Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 22 May 2004

94 articles found

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The upcoming presidential elections: A prognosis Jusuf Wanandi Jakarta 2. Elwin -- Searching for a visionary leader 1 X 30 Searching for a visionary leader Elwin Tobing Iowa, U.S.

Campaigns should be informative

Campaigns should be informative From Koran Tempo Indonesia's first direct presidential election is a great leap forward in the country's political history towards a government of the people. This is thanks to the successful amendment of the 1945 Constitution by the People's Consultative Assembly despite the challenges this process threw up. Now the presidential campaign teams are canvassing the public to gain support for their candidates.

Music draws E. Timorese closer to Indonesians

Music draws E. Timorese closer to Indonesians Kanis Dursin, Dili, East Timor "I don't understand what I'm feeling, a feeling of longing that has never been so strong, I love you more than you know, although you will never know" go some of the lyrics of popular Indonesian band Dewa's song Pupus or Vanish. Perhaps it was that feeling of longing that drove tens of thousands of Dili residents to the Municipal Stadium to watch Dewa play on May 15.

Senior official off to KL for maid abuse case

Senior official off to KL for maid abuse case Ridwan M. Sijabat and Adianto P. Simamora , Jakarta One day after Malaysia offered an official apology to a young Indonesian maid, who was repeatedly beaten and burned with a hot iron by her employer, a senior official of the Indonesian Ministry of Manpower and Transmigration flew to Kuala Lumpur to deal with the abuse case.

JP/19/GALIGO

JP/19/GALIGO 'I La Galigo' springs new, young artists Carla Bianpoen Contributor/Amsterdam, The Netherlands Three days of prolonged standing ovations and commending reviews from the Dutch media are making I La Galigo's first European stop in the prestigious Het Muziek Theater in Amsterdam worth the 200,000 euro (US ) that the Muziek Theater spent to get the Galigo on their stage. In fact, as guest director, Pieter Hofman revealed that the overall investment was 320,000 euro.

;JP;

;JP; ANPAv..r.. Photo-Purosani-Hotel Photo caption JP/ Photo caption Melia Purosani Hotel GOOD-BYE, YOGYAKARTA!: Fredrick Arul, the general manager of the Melia Purosani Hotel Jogjakarta, poses with Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X. Arul met with the sultan on May 22 to express his gratitude for the sultan's support during his assignment as the general manager of the Melia Purosani Hotel Jogjakarta. Arul is leaving Yogyakarta to take over the general manager position at the Melia Hanoi Vietnam.

Yogyakarta goes on tourism road show to S'pore, KL

Yogyakarta goes on tourism road show to S'pore, KL Malaysia, Singapore Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post/Yogyakarta In an effort to pitch itself as a worthwhile tourist destination, Yogyakarta has sent a delegation to the capitals of Singapore and Malaysia for a promotional tour. The tour, named The Amazing Jogja Road Show Singapore- Malaysia, was initiated to support new direct flights -- the Yogyakarta-Singapore and Yogyakarta-Kuala Lumpur routes.

City to establish transportation watchdog

City to establish transportation watchdog Damar Harsanto, Jakarta Responding to public criticism on the city's transportation policies, the Jakarta administration is to establish a Transportation Council in August at the latest. The deadline under Bylaw No. 12/2003 for the establishment of the council -- which is to accommodate public input regarding the transportation policies -- was this month.

Jakarta police still pursuing mangrove case: Prasetyo

Jakarta police still pursuing mangrove case: Prasetyo Evi Mariani, Jakarta Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Prasetyo said on Friday that their investigation was moving along well and they would soon find the suspects in the illegal felling of about 240 mangrove trees adjacent to the Sedyatmo toll road in Kapuk, North Jakarta. "So far, we have questioned 11 witnesses, and will question one witness later on Monday," he said.

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta PT Coca-Cola Indonesia and its bottling company have denied all of the charges outlined against them in a suit filed by a Japanese man who claims he became ill after drinking a bottle of Coke. Following a hearing on Tuesday of the civil lawsuit filed by Takasu Masaharu at the South Jakarta District Court, Masaharu's lawyer said his client had decided to pursue legal action because the company had showed no willingness to resolve the case.

Govt urged to release account on Aceh's martial law

Govt urged to release account on Aceh's martial law Ridwan Max Sijabat Jakarta Political observers have called on the government to release the accountability report of the one-year martial law and integrated military operation in Aceh, which cost over Rp 2 trillion (US$229.8 million).

