Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 12 June 2004

89 articles found

Reporters seek help from rights body

Reporters seek help from rights body JAKARTA: Some 40 journalists and employees of Berita Buana daily reported PT Berita Media Buana Pers president director Rahim Soekasah and PT Bakrie Kapital Indonesia president commissioner Nirwan Dermawan Bakrie to the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) on Friday. The spokesman for the workers, Ayid Suyitno, accused Rahim and Nirwan of violating Law No.

Regulations must reflect annulled articles: Expert

Regulations must reflect annulled articles: Expert Muninggar Sri Saraswati, Jakarta A legal observer has urged the Constitutional Court to order state institutions to follow up its ruling annulling contentious articles of law by scrapping regulations involving such articles. "They should notify other institutions to follow up their ruling. It would be a waste of time and energy if people must file for judicial review with the court or the Supreme Court to comply with the ruling," Benny K.

3 x 12

3 x 12 PAN expels 8 officials in Padang JP/5/emil 2 x 27 Terror suspect to challenge police in court over arrest JP/5/VOLCANO 1 x 9 Hotels suffer after Bromo eruption JP/5/MUSIC 2 x 30 Central Sulawesi strives to revive traditional bamboo music

Bird's-eye view of pollution

Bird's-eye view of pollution From Republika As an Indonesian, I am saddened to learn that the Ancol coastal area is now so polluted that many fish have been killed from the red tide phenomenon or toxic waste and oil spills. I would like to share with readers what I, as a pilot, have seen from the sky. When I fly over Jakarta Bay to land at Soekarno-Hatta airport, I can see, during the descent from 5,000 feet to 2,000 feet, an oil slick on the sea.

Jakarta gears up for ASEAN guests

Jakarta gears up for ASEAN guests Adianto P. Simamora, Jakarta Indonesia, the current chair of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), will host a series of regional ministerial level meetings in Jakarta in the coming three weeks. The first will be the 37th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM), on June 29 and 30.

Hamzah denies plot to foil Amien's bid

Hamzah denies plot to foil Amien's bid JAKARTA: Presidential candidate Hamzah Haz denied on Friday accusations that he had cooperated with another presidential candidate, Megawati Soekarnoputri, to block Amien Rais' bid for the presidency. "I have spent so much energy and money to run for president, so it is not logical to say I just got in the race to block Amien Rais," he said in Bogor.

Generational rift emerges in NU

Generational rift emerges in NU Tiarma Siboro, Jakarta Intense competition for the millions of votes from members of the Muslim organization Nahdlatul Ulama has led to calls for neutrality by the youth affiliates ahead of the country's presidential election.

Hotel suffers after Bromo eruption

Hotel suffers after Bromo eruption ID Nugroho, Surabaya Hotels near the slopes of Mount Bromo reported on Friday that the number of tourists in the area had dropped significantly since Bromo erupted several days ago. Mount Bromo was quiet on Friday, but local authorities warned tourists and residents to stay away from the crater because of the possibility of further eruptions.

SMP 56 open for new admissions amid dispute

SMP 56 open for new admissions amid dispute Damar Harsanto, Jakarta The operator of state middle school SMP 56 in Melawai, South Jakarta, has opened for new student enrollment while the legal dispute over the property's ownership drags on. "We have opened for new admissions today, but no students have come to enroll yet," Ina Harahap, the school treasurer, told The Jakarta Post on Friday.

A comparison of antimilitary sentiment and edict banning women

A comparison of antimilitary sentiment and edict banning women Thomas Hidya Tjaya Jakarta There has been much talk about who will win the presidential election and at least two major issues have been raised regarding the suitability of the candidates. The first is antimilitarism. A large number of people and several organizations have raised concerns over candidates with military backgrounds, and urged voters not to elect them.

RI to observe blood donor day

RI to observe blood donor day JAKARTA: Indonesia will observe every June 14 as Blood Donor Day, which will be marked this year by the signing of an agreement between the government, the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI), the International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Yuyun Soedarmono, director of PMI's blood transfusion division, said the day would be dedicated to blood donors across the country.

