Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 24 May 2004

53 articles found

The upcoming presidential elections: A prognosis

The upcoming presidential elections: A prognosis Jusuf Wanandi, Jakarta During a conference on the Indonesian elections held by the Centre 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...

Tronoh to bid for RI power project

Tronoh to bid for RI power project KUALA LUMPUR: Tronoh Mines Malaysia Bhd., a former tin miner has put in a bid to build part of a power generation plant in Indonesia, the Star said, citing unnamed sources. Tronoh, controlled by Malaysia Mining Corp., plans to conduct civil works worth 200 million ringgit (US$53 million) for the power project located outside Jakarta, the newspaper reported.

Mall regulation needed: Property expert

Mall regulation needed: Property expert Bambang Nurbianto, Jakarta The absence of a regulation on shopping centers has sparked disorder in their development, turning Jakarta into an unpleasant place to live because of serious traffic congestion. Property consultant Panangian Simanungkalit said shopping centers had mushroomed out of control without such a regulation to check their development.

ASEAN Hip-Hop scheme seeks to spur intra-regional travel

ASEAN Hip-Hop scheme seeks to spur intra-regional travel Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur Southeast Asia's revitalized travel industry has launched a new program offering airfare, hotel and tour discounts to spur travel within the region amid growing restrictions on entry into the United States and the mounting costs of traveling to Europe.

Change of status yet to have any real impact on Aceh

Change of status yet to have any real impact on Aceh Nani Farida, Banda Aceh Five days after the status of civil emergency was declared in Aceh, residents of the troubled province are yet to see any changes to security arrangements. Apin, 31, a Banda Aceh resident, said over the weekend that the presence of military personnel was still keenly felt despite the change in status from martial law to a state of civil emergency. "For me, civil emergency or martial law, it's all the same," he said.

U.S., Australia issue RI travel warning

U.S., Australia issue RI travel warning Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, Jakarta The United States and Australia warned their citizens on Sunday against traveling to Indonesia, citing possible election-related violence. "Election-related violence/attacks are possible, U.S. citizens are reminded that they should avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, which could turn violent," said the U.S. State Department travel advisory issued on Sunday.

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;JP: ANPAc..r.. Car-MPV-sales Automakers rev up to win lucrative MPV, SUV markets Agus W. Soehadi Contributor Jakarta Spurred by the relative stability and slight improvements in the country's economy during 2003, the automotive industry recorded a positive response. Data at the Association of Indonesian Automotive Manufacturers (Gaikindo) shows that total car sales increased by 11 percent to 354,331 units in 2003 from 317,749 units in 2002.

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;JP;YAN;CD; ANPAc..r.. Guess-Susi-massage Susi busy with new massage parlor JP/20/SUSI Susi Susanti opens reflexology clinic JAKARTA: For 1992 Olympic badminton champion Susi Susanti, nirvana means her latest business with fellow former shuttler Elizabeth Latief in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta. Both recently opened a reflexology and sports massage center in the area. "It's our new business. We just opened it on May 5," Susi said recently.

Mega inaugurates

Mega inaugurates projects in Papua TIMIKA, Papua: President Megawati Soekarnoputri inaugurated three development projects in Timika, Papua during her visit to the province on Sunday. The three projects were a sport complex, a maternity health center and a hospital. All three were located in Timika regency, which was hit by a devastating earthquake early this year. In her speech Megawati reminded the people of the importance of consuming nutritious food, especially for mothers and young children.

Violations rampant during martial law: Rights body

Violations rampant during martial law: Rights body The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The end of the 12-month period of martial law in Aceh should also coincide with a new investigation into allegations of widespread human rights violations, rights activists say.

Presidential candidates draw ballot numbers

Presidential candidates draw ballot numbers Muninggar Sri Saraswati and Moch. N. Kurniawan, Jakarta The General Elections Commission (KPU) continued on Sunday the next stage of proceedings for the presidential election despite a request from the Election Supervisory Committee (Panwaslu) to postpone it, following the controversial disqualification of former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid from the presidential race.

