Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 19 April 2004

61 articles found

Government to divide Batam into free trade 'enclaves'

Government to divide Batam into free trade 'enclaves' Urip Hudiono and Fadli, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Batam The government has finally decided to propose free trade zone (FTZ) status for Batam in certain industrial areas on the island, dismissing worries the move might only discourage investors.

Lawyers demand Gunawan's mom free

Lawyers demand Gunawan's mom free JAKARTA: The lawyers of the family of Gunawan Santosa asked the police to release Gunawan's 68-year-old mother Mulyati, who is being detained for allegedly smuggling a pistol used in her son's foiled escape attempt on March 30. Lawyer Hendra Heriansyah told Tempo News Room on Saturday that the appeal had been filed on Friday night with the National Police Headquarters. He expected a reply in three days.

Monas takes second victory in Proliga

Monas takes second victory in Proliga The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jakarta Monas chalked up its second victory on Sunday after defeating Jakarta Phinisi 25-20, 19-25, 25-14, 22-25, 15-11 in the women's division of the 2004 Proliga volleyball competition at the Bung Karno Basketball Hall in Senayan, central Jakarta. Jakarta Monas beat Gresik Phonska Petrokimia also 3-2 on Friday while for Phinisi it was its first defeat after it overcame Jakarta Elektrik 3-0 on the opening day.

PBSI to announce Thomas, Uber Cup lineups

PBSI to announce Thomas, Uber Cup lineups Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Bandung, West Java The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) will announce on Monday the final lineups for the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup, set to take place in Jakarta in May, after the team hopefuls concluded a second series of simulation games in Bandung at the weekend. Twenty-eight players, 14 men and women, participated in the simulation on Saturday.

Transparency, independence vital in managemente of state utilities

Transparency, independence vital in managemente of state utilities 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.

Sudibyo M. Wiradji

Sudibyo M. Wiradji The Jakarta Post Jakarta More people soaking in the tub as bathing habits change FOCUS ISSUE -- BATHROOM FIXTURES --- APRIL 18 The growing trend toward spas and pampering oneself among well-to-do Indonesians has had a positive impact on sale of bathroom fixtures, such as bathtubs, home spa sets and showers in the country. For most affluent Indonesians, the bathroom is no longer just a place to take a quick shower, but more of a personal retreat.

Indonesian broadcasters lose moral high ground

Indonesian broadcasters lose 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.

Ba'asyir lobbies Muslims for support

Ba'asyir lobbies Muslims for support P.C. Naommy, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Ba'asyir is seeking support from the country's Islamic organizations as police ready a formal investigation into his alleged involvement in several terror attacks here. "The support from Muslim organizations serves as a social control, since the police are likely to overreact in their handling of Uztad Abu's case because of pressure from the U.S.

Akbar may get more support

Akbar may get more support The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Denpasar The Golkar Party's convention to select its sole presidential candidate begins on Monday, with chairman Akbar Tandjung seen to enjoy an even stronger footing following the resignation of one of his prominent rivals, popular minister Jusuf Kalla. The resignation of Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Kalla, leaves Akbar with four rivals -- former Indonesian Military commander Gen.

Key statistics for India's parliamentary elections (From April 20 to May 10)

Key statistics for India's parliamentary elections (From April 20 to May 10) Total Population: 1,065 billion people Parliamentary seats: 543 Electorate: 670 million people Polling stations: 700,121 Poll officials: Four million Poll Observers: 2,250 Total States & Union Territories: 28t states & 7 union territories Electronic Voting Machines: 1,075 million Source: AFP

Wiranto rights trial unlikely

Wiranto rights trial unlikely Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali East Timor Attorney General Longinus Montero said on Sunday the trial of former Indonesian Military chief Gen (ret) Wiranto for his alleged role in crimes against humanity and war crimes in the former Indonesian province might not materialize due to lack of evidence.

Congratulations, champagne, cash flow after India's historic Test

Congratulations, champagne, cash flow after India's historic Test win Agence France-Presse New Delhi Congratulations, champagne and cash flowed in India on Friday after Saurav Ganguly and his boys in blue snatched a maiden cricket Test series victory on Pakistani soil. A delighted cricket chief Jagmohan Dalmiya immediately announced a five million-rupee (US$1.2 million) reward for the players, while national leaders jammed phone lines with good wishes and fans uncorked champagne at home.