TNI revising operation in Aceh

TNI revising operation in Aceh Tiarma Siboro Jakarta The Indonesian Military (TNI) has admitted the one-year military operation in Aceh under martial law failed to live up to earlier expectations. TNI spokesman Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said the military was planning a new strategic field operation after the government lifted martial law in the war-torn province last week, arguing that the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) still exists.

Dead fish in Ancol 'a natural occurance'

Dead fish in Ancol 'a natural occurance' Damar Harsanto , Jakarta Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso announced on Friday the results of lab tests performed on dead fish that washed up on beaches in Ancol, North Jakarta, over the past several weeks, saying the deaths were a natural phenomenon. Citing the findings of scientists at the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), the governor said an increased algae population had absorbed the oxygen in the seawater, killing fish and clams.

2 heads

2 heads 1. ROAD -- Yogya goes on tourism road show to S'pore, KL 2. FEST -- 1 x 55 Festival Gunung Jawa, fringe arts fest of local talent

Lax discipline in badminton training

Lax discipline in badminton training Adequate preparation will be reflected in the competition. This is true for every sport, including badminton. The poor result at the just-concluded 2004 Thomas and Uber Cup championships was the result of the national squad's poor preparation.

Siemens launches four new models

Siemens launches four new models Tony Hotland Jakarta Siemens mobile, the mobile communication group of Siemens AG, launched on Friday four new cellular phone models as part of efforts to win a larger market share in Indonesia's mobile phone market. The four new models are the C65, CX65, M65 and S65, which cover the entire spectrum from an entry-level phone to a sophisticated high-end device featuring a 1.3-megapixel camera.

Generals responsible for past rights abuses: Komnas

Generals responsible for past rights abuses: Komnas Muninggar Sri Saraswati, Jakarta The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) appealed to all presidential and vice presidential candidates to carefully read its reports on human rights violations to prevent them from recurring. Komnas HAM Chairman Abdul Hakim Garuda Nusantara said the reports clearly identified the gravity of the rights violations and who was thought to be responsible for the abuses.

Don't ask the legislators

Don't ask the legislators From Bisnis Indonesia The recent legislative election has created new representatives. They have spent hundreds of millions and even billions of rupiah to secure their "respectable" positions. The question is whether they will struggle for the public interest. We already know the legislative institution resulting from the 1999 general election, which cost less than this year's election, produced new corruptors.

Hundreds flee Awu volcano

Hundreds flee Awu volcano Jongker Rumthe, Manado Hundreds of villagers fled their homes on Friday as Mount Awu in the Sangihe islands, North Sulawesi, continued to belch out ash and smoke. Local authorities issued an official warning to residents living on the slopes of the 1,320-meter-high volcano after it became more active on Thursday.

China-ASEAN reach basic consensus on world's largest free trade area

China-ASEAN reach basic consensus on world's largest free trade area Agence France-Presse Beijing Negotiations on establishing a China-ASEAN free trade area are set to wind up ahead of schedule next month after the parties reached a basic consensus that would create the world's biggest trade zone, state press reported Friday.

Festival Gunung Jawa, fringe arts fest of local talent

Festival Gunung Jawa, fringe arts fest of local talent Tarko Sudiarno, The Jakarta Post/Magelang, Central Java A festival of popular art and culture in the vicinity of Mt. Merapi, Mt. Merbabu and Mt. Sumbing in Central Java will highlight the month-long display of local talent in the Mendut Studio, Magelang, planned for June 2004.

Bombing suspect arrested

Bombing suspect arrested Abdul Khalik, Jakarta Police announced on Friday that investigators from Riau and North Sumatra Police had arrested the last key suspect in a Pekanbaru bombing, identified as Boy Sipahutar, after pursuing him for almost a month. National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar said after Friday prayers that Boy's capture would shed light on the origins of the high-explosive materials used in the bombing.

Siemens launches four new models

Siemens launches four new models Tony Hotland, Jakarta Siemens mobile, the mobile communication group of Siemens AG, launched on Friday four new cellular phone models as part of efforts to win a larger market share in Indonesia's mobile phone market. The four new models are the C65, CX65, M65 and S65, which cover the entire spectrum from an entry-level phone to a sophisticated high-end device featuring a 1.3-megapixel camera.

BPK offers rare praise to Bank Indonesia

BPK offers rare praise to Bank Indonesia Zakki P. Hakim, Jakarta The Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) has praised Bank Indonesia for showing goodwill in improving its financial statement by adopting proper accounting standards. In contrast, BPK chief Satrio Budihardjo Joedono said that most government institutions kept repeating the same mistakes in reporting their financial position.

