Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 12 May 2004

73 articles found

Tension too much for PBSI chief

Tension too much for PBSI chief JAKARTA: The Indonesian badminton teams currently competing in the Thomas and Uber Cups have had continuous support from Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) head Chairul Tanjung. Chairul was often seen on the edge of his seat on Monday when the Indonesian men's team lost to China. However, Chairul was nowhere to be found when Silvi Antarini played in the first Indonesia-Germany play-off match.

FM plays down arrest warrant for Wiranto

FM plays down arrest warrant for Wiranto The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda and several members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday shrugged off the United Nations-backed East Timorese court's decision to issue an arrest warrant for former Indonesian Military chief Gen. (ret) Wiranto after charging him with crimes against humanity. "It (the warrant) has no international jurisdiction, including on Indonesia.

T. Kiemas flies to S'pore for checkup

T. Kiemas flies to S'pore for checkup JAKARTA: Taufik Kiemas, the husband of President Megawati Soekarnoputri, was discharged from the Pertamina hospital on Tuesday but immediately flown to Perth, Australia, to undergo a further medical checkup.

Police asked for proof of Manuputty wrongdoing

Police asked for proof of Manuputty wrongdoing Moch. N. Kurniawan and P.C. Naommy, Jakarta Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirajuda said on Tuesday his office was still awaiting evidence from the police on crimes allegedly committed by Maluku separatist Alexander Manuputty. "We need to send evidence of crimes committed by Alex to the U.S.

Police sterner with traffic offenders

Police sterner with traffic offenders Evi Mariani, Jakarta The higher number of tickets issued by traffic police in the past few months did not indicate an increase in violations but was due to a get-tough policy on offenders, the head of the Jakarta Police traffic law enforcement division said. "Since the economic crisis in 1997, followed by the reform era, people became more concerned about politics and political freedom. Discipline on the streets became weak," Comr.

Prosecution seeks death in 'Boy from Brazil' drug case

Prosecution seeks death in 'Boy from Brazil' drug case Multa Fidrus Tangerang Prosecutors demanded on Tuesday that Brazilian citizen, Marco Archer Cardoso Moreira, 42, be sentenced to death by the Tangerang District Court for smuggling 13.4 kilograms of cocaine through the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport last August. Beside the maximum penalty, prosecutors Adrizal and Eben Silalahi also requested the court to order the defendant to pay Rp 300 million (US$33,333) in fines.

S. Korea, Indonesia enhance business ventures

S. Korea, Indonesia enhance business ventures Tony Hotland, Jakarta A business delegation from South Korea arrived here on Tuesday to attend the 12th bilateral economic meeting highlighting how to develop industrial collaboration between the two countries.

Wallach's war: Making the difference

Wallach's war: Making the difference Emmy Fitri, The Jakarta PostJakarta Trade is obviously good, but when it massively favors only certain nations at the expense of others, global trade will eventually become globalized devastation. Lobbyist and activist Lori Wallach of U.S.-based Public Citizen -- a nonprofit research and litigation institution founded by Ralph Nader in 1971 -- makes clear her unwavering support for fair trade.

Health tests and job requirements

Health tests and job requirements In connection with the recent controversy over health requirements for presidential candidates, which were seen by some as a violation of human rights, allow me to recount my experience half a century ago. When I enrolled in the school of pharmacy, Gajah Mada University, I was only subjected to physical and mental tests for studying to become a pharmacist. Later, as a diagnostic clinic assistant I found two students who mostly failed in their lab test practice.

Defendants deny knowing of bombs

Defendants deny knowing of bombs JAKARTA: Three defendants charged with storing a substance allegedly employed in making the explosives that were used in the Marriott bombing on Aug. 5, 2003, told the South Jakarta District Court on Tuesday that they did not know that the substance involved would be used to make a bomb. Defendants Suprapto, Solichin and Heru Setianto, however, admitted that they had been warned by Purwadi, who gave them the powdery substance, to keep it away from heat or fire.