Two students invent firefighting robot

Two students invent firefighting robot JEMBER, East Java: Two students with the technical faculty of Muhammadiyah University in Jember regency, East Java province, have invented a firefighting robot (F2R). The students, Dani Mayangsari and Adi Gunawan, said here on Friday that the robot could automatically move toward the source of fire. Dani said the robot was equipped with an infranet sensor to facilitate its movement, and a photo transistor to detect fire and its source.

More than half of ballot papers printed so far

More than half of ballot papers printed so far M. Taufiqurrahman, Jakarta The logistical woes that afflicted the legislative elections seem unlikely to affect the July 5 presidential polls as three weeks before polling day the firms appointed by the General Elections Commission (KPU) have managed to print and to distribute a large percentage of the ballot papers.

'The least we can do is not litter'

'The least we can do is not litter' Many environmental problems in the capital have remained unresolved because residents are unwilling to adopt a "green lifestyle". Worsening air and water pollution has begun to take its toll, with many people suffering from respiratory and other health problems. The Jakarta Post spoke with residents about what they do to help protect the environment. Ignatius Ari, 30, works at a PR firm on Jl. Balitung in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta.

Economic manifestos of candidates 'unrealistic'

Economic manifestos of candidates 'unrealistic' Dadan Wijaksana, Jakarta Various economic platforms set out by presidential candidates are seen not only as unrealistic and overly ambitious, but also more importantly lacking in details on how to achieve those targets. Rather than providing clear-cut short-term programs needed to achieve longer-term and more sustainable economic goals, the candidates have instead turned to populist programs, independent economists have said.

RI maid falls from S'pore flat, survives

RI maid falls from S'pore flat, survives SINGAPORE: An Indonesian maid believed to be cleaning windows in a Singapore flat fell three storeys and survived, news reports said on Friday. The 26-year-old woman was in stable condition at the National University Hospital. She had clung to a louvre after she fell on Thursday, but lost her grip and tumbled down, hitting a concrete parapet on the second floor, The Straits Times said.

The region's concerns over Indonesia's developments

The region's concerns over Indonesia's developments Hanys Salmi Kuala Lumpur The current social-political developments in our giant neighbor Indonesia have become the focus of attention in the Southeast Asian region.

Sheraton offers special weekend package

Sheraton offers special weekend package YOGYAKARTA: Sheraton Mustika Yogyakarta Resort and Spa on Jl. Laksda Adisucipto is offering a special weekend package for Rp 350,000 net per night in its Deluxe Garden View rooms. According to the hotel's public relations manager Jeni Handayani Ratnasari, the offer, which will be effective until Dec.

Sleman to publish performance report

Sleman to publish performance report YOGYAKARTA: The Sleman regency administration has made a breakthrough in upholding transparency and accountability as it plans to publish performance reports of the administration in the mass media. Regent Ibnu Subiyanto said earlier this week that the reports to be published were the regency budget realization report, the balance sheet of payments and the cash flow financial reports.

Rented boots keep shoppers' feet clean and dry

Rented boots keep shoppers' feet clean and dry Leony Aurora, Jakarta During the rainy season, shoppers at traditional markets are sure to get their shoes -- and possibly, trousers -- muddy, but customers at Kramatjati Wholesale Market, East Jakarta, can shop worry-free. Vendors at the market, the main distribution point for fruit and vegetables in the capital, have come up with an ingenuous, yet profitable, solution: rental galoshes.

Part 1 of 2

Part 1 of 2 ASEAN as a single market and production base Romeo A. Reyes Jakarta At their Bali Summit of October 2003, ASEAN Leaders declared the establishment of an ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) as one of the three pillars of a broader ASEAN Community. The other two pillars are ASEAN Security Community and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community. In particular, they declared AEC as the realization of the end-goal of economic integration as outlined in the ASEAN Vision 2020.

