Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 6 April 2004

75 articles found

Kapuk Angke buried in plastic

Kapuk Angke buried in plastic JAKARTA: Piles of garbage, consisting mostly of plastic bags, were seen on Saturday covering the northern Kapuk coast stretching from Muara Angke to the Cengkareng Canal, Kompas Cyber Media reported. Angke Kapuk forest ranger Sapto said forest rangers were overwhelmed by their task to keep the garbage -- which is deposited by the 13 rivers running through Jakarta -- from polluting the 44-hectare protected forest. Only five rangers monitor and maintain the forest.

Emulating Singapore's visionary leaders

Emulating Singapore's visionary leaders Aziz, Analyst, Kuala Kencana, Irian Jaya Amid numerous polls and surveys, the race for Indonesian leadership (presidency) in 2004 general election does not offer a new, refreshed hope for the people of Indonesia. It is accordingly logical that to most Indonesian people, the general election merely means a big "fiesta" (music show and parade) and collecting little mementos (t-shirts and other party giveaways); a luxury they hardly enjoy in their hard lives.

Easier to become a minister than a legislator

Easier to become a minister than a legislator Fabiola Desy Unidjaja The Jakarta Post Jakarta One thing that people tend to overlook regarding the legislative election is the fact that it is easier to become a minister than a legislator. As in many other countries, ministerial appointments in Indonesia are the exclusive privilege of the president-elect. There is no regulation stipulating the criteria for becoming a minister, but it is an arduous task to become a legislator.

Mega's neighbors reject her PDI-P

Mega's neighbors reject her PDI-P Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Yogyakarta An old adage asserts "a prophet is not without honor except in his hometown". But wise men also say, how can someone lead others if he or she cannot even lead people around him or her.

Malaysia hopeful on U.S. free trade talks

Malaysia hopeful on U.S. free trade talks Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia expects to sign a pact with the United States soon to kickstart possible free trade agreement (FTA) talks and will pursue other bilateral FTAs to boost market access and spur trade, Trade Minister Rafidah Aziz said on Monday.

FOR MARKETING PERSPECTIVE --- INTERNET BUSINESS

FOR MARKETING PERSPECTIVE --- INTERNET BUSINESS For The Jakarta Post, April 06, 2004-04-02 More effort needed to boost hotspots Using e-mail in lieu of the mobile telephone to communicate with family members, friends, colleagues and clients has lowered the cost of staying in touch. Now, the good news is that getting online is becoming easier than ever.

Apkomindo to start rolling out inexpensive PCs

Apkomindo to start rolling out inexpensive PCs Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Computer Business Association (Apkomindo) will begin providing low-priced personal computers (PCs) this month as part of a program aimed at helping to increase computer sales and Internet access in the country. Apkomindo chairman G. Hidayat Tjokrodjojo said the association was currently in the process of determining the specifications of the PCs and the distribution scheme.

JP/2/TRAIL

JP/2/TRAIL Golkar and PDI-P supporters clash in Sragen, car damaged SRAGEN, Central Java: Golkar Party supporters vandalized a car of an official of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI- P) at dawn on Monday, after he distributed anti-Golkar fliers in Newung subdistrict here. No fatalities or injuries were reported in the incident.

Police to question journalist

Police to question journalist MEDAN, North Sumatra: North Sumatra Police will send a second summons to a journalist for questioning in connection with a report filed by his employer that he had embezzled company money. The senior journalist, identified only as PT, has been named a suspect in a case involving Rp 221 million (US$26,000) of unaccounted funds during his term as the Medan bureau chief between 1999 and 2003.

Patients pass out before voting

Patients pass out before voting BANDUNG: Three patients at Hasan Sadikin Hospital in Bandung were unable to join the voting in the April 5 election as they fell unconscious shortly before the election on Monday. The patients were reported as Titi, Uting and Ojoh. Sulaeman, a poll committee member, said that the story began when he and his colleagues visited the hospital and brought the ballot papers from one hospital room to another for eligible patients to vote.

