Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 17 May 2004

72 articles found

Shuttlers battle it out for badminton glory

Shuttlers battle it out for badminton glory Musthofid, The Jakarta Post After 10 days of competition, Sunday marked the end of this year's Thomas and Uber Cups. While the players may be leaving, many will be taking with them memories to last a life time. They chopped deceivingly, smashed deeply and delivered cunning drop shots and smart flicks over the net -- all part of lightening-quick plots to bring down their opponents.

Mega meets Xanana on bilateral issues

Mega meets Xanana on bilateral issues Wahyoe Boediwardhana, Denpasar President Megawati Soekarnoputri met with her East Timorese counterpart Xanana Gusmao in Bali on Saturday to discuss bilateral issues including human rights. The most pertinent question at the moment in this regard is the case of the Golkar Party's presidential candidate, Gen. (ret) Wiranto, the former chief of the Indonesian Military for whom a district court in Dili, East Timor, issued an arrest warrant last Monday.

Womintra wins ASEAN energy award

Womintra wins ASEAN energy award Yemris Fointuna, Kupang The Women in Transition Foundation (Womintra) won the first prize in the New and Renewable Energy Source awards held by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Chiang Mai, Thailand, last month. The foundation beat competitors from other southeast Asian countries after its environmentally friendly electricity project was declared the best by competition judges.

FINAL REVISION

FINAL REVISION Ericsson Indonesia retains its strong position in telecom market Sweden-based Ericsson has maintained a presence in Indonesia since 1907. Ericsson has not only been involved in the development of the country's telecommunications infrastructure, but equally important has supplied equipment, systems, solutions and services to its customers in Indonesia. Below is an excerpt of an interview with PT Ericsson Indonesia president director Mitch Lewis.

Damaged road angers residents

Damaged road angers residents TANGERANG: A Rp 5 billion (US$561,798) project to repair the road from Cadas to Kukun in Tangerang regency began two years ago, but residents say there is little to show for the money. Frustrated residents living along the 12-kilometer stretch of road called on Tangerang Regent Ismet Iskandar to pay a visit to the site. Yanto, who lives in the area and works in Jakarta, said it took him 30 minutes every day just to traverse the 12 kilometers.

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-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sweden-based Ericsson has had its presence in Indonesia since 1907. Ericsson has not only been involved in the development of the country's telecommunications infrastructure but equally important supplied equipments, systems, and solutions to its customers in Indonesia. Below is an excerpt of an interview with PT Ericsson Indonesia's President Director Mitch Lewis.

Government raises concerns over dementia

Government raises concerns over dementia Dewi Santoso, Jakarta Commemorating the sixth anniversary of Senior Citizens Day on Saturday, the government is raising public awareness on how to delay the onset of dementia in some 16 million senior citizens, around 15 percent of whom suffer from the disease. Dementia is severe organic mental deficiency or impairment, which leads to a deterioration of the ability to memorize or recognize people and things.

Turbulence in financial markets

Turbulence in financial markets The turbulence in the foreign exchange and stock markets in Indonesia and other Asian countries will continue until the Federal Reserve finally decides on how much it will increase its funds rate and businesses have made reasonable assessments of the impact of monetary tightening in China, the world's fourth largest trading nation.

NGO decries DPD members meeting with governor

NGO decries DPD members meeting with governor Damar Harsanto, Jakarta Last Thursday's meeting between Governor Sutiyoso, his officials and the four Regional Representative Council (DPD) members-elect was criticized by the Jakarta Residents Forum (Fakta) on Saturday, which said the DPD members should have asked for input from their constituents and not the governor. "By asking Sutiyoso about Jakarta's complexities, they will get only superficial answers from him, of course.

Most workers still lack insurance

Most workers still lack insurance Ridwan Max Sijabat, Jakarta Most Indonesian workers, both at home and overseas, remain unprotected, but the government appears reluctant to provide them with the sort of insurance cover they need, the president of the state social insurance provider says. The president of state-owned insurance company PT Jamsostek, Achmad Junaidi, blamed the lack of worker protection on the weak enforcement of Law No.

