Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 29 May 2004

85 articles found

KL targets 41% jump in tourism receipts

KL targets 41% jump in tourism receipts KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia expects foreign exchange earnings from tourism to surge 41 percent this year and hit a record high of 30 billion ringgit (US$7.89 billion) following a rebound in travel, a report said on Friday.

Poaching affects local catches

Poaching affects local catches SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: Malaysian fishermen have allegedly continued to operate illegally in East Kalimantan waters.Their alleged fishing in Indonesian waters is reportedly the cause of the smaller catches of local fishermen over the past few years.

Another busway corridor

Another busway corridor The Jakarta administration's decision to set up another busway corridor, from Pulo Gadung in East Jakarta to Kalideres in West Jakarta via Monas in Central Jakarta, has drawn various reactions.

Megawati allows police to quiz Puteh

Megawati allows police to quiz PutehThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Banda Aceh President Megawati Soekarnoputri has approved a police investigation into Aceh Governor Abdullah Puteh in connection with multiple corruption cases involving his administration.National Police chief Gen.

KPU Jakarta selects four for Senayan stadium campaign

KPU Jakarta selects four for Senayan stadium campaignBambang Nurbianto, Jakarta Four of five presidential candidates will hold their outdoor campaign gathering at the main stadium of the Bung Karno Sports Complex in Senayan, Central Jakarta, next month.

Tangerang mulls London-ization

Tangerang mulls London-izationMulta Fidrus, Tangerang It has been ten years since the Tangerang administration first began discussing plans to transform the Cisadane river, which flows through the heart of town, to become more like the great Thames Gateway in London, but it has yet to materialize...

The Ministry of National Education has finally instituted,

The Ministry of National Education has finally instituted, despite strong protests from the public, national senior high school final examinations.I'm one of those who don't think that these national examinations are of any use as a school leaver who has sat and passed these examinations and wants...

Five pairs of presidential and vice presidential candidates

Five pairs of presidential and vice presidential candidates will contest the presidential election on July 5. It is estimated that more people will vote in the presidential election than voted in the legislative election.

Two escape from Cirebon prison

Two escape from Cirebon prison CIREBON, West Java: Two prisoners convicted in a drug case escaped Cirebon Penitentiary in Gintung village, Ciwaringin subdistrict, on Thursday evening, guards and police said on Friday."The two escaped during heavy rain. We have dispatched a team to search for them.

Crop exporters unable to profit on weak rupiah due to low output, demand

Crop exporters unable to profit on weak rupiah due to low output, demandZakki P. Hakim and Andi Hajramuni, Jakarta/Makassar Palm oil, cacao and coffee producers, who normally make handsome profits from exports when the rupiah is weak, likely will not gain much from this current fall of the currency...

S. Korean soldiers convert to Islam before Iraq tour

S. Korean soldiers convert to Islam before Iraq tour Kim Kyoung-hoon and Choi Yoon-sang Reuters/SeoulSouth Korea's 35,000-strong Muslim community gained 37 new converts on Friday when officers and enlisted soldiers destined for a tour of duty in Iraq were admitted to the faith in a ceremony at...

Jakarta-KL reaching the boiling point

Jakarta-KL reaching the boiling pointHanys Salmi, Kuala Lumpur During the past six years, bilateral Malaysia-Indonesia relations have not shown much progress. In fact, while in the business sector relations are picking up, in the social/economic arena, the overall picture is gloomy.

Compromise reached on domestic violence bill

Compromise reached on domestic violence billA. Junaidi, Jakarta The government and women activists have settled their dispute on a controversial article on marital rape in the domestic violence bill which, if enacted, will carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in jail.

Victim of suspected malpractice puts house on sale to survive

Victim of suspected malpractice puts house on sale to surviveMulta Fidrus, Tangerang A "House for sale" billboard greets visitors to a house on Jl. Mandar XII/67 in the Bintaro residential area, Tangerang, where the now partly paralyzed Irwanto is trying to overcome the physical impairments he...