Muslim leaders differ on abortion

Muslim leaders differ on abortion A. Junaidi The Jakarta Post Jakarta A proposal by 13 Muslim scholars that abortion be legalized for pregnancy caused by rape or incest has sparked a variety of reactions among religious leaders. The Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) rejected the suggestion on Monday, arguing that abortion in cases of unwanted pregnancy due to rape or incest, was still classified as the taking of a life, jinayah or murder.

Storm leaves dozens homeless

Storm leaves dozens homeless SERANG, Banten: A storm prevented dozens of residents of Kelapa Baris hamlet at the foot of Mount Pulo Merak from voting on Monday. Eight families sought shelter at a nearby mosque and school building after a storm swept through the hamlet in the morning. The storm also prevented them from exercising their right to vote. The Kelapa Baris residents were asleep when the storm came and blew their roofs away.

Smuggled electronics still rampant at Glodok

Smuggled electronics still rampant at Glodok Dewi Santoso, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government's decision to lower luxury taxes last year evidently has not stopped the influx of smuggled electronics products into the country, although it has helped local producers to gain ground.

School dropouts on the rise in Yogyakarta due to poverty

School dropouts on the rise in Yogyakarta due to poverty Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Despite being known as a university city, Yogyakarta has seen an increase in the number of school dropouts, with an average of 500 elementary school students forced to quit school due to poverty. A similar situation was observed in high schools in the province. In the 2002-2003 academic year, at least 404 junior high and 382 senior high school students had to abandon their studies.

Local autonomy offers better opportunities to improve education

Local autonomy offers better opportunities to improve education Ardimas Sasdi, Staff Writer, The Jakarta Post, Berkeley, California, ajambak@calmail.berkeley.edu The decentralization program launched by the government in 2001, including the delegation of further authority over education, has raised hopes in some areas, but sparked anxiety in others, especially among small towns and poor regencies.

On judicial reform

On judicial reform From a certain point of view, the action taken by the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights last week to transfer its powers over judicial administrative and financial affairs to the Supreme Court is unquestionably a step in the right direction.

Party money keeps the 'dangdut' world swinging

Party money keeps the 'dangdut' world swinging M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta General elections used to be ludicrously dubbed pesta demokrasi (festivals of democracy) to obscure the repressive nature of Soeharto's 32-year rule, which came to an end in 1998. Like all good dictators, Soeharto blinded the public with the razzamatazz accompanying the carefully stage-managed elections, but prevented them from truly exercising their political rights.

Please note that all articles mentioning a political party should

Please note that all articles mentioning a political party should mention the acronym so that our readers know which party we are referring to. Also, from now on we will be using PDI-P instead of PDI Perjuangan as the acronym of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle. Number Party Acronym 1. Marhaenisme Indonesian National Party (PNI Marhaenisme) 2. Social Democratic Labor Party (PBSD) 3. Crescent Star Party (PBB) 4. Freedom Party 5. United Development Party (PPP) 6.

Disabled voters hope for better arrangement

Disabled voters hope for better arrangement Tiarma Siboro and Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Tangerang People with a variety of disabilities did their best to exercise their constitutional rights but hoped that arrangements would be better the next time round. Blind people, in a number of places, spent up to 30 minutes casting their votes. Antara quoted blind voters in Denpasar, Bali, as saying that the General Elections Commission (KPU) should have provided ballot papers in braille.

Desperately seeking briber's photo

Desperately seeking briber's photo JP/2/SIDELine The Jakarta Post Jakarta For Ruhayah (not her real name), 50, from Cisauk subdistrict, Serpong, Tangerang, the newspaper-sized ballot paper really confused her. It was not just that the paper was excessively large; there were 24 party symbols and hundreds of photos of legislative candidates on it.

Disrespect for animals

Disrespect for animals From Media Indonesia My heart is saddened every time I happen to pass kiosks selling animals in front of Pertamina Hospital. These kiosks have filthy cages where dozens of legally protected animals such as cassowaries, Bali starlings and orangutans are held captive. It is strange that legally protected animals can be traded so openly in this area. I once passed this place about five years ago, when I left Jakarta for London.

Does Soeharto still love Golkar?