Three kids lose mother in tollway accident

Three kids lose mother in tollway accident Evi Mariani, Jakarta Two people were killed and four injured, three of them children, in a three-vehicle smash on the Wiyoto Wiyono tollroad in Rawamangun, East Jakarta, on Saturday at around 8:30 p.m. A mother, Krisdawansah, 42, and her babysitter, Wiwin, 24, both of Cipete, South Jakarta, died in the accident. It was not known if the two were wearing seat belts.

Court to deliver verdict on 'Tempo'

Court to deliver verdict on 'Tempo' JAKARTA: The East Jakarta District Court is scheduled to deliver its verdict on Monday in a civil suit filed by well- connected businessman Tomy Winata against Tempo magazine's senior editor, Goenawan Mohamad. The verdict was due to be handed down last week but the panel of judges postponed it saying they were not yet ready. Goenawan was sued for a comment he made in Koran Tempo daily likening Tomy to a thug.

City evicts vendors in run-up to election

City evicts vendors in run-up to election Damar Harsanto, Jakarta Ahead of the campaign period for the July 5 presidential election, the Jakarta administration has begun a month-long campaign of its own to evict street vendors. "The evictions are routine. Since we will have the presidential election campaign (beginning on June 1), we are carrying out selective evictions on small numbers of targets," said Jakarta Public Order Office head Soebagio over the weekend.

Fery free; GAM takes seven more

Fery free; GAM takes seven more The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A weary but grinning Fery Santoro, an RCTI television cameraman, was finally released on Sunday after being held hostage almost a year by the Free Aceh Movement (GAM). However, anxiety prevailed in the media community as the separatist group abducted additional reporters accompanying the negotiation team, a GAM spokesman said.

JP/P.J. Leo

JP/P.J. Leo NATIONAL-PLUS: Universitas Bina Nusantara (UBiNus) has several buildings, including the Joseph Wibowo Center (above), located on Jl. Hang Lekir, South Jakarta. UBiNus is a national-plus university that offers an international curriculum. PHOTO A: Aji Nugroho Indonesian students attending a college in Australia pose for a photograph in front of Indonesia's Consulate General in Melbourne following the celebration of Independence Day.

'Veteran' printers vie for new KPU contract

'Veteran' printers vie for new KPU contract Moch. N. Kurniawan, Jakarta The General Elections Commission (KPU) is selecting from among 17 printing firms that printed ballot papers for the general election to produce ballot papers for the presidential election. A KPU document shows that a group of firms led by PT Dharma Anugrah Indah (DAI) tops the list of bidders with a printing capacity of 362,000 ballots per hour using a sheet machine.

Army deserter apprehended as suspected separatist

Army deserter apprehended as suspected separatist M. Azis Tunny, Ambon, Maluku A team of soldiers from the Indonesian Military (TNI) has arrested a deserter in Ambon charged with membership of the separatist movement, the Maluku Sovereignty Front (FKM), an official said on Saturday. The arrest, the first of its kind, was made some three weeks after a riot broke out in the Maluku provincial capital, Ambon, which killed 39 and wounded hundreds of others.

Greater attention to education needed

Greater attention to education needed From Kompas Heavy rains caused the collapse of school buildings in Tangerang, Banten, recently. The ruined Cikupa IV primary school was even used by commercial sex workers as a site for their business transactions before local authorities stepped in. Twenty students were injured in the collapse of a secondary school in Serang. These two cases indicate how education in this country requires greater attention from the government and society.

Telkom plans regional expansion in 2007

Telkom plans regional expansion in 2007 Rendi A. Witular, Jakarta State telecommunication firm PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom) is planning to acquire several telecommunication companies in the region as part of its strategy to become a leading regional player, company management said.

