Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 17 April 2004

79 articles found

Aziz

Aziz Analyst Kuala Kencana, Papua aziz9672@yahoo.com 2. Simon -- Dangers of "brain drain" are looming 2 X 30 "Brain drain": When the cream of the crop leaves the country. Simon Marcus Gower Executive Principal High/Scope Indonesia School Jakarta

JP/5/cap

JP/5/cap Photo A JP/Tarko Sudiarno PLAYTIME: Kindergarten children sing Kereta Apiku Tut Tut Tut (My Train Tut Tut Tut) as Muhammadiyah chairman Ahmad Syafii Maarif (left), Semarang Bishop Suharyo (second left) and others applaud on the sidelines of a discussion on globalization and marginalized people in Yogyakarta. The limited discussion, themed "My Train Does Not Stop Long", was held on Friday by the Basis monthly magazine and the Kolese Ignatius Library. ;JP;NFK; ANPAa..r..

RI rejects Bush's new Mideast policy

RI rejects Bush's new Mideast policy Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia reacted strongly on Friday to U.S. President George W. Bush's OK for Israel to keep Palestinian territory seized in the 1967 Middle East War, saying that it could further sabotage the already fragile Middle East peace process. "Bush's statement is something that we reject because we can't accept ideas which are contradictory to ...

Remains of TKI flown home

Remains of TKI flown home CAIRO: The remains of migrant worker (TKI) Maesaroh Binti Slamet Sastro, 35, was flown home on Friday, almost four months after she died on Dec. 18 at Al-Shifa Hospital in the Gaza Strip. Indonesian Ambassador to Egypt Bachtiar Aly said on Friday the body was flown by Malaysian Airlines from Cairo, Egypt, to her hometown in Ngawi, East Java.

Ba'asyir named terror suspect

Ba'asyir named terror suspect P.C. Naommy, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The police, citing incriminating evidence collected during the ongoing intensive investigation, have formally named cleric Abu Bakar Ba'asyir a suspect in various terror attacks that rocked the country over the past few years. National Police chief of detectives Comr. Gen. Suyitno Landung Soedjono said on Friday the police would charge Ba'asyir under Law No. 15/2003 on terrorism.

Bekasi yet to hear probe on dump

Bekasi yet to hear probe on dump BEKASI: Bekasi City Council canceled on Monday a meeting to hear the result of the investigation into Jakarta's use of Bantar Gebang dump conducted by a special team due to the absence of many members of the council's special committee dealing with the issue. The meeting was led by council deputy chairman Abdul Manan and was attended by only nine members out of 19.

Riau Islands soon to be province

Riau Islands soon to be province BATAM: Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno said on Friday the government would officially inaugurate Riau Islands province before the July 5 presidential election. "We're still conducting field studies to establish the structure of the regional administration," said Hari. He said results of the studies would be discussed in the next Cabinet meeting, while gubernatorial candidates would be selected from among senior state officials.

Golkar party enjoys comfortable lead in vote count

Golkar party enjoys comfortable lead in vote count M. Taufiqurrahman The Jakarta Post Jakarta Having taken a slim lead in the vote count from the April 5 legislative election over the past five days, the Golkar Party now enjoys a comfortable margin as the top vote getter. As of 11 p.m. on Friday night, Golkar had 21.02 percent of the 89,572,300 votes counted, while President Megawati Soekarnoputri's Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) was lagging behind with 19.62 percent.

BI sees firmer rupiah next week

BI sees firmer rupiah next week The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bank Indonesia (BI) said the recent weakening of the rupiah against the U.S. dollar was temporary, and should not be a cause for concern. BI deputy governor Aslim Tadjuddin said on Friday the rupiah was expected to strengthen next week, as the country's economic indicators had continued to improve. "The weakening of the local unit is only temporary. There is no reason for us to be worried.

Golkar relishes ample margin at top of polls

Golkar relishes ample margin at top of polls M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Having taken a slim lead in the vote count from the April 5 legislative election over the past five days, the Golkar Party now enjoys a comfortable margin as the top vote getter. As of 11 p.m. on Friday night, Golkar had 21.02 percent of the 89,572,300 votes counted, while President Megawati Soekarnoputri's Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) was lagging behind with 19.62 percent.