Golkar seeks

Golkar seeks more support JAKARTA: The campaign team of Golkar Party presidential candidate Gen. (ret) Wiranto will seek more support from mass- based organizations to help gather support for his bid in the July 5 election. Irsyad Sudiro, a Golkar leader and member of the team, said on Friday the party would host a national meeting for the organizations here on May 28.

Lemhanas to stay neutral in election

Lemhanas to stay neutral in election JAKARTA: The National Resilience Institute (Lemhanas) pledged on Friday to remain neutral in the presidential election. Lemhanas governor Ermaya Suriadinata said during a ceremony in observance of the institute's 39th anniversary that despite its neutrality, it would be delighted if one of its graduates was elected the next president.

Account on Aceh's martial law urged

Account on Aceh's martial law urged Ridwan Max Sijabat, Jakarta Political observers have called on the government to release the accountability report of the one-year martial law and integrated military operation in Aceh, which cost over Rp 2 trillion (US$229.8 million). Besides questioning the success of the military offensive, they also expressed skepticism about the viability of the state of civil emergency, because the civilian administration had lost confidence of people in the province.

Councillors want autonomy to stay

Councillors want autonomy to stay JAKARTA: The Association of Indonesian Municipal Legislatures (Asdeki) urged on Friday the government and the House of Representatives to maintain the genuine spirit of regional autonomy when amending Law No. 22/1999 on regional administration. "We do not oppose the review but urge the government and the House to keep regional autonomy intact," Asdeki's deputy chairman Rudi Mastura told a press conference.

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Humiliation does not belong in schools Simon Marcus Gower Jakarta 2. Opin1 -- A lesson from Thomas and Uber Cup defeats 1 X 45 Lessons from our defeats in the Thomas and Uber cups Primastuti Handayani Jakarta 3. Opini2 -- Badminton in dilemma: to change or not to change 1 X 30 Lax discipline in badminton training Primastuti Handayani Jakarta

Hundreds of Indonesians in East Timor virtually stateless

Hundreds of Indonesians in East Timor virtually stateless Hundreds of Indonesians living in East Timor are essentially stateless as they hold no documents of citizenship either from the Indonesian government or the government of East Timor. To complicate matters for officials on both sides of the border, the Indonesians refuse to consider themselves Indonesians despite the fact that they have not been granted East Timor citizenship.

Why many graduates in RI remain unemployed

Why many graduates in RI remain unemployed James Alderson, Jakarta Recently, I was asked, "Is it true that the quality of fresh Indonesian graduates is not good enough to fill most positions in the corporate sector?". Sadly, I have heard this question and its twin about school leavers (high school graduates) many times before; not only Indonesia, but in both developed and developing countries.

Public participation needed

Public participation needed Flooding continues to pose a danger to Jakarta because the city administration has yet to find a way to deal with the problem. However, flooding is not the problem of the Jakarta administration alone; it is also a problem for the citizenry. Unfortunately, when floods occur the victims are mostly citizens who, for financial reasons, have no other choice but to live in areas vulnerable to flooding.

Presidential candidates seek public debate rules

Presidential candidates seek public debate rules Kurniawan Hari, Jakarta Presidential candidates have expressed their support for a public debate ahead of the election to present their political platforms, and have called for detailed rules regarding the structure and topics of the discourse. Respective campaign team officials announced on Friday the readiness of candidates to take part in the public debate, an unprecedented event in Indonesian politics.

Students oppose school relocation

Students oppose school relocation SEMARANG: Hundreds of students and teachers of two vocational schools SMK 7 and SMK 8 staged a rally here on Friday to protest Semarang Mayor Sukawi Sutarip's plan to relocate the schools. The mayor offered the schools around Rp 120 billion as compensation for their 3.8-hectare land and buildings located in the Simpang Lima business area. The plan, initiated last September, caused anxiety among students and teachers.

Beware of lottery fraud

Beware of lottery fraud Certain people claiming to be the organizers of a "Lifebuoy lottery" have sent documents to some targets, asking them to pay tax on the prize they won via a contact phone number. The false papers include winners' certificates, as well as statements from the notary public, the Jakarta Police and the director-general of taxation. PT Unilever Indonesia Tbk., as the producer of Lifebuoy soap and shampoo, would like to make the following clarifications: 1.

Students renew call for trial of Soeharto

Students renew call for trial of Soeharto The Jakarta Post , Jakarta Students and other people marked the sixth anniversary of the fall of Soeharto by staging rallies in several cities on Friday, demanding that the reform movement be put back on track while insisting on the trial of the former president.