Gus Dur retracts boycott threat

Gus Dur retracts boycott threat Tiarma Siboro, Jakarta Disqualified presidential aspirant Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid ate his own words on Sunday, saying that he would not ask his followers to boycott the presidential election, an about face from his previous call to stay away from the polls. He, however, vowed to continue the fight against what he and many experts and activists consider discrimination against disabled people in the country. "I want to make it clear now...

40 families live surrounded by trash

40 families live surrounded by trash BEKASI: At least 40 families living on two hectares of land in Sumur Batu village in Bantar Gebang have been living surrounded by piling trash, Bekasi Mayor Akhmad Zurfaih said on Sunday. The families insist on living in the area as they refused to sell their land when the Jakarta administration cleared the area for the construction of the dump site. They said the price offered by Jakarta was too low at that time.

Photo A: Ambon blast

Photo A: Ambon blast AP VICTIM OF BLAST: An explosion victim lies on a stretcher at a hospital in the provincial capital of Ambon, Maluku. A bomb hidden in a biscuit tin exploded on Sunday in Ambon, wounding five people, police said, a day after Indonesia's President Megawati Soekarnoputri visited the eastern city and denied allegations of government inaction amid a resurgence of Christian-Muslim fighting. Photo B: Iran Reuters/Raheb Homavandi ANTI-U.S.

Local government told to prepare for polls

Local government told to prepare for polls Wahyoe Boediwardhana, Denpasar The government has called on regional administrations across the country to take the measures necessary to ensure all eligible voters can exercise their right to vote in the presidential election scheduled for July 5. Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno conveyed the message during a coordination meeting with the governors of Bali and West Nusa Tenggara, and mayors and regents from the two provinces.

* Jakarta needs regulation on shopping centers Page 2

* Jakarta needs regulation on shopping centers Page 2 * Violations 'rampant' during martial law in Aceh Page 4 * Political parties told to axe convicted members Page 5 * A prognosis of the upcoming presidential elections Page 6 * Jakarta squatters reject transmigration offer Page 8 * Campbell, Gay, Flesch share Colonial lead Page 9 * Explosion in Indian Kashmir kills 28 people Page 11 * G7 powers meet to avert risk of global shock Page 13 * Using the Web to find the information one needs Page17

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.

City eyes Sunda Kelapa renovation

City eyes Sunda Kelapa renovation Bambang Nurbianto, Jakarta The city administration plans to restore the Sunda Kelapa port in North Jakarta as the first step in a major project to turn the old city into a prestigious tourist destination. The head of the Sunda Kelapa Maritime Tourism Body, Martono Yuwono, said Governor Sutiyoso was scheduled to launch the Sunda Kelapa restoration project during the city's 477th anniversary in June.

Stock, rupiah to remain at mercy of regional issues

Stock, rupiah to remain at mercy of regional issues Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The course of the Jakarta stock market this week would depend mainly on sentiment in regional bourses rather than concerns over domestic political and security conditions, said a securities expert. Stock analyst Hendra Bujang of Mega Access Securities said the local stock market had made gains in the last three trading sessions mainly due to a rebound in regional markets.

The upcoming presidential elections: A prognosis

The upcoming presidential elections: A prognosis Jusuf Wanandi, Jakarta During a conference on the Indonesian elections held by the Centre 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...

Results of test on bay water expected

Results of test on bay water expected JAKARTA: The Jakarta Police are expecting the results of a comparative test on water and coral samples taken from the Thousand Islands waters and around a rig of the China National Offshore Oil Corp. by the end of May. "The National Police Headquarters forensic laboratory is currently doing tests using 'fingerprint technic' to identify chemical substances in the samples," city police spokesman Sr. Comr. Prasetyo said over the weekend.

'Tempo' lawyers to submit petition against Tomy

'Tempo' lawyers to submit petition against Tomy Urip Hudiono, Jakarta Defense lawyers for Tempo magazine said they would not back down from their demand that well-connected businessman Tomy Winata be prosecuted for perjury in the libel suit he filed against three of the weekly's journalists. "We will submit to the (Central Jakarta District Court) a written petition for the prosecution, complete with as many explanations and arguments as possible on Monday," lawyer Trimoelja D.