'Police' victimize 1 more

'Police' victimize 1 more TANGERANG: An unidentified gang of police officers committed at least one more crime on Thursday, but there was some doubt as to whether they were actual cops or bogus ones. The latest victim was Achmad, 25, a security guard. He was beaten up on Thursday by four men claiming to be police officers searching for a criminal suspect. He was left black and blue after he asked to see their identity cards.

Opposition parties should learn to accept defeat

Opposition parties should learn to accept defeat V.K. Chin, The Star, Asia News Network, Selangor, Malaysia The opposition must be dreaming if it feels it can overturn the results of the 2004 general election, which was won by a landslide by the Barisan Nasional coalition. Two of the biggest losers in the election, PAS and Keadilan, are conducting road shows throughout the country in the hope that the 11th election on March 21 will be declared null and void.

Poverty on decline in Asia: UN

Poverty on decline in Asia: UN Karl Malakunas, Agence France-Presse, Singapore Poverty across Asia has decreased "significantly" since 1990 but wealth disparities remain with many benefits of economic growth still not reaching the poor, the United Nations said in its latest report on the region's economies.

Hoarding by govt distributors blamed for kerosene shortages

Hoarding by govt distributors blamed for kerosene shortages Suherdjoko, The Jakarta Post, Semarang Kerosene has become very scarce in the past two months in Semarang, the capital of Central Java, and neighboring areas due to a lack of supply, causing its price to soar. The shortages of kerosene come ahead of state-owned Pertamina oil company's plan to raise the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). However, the firm blamed the problem on kerosene distribution irregularities.

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

Bird watchers flock to Gede Pangrango National Park

Bird watchers flock to Gede Pangrango National Park Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor The growing popularity of bird watching among university students and environmentalists led the University of Indonesia's School of Natural Sciences and the Mount Gede Pangrango National Park to hold a bird watching walk on Saturday. Held at the national park's Bodogol resort in Lido, Sukabumi, the event attracted 108 people from universities, bird watching groups and non-governmental organizations.

5,000 Tambora locals lose homes

5,000 Tambora locals lose homes JAKARTA: At least 370 houses on Petak Serani IV, Tanah Sereal subdistrict in Tambora district, West Jakarta, burned down in a fire on Saturday morning, forcing the evacuation of 5,000 residents. No fatalities were reported in the fire, according to firemen Wahab of West Jakarta fire department. The fire reportedly started at about 8:30 a.m.

Sudibyo M. Wiradji

Sudibyo M. Wiradji The Jakarta Post Jakarta More people soaking in the tub as bathing habits change FOCUS ISSUE -- BATHROOM FIXTURES --- APRIL 18 The growing trend toward spas and pampering oneself among well-to-do Indonesians has had a positive impact on sale of bathroom fixtures, such as bathtubs, home spa sets and showers in the country. For most affluent Indonesians, the bathroom is no longer just a place to take a quick shower, but more of a personal retreat.

FOR FOCUS ISSUE -- BATHROOM FIXTURES -- APRIL 18

FOR FOCUS ISSUE -- BATHROOM FIXTURES -- APRIL 18 Turning the bathroom into a relaxing retreat Debbie A. Lubis Contributor Jakarta As our daily routines cause increasing strain and fatigue, the bathroom has become a source of relaxation and rejuvenation for both body and mind. Although the style of a bathroom invariably depends upon the homeowner's unique taste and character, interior designers claim there is a growing trend toward a natural ambience for the bathroom.

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.

PLN delays Tarahan projects

PLN delays Tarahan projects Dewi Santoso, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned electricity firm PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) has delayed the construction of the coal-fired power projects in Tarahan, South Sumatra, raising concerns among industry players. According to documents made available to The Jakarta Post, the projects, named Tarahan 3 and Tarahan 4, were initially scheduled to start before the end of last year and be completed by the end of 2006.