Police probe owners of bomb materials

Police probe owners of bomb materials BANYUWANGI, East Java: Banyuwangi Police are intensifying investigations into two suspects caught on Friday at the naval base here with bomb materials. "We are still investigating why the men gained possession of the potassium chloride, which can be used for making bombs," Banyuwangi detectives chief Adj. Comr. Ardian Indra Nurinia said on Tuesday.

RP president grabs early election lead, but challenger cries foul

RP president grabs early election lead, but challenger cries foul Agencies Manila Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo took the lead in early election returns on Tuesday and a nationwide poll predicted she would win, but rumblings of trouble emerged as her movie star opponent said he believed he was being cheated.

Tokyo, Sendai ready to host 2006 Thomas and Uber Cups

Tokyo, Sendai ready to host 2006 Thomas and Uber Cups Novan Iman Santosa, Jakarta While in this country badminton is a national obsession and the players are among the best in the world, in Japan support for the game has waned over the years. Japan used to be a strong badminton country, especially in the women's division, winning the women's Uber Cup five times including a three-peat in 1966, 1969 and 1972. Its other two triumphs were in 1978 and 1981.

Ex-official charged over Rp 1.1b graft

Ex-official charged over Rp 1.1b graft BANDA ACEH, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam: Aceh Besar Police said on Tuesday they had detained former regency administration secretary Hasyim Daud, accused of misusing Rp 1.1 billion in state funds. Local police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Gaguk Sumartono was quoted by chief of detectives First Insp. Joko Julianto as saying the suspect has been detained since Saturday after strong evidence indicated his involvement in financial impropriety.

Six-year-old reform drive going nowhere, critics say

Six-year-old reform drive going nowhere, critics say Kurniawan Hari, Jakarta Six years after the onset of the reform movement that was triggered by the death of four Trisakti University students in Jakarta in May 1998 at the hands of security personnel, the nation has yet to see substantial changes in political, economic and social life, activists say.

FOR SPOTLIGHT: MAY 12

FOR SPOTLIGHT: MAY 12 Aston International Indonesia ASTON SIGNING CEREMONY: PT Aston International Indonesia (AII) signs an agreement on the hotel management extension with PT Segitiga Plaza Hotel (SPH). The signing ceremony, on April 30, 2004, was attended by (from left to right), AII Operations Director John Flood, SPH Directors Denny Ramdhani and Fauzy Sungkar, SPH President Director Herman S. Silalahi, AII President & CEO Charles E.

Improved infrastructure needed to spur growth

Improved infrastructure needed to spur growth David O'Brien, Jakarta The editorial of April 27, 2004, titled Polls Bouy Economy, discussed macroeconomic stability in light of the polling process to date. It is certainly true that at the macro level analyzed there has not been any "melt down". However the analysis settled on relatively simple measures of performance that do not reflect the ongoing lack of activity in the "real" sector of Indonesia.

Short-term marriages popular in Pasuruan

Short-term marriages popular in Pasuruan Indra Harsaputra, Pasuruan After completing junior high school, it was expected that Tuminem would get married and work to support her family. Eventually, she was urged by her parents to marry an employee of a company in Surabaya for social and economic reasons rather than mutual affection; the marriage would be contractual. Such is the case for most girls who reach adolescence in Rembang subdistrict, Pasuruan regency, East Java.

*East Timor AG wants Wiranto case changes Page 2

*East Timor AG wants Wiranto case changes Page 2 *Radical Islam passing trend Page 4 *Rights team probes campus attack Page 5 *Has Alan Greenspan lost the plot? Page 6 *Three foreign investors eyeing Tanah Abang Page 8 *British govt battles scandal over Iraqi prisoner abuses Page 9 *Shark 'happy' that Tiger closing in on ranking record Page 11 *House to select BPK, BI officials Page 13 *U.S., home of fast food, in haute cuisine revolution Page 19

Agency investigates fish poisoning at Ancol

Agency investigates fish poisoning at Ancol Leony Aurora and Damar Harsanto, Jakarta More fish have been found dead in Muara Kamal, another part of the capital's northern coast, indicating a spread of deadly toxic waste that started last Thursday and first noticed by people at Karnaval beach in Ancol Dreamland Park, North Jakarta.