JP/5/press

JP/5/press Soldier athlete attacks Papua journalist Nethy Dharma Somba The Jakarta Post Jayapura, Papua Dozens of journalists here on Friday condemned an attack on fellow reporter Irwanto by a national athlete in Papua province, and urged the attacker to be dealt with firmly. The protesters staged a rally at the Papua office of the National Sports Council (KONI) and demanded that the athlete be arrested and taken to court.

Hundreds of tons of sugar seized in Medan

Hundreds of tons of sugar seized in Medan MEDAN, North Sumatra: North Sumatra Provincial Police have seized 310 tons of smuggled sugar from Malaysia and Thailand during a regular inspection operation one month ago. The police also seized 24 trucks which were being used to transport the sugar to various destinations in Medan, Binjai and Labuhan Batu. The police questioned the 24 truck drivers, but none of them have been named suspects. North Sumatra Provincial Police chief of detectives Sr. Comr.

Body of migrant worker arrives at airport

Body of migrant worker arrives at airport Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang Four months after her death, the body of Maesaroh, a 28-year-old female migrant worker from East Java, arrived at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Friday at around 10:30 a.m. on a Malaysian Airlines flight. Maesaroh -- who started work in Amman, Jordan, in January 2000 to earn money to support her family -- was declared dead from tuberculosis on Dec. 18, 2003, by the Home Hospital Gaza Palestina.

Busway popularity rises, traffic remains same

Busway popularity rises, traffic remains same Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Since its launch on Jan. 15, city residents have warmed to the busway as shown by the increasing number of passengers over the last three months. According to data from the TransJakarta busway management, the number of passengers in the first week of February, after the two-week trial period, reached 259,600.

Army won't support any party: Chief

Army won't support any party: Chief JAKARTA: The Army's Special Forces, or Kopassus, celebrated its 52nd anniversary on Friday in a simple ceremony at headquarters in Cijantung, East Jakarta. Indonesian Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu, who led the function, said the Army would not side with any political party and would back whoever was elected in the upcoming presidential election. The country will hold its presidential election on July 5 and a possible run-off on Sept. 20.

Asian economies will continue rapid growth: UN

Asian economies will continue rapid growth: UN Agence France-Presse, Hong Kong The resilience shown by Asia-Pacific economies in the past year is set to continue in 2004 -- barring unexpected shocks -- driven by intra-regional trade, the UN's economic and social arm said Friday.

Bahorok victims cry out for help

Bahorok victims cry out for help Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta More than 400 families languishing in refugee camps since last year's deadly flood in Bahorok, North Sumatra, have asked the government to disburse a promised Rp 50 billion (US$5.9 million) in resettlement funds.

Councillors want sweeteners at term's end

Councillors want sweeteners at term's end Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung West Java's legislative council members are apparently demanding improper benefits just before the end of their five-year term in office. Council speaker Eka Santosa wrote twice to the provincial administration asking the governor to allow he and his fellow councillors to keep their official limousines as parting gifts for a fraction of their value.

Public told to watch HI renovation

Public told to watch HI renovation Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta, Jakarta Heritage lovers expressed guarded optimism about the plan to renovate Hotel Indonesia in Central Jakarta, as the dilapidated condition of the building has hampered its business prospects. However, they expressed apprehension over whether the renovation would meet the required ruling to maintain the 41-year-old hotel's original design. "I agree with the renovation plan in so far as it will help the hotel's business.

[b]

Out with the old: Capital picks new players in 2004 Max Lane Visiting Fellow, Asia research centre, Murdoch University, Murdoch WA West Australia m.lane@murdoch.edu.au 2. iMING -- On reforming state monopolies 2 x 30 Transparency, independence vital in management of state utilities Iming M. Tesalonika Business Law Lecturer University of Pelita Harapan Jakarta imingtesalonika@lawyer.com

Rp 33 billion scandal rocks Danamon in Medan

Rp 33 billion scandal rocks Danamon in Medan Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan, North Sumatra Another billion-rupiah bank scandal has again rocked the country, raising questions about the security of financial transactions and the banking system in the country. After the Bank BNI scandal last year, the management of private bank PT Bank Danamon disclosed on Friday a scandal that recently hit its Medan branch to the tune of Rp 33 billion (US$4,125,000).