Jakarta gears up for many VIP guests

Jakarta gears up for many VIP guests Adianto P. Simamora Jakarta Indonesia, the current chair of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), will host a series of regional ministerial level meetings in Jakarta in the coming three weeks. The first will be the 37th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM), on June 29 and 30.

Soldiers tried for fueling separatism

Soldiers tried for fueling separatism AMBON, Maluku: Three soldiers stood trial at a military court in the Maluku capital of Ambon on Friday for allegedly backing separatism in the troubled city. The defendants -- First Pvt. Sukino, First Pvt. Jalian and Second Pvt. Susanto -- were tried for taking a picture together, with a separatist flag of the South Maluku Front (FKM) in the background. Military lawyer for the three suspects, Maj.

Jakarta campaign teams shift strategy

Jakarta campaign teams shift strategy Bambang Nurbianto, Jakarta Campaigners for presidential candidates realize they need to do much more legwork rather than waste time and money in gathering people to sparse campaign rallies. This was the result of an evaluation of the first week of campaign strategies in the capital, where almost 6.5 million people voted in April's legislative election.

KPU hosts dialog with campaigners

KPU hosts dialog with campaigners JAKARTA: The General Elections Commission (KPU) hosted on Friday a dialog between 44 professional and community organizations and campaign teams of all presidential candidates in the July 5 elections. KPU member Valina Singka Subekti said the forum would help the organizations become better acquainted with the presidential candidates. "We also hope the organizations can provide information for their members about the presidential election.

MONDAY

MONDAY Ciliwung River The Jakarta Post published a photograph on June 9 of Ciliwung River in Dukuh Atas, South Jakarta, and quoted residents as saying the water emitted a putrid stench. Dukuh Atas residents are not the only sufferers. The stench can be sampled at many points in the city, and is worst where the waters flow through the Kali Besar to Sunda Kelapa.

Sleman uses natural predators against ravaging mice

Sleman uses natural predators against ravaging mice Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Sleman, Yogyakarta Years of uncontrolled use of pesticides and insecticides has resulted in an increased mice population, much to the misery of local farmers. The situation got worse with a sharp decline in the populations of the main mice predators -- snakes and owls -- in Sleman regency, especially the western subdistricts.

June 14, 2004

June 14, 2004 Prudent ruling at last The Supreme Court, as widely expected, duly overturned the Jakarta Commercial Court's bankruptcy ruling of April 23 against the Indonesian subsidiary of British insurance company Prudential PLC, asserting that the case had been mishandled.

Jamsostek prepares Rp 22.5 billion for SMEs

Jamsostek prepares Rp 22.5 billion for SMEs Ridwan Max Sijabat, Jakarta State-owned insurance company PT Jamsostek has prepared Rp 22.5 billion (US$2.6 million) in credits and training funds for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) this year to support the government's program of empowering the types of businesses.

Terror suspect to challenge police in court over arrest

Terror suspect to challenge police in court over arrest Ruslan Sangadji, Palu A man, who is being detained by police in the Central Sulawesi capital of Palu on charges of murdering prosecutor Ferry Silalahi, plans to sue them for what he claims was a wrongful arrest. The 24-year old man, identified only as Emil, will be backed by at least 27 lawyers from the Indonesian Advocates Association (AAI) based in Palu.

Court urged to scrap contentious articles

Court urged to scrap contentious articles Muninggar Sri Saraswati Jakarta A legal observer has urged the Constitutional Court to order state institutions to follow up its ruling annulling contentious articles of law by scrapping regulations involving such articles. "They should notify other institutions to follow up their ruling. It would be a waste of time and energy if people must file for judicial review with the court or the Supreme Court to comply with the ruling," Benny K.

Counterfeit cash sees rise during campaign: Police

Counterfeit cash sees rise during campaign: Police Abdul Khalik/Tony Hotland, Jakarta The amount of counterfeit money circulating in the country increased just before and during the April 5 legislative elections, authorities have said. National Police chief of detectives Comr. Gen. Suyitno Landung Sudjono said on Thursday that from January to April police encountered numerous examples of counterfeit money in circulation, worth, if genuine, hundreds of millions of rupiah.