Better wages can lure more into plantation

Better wages can lure more into plantation V.K. Chin The Star Asia News Network Selangor, Malaysia Malaysia will always be short of labor because the people are choosy about jobs. This attitude has resulted in a million jobs that are left unfilled in the plantation, construction and manufacturing industries. Such vacancies will have to be filled by foreigners or else these sectors will not be able to operate properly.

Ancol Art Market loses its color as affordable artistic place

Ancol Art Market loses its color as affordable artistic place Leony Aurora , Jakarta The Art Market in Ancol Dreamland Park, North Jakarta, looks the same as it did when it opened on Feb. 28, 1975. Trees still shade the pathways and numerous stalls offer handicrafts, paintings and sculptures. However, the market no longer lives up to its reputation as an artists' community, where the public can watch artists at work, as observed by The Jakarta Post.

'I La Galigo' signals rise of new artists

'I La Galigo' signals rise of new artists Carla Bianpoen, Contributor/Amsterdam, The Netherlands Three days of prolonged standing ovations and commending reviews from the Dutch media are making I La Galigo's first European stop in the prestigious Het Muziek Theater in Amsterdam worth the 200,000 euro (US ) that the Muziek Theater spent to get the Galigo on their stage. In fact, as guest director, Pieter Hofman revealed that the overall investment was 320,000 euro. The public was mesmerized.

Councillors want autonomy to stay

Councillors want autonomy to stay JAKARTA: The Association of Indonesian Municipal Legislatures (Asdeki) urged on Friday the government and the House of Representatives to maintain the genuine spirit of regional autonomy when amending Law No. 22/1999 on regional administration. "We do not oppose the review but urge the government and the House to keep regional autonomy intact," Asdeki's deputy chairman Rudi Mastura told a press conference.

Snakes released to protect crops

Snakes released to protect crops YOGYAKARTA: Some 100 snakes were released in Argomulyo village, Cangkringan subdistrict, Sleman regency, to help local farmers in their battle with mice that have been destroying crops. The snake release was presided over by Sleman Regent Ibnu Subiyanto on Thursday. Apart from the released snakes, the regent warned locals not to hunt for predators living in their areas because they were proven effective in controlling the mice population in agricultural areas.

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, May 22, 2004

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, May 22, 2004 Exhibitions * Fine Art Fine Craft (Art) or Fine Nothing by Yugo Hendrolukito at Kedai Kebun Forum Restaurant's Gallery, Jl. Tirtodipuran 3 (Tel. 0274-376114, e-mail: kkforum@indosat.net.id), until May 24. * Old Javanese Architecture Seni Awang-Awang at Bentara Budaya Yogyakarta, Jl. Suroto 2 Kotabaru, until May 25. * In-door Mural Eng.ing.eng by Arie Diyanto at CCF French Cultural Center, Jl. Sagan 3 (Tel. 0274-566520/547409), May 23 to June 4.

Pasar Jaya to close seven markets

Pasar Jaya to close seven markets Damar Harsanto, Jakarta Jakarta market operator PD Pasar Jaya plans to close seven of its markets that have fared poorly in attracting a high number of visitors and vendors and convert them into alternative facilities. "We have a program this year to close down seven markets, which are currently in poor condition due to ageing. We also plan to convert them for other uses, including apartments," PD Pasar Jaya president director Prabowo Sunirman said on Friday.

The Presidential elections: A prognosis

The Presidential elections: A prognosis Jusuf Wanandi Jakarta During a conference on the Indonesian elections held by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and the Asia Pacific School of Economics and Government (APSEG) at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra on May 13 to May 14, political analysts Harry Tjan and Sjahrir did not support my prediction of a duel between Wiranto and Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in the runoff of the presidential election on Sept.20.

Fashion, food fest at Kelapa Gading

Fashion, food fest at Kelapa Gading JAKARTA: The 2004 Jakarta Fashion and Food Festival at Kelapa Gading Mall, North Jakarta, has something for everyone. For traditional culture-lovers, the "Culture Fair" was opened on Friday and will run till the end of the festival on Sunday. Located at the mall's Atrium Sogo, visitors can interact with batik artists and sculptors while they produce their work from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Lawmakers deny PKB's backroom deal claim

Lawmakers deny PKB's backroom deal claim The Jakarta Post, Jakarta At least two lawmakers denied on Friday any backroom deals during the deliberation of the existing presidential Election Law, claiming that individual interests have never been taken into account in discussing and endorsing any law. "The deliberation process is not aimed at giving an advantage to certain figures.