Faivakimoana's 144 leads Tonga past RI, into finals

Faivakimoana's 144 leads Tonga past RI, into finalsThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta An amazing display of power by Tongan opening batsman Maunaloa Faivakimoana almost single-handedly saw Tonga defeat Indonesia by eight wickets in the third round of the ICC EAP Cricket Challenge on Thursday in Japan.

Rp 900m budgeted for elections

Rp 900m budgeted for elections YOGYAKARTA: The Yogyakarta municipality has allocated Rp 900 million to prepare ballot booths and education the public about the presidential election on July 5.The head of the Yogyakarta General Elections Commission (KPUD), Miftachul Alfin, said each of the polling...

Karawang to be site of new dump

Karawang to be site of new dumpDamar Harsanto, Jakarta Jakarta will have another place to off-load its garbage this year, a 70-hectare dump in Rengasdengklok, Karawang regency, West Java, which is located some 70 kilometers to the east of the capital.

Kemayoran extends eviction deadline

Kemayoran extends eviction deadlineUrip Hudiono, Jakarta The Kemayoran Complex Development Board (DP3KK) has agreed to give two months to residents occupying part of the former airport in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, to move out of their homes.

Gusmao to meet Wiranto despite Horta's caution

Gusmao to meet Wiranto despite Horta's cautionThe Jakarta Post Jakarta Despite strong opposition from a senior minister, East Timor President Xanana Gusmao is being firm in his decision to go ahead with a scheduled Saturday meeting in Bali with presidential aspirant Gen.

"Aksi" and Indonesian democracy

"Aksi" and Indonesian democracyMax Lane, Murdoch WA, Australia On May 26 The Jakarta Post published two interesting opinion pieces: Indonesian democracy or 'demo-crazy'? by Ziad Salim and Complacency: Indonesia's democratic deficit by Adam Tyson.

Economic crisis blamed for rise in depression and mental illness

Economic crisis blamed for rise in depression and mental illnessYuli Tri Suwarni, Bandung The number of people suffering from psychiatric ailments has been on the rise over the past few years in the West Java capital of Bandung, with much of the increase being attributed to the economic hardship...

Jakarta stocks end higher driven by regional gains

Jakarta stocks end higher driven by regional gainsDow Jones, Jakarta Indonesian shares ended higher on Friday led by buying in cement and tobacco blue chips, boosted by gains across Asian markets after Wall Street's rally overnight, dealers said.

Six parties rallied behind Amien-Siswono

Six parties rallied behind Amien-SiswonoM. Taufiqurrahman, Jakarta Six political parties announced their support on Friday for the pair of Amien Rais and Siswono Yudohusodo, who have been nominated by the National Mandate Party (PAN) to contest the upcoming presidential election.

990 tons of oil being removed from sunken ship off Batam

990 tons of oil being removed from sunken ship off BatamFadli, Batam A major salvage operation is underway to remove some 990 tons of fuel oil from a ship carrying 4,000 cars that sank after colliding with a tanker last week in Indonesian waters south of Singapore, officials said on Friday.

NGOs seek review of water law

NGOs seek review of water law JAKARTA: A number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have moved to seek a review of the controversial Law No. 7/2004 on water resources.The NGOs called on those among the public who believed their constitutional rights were adversely affected by the law, to join...

Police develop database on human trafficking

Police develop database on human traffickingP.C. Naommy, Jakarta The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is working with the National Police to develop a database on cases of human trafficking.Counter-trafficking officer Kristin M.

Bureaucracy auditor merged with antigraft commission

Bureaucracy auditor merged with antigraft commissionMuninggar Sri Saraswati, Jakarta The Civil Servants Wealth Report Audit Commission (KPKPN) has officially merged into the newly established Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) following the issuance of a presidential decree on Friday.

Pelita Ilmu Foundation clarifies

Pelita Ilmu Foundation clarifies Referred to your article titled HIV/AIDS activists collaborate with police, published in your May 21 issue and written by Dewi Santoso, I, as the manager of the program, would like to make the following comments:The information your reporter got from Indonesian...