Does Soeharto still love Golkar? JAKARTA: For journalists, the sight of former president Soeharto voting on Monday caused an adrenalin rush, prompting some to try and peek at which party he voted for. Some had already speculated that the choice would be either the Golkar Party, which became his political machine during his 32-year presidency, or the newly established Concern for the Nation Functional Party (PKPB).

HP Indonesia ready to support new Linux-based PCs

HP Indonesia ready to support new Linux-based PCs Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Hewlett-Packard (HP) Indonesia says that it is prepared to support the recent plan of its parent company to globally expand its line of desktop personal computers (PC) based on the GNU/Linux operating system (OS). However, HP Indonesia will, for the time being, only offer the Linux-based PCs to corporate customers, and not yet to the public, who are mostly still unfamiliar with the OS.

Polls peaceful, but rife with flaws: Election monitors

Polls peaceful, but rife with flaws: Election monitors M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Monday's legislative election proceeded peacefully but was rife with flaws ranging from logistical shortcomings, vote buying and intimidation of voters at polling stations, poll watchdogs said.

Ministry wants objective inquiry into arrest of environmentalist

Ministry wants objective inquiry into arrest of environmentalist Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Ministry of Forestry is demanding an objective investigation into the recent arrest of environmentalist Bestari Raden, 50, after the Aceh martial law administration accused him of involvement with the Free Aceh Movement (GAM).

Singapore and Thai firms urged to forge closer ties

Singapore and Thai firms urged to forge closer ties Agence France-Presse, Singapore Singaporean and Thai firms were encouraged Monday at an investment fair here to forge closer ties so they can more easily capitalise on Southeast Asia's increasing economic opportunities.

Convict unable to find pineapple

Convict unable to find pineapple JAKARTA: Before entering the polling booth a prisoner at Kerobokan prison, Badung, Bali, seemed confident while continuing to whisper to himself. Other inmates, however, smiled when the middle-aged man remained in the booth for more than 10 minutes while he continued to search for his favorite political party. "I could not find the pineapple," the convicted thief said in desperation after leaving the booth, to the laughter of his friends.

FOR MARKETING PERSPECTIVE -- APril 6

FOR MARKETING PERSPECTIVE -- APril 6 checked by rich E-commerce here like a baby learning to walk Mahendra Gautama Contributor Jakarta E-commerce in Indonesia was pioneered by Sanur online bookstore website, at www.sanur.co.id. Mimicking the business ideas and strategies of Amazon.com, Sanur is the vanguard for e- commerce here and is paving the way for other companies wishing to enter the business.

KL won't seek extradition of militants

KL won't seek extradition of militants MALAYSIA: Malaysian authorities won't ask Indonesia to extradite four jailed Malaysians accused of being part of the Islamic militant group Jamaah Islamiyah, police said on Monday. The four detainees are being held in Indonesia on terror- related suspicions, but it remains unclear whether authorities will press charges and how long they will be held.

JP/5/CONVICTS

JP/5/CONVICTS Convicts hope for better Indonesia KEDIRI, East Java: Hundreds of convicts in Kediri Penitentiary, East Java, voted on Monday, with the hope that the country will be more prosperous, justice will be delivered and security maintained. Rugianto, 53, an inmate, expressed concern about poor law enforcement in the country. The judiciary sides with the haves and powerful people, while the poor are often the victims of injustice, he said.

Garbage still a problem, investors uninterested

Garbage still a problem, investors uninterested Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Waste management in Jakarta is likely to remain a serious problem as investors are not really interested in the waste-treatment project and the city administration cannot afford to finance it. "Waste-treatment programs are costly but are not moneymakers. Many investors reconsider committing themselves to such projects," assistant to the City Secretary for Development Affairs, IGKG Suena, said recently.

Golkar and PDI-P supporters clash

Golkar and PDI-P supporters clash SRAGEN, Central Java: Golkar Party supporters vandalized a car of an official of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI- P) at dawn on Monday, after he distributed anti-Golkar fliers in Newung subdistrict here. No fatalities or injuries were reported in the incident.

Storm leaves dozens homeless

Storm leaves dozens homeless SERANG, Banten: A storm prevented dozens of residents of Kelapa Baris hamlet at the foot of Mount Pulo Merak from voting on Monday. Eight families sought shelter at a nearby mosque and school building after a storm swept through the hamlet in the morning. The storm also prevented them from exercising their right to vote. The Kelapa Baris residents were asleep when the storm came and blew their roofs away.

