Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 25 May 2004

78 articles found

JP/5/PAUS

JP/5/PAUS Fifty whales stranded in Banyuwangi ID Nugroho Surabaya Fifty whales, which were stranded on Ancol beach, Banyuwangi, East Java, on Saturday, were successfully returned to the sea at high tide on Sunday night, but one died of heat exposure.

Two drown in Belawan river

Two drown in Belawan river MEDAN, North Sumatra: Two people were killed in an apparent drowning as they were swept away in a river that flows through Pancurbatu subdistrict, Deliserdang regency, North Sumatra, police said on Monday. The victims from Namupencapir village were reported missing at around 11 a.m. on Sunday after they were last seen bathing in the swollen Belawan River, Pancurbatu police chief of detectives First Insp. Azuar said.

PT KAI to link Jl. Sudirman and Jl. Rasuna Said via railway station

PT KAI to link Jl. Sudirman and Jl. Rasuna Said via railway station Damar Harsanto, Jakarta State railway company PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) will extend Dukuh Atas railway station on Jl. Sudirman, Central Jakarta, in the direction of Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said, South Jakarta, in an attempt to link the two lucrative business areas. "We are carrying out a feasibility study this year.

Now is the time to draft 'strong government' agenda

Now is the time to draft 'strong government' agenda Leon Agusta, Jakarta It is unlikely anyone would deny that Indonesia could use a strong and steady guiding hand during the ongoing period of reform and transition from 32 years of authoritarian military rule to a democratic government and a strong civil society.

JP/5/GADIS

JP/5/GADIS Walhi demands end to mining operations in Batang Gadis forest Apriadi Gunawan Medan The Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) demanded on Monday that the government stop gold mining in the Batang Gadis National Park, Mandailing Natal regency here, saying that it would damage the environment in the area. Mining firm PT Sorikmas Mining (PT SM) was granted a license to mine gold in parts of the national park in 1998, and the company has been exploring the area since then.

Ransom paid for four hostages: KL

Ransom paid for four hostages: KL MALAYSIA: Four hostages kidnapped from a Malaysian resort on Borneo island were released from an eight-month ordeal allegedly at the hands of al-Qaeda-linked Moro militants after a ransom was paid, police said on Monday. Mohamad Bakri, chief of criminal investigations in eastern Sabah, told AFP the hostages -- one Filipino and three Indonesians -- were released early on Monday and had been sent to a local hospital for medical checks.

Pasar Festival sees drop in visitors

Pasar Festival sees drop in visitors Leony Aurora, Jakarta Tenants in Pasar Festival, a shopping center connected to the Soemantri Brodjonegoro sports complex in Kuningan, South Jakarta, have had to endure a drop in the number of visitors since Carrefour hypermarket moved out in February.

Building collapses injuring workers

Building collapses injuring workers JAKARTA: A shop-house under construction in Sunter, North Jakarta, collapsed on Monday at around 3 p.m., injuring at least a dozen construction workers. The building collapsed when the workers were trying to fill in a column with cement for the third story of the building. "The column was probably not strong enough so it collapsed," Sunter Agung subdistrict chief Haryadi was quoted as saying by detikcom.

Technical errors mark first teleconference trials

Technical errors mark first teleconference trials P.C. Naommy, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Technical errors marred the first teleconference trials on electoral disputes between the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) and the General Elections Commission (KPU) heard by the Constitutional Court on Monday.

Indofood, Medco to issue bonds

Indofood, Medco to issue bonds The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Publicly listed PT Indofood Sukses Makmur, the world's largest instant noodle maker, plans to issue up to Rp 1 trillion (US$111 million) worth of bonds in June to refinance part of its maturing debts. Head of listing division for the Surabaya Stock Exchange (BES) Umi Kalsum told The Jakarta Post on Monday that Indofood would sign a preliminary contract with the bourse to list the bonds.

Korean exporters to visit RI

Korean exporters to visit RI JAKARTA: As many as 10 South Korean food and drink exporters are to visit Indonesia to explore opportunities to sell their products in the country. They will display their products at an exhibition on June 28 at Hilton Hotel, according to a media statement. The firms are KyoungNam trading, SengSeng Diet, Green Catering, GC Farm, Samwon Industrial, Damao Farm, Sangmyung Food, Traditional I-Re Food, Han Gru and Korea Damiri. -- JP ;JP;ZPH; ANPAf..r..

