, according to a press release on Thursday. The company booked sales of 4,046 vehicles last year compared to 1,587 units in 2002. The first quarter of 2004 also started strongly with 1,236 vehicles, a 105 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

Police nab student for selling girls

Police nab student for selling girls MEDAN, North Sumatra: Senior high school student Hairani Br. Sinaga, 18, was apprehended by police on Wednesday night at her house in Simpang Marendal, Medan municipality, over accusations that she had sold the virginity of four girls. Three of the victims are 16 years old and in the first year of senior high school, while the other is a 15-year-old, third-year junior high school student. Medan Police chief of detectives Adj. Comr.

Accept Golkar victory: Analysts

Accept Golkar victory: Analysts A. Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As the ballot counting nears completion, with former ruling Golkar Party catapulting back into the lead, political observers are setting their hopes for improvement in the 2009 elections. "It's the people's vote, and the people's voice is never wrong, although there is no single explanation for it," said Daniel Sparinga of Surabaya-based Airlangga University.

Assessing the Golkar presidential candidate

Assessing the Golkar presidential candidate Budiman Moerdijat, Consultant, Jakarta While all eyes are now on the sluggish process of election vote counting, there is actually something else just around the corner that will be the deciding factor in forming a coalition in the run-up to the direct presidential election on July 5. That something else is the Golkar convention.

Two people killed in plane crash

Two people killed in plane crash Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor Two ultralight aircraft pilots died when their plane crashed in a field near Wates Jaya village in Cijeruk district, Bogor regency, south of Jakarta at 10:50 a.m. on Thursday. The victims were identified as Norman Mokodompit, 48, a flying instructor at the Lido Aerosport Club, and Teguh Arif Wicaksono, 44, an instructor at the Pegasus Aerospot Club.

Candidates' religion

Candidates' religion While attending the recent general election, I noticed that the ballot papers for the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) and Jakarta Legislative Council (DPRD) featured the candidates' names, photographs and personal details, including religion. There are at least two problems with the inclusion of candidates' religion. First, it violates candidates' rights, as Indonesians do not enjoy freedom of religion.

PKS wants free education for elementary students

PKS wants free education for elementary students Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Emerging as a political party with some newfound clout after garnering the most votes in the capital, the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) has promised that its councillors would strive to promote free education -- at least at public elementary schools.

King urges protection of Montagnards

King urges protection of Montagnards CAMBODIA: Cambodia's King Norodom Sihanouk has urged the government and United Nations to protect any Vietnamese Montagnards seeking refuge in the kingdom, after violent protests in their homeland last weekend. Cambodia has stepped up security along its border with Vietnam to prevent any ethnic minority Montagnards fleeing into Cambodia, after security forces quashed the weekend demonstrations in the Central Highlands.

Vietnam to join Pepper Community

Vietnam to join Pepper Community HANOI: Vietnam, the world's largest pepper producer and exporter, will join the International Pepper Community (IPC) in September, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development said on Thursday. The communist nation will formally accede to the inter- governmental organization during its 32nd annual meeting in Indonesia Sept. 27-30.

Strange but true

Strange but true From Koran Tempo By the time President Megawati visited the National Tabulation Center for the 2004 general election at Hotel Borobudur, Jakarta, on April 7, the vote gain of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) had risen drastically from 4.9 million votes at 1 p.m. to 18.2 million at 1:40 p.m. Peculiarities have been a common phenomenon in the Indonesian government, while something that proceeds normally may even seem strange to certain officials.

Bank BNI to handle repayment of depositors

Bank BNI to handle repayment of depositors The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has appointed Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) to repay the depositors of the recently closed down Bank Asiatic and Bank Dagang Bali (BDB), who are covered by the blanket guarantee program, a finance ministry official said.

Analysts see little hope for Amien's bid

Analysts see little hope for Amien's bid Tiarma Siboro and M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta While members of the alliance of parties initiated by presidential hopeful Amien Rais are only at the stage of feeling out each other's political stances, analysts say the coalition could increasing their bargaining position with the winners of the legislative election.

Utut dreams of top four in Tripoli

Utut dreams of top four in Tripoli Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia's No. 1 chess grand master Utut Adianto will be heading to the world chess championship with high hopes for a place in the semifinals. "I have a lot of confidence (that I'll do well in) this tournament. Hopefully, I can reach the semifinals," Utut told The Jakarta Post here. The world chess championship will run from June 18 to July 13.