Drunkard detained for disrupting poll

Drunkard detained for disrupting poll MANADO, North Sulawesi: Chief of North Sulawesi Provincial Police Brig. Gen. Jhon Lalo said on Monday that police officers under his command had arrested a drunkard for disrupting voting at a polling station in Perkamil subdistrict here. The drunkard was transported to Manado Police Headquarters to face charges, Jhon said in Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi province. -- Antara

1. CASES: 50 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 24

1. CASES: 50 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 24 Poll violations mar election 2. DPD: 36 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 21 DPD candidates upbeat over preliminary count 3. VOTER: 32 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 32 Register before July, voters told 4. HANDICAP: 28 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 36 Disabled voters hope for better arrangement 5. MUSIC: 28 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 36 Party money keeps the 'dangdut' rolling

Abortion issue sparks variety of reactions

Abortion issue sparks variety of reactions A. Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A proposal by 13 Muslim scholars that abortion be legalized for pregnancy caused by rape or incest has sparked a variety of reactions among religious leaders. The Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) rejected the suggestion on Monday, arguing that abortion in cases of unwanted pregnancy due to rape or incest, was still classified as the taking of a life, jinayah or murder.

KL manufacturers seek tax cut, incentives

KL manufacturers seek tax cut, incentives Eileen Ng, Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur Malaysian manufacturers called on Monday for a corporate tax cut and the easing of a rule requiring 30 percent equity in Malay hands as part of proposed measures to boost competitiveness and woo foreign investors.

Easier to become a minister than a legislator

Easier to become a minister than a legislator Fabiola Desy Unidjaja The Jakarta Post Jakarta One thing that people tend to overlook regarding the legislative election is the fact that it is easier to become a minister than a legislator. As in many other countries, ministerial appointments in Indonesia are the exclusive privilege of the president-elect. There is no regulation stipulating the criteria for becoming a minister, but it is an arduous task to become a legislator.

Vote tally goes at snail's pace

Vote tally goes at snail's pace The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As of 11:30 p.m. on Monday, with only about 130,000 votes counted nationwide, mostly from Jakarta and East Java, the current president's party was leading the last president's party by a slim margin, with an upstart newcomer making a huge splash after voting ended 1 p.m. Ballot counting began at a snail's pace, in stark contrast to what the nation had been promised, and the election officials have over 140 million to go.

Desperately seeking briber's photo

Desperately seeking briber's photo JAKARTA: For Ruhayah (not her real name), 50, from Cisauk subdistrict, Serpong, Tangerang, the newspaper-sized ballot paper really confused her. It was not just that the paper was excessively large; there were 24 party symbols and hundreds of photos of legislative candidates on it. Illiterate Ruhayah said she stood in the polling booth for about 15 minutes looking for the photo of a legislative candidate who had given her Rp 25,000 (US$2.97) on Sunday.

Pertamina to resolve kerosene shortage

Pertamina to resolve kerosene shortage Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State oil and gas firm PT Pertamina plans to resume a coloring program for kerosene in a bid to tackle lingering shortages, particularly in the Greater Jakarta area, a company official said on Monday. Pertamina spokesman M. Hanung Budya said the program, which differentiated subsidized kerosene for households -- tinted green -- from kerosene for business use, would start in the middle of this month.

Rain washes out Balikpapan polls

Rain washes out Balikpapan polls BALIKPAPAN, East Kalimantan: Dozens of polling stations in Balikpapan had to be relocated on Monday due to heavy rain here in order to salvage ballot papers and other poll materials. One of the areas affected by rain was Manggar subdistrict, where poll committee members in two polling stations were seen busy transporting ballot papers and other documents from a two separate fields in the subdistrict to a house belonging to a local resident.

Syaifullah's dismissal not final

Syaifullah's dismissal not final JAKARTA: The National Awakening Party (PKB) top brass will regroup soon after the general election to discuss the fate of its secretary-general Syaifullah Yusuf, who has been dismissed by its chief patron Abdurrahman Wahid. "The case will be discussed again," Abdurrahman, better known as Gus Dur, said after casting his vote on Monday.