21 police officers to face court over Flores shooting incident

21 police officers to face court over Flores shooting incident Yemris Fointuna, Kupang After being found guilty by the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) police disciplinary committee last week, three middle-ranking and 18 low-ranking policemen are now facing trial in court to account for their alleged involvement in a shooting incident that killed six people on Flores island in March. NTT Police spokesman Comr.

HI employees appoint YLBHI lawyers

HI employees appoint YLBHI lawyers JAKARTA: A total of 56 former employees of Hotel Indonesia, which is now under renovation, have appointed the Foundation of the Indonesian Legal Aid Institute (YLBHI) as their legal representation. Spokesman of the hotel's workers union, Markus Kappaw, said, as quoted by detikcom on Monday, that the 56 employees had turned down an agreement made on May 7 between the union and the new management, which was mediated by legislator Herman Rekso Ageng.

Police detain MMI members for paramilitary training

Police detain MMI members for paramilitary training Blontank Poer and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, Surakarta/Jakarta Police questioned dozens of members of the Indonesian Mujahiddin Council (MMI) for allegedly taking part in paramilitary training in the Tawangmangu jungle of Karanganyar, Central Java. The group of 35 people was disbanded by locals at dawn on Monday. The people were then detained by the police who had been observing the site since Sunday.

Where to go in Bandung for Tuesday, May 25, 2004

Where to go in Bandung for Tuesday, May 25, 2004 Performances * Sundanese Traditional Drama, Taman Budaya, Jl. Bukit Dago Selatan No. 53 A (Tel. 022 2504912), 7:30 p.m., May 29. * Theater, Croisades by Alain Papin, CCF (French Cultural Center), Jl. Purnawarman 32 (Tel. 022 4212417), 7:30 p.m., June 1 (Workshop with Alain Papin at STSI Jurusan Teater, Jl. Buahbatu No. 212, June 2). Films * Animated Films, CCF (French Cultural Center), Jl. Purnawarman 32 (Tel. 022 4212417), 2 p.m.

Defendant abducted by fellow students

Defendant abducted by fellow students JAKARTA: About 100 university students attending the trial of Marsahala Napitupulu "abducted" him from East Jakarta District Court after the trial on Monday. He had been charged with "unpleasant conduct" after he allegedly set fire to Golkar Party flags during the legislative election campaign in March at his Mpu Tantular University campus in East Jakarta.

Gus Dur sues KPU, govt and doctors

Gus Dur sues KPU, govt and doctors M. Taufiqurrahman, Jakarta Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid filed on Monday a civil suit against three institutions he deems responsible for disqualifying him from the July 5 direct presidential election.

ADB claims most local projects successful

ADB claims most local projects successful The Asian Development Bank (ADB), a major lender to Indonesia, has provided a total of US$19.35 billion loans to finance 269 projects since 1968. However, last week, several local non- governmental organizations (NGO) released a report that said 70 percent of the projects funded by the Bank were "unsuccessful".

West Java to have int'l airport

West Java to have int'l airport BANDUNG: The central government will extend the runway of Bandung's Husein Sastranegra Airport by up to 125 meters in a move to make it the only international airport in West Java, an official said on Monday.

Avaya leads RI market by 55%

Avaya leads RI market by 55% JAKARTA: Avaya Inc., a global provider of communications networks and services for business, announced on Monday that it had gained an Internet Protocol telephony market leadership position in Indonesia and six other markets in Asia Pacific: China, India, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and the Philippines.

;JP;DAN;

;JP;DAN; ANPAf..r.. Rupiah-conversion-rates Rupiah Rates Aug JP/13/Conver Rupiah Rates Aug Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp Australian dollar 1 Brunei dollar 1 Canadian dollar 1 Swiss franc 1 Danish krone 1 Euro 1 Poundsterling 1 Hong Kong dollar 1 Japanese yen 100 Malaysian ringgit 1 Norwegian krone 1 New Zealand dollar 1 Papua New Guinean kina 1 Philippine peso 1 Swedish krona 1 Singaporean dollar 1 Thailand baht 1 U.S.