Mandiri posts 12.6% increase in profit

Mandiri posts 12.6% increase in profitThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta The net profit of state-owned Bank Mandiri, the country's largest bank in terms of assets, surged by 12.6 percent during the first quarter of this year, despite a 27 percent decline in interest revenue.

Cops nab suspected drug dealers

Cops nab suspected drug dealers BEKASI: Officers from the Bekasi Police's antidrug unit arrested a suspected drug dealer and seized from him nine packets of shabu-shabu (crystal methamphetamine) in Cibeber hamlet, North Cikarang, Bekasi regency, on Thursday.Bekasi Police drug unit chief Comr.

A fair go for East Timor

A fair go for East Timor Australia, already exploiting the wealth of the Timor Sea, has bright prospects of much more to come. East Timor, still waiting and dependent on aid from Australia and elsewhere, is impatient.

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, May 29, 2004

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, May 29, 2004Exhibitions* 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.

'Mismanagement at root of traffic'

'Mismanagement at root of traffic' The city administration will start the construction of a monorail and expand the busway system in June. However, there are doubts that these costly projects will be enough to ease the capital's traffic problems.

People need to read more

People need to read moreFrom Koran TempoFor most Indonesian people books are not a primary need, in fact not even a secondary need. This is due to, among other things, the lack of a reading habit and the high prices of books.

Gajah Tunggal clarifies

Gajah Tunggal clarifies JAKARTA: Tire maker PT Gajah Tunggal (GT) will manufacture a selected range of Michelin Group's associated brands of car tires, excluding the Michelin brand, including high-speed rated tires for various markets served by the world's largest tire producer, according to a...

Bus drivers want to be part of new busway

Bus drivers want to be part of new buswayUrip Hudiono, Jakarta Crews of regular buses serving routes between the Kalideres bus terminal in West Jakarta and the Pulogadung bus terminal in East Jakarta are hoping they will be employed for the city's new busway corridor that will link the two bus...

Temasek bid for Hana approved

Temasek bid for Hana approved SEOUL: South Korea's financial watchdog said on Friday it had approved a bid by Singapore's state investment arm to increase its stake to nearly 10 percent in Hana Bank, South Korea's third- largest lender.

Students protest against Hasyim

Students protest against Hasyim BOGOR, West Java: Vice presidential candidate Hasyim Muzadi was met by a rally during a visit to the Bogor Institute of Agriculture campus, where he was scheduled to talk.

Dropouts to be given incentive to return

Dropouts to be given incentive to return SEMARANG: The government has allocated funds to help dropout students -- or those who are considering dropping out of school -- continue their studies under a program set for the next academic year 2004/2005.

Worker training center opens in Batam

Worker training center opens in Batam BATAM, Riau: President Megawati Soekarnoputri inaugurated on Friday a training center for Indonesian migrant workers, which is aimed at enhancing the skills of employees bound for Singapore.

JP/13/Share

JP/13/ShareStocks end higher driven by regional gains Indonesian shares ended higher on Friday led by buying in cement and tobacco blue chips, boosted by gains across Asian markets after Wall Street's rally overnight, dealers said.

Keroncong songs almost extinct?

Keroncong songs almost extinct?From Warta KotaIndonesian songs in the once popular keroncong mode, a blend of local and Portuguese music, have almost disappeared even though they still have a fairly large number of fans.

Japan gives aid for Ambon refugees

Japan gives aid for Ambon refugees JAKARTA: The Japanese government has provided US$48,211 in aid to help transport relief supplies for internally displaced people in Ambon, Maluku province.A press statement from the Japanese Embassy in Jakarta said on Friday its government had approved a recent...

Second-rate medical equipment still used

Second-rate medical equipment still used MEDAN, North Sumatra: Minister of Health Achmad Sujudi expressed his concern over the fact that many private hospitals in the country only imported secondhand medical equipment.