*PKB to support Wiranto, if Gus Dur fails lineup Page 2

*PKB to support Wiranto, if Gus Dur fails lineup Page 2 *Most Indonesian workers still lack insurance Page 4 *Deserter apprehended as suspected member of FKM Page 5 *Challenges for the new government leadership Page 6 *City evicts vendors in run-up to election Page 8 *Myanmar under fire for talks without Suu Kyi Page 9 *Lakers eliminate defending champion Spurs Page 11 *Airlines yet to decide on new fares despite high oil prices Page 13 *Fairy tale comes true for Aussie princess Page 20

JP/4/scene17

JP/4/scene17 RI criticizes S'pore over extradition pact JAKARTA: Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda reiterated here on Saturday Indonesia's call for Singapore to agree on an extradition treaty that would enable it to extradite accused Indonesian criminals to Jakarta. He accused Singapore of not cooperating with Indonesia in its efforts to forge an extradition treaty between the neighboring countries.

Youths form group to support Susilo

Youths form group to support Susilo JAKARTA: Hundreds of youths announced on Saturday the establishment of a group called Angkatan Muda Demokrat to support the campaign presidential candidate Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. However, during a ceremony at Balai Sarbini in South Jakarta, the new group's chairman, Yasulipar Sinaga, was unable to provide any details on how the youth group planned to help Susilo and his running mate Jusuf Kalla.

Gorontalo to build world class stadium

Gorontalo to build world class stadium GORONTALO, Gorontalo: The Gorontalo regency government will build an international soccer stadium in the regency. Aris Ardianto, an official at the Public Works Office at the administration, said on Saturday. The plan will be carried out, following the construction of a large monument called Menara Keagungan and a super mall Pentadio Resort and Mall.

Acehnese people's perceptions of martial law differ

Acehnese people's perceptions of martial law differ Nani Farida, Banda Aceh The clock reads 11 p.m. but residents of the capital Banda Aceh are still crisscrossing the streets. Food vendors hawk their goods and several public transportation vehicles are operating as midnight approaches. "We remain open until 1 a.m.," said Rizal, 40, a cake vendor from West Sumatra.

RI to hold nuclear seminar

RI to hold nuclear seminar A seminar will be held in Jakarta for two days this week to discuss the possible development of nuclear power plants in Indonesia. The seminar, jointly organized by the National Atomic Agency (Batan) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, was scheduled from May 17 through May 18 at the Jakarta Hilton International hotel, a spokesman for the Japanese company, Hideo Ikuno, said in a statement on Saturday.

RI criticizes S'pore over extradition pact

RI criticizes S'pore over extradition pact JAKARTA: Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda reiterated here on Saturday Indonesia's call for Singapore to agree on an extradition treaty that would enable it to extradite accused Indonesian criminals to Jakarta. He accused Singapore of not cooperating with Indonesia in its efforts to forge an extradition treaty between the neighboring countries.

Infrastructure funding shortfall dims lights on Asian growth

Infrastructure funding shortfall dims lights on Asian growth Martin Abbugao, Agence France-Presse, Jeju, South Korea A shortfall in the massive funding needed to build roads, ports, power plants and other infrastructure in Asia could dim the lights on the region's brightening economic growth, experts said Saturday.

Swiss German University prepares for the Future

Swiss German University prepares for the Future No one can live without food. But only a few people are aware of the complexity of the technology of food processing. Take rice, for example. Indonesia, a country where most of the people eat rice, is actually facing a big problem with rice storage which causes a loss of up to one-third of the harvest or about US$2.2 billion a year, says Prof. Dr. Peter Pscheid, Rector of Swiss German University (SGU).

American citizen charged in Karaha Bodas graft scandal

American citizen charged in Karaha Bodas graft scandal P.C. Naommy, Jakarta Police have declared an American citizen a suspect in the Karaha Bodas geothermal scandal, bringing the number of the suspects to three. The police charged Robert McKutchen, the vice president of Karaha Bodas Co.

Where to go in Jakarta: Monday, May 17, 2004

Where to go in Jakarta: Monday, May 17, 2004 Exhibitions * Painting A Street called Margutta by Remo Rapetti at Multifunctional Room, Istituto Italiano di Cultura, Jl.H.O.S Cokroaminoto No. 117, Central Jakarta, until May 30. * Sex and the City - an exhibition of Indonesian erotic art from the 13th to the 20th century. Stone, terracotta, bronze, wood, textiles, gold and silver at Dharma Mulia Galleries, Jl. Ciputat Raya No. 50 (Tel. 7492850), 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., until May 31.

