Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 29 April 2004

85 articles found

Extinguishers to be provided citywide

Extinguishers to be provided citywide Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta administration will provide fire extinguishers for all neighborhood units, community units and subdistrict offices to help fight fires in densely populated areas that fire trucks have difficulty accessing.

Thursday, April 29, 2004

Thursday, April 29, 2004 .TB.30" .90" TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Children Show Pentas Ceria 7:30 Music 10:00 Talk Show: Wirausaha 11:00 Singing Contest: Konteswara 12:00 p.m. Documentary 1:00 News: Berita Siang 2:00 Science and Technology 2:30 Children Drama 3:00 English News Service 4:00 Variety Show: Pentas Bintang 5:30 Travel 6:00 TV Drama 7:00 News: Berita Nasional 8:30 Music: Legend 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 9:30 Music: Country Road 11:30 TVRI's Report TPI 6:00 a.m.

RP actor woos Muslim voters

RP actor woos Muslim voters PHILIPPINES: Philippine film star Fernando Poe Jr. took his campaign for the presidency south on Wednesday, hoping to revive his fortunes after talks with a rival failed to forge a united front against the incumbent. Thousands of adoring Muslim supporters waited hours in the blazing sun for a glimpse of the action movie hero, who has slipped to second place in opinion polls, behind President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, as the clock ticks down to elections on May 10.

* Ba'asyir goes mum at police interrogation Page2

* Ba'asyir goes mum at police interrogation Page2 * Quality education 'should come first' Page 4 * Plans for Lampung gubernatorial revote opposed Page 5 * The impact of Wiranto's presidential bid Page 7 * Jakarta neighborhoods to get fire extinguishers Page 8 * Chelsea lines up Mourinho, Ronaldo and Beckham Page 10 * Ex-diplomats' protest over Iraq haunts Tony Blair Page 11 * ADB warns of possible new Asian banking crisis Page 13 * Nationwide campaign targets teenage smoking Page 18

RI requires much higher quality education nationwide; Academics

RI requires much higher quality education nationwide; Academics Leony Aurora, Jakarta Education observers suggested on Wednesday that the government should focus on improving the quality of education at schools instead of merely pushing for higher standards in the national final examinations.

'Education is being sacrificed for profit'

'Education is being sacrificed for profit' The protracted dispute over state middle school SMP 56 in Melawai, South Jakarta, has triggered various reactions among residents, including those who believe that the case has been politicized by a certain party. The Jakarta Post asked a few people for their thoughts on the case over the controversial land swap deal involving the school and a property developer.

Russian chopper deal lands several in hot water

Russian chopper deal lands several in hot water Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Legislators have found numerous problems in the US$21.6 million purchase of four Russian-made Mi-17 helicopters committed by high-ranking officers in the Army, the defense ministry and the finance ministry. The Army and the defense ministry were blamed for procedural mistakes, starting from the process of the public tender to the contract.

Duckling becomes a swan

Duckling becomes a swan When I opened The Jakarta Post, dated April 25, I noticed a difference. Then I spotted the "Box" at the right side bottom. The Post has become a strapping twenty-one year old, a prime youth, "full of beans" to quote Woodhouse. Indeed, the 21st anniversary of the Post, the Indonesian window to the outside world, must be a cause for celebration in Indonesia. I was a regular reader of the Post starting from its very first issue in 1983 up to 1997.

Shell plans up to 2,800 lay-offs, move IT jobs to Asia

Shell plans up to 2,800 lay-offs, move IT jobs to Asia Agence France-Presse, London The troubled oil giant Royal Dutch/Shell said on Wednesday it planned to cut up to 30 percent of its 9,300 global information technology workers and move some of the jobs to Malaysia and India.

Message from the Ambassador:

Message from the Ambassador: In conjunction with the Queen's Day anniversary on April 30, the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Indonesia Ruud Treffers consented to a special interview with The Jakarta Post contributor T. Sima Gunawan on a variety of issues, including relations between the two countries and the Netherlands' presidency of the European Union. Question: What message do you want to extend on the anniversary of Queen's Day?