Tax officer nabbed for masterminding murder

Tax officer nabbed for masterminding murder Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After hunting the murder suspects for months, the city police finally arrested on Wednesday all suspects in the murder of a lawyer in September last year, including its mastermind, Dwi Aryanto, 36, a tax officer from Surabaya. Dwi was the last to be arrested on April 14 at his house in Taman Laguna Housing Complex, Cibubur, East Jakarta.

TV stations advised to air crime shows

TV stations advised to air crime shows Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Following the circular issued by the National Police discouraging television crews from joining police operations for reality shows, telecast experts advised TV stations to continue airing crime shows, but with more restrictions. Bimo Nugroho of the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) argued that such shows can be educational.

Schedule for presidential election

Schedule for presidential election May 1 - 7: Registration of presidential/vice presidential candidates with KPU May 2 - 9: Administrative verification, including medical record May 5 - 10: KPU announces the results of administrative screening May 6 - 17: Presidential/vice presidential candidates are given opportunity to complete required documents May 7 - 18: Second administrative screening May 19: KPU announces eligible presidential/vice presidential candidates June 1 - July 1: Campaign...

Indonesia to amend discriminative law on citizenship

Indonesia to amend discriminative law on citizenship Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government is considering an amendment to Law No. 62/1958 on citizenship that will scrap all regulations that discriminate against Chinese-Indonesian.

1,300 hotel workers to lose jobs

1,300 hotel workers to lose jobs Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned Hotel Indonesia and Inna Wisata Hotel in Central Jakarta have stopped accepting reservations since Thursday and will completely close down on April 30 as new management pursues a major overhaul of the hotels. The new management, PT Cipta Karya Bumi Indah (CKBI), a subsidiary of cigarette giant Djarum, will take over the hotels from PT Hotel Indonesia Natour.

'I hope they won't abuse power to amass wealth'

'I hope they won't abuse power to amass wealth' Yet to be confirmed, it can be safely said candidates for the Jakarta Regional Representatives Council (DPD) -- Mooryati Soedibyo, Sarwono Kusumaatmadja, Biem Triani Benyamin and Marwan Batubara -- have secured seats on the council. All of them have promised to empower the newborn council and to work for the interests of the public. The Jakarta Post talked to some residents on what they expect from their future representatives. M.A.

Police say they have sufficient grounds to indict 9 bankers

Police say they have sufficient grounds to indict 9 bankers P.C. Naommy, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Police claim they have sufficient evidence to indict nine executives of the now defunct Bank Dagang Bali (BDB) and Bank Asiatic for fraud involving Rp 1.2 trillion (US$139). "We have strong evidence of the role of those nine people in this case," National Police Deputy Spokesman Brig. Gen. Soenarko D. Ardanto said on Thursday.

Govt centralizes investment permits

Govt centralizes investment permits The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri has signed a decree centralizing permits and facilities for foreign and domestic investment to end the confusion resulting from the regional autonomy program. The decree, signed under the National Coordinating Investment Board (BKPM), was made available to the public on Thursday.

Thousands protest at governor's office

Thousands protest at governor's office SURABAYA: About 1,800 workers from household appliance company PT Kyung Dong Indonesia (KDI) in Sidoarjo staged a protest on Thursday at the East Java gubernatorial office on Jl. Pahlawan, Surabaya. They demanded Governor Imam Utomo to prevent the closure of the company. The protesters, who called themselves the Indonesian Metal Workers Federation, arrived on motorcycles, in trucks and private cars at 10:30 a.m.

* Headlines:PDI-P members doubt Mega Center's prospects 3

* Headlines:PDI-P members doubt Mega Center's prospects 3 * National: Akbar wins full backing of party board 4 * Archipelago:More STPDN students sentenced for Wahyu killing 5 * Opinion:Assessing the Golkar presidential candidate 6 * City: 1,300 workers to lose jobs as hotels renovate8 * Sports:Garnett leads Timberwolves to top seed in the West 9 * World:S.

Sudi Silalahi put out to grass

Sudi Silalahi put out to grass Tiarma Siboro and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Powerful coordinating ministry for political and security affairs secretary Lt. Gen. Sudi Silalahi has lost his job in a reshuffle, a move some have interpreted as a further example of the tension between Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and the presidential palace. Interim coordinating minister for political and security affairs Lt. Gen.

Wiranto's presidential bid unlikely to face international opposition

Wiranto's presidential bid unlikely to face international opposition Muladi, Senior Lecturer, Diponegoro University, Jakarta The opinion aired by Jusuf Wanandi in his article entitled Poll Results Boost Golkar's Chance for the Presidency in The Jakarta Post on April 12 is truly appreciated.