Wiranto tells Akbar to step aside

Wiranto tells Akbar to step aside Kurniawan Hari The Jakarta Post Jakarta In an apparent attempt to ensure a level playing field during the upcoming Golkar convention to select the party's presidential candidate, one of the contenders, former military chief Gen. (ret) Wiranto, openly called on party chairman Akbar Tandjung to step aside.

JP/5/press

JP/5/press Soldier athlete attacks Papua journalist Nethy Dharma Somba The Jakarta Post Jayapura, Papua Dozens of journalists here on Friday condemned an attack on fellow reporter Irwanto by a national athlete in Papua province, and urged the attacker to be dealt with firmly. The protesters staged a rally at the Papua office of the National Sports Council (KONI) and demanded that the athlete be arrested and taken to court.

[b]Indonesian broadcasters

Indonesian broadcasters lose moral high ground Martin Jenkins Editor Danareksa Sekuritas Jakarta 2. Asia -- Suns in the East will outshine the West 1 x 30 Suns in East will outshine the West Tom Plate The Straits Times Asia News Network Singapore 3. Star -- Opposition parties should learn to accept defeat 2 X 21 Opposition parties should learn to accept defeat V.K. Chin The Star Asia News Network Selangor, Malaysia 4.

One country, two parties

One country, two parties From Koran Tempo The General Elections Committee (KPU) has done its utmost in fulfilling its duties with the facilities available and under existing conditions. It is the election timetable and the preparation period that should be reviewed for next time. For such a big country as Indonesia, the parties to contest the election should be determined at least a year ahead.

Grassroots ready for Susilo's campaign for presidency

Grassroots ready for Susilo's campaign for presidency Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A group of professionals, religious leaders, students, organizations and senior military officers announced on Friday a movement to gather support for presidential hopeful Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Susilo was not present for the announcement but met with senior military officers earlier in the day to share his political vision before attending Friday prayers at the Jakarta Military Command.

Land acquisition

Land acquisition Technical and financial capability appear to be insufficient to enable development plans to reach fruition unless the government succeeds in dealing with the issue of land acquisition properly. As may be obvious to many, numerous infrastructure projects in the country have run aground on this classic problem.

Police place suspects in BDB, Asiatic bank scam on wanted list

Police place suspects in BDB, Asiatic bank scam on wanted list P.C. Naommy, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta All nine shareholders, commissioners and directors of recently closed Bank Dagang Bali and Bank Asiatic have reportedly fled their respective residences, prompting the police to put them on a wanted list. National Police chief of detectives, Comr. Gen.

Wiranto tells Akbar to resign from party leadership

Wiranto tells Akbar to resign from party leadership Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In an apparent attempt to ensure a level playing field during the upcoming Golkar convention to select the party's presidential candidate, one of the contenders, former military chief Gen. (ret) Wiranto, openly called on party chairman Akbar Tandjung to step aside.

Wiranto tells Akbar to step aside

Wiranto tells Akbar to step aside Kurniawan Hari The Jakarta Post Jakarta In an apparent attempt to ensure a level playing field during the upcoming Golkar convention to select the party's presidential candidate, one of the contenders, former military chief Gen. (ret) Wiranto, openly called on party chairman Akbar Tandjung to step aside.

Hyatt offers business lunch

Hyatt offers business lunch YOGYAKARTA: Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta hotel, Jl. Palagan Tentara Pelajar, is offering a new lunch package program, Business Lunch, at its Kemangi Bistro, well-known for its open kitchen. The package is valid from Monday through Saturday, at lunchtime (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.). At Rp 75,000 per person, customers can enjoy three different set menus prepared by the five-star hotel: Indonesian, Western or a mix of the two.

Smuggled sugar

Smuggled sugar From Media Indonesia As reported in various newspapers, the Ministry of Industry and Trade will destroy sugar smuggled into the country. To my knowledge, the dumping and destruction of foodstuffs or goods that can still be utilized are sinful acts in religious terms. By so doing, we are not counting our blessings. If any prohibition is to be imposed by religion, it should be directed at the act of smuggling instead of the contraband, which should be kept for lawful use.