Pertamina to boost unleaded gasoline output

Pertamina to boost unleaded gasoline output Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Indramayu, West Java State oil and gas firm PT Pertamina aims to boost the production of environmentally friendly unleaded gasoline in the future. Edi Setianto, general manager of Pertamina's Balongan refinery in Indramayu, West Java, said although the current consumption rate was still low, demand for the product would continue to grow.

Beos station must survive

Beos station must survive From Warta Kota The historic railway station in downtown Jakarta, known as Beos station or Kota Station, will be modernized with the addition of a shopping mall, in a project jointly managed by state railway company PT Kereta Api and a private firm. A lot of historic buildings in Kota have been demolished to serve the interests of a handful of businesspeople who have no concern for our heritage.

PKB to support Wiranto if Gus Dur fails to make lineup

PKB to support Wiranto if Gus Dur fails to make lineup The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Surabaya The National Awakening Party (PKB) looks certain to throw its support behind Golkar presidential candidate Gen. (ret) Wiranto after the General Elections Commission (KPU) declared its own candidate, Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid, ineligible to stand.

Another blow to the press freedom

Another blow to the press freedom Another swan song was sung for the country's press freedom when the Central Jakarta District Court ordered Trust magazine to pay Rp 1 billion (US$112.360) in a libel case against John Hamenda and his company PT Petindo Perkasa. The court also ordered Trust to apologize in a one-page ad in its edition.

1. ACEH -- 1 x 35

1. ACEH -- 1 x 35 'Acehnese' stage their life story 2. GAMES -- 2 x 24 U.S. colleges now offer video game studies

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

1. PARTIES: 48 pt, 3 cols, 3 x 18 PKB to back Wiranto if Gus Dur fails to make lineup 2. FISH: 36 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 28 Price fall nets losses for fishermen 3. MAY: 30 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 27 Awaiting justice for May riots, victims ready to forgive 4. GUN: 28 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 37 Students arrested for carrying weapons 5. TENDER: 30 pt, 5 cols, 1 x 47 'Veteran' printers vie for new KPU contract

Coal trucks cause congestion

Coal trucks cause congestion BANJARMASIN: Hundreds of trucks blocked on Saturday Jl. Liang Anggang, Jl. Lingkar Selatan and Jl. Achmad Yani, after a truck carrying coal hit a motorcycle earlier in the morning on Jl. Anggang, killing two people. The drivers of the trucks parked the trucks along the streets, after police personnel prohibited them from heading to Trisakti Port in Banjarmasin, for fear of retaliation by local residents, following the fatal accident.

'Acehnese' stage their life story

'Acehnese' stage their life story Christina Schott, Contributor/Jakarta First it was just a letter, pinned to a tree in the center of a village somewhere in Aceh: "All inhabitants who are not Acehnese should leave the province immediately." Then there were rumors about other nearby villages, where houses were burned down and people disappeared in the forest. In the end, the villagers were threatened, their children kidnapped, their possessions stolen.

GSM operators watch CDMA expansion cautiously

GSM operators watch CDMA expansion cautiously Rudijanto, Contributor/Jakarta Barely a year after the operation of CDMA-based operators the number of GSM users in Indonesia remains unchallenged, as it soared to 20 million as of last month and is expected to reach 28 million by year-end.

Hundreds flee after volcano erupts

Hundreds flee after volcano erupts JAKARTA: Hundreds of people on an eastern Indonesian island have been forced from their homes by a volcanic eruption, a local government official said on Saturday. Mount Sirung on Pantar Island in East Nusa Tenggara province began spewing smoke and dust about two days ago, said Johanis Kosapilawan, a spokesman for the provincial government. He said hundreds of residents within one or two kilometers of the volcano had been moved to a safer area. -- AFP

National education in confusion

National education in confusion From Media Indonesia The proposed closure of public administration colleges for budgetary reasons is in my view due to the authorities' inability to manage national education affairs in an effective and efficient manner. It seems that those appearing with the idea of eliminating public administration colleges are confused and have no concern over the consequences of such a measure in the future.