Fast, transparent legal process on illegal logging a must

Fast, transparent legal process on illegal logging a must Tony Hotland Jakarta A group of environmentalists renewed on Wednesday their call for a prompt and transparent legal process in illegal logging cases as a condition to restore public trust in the government and to deter other people from committing the crime. "These guidelines won't be effective if they are not accommodated with the courage (of law enforcers).

Lampung revote faces mounting opposition

Lampung revote faces mounting opposition Oyos Saroso H.N., Bandarlampung The Lampung legislative council is facing increasing pressure to cancel its plans for a gubernatorial revote, while three major factions withdrew their members from the election committee in protest. The Golkar Party, the National Awakening Party (PKB) and the National Mandate Party (PAN) said they had withdrawn their councillors in opposition of the planned revote for a new Lampung governor scheduled for May 15.

1. CRISIS 1x39

1. CRISIS 1x39 IDEP-USAID crisis program empowers Balinese 2. SMOKE 1x49 Nationwide campaign targets teenage smoking

Oei Hong Djien, artwork curator

Oei Hong Djien, artwork curator Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Magelang, Central Java It never crossed Oei Hong Djien's mind when he bought his first painting in 1965 that it would mark an important beginning for him and the country. Intrigued, he bought a painting by an then-unknown artist. Over time, a similar irresistible drive made him buy more and more paintings from local artists -- both noted and unknown.

Only four parties submit list of major donors

Only four parties submit list of major donors Moch. N. Kurniawan, Jakarta Only four out of the 24 political parties that contested the legislative elections have submitted to the General Elections Commission (KPU) the names of those who made donations amounting to Rp 5 million (US$581) or more.

Old buildings in Padang in danger of disappearing

Old buildings in Padang in danger of disappearing Imran Rusli, The Jakarta Post, Padang, West Sumatra The West Sumatra public works office and several office buildings were located near the port, in addition to a building with thick and high walls that was a military warehouse and was never idle. Near the estuary, on the banks of Batang Arau River, a large building owned by Nederlandsch Handels Maatsschappij (NHM) stood tough.

Chile, Indonesia sign treaty to boost bilateral trade ties

Chile, Indonesia sign treaty to boost bilateral trade ties Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian and Chilean governments signed on Wednesday an economic cooperation agreement to boost bilateral trade. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Economic and Technical Cooperation was signed on the first day of Chilean President Ricardo Lagos Escobar's state visit here, and highlighted cooperation in oil and gas, tourism and transportation.

Museum Bahari valuable but neglected

Museum Bahari valuable but neglected Bambang Nurbianto The Jakarta Post Jakarta Like buried treasure, it's tough to find the Indonesian maritime history museum, which is hidden away in the corner between the busy Pasar Ikan and Pakin roads in Penjaringan, North Jakarta. The entrance to Museum Bahari is small two-meter wide gate with no clear sign advertising its existence, more proof the city administration does not seriously promote heritage in the area.

The impact of Wiranto's presidential bid

The impact of Wiranto's presidential bid Bantarto Bandoro, Jakarta To the surprise of many, domestically and internationally, Gen. (ret.) Wiranto trounced Golkar Party leader Akbar Tandjung in the party's first-ever internal election, making him a strong contender for the presidential position. He is now positioned as one of two former generals with the best chance to beat Megawati Soekarnoputri for the presidency.

Indosat launches value-added matrix with 13 partners

Indosat launches value-added matrix with 13 partners Dewi Santoso, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Telecommunications firm PT Indonesian Satellite Corporation (Indosat) signed an agreement on Wednesday with 13 companies and educational institutes for the establishment of a value-added matrix that would allow its users to have access to all information through the text message service.

Fast, transparent legal process on illegal logging a must

Fast, transparent legal process on illegal logging a must Tony Hotland Jakarta A group of environmentalists renewed on Wednesday their call for a prompt and transparent legal process in illegal logging cases as a condition to restore public trust in the government and to deter other people from committing the crime. "These guidelines won't be effective if they are not accommodated with the courage (of law enforcers).