Sumatran tigers maul six people, killing two

Sumatran tigers maul six people, killing two The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Sumatran tigers have mauled at least six people in the jungles of Riau province since last month, killing two of the victims, an official said on Tuesday. Riau's natural resources conservation agency (KSDA) head Jhone Kinedie said all the victims were suspected illegal loggers operating in the Senepis area near the town of Dumai, Riau.

KPUD expects 1.1 million more voters

KPUD expects 1.1 million more voters Bambang Nurbianto, Jakarta While 4.4 million Jakartans voted in the April 5 legislative election, the Jakarta General Elections Commission (KPUD) expects to register 1.1 million more voters for the July 5 presidential election. Member of the KPUD Hamdan Rasyid, said new voters would comprise those who had turned 17 after the general election, newly married couples, soldiers who had recently retired and others.

No gas fuel for public buses, 'bajaj'

No gas fuel for public buses, 'bajaj' JAKARTA: The Jakarta Transportation Agency head Rustam Effendy Sidabutar said on Monday that due to the high cost of natural gas fuel pumps -- Rp 14 billion (US$1.59 million) each, with a capacity of 10 buses -- the city might not continue its gas- fueled public transportation project. He added that higher-capacity fuel pumps, which could accommodate 100 buses, were priced at Rp 35 billion each.

Anwar's request to make bail refused

Anwar's request to make bail refused MALAYSIA: Malaysia's highest court rejected a bail application on Tuesday by jailed former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim while he appeals a sodomy conviction. A panel of three judges refused a request to make bail, saying it was too late to start debating bail because the defense team had already begun the appeal hearing.

Scholars say radical Islam passing trend

Scholars say radical Islam passing trend Abdul Khalik, Jakarta Noted Muslim scholars played down on Tuesday fears of rising radicalism among Indonesian Muslims, saying the phenomenon would not last long and would only affect a small number of people.

Journalists rally for Fery's release

Journalists rally for Fery's release SEMARANG: Dozens of journalists rallied on Tuesday to demand the release of RCTI cameraman Fery Santoro and more than 200 other civilians held hostage by Free Aceh Movement (GAM) rebels. The journalists, including Fery's brother-in-law, Bambang Henky, urged both GAM and the Indonesian Military to pave the way for the release of the civilians, which has been scheduled for May 13.

Collated results of the play-off matches in the Thomas and Uber

Collated results of the play-off matches in the Thomas and Uber Cup badminton championships in Jakarta on Tuesday: Uber Cup Indonesia 3 Germany 0 Silvi Antarini (Ina) def. Xu Huaiwen (Ger) 11-6, 13-10 Maria Kristin (Ina) def. Juliane Schenk (Ger) 11-8, 1-11, 11-4 Adrianti Firdasari (Ina) def. Nicole Grether (Ger) 11-7, 11-8 The Netherlands 3 South Africa 0 Karina de Wit (Ned) def. Michelle Edwards (Rsa) 11-4, 11-3 Judith Meulendijks (Ned) def.

Police freeze suspects' bank accounts

Police freeze suspects' bank accounts Evi Mariani, Jakarta The Jakarta Police have frozen several bank accounts belonging to two suspects in an alleged fraud case at Citibank amounting to US$2.3 million. "We have issued an order to freeze both suspects' accounts in several banks. But, we have yet to gain access (from the banks) to look into their accounts," said city police fiscal and monetary division chief, Adj. Sr. Comr. Dharma Pongrekun, on Tuesday.

KPU misses House hearing for 3rd time

KPU misses House hearing for 3rd time JAKARTA: Legislators on House of Representatives Commission II for legal affairs criticized the General Elections Commission (KPU) on Tuesday for failing to show up at the House for a third time. The commission had scheduled the third hearing on Tuesday, but the KPU did not show up, as in the previous two hearings. The KPU has offered May 14 as a fourth appointment, but the legislators want them to show up on Wednesday (May 12).

Sugar smuggling continues via ports

Sugar smuggling continues via ports MEDAN, North Sumatra: The smuggling of sugar from foreign counties into Indonesia continued unchecked via seaports in North Sumatra province, fishermen said on Tuesday. They said smuggled sugar was shipped in motor boats from Klang Port and Pasir harbor in neighboring Malaysia to North Sumatra.