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

1. ACEH: 48 pt, 3 cols, 3 x 18 Change of status yet to have any real impact on Aceh or Civil emergency yet to have any real impact on Aceh 2. SINGAPORE: 36 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 28 Ship carrying 4,191 cars sinks 3. RAIN: 32 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 25 Rain, hail caused by warmer Indian Ocean 4. MALLS: 30 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 35 Mall regulation needed: Property expert 5. BAKAU: 28 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 28 Investigative team alleges 'GS' behind mangrove case

Waiyame, the only village spared Ambon's violence

Waiyame, the only village spared Ambon's violence M. Azis Tunny, Ambon Waiyame, Teluk Ambon Baguala subdistrict, looks different to the other villages in Maluku province that have experienced three years of religious fighting since early 1999. The village, home to some 3,100 people, was not affected by the conflict that first broke out on Jan. 19, 1999, and instead, it saw Muslims and Christians living together in peace.

Truant councillors slammed

Truant councillors slammed Ruslan Sangadji, Palu Near the end of their five-year terms, councillors in the Central Sulawesi legislature (DPRD) in Palu are choosing not to show up to important meetings. Only 20 out of the 45 councillors attended a recent plenary session to discuss the annual accountability report of the Central Sulawesi governor.

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;JP; ANPAc..r.. Ads-watch-AirAsia Rodney Louis Vincent Contributor/Jakarta Air Asia, taking Asia by storm! Right now, one man is making all the waves in Southeast Asia. He is young, hot and happening and is literally, flying high. Just over two years ago, he took over AirAsia and since then the name Tony Fernandes has been on everyone's lips.

Irene sparks RI's win in chess meet

Irene sparks RI's win in chess meet Musthofid, Jakarta Unmatched Irene Kharisma led Indonesia's three-strong young chess team to a 7.5-4.5 point victory over their Singaporean opponents in the Clash of the Future Generation which ended here on Sunday.

Police deny MER-C access to Abu Jibril

Police deny MER-C access to Abu Jibril JAKARTA: Police have denied the Medical Emergency Rescue Committee (MER-C) access to Abu Jibril, who is in police detention for alleged document forgery, for the third time on Sunday. Two MER-C medical doctors -- Yogi Prabowo and Umar Mardianto -- came to the Police Headquarters on Sunday to conduct a medical examination on Abu Jibril, who was deported from Malaysia last week for alleged involvement in terrorist activities.

Squatters reject transmigration offer

Squatters reject transmigration offer Damar Harsanto, Jakarta Yosie, 50, who lives on the banks of Ciliwung River in Manggarai, South Jakarta, has no hesitation in responding to an offer by Governor Sutiyoso for riverbank squatters to take part in an optional transmigration scheme. "No. Sorry, I'm not interested," he said, never looking up from the bamboo he was working on.

Tangerang commuters suffer atypical traffic

Tangerang commuters suffer atypical traffic Multa Fidrus, Tangerang A mother tried her best to calm her one-year-old girl, but the baby would not stop crying. Drenched with sweat, Nani, 23, and her baby girl, were passengers of a public minivan trapped in heavy traffic on Jl. Thamrin in Kebon Nanas, Tangerang, last Saturday. "She cries because she cannot stand the heat and the exhaust from diesel fuel," said the resident of Serpong while apologizing to other passengers for her daughter's cries.

Wallacea Institute to open in Makassar

Wallacea Institute to open in Makassar P.C. Naommy, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-run Hasanudin University in Makassar is setting up the Wallacea Institute, which will facilitate the work of Indonesian scientists to conduct research focusing on conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources in the Wallacea region. University president Radi A. Gany, said that most research on the Wallacea region was done by foreign scientists and the results were published abroad.