Thomas, Uber Cups face TV boycott

Thomas, Uber Cups face TV boycott Seven private television stations threatened to boycott the Thomas and Uber Cups in protest over the restriction in their coverage during the championship. The championship will run in Jakarta from May 7 to May 16, 2004. Representatives of each of the seven channels -- ANTV, Indosiar, Lativi, RCTI, SCTV, TV7 and TPI -- filed a complaint letter to the National Sports Council (KONI) on Wednesday, as reported by detik.com.

Open letter to the next President of Indonesia

Open letter to the next President of Indonesia Kahlil Rowter, Jakarta I congratulate you on becoming the leader of the fourth most populous country on earth and the third largest democracy in history. As the first president to be elected directly, you carry the mandate and the hopes of more than 230 million on your shoulders. I do not envy you in this regard. History will judge you harshly, and the media even more so.

Women reject military candidates

Women reject military candidates SEMARANG: The Indonesian Women's Coalition (KPI) voiced strong opposition to presidential candidates with military backgrounds during a rally in Semarang, Central Java, on Wednesday. KPI secretary-general Masruchah argued that military figures would be inclined to be discriminatory and emulate the habits of the New Order regime.

Shell plans up to 2,800 lay-offs, move IT jobs to Asia

Shell plans up to 2,800 lay-offs, move IT jobs to Asia Agence France-Presse, London The troubled oil giant Royal Dutch/Shell said on Wednesday it planned to cut up to 30 percent of its 9,300 global information technology workers and move some of the jobs to Malaysia and India.

Shell plans up to 2,800 lay-offs, move IT jobs to Asia

Shell plans up to 2,800 lay-offs, move IT jobs to Asia Agence France-Presse London The troubled oil giant Royal Dutch/Shell said on Wednesday it planned to cut up to 30 percent of its 9,300 global information technology workers and move some of the jobs to Malaysia and India.

Indosat launches value-added matrix with 13 partners

Indosat launches value-added matrix with 13 partners Dewi Santoso, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Telecommunications firm PT Indonesian Satellite Corporation (Indosat) signed an agreement on Wednesday with 13 companies and educational institutes for the establishment of a value-added matrix that would allow its users to have access to all information through the text message service.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on April 28, 2004

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on April 28, 2004 ___________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ___________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,000 0 0 Adhi Karya 440 0 3,494,000 Adira Dinamika 2,850 75 2,342,000 AGIS Tbk 120 0 1,075,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 85 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 135 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 950 0 0 Alter Abadi Tbk 35 0...

How to protect the Malacca Straits

How to protect the Malacca Straits Michael Richardson, The Straits Times, Asia News Network/Singapore Singapore's Defense Minister Teo Chee Hean has called for tighter security in the Malacca Straits to prevent a possible maritime terrorist attack that could, at least temporarily, close the 900 km sea lane to international shipping carrying a quarter of the world's trade and half its oil.

[b]

Open letter to the next President of Indonesia Kahlil Rowter Jakarta 2. Pro -- The coming age of interest 2 X 30 Rise in world interest rates could adversely affect emerging markets J. Bradford DeLong Project Syndicate

Zafira Elegance born out of feedback

Zafira Elegance born out of feedback Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Collecting and analyzing customer feedback is indeed a way to remain afloat amid tight competition. Prior to releasing the latest model of its multipurpose van (MPV), PT General Motors Indonesia (GMI) did just that. The company, which distributes Chevrolet cars, recently launched the new seven-seater Chevrolet Zafira Elegance to answer customers' demand for an up-market vehicle with practical features.

Correction

Correction Editorial: The NKRI supporters were ostensibly .... in the third paragraph of Wednesday's editorial should read The RMS supporters were ostensibly ... We regret the error. - Editor

Our legal black hole

Our legal black hole This time it was the 94.5 percent-owned subsidiary of British Prudential Assurance Company Ltd. that plunged into Indonesia's legal "black hole". Previously in mid-June of 2002, it was the Indonesian unit of Canadian Manufactures Life Insurance stuck in legal limbo because of our flawed bankruptcy laws, thereby setting off an international furor and prompting the International Monetary Fund to intervene.