RI's 'farmer diplomacy' in the Pacific

RI's 'farmer diplomacy' in the Pacific Dewi Anggraeni, Melbourne, Australia Since the world became highly sensitized in regard to security issues since Sept. 11 (terrorist attacks in the U.S.), we have been hearing from the United States, Britain, Australia, and our own (Indonesian) senior ministers about how crucial Asia-Pacific regional cooperation is, if we are to achieve the security we are seeking.

Greenpeace International charged on Tuesday that illicit

Greenpeace International charged on Tuesday that illicit Indonesian wood is being used in new European Union offices, even though the union claims to be fighting the illegal timber trade.

Minister grilled over haj accounts

Minister grilled over haj accounts Dewi Santoso, Jakarta The accountability of Minister of Religious Affairs Said Agiel Al Munawar's planned haj savings program was questioned during a House commission on Tuesday. Beginning in 2005, the government will require those who wish to go on the pilgrimage to deposit money at designated banks every month until their savings reach Rp 20 million (US$2,298). The designated banks include Bank Mandiri, Bank Muamalat and Bank BNI.

A United Nations-sponsored East Timor tribunal issued an arrest

A United Nations-sponsored East Timor tribunal issued an arrest warrant on Monday for Gen. (ret) Wiranto for his alleged role in the crimes against humanity that took place before and after the province's breakaway in 1999. Wiranto was then the chief of Armed Forces, which was responsible for security of the UN-administered popular ballot in East Timor.

Human rights cases linked to Wiranto

Human rights cases linked to Wiranto ---------------------------------------------------------------- Case Date Casualties Notes ----------------------------------------------------------------- Trisakti shooting May 12, 1998 four questioned May riots May 13-15, 1998 hundreds as witness Semanggi I incident November 1998 13 by the fact Semanggi II incident September 1999 eight finding team East Timor riot September 1999 hundreds ------------------------------------------------------------------...

NU, Muhammadiyah involvements in politics 'may weaken them'

NU, Muhammadiyah involvements in politics 'may weaken them' Abdul Khalik/Nana Rukmana, Jakarta/Cirebon Scholars warned on Tuesday that the candidacy of several top figures from Nahdatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah's endorsement of Amien Rais would have an adverse impact on the role of those organizations as pillars of civil society.

Susilo still red-hot favorite on 40.6% in new LSI survey

Susilo still red-hot favorite on 40.6% in new LSI survey A. Junaidi, Jakarta Rejecting accusations of partiality, the Indonesian Survey Institute (LSI) has again placed the Democratic Party's cofounder Gen. (ret) Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono as the presidential election front-runner in its latest poll. Susilo secured 40.6 percent of the 1,216 respondents' votes, defeating current President Megawati Soekarnoputri, who came a distant second with 14.7 percent.

[b]

RI's 'farmer diplomacy' in the Pacific Dewi Anggraeni Melbourne, Australia 2. Inqui -- Trust, healing and democracy 1 X 48 Lack of trust hinders growth of democracy Michael L. Tan Philippine Daily Inquirer Manila 3. Pro -- Europe's modest mission 1 X 30 Enlarged EU promotes peace Michel Rocard Project Syndicate

House questions new haj program

House questions new haj program Dewi Santoso Jakarta The accountability of Minister of Religious Affairs Said Agiel Al Munawar's planned haj savings program was questioned during a House commission on Tuesday. Beginning in 2005, the government will require those who wish to go on the pilgrimage to deposit money at designated banks every month until their savings reach Rp 20 million (US$2,298). The designated banks include Bank Mandiri, Bank Muamalat and Bank BNI.

Australia gives $4.25 in health aid

Australia gives $4.25 in health aid JAKARTA: Australia announced on Tuesday its funding of US$4.25 million to a joint program between Unicef and the Indonesian government aimed at improving maternal health in eastern parts of the country. The development program will be focused on nine regencies -- East and West Sumba, Alor and Kupang in East Nusa Tenggara province, and Jayapura, Jayawijaya, Biak Numfor and Sorong in Papua province, said a media statement from the Australian Embassy here.