1. Telkom (4x1)

1. Telkom (4x1) JSX still undecided over Telkom's delisting 2. CPO (2x34) Crop exporters unable to profit on weak rupiah due to low output, demand 3. Share (3x18) Jakarta stocks end higher driven by regional gains 4. Mandir (1x38) Mandiri posts 12.6% increase in profit

Country Profile: Italy -- June 2

Country Profile: Italy -- June 2 Message from the Italian Ambassador to IndonesiaH.E. Francesco M. Greco on the occasion of Italian National Day June 2, 2004Italian National Day marks the anniversary of June 2, 1946, the day on which, through a historical referendum, the people of Italy opted for a...

Domestic violence bill faces govt challenge

Domestic violence bill faces govt challengeMuninggar Sri Saraswati, Jakarta The contents of a draft domestic violence law are considered so sensitive by the government that it has been reluctant to start deliberations in the House, despite the fact that the bill was initiated by the legislature six...

RP operatives arrest senior rebel suspect

RP operatives arrest senior rebel suspectPHILIPPINES: Philippine intelligence operatives arrested on Friday a man believed to be one of the senior members of the Muslim extremist group Abu Sayyaf.Agents from the air force captured Hajer Sailani, 43, in the southern port city of Zamboanga, the...

Tourism expo draws crowds in KL, S'pore

Tourism expo draws crowds in KL, S'pore KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: A road show put on by Yogyakarta in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore to promote its tourist industry drew large crowds, mostly representatives of travel agencies and hotels.

JP/14/Brief2

JP/14/Brief2 Gajah Tunggal clarifies Tire maker PT Gajah Tunggal (GT) will manufacture a selected range of Michelin Group's associated brands of car tires, excluding the Michelin brand, including high-speed rated tires for various markets served by the world's largest tire producer, according to a...

Malaysian premier kicks off China visit

Malaysian premier kicks off China visitCHINA: Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi marked 30 years of diplomatic relations with China during a visit here on Friday by drumming up greater economic and trade ties while praising cultural links.

2 x 35

2 x 35 Economic crisis blamed for rise in depression and mental illness JP/5/spill1 x 56 990 tons of oil being removed from sunken ship off Batam JP/5/SANDRA1 x 57 A journalist's brief experience as a GAM hostage in E. Aceh JP/5/NIRMALA3 x 12 Over 1,000 illegal workers enter KL daily

GAM must release hostages

GAM must release hostagesFrom Suara KaryaThe Free Aceh Movement (GAM), which recently released the hostages that had been holding for some time, can in no way be regarded as acting humanely in its "struggle" for a free Aceh.

Govt may revise oil prices in 2004 budget

Govt may revise oil prices in 2004 budgetFitri Wulandari and Tony Hotland, Jakarta The government plans to propose a higher oil price assumption in revisions to the 2004 state budget in view of the higher price of the commodity in the international market.

* Police to be tried over candid camera Page 2

* Police to be tried over candid camera Page 2 * Govt may revise oil prices in 2004 budget Page 4 * River overflows, two women swept away Page 5 * Prospects for Internet-based learning in Indonesia Page 6 * City may approve 30% taxi fare hike Page 8 * Outsiders storm into last 16 at French Open...

'Desperate effort to make up for past failures'

'Desperate effort to make up for past failures' OR 'Mismanagement would only add to problem' OR 'Current bus routes should be enough'The city administration will start the construction of a monorail and expand the busway system in June.

Golkar, PKB sign coalition accord

Golkar, PKB sign coalition accordMoch. N. Kurniawan and Tiarma Siboro, Jakarta The Golkar Party and the National Awakening Party (PKB) signed a coalition agreement on Friday, but doubts remain if the alliance would boost their candidates' chance of winning the July 5 presidential election.

Prosecutors given police guard

Prosecutors given police guardAbdul Khalik and Ruslan Sangadji, Jakarta/Palu Prosecutors and judges in conflict areas have been provided police protection following Wednesday's murder of prosecutor Ferry Silalahi in the Central Sulawesi capital of Palu.National Police chief Gen.