Official caught piercing ballots

Official caught piercing ballots Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang A joke is a very serious thing, says English poet Charles Churchill in his work The Ghost, a truism that has been learned the hard way by Syarifudin, a local election administrator in Jatiuwung subdistrict, Tangerang.

More school buildings burned in Aceh

More school buildings burned in Aceh BANDA ACEH, Aceh: An Indonesian Military spokesman accused members of rebels of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) of burning a school building in Bunie, Pidie regency here on Monday. Lt. Col. Asep Sapari, the spokesman of the Indonesian Military (TNI) operation command in Aceh, said that the incident occurred on Sunday night, which sparked fear among local residents.

DPD candidates upbeat over preliminary count

DPD candidates upbeat over preliminary count Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Candidates for the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) in 32 provinces were closely monitoring on Monday the preliminary results of ballot counting with high hopes that they would get elected. According to the existing law, each province will have four representatives in the DPD, considered to be the Indonesian version of the United States (U.S.) Senate.

Police to question journalist

Police to question journalist MEDAN, North Sumatra: North Sumatra Police will send a second summons to a journalist for questioning in connection with a report filed by his employer that he had embezzled company money. The senior journalist, identified only as PT, has been named a suspect in a case involving Rp 221 million (US$26,000) of unaccounted funds during his term as the Medan bureau chief between 1999 and 2003.

FOR MARKETING PERSPECTIVE -- INTERNET BUSINESS -- April 6

FOR MARKETING PERSPECTIVE -- INTERNET BUSINESS -- April 6 ISPs compete for corporate clients, combat viruses Rudijanto Contributor Jakarta This year, the Internet user population in Indonesia is expected to grow by around 50 percent. This may seem like a huge increase. But with the number of Internet Service Providers (ISP) operating here -- currently some 70 companies -- competition will be tight, as each will certainly try to fight for a slice of the market.

Internet industry calls on the govt to liberalize PWS

Internet industry calls on the govt to liberalize PWS The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Internet industry is calling on the government to liberalize port wholesale (PWS) dial-up services for all Internet service provider (ISP) companies, otherwise it will suffer serious damage, following last week's 28.21 percent increase in local telephone call rates.

Inco pays total dividends of 20 cents

Inco pays total dividends of 20 cents JAKARTA: Mining company PT International Nickel Indonesia (PT Inco Indonesia) paid total dividends of 20 U.S. cents in 2003 amid robust output and a solid financial performance. The 20 U.S. cents total dividend (not 50 U.S. cents as previously reported) consisted of a 5 cents interim dividend and a 15 cents final dividend. The company posted record output of nickel matte in 2003 with 155 million pounds.

Stock may rally on peaceful election

Stock may rally on peaceful election Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta Composite Index is projected to rebound this week as investors gain confidence over the country's future political and security conditions, following a largely peaceful general election on Monday.

Man burned to death for theft

Man burned to death for theft TANGERANG: Residents of Mekar Jaya, Serpong, burned a man to death late on Sunday for allegedly attempting to steal a motorcycle belonging to a member of a polling station committee. The dead man, identified as Jumroni, 24, a resident of Carenang, Cisoka district, was reportedly caught red-handed with another man making off with the motorcycle, which was parked near a newly-erected polling station, at about 10:30 p.m.

People have the final say on election day

People have the final say on election day Millions of Indonesians thronged polling stations nationwide to cast their votes for candidates for a new upper house of the national legislature called the Regional Representatives Council (DPD), the House of Representatives (DPR), the Provincial Legislative Council (DPRD I) and the Regional Legislative Council (DPRD II).

Busway drivers to get dormitory

Busway drivers to get dormitory JAKARTA: Busway operator PT Jakarta Express Trans (JET) has built a dormitory for drivers who live far from the busway depot in Pinang Ranti, East Jakarta. The dormitory will open next week. PT JET finance director Ibnu Susanto recently announced completion of the dormitory's construction. "The purpose is to provide rooms for the drivers to sleep.