Strong U.S. economy may wreak havoc in RI

Strong U.S. economy may wreak havoc in RI Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Plans by the U.S. Federal Reserve to increase its interest rate could cause a devastating impact on the Indonesian economy particularly in the form of massive capital flight, economists warned. Jakarta-based economists believe that a higher U.S.

House to select BPK, BI officials

House to select BPK, BI officials Dadan Wijaksana, Jakarta The House of Representatives finance commission, most of whose members are unlikely to be reelected, appears in no rush to complete its long list of outstanding tasks in the remaining two sessions of the current House. The commission will instead focus more on the selection of a new chairman and members of the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) and a senior deputy governor of Bank Indonesia, legislators said on Tuesday.

Mud banks clogging up 19 rivers in Indramayu

Mud banks clogging up 19 rivers in Indramayu Nana Rukmana, Indramayu Unnatural increases in river siltation has adversely affected at least 19 rivers in Indramayu regency, West Java, in recent years and lowering productivity of fisherman and farmers in the coastal regency, a top government official has said. "Thirty million tons of mud is clogging up the 19 rivers each year on average here, leaving problems for the local community and the regency government," said Irianto M.S.

Australian pedophile gets 13 years jail term

Australian pedophile gets 13 years jail term Wahyoe Boediwardhana, Karangasem Karangasem District Court sentenced on Tuesday a former Australian diplomat to 13 years in jail for sexually abusing two underage boys in the resort island of Bali. Presiding judge I Nyoman Sutama said that defendant William Stuart Brown, 52, was proven guilty of repeatedly sodomizing two boys, causing them to suffer post-traumatic stress.

I'm not pessimistic but realistic: Hansen

I'm not pessimistic but realistic: Hansen Eva C. Komandjaja, Jakarta Morten Frost Hansen, the four-time All England champion from Denmark, still looked dangerous on court in his practice game against South African first singles Chris Dednam at the Bung Karno Indoor Stadium last week. The 46-year-old man, now living and coaching badminton in South Africa, put in a very tough fight against Dednam, who wasn't able to score a point.

KPU wants more 'dodgy' ink for presidential election

KPU wants more 'dodgy' ink for presidential election Moch. N. Kurniawan, Jakarta The General Elections Commission (KPU) plans to procure indelible ink for the July 5 presidential election, despite the recent discovery that the ink used for the legislative election last month contained a poisonous substance. In a proposal letter sent to KPU regional chapters, the ink would be procured by the KPU along with ballot papers.

Indonesia denies Valuair landing rights

Indonesia denies Valuair landing rights Associated Press Singapore Singapore budget airline Valuair canceled its first three flights to Jakarta at the last minute and suspended ticket sales on Tuesday, after Indonesian authorities denied it landing rights.

Gus Dur's candidacy and human rights

Gus Dur's candidacy and human rights From Koran Tempo Anybody who feels disinclined to vote for former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid, who has impaired eyesight, should refrain from doing so in the July 5 presidential election. However, nobody has the right to prevent him from joining the race for the presidency.

Preventing flooding in Jakarta

Preventing flooding in Jakarta From Suara Karya Although the dry season (April to October) is no upon us, we still have occasional rain in Jakarta. Recently, it rained so hard in the city that many places were flooded. To make sure that the danger of flooding is minimized, the Jakarta administration should actively encourage residents to keep their neighborhoods clean.

Three foreign investors eyeing Tanah Abang

Three foreign investors eyeing Tanah Abang Damar Harsanto, Jakarta City-owned developer PD Sarana Jaya revealed on Tuesday that three investors from Singapore, Malaysia and China had been looking into the possibility of investing in the project to transform the old Tanah Abang textile market into a modern business complex. "The Malaysians and Singaporeans understood that investors would be obliged to build homes for locals, whose land would be taken for the project.

This festering wound

This festering wound The objection aired by the Indonesian police and military faction in the House of Representatives to having the truth behind the many human rights abuses of the past revealed is certainly more than a bit disconcerting.