KPUD evacuated after bomb threat

KPUD evacuated after bomb threat SEMARANG: The Provincial General Elections Commission (KPUD) headquarters in Semarang, Central Java, received a bomb threat on Monday, forcing officials to evacuate the building on Jl. Pemuda in the center of the city. The threat was received over the telephone at 7:05 a.m. The caller claimed that his name was Budiono, according to Bambang Sutoyo, an official from the adjacent building, which houses the fisheries and maritime affairs office.

Indian Artists Network holds show in Jakarta

Indian Artists Network holds show in Jakarta Novan Iman Santosa, Jakarta Following a successful exhibition last year, the Indian Artists Network staged its second showcase at the World Trade Center exhibition hall, Jl. Sudirman, South Jakarta. Opened by the Indian ambassador to Jakarta on May 17, the exhibition -- which will end on Thursday -- displays the work of 30 Indian artists from a variety of backgrounds and styles.

Pricey credit and oil

Pricey credit and oil Businesses in Indonesia may have to wait a while for a significant decline in interest rates as Bank Indonesia, concerned by strong inflationary pressure from the weakening rupiah, or rather the strengthening U.S. dollar, and the steep rise in international oil prices, is delaying easing its monetary stance.

MPV answers Indonesian needs for spacious family cars

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.

Automakers rev up to win lucrative MPV, SUV markets

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.

Hundreds join SBY campaign team

Hundreds join SBY campaign team SEMARANG: Hundreds of people in the Central Java capital of Semarang registered on Monday to become part of the nationwide campaign support team for presidential candidate Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY). As of mid-day Monday, at least 252 people, mostly low-income residents like public vehicle drivers and parking attendants, signed up to become members of the "SBY Fan Club" at his party's headquarters.

TV Program: Tuesday, May 25, 2004

TV Program: Tuesday, May 25, 2004 TVRI .TB.30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Children Show 8:30 Music: Asyik Asyik 10:00 Talk Show: Agribiz 11:00 Singing Contest: Konteswara 12:00 p.m.

Publishers dominate schools

Publishers dominate schools From Pikiran Rakyat On the eve of the beginning of the new school year in July 2004, some book publishers have made deals with elementary, junior high and high schools to supply them books. It is rumored that certain publishers offer school officials incentives like cars and package tours to win contracts. In my experience, I have found an elementary school already committed to contracts with publishers.

JP/5/FLORES

JP/5/FLORES 21 police officers to face court over Manggarai shooting incident JP/5/PAUS 1 x 32 50 whales beached in Banyuwangi JP/5/IAIN 2 x 26 IAIN student protest turns ugly in Yogyakarta, 15 injured

Tito's son named Croatian envoy to RI

Tito's son named Croatian envoy to RI JAKARTA: A generation ago the leaders of Indonesia and Yugoslavia helped set up the Non-Aligned Movement -- a grouping meant to offer a middle path during the Cold War. Now, in an echo of times gone by, the son of Yugoslavia's late strongman Josip Broz Tito has become Croatia's ambassador to an Indonesian government led by the daughter of its founder, Sukarno.

Arms raids planned in Ambon as tension rises after explosion

Arms raids planned in Ambon as tension rises after explosion Agencies, Jakarta Tension rose again in the country's eastern city of Ambon, Maluku province, on Monday, with residents reestablishing roadblocks after bombs wounded five people, while police are planning to launch raids in search of weapons. Barricades, made of tires, rocks, bamboo, wood and hawker wagons, blocked several main streets in both the Christian and Muslim sectors early on Monday.

50 whales stranded in Banyuwangi

50 whales stranded in Banyuwangi ID Nugroho, Surabaya Fifty whales, which were stranded on Ancol beach, Banyuwangi, East Java, on Saturday, were successfully returned to the sea at high tide on Sunday night, but one died of heat exposure. The whales were first spotted by local residents on the beach, some 1.5 kilometers east of Ketapang port, Banyuwangi, in the early hours of Saturday when local fishermen were stunned by unfamiliar, black mounds on the beach where they usually land their catch.

Tito's son named Croatian envoy to RI

Tito's son named Croatian envoy to RI JAKARTA: A generation ago the leaders of Indonesia and Yugoslavia helped set up the Non-Aligned Movement -- a grouping meant to offer a middle path during the Cold War. Now, in an echo of times gone by, the son of Yugoslavia's late strongman Josip Broz Tito has become Croatia's ambassador to an Indonesian government led by the daughter of its founder, Sukarno.