Convicts hope for better Indonesia

Convicts hope for better Indonesia KEDIRI, East Java: Hundreds of convicts in Kediri Penitentiary, East Java, voted on Monday, with the hope that the country will be more prosperous, justice will be delivered and security maintained. Rugianto, 53, an inmate, expressed concern about poor law enforcement in the country. The judiciary sides with the haves and powerful people, while the poor are often the victims of injustice, he said.

Register before July, voters told

Register before July, voters told Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has asked disgruntled voters who were unable to do their civic duty on Monday to register on time for the presidential election in July. "They (the unregistered) should register themselves for the presidential election," interim Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Hari Sabarno said after inspecting a polling station in Serang, Banten, on Monday.

Historic elections go off without a hitch in Jakarta

Historic elections go off without a hitch in Jakarta The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite minor disruptions in the voting process in some parts of Jakarta, the eagerly-awaited legislative election in the capital ended peacefully on Monday. A short burst of heavy downpours, a few heated arguments over inexcusable mistakes by the organizers and a number of evictees who were denied their voting rights blemished the elections for some, which have already been called the country's most democratic ever.

Election delays unavoidable in some areas

Election delays unavoidable in some areas The Jakarta Post, Bandung/Jayapura/Kupang Most parts of the nation voted in the legislative election on Monday, except for some isolated parts of Papua and war-torn villages in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam. National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar said on Monday an election in at least 48 villages of a total 6,000 in Aceh could not be held as they were controlled by Free Aceh Movement (GAM) rebels.

* Headlines: Election delays unavoidable in some areas 2

* Headlines: Election delays unavoidable in some areas 2 * National: Police find abducted election worker in Merauke 4 * Archipelago: School dropouts on the rise in Yogya 5 * Opinion: Emulating Singapore's visionary leaders 7 * City: Waste management remains far from sight8 * Sports: Sorenstam defends Lon Angeles title 9 * World: Sharon backs away from pledge not to harm Arafat 11 * Business: Smuggled electronics still rampant at Glodok 13 * Features: Human greed threatens coral reefs 18

Poll violations mar election

Poll violations mar election The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Various incidents have made the 2004 general election, the first direct election ever in Indonesian history, more colorful than previous elections. In some places, administrative hiccups disrupted the election and caused confusion among people, while in other places, election violations still took place as people continued to resort to whatever means available to win the election.

1. ROUNDUP: 1 LINE, 25 COUNTS

1. ROUNDUP: 1 LINE, 25 COUNTS Vote tally goes at snail's pace 2. VIOLENCE: 3 LINES, 18 COUNTS With the exclusion of Aceh, RI sees peaceful election 3. CITY: 1 LINE, 49 COUNTS Historic election begins without a hitch in Jakarta

Gunawan shackled to bed in hospital, asks for key

Gunawan shackled to bed in hospital, asks for key Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The team of lawyer's of murder suspect Gunawan Santosa asked the police on Monday to remove the shackles chaining their client's arms and legs to the bed at the Soekanto Police Hospital in Kramat Jati, East Jakarta. "Please do not ignore our client's health concerns. If Gunawan has committed any crime, prove it in court and punish him accordingly to the verdict ..

Party money keeps the 'dangdut' rolling

Party money keeps the 'dangdut' rolling M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta General elections used to be ludicrously dubbed pesta demokrasi (festivals of democracy) to obscure the repressive nature of Soeharto's 32-year rule, which came to an end in 1998. Like all good dictators, Soeharto blinded the public with the razzamatazz accompanying the carefully stage-managed elections, but prevented them from truly exercising their political rights.

ISPs compete for corporate clients, combat viruses

ISPs compete for corporate clients, combat viruses Rudijanto, Contributor, Jakarta This year, the Internet user population in Indonesia is expected to grow by around 50 percent. This may seem like a huge increase. But with the number of Internet Service Providers (ISP) operating here -- currently some 70 companies -- competition will be tight, as each will certainly try to fight for a slice of the market.