1. SOEHARTO: 3 LINES, 11 COUNTS

1. SOEHARTO: 3 LINES, 11 COUNTS Students renew call for trial of Soeharto 2. RIGHT: 2 LINE, 21 COUNTS Generals responsible for past rights abuses: Komnas 3. PKB: 4 LINES, 11 COUNTS Lawmakers deny PKB's backroom deal claim 4. HAMZAH: 1 LINE, 24 COUNTS Hamzah loses count of wives 5. MAID: 1 LINE, 40 COUNTS Senior official off to KL for maid abuse case

Pollution of Jakarta Bay

Pollution of Jakarta Bay I refer to your editorial in The Jakarta Post of May 15 entitled Bad smell in N. Jakarta.

TV Today: Saturday, May 22, 2004

TV Today: Saturday, May 22, 2004 TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Children Show: Pentas Ceria 7:30 Religious Teachings 8:00 Talk Show: Sehat Ala Hembing 10:00 Sports 11:30 Battle of Wits 12:30 p.m. Culture: Cakrawala Budaya 1:00 News: Berita Siang 2:00 Music 3:00 English News Service 5:00 Children Drama 6:00 TV Series 7:00 News: Berita Nasional 7:30 Music 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 9:30 Indonesian Film 10:30 Music 11:00 Shadow Puppet TPI 6:00 a.m.

Rectors convene over RI's future

Rectors convene over RI's future YOGYAKARTA: The country's university rectors convene here to formulate the high-profile vision and mission of the nation and strategies to approach them in relation to the upcoming July presidential race. Results of the meeting -- the Campus Convention for the Future of Indonesia -- will be handed to the elected president.

Tangerang gives Jakarta dump site

Tangerang gives Jakarta dump site Multa Fidrus, Tangerang The Tangerang administration is preparing 200 hectares of vacant land in four villages in Sepatan district to be used as dumps for some of Jakarta's garbage, which reaches 6,000 tons per day. An official of the Tangerang Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda), Doddy Hermiyono, said on Friday that the chiefs of Pisangan Jaya, Sarakan, Kayu Agung, and Kayu Bongkok villages claimed that their residents had agreed to the plan.

Central Bank to facilitate migrant workers

Central Bank to facilitate migrant workers The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bank Indonesia plans to cut the transfer fees for money sent home by migrant workers in a bid to help the workers avoid being extorted upon their return to Indonesia. The central bank's senior deputy governor, Anwar Nasution, said on Friday Bank Indonesia expected the Ministry of Manpower and Transmigration to submit a proposal on the plan. "We will discuss it with Jacob. We are still waiting for him (to submit his proposal).

Strange bedfellows won't have synergy

Strange bedfellows won't have synergy From Media Indonesia In their search for political allies, our presidential candidates have not described their political platforms and programs for the advancement of the country. This gives an impression the political elite only seek to gain power, status and money. The would-be leaders' missions are actually of prime importance as points of reference when any pair of them is later elected to lead the nation.

Change in the global ecology and the future of development

Change in the global ecology and the future of development Kishan Khoday, Jakarta May 22 marks the International Day for Biodiversity Protection. While most of us think of biodiversity as species facing pressures of extinction, biological diversity is also defined at its higher levels as the diversity of ecosystems found in nature.

Air Asia to boost Bandung service

Air Asia to boost Bandung service BANDUNG, West Java: Malaysian budget airline Air Asia will double the number of its flights between Bandung and Kuala Lumpur beginning July to capitalize on the high number of passengers. The airline will fly twice a day between the two cities beginning in July, up from one flight a day. The route has the airline's highest occupancy rate.

Railway security questioned

Railway security questioned From Warta Kota A robbery attempt on the Citra Jaya economy-class train was foiled after its victims reported it to the police recently. In fact, such crimes are frequent, as most passengers are reluctant to report them. Disguising themselves as hawkers or street musicians, thieves extort money, and the passengers' possessions, in the absence of security personnel.

Bekasi moves office to Delta Mas

Bekasi moves office to Delta Mas BEKASI: Not all residents know that the office of the Bekasi administration moved to the Delta Mas residential suburb, Sukamahi village, Cikarang, early this month. Regent Saleh Manaf claimed on Thursday the move was aimed at "getting closer to the residents". He said all services would be ready in August.

City to construct new busway corridors in June

City to construct new busway corridors in June Damar Harsanto Jakarta The Jakarta administration will start in June the construction of facilities for two new busway corridors from Kalideres bus terminal in West Jakarta to the National Monument (Monas) in Central Jakarta and from Monas to Pulogadung bus terminal in East Jakarta.