1. BANK: 3 LINES, 15 COUNTS

1. BANK: 3 LINES, 15 COUNTS Rp 33b scandal rocks Danamon in Medan 2. KOREA: 2 LINES, 24 COUNTS S. Koreans want more action, less conflict in parliament 3. INVEST: 2 LINES, 21 COUNTS Decree centralizing investment a 'setback' 4. UN: 2 LINES, 24 COUNTS Crash programs needed to boost growth, cut unemployment: UN

2004 elections: rejecting the old "elit politik"

2004 elections: rejecting the old "elit politik" Max Lane Visiting Fellow, Asia research centre, Murdoch University, Murdoch WA West Australia m.lane@murdoch.edu.au The 2004 election results show that the fundamental trend in Indonesian politics has not been a nostalgic swing back to the past but is towards a popular rejection of the old parties of the "elit politik" (and of the business and military elite). Not a single major elit politik party has increased its vote.

PLN to start bids for LNG terminal in West Java

PLN to start bids for LNG terminal in West Java Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta, Jakarta State-owned electricity company PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) will begin a tender process within the next two months for the construction of a natural gas receiving terminal in West Java. PLN president Eddie Widiono said that the facility, the first in the country, would make less expensive fuel available for its power plants.

11 migrants missing in Poso

11 migrants missing in Poso Ruslan Sangadji, The Jakarta Post, Palu, Central Sulawesi Eleven men, most from Java, have disappeared from the restive regency of Poso in the past six months, according to a police memo at the Detective and Crime Directorate of the Central Sulawesi provincial police headquarters. Ten of the men were born in Tegal municipality in Central Java and another was born in Makassar, the memo states.

Crash programs needed to boost growth, cut unemployment: UN

Crash programs needed to boost growth, cut unemployment: UN Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia needs to implement breakthrough economic programs, including the creation of labor-intensive projects and the easing of its current tight monetary policy, to promote economic growth and reduce unemployment, a United Nations official said.

PPP ready to join forces with PDI-P

PPP ready to join forces with PDI-P Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Muslim-based United Development Party (PPP) revealed on Friday its readiness to form a coalition with the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) in the upcoming presidential election. PPP chairman Hamzah Haz, who is also the incumbent Vice President, said his party was seeking a common stance on economic development and education with the PDI-P as a condition for joining forces.

"Brain drain": When the cream of the crop leaves the country

"Brain drain": When the cream of the crop leaves the country Simon Marcus Gower, Executive Principal, High/Scope Indonesia School, Jakarta "The other day one of my college lecturers asked me what I planned to do after I graduated. She told me that she assumed I would be returning to Indonesia to 'help out'. With quite a lot of embarrassment I had to admit to her and to myself that I was not entirely happy with the idea of returning to my home country.

Political parties & public welfare

Political parties & public welfare From Suara Karya Practically all political parties contesting this year's general election are fond of talking about the need to surmount national issues like poverty, unemployment, farmers' living conditions, corruption, collusion and nepotism.

JP/5/press

JP/5/press Soldier athlete attacks Papua journalist Nethy Dharma Somba The Jakarta Post Jayapura, Papua Dozens of journalists here on Friday condemned an attack on fellow reporter Irwanto by a national athlete in Papua province, and urged the attacker to be dealt with firmly. The protesters staged a rally at the Papua office of the National Sports Council (KONI) and demanded that the athlete be arrested and taken to court.

1 x 27

1 x 27 11 migrants missing in Poso JP/4/BAHOROK 4 x 9 Bahorok victims cry out for help JP/5/mobil 1 x 44 Council leaders demand sweeteners at term's end JP/5/SD 1 x 35 Ruinous schools normal in some areas

Susilo, Kalla pairing people's choice: Poll

Susilo, Kalla pairing people's choice: Poll A. Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The favorite pairing for the next president and vice president is Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, cofounder of the Democratic Party and Jusuf Kalla of the Golkar Party, a survey which findings were revealed on Friday said. The couple defeated president incumbent Megawati Soekarnoputri and Vice President Hamzah Haz, the survey by the Soegeng Sarjadi Syndicated (SSS) showed.

Kijang gang gets tossed in slammer

Kijang gang gets tossed in slammer Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta Police arrested early on Friday six suspected members of an auto theft syndicate whose modus operandi was to steal vehicles from owners' garages in Cileungsi, Bogor regency. The police seized 12 Toyota Kijang vans and a Suzuki Vitara sports utility vehicle from the suspects. "The syndicate members told our investigators that they usually worked every two days.