Feeder service not ready: Busway

Feeder service not ready: Busway Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The TransJakarta busway management and PT Jakarta Express Trans (JET) promised to improve the busway service after three months of operation since Jan. 15, in reaction to complaints expressed by passengers and observers, particularly those using the feeder system.

Elevator doors injure woman

Elevator doors injure woman JAKARTA: A shop assistant suffered head injuries on Thursday afternoon after becoming trapped between the doors of an overloaded elevator in the Blok M Plaza, South Jakarta. The plaza management rushed Hariyati, 19, to the Pertamina Hospital, South Jakarta. A doctor at the hospital, Nino, said that four other people, Nunung, Yanti, Teti and Aini, were in shock after witnessing the accident.

JP/5/ACROSS

JP/5/ACROSS Task force hosts illegal TKI NUNUKAN, East Kalimantan: The Nunukan administration in East Kalimantan province has accommodated since last October some 100 East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) migrant workers (TKI) who were deported by Malaysian authorities because they had no proper immigration documents. Head of the Nunukan TKI task force Kasmir Foret said recently that the workers were being accommodated by residents around Nunukan, which is located near the Malaysian border town of Tawao.

10 student killers remain free despite conviction

10 student killers remain free despite conviction Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Sumedang, West Java A local court sentenced on Thursday 10 students of the Institute of Public Administration (STPDN) in Jatinangor, Sumedang, to only seven to 10 months in jail over last year's killing of fellow student Wahyu Hidayat. Further, the defendants remained free -- although under city arrest -- as the Sumedang District Court did not order the sentence to be carried out immediately.

Asia to drive 54% surge in energy demand: U.S.

Asia to drive 54% surge in energy demand: U.S. Agence France-Presse, Washington Growth in demand from countries such as China and India will boost global energy consumption by 54 percent by 2025, the United States forecast on Wednesday. Total energy use is projected to grow to 623 quadrillion (623 million trillion) British thermal units in 2025 from 404 quadrillion in 2001, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) said.

Jakarta to get world's tallest tower

Jakarta to get world's tallest tower Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The fact that Indonesian people have a per capita income of only US$710 per annum according to the World Bank does not appear to embarrass the Jakarta Administration as it pushes ahead with its plan to restart the construction of the 558-meter Jakarta Tower, claimed to be the tallest tower in the world.

Govt urges provinces to form committees on child labor

Govt urges provinces to form committees on child labor Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government wants provinces to form committees and implement concrete plans to eradicate the worst forms of child labor -- in drug-trafficking, prostitution, offshore fishing, mining and footwear production.

Task force hosts illegal TKI

Task force hosts illegal TKI NUNUKAN, East Kalimantan: The Nunukan administration in East Kalimantan province has accommodated since last October some 100 East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) migrant workers (TKI) who were deported by Malaysian authorities because they had no proper immigration documents. Head of the Nunukan TKI task force Kasmir Foret said recently that the workers were being accommodated by residents around Nunukan, which is located near the Malaysian border town of Tawao.

Alleged housemaid killer on trial

Alleged housemaid killer on trial TANGERANG: The trial of a housewife charged with killing her housemaid with the help of her son in January, began at Tangerang District Court on Tuesday. At the trial, prosecutor A. A. Hutagaol charged the defendant, Yani Vera Simorangkir, with violating articles 351 and 354 of the Criminal Code on homicide.

Forget poverty and dengue, Sutiyoso wants world's tallest tower

Forget poverty and dengue, Sutiyoso wants world's tallest tower Damar Harsanto The Jakarta Post Jakarta The fact that Indonesian people have a per capita income of only US$710 per annum according to the World Bank does not appear to embarrass the Jakarta Administration as it pushes ahead with its plan to restart the construction of the 558-meter Jakarta Tower, claimed to be the tallest tower in the world.

Roh's Uri Party celebrates likely election win

Roh's Uri Party celebrates likely election win Jack Kim, Reuters, Seoul South Korea's pro-government Uri Party erupted in triumph on Thursday as exit polls predicted a major victory for the pro- government party in the parliamentary election. Party officials and supporters chanted "We won! We won!" as preliminary results began flashing through at party headquarters putting Uri ahead of the main opposition Grand National Party (GNP).

Political communication

Political communication Many terms have recently emerged in Indonesian politics. Politicians have attended various meetings, which they call political communication. Those who were once against each other have become friends. Those who were once embarrassed to even send their regards now "knock on the doors of old friends". We are observing the socialization of classic politics. Politicians play as if they were on stage.