Mega tells TNI, police to safeguard election

Mega tells TNI, police to safeguard election TIMIKA, Papua: President Megawati Soekarnoputri asked security agencies on Sunday to do their utmost to ensure the success of the country's first ever direct presidential election on July 5. "Likewise, the people must try to ensure that the polls run peacefully," said Megawati, who was here to inaugurate a number of projects including the Graha Eme Neme Yauware building and an integrated health center.

Where to go in Jakarta: Monday, May 24, 2004

Where to go in Jakarta: Monday, May 24, 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.

Political parties told to axe convicted members

Political parties told to axe convicted members Syofiardi Bachyul, Padang Political parties have been urged to suspend six of their reelected councillors in West Sumatra -- they were reelected in the April 5 election -- after they were found guilty of corruption. The six are among the 43 members of the provincial legislative council who were jailed en masse by the Padang District Court on May 17 for over two years for their role in a graft scam.

Bomb explode in Ambon, killed one person

Bomb explode in Ambon, killed one person Agencies, Jakarta A bomb exploded in the conflict-ridden Ambon on Sunday, killing one person and injuring six others, one day after the brief visit of President Megawati Soekarnoputri to the province's capital of the same name. Placed in a biscuit tin, the homemade bomb was put in a bag with snacks and beer, and placed under a bench in front of a store near Halong navy base.

Falling rupiah scares away electronics consumers

Falling rupiah scares away electronics consumers Zakki P. Hakim, Jakarta The decline of the rupiah against the U.S. dollar has dealt a blow to the country's electronics sector, forcing traders to raise their prices and subsequently resulting in a drop in sales. The rupiah slid to Rp 9,065 on Friday, a 4.2 percent fall since May 5, when the United States' Federal Reserve announced it was ready to raise its interest rate.

UI installs two professors

UI installs two professors JAKARTA: The University of Indonesia (UI) installed on Saturday two senior lecturers, Elly Nurachmah and Anwar Jusuf, as professors. Elly Nurachmah, the head nurse of the university's school of nursing (FIK), is the first person in the country from a nursing background to receive a professorship. Meanwhile, pulmonologist Anwar Jusuf received the title for his expertise in lung disease. He was the 69th person to receive a professorship in his field.

Qantas and Air NZ have near miss in RI

Qantas and Air NZ have near miss in RI JAKARTA: A Qantas Airways jetliner and an Air New Zealand airplane had to maneuver to avoid a possible collision in Indonesian air space, the Australian newspaper reported on Sunday, citing the airlines and Australian authorities. The aircraft, both Boeing Co. 767-300's carrying a total of 268 passengers and crew, took evasive action on May 22 after onboard computers alerted crews to the danger, the newspaper said.

Despite problems, LG vows to stay in Indonesia, CEO says

Despite problems, LG vows to stay in Indonesia, CEO says The subsidiary of South Korean electronics giant LG Electronics started operations in Indonesia in 1989 under the name of PT Goldstar Astra. The firm was renamed PT LG Electronics Indonesia in 1999. Now, the firm has around 1,500 workers at its plants in the country producing TVs, VCRs, refrigerators, air conditioners, cellular phones and DVD players. It leads the country's TV market with a 35 percent market share.

Asian shares seen to firm up this week after losses

Asian shares seen to firm up this week after losses Agence France-Presse, Tokyo/Hong Kong Asian shares are projected to continue rallying this week, recovering from recent heavy losses caused by fears of higher U.S. interest rates and other global issues. In Tokyo, Japanese share prices are expected to continue rallying on bright prospects for the domestic economy, recovering from recent heavy losses caused by fears of higher U.S. interest rates, brokers said.

Sympathy, donations pour in for abused maid

Sympathy, donations pour in for abused maid Sri Wahyuni, Kuala Lumpur Sympathy and donations have been pouring in for Nirmala Bonet, the 19-year-old Indonesian maid allegedly abused by her Malaysian employer, the Indonesian embassy said on Sunday. During a visit to the country to promote tourism, Yogyakarta Governor Sultan Hamengkubuwono X and his wife GKR Hemas also met with Nirmala.