* Court receives perjury petition against Tomy Page 2

* Court receives perjury petition against Tomy Page 2 * Monitoring team for Aceh set up Page 4 * Arms raids planned in Ambon as tension ups after blasts Page 5 * Now is the time to clarify 'strong government' agenda Page 6 * Investigations into pollution cases move slowly Page 8 * Middleweights in Champions League final showdown Page 10 * China vows to pay any price to stop Taiwan statehood Page 11 * PT Inco offers expatriate staff to leave Sulawesi Page 13 * Organic clothing makes a fashion...

Navy plans to purchase new submarines

Navy plans to purchase new submarines Yuli Tri Suwarni, Bandung The Indonesian Navy has proposed that the government purchase two submarines from North Korea under a countertrade scheme worth US$600 million and involving 30 CN-235 passenger planes produced by state aircraft manufacture PT Dirgantara Indonesia (DI). Navy Chief of Staff Vice Adm. Bernard Kent Sondakh said that the deal would be negotiated by the Indonesian and South Korean governments.

Korean exporters to visit RI

Korean exporters to visit RI JAKARTA: As many as 10 South Korean food and drink exporters are to visit Indonesia to explore opportunities to sell their products in the country. They will display their products at an exhibition on June 28 at Hilton Hotel, according to a media statement. The firms are KyoungNam trading, SengSeng Diet, Green Catering, GC Farm, Samwon Industrial, Damao Farm, Sangmyung Food, Traditional I-Re Food, Han Gru and Korea Damiri. -- JP

Baihaki defends Pertamina's purchase of giant oil tankers

Baihaki defends Pertamina's purchase of giant oil tankers The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Baihaki Hakim, former president of state oil and gas firm PT Pertamina, defended on Monday the company's earlier purchase of two giant oil tankers, saying it was a profitable long-term investment. He said the two very large crude carriers (VLCC), which are being built by South Korea's Hyundai Heavy Industries, could save transport costs by up to US$7 million per year.

YLKI warns of contaminated meat

YLKI warns of contaminated meat Dewi Santoso, Jakarta The Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI) has warned the public of the possibility of foot and mouth disease (FMD) as well as mad-cow disease outbreak as illegal importation of meat products remains rampant.

PT Inco offers expatriate staffs to leave Sulawesi

PT Inco offers expatriate staffs to leave Sulawesi Fitri Wulandari and Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Makassar, South Sulawesi Mining company PT International Nickel Indonesia (Inco) has offered its expatriates an opportunity to leave the mining site in South Sulawesi following a travel advisory from the Australian and Canadian embassies.

Avaya leads RI market by 55%

Avaya leads RI market by 55% JAKARTA: Avaya Inc., a global provider of communications networks and services for business, announced on Monday that it had gained an Internet Protocol telephony market leadership position in Indonesia and six other markets in Asia Pacific: China, India, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and the Philippines.

Minister Agum officially suspended

Minister Agum officially suspended Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Yuli Tri Suwarni, Jakarta/Bandung President Megawati Soekarnoputri officially suspended Minister of Communications Agum Gumelar on Monday following Sunday's announcement of the General Elections Commission (KPU) that he was among the eligible candidates for vice president. "Pak Agum has been officially suspended as of 2 p.m. by presidential decree," State Secretary Bambang Kesowo said after a Cabinet meeting.

Ex-military candidates and democracy

Ex-military candidates and democracy Bantarto Bandoro, Jakarta The emergence of two figures with military backgrounds as presidential candidates has spread fears of a revival of militarism in the country. It has also generated fear that militarism could hinder and endanger the development of democracy. Others, however, simply don't care about the backgrounds of the candidates, so long as they can provide better conditions for the public when elected. Gen.

Court receives perjury petition against Tomy

Court receives perjury petition against Tomy Urip Hudiono, Jakarta The Central Jakarta District Court received for consideration on Monday a petition submitted by three Tempo magazine journalists who are being sued for defamation by well-connected businessman Tomy Winata. The defendants have petitioned the court to indict Tomy of perjury following strong indications that he had lied in his court testimony.