NO POLITICAL PARTIES VOTES SEATS ADDITIONAL SEATS TOTAL

NO POLITICAL PARTIES VOTES SEATS ADDITIONAL SEATS TOTAL CONFIRMED PROJECTED PROJECTED 1. Partai Demokrasi Indonesia Perjuangan 17,400,469 34 64 46 110 2. Partai Golongan Karya 18,488,364 31 90 39 129 3. Partai Kebangkitan Bangsa 10,677,576 19 29 25 54 4. Partai Persatuan Pembangunan 7,299,865 5 11 46 57 5. Partai Keadilan Sejahtera 6,284,596 3 13 34 47 6. Partai Demokrat 6,623,151 2 8 49 57 7. Partai Amanat Nasional 5,702,156 1 6 43 49 8. Partai Bulan Bintang 2,229,492 - 11 0 11 9.

Police to finish BNI scam probe

Police to finish BNI scam probe JAKARTA: The National Police is completing its examination of several documents belonging to fraternal businessmen Jeffrey and Yudi Baso, which are required by the prosecution to charge them with fraud in the Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) scam. National Police forensics head Brig. Gen. Dudon Satiaputra said on Thursday he had submitted the examination results on the authenticity of the suspects' signatures to the economic and special crimes head, Brig. Gen.

Rupiah Rates April 15

Rupiah Rates April 15 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 6,720.88 5,979.72 6,384.02 6,316.35 Brunei dollar 1 5,415.45 4,818.66 5,144.03 5,089.93 Canadian dollar 1 6,789.28 6,041.53 6,448.99 6,381.63 Swiss franc 1 7,026.28 6,250.87 6,674.12 6,602.76 Danish krone 1 1,462.30 1,300.88 1,389.00 1,374.11 Euro 1 10,896.01 9,695.33 10,349.90 10,241.12 Poundsterling 1 16,331.25 14,535.28 15,512.72 15,353.54 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,169.44 1,041.05 1,110.83 1,099.66...

Aceh governor ready for corruption investigation

Aceh governor ready for corruption investigation Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam Governor Abdullah Puteh said on Thursday he was ready to face questioning by the provincial martial law administration for his alleged role in several corruption cases. "As an Indonesian citizen who is not immune to the law, any person must accept (questioning) if he or she needs to be investigated legally.

PDI-P members doubt the success of Mega Center

PDI-P members doubt the success of Mega Center Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Cirebon Skepticism is rife among Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) members about the possibility of the planned Mega Center to help party leader Megawati Soekarnoputri retain the presidency.

Nokia service

Nokia service I want to lodge a complaint with Nokia Indonesia. My family have been fanatic Nokia users for a long time. I bought a Nokia 3660 recently (NPC original warranty) at ITC Roxy Mas. I am so disappointed as after one week using the mobile phone, the menu button stopped working (the other buttons still work well). Unfortunately, this button is the most important one for accessing other applications.

20 years sought for terror suspect

20 years sought for terror suspect SEMARANG: Prosecutors demanded on Thursday a 20-year jail term for each of four defendants standing trial for possession of explosives with which they had planned to launch terror attacks across the country. Prosecutors accused defendants Mahmudi Haryono, Joko Ardiyanto, Siswanto and Heri Suyatno with possession of 750 kilograms of explosives, thousands of rounds of ammunitions, firearms and hundreds of detonators.

Former governor, CEO get journalism award

Former governor, CEO get journalism award A. Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) conferred on Thursday the Pena Mas award on former Jakarta Governor Ali Sadikin, the chief executive officer of giant noodle producer PT Indofood Sukses, Makmur Eva Riyanti Hutapea, and the late television journalist Sory Ersa Siregar.

Darwis longs to see a peaceful Poso

Darwis longs to see a peaceful Poso Ruslan Sangadji, The Jakarta Post, Poso, Central Sulawesi This is a man who knows how to be at peace. He has freed his mind of the monstrous acts that he has witnessed. He wants to share what he has learned with others. While he works hard for peace, he does not perceive himself as a peacemaker. He is 32-year-old Darwis Waru and he has put aside all personal business to mend the severed ties between Christians and Muslims in his hometown of Poso.

Challenge to foreign office

Challenge to foreign office From Koran Tempo The Singaporean government has invited Indonesian authorities to file a lawsuit against Agus Anwar, the former proprietor of Bank Pelita and Bank Istismarat who still owes US$47.3 million to the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (Tempo Interaktif, April 1). This case is embarrassing because an individual with such big liabilities to the state can easily travel abroad and even secure citizenship from Singapore.