Ruinous schools normal in come areas

Ruinous schools normal in come areas Irvan NR, The Jakarta Post, Palu, Central Sulawesi Dozens of pupils from State Elementary 1 school in Lemo, Parigi Moutong (Parimo) regency, are forced to learn on dirt floors as their chairs and desks are in disrepair. When it rains, leaky roofs mean these floors turn to mud. The dilapidated walls of the 24-year-old, two-block school are full of holes, its white paint worn with age -- and the toilets don't work.

On reforming state monopolies

On reforming state monopolies Iming M. Tesalonika, Business Law Lecturer, University of Pelita Harapan, Jakarta, imingtesalonika@lawyer.com In his article Reassessing State Monopolies at The Jakarta Post dated April 2, 2004, Patrick Guntensperger provided a brief overview of how and where government utility monopolies should be managed and how private utilities should be directed. I have concern his article may lead to incorrect perceptions among foreign investors.

Election campaign bankrupts local council and DPD candidates

Election campaign bankrupts local council and DPD candidates Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Several candidates for the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) and the House of Representatives (DPR) were apparently so eager to serve the public that they bankrupted themselves trying to secure seats. A candidate for the Jakarta City Council who declined to be identified said he had spent some Rp 2 billion since the beginning of the year on the election.

City takes down another billboard

City takes down another billboard The Jakarta Revenue Agency removed another unlicensed billboard from along Sedyatmo toll road on Friday. "We took down one billboard as ordered by Governor Sutiyoso, and my subordinates are now checking along the toll road for more illegal billboards," agency head Deden Supriadi announced at City Hall. The removed billboard belonged to PT Rainbow Cipta Utama. Another billboard was taken down earlier this week.

Close to the final day of ballot counting, four candidates for

Close to the final day of ballot counting, four candidates for the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) -- Mooryati Soedibyo, Sarwono Kusumaatmadja, Biem Triani Benyamin and Marwan Batubara -- appear to have secured seats on it. The Jakarta Post talked to some residents on what they expect from their future representatives. Krisanti, 32, is a teacher at a state elementary school in Duren Tiga, South Jakarta.

1. SALAK 1x35

1. SALAK 1x35 'Salak madu': Sleman's fruity treasure 2. LIPI 1x40 Research institute targets small businesses 3. SIDE1 1x30 Sleman studies Cirebon industry 4. SIDE2 1x30 Business lunch offer at Hyatt

Research institute targets small businesses

Research institute targets small businesses Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Good news for small farmers and prospective entrepreneurs. The Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) has opened a unit to help with research development to add value to agricultural products.

Public park for vendors?

Public park for vendors? From Kompas A public park in Pancoran Glodok, West Jakarta, has now become a hub for vendors and has turned into a shabby slum that disturbs the comfort and security of local residents. This situation has lasted for quite a while, yet no action has been taken by the city administration.

KL manufacturing sales rise 13.5%

KL manufacturing sales rise 13.5% KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: Malaysia's manufacturing sales rose 13.5 percent to 29.4 billion ringgit (US$7.7 billion) in February compared to the same month last year, the government announced on Friday. But on a non-seasonally adjusted basis, manufacturing sales eased 0.7 percent from January, the Department of Statistics said. The on-year data exceeded market expectations of a rise of between 8 percent and 11 percent.

Soldier athlete attacks Papua journalist

Soldier athlete attacks Papua journalist Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura, Papua Dozens of journalists here on Friday condemned an attack on fellow reporter Irwanto by a national athlete in Papua province, and urged the attacker to be dealt with firmly. The protesters staged a rally at the Papua office of the National Sports Council (KONI) and demanded that the athlete be arrested and taken to court.

Qantas, Cathay Pacific make deal to launch new services

Qantas, Cathay Pacific make deal to launch new services Agence France-Presse, Sydney, Australia Tourism has received a major boost from an agreement between Hong Kong and Australia to allow a doubling of flights between Australian centers and the Special Administrative Region, the government said on Friday.

Indonesian broadcasters: Losing the moral high ground

Indonesian broadcasters: Losing the moral high ground Martin Jenkins Editor Danareksa Sekuritas Jakarta The downfall of Soeharto's New Order regime back in 1998 marked the start of a new chapter for Indonesia's broadcasting industry. Since then, the industry has transformed itself in a broadcasting revolution that has seen much of the staid and conservative programming replaced with increasingly controversial and risque material.