Thousands rally against US abuses

Thousands rally against US abuses JAKARTA: Over 1,000 supporters of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) staged a rally at the Proclamation Monument in Central Jakarta on Sunday, condemning the United States' occupation of Iraq. The protesters said the U.S. rule of Iraq had resulted in the humiliation of their fellow Muslims there, with the abuses perpetrated against Iraqi prisoners in Abu Ghraib prison being a blatant example.

Deforestation leading to power crisis

Deforestation leading to power crisis Oyos Saroso H.N., Bandarlampung Almost 60 percent of the 45,000-hectare water catchment area around the Batutegi reservoir in Tanggamus regency, Lampung, is now in a critical condition due to rampant illegal logging. The dam was just inaugurated by President Megawati Soekarnoputri on March 8 this year.

Price fall nets losses for fishermen

Price fall nets losses for fishermen Urip Hudiono, Jakarta Only two days after the Muara Angke Fish Market management claimed sales was not affected by media reports on dead fish found in Jakarta Bay, fishermen in the area bemoaned that prices had dropped by up to 50 percent since Saturday.

NU reluctant to request Hasyim's resignation

NU reluctant to request Hasyim's resignation Suherdjoko, Rembang, Central Java Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) patrons have gathered here to discuss the nomination of its leader, Hasyim Muzadi, as running mate to President Megawati Soekarnoputri and its consequences for the country's largest Muslim organization. The closed meeting was still underway at Puri Indah Hotel at the time of printing, under heavy security provided by civilian security guards who forced journalists to wait in the hotel lobby.

It is hard to meet with Mega: Agum

It is hard to meet with Mega: Agum CIREBON, West Java: Communications minister Agum Gumelar said on Saturday he has had difficulty securing a meeting with President Megawati Soekarnoputri since agreeing to be Hamzah Haz's vice presidential candidate in the July 5 presidential election. He said earlier that he wanted to quit the Cabinet after being selected as the running mate for presidential candidate Hamzah Haz. However, he has yet to tender his resignation to Megawati.

Challenges for the new government leadership

Challenges for the new government leadership Aziz, Kuala Kencana, Papua The upcoming direct election for national leadership (president and vice president) certainly invites a certain level of passion on the part of the people, amid rising expectations of a more legitimate and better government. Chances for manipulation and dirty maneuvering by politicians are limited, and now every politician must admit that power is not fully subscribed under their fingertips any longer.

UN extends its mission in Dili

UN extends its mission in Dili UNITED NATION: The United Nations Security Council voted unanimously on Friday to renew for six months the mandate of the UN Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET). Resolution 1543 extends the mandate of UNMISET for six months, with a view to a "further and final" six month extension taking it to May 20, 2005.

NGOs seek open door to House

NGOs seek open door to House Kurniawan Hari, Jakarta Legislators assured on Sunday that the public at large would be given access to the law making process in the House of Representatives (DPR) through their opinions related to bills under deliberation. The public, however, could not take part in the deliberation process itself as this came within the purview of the lawmakers and the government.

Chinese, Danes poised for cup history

Chinese, Danes poised for cup history Novan Iman Santosa and Zakki P. Hakim, Jakarta Sunday's Thomas Cup final is likely to provide yet another entertaining encounter when favorite China will be challenged by Europe's best team Denmark. Whichever team wins the encounter will be crowned the new champion after Indonesia, which had held the trophy since 1994, crashed out in the semifinals on Friday.

Arroyo takes strong lead in vote count

Arroyo takes strong lead in vote count Agence France-Presse, Manila Philippine President Gloria Arroyo took a strong lead on Sunday over chief rival Fernando Poe in a government-sanctioned election "quick-count" as a watchdog body said it saw no signs of massive cheating alleged by the opposition.