'Monorail preferable to busway'

'Monorail preferable to busway' The Jakarta administration hopes to begin construction on a monorail and new busway routes later this year. The proposed monorail project would include the construction of a 20-story apartment block, a five-story shopping mall and several parks above the West Flood Canal in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta. The Jakarta Post asked residents for their thoughts on the plan. Joice Adelina Situmorang, 24, is an accountant with a private construction consultancy on Jl.

The effects of oil price rises on Indonesia

The effects of oil price rises on 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.

PPLi seeks to renew Pertamina waste management contract

PPLi seeks to renew Pertamina waste management contract Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Waste processing firm PT Prasadha Pamunah Limbah Industry (PPLi) has been negotiating with state-owned oil and gas company PT Pertamina for the management of toxic waste at the Balongan refinery in West Java.

Investigative team alleges 'GS' behind mangrove case

Investigative team alleges 'GS' behind mangrove case Damar Harsanto, Jakarta An investigative team assigned to look into the illegal felling of 240 mangrove trees along the Jl. Prof. Sedyatmo toll road in North Jakarta, which connects Jakarta and the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Cengkareng, hinted that an advertising firm, identified only as GS, was involved in the case.

W. Sumatra renews demand for Semen Padang spin-off

W. Sumatra renews demand for Semen Padang spin-off Syofiardi Bachyul, Padang Dozens of local public leaders and senior politicians have renewed their pressure on the central government to spin off West Sumatra-based cement maker PT Semen Padang from its parent company PT Semen Gresik. They issued a petition signed by a group of prominent local leaders during a rally at the West Sumatra governor's office on Saturday.

Agum suspended from Cabinet post

Agum suspended from Cabinet post JAKARTA: Minister of Communication Agum Gumelar has been officially suspended following the announcement by the General Elections Commission that Agum has qualified as one of five vice presidential candidates. In a presidential decree signed by President Megawati Soekarnoputri on Sunday, Minister of Research and Technology Hatta Radjasa was also appointed as ad interim minister to fill Agum's position. Government Regulation No.

Parents report officials over school

Parents report officials over school Abdul Khalik, Jakarta Parents of students of a disputed school in Melawai, South Jakarta, filed a complaint with the police on Saturday against several high-ranking state officials for intimidation and negligence. "We, parents of the students, have received repeated threats from people claiming to represent the Jakarta administration.

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3 x 17 W. Sumatra renews demand for Semen Padang spin-off JP/5/GRAFT 2 x 25 Political parties told to axe convicted members JP/5/MALAS 3 x 10 Truant councillors slammed

Better wages needed for laborers

Better wages needed for laborers 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.

Poe says he respects RP poll result

Poe says he respects RP poll result PHILIPPINES: Philippine opposition presidential candidate Fernando Poe Jr. said on Sunday he would abide by the results of the May 10 elections, backing down from earlier statements that he had won the bitterly contested polls. However Poe, the country's most popular movie star, did not concede to incumbent President Gloria Arroyo but merely called on his followers to remain calm. He also appealed to Congress to oversee the counting of the votes fairly.

FOR MARKETING PERSPECTIVE --- MAY 24

FOR MARKETING PERSPECTIVE --- MAY 24 ;JP; ANPAc..r.. Car-MPV-SUV-sales JP/ / MPV answers Indonesian needs for spacious family cars Rudijanto Contributor Jakarta In spite of an increase in sedan sales, multipurpose vehicles (MPVs) and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) continue to dominate the country's automotive market. Automotive giant Astra International said MPV and SUV markets continued to show a significant growth, despite the surge in the sedan sales.

Susi Susanti opens reflexology clinic

Susi Susanti opens reflexology clinic JAKARTA: For 1992 Olympic badminton champion Susi Susanti, nirvana means her latest business with fellow former shuttler Elizabeth Latief in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta. Both recently opened a reflexology and sports massage center in the area. "It's our new business. We just opened it on May 5," Susi said recently. "However, many people ask us if we also provide 'extra services' here ...