* Headlines:Election results worsen House: Expert 2

* Headlines:Election results worsen House: Expert 2 * National: Presidential candidates ignore support from advisers4 * Archipelago:11 migrants missing in Poso 5 * Opinion:Out with the old: Capital picks new players in 2004 6 * City: SMP 56 taken over, students study on street8 * Sports:PSBI to announce Thomas, Uber Cup lineups 10 * World:Back off Myanmar, Asian states tell European Union 11 * Business: New energy bill sparks controversy 13 * Features:Surprise from solar system's edge -- Sedna...

Police begin search for KPU hackers

Police begin search for KPU hackers Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jakarta Police Special Crimes Division investigators have started their hunt for the hackers who attacked the General Elections Commission (KPU) web site. "The investigation started last night (Saturday night) but so far we have yet to make any significant progress," Special Crimes Division head Sr. Comr. Edmon Ilyas said on Sunday.

Back off Myanmar, Asian states tell European Union

Back off Myanmar, Asian states tell European Union Agencies, Straffan, Ireland The European Union (EU) and Asia were to wrap up annual talks here on Sunday overshadowed, not for the first time, by serious divisions over the military dictatorship ruling Myanmar. The Thai government, a key broker overseeing a regional process to advance democracy in its military-ruled neighbor, said the EU should stop making demands on Myanmar.

Out with the old: Capital picks new players in 2004

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 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.

Governor to publish fashion magezine

Governor to publish fashion magezine KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: Despite his full load in running the local administration, Southeast Sulawesi Governor Ali Mazi has decided to make time to publish a fashion magazine. "Before becoming governor, I had a fashion magazine in Jakarta. But it stopped publication because of some problems. So, I'll just republish it," he said in Kendari on Saturday. Ali said the magazine had nothing to do with his position as governor.

Sleman to build off-campus dorm

Sleman to build off-campus dorm YOGYAKARTA: The Sleman Administration in Yogyakarta province is planning to build a number of modest apartments for students. "We will build a student apartment of 96 rooms this year, located not far from campus," local settlement and regional infrastructure office head Yuni Zafria said on Saturday. She said Sleman had prepared land and facilities needed for the project, which would be financed by the central government.

RI condemns Israel's killing of Rantissi

RI condemns Israel's killing of Rantissi Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim populous nation, strongly condemned on Sunday Israel's assassination of top Hamas leader Abdel-Aziz al-Rantissi, saying it clearly demonstrated the Jewish state's lack of commitment toward the ongoing Middle East peace process. "Israel has once again ...

Planned bus terminal becomes huge fish pond

Planned bus terminal becomes huge fish pond Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta It is hard to believe that the swampy area with a huge fish pond right in the center is actually supposed to be the Rp 60 billion (US$7 million) Pulo Gebang intercity bus terminal in East Jakarta. It was supposed to become operational in 2001, but construction has been slower than molasses.

Singapore engineers invent soluble heart stent

Singapore engineers invent soluble heart stent 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 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, professor Freddy Boey told the Straits Times.

Jakarta stocks seen falling this week

Jakarta stocks seen falling this week Agence France-Presse, Jakarta The Indonesian stock market is expected to fall this week as high stock prices and political uncertainty after the April 5 legislative election dampen sentiment, an analyst said on Friday. "Stocks are overbought, meaning that prices are already high so technically sentiment is negative," said Haryajid Ramelan of Rifan Financindo Sekuritas. "The index is likely to go lower next week considering the political situation.

Draft energy bill sparks controversy

Draft energy bill sparks controversy Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A controversial new bill that will integrate energy laws has been drafted and the House of Representatives is keen to pass it into law before its legislative term ends in September. However, experts and energy activists have dismissed the contents of the bill as "poor and over-simple", a reflection of its hasty drafting.

SMP 56 taken over; students study outside

SMP 56 taken over; students study outside Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta City public order officers finally occupied the SMP 56 state junior high school building on Jl. Melawai Raya, South Jakarta, on Sunday morning after months of dispute, forcing the remaining 65 students to start studying on the street on Monday. Hundreds of officers entered the school building at around 4:30 a.m. on Sunday morning.