The flip side of exporting American jobs

The flip side of exporting American jobs Aziz, Analyst, Kuala Kencana, Papua, aziz9672@yahoo.com The heated debate over jobs draining out of America to developing countries, primarily to India, China, the Philippines and Latin American countries that started several months ago, does not look like it will end soon. It now has even more political resonance with the U.S. presidential election drawing near.

Law enforcers pledge internal reform

Law enforcers pledge internal reform M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In a bid to win back public trust, the country's law enforcement institutions inked on Friday an agreement on how to begin internal reform. Supreme Court Chief Justice Bagir Manan, Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra, Attorney General M.A. Rahman, National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar, National Law Commission chairman J.E.

Action week to raise education budget

Action week to raise education budget Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), NGOs and the government will launch on Monday an action week aimed at piling pressure on politicians and local administrations to fight for a higher education budget. Themed "The Big Lobby", this year's Education For All (EFA) action week will enable dialogs between children and politicians and local government officials.

Public support is much needed

Public support is much needed Early election results certainly indicate a shift, to some degree, toward much-needed change. However, as was the case after the fall of Soeharto, corruption practices could easily continue. The challenge for the "new kids" on the block" will be enormous. Not only will they have to fight a well-established corrupt system, but also resentment from those who do not advocate change. In late 1998, resentment was so high that the reform movement was quickly buried.

* Headlines:Decree centralizing investment a 'setback' 2

* Headlines:Decree centralizing investment a 'setback' 2 * National:Law enforcers pledge internal reform 4 * Archipelago:Eleven migrants missing in Poso 5 * Opinion:When the cream of the crop leaves the country 6 * City:Architect hopes HI will keep original look 8 * Sports:Venus wins, Capriati loses, while Serena withdraws 10 * World:Election victory gives impeached Roh much needed mandate 11 * Business:PLN to start bids for LNG terminal on Java 13 * Features:Research institute targets small...

UT to launch rights issue

UT to launch rights issue The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Publicly listed heavy equipment maker PT United Tractors announced on Friday it planned to issue some 1.85 billion new shares through a rights issue next month to raise cash to refinance its debt. The company said in a statement to the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) that it expected to raise up to Rp 1.76 trillion (US$207 million) in proceeds from the rights offer.

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, April 17, 2004

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, April 17, 2004 Exhibitions * Fine Art Threshold by Agapetus A. Kristiandana, Joko "Gundul" Sulistiono, Redy Rahadian, Edo Pillu, Syahrizal Pahlevi, and Wahyu Gunawan at Museum Affandi, Jl. Laksda Adisucipto 167 (Tel. 0274-562593), until April 24. * Art project Concern by Australian artist groups A Constructed World (ACW), DAMP, and Pedagogical Vehicle Project with Stuart Koop as the curator, at Cemeti Art House, Jl. D.I. Panjaitan 41 (Tel.

Rise of PKS, PD 'result of more political awareness'

Rise of PKS, PD 'result of more political awareness' Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The emergence of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) and the Democratic Party as the two parties that have garnered the most votes for the Jakarta City Council has come as something of a surprise. As of 8:30 p.m.

JP/5/press

JP/5/press Soldier athlete attacks Papua journalist Nethy Dharma Somba The Jakarta Post Jayapura, Papua Dozens of journalists here on Friday condemned an attack on fellow reporter Irwanto by a national athlete in Papua province, and urged the attacker to be dealt with firmly. The protesters staged a rally at the Papua office of the National Sports Council (KONI) and demanded that the athlete be arrested and taken to court.

Singapore engineers invent soluble heart stent

Singapore engineers invent soluble heart stent Agence France-Presse, Singapore Singapore engineers have invented a soluble heart stent that can hold up to 20 layers of drugs, a world first that will speed up patient recoveries and lower the chances of relapses, media reports said on Friday. The combination of drugs held by the stent, a tiny tube inserted into the clogged vessels of heart patients to keep them open, can be tailored for each patient, one of the inventors, Prof.

Singapore cements 2004 growth as key exports rise 17.1%

Singapore cements 2004 growth as key exports rise 17.1% Martin Abbugao, Agence France-Presse, Singapore Singapore's key exports grew 17.1 percent in March from the previous year, beating analysts' forecasts and fulling already optimistic expectations of economic growth this year, the government and economists said on Friday. Non-oil domestic exports (NODX) got a lift from continued growth in electronics shipments, as well the pharmaceutical sector, to total S$11.19 billion (US$6.66 billion).