Sub-par athletes given second chance

Sub-par athletes given second chance Eva C. Komandjaja, Jakarta Four karate hopefuls, who turned in sub-par performances at the last week's local competition, will still be given an opportunity to improve under the "Indonesia Awakens" (IA) sports development program.

Arms raids planned in Ambon as tension rises again

Arms raids planned in Ambon as tension rises again Agencies Jakarta Tension rose again in the country's eastern city of Ambon, Maluku province, on Monday, with residents reestablishing roadblocks after bombs wounded five people, while police are planning to launch raids in search of weapons. Barricades, made of tires, rocks, bamboo, wood and hawker wagons, blocked several main streets in both the Christian and Muslim sectors early on Monday.

jahroeddin Z.P. and Syamsuria Ryacudu on Monday.

jahroeddin Z.P. and Syamsuria Ryacudu on Monday. The winning pair, strongly supported by the faction of President Megawati Soekarnoputri's Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), beat Oemarsono and Ibrahim B.S, who were supported by the Indonesian military and police faction. The revote, held under tight security following an overnight blast, followed the dismissal of governor-elect Alzier Dianis Thabrani, which recently was declared unlawful by the Jakarta Administrative Court.

Monitoring team for Aceh set up

Monitoring team for Aceh set up Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Tiarma Siboro, Jakarta The central government has established a monitoring and assistance team to support Aceh's state of civil emergency administrator Governor Abdullah Puteh in making decisions. Underlining that Puteh does not have the authority to solely issue regulations, ad interim coordinating minister for political and security affairs Hari Sabarno said on Monday that the team would report to his office.

Technical errors mark the first teleconference trials

Technical errors mark the first teleconference trials P.C. Naommy The Jakarta Post Jakarta Technical errors marred the first teleconference trials on electoral disputes between the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) and the General Elections Commission (KPU) heard by the Constitutional Court on Monday.

'I hope no graft in these projects'

'I hope no graft in these projects' To ease chronic traffic problems in Jakarta, the city administration has been working on projects to ease traffic congestion, including the construction of a monorail and busway expansion. The busway, which started operating on Jan. 15, received strong criticism but the administration plans to continue with the next route, which will run between Pulogadung and Kalideres. The Jakarta Post talked to some residents on the issue.

Semen Gresik says it won't be able to meet JSX deadline

Semen Gresik says it won't be able to meet JSX deadline The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Publicly listed cement maker PT Semen Gresik said on Monday that it would not be able to meet the deadline in submitting the audited 2003 financial report, putting the company's shares at risk of being suspended from trading on the Jakarta Stock Exchange. "It is difficult for us to meet the deadline and avoid suspension ... as of now we haven't completed the financial report yet," Gresik president Satriyo said.

Investigations into pollution cases move at snail's pace

Investigations into pollution cases move at snail's pace Evi Mariani, Jakarta As the Jakarta Police are yet to name any suspects in the investigation of three major environmental cases since January this year, the Environmental Preservation organization has called for immediate action to uphold the environmental law. "The police seem slow in handling the (environmental) cases, particularly the oil spill in December in Thousand Islands waters," the organization's legal officer Sauttua P.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX .rm .pl Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 24, 2004: -------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 900 0 5,000 Adhi Karya 365 5 24,366,000 Adira Dinamika 2,450 50 22,500 AGIS Tbk 100 0 0 Akbar Indo Makmur 75 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 135 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 950 0 0 Alter Abadi Tbk 35 0 0...

Top cleric decides to support Mega

Top cleric decides to support Mega Nana Rukmana, Cirebon A prominent Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) cleric who organized two meetings to support the nomination of Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid has switched to Megawati Soekarnoputri and her running mate NU chairman Hasyim Muzadi.

Canada warns of 'threat' in RI

Canada warns of 'threat' in RI CANADA: Canada warned on Sunday of a "credible terrorist threat" to western interests in Indonesia's South Sulawesi province, and advised its citizens to avoid the area. Ottawa followed the recent lead of the United States and Australia in warning of possible threats in various parts of Indonesia. "There is a credible terrorist threat to western interests in South Sulawesi Province," the Canadian Foreign Ministry said in a travel advisory.