Niaga Q1 profit up by more than 200%

Niaga Q1 profit up by more than 200% Rendi A. Witular, Jakarta Publicly listed Bank Niaga, the country's ninth largest bank in terms of assets, said on Wednesday that first quarter profits surged by more than 200 percent on the back of strong revenue from lending operations and a decline in the cost of funds.

BNI posts lower Q1 net profit

BNI posts lower Q1 net profit The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) said on Wednesday its first quarter net profit plunged by 13 percent upon its decision to raise bad loan provisions by more than fourfold. The country's second largest bank in terms of assets said it booked a profit of Rp 764 billion (US$88 million) in the first quarter of this year, down from Rp 864 billion in the same period last year.

Tangerang thieves snatch Rp 130m in latest case

Tangerang thieves snatch Rp 130m in latest case Multa Fidrus, Tangerang Two thieves managed to steal Rp 130 million (US$15,295) belonging to a Taiwanese timber businessman from the inside of a car that had stopped outside of a penitentiary in Tangerang municipality on Wednesday. According to the driver of the Isuzu Panther minivan, Mamad, 30, the vehicle had a puncture tire while passing the Sitanala Leprosy Hospital in Neglasari.

Govt to disburse Rp 3.1t funds to SMEs

Govt to disburse Rp 3.1t funds to SMEs The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government said on Wednesday it would disburse around Rp 3.1 trillion (US$364.71 million) in special loans for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) next week. Director-General of Financial Institutions Darmin Nasution said that many of the channeling banks and financial institutions had already fulfilled the necessary requirements. "The funds will certainly be disbursed starting next week," Darmin said.

Campaign targets teenage smoking

Campaign targets teenage smoking Wahyoe Boediwardhana, Kuta, Bali The message is clear: teenagers should not smoke. That is the slogan of a campaign launched by two multinational giants, a convenience store franchise company and one of the leading cigarette producers in the world.

Police build costly hospital in Papua

Police build costly hospital in Papua JAYAPURA, Papua: The National Police have built a hospital in Jayapura, Papua, at a cost of Rp 18 billion (US$2.2 million). The hospital was inaugurated by Papua Police chief Insp. Gen. Timbul Silaen on Wednesday. Some Rp 16 billion of the money was allocated out of the National Police's budget, and the remaining Rp 2.3 billion by the Papua administration.

Malaysia fears Thai violence could spread

Malaysia fears Thai violence could spread M. Jegathesan, Agence France-Press, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia said on Wednesday it had tightened security along its frontier with southern Thailand as it feared violence between suspected Muslim rebels and security forces could spill over the border.

OCBC to provide funds to NISP

OCBC to provide funds to NISP Dow Jones, Jakarta Overseas-Chinese Banking Corp., Singapore's number three lender by assets, on Wednesday said it is ready to provide fresh funds for Bank NISP after it acquired a 22.5 percent stake in the Indonesian bank. "In the future, we will be ready to provide fresh funds, if Bank NISP needs it," OCBC Chief Executive David Conner told reporters after signing a partnership agreement with the Indonesian bank.

Kuwaiti Ambassador clarifies

Kuwaiti Ambassador clarifies With reference to the article Kuwait deports more RI workers issued on April 26 in your well-circulated newspaper, I would like to inform you that what was mentioned in my statement was absolutely untrue. Unfortunately this is not the first time such a thing has happened in your daily newspaper. I hope that your newspaper would take into mind the accuracy and exactness of any press release in the future. Thank you very much for your kind cooperation.

Projector stolen from eye clinic

Projector stolen from eye clinic JAKARTA: Someone broke into an eye clinic located in the Griya Puspa building at Persahabatan Hospital in East Jakarta early on Wednesday morning, making off with an overhead projector, a security guard said. "One of the guards checked the room at about 1 a.m. and found that one of the windows was open. He suspected a theft had occurred and called the Pulogadung Police. The canine police combed the area but found nothing," Muhaimin Abdul Aziz told Antara.