Over 1,000 illegal workers enter KL daily

Over 1,000 illegal workers enter KL dailyApriadi Gunawan and Fadli, Medan/Batam A researcher at North Sumatra University (USU) revealed on Friday that at least 1,050 Indonesian migrant workers -- 35 percent were women -- illegally entered the neighboring country of Malaysia daily.

Accepting with resignation

Accepting with resignationFrom Media IndonesiaThe Javanese word legowo has become popular following the failure of former president Abdurrahman " Gus Dur" Wahid to satisfy the health requirements for standing in the presidential election.

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, May 29, 2004

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, May 29, 2004Exhibitions* In-door Mural Eng.ing.eng by Arie Diyanto at CCF French Cultural Center, Jl. Sagan 3 (Tel. 0274-566520/547409), until June 4. * Painting by H. Widayat, at Jl. Letnan Tukiyat No.32, Mungkid Magelang, Central Java, May 30 to June 13.

Panwaslu rejects Gus Dur's complaint

Panwaslu rejects Gus Dur's complaintThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta For the second time in a week, former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid has hit a snag in efforts to revive his chances of returning to power.

Pelita Ilmu Foundation clarifies

Pelita Ilmu Foundation clarifies Referred to your article titled HIV/AIDS activists collaborate with police, published in your May 21 issue and written by Dewi Santoso, I, as the manager of the program, would like to make the following comments: The information your reporter got from Indonesian...

Via Via connects tourists to Javanese tradition

Via Via connects tourists to Javanese traditionCynthia Webb, Contributor, Yogyakarta Nestled in Yogyakarta's popular tourist district of Prawirotaman, the Via Via Travellers' Cafe distinguishes itself from other cafes and restaurants with its character, history and reason for existence.

Horta to play in Saphir Hotel

Horta to play in Saphir Hotel YOGYAKARTA: After a show in Jakarta, Brazilian jazz great Toninho Horta is scheduled to play at the Saphir Yogyakarta Hotel on Jl. Laksda Adisucipto.Horta will play in the hotel's Mirah Lounge on May 29 from 9 p.m. onward.

Prospects for Internet-based learning in Indonesia

Prospects for Internet-based learning in IndonesiaSidatajudi, Surabaya I once read an article written by a local education activist proposing the nationwide adoption of Internet-based distance learning to help provide quality tertiary education at a low cost for those living in small towns.

DONE

DONEThe Italian Trade Commission activities in Indonesia Italy and Indonesia are long-standing and solid trade partners. Last year, the value of the trade between the two countries reached 1,469 million euro, with a surplus of 664 million euro in favor of Indonesia.

Moody's withdraws ratings on APP

Moody's withdraws ratings on APP JAKARTA: Moody's Investors Service said on Friday it had withdrawn its credit ratings on the hugely indebted Asia Pulp and Paper group.The statement noted that it had withdrawn the Ca debt rating and C preferred stock rating "because Moody's believes it lacks...

JSX still undecided over Telkom's delisting

JSX still undecided over Telkom's delistingRendi A. Witular, Jakarta The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) has yet to decide on whether to delist telecommunications firm PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom) from the exchange, following the firm's inability to submit an audited 2003 financial report by...

Museum to host play on Diponegoro

Museum to host play on Diponegoro JAKARTA: The Jakarta Historical Museum, better known as the Fatahillah Museum, in Kota, West Jakarta, will host a play titled Diponegoro: A Historical Reconstruction on June 6.

Jakarta-KL relations

Jakarta-KL relations could boil over soon Delicate problems in Indonesia-Malaysia ties Hanys Salmi Kuala Lumpur2. Max -- "Aksi" and Indonesian democracy 2 x 30 Street demonstrations effective for achieving change in Indonesia Max Lane Murdoch WA, Australia

Country Profile: Italy -- June 2

Country Profile: Italy -- June 2 Message from the Italian Ambassador to IndonesiaH.E. Francesco M. Greco on the occasion of Italian National Day June 2, 2004Italian National Day marks the anniversary of June 2, 1946, the day on which, through a historical referendum, the people of Italy opted for a...