Health insurance scheme gives remote areas more doctors

Health insurance scheme gives remote areas more doctors Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The proposed National Health Insurance (AKN) scheme will encourage a more even distribution of doctors and hospitals, said a public health observer on Saturday.

Election results may worsen House's performance: Expert

Election results may worsen House's performance: Expert Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The national legislature will resume sitting on Monday until early July, involving many members who are unlikely to be reelected for another five-year term.

Three GAM members killed in siege

Three GAM members killed in siege BANDA ACEH, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam: Four members of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) separatist group took hostage the family of First. Insp. Muchtar, the chief of Seunedon police subprecinct, at his house in North Aceh regency. The hostage-taking lasted from Friday afternoon to Saturday morning at the house, located in Panton Labu district, some 20 kilometers east of Lhokseumawe, the capital of North Aceh regency.

Siswono set for presidential race

Siswono set for presidential race CIREBON, West Java: Siswono Yudohusodo, a former minister, spoke of his readiness on Sunday to contest the upcoming presidential election. Speaking in the West Java town, Cirebon, Siswono said that he had been nominated by at least three political parties, namely the Indonesian Democratic Vanguard Party (PPDI), the Marhaenisme Indonesian National Party (PNI Marhaenisme) and the Indonesian Unity Party (PSI).

Minister told to account for alleged Rp 3.5 billion of fund irregularities

Minister told to account for alleged Rp 3.5 billion of fund irregularities Oyos Saroso H.N., The Jakarta Post, Bandarlampung, Lampung Non-governmental organization (NGO) activists and economists in Lampung province have urged Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno to account for the gubernatorial funds spent during his term as acting governor of the province.

Paper industry claims to more recycling

Paper industry claims to more recycling Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The country's pulp and paper industry claims it is utilizing more used paper as raw material in line with the recycling trend in the global business. However, environmentalists refuted the claim, saying the industry still relied on illegally cut wood.

More bombs, weapons found in Poso

More bombs, weapons found in Poso PALU, Central Sulawesi: Security personnel again found on Sunday 21 homemade live bombs in Poso Pesisir district during a door-to-door search for arms, only a day after the discovery of 17 live bombs in the same district. Besides the bombs, the joint police and military team also found 27 arrows, a bow and two homemade rifles.

Megawati likely to name Hamzah Haz as running mate

Megawati likely to name Hamzah Haz as running mate Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta A senior party official at the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) dropped a hint on Sunday that party leader Megawati Soekarnoputri would likely team up with Hamzah Haz, the leader of the United Development Party (PPP), in the upcoming presidential election. PDI-P executive Roy B.B.

Bali to host regional maritime forum

Bali to host regional maritime forum DENPASAR, Bali: Some 300 delegates from 35 Asia-Pacific countries are to take part in an international conference on maritime affairs and fisheries, which will be held here from April 19 to April 24, a local official said on Saturday. Eleven regional and international institutions will also attend the six-day event, Bali fisheries office head Ida Bagus Wisnawa Manuba said.

Police seize cyanide in Manado

Police seize cyanide in Manado MANADO, North Sulawesi: The North Sulawesi Police have seized around 68 barrels of cyanide during a routine patrol of North Sulawesi waters. North Sulawesi Police chief Brig. Gen. Jhon Lalo said on Saturday the chemical was expected to be used by illegal miners to mine gold. "The police will thoroughly investigate the case and will take action against those involved, regardless of who they are," he vowed. Separately, North Sulawesi Police spokesman Adj. Sr. Comr.

'Jakarta can learn lots from China'

'Jakarta can learn lots from China' There are at least two renovation projects on heritage sites underway in the capital; one is at Hotel Indonesia in Central Jakarta and the other is the Luar Batang Mosque in Pasar Ikan, North Jakarta. The Jakarta Post talked to some residents on their opinion of whether the sites should be renovated or demolished to make way for new buildings. Adri Ismanto, 34, is an employee at a distributing company in Tangerang.