Diplomatic pressure urged to spare maids from S'pore gallows

Diplomatic pressure urged to spare maids from S'pore gallows A. Junaidi Jakarta Activists from various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) urged the government on Wednesday to take diplomatic measures and legal action to help five Indonesian female housemaids now facing possible death sentences in Singapore. The activists delivered their demand during a meeting with Indonesia's Ambassador to Singapore Mochamad S.

Receiver to report Prudential directors

Receiver to report Prudential directors Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The lawyer appointed by the court to safeguard the assets of PT Prudential Life Assurance threatened on Wednesday to report the company's directors to the police for obstructing him from carrying out his duties. Yuhelson, the court-appointed receiver, said that since the bankruptcy verdict was handed down on April 23, he had not been able to meet with the directors to transfer assets, as required by law.

4 x 12

4 x 12 Lampung revote faces mounting opposition JP/1/GUS DUR 4 x 9 Visually impaired support Gus Dur JP/5/NTT 2 x 25 Ex-police chief to stand trial over Flores melee JP/5/NTT 1 x 39 30 types of contaminated food found in NTT JP/5/PADANG 1 x 48 Old buildings in Padang in danger of disappearing

Lake level drops as farmers plant crops

Lake level drops as farmers plant crops BOGOR: The lake level in a popular resort area in Cijeruk village, Cijeruk, is decreasing because residents had converted the area into paddy fields during the past four years, Lido Lake Resort general manager Irmansjah Madewa said on Tuesday. "We have tried to tell the residents not to (cultivate the land) and the local administration is also paying no attention to this matter," Irmansjah said.

Tripartite group set up to aid HI workers' plight

Tripartite group set up to aid HI workers' plight The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta Manpower and Transmigration Agency will set up a tripartite discussion with the management of PT Hotel Indonesia Natour (HIN) and the workers' union, which represents around 1,300 employees of Hotel Indonesia and Inna Wisata Hotel.

Outspoken Ba'asyir turns mum

Outspoken Ba'asyir turns mum P.C. Naommy, Jakarta Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Ba'asyir refused on Wednesday to answer police questions over his alleged role in regional terrorist network Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) during an examination at Salemba Penitentiary in Jakarta. The questioning, led by Sr. Comr. Abdul Kholik, began at 9 a.m. and lasted for one hour and 15 minutes.

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, April 29, 2004

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, April 29, 2004 .TB.30" 1.0" Exhibitions * Solo exhibition of Wayan Karja Blue of Karja, , Gaya Fusion of Senses, Jl. Raya Sayan Ubud (Tel. 0361 979252), until May 25. * Ceramic and Painting by Philip Lakeman and Graham Oldroyd, at Jenggala Ceramic Jl. Uluwatu 2, Jimbaran, Kuta, until June 3. Performance * Drama The Golden Flower, The Oriental Theater Jl. Sri Rama, Legian, Kuta, 4:30 p.m., May 7 and May 8. Museums and Galleries * Sika Galery, Jl.

1. CHOPPER: 48 pt, 3 cols, 3 x 18

1. CHOPPER: 48 pt, 3 cols, 3 x 18 Russian helicopter deal lands several in hot water 2. BAASYIR: 36 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 28 Ba'asyir refuses to be questioned 3. SMP: 32 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 24 44 students remain at Melawai as deadline expires 4. HACKER: 28 pt, 3 cols, 1 x 27 KPU hacker case unprecedented

New bylaw may worsen Jakarta pollution

New bylaw may worsen Jakarta pollution Multa Fidrus, Tangerang An environmentalist raised concerns that a new bylaw, which was just enforced earlier this month, might worsen river pollution as it apparently disregarded control of the disposal of liquid waste produced by hospitals. The Urban Environmental Studies Forum (Forklip) coordinator Karya Ersada said on Wednesday that there had not yet been an assessment study on the danger of the hospitals' liquid waste.

Wiranto and Timor Leste

Wiranto and Timor Leste In the commentary Wiranto must face the storm by Pitan Daslani (The Jakarta Post, April, 26) there appears a truly astonishing paragraph, "Everybody put the blame on Wiranto as well as the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the police, despite their self- sacrificing devotion to the conception of the Republic of Timor Leste." Self-sacrificing devotion? Pardon me? They were devoted to bringing to the new state into being? This flies in the face of all the evidence.