City likely to approve 30% taxi fare hike, lower than proposed

City likely to approve 30% taxi fare hike, lower than proposedDamar Harsanto, Jakarta An official said on Friday that the Jakarta administration was considering approving a 30 percent taxi fare increase, much lower than the 90 percent increase proposed by the Jakarta Organization of Land...

Excess liquidity put pressure on rupiah

Excess liquidity put pressure on rupiahDadan Wijaksana, Jakarta Aside from global concerns over a possible hike in U.S. interest rates, the rupiah's sharp drop should also be blamed on excess liquidity in the domestic banking sector, which has opened up greater room to speculate against the local...

Police to be tried over candid camera show

Police to be tried over candid camera showEvi Mariani, Jakarta Four policemen and their superiors have been investigated by the Jakarta Police internal affairs over their alleged involvement in a candid camera show that, according to the city police chief, had tarnished the institution's...

2 heads

2 heads 1. TOY -- 1 x 35 'Widung', a bit of childhood nostalgia 2. VIA -- 1 x 42 Via Via connects tourists to Javanese traditions

FPI members threatening jihad in Thailand misled: Deputy PM

FPI members threatening jihad in Thailand misled: Deputy PMAgence France-Presse, Bangkok Indonesian activists threatening to wage holy war in defense of fellow Muslims in Thailand's south are blind to the realities on the ground, a Thai deputy prime minister said on Friday as a soldier was killed...

Yasmin shares hope through film

Yasmin shares hope through filmPaul F. Agusta, Contributor, Kuala Lumpur Not only does Yasmin Ahmad light up the silver screen with her optimistic themes, she lights up any room that she walks into.On one recent Thursday evening, she warmly welcomed friends and colleagues to the screening room at...

Parties not transparent about legislative poll funding: NGO

Parties not transparent about legislative poll funding: NGOTiarma Siboro, Jakarta Many political parties have not submitted the appropriate reports on campaign expenditures for the April 5 legislative election to the General Elections Commission (KPU), a civil governance non- governmental...

[b]

Prosecutors given extra security 2. GOLKAR: 40 pt, 2 cols, 3 x 20 Golkar, PKB sign coalition agreement, but doubts linger 3. PUTEH: 36 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 32 Megawati allows police to quiz Puteh 4. RUPIAH: 32 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 35 Excess liquidity put pressure on rupiah

Strange bedfellows won't have synergy

Strange bedfellows won't have synergy From Media IndonesiaIn their search for political allies, our presidential candidates have not described their political platforms and programs for the advancement of the country.

City asked to control building permits

City asked to control building permits JAKARTA: The chairman of the Jakarta chapter of the Indonesian Builders Association, Effendi Siregar, asked the city administration to exert greater control over the issuance of building permits following the recent collapse of a partly constructed furniture...

RI preps for Sri Lanka in India warmup

RI preps for Sri Lanka in India warmupEva C. Komandjaja, Jakarta Indonesia will face India at the Bung Karno stadium here on Thursday in a warmup match ahead of its prequalifying match for the 2006 World Cup against Sri Lanka on June 9.

A journalist's brief experience as a GAM hostage in East Aceh

A journalist's brief experience as a GAM hostage in East Aceh Nani Afrida, The Jakarta Post's correspondent in Aceh, spent two nights two weeks ago at the Free Aceh Movement's (GAM) hideout in East Aceh regency, after she and five other journalists offered themselves as collateral for the release...

JSX still undecided on Telkom's delisting

JSX still undecided on Telkom's delisting Rendi A. Witular Jakarta The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) has yet to decide on whether to delist telecommunications firm PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom) from the exchange, following the firm's inability to submit an audited 2003 financial report by the...