PAN expels 8 officials in Padang

PAN expels 8 officials in Padang Syofiardi Bachyul JB, Padang The central board of the National Mandate Party (PAN) has dismissed eight of its West Sumatra councillors who were recently convicted by the Padang District Court in a graft case involving 43 councillors. PAN chairman and presidential candidate Amien Rais announced on Friday he had signed a decree on their dismissal.

TPJ work to disrupt water supply

TPJ work to disrupt water supply JAKARTA: City water supplier PT Thames PAM Jaya (TPJ) plans to carry out maintenance work to its Pulo Gadung facility from June 15 to June 17. The work will affect water supply to consumers in Balai Pustaka, Pulomas, Salemba, Cempaka Baru, Gading Permai, Sindang, Enggano, Jl. RR Marthadinata, Kalimalang and Gudang Air. Customers are therefore asked to store beforehand a sufficient supply of water for their needs during this period.

Official's daughter nabbed for drugs

Official's daughter nabbed for drugs Leony Aurora, Jakarta Jakarta Police have arrested the daughter of former top official for alleged possession of illicit drugs. An investigator from the city police narcotics division, who requested anonymity, said on Friday that the police intended to raid a boarding house belonging to a person named Stephen, who had previously been targeted for alleged drug dealing.

[b]

Da'i views foreign intel as warning 2. 2 x 32 Police cross-check Puteh's testimony Regulations must reflect annulled articles: Expert 4. 2 x 24 'Hooky' lawmakers may be named and shamed: House 5. 1 x 32 Jakarta gears up for ASEAN guests

Stay-away legislators may be named and shamed

Stay-away legislators may be named and shamed Kurniawan Hari Jakarta A senior leader of the House of Representatives (DPR) has urged House members to improve their attendance record before the current sitting ends in September or else face moral punishment from the people. "All House members are morally accountable for the performance of their official duties," House deputy speaker Tosari Widjaja said before attending a consultative meeting with leaders of the nine House factions here on Friday.

Foreign troops 'not option' for Malacca Strait

Foreign troops 'not option' for Malacca Strait Patrick Chalmers, Reuters/ Kuala Lumpur Foreign troops are not part of any plan to boost security in the Strait of Malacca, a vital sea lane carrying a third of world trade, Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said on Friday. Washington and staunch local ally Singapore have voiced alarm over the risk of pirates linked to terror groups attacking tankers or other vessels in the busy strait, calling for beefed up security measures.

Pedestrian walkways

Pedestrian walkways are the soul of Jakarta Nirwono Joga Jakarta 2. Simon -- Learning of the arts is much needed 1 x 30 Art classes needed in schools Simon Marcus Gower Jakarta

No mention of the environment

No mention of the environment It seems to be true, World Environment Day came and went with barely peep from any of the five presidential candidates. At least, not that I heard. An article in The Jakarta Post on June 5 commented that environmentalists were "up in arms" that none of the parties were speaking about environmental issues.

'Hooky' lawmakers may be named and shamed: House

'Hooky' lawmakers may be named and shamed: House Kurniawan Hari, Jakarta A senior leader of the House of Representatives (DPR) has urged House members to improve their attendance record before the current sitting ends in September or else face moral punishment from the people.

Arts market marks rector's birthday

Arts market marks rector's birthday SEMARANG: A three-day arts market was held from Monday to Wednesday this week in the campus of Diponegoro University (Undip) in Semarang, Central Java, to celebrate the 60th birthday of its rector Eko Budihardjo. The campus, located on Jl. Imam Barjo, was turned into a stage using a drying fishpond there. There on the stage, the grandfather and father of two daughters read poems.

[b]

Da'i views foreign intel as warning 2. 2 x 32 Police cross-check Puteh's testimony Regulations must reflect annulled articles: Expert 4. 2 x 24 'Hooky' lawmakers may be named and shamed: House 5. 1 x 32 Jakarta gears up for ASEAN guests

Eight people killed in Tegal bus crash

Eight people killed in Tegal bus crash Nana Rukmana, Tegal Another tragedy has hit the north coast highway in Central Java, this time involving a collision between a bus and a minibus in Tegal regency, which killed at least eight people and injured 15 others, five of whom are seriously injured. The deadly crash took place before midnight on Thursday at around 11 p.m. on the Semarang-Jakarta highway in Suradadi district.