Arms searches to be stepped up

Arms searches to be stepped up SEMARANG: A top police officers here promised on Friday to intensify weapons searches in a number of crime-prone areas in Central Java province following a recent spate of armed robberies there. Insp. Gen. Didi Widayadi, the chief of the Central Java Police, said that such crimes had to be stopped as the raiders had little respect for human life. "They have to be brought to book at all costs," said Didi.

Sleman visits Cirebon industry

Sleman visits Cirebon industry YOGYAKARTA: As part of its human resources development program, Sleman regency sent some of its officials to Cirebon, West Java, to attend a policy orientation visit from April 15 through April 16. Led by Vice Regent Zaelani, activities focused on industry, trade (container shipping terminals), rusunawa (leased flats), and traffic management.

BRTI seeks to up Flexi's frequency fees

BRTI seeks to up Flexi's frequency fees Dewi Santoso, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Telecommunications Regulatory Body (BRTI) is urging the Ministry of Communication to increase Telkom Flexi's frequency fees amid protests from other cellular providers who cannot compete with Flexi, which offers its fee 20 times lower. "We are currently working on a formula that will differentiate between Flexi's totally fixed stations and mobile stations.

Thames and Palyja clarify on audit

Thames and Palyja clarify on audit We write with reference to your article of April 10, Discrepancy found in water firm debt, as this conveys an inaccurate and misleading interpretation of the facts. In particular, the article quotes the Regulatory Body as stating, "the operator's debt was smaller than what had been claimed by the two foreign partners" and referring to the Development Finance Comptroller (BPKP) as the authoritative source.

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

'Salak madu', Sleman's fruity treasure

'Salak madu', Sleman's fruity treasure Bambang M, Contributor, Yogyakarta Last century, a Yogyakarta palace courtier and resident of Sleman regency, Kartodimejo alias Slamet, cleared land some 20 kilometers north of the capital to found the village now known as Balerante. Kartodimejo, who served during the reign of sultan Hamengku Buwono VIII, between 1921 to 1939, came across an unusual thorny fruit plant.

Decree centralizing investment seen as setback

Decree centralizing investment seen as setback Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The recent presidential decree which centralizes the issuance of permits for investment under the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) reflects not only a lack of creativity on the part of the government in streamlining the bureaucracy, but is also detrimental to the spirit of the long-sought regional autonomy.

Promoter Boy Bolang passes away at 56

Promoter Boy Bolang passes away at 56 The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The local sports world is mourning the loss of professional boxing promoter Boy Bolang after he passed away on Friday at 5:33 p.m. from complications resulting from multiple strokes. The 56-year old promoter, and national gold medalist, was hospitalized at Pertamina Hospital in South Jakarta after falling into a coma last week.

Parties agree to checkups for on presidential candidates

Parties agree to checkups for on presidential candidates Moch. N. Kurniawan and A. Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Golkar Party and the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) accepted on Friday the rigid health requirements for presidential and vice presidential candidates set by the General Elections Commission (KPU) and the Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI). President Megawati Soekarnoputri's PDI-P and Golkar asserted they would follow the requirements.

City auditors defend their disregard for misused funds

City auditors defend their disregard for misused funds Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta Audit Agency has insisted, amid harsh criticisms from urban activists and city councillors on its performance, that it merely served as an internal auditor for the city administration.

Abilio plans to take Timor abuses to ICJ

Abilio plans to take Timor abuses to ICJ Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Former East Timor governor Abilio Soares has threatened to bring human rights abuses in the territory in 1999 to the International Court of Justice (ICG) if forced to serve a three-year jail term. Abilio said he has been made a scapegoat to protect certain individuals responsible for security in the former Indonesian province.

Teachers protest over belated payment

Teachers protest over belated payment SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: Some 80 part-time teachers in Marangkayu district, Kutai Kartanegara regency, staged a protest late on Thursday in front of the regental administration offices. They were protesting as they say they have not been paid by the local government for the last 16 months. The 80 part-time teachers were representing some 160 part time teachers in the regency. They are supposed to be paid Rp 600,000 per month.