3 heads

3 heads 1. ZATNI -- 2 x 32 Motorola V600: Sleek, four-band handset with great features 2. GADGET -- 2 x 24 E3 showcases latest top video game gadgets 3. VISHNU -- 2 x 28 Indonesian IT awaits more support from the government

Swiss German University prepares for the Future

Swiss German University prepares for the Future No one can live without food. But only a few people are aware of the complexity of the technology of food processing. Take rice, for example. Indonesia, a country where most of the people eat rice, is actually facing a big problem with rice storage which causes a loss of up to one-third of the harvest or about US$2.2 billion a year, says Prof. Dr. Peter Pscheid, Rector of Swiss German University (SGU).

Hazardous waste poses headache to Pertamina

Hazardous waste poses headache to Pertamina Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Indramayu, West Java State oil and gas company PT Pertamina is facing serious problems about how it deals with hazardous waste materials produced by its main Balongan oil refinery.

S'pore men want to bring back wives

S'pore men want to bring back wives SINGAPORE: More Singaporean men are turning to their local MPs for help to bring their Indonesian wives and children to the city-state to stay permanently, the Sunday Times reported. Three MPs told the newspaper they now receive an average of 20 such cases last year compared with two or three cases annually five years ago. Most of the men, usually divorced, met their wives on the Indonesian island of Batam while on a weekend trip there.

USO project: Connecting the unreachable

USO project: Connecting the unreachable Hendarsyah Tarmizi, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta This special page is published in observance of World Telecommunications Day, which is celebrated worldwide on May 17. The special page reports the challenges and opportunities in the country's telecommunications sector. In May 1844, Samuel Morse transmitted the first message by telegraph. The message was heard 37 miles away and it changed history, forever.

Cattle truck crashes in Ngawi, kills seven

Cattle truck crashes in Ngawi, kills seven I.D. Nugroho, Surabaya Seven people died when a truck transporting cattle plunged into a six-meter-deep river in the regency of Ngawi, East Java, early on Sunday. Ten cows were also killed in the accident. Of the seven casualties, only three have been identified so far: truck driver Hari Bulin, mechanic Eng Adya Untara and M. Sofyan, a passenger.

Newmont says it prioritizes environmental protection in Sumbawa

Newmont says it prioritizes environmental protection in Sumbawa Copper and gold miner PT Newmont Nusa Tenggara is one of eight companies that recently received a government award for meeting environmental standards in its operations. The company, a subsidiary of U.S.-based Newmont Mining Corporation, operates the Batu Hijau mine in Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara.

Publishers booking solid gains

Publishers booking solid gains Yuli Tri Suwarni, Bandung The country's publishing industry bounced back last year with the publication of some 6,000 titles, exceeding the previous record of 5,000 titles set in 1997. Awod Said, a spokesman for the Indonesian Publishing Association (IKAPI), said over the weekend that the increase in the number of book published reflected an increased willingness to read books on the part of the public.

Indonesian IT awaits more support from the government

Indonesian IT awaits more support from the government Vishnu K. Mahmud, vmahmud@yahoo.com Internet search powerhouse Google (www.google.com) recently announced plans to launch an initial public offering (IPO) on the U.S. stock market, perhaps heralding a return of the good old days of the dot-com boom.

N. Korea welcomes Roh reinstatement

N. Korea welcomes Roh reinstatement SOUTH KOREA: North Korea on Sunday welcomed the reinstatement of South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun, urging South Koreans to launch a battle against U.S. troops. Roh was reinstated last week after South Korea's constitutional court rejected his impeachment by the National Assembly, ending two months of political paralysis.

Maluku treason cases top agenda

Maluku treason cases top agenda AMBON, Maluku: The Maluku Prosecutor's Office has decided to fast-track the treason cases against activists of the Maluku Sovereignty Front (FKM). "Our target is to bring the suspects before the court as soon as possible. But it all depends on the police investigation into the case," chief of the prosecutor's office, Masri Djinin, told The Jakarta Post on Saturday.