JP/5/GOVERNOR

JP/5/GOVERNOR Sjahroeddin wins Lampung governorship Oyos Saroso H.N. Bandarlampung Pair Sjahroeddin Z.P. and Syamsuria Ryacudu won the Lampung gubernatorial revote on Monday, putting to an end months of a vacuum of power in the province, following the dismissal of Lampung governor-elect Alzier Dianis Thabrani.

ASEAN drug firms discuss standardization plan

ASEAN drug firms discuss standardization plan Zakki P. Hakim, Jakarta Pharmaceutical delegations from seven countries of ASEAN met on Monday to discuss measures to establish a standard manufacturing process as the region aims to liberalize the industry in 2006.

KPU's authority

KPU's authority I thank Thomas Hidya Tjaya for his article Finding the best way to choose our leaders (The Jakarta Post, May 19). He comments that "we express the freedom to choose our leaders through state institutions, including the General Elections Commission (KPU)". It would be more accurate to say that the KPU has legal authority to manage the elections, enabling it to uphold or to restrict freedom.

Air Asia, taking Asia by storm!

Air Asia, taking Asia by storm! Rodney Louis Vincent, Contributor/Jakarta 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. It isn't any man who just goes and buys up an airline - and then slashes prices like crazy and creates a hype about his product that seems to be self-sustaining.

5 Chinese arrested for visa violations

5 Chinese arrested for visa violations JAKARTA: Five Chinese women working as entertainers were arrested last on Thursday for visa violations. The five, identified as Wei Bing, Tian Fang, Chen Yulan, Li Liang Jun and Zeng Qiuw, were arrested by the Directorate General for Immigration of the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights at an apartment in Central Jakarta. The Chinese entertainers came to Indonesia on May 9 using business visas, which will expire on July 9. They are likely to be deported.

Bill on lawmaking procedures passed

Bill on lawmaking procedures passed Moch. N. Kurniawan, Jakarta The House of Representatives (DPR) endorsed on Monday the bill on lawmaking procedures, with all nine factions agreeing to place the 1945 Constitution in the State Archive. Previously, Golkar Party, the biggest faction of the House, insisted that the bill could not regulate the newly amended 1945 Constitution as the latter's position was higher than law. It had also argued that the Constitution could not be treated as ordinary law.

IAIN student protest turns ugly in Yogya, 15 injured

IAIN student protest turns ugly in Yogya, 15 injured Slamet Susanto, Yogyakarta Hundreds of students from Sunan Kalijaga State Institute for Islamic Studies (IAIN Sunan Kalijaga) clashed on Monday with the institute's security guards, leaving 12 students and three security guards injured.

Singapore's Temasek mulls regional network

Singapore's Temasek mulls regional network Associated Press, Singapore Temasek Holdings, the Singapore government's investment arm, said on Monday it may try to create a pan-regional banking network by unifying its disparate set of bank assets. The remark came as South Korean regulators said they were set to approve Temasek's move to increase its holding in that country's Hana Bank to 10 percent from 3.6 percent.

Govt defiantly installs Sjahroeddin

Govt defiantly installs Sjahroeddin Oyos Saroso H.N., Bandarlampung Defying the court order, the government pressed ahead with the Lampung gubernatorial revote, which resulted in the victory of Sjahroeddin Z.P. and Syamsuria Ryacudu on Monday. The winning pair, strongly supported by the faction of President Megawati Soekarnoputri's Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), beat the duo of Oemarsono and Ibrahim B.S, who were supported by the Indonesian military and police faction.

Abused maid's mother to visit Malaysia

Abused maid's mother to visit Malaysia Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, Jakarta Maltreated Indonesian overseas worker Nirmala Bonat's mother, Martha Toni, is scheduled to leave for Malaysia today to accompany her daughter in the legal battle against her abusive employer. Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda said on Monday that the government understood Nirmala's family needed to see her and was ready to facilitate the trip.

Factories ordered to be spruced up

Factories ordered to be spruced up Multa Fidrus, Tangerang The Tangerang regency administration, hoping to transform Jl. Raya Serpong into an international business corridor, has ordered industrial firms along the road to give their factories a makeover so they will look like showrooms. "It is meant to give all of the buildings along the road a similar look," said Didin Syamsudin, an official with the Tangerang Spatial and Building Layout Agency.