Kalla to resign,says ready to be Susilo's running mate

Kalla to resign,says ready to be Susilo's running mate Tiarma Siboro and Nana RukmanaB, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Cirebon Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Jusuf Kalla announced on Sunday his intention to resign from the Cabinet to enable him to make a bid for the vice presidency. His exit will allow him to contest the July 5 election alongside Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, following his withdrawal on Sunday from the Golkar Party convention, due to select its presidential candidate.

KPU has slim change of beating deadline for announcing results

KPU has slim change of beating deadline for announcing results Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The General Elections Commission (KPU) has only a slim chance of meeting its April 30 deadline to announce the official results of the legislative election, as only 91 of the 440 local-level KPUDs have delivered their results.

Cikini parcel shops gutted by fire

Cikini parcel shops gutted by fire JAKARTA: About 20 parcel shops on the ground floor of two- story Cikini railway station, Central Jakarta, were gutted by fire on Sunday at 2:30 a.m. No casualties were reported from the fire, which was suspected to have been caused by a short circuit in one of the shops. The fire was extinguished at 3:45 a.m. after nine fire trucks were deployed.

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.

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.

Joint campaign hopes to project polluted beaches

Joint campaign hopes to project polluted beaches M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang, Banten Mindful that marine pollution along the north Java coast has reached alarming levels, the Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Affairs embarked on an ongoing program, titled Clean up the beach, on Sunday.

KL to offer navy escorts for ships

KL to offer navy escorts for ships MALAYSIA: Navy personnel will escort commercial ships traveling through Malaysian waters if the risk of a pirate or terrorist attack on them is deemed high, news reports said on Sunday. Protection would only be offered to "high risk" vessels that want assurances of safe passage through Malaysian waters, said Defense Minister Najib Razak.

Presidential candidates ignore support from advisers

Presidential candidates ignore support from advisers Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Campaign teams established to boost the chances of presidential candidates in the coming presidential election were unlikely to have much effect because they lacked the necessary expertise in image management and mass communication, a political analyst said.

Anticorruption activists draw ire of officials

Anticorruption activists draw ire of officials Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon, West Java Local prosecutors have brought a criminal charge against a group of activists who staged a rally on Wednesday to urge a serious investigation into corruption scandals in Cirebon, West Java. Wednesday's demonstration ended with the activists hurling rotten eggs and tomatoes at the Cirebon Prosecutor's Office and lowering the Red and White national flag at the compound to half- mast.

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.

3 x 15

3 x 15 Anticorruption group under fire for 'anti-RI' demo JP/5/minyak 2 x 28 Hoarding by govt distributors blamed for kerosene shortages JP/5/LAMPUNG 2 x 37 Minister Hari told to account for alleged Rp 3.5 billion of fund irregularities

Akbar may get more support

Akbar may get more support The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Denpasar The Golkar Party's convention to select its sole presidential candidate begins on Monday, with chairman Akbar Tandjung seen to enjoy an even stronger footing following the resignation of one of his prominent rivals, popular minister Jusuf Kalla. The resignation of Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Kalla, leaves Akbar with four rivals -- former Indonesian Military commander Gen.

Pakistan PM to visit SE Asia

Pakistan PM to visit SE Asia PAKISTAN: Pakistan prime minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali will embark on a nine-day tour of Southeast and East Asia this week to boost ties with the region, the foreign ministry said on Sunday. Jamali will leave on Wednesday in a trip which will see him stop off in Laos, Cambodia and Thailand. He will also address an economic forum in Hainan, China and address and investment conference in Hong Kong, the ministry said.

checked EJK

checked EJK Sedan market: Tough but workable Rudijanto Contributor Jakarta With their continuous surge in sales here, multipurpose vehicles (MPVs) are expected to grab a larger market share this year. Surprisingly the market for sedans has also started to look promising, as more Indonesians opt for features that optimize comfort for their in or out-of-town mobility.

New Jakarta City Council will wipe slate clean

New Jakarta City Council will wipe slate clean Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The composition of the next Jakarta City Council will have a positive influence on the performance of the council and the Jakarta administration, as its members will be more critical. The Jakarta General Elections Commission (KPUD) ballot count final result confirmed that only 15 of the 75 newly elected councillors were old faces.