No turning back for Indonesian democracy

No turning back for Indonesian democracy Part 2 of 2 Satish Mishra, Chief Economist, UNSFIR/UNDP, Jakarta The first phase of Reformasi succeeded in bringing to the surface hidden problems of the New Order. It was a very emotional period of Indonesia's history. It showed that no modern country can accept the rule of a single dictator for ever. People need economic growth. That is why the New Order lasted so long. But economic growth at any price is not enough. People also need freedom.

RI-U.S. relationship

RI-U.S. relationship The articles as submitted by Ali Alatas in The Jakarta Post (March 31 and April 1) with all due respect, told us very little that is not already known. It could well be that from a diplomatic point of view, it is better to express an opinion that the relationship between the two countries (USA and Indonesia) are sound and solid, but perhaps in reality they are far from that.

Decentralization poses opportunities and challenges in education

Decentralization poses opportunities and challenges in education Ardimas Sasdi Staff Writer The Jakarta Post Berkeley, California ajambak@calmail.berkeley.edu The decentralization program launched by the government in 2001, including the delegation of further authority over education, has raised hopes in some areas, but sparked anxiety in others, especially among small towns and poor regencies.

Muslim leaders differ on abortion

Muslim leaders differ on abortion A. Junaidi The Jakarta Post Jakarta A proposal by 13 Muslim scholars that abortion be legalized for pregnancy caused by rape or incest has sparked a variety of reactions among religious leaders. The Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) rejected the suggestion on Monday, arguing that abortion in cases of unwanted pregnancy due to rape or incest, was still classified as the taking of a life, jinayah or murder.

No turning...

No turning... Correction: The article titled No turning back for Indonesian democracy, which appeared on this page on Monday, April 5, 2004 contained an editorial error. Paragraph 2 should have read "They will again exercise their voting rights in July" and not "They will again exercise their voting rights in May". We apologize for the error and any confusion it may have caused. -- Editor

'I hope I don't vote for the wrong party'

'I hope I don't vote for the wrong party' Although registration problems loomed large on polling day, millions of Indonesians went to their polling stations on Monday. April 5 was an historic day when the people cast their votes directly for over 7,000 candidates for the legislative bodies at the national, provincial and regental/municipal levels. The Jakarta Post talked to some residents on how they had prepared themselves for the big day.

AP/Irwin Fedriansyah

AP/Irwin Fedriansyah SEEKING HIGHER GROUND: Temporary flooding at this Jakarta polling station necessitated a quick escape to dry ground, with the precious ballots in tow, before vote counting could commence. Monday's brief, but copious downpour, interrupted dozens of polling stations, but no major problems were reported.

With the exception of Aceh, RI sees peaceful election

With the exception of Aceh, RI sees peaceful election The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh/Jayapura/Ambon Violence marred polling day on Monday in several parts of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam in an apparent attempt to disrupt the election, while people cast their votes peacefully in three other troubled areas of Poso, Papua and Maluku. Suspected rebels shot at least two election officials in Blang Rheum village, Jeumpa subdistrict, Bireun regency, at around 6:30 a.m.

Human greed pose threats to coral reefs

Human greed pose threats to coral reefs Bambang Parlupi, Contributor, Jakarta A survey conducted by LIPI-COREMAP (Indonesian Institute of Sciences -- Coral Reef Rehabilitation and Management Program) shows that the world's coral reefs are in an alarming state. In this country, coral reefs are found in 281 places, totaling around 85,707 square kilometers in area.

Syaifullah's dismissal not final

Syaifullah's dismissal not final JAKARTA: The National Awakening Party (PKB) top brass will regroup soon after the general election to discuss the fate of its secretary-general Syaifullah Yusuf, who has been dismissed by its chief patron Abdurrahman Wahid. "The case will be discussed again," Abdurrahman, better known as Gus Dur, said after casting his vote on Monday.

E-commerce here like a baby learning to walk

E-commerce here like a baby learning to walk Mahendra Gautama, Contributor, Jakarta E-commerce in Indonesia was pioneered by Sanur online bookstore website, at www.sanur.co.id. Mimicking the business ideas and strategies of Amazon.com, Sanur is the vanguard for e- commerce here and is paving the way for other companies wishing to enter the business. Its latest data indicates that with its collection of 30,000 titles, Sanur has enjoyed about 2,500 transactions from its 11,000 customers.