T-shirt makers prepare for election orders

T-shirt makers prepare for election orders Urip Hudiono, Jakarta Awaiting for the news as to who will qualify to contest the presidential election, T-shirt makers at Senen Market, Central Jakarta, said they had yet to see an increase in orders for the next campaign period. The General Elections Committee (KPU) will announce on Saturday which candidate pairs are to join the July 5 polls, while the presidential campaign period is slated to start on June 1 for one month.

Medco raises bid to acquire Novus

Medco raises bid to acquire Novus The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jakarta-listed energy company PT Medco Energi Internasional has decided to raise its bidding price for Australia's oil and gas producer Novus Petroleum Ltd. to counter a rival bid from Australia-based Sunov Petroleum Pty. In a statement to the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) on Friday, Medco said that it had raised its bid for Novus to A$1.90 per share from the previous $1.74.

Robbers take Rp 200m from PLN

Robbers take Rp 200m from PLN BOGOR: Six unidentified men broke into the office of state electricity company PLN in Sawangan subdistrict at 4 p.m. on Friday, taking away Rp 200 million (US$22,222) in cash. Achmad Saluyo, a security officer on duty at the office, said that one of the robbers pointed a gun at him while the others took the company's safe and tied up the other employees. Bogor Police chief of detectives Adj. Comr.

'No other nation dared mess with us before'

'No other nation dared mess with us before' Many people deem that the resignation of president Soeharto on May 21, 1998, had changed many things in the country, but not all for the better. Some say the nation owes Soeharto for the glorious old days, but others blame him for three decades of neglecting democratization, a legacy that led to the failure of the reform movement. The Jakarta Post asked a few residents what changes affect them most.

Students oppose school relocation

Students oppose school relocation SEMARANG: Hundreds of students and teachers of two vocational schools SMK 7 and SMK 8 staged a rally here on Friday to protest Semarang Mayor Sukawi Sutarip's plan to relocate the schools. The mayor offered the schools around Rp 120 billion as compensation for their 3.8-hectare land and buildings located in the Simpang Lima business area. The plan, initiated last September, caused anxiety among students and teachers.

Oil price strength and its ramifications for Indonesia

Oil price strength and its ramifications for Indonesia David E. Sumual Jakarta Soaring oil prices have again been creating headlines in the economic sections of most newspapers. After climbing about 40 percent last year, oil prices have continued to gyrate widely over the past two weeks. Crude oil on the New York commodity market breached the psychologically significant level of US$40/barrel to hit a 13- year high of $41.70/barrel at the beginning of this week.

JSE to attract students to Yogya

JSE to attract students to Yogya YOGYAKARTA: The provincial Regional Information Agency (BID) is holding a four-day exhibition on education, Jogja Smart Expo (JSE), to attract more students to study in the province. Scheduled to run until May 24, 2004, JSE also includes an exhibition with information on around 3,000 job opportunities. The jobs, according to Hermawan Ardiyanto of the JSE organizing committee, came from some 40 companies in Jakarta, Surakarta, Surabaya and Yogyakarta.

JP/4/MEGA

JP/4/MEGA Ambon roadblocks lifted ahead of Megawati's visit M. Azis Tunny Ambon All barricades that were established two days ago by an antiseparatist group on main streets across downtown Ambon, Maluku, were lifted on Friday to prepare for a visit by President Megawati Soekarnoputri to the riot-torn city on Saturday. A number of presidential security guards were seen in the city ensuring the safety of Megawati's first trip to Ambon after fresh clashes there last month killed at least 39 people.

August set for transport council establishment

August set for transport council establishment Damar Harsanto Jakarta Responding to public criticism on the city's transportation policies, the Jakarta administration is to establish a Transportation Council in August at the latest. The deadline under Bylaw No. 12/2003 for the establishment of the council -- which is to accommodate public input regarding the transportation policies -- was this month.

Pollution of Jakarta Bay

Pollution of Jakarta Bay I refer to your editorial in The Jakarta Post of May 15 entitled Bad smell in N. Jakarta.

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, May 22, 2004

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, May 22, 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.

Lessons from our defeats in Thomas and Uber Cup

Lessons from our defeats in Thomas and Uber Cup Primastuti Handayani, Jakarta A question was raised by many people when seeing Indonesia crash in the 2004 Thomas and Uber Cup badminton championships before a home crowd last week: What is going on with badminton development in this country? The defeat against Denmark in the Thomas Cup semifinals -- the first in Indonesia's badminton history -- was regrettable, considering the national shuttlers could have won the decisive match in the doubles.