Report on SMP 56 clarified

Report on SMP 56 clarified With reference to The Jakarta Post's Speaker's Corner column on April 26, titled "SMP 56 dispute politicized", we believe that this item may lead to a misunderstanding of the facts, especially regarding the indication of Abdul Latief's intervention in the matter. Therefore, we are making the following clarification. 1.

Candidate found to have fake cert

Candidate found to have fake cert BANYUMAS, Central Java: The Banyumas General Elections Commission on Wednesday disqualified Suherman, a candidate in the recent legislative election, after his diploma was found to be false. The Central Java education office declared that the diploma presented by Suherman, who chairs the Banyumas branch of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and who won a legislative seat in the April 5 election, was invalid.

Legal certainty very important for further investment, ADB says

Legal certainty very important for further investment, ADB says Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia needs to improve legal certainties if it wants to invite more investment and drive upward its modest economic growth, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said. In its annual report on the region's economic development, the ADB projected that Indonesia's economy would grow by only 4.5 percent in 2004 and 2005, lagging behind the region's forecast average of 6.8 percent.

Merpati's Kupang-Darwin flight opens

Merpati's Kupang-Darwin flight opens JAKARTA: Merpati airlines will resume flying the Kupang-Darwin route in cooperation with Australian regional airline Airnorth, the state-owned airline announced on Wednesday. Merpati stopped flying the route in 2000. Ticketing will be handled jointly by the two airlines, with equal profit sharing. Flights will resume on June 15 and will be offered Tuesdays and Saturdays. Airfare has been set at US$130 per passenger. -- JP

;JP;MUN;

;JP;MUN; ANPAa..r.. Scene-salah-president 'No party courts me' JP/4/scene No party wants me: Solahuddin Spelling of his name should be the same JAKARTA: Deputy chairman of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) Salahuddin Wahid said on Wednesday that no political party had officially offered him a chance to be their vice presidential candidate in the July election.

1. BYLAW: 1 LINE, 36 COUNTS

1. BYLAW: 1 LINE, 36 COUNTS New bylaw may worsen Jakarta pollution 2. AMBON: 3 LINES, 10 COUNTS Tension down; Ambon still fears snipers 3. THAI: 2 LINES, 21 COUNTS Over 100 killed in south Thailand clashes 4. MEGA: 1 LINE, 27 COUNTS Mega, Hamzah discuss pairing

Women's sensuality in focus

Women's sensuality in focus Carla Bianpoen, Contributor, Jakarta Amid the many exhibitions held in conjunction with the anniversary of the nation's heroine Raden Adjeng Kartini, two exhibitions stand out for their creative ideas and innovative mix of materials. The first exhibition of note is the "Photo-Graphic" exhibition -- a blend of photography and graphic art -- on the second floor of Plaza Indonesia.

Divorce tops cases in Aceh sharia court

Divorce tops cases in Aceh sharia court BANDA ACEH, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam: Divorce petitions have dominated the types of cases that have been dealt with by the Banda Aceh Sharia Court over the last three months. Court registrar Yusri said on Wednesday that divorces had accounted for 41 of the 57 cases filed with the court between February and April of this year.

Visually impaired support Gus Dur

Visually impaired support Gus Dur The Jakarta Post, Lampung Dozens of visually impaired people staged a rally on Thursday at the Lampung General Elections Commission (KPU)'s office to protest against the commission's ruling at the national level requiring presidential and vice presidential candidates to pass a tough medical examination, including an eye test.

House to ask govt to slightly alter martial law in Aceh

House to ask govt to slightly alter martial law in Aceh Kurniawan Hari, Jakarta The House of Representatives (DPR) is likely to recommend the government lower martial law in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam to a state of civil emergency, given improving security and public order in the province. The lifting of martial law, however, would not necessarily mean the withdrawal of troops from the resource-rich province.