RI reaches quarterfinals, meets Malaysia

RI reaches quarterfinals, meets Malaysia Eva C. Komandjaja, Jakarta Indonesia will meet archrival Malaysia in the 2004 Thomas Cup men's team badminton championship quarterfinals after the home team crushed New Zealand 3-0 in Tuesday's playoff. Malaysia automatically entered the quarters after winning two matches against Thailand and newcomer South Africa 5-0 each in Group C.

Hotel Nikko workers face dismissal

Hotel Nikko workers face dismissal JAKARTA: A total of 217 workers from Hotel Nikko, formerly President Hotel, on Jl. Thamrin, Central Jakarta, face dismissal due to financial losses suffered by the management. Hotel workers union chairman Nurbukhori Effendi said on Monday that the workers rejected the dismissal and denied that the hotel had suffered a financial loss. "Hotel Nikko has the highest occupancy rate here of over 70 percent. Its income is over Rp 8 billion (US$909,090)," he said.

1 x 32

1 x 32 Rights team probes campus attack JP/5/KAWIN 1 x 40 Short-term marriages popular in Pasuruan JP/5/tiger 2 x 23 Sumatran tigers maul six people, killing two 4 x 12 Mud banks clogging up 19 rivers in Indramayu

Drug firms to get in sync

Drug firms to get in sync Gearing up for the ASEAN Free Trade Area implementation as it pertains to pharmaceutical products in 2006, the ASEAN Pharmaceuticals Club (APC) will hold a three-day conference here with a focus on plans to coordinate the manufacturing practices in the region so there is one single standard for each country. Each ASEAN member country now uses the Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) for its own drug industry.

Regency allots Rp 3b nfor health center

Regency allots Rp 3b nfor health center JAYAPURA, Papua: The Raja Ampat Islands administration in West Irian Jaya province has allocated Rp 3 billion (US$344,827) to build more community health centers in the newly created regency. Raja Ampat Islands Regent M. Wanma said on Tuesday that development of the centers was aimed at improving health services for local residents.

Solahuddin defends Wiranto's credentials

Solahuddin defends Wiranto's credentials M. Taufiqurrahman and Tiarma Siboro, Jakarta "If you can't beat them, join them" seems to be Solahuddin Wahid's motto. Only two years ago, Solahuddin tried hard and failed to question several military officers, including Gen. Wiranto, over gross human rights violations in the Trisakti and Semanggi I and II shooting incidents.

Indovision improves

Indovision improves For several days we experienced bad reception on our Indovision satellite receiver. After sending an e-mail a customer-care staff member called within a few hours and helped successfully to solve the problem. Thank you very much for this excellent and efficient service. In my letter to The Jakarta Post on March 13, I was also strongly critical that there was no nationwide toll-free customer service telephone number.

China to meet Denmark in final

China to meet Denmark in final After some early losses, Indonesian's Uber and Thomas Cup teams will have to fight their way through the play-offs if they hope to make the knockout rounds of the championships now taking place at the Bung Karno Indoor Stadium in Senayan, Central Jakarta. The Jakarta Post talked to several people to get their opinion on how our shuttlers are performing. Achmad Zaini, 30, is a news reporter for Elshinta radio.

TV Program: Wednesday, May 12, 2004

TV Program: Wednesday, May 12, 2004 .TB.30" 1.00" TVRI .TB.30" .90" 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Children Show 7:30 Music 8:30 Music: Asyik-Asyik 10:00 Talk Show 11:00 Singing Contest: Konteswara 12:00 p.m.

[b]

Improved infrastructure needed to spur growth David O'Brien Jakarta 2. Alan -- Has Alan Greenspan lost the plot? 1 X 30 Has Alan Greenspan lost the plot? Larry Elliott Guardian News Service London

Dental health important during pregnancy

Dental health important during pregnancy Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Women planning to get pregnant should get a thorough dental check up to avoid dental health problems during the pregnancy, experts from the University of Indonesia said recently.

More specific tax forms needed

More specific tax forms needed From Bisnis Indonesia The use of income tax forms, known as 1721-A1, has not yet optimally specified tax information, despite annual adjustment to suit latest developments such as the application of the digital system and the inclusion of government-borne income tax.