One more joins Tangerang death row for drugs

One more joins Tangerang death row for drugs Multa Fidrus, Tangerang The Tangerang District Court sent another drug dealer to death row on Monday, putting at 26 number of those now awaiting execution since January 2000 in the municipality. None have been executed, pending appeals and other legal moves.

Sutiyoso sets deadline on homes used as businesses

Sutiyoso sets deadline on homes used as businesses Damar Harsanto, Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso gave officials in five municipalities a one- month deadline to regularize houses used as commercial premises or business places. "I instructed my subordinates this morning to register all converted buildings across the city in order to regularize them," he said at City Hall on Monday.

First quarter growth higher but unimpressive: Economists

First quarter growth higher but unimpressive: Economists Rendi A. Witular, Jakarta The economy grew at a higher rate than expected in the first quarter of this year, but remained unimpressive compared to other countries in the region, as growth was primarily driven by domestic consumption. The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reported on Monday that the economy, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), expanded by 4.46 percent in the first quarter, compared to the same period last year.

'Canned fish unfit for consumption'

'Canned fish unfit for consumption' JAKARTA: A survey by the Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI) said on Monday that 90 percent of 30 samples of canned fish failed to comply with government regulations on attaching labels on ingredients, weight and date of expiry. Carried out in random supermarkets, the survey showed that 30 percent of the samples did not include their weight on the label and 60 percent of samples did not weigh as much as mentioned on their labels.

Reform's second wave: Reflections of an optimist

Reform's second wave: Reflections of an optimist Satish Mishra, Jakarta The last six years have been years of national trauma. Many of Indonesia's cherished institutions and beliefs are being questioned. The external world is pushing it now one way, then another. The world appears to be an unstable place. Indonesians long for order and stability. Despite these pressures there are many reasons for optimism.

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.

Rupiah ends at 18-month low on corporate dollar demand

Rupiah ends at 18-month low on corporate dollar demand Dow Jones, Jakarta The rupiah closed at an 18-month low Monday on dollar demand from local companies to pay their month-end offshore obligations, dealers said. The dollar closed at Rp 9,125, up from its close Friday at Rp 9,070. It was the U.S. currency's highest closing level since Nov. 11, 2002, when it ended at Rp 9,145. Dealers said that local companies bought dollars to pay maturing debts. Some local companies also bought the U.S.

Organda proposes taxi fare increase of 90 percent

Organda proposes taxi fare increase of 90 percent The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta chapter of the Organization of Land Transportation Owners (Organda) has submitted a proposal for a 90 percent increase in taxi fares. "Organda submitted the proposal in March, but we have yet to decide whether we will approve it or not. Relevant agencies are still discussing it," head of the city economic agency Sukri Bey said on Monday at City Hall.

Ba'asyir was in charge of JI: Suspect

Ba'asyir was in charge of JI: Suspect Associated Press, Perth, Australia A British-born terror suspect told Australian federal police that Indonesian cleric Abu Bakar Ba'asyir was in charge of Southeast Asian terror group Jamaah Islamiyah (JI), a court heard on Monday. Jack Roche, who is on trial here for plotting to blow up the Israeli Embassy in Canberra, told Australian Federal Police that Ba'asyir, who currently is in detention in Indonesia, was in charge of JI.

Nirmala's ordeal outrages families

Nirmala's ordeal outrages families Yemris Fointuna, Kupang Overnight, her harrowing tale of abuse has made her a household name in this country and Malaysia, something she would never have expected when she set off as a migrant worker in June 2003. Perhaps Nirmala Bonet's only hope now is to return home from Malaysia, where she is at the center of an abuse scandal that has shocked the country, to be with her loved ones.

Campaigns do little to boost image: Experts

Campaigns do little to boost image: Experts Muninggar Sri Saraswati, Jakarta Due to the limited period allocated for the upcoming presidential campaign, the whole exercise is likely to have a limited impact on people's presidential choices, experts say. M.

New senior official under fire in Palu

New senior official under fire in Palu PALU, Central Sulawesi: Dozens of residents staged a rally here on Monday to protest the swearing-in of Gumyadi as the new secretary of the Central Sulawesi provincial administration, complaining that he did not represent the local people. The protest, which began around 11 a.m. when Gumyadi was being inaugurated, focused on his status as a non-active military officer originally from Bandung.