PSM beats Persita to keep lead in RI league

PSM beats Persita to keep lead in RI league Andi Hajramurni, Makassar, South Sulawesi PSM of Makassar maintained the lead in the Indonesian soccer league after scraping to a 1-0 victory over 10-man Persita of Tangerang at Mattoangin Stadium here on Wednesday. Ortisan Salossa scored the only goal in the game in the 84th minute to ensure the team remained on top with 31 points. Persebaya was close in second place, only a point behind, but the leader has played one game less.

Law on teachers needed: Amien

Law on teachers needed: Amien SEMARANG, Central Java: Presidential hopeful Amien Rais said on Wednesday that Indonesia should have a teacher's law to help boost their performance.

Ex-police chief to stand trial over Flores violence

Ex-police chief to stand trial over Flores violence The Jakarta Post, Kupang Former Manggarai Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Boni Tompoi will face trial over the deaths of six coffee farmers on Flores island, East Nusa Tenggara, during a violent protest last month. East Nusa Tenggara Police chief Brig. Gen.

Crack down on illegal loggers a must

Crack down on illegal loggers a must Tony Hotland, Jakarta A group of environmentalists renewed on Wednesday their call for a prompt and transparent legal process in illegal logging cases as a condition to restore public trust in the government and to deter other people from committing the crime. "These guidelines won't be effective if they are not accommodated with the courage (of law enforcers).

30 types of poisoned food found in NTT

30 types of poisoned food found in NTT Yemris Fointuna, Kupang The East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Food and Drugs Agency (POM) said on Wednesday it had discovered at least 30 types of contaminated food and soft drinks in shopping centers, kiosks and stalls. Poisonous substances believed to be used for textile coloring could clinically damage digestive organs and could cause cancer in school age children and young toddlers.

No party wants me: Solahuddin

No party wants me: Solahuddin JAKARTA: Deputy chairman of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) Solahuddin Wahid said on Wednesday that no political party had officially offered him a chance to be their vice presidential candidate in the July election. He also said that he had told the National Awakening Party not to pair its presidential or vice presidential candidates with former military officers.

Megawati accepts terms for coalition with Hamzah

Megawati accepts terms for coalition with Hamzah The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Semarang President Megawati Soekarnoputri has accepted three conditions set by Vice President Hamzah Haz for another coalition in the coming presidential election. However, Hamzah said, after a meeting with Megawati at her official residence on Wednesday, the decision on whether to select him as her running mate rested with her.

House rejects Ciracas port

House rejects Ciracas port JAKARTA: The House of Representatives (DPR) has rejected a government plan to move the special compound for returning migrant workers from the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to Ciracas in East Jakarta, saying that it was not cost- nor time- efficient. Deputy House Speaker Muhaimin Iskandar said on Wednesday that moving the so-called TKI terminal to Ciracas would only open the door to more extortion.

Photo-caption

Photo-caption JP/Mulkan Salmona POVERTY TALKS: Coordinating Minister for the Economy Dorodjatun Koentjoro-Jakti (right) accompanied by International Labor Organization (ILO) deputy country director Peter Radermaker (left) take questions from participants in a seminar here. Both spoke on Wednesday on how to boost a poverty eradication campaign with the coordination and assistance of several institutions.

Honda City comes with more safety features

Honda City comes with more safety features The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Safety has become the standard in the automotive industry, with automakers striving to provide more safety features to lure safety-conscious consumers. These safety features range from simple seat belts and crash beams to the more sophisticated anti- lock braking system (ABS) and air bags, to name but a few.

KPU hacker case a first for police

KPU hacker case a first for police Evi Mariani, Jakarta The Jakarta Police cyber crimes division admitted on Wednesday that the investigation into the suspected hacker of the General Elections Committee (KPU) website, Dani Firmansyah, was an unprecedented challenge for the country's legal system. "This is the first time we are charging a suspect under Article 22 of Law No. 39/1999 on telecommunications," cyber crimes chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Petrus Reinhard Golose said on Wednesday.

ADB warns of possible new Asian banking crisis

ADB warns of possible new Asian banking crisis Agence France-Presse, Manila India, Pakistan and Taiwan are at risk of a banking sector crisis unless the authorities push through reforms of the industry, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) warned Wednesday.