Fresh hopes seen for relaunch of trade talks

Fresh hopes seen for relaunch of trade talks P. Parameswaran Agence France-Presse Washington Developing and developed nations have neared consensus on several contentious trade issues giving fresh hopes for the relaunch of the Doha Round of global talks, Malaysian's trade minister said here on Monday. Rafidah Aziz said after talks with U.S.

U.S., Malaysia set pace for free trade pact

U.S., Malaysia set pace for free trade pact Agence France-Presse Washington The United States and Malaysia signed an agreement on Monday setting up a special forum to address trade issues, Washington's fifth such pact with export-driven Southeast Asian nations. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick and Malaysia's Minister of International Trade and Industry Rafidah Aziz signed the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA), which could lead to a bilateral free trade pact.

Presidential hopefuls beat registration deadline

Presidential hopefuls beat registration deadline The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The unprecedented presidential election in July looks certain to see six pairs of contenders, with the incumbent Megawati Soekarnoputri and her deputy-cum-challenger Hamzah Haz being the last to register.

Rights team probes campus attack

Rights team probes campus attack Andi Hajramurni, Makassar A National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) team found indications on Tuesdays of human rights violations in an incident in which dozens of police officers stormed the Indonesian Muslim University (UMI) in Makassar, South Sulawesi, early this month. "Preliminary evidence shows strong indications of human rights violations in the incident," said M.M. Billah, a member of the fact-finding team.

City Council rejects barter for Monas lighting project

City Council rejects barter for Monas lighting project Damar Harsanto, Jakarta The City Council has rejected the city administration's plan to have private companies pay for lighting at the National Monument (Monas) Park in Central Jakarta in exchange for free billboard space. Councillor Ahmad Heryawan of the Justice Party (PK) faction said on Tuesday that similar deals in the past were not transparent and marred by corruption and collusion.

1. DILI: 3 LINES, 15 COUNTS

1. DILI: 3 LINES, 15 COUNTS East Timor AG wants Wiranto case changes 2. REFORM: 2 LINES, 24 COUNTS Six-year-old reform drive going nowhere, critics say 3. PRESIDEN: 2 LINES, 21 COUNTS Presidential hopefuls beat registration deadline 4. ANCOL: 1 LINE, 32 COUNTS Agency probes fish poisoning at Ancol

Players urged to fight like lions against M'sia

Players urged to fight like lions against M'sia Novan Iman Santosa and Zakki P. Hakim, Jakarta Indonesia's former Thomas Cup hero Hendrawan pleaded with his successors to show a fighting spirit in the quarterfinal match against Malaysia here on Wednesday. "We have a reputation as a fearsome squad in a team event. But now we don't have the spirit. I just hope it will come out soon," Hendrawan said here before Indonesia's men's team took on New Zealand here on Tuesday.

Indonesia crusies past Germany to take on South Korea in quarterfinals

Indonesia crusies past Germany to take on South Korea in quarterfinals Zakki P. Hakim, Jakarta Indonesian girls finally got a victory when first singles Silvi Antarini led the team to a crushing defeat of Germany 3-0 in the knockout playoff round, which put them in Uber Cup Championship quarterfinals at the Bung Karno Indoor Stadium here on Tuesday. However, the girls need to ramp up their energy in an encounter against second seeded South Korea on Wednesday.

Susi delivers commentary on TV

Susi delivers commentary on TV JAKARTA: Olympic gold medalist Susi Susanti has become a commentator on TransTV for the ongoing Thomas and Uber Cups in Jakarta. she and husband Alan Budikusuma attended an editors briefing, held by Samsung Electronics Indonesia at the Mulia Hotel here on Tuesday. They had to leave the meeting an hour early because Susi had to go on TV to comment on the Indonesia-Germany play-off match.

Malaysia's Lion to invest $2.7b

Malaysia's Lion to invest $2.7b KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian conglomerate Lion group plans to invest US$2.7 billion in the next decade to expand its businesses, with a large chunk going to China to tap the world's largest consumer market, a report said on Tuesday. Chairman William Cheng was quoted by The Star newspaper as saying the group would allocate $1.5 billion to grow its Parkson departmental store chain in China, with targets to open an average six to eight outlets a year.