1. SBKRI: 3 LINES, 15 COUNTS

1. SBKRI: 3 LINES, 15 COUNTS RI to amend discriminative citizenship law 2. BOND: 1 LINE, 24 COUNTS Central banks unveil 2nd ABF structure 3. ASEM: 2 LINES, 21 COUNTS EU, Asian foreign ministers stuck in Myanmar mire 4. IRAQ: 1 LINE, 32 COUNTS Italy, Japan to keep troops in Iraq 5. OSAMA: 1 LINE, 27 COUNTS In new recording, bin Laden offers 'truce' to Europe

Utut dreams of top four at world chess

Utut dreams of top four at world chess Musthofid The Jakarta Post Jakarta Indonesia's No. 1 chess grand master Utut Adianto will be heading to the world chess championship with high hopes for a place in the semifinals. "I have high confidence in this tournament. Hopefully, I can reach semifinals," Utut told The Jakarta Post here. The world chess championship will run from June 18 to July 13. The majority of the matches will be played in Tripoli, Libya, and a few will be in Valetta, Malta.

Five banks get sharia banking quality awards

Five banks get sharia banking quality awards The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Five Islamic banks received the Sharia Banking Quality Award for superior customer service, a press release said on Wednesday. The banks are Bank International Indonesia (BII) Syariah, Bank Danamon Syariah, Bank Bukopin Syariah, Bank Syariah Mandiri (BSM), and Bank Muamalat Indonesia (BSM).

Golkar mulls partnering PKB in presidential election

Golkar mulls partnering PKB in presidential election Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Confident of winning the April 5 legislative elections, Golkar is now looking for suitable political parties with which to forge a coalition for the upcoming presidential election.

Court tells Kito, Akbar to settle out of court

Court tells Kito, Akbar to settle out of court Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The South Jakarta District Court began on Thursday a lawsuit hearing filed by legal insider Kito Irkhamni against Golkar leader Akbar Tandjung for failing to make good on an under-the- table payment, but judges adjourned it shortly afterward and told the two settle their dispute out of court. "We'll give them 30 days to settle the case out of court," Presiding Judge Ida Bagus Putu Madeg said.

Rupiah Rates April 15

Rupiah Rates April 15 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 6,720.88 5,979.72 6,384.02 6,316.35 Brunei dollar 1 5,415.45 4,818.66 5,144.03 5,089.93 Canadian dollar 1 6,789.28 6,041.53 6,448.99 6,381.63 Swiss franc 1 7,026.28 6,250.87 6,674.12 6,602.76 Danish krone 1 1,462.30 1,300.88 1,389.00 1,374.11 Euro 1 10,896.01 9,695.33 10,349.90 10,241.12 Poundsterling 1 16,331.25 14,535.28 15,512.72 15,353.54 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,169.44 1,041.05 1,110.83 1,099.66...

Losers sing same old tune

Losers sing same old tune From Bisnis Indonesia When initial results of the present general election were announced, nearly all political parties reportedly agreed to reject the vote gains counted by the General Elections Commission (KPU). This, in fact, is the same old tune sung with different lyrics. This can be interpreted as the attitude of party executives, while their constituents may not have any objections.

How to honor the flag

How to honor the flag From Kompas On many occasions, the national flag is unfurled for days, weeks or even months. The fact that it often soiled and torn is evidence that not every citizen knows how to look after it. Ironically, this is usually the case at government offices, which should set a good example for the community. It must be borne in mind that regardless of the state of the country, the citizens should honor their flag. HERU KARTONO Magelang, Central Java

Argentine connection gives Persija win

Argentine connection gives Persija win Zakki Hakim and Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Tangerang Persija Jakarta moved into second place of the Indonesian soccer league after beating Persebaya Surabaya 3-1 here on Thursday. PSM Makassar, which was held to a 1-1 draw by PSPS Pekanbaru, remained at the top of the standings three points above Persija. Argentine Emmanuel Deporras scored twice in the space of two minutes in the 70th and 72nd minutes, giving Persija a commanding 3-0 lead.

RI calls for end to military approach in Iraq

RI calls for end to military approach in Iraq The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim majority country, called on Thursday for an immediate end to the military approach of the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq, where more than 700 Iraqis and 83 American troops have died in the past two weeks.

Reading the polls

Reading the polls If the vote-count proceeds according to schedule, the final tally will be completed in less than a fortnight. As expected, the political temperature rose once the ballot counting started after the April 5 legislative election. Last Friday, almost all of the 24 parties contesting the election demanded that the General Elections Commission (KPU) recount the ballots, alleging widespread vote-rigging. They seem ignorant that such a public plea is against the law.