Campaigns light on the festivities

Campaigns light on the festivities The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In comparison with the legislative campaigns across the city in March, the ongoing presidential campaigns are obviously muted. Despite sprawling banners, posters and other paraphernalia depicting the candidates and their slogans on the streets, the people's enthusiasm appears to be low. Colorful parades are noticeably absent, while many events organized by the various campaign teams are attended by a sparse audience.

1. SOPRAN 2x20

1. SOPRAN 2x20 'Sopranos' reaches season's aria ala Mob 2. VIDEO 2x24 Dealing DVDs: Movie pirates find Indonesia a safe haven 3. KINDER 1x28 Children play nature's peacemaker 4. TOP 1x30 Usher burns Top 10 for 5th week

Pedestrian walkways are the soul of Jakarta

Pedestrian walkways are the soul of Jakarta Nirwono Joga, Jakarta The best planning is early planning. A city is to be built in phases according to its master plan and available budget, instead of being fragmentarily designed in the process. This is the explanation for Jakarta's development muddle, if not failure.

KPU hosts dialog

KPU hosts dialog with campaigners JAKARTA: The General Elections Commission (KPU) hosted on Friday a dialog between 44 professional and community organizations and campaign teams of all presidential candidates in the July 5 elections. KPU member Valina Singka Subekti said the forum would help the organizations become better acquainted with the presidential candidates. "We also hope the organizations can provide information for their members about the presidential election.

Diponegoro story comes alive at museum

Diponegoro story comes alive at museum Leony Aurora, Jakarta Most Indonesians remember Javanese prince Diponegoro as a national hero who led a war on horseback against the Dutch colonizers in Yogyakarta from 1825 to 1830. But few recall the crux of the story -- that Diponegoro was tricked into his arrest by the Dutch. Still fewer know he spent three weeks imprisoned in old Batavia's Stadhuis, or City Hall, now the Jakarta Historical Museum on Jl. Taman Fatahillah in West Jakarta.

Police cross-check Puteh's testimony

Police cross-check Puteh's testimony P.C. Naommy, Jakarta Police began questioning two more top officials from Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam province on Friday as witnesses in a Rp 30 billion (US$3.52 million) corruption case. The secretary of the provincial administration, Thantawi Ishak, and the head of the provincial treasury, T. Lizam, appeared at the National Police Headquarters in Jakarta on Friday for questioning. According to the director of the police's White-Collar Crime Division, Brig.

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

1. CRASH: 48 pt, 3 cols, 3 x 18 Eight people killed in Tegal bus crash 2. BALLOT: 36 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 30 More than half of ballot papers printed 3. SULTAN: 32 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 25 Surakarta's traditional ruler passes away 4. DRUGS: 32 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 33 Official's daughter nabbed for drugs 5. BOOT: 30 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 27 Rented boots keep shoppers' feet clean and dry

Surakarta's traditional ruler passes away

Surakarta's traditional ruler passes away Blontank Poer, Surakarta Hadiningrat Ingkang Sinuwun Kangjeng Susuhunan Pakoeboewono XII, the traditional ruler of the Surakarta Palace, passed away on Friday at the age of 79. He died at 8:08 a.m. after being in intensive care for a week at Dr. Oen Hospital, Surakarta. He is survived by 36 children. Family members did not clarify the illness suffered by Sinuhun, as he was called by those close to him. He was given the name Raden Mas Goeritno.

HI workers reject dismissal

HI workers reject dismissal JAKARTA: At least 56 employees of Hotel Indonesia (HI) and Hotel Inna Wisata are still resisting dismissal, although the hotel management has sold the hotels' kitchen appliances and furniture as the HI building is being prepared for renovation. "We are still negotