Archive: 29 May 2004
Showing 1-50 of 78 articles
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
990 tons of oil being removed from sunken ship off Batam
990 tons of oil being removed from sunken ship off Batam Fadli, 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. Hasan Liurima, chief of the Tanjung Uban Sea and Coast Guard Unit (KPLP), said four ships with divers were sent to survey the scene.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
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 the move. The NGOs will file a judicial review of the bill with the Constitutional Court next week.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
Police develop database on human trafficking
Police develop database on human trafficking P.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. Dadey of the IOM told The Jakarta Post on Friday that the database, which is expected to be completed within the next few months, would help provide better statistics on incidents of trafficking and criminal methods used.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
Bureaucracy auditor merged with antigraft commission
Bureaucracy auditor merged with antigraft commission Muninggar 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. The KPK received Presidential Decree No. 45/2004 on the merger of KPK and KPKPN.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
Mandiri posts 12.6% increase in profit
Mandiri posts 12.6% increase in profit The 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.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
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. Rasino said on Friday the arrest on Thursday was made possible by a tip from the public.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
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. Its determination to win a better deal on Timor Sea resources is straining relations with Australia in a way not seen since it won its independence, with Australia's help.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
'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. The Jakarta Post asked some residents for their opinion on the matter.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
Six parties rallied behind Amien-Siswono
Six parties rallied behind Amien-Siswono M. 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. Despite their poor performance in the legislative election, the new parties expressed optimism their contribution would help Amien and Siswono win.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
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 statement from GT. Gajah Tunggal clarified the previous report by The Jakarta Post which erroneously stated that the Michelin brand was one of the brands to be manufactured by the firm.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
Bus drivers want to be part of new busway
Bus drivers want to be part of new busway Urip 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 terminals. Rizal, a driver of a Mayasari Bhakti bus serving a route between Kalideres and Pulogadung, told The Jakarta Post on Friday that he was not aware of the plan.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
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. The Financial Supervisory Commission said it had approved Temasek Holdings' purchase of up to 6.39 percent in the bank, in additional to the 3.6 percent stake it already holds.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
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. The students said Hasyim and his running mate, Megawati Soekarnoputri, should not contest the election as they had failed to carry out the reform agenda. They said the pair would only make the situation in the country worse. Despite the protest, the talk on agriculture policy went ahead. -- JP
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
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. Under the program, certain students would be given Rp 1 million (US$108) for the school year. It will focus on elementary school students.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
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. Called the Batam International Training Center (BITC), it will also help the government control the illegal deployment of migrant workers.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
Stocks end higher driven by regional gains
Stocks 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. "It was, however, a mild buying," said a trader with a local securities firm, adding that lingering rupiah concerns spurred profit-taking, offsetting earlier gains.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
Keroncong songs almost extinct?
Keroncong songs almost extinct? From Warta Kota Indonesian 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. When I come across street musicians playing these songs, I tell them that they are not just earning a living, but also preserving an element of our musical heritage.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
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 request by the Ambon mayor for assistance to transport emergency relief supplies in the troubled city.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
Jakarta-KL reaching the boiling point
Jakarta-KL reaching the boiling point Hanys 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.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
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. The East Kalimantan fisheries and maritime affairs office said on Friday it had seized five Malaysian ships in 2000 for fishing illegally in Indonesian waters.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
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. Some people are of the view that the plan to construct the new busway route deserves support. Others, however, say that the problems with the existing route from Blok M to Kota should be dealt with first before expanding the system.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
Megawati allows police to quiz Puteh
Megawati allows police to quiz Puteh The 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.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
KPU Jakarta selects four for Senayan stadium campaign
KPU Jakarta selects four for Senayan stadium campaign Bambang 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. Only Hamzah Haz and Agum Gumelar, candidates nominated by the United Development Party (PPP), will hold their outdoor gathering at the former Kemayoran airport ground in Central Jakarta.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
Tangerang mulls London-ization
Tangerang mulls London-ization Multa 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 due to financial constraints. In a bid to attract investors, the administration is again toying with the idea.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
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 to enroll in a state university will still be required to sit a matriculation examination.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
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. Each pair of candidates and their campaign teams will certainly try to win over as many voters as possible. In this context, the campaign teams will, among other things, draft the candidates' platforms and make use of the media and other networks to promote their candidates.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
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. We are also investigating prison officials for negligence leading to their escape," Cirebon Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Muktiono said.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
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, demand Zakki 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 due to various factors, including the drop in demand and output.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
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/Seoul South 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 Seoul's main mosque. South Korea, where Buddhism is the most common religion and Christianity has grown rapidly, has pledged to send 3,000 troops to help reconstruction in Iraq.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
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. "Last year, we obtained about 22 billion ringgit through foreign exchange and this year we hope to achieve about 30 billion," Deputy Tourism Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
Compromise reached on domestic violence bill
Compromise reached on domestic violence bill A. 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.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
Victim of suspected malpractice puts house on sale to survive
Victim of suspected malpractice puts house on sale to survive Multa 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 suffered apparently as a result of medical treatment he received last year. "We need to pay back loans and the money we owe to our relatives for the medical costs.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
Faivakimoana's 144 leads Tonga past RI, into finals
Faivakimoana's 144 leads Tonga past RI, into finals The 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. Faivakimoana scored 144 not out from 94 balls, including 12 fours and 13 sixes, in an awesome performance that helped Tonga secure the victory with 23 overs to spare.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
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 places in the municipality would receive Rp 250,000 for the election.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
Karawang to be site of new dump
Karawang to be site of new dump Damar 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. Assistant to the City Secretary for Development Affairs IGKG Suena said on Friday, the city administration had approved the proposal submitted by private company PT Cikelor Mandiri to use the site as a dump.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
Kemayoran extends eviction deadline
Kemayoran extends eviction deadline Urip 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. The board has also agreed to set up a coordinating team with the residents to negotiate compensation and relocation.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
Gusmao to meet Wiranto despite Horta's caution
Gusmao to meet Wiranto despite Horta's caution The 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. (ret) Wiranto, who has been indicted by a United Nations-backed East Timorese court for crimes against humanity in the former Indonesian territory.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
"Aksi" and Indonesian democracy
"Aksi" and Indonesian democracy Max 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. In some key respects, these two articles presented opposite points of view.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
Economic crisis blamed for rise in depression and mental illness
Economic crisis blamed for rise in depression and mental illness Yuli 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 that has persisted since the economic crisis hit Indonesia in 1997. Dr.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
Jakarta stocks end higher driven by regional gains
Jakarta stocks end higher driven by regional gains Dow 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. "It was, however, a mild buying," said a trader with a local securities firm, adding that lingering rupiah concerns spurred profit-taking, offsetting earlier gains.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
People need to read more
People need to read more From Koran Tempo For 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. In fact, the reading habit can be developed by reading amusing or interesting material like comics, novels and lifestyle magazines, before seeking more knowledge from books on science, technology and socio-political affairs.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
Prospects for Internet-based learning in Indonesia
Prospects for Internet-based learning in Indonesia Sidatajudi, 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. Although the idea is very noble, there are some very serious challenges that need to be addressed before we can see Web-based distance learning offered by Indonesian colleges and universities.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
DONE
DONE The 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. Indonesia's exports to Italy during the year reached 1,066 million euro, comprising mainly coal, garments, refined petroleum products, pulp and paper, sport shoes, textile yarns and furniture products.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
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.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
JSX still undecided over Telkom's delisting
JSX still undecided over 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 required deadline. JSX listing director Harry Wiguna told The Jakarta Post on Friday that the bourse was still investigating why Telkom had failed to submit its report on time.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
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. It will be the third play staged at the museum, following Oentoeng: A Historical Reconstruction last August and Batavia, 1629 in 2002.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
Jakarta-KL relations
Jakarta-KL relations could boil over soon Delicate problems in Indonesia-Malaysia ties Hanys Salmi Kuala Lumpur 2. Max -- "Aksi" and Indonesian democracy 2 x 30 Street demonstrations effective for achieving change in Indonesia Max Lane Murdoch WA, Australia
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
City likely to approve 30% taxi fare hike, lower than proposed
City likely to approve 30% taxi fare hike, lower than proposed Damar 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 Transportation Owners (Organda).
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
Excess liquidity put pressure on rupiah
Excess liquidity put pressure on rupiah Dadan 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 unit, according to the central bank.
Sat, 29 May 2004, 00:00 WIB
Police to be tried over candid camera show
Police to be tried over candid camera show Evi 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 professional image. "The officers will be prosecuted in an open trial at headquarters next week," Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Makbul Padmanagara announced on Friday.