Are parties seeking wealth?

Are parties seeking wealth? From Koran Tempo Nineteen political parties have rejected the results of the legislative election held on April 5. If this is true, it increases my conviction that most legislative candidates are seeking to amass wealth instead of working for the population. In the case of a repeat election, have they considered the consequences if people were required to go to the polls all over again?

Strange bedfellows won't have synergy

Strange bedfellows won't have synergy From Media Indonesia In their search for political allies, our presidential candidates have not described their political platforms and programs for the advancement of the country. This gives an impression the political elite only seek to gain power, status and money. The would-be leaders' missions are actually of prime importance as points of reference when any pair of them is later elected to lead the nation.

U.S. has no moral authority to preach human rights: Indonesia

U.S. has no moral authority to preach human rights: Indonesia The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the U.S. State Department over its new human rights report, saying Washington has no moral authority to assess other countries' human rights records, including Indonesia.

Golkar seeks more support

Golkar seeks more support JAKARTA: The campaign team of Golkar Party presidential candidate Gen. (ret) Wiranto will seek more support from mass- based organizations to help gather support for his bid in the July 5 election. Irsyad Sudiro, a Golkar leader and member of the team, said on Friday the party would host a national meeting for the organizations here on May 28.

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

1. DEBATE: 48 pt, 3 cols, 3 x 18 Presidential candidates seek public debate rules 2. FISH: 36 pt, 4 cols, 2 x 28 Dead fish in Ancol a natural occurrence, claims Sutiyoso 3. KPU: 32 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 25 KPU completes presidential media campaign ruling 4. SHIRT: 30 pt, 4 cols, 2 x 35 T-shirt makers prepare for more orders during presidential election 5. PASAR: 28 pt, 3 cols, 1 x 28 Pasar Jaya to close seven markets

KPU completes presidential media campaign ruling

KPU completes presidential media campaign ruling M. Taufiqurrahman, Jakarta The General Elections Commission (KPU) has completed a ruling on the presidential campaign, in a move to provide the candidates more media exposure and the public greater insight into their platforms. KPU deputy chairman Ramlan Surbakti said on Friday that the broader space should enable candidates to present their entire platform to the public, which is one of among many requirements for them.

13 companies to resume mining in forest areas

13 companies to resume mining in forest areas Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri has signed a presidential decree to allow 13 mining companies to resume activities in protected forest areas. Presidential Decree No. 41/2004, signed on May 12, is a follow up to the Government Regulation in Lieu of Law No.

AIDS body, police to ink harm reduction scheme

AIDS body, police to ink harm reduction scheme Dewi Santoso, Jakarta The Jakarta National AIDS Commission (KPA Jakarta) and the Jakarta Police are set soon to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on protection for volunteers and receivers participating in a controversial harm reduction program. The program is a scheme that provides injecting drug users (IDUs) with the alternatives of either methadone treatment or sterile, disposable needles.

* KPU completes presidential campaign regulation Page 2

* KPU completes presidential campaign regulation Page 2 * Account on Aceh martial law urged Page 4 * Special report on Indonesia-East Timor relations Page 5 * Why many graduates in RI remain unemployed Page 6 * Jakarta to establish transportation watchdog Page 8 * Pistons rout Nets to book place in conference finals Page 9 * Scramble for Cabinet seats in India's new coalition Page 11 * BPK offers rare praise to Central Bank Page 13 * Jogja on tourism road show to Singapore, KL Page 17

TNI devises new strategy for Aceh under new status

TNI devises new strategy for Aceh under new status Tiarma Siboro, Jakarta The Indonesian Military (TNI) has admitted the one-year military operation in Aceh under martial law failed to live up to earlier expectations. TNI spokesman Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said the military was planning a new strategic field operation after the government lifted martial law in the war-torn province last week, arguing that the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) still exists.

Cooperatives ministry scores highly on revolving funds: BPKP

Cooperatives ministry scores highly on revolving funds: BPKP Tony Hotland, Jakarta The Development Finance Comptroller (BPKP) rates the 2003 nationwide distribution of Rp 153.76 billion (US$17.08 million) in revolving funds to cooperatives as "good", despite continuing glitches in its implementation.

Security forces lift roadblocks in Ambon ahead of Megawati visit

Security forces lift roadblocks in Ambon ahead of Megawati visit M. Azis Tunny, Ambon All barricades that were established two days ago by an antiseparatist group on main streets across downtown Ambon, Maluku, were lifted on Friday to prepare for a visit by President Megawati Soekarnoputri to the riot-torn city on Saturday.