I take the blame for the defeat: Chairul

I take the blame for the defeat: Chairul Eva C. Komandjaja, Jakarta The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) has pleaded that members of the team should not point the finger of blame at each other for Indonesia's failure in the semifinals of the Thomas Cup badminton championship on Friday.

Transportation policy needs review

Transportation policy needs review From Media Indonesia The 3-in-1 policy on major roads in Jakarta has been extended to the afternoon (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.), while a new busway corridor between Blok M and Kota is now operating. Nonetheless, the city's muddled traffic is not getting better. An estimated 20 million people continue to pack into the city during working hours.

More weapons found in Poso

More weapons found in Poso POSO, Central Sulawesi: Military personnel discovered on Friday more weapons and bombs in their door-to-door search in Madale subdistrict, Poso Kota district here. Lt. Col. Tito Airlambang, the chief of operations, said on Saturday that the weapons and bombs were found buried in forest areas and farms in the subdistrict. The weapons included six homemade rifles, dozens of rounds of live ammunition of various caliber and eight homemade bombs. -- JP

Padang to build new road

Padang to build new road PADANG, West Sumatra: The Singapore Investment Donor Body is planning to disburse Rp 40 billion in a soft loan to Padang city government to build an eight-kilometer road connecting Nipah area to Teluk Bayur port in the city. The road development is aimed at enhancing economic activities in the city, said Hedijarto, the head of bridge and road infrastructure office at the Padang administration on Saturday. -- Antara

Students arrested for carrying weapons

Students arrested for carrying weapons Evi Mariani, Jakarta Two students were arrested separately on Saturday for carrying a homemade gun and a sword respectively on their way home from school. Police have yet to decide what to charge them with. Bangkit Widodo, 16, a first-year student at the STM Teladan private vocational school was arrested by Jagakarsa Police on Saturday at around 1 p.m.

Airlines yet to decide on new fares

Airlines yet to decide on new fares Tony Hotland, Jakarta Major Indonesian airlines have yet to decide on whether to charge passengers with new levy amid surging oil prices that are affecting the price of jet fuel. Garuda Indonesia spokesman Pujobroto said the airline was currently evaluating the impact of the surging oil prices, as fuel was one of its main operating costs. "We may increase fares, but not for the time being," Pujobroto told The Jakarta Post over the weekend.

Ulemas want mayor to erase prostitution

Ulemas want mayor to erase prostitution TANGERANG: A group of ulema have asked Tangerang Mayor Wahidin Halim to eliminate prostitution in the municipality, citing fears that sex workers could spread HIV/AIDS. "The ulemas are willing to take part in raids to drive prostitutes and transvestite sex workers from the town," said Lau Pangkun, an official with the Indonesian Tionghoa Muslim Unity Body, on Saturday.

Awaiting justice for May riot, victims ready to forgive

Awaiting justice for May riot, victims ready to forgive Muninggar Sri Saraswati, Jakarta Chinese-Indonesians pressed on Saturday for the prosecution of the masterminds and perpetrators of the deadly May riots in 1998, which killed over 1,000 people in Jakarta and other towns. "We will forgive them only after we know the truth and it means the perpetrators must be brought to justice," Ong Heru, a victim of the riots, told a discussion entitled: The May 1998 Tragedy, Shall We Forget It?.

'I will still eat fish, I'm not worried'

'I will still eat fish, I'm not worried' The Jakarta Environmental Management Agency (BPLHD) has called on the local residents to stop consuming fish and clams due to the high pollution level in Jakarta Bay. However, many fishermen at Muara Angke fish market argued that they caught fish in open seas, and therefore, their fish were safe to eat. The Jakarta Post talked to some residents about the issue. Mercy Adriani, 34, is a diet consultant at a slimming center in Menteng, Central Jakarta.

Residents hold out for higher canal compensation

Residents hold out for higher canal compensation Bambang Nurbianto, Jakarta Residents whose land will be affected by the East Flood Canal project are insisting the city administration meet their compensation demands, despite being given a six-month deadline to accept the price being offered by the city. If the deadline passes with no resolution to the stalemate, the administration has said that it will ask the president to revoke the residents' land ownership rights.