3 scientists named chief researchers

3 scientists named chief researchers JAKARTA: The Agency for Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT) named three of its experts as chief expert researchers, the highest rank in research, in recognition of their contributions to development their fields. Energy conservation expert Amiral Aziz, chemical conversion and fuel combustion expert Petrus Panaka and water quality management expert Yudhi Sutrisno were promoted with a presidential decree on Wednesday.

Human excrement polluting RI

Human excrement polluting RI SANUR, Bali: Almost all rivers and land in Indonesia were contaminated with industrial and domestic waste as well as human excrement an expert said during a national seminar on public sanitation on Wednesday. Basah Hernowo of the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) said that people disposed of their fecal matter on the ground and in rivers because it was their custom. "This habit is hard to change," he said.

Military to send 400 soldiers to Poso

Military to send 400 soldiers to Poso MANADO, North Sulawesi: The provincial military command here will soon send some 400 reinforcement troops to help improve security in the violence-torn regency of Poso, Central Sulawesi, a senior officer said on Wednesday. North Sulawesi military chief Col. Darpito did not say when the troops would leave for Poso, which has seen sporadic attacks blamed on unidentified gunmen.

Visually impaired throw support behind Gus Dur

Visually impaired throw support behind Gus Dur The Jakarta Post Lampung Dozens of visually impaired people staged a rally on Thursday at the Lampung General Election Commission (KPU)'s offices to protest against the commission's ruling at the national level requiring presidential and vice presidential candidates to pass a tough medical examination, including an eye test.

Tension down; Ambon still fears snipers

Tension down; Ambon still fears snipers Azis Tunny and Slamet Susanto, Ambon/Yogyakarta A high-powered government team arrived in Ambon on Wednesday, as people from the provincial capital of Maluku again became segregated along religious lines. The visiting government team -- coordinating minister for political and security affairs ad interim Hari Sabarno, Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Gen. Endriartono Sutarto and National Police chief Gen.

Aggrieved families report hospital

Aggrieved families report hospital Evi Mariani, Jakarta Police reports were filed against two hospitals in Central Jakarta on Wednesday. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital (RSCM) in Central Jakarta was reported by Mantep Mulyono following the death of his eight- month-old daughter, Wulan Yulianti, after she underwent surgery to remove a tumor. YPK Maternity Hospital on Jl.

Last month, officials from RSCM along with Pelni Hospital in

Last month, officials from RSCM along with Pelni Hospital in Central Jakarta and PMI Hospital in Bogor stood trial at the Central Jakarta District Court for alleged negligence that resulted in the death of patient Adya Vitry Harsisusanti in 2002. Adya's husband, Indra Yacub, who filed the lawsuit, said that his wife died at RSCM after a doctor inserted a central venous pressure (CVP) needle into a vein in her neck. The CVP was needed to administer an anesthetic for an operation the next day.

Fast, transparent legal process on illegal logging a must

Fast, transparent legal process on illegal logging a must Tony Hotland Jakarta A group of environmentalists renewed on Wednesday their call for a prompt and transparent legal process in illegal logging cases as a condition to restore public trust in the government and to deter other people from committing the crime. "These guidelines won't be effective if they are not accommodated with the courage (of law enforcers).

NGOs try to spare maids from Singapore gallows

NGOs try to spare maids from Singapore gallows A. Junaidi, Jakarta Activists from various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) urged the government on Wednesday to take diplomatic measures and legal action to help five Indonesian female housemaids now facing possible death sentences in Singapore. The activists delivered their demand during a meeting with Indonesia's Ambassador to Singapore Mochamad S.

Diplomatic pressure urged to spare maids from S'pore gallows

Diplomatic pressure urged to spare maids from S'pore gallows A. Junaidi Jakarta Activists from various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) urged the government on Wednesday to take diplomatic measures and legal action to help five Indonesian female housemaids now facing possible death sentences in Singapore. The activists delivered their demand during a meeting with Indonesia's Ambassador to Singapore Mochamad S.