Hamzah loses count of wives

Hamzah loses count of wives Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, Jakarta As a veteran politician from the United Development Party (PPP), Vice President Hamzah Haz is accustomed to answering questions from the public. On Friday however, Hamzah found it very difficult to answer a very simple question from Nurmadini Arfanti, a student of the Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB). "How many wives do you actually have pak?," ask Nurmadini during a taping of a dialog with presidential candidates.

Matahari to pay 30.5% dividend

Matahari to pay 30.5% dividend JAKARTA: PT Matahari Putra Prima, Indonesia's biggest retailer by sales, said it will pay 30.5 percent of its 2003 profit as dividends. Tangerang-based Matahari will pay Rp 35 billion (US$3.86 million), or Rp 13 a share, in dividends, Matahari director Danny Kojongian told reporters after a meeting with shareholders in Jakarta on Friday. Matahari earned Rp 115.47 billion in net income on Rp 5.06 trillion in sales last year, it said in March. -- Bloomberg

Over 10,000 RI assets in E. Timor remain in limbo

Over 10,000 RI assets in E. Timor remain in limbo The fate of over 10,000 assets belonging to Indonesia in East Timor remains uncertain as the government there has delayed the establishment of a joint subcommittee to deal with the assets.

Lawmakers deny PKB's claims of backroom deals

Lawmakers deny PKB's claims of backroom deals The Jakarta Post Jakarta At least two lawmakers denied on Friday any backroom deals during the deliberation of the existing presidential Election Law, claiming that individual interests have never been taken into account in discussing and endorsing any law. "The deliberation process is not aimed at giving an advantage to certain figures.

1. Aceh (1 X 29)

1. Aceh (1 X 29) Account on Aceh's martial law urged 2. TNI (2 X 12) TNI devises new strategy for Aceh 3. Ambon (2 X 28) Ambon roadblocks lifted ahead of Megawati visit 4. Riau (3 X 8) Bombing suspect arrested 5. Awu (1 X 25) Hundreds flee Awu volcano

TNI revising operation in Aceh

TNI revising operation in Aceh Tiarma Siboro Jakarta The Indonesian Military (TNI) has admitted the one-year military operation in Aceh under martial law failed to live up to earlier expectations. TNI spokesman Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said the military was planning a new strategic field operation after the government lifted martial law in the war-torn province last week, arguing that the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) still exists.

Don't ask the legislators

Don't ask the legislators From Bisnis Indonesia The recent legislative election has created new representatives. They have spent hundreds of millions and even billions of rupiah to secure their "respectable" positions. The question is whether they will struggle for the public interest. We already know the legislative institution resulting from the 1999 general election, which cost less than this year's election, produced new corruptors.

In conjunction with the second anniversary of East Timor's

In conjunction with the second anniversary of East Timor's independence, The Jakarta Post's Kanis Dursin visited the country on May 15 and May 16. Following are his reports.

Generals held account for past rights abuses: Komnas

Generals held account for past rights abuses: Komnas Muninggar Sri Saraswati Jakarta The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) appealed to all presidential and vice presidential candidates to carefully read its reports on human rights violations in the past.

Searching for a visionary leader

Searching for a visionary leader Elwin Tobing Iowa, U.S. In his speech accepting his nomination as the U.S. Democratic Party's 1992 presidential candidate, Bill Clinton said, "Where there is no vision, the people perish." This is true for individuals, corporations and so too for nations. Certainly, Indonesia is no exception. In this election season, Clinton's words are a timely reminder.

Rupiah woes may last longer, BI undeterred

Rupiah woes may last longer, BI undeterred Rendi A. Witular, Jakarta While acknowledging that the rupiah's woes may last longer due to the global uncertainties at present, the central bank remains confident that it will eventually stabilize as the country's economic fundamentals remain strong. Bank Indonesia deputy governor Anwar Nasution said on Friday that once the uncertainties abated, the rupiah would return to its "comfort level" of between Rp 8,300 and Rp 8,700 against the U.S. dollar.

Pertamina to invest in gas stations

Pertamina to invest in gas stations The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State oil and gas firm PT Pertamina plans to invest some Rp 1.3 trillion (US$144.28 million) over the next three years to expand its fuel retail business as the government will liberalize the country's oil and gas downstream sector next year. Pertamina spokesman Hanung Budya Yukyanta said the funds would be used to install 300 gasoline stations, or a 30 percent increase compared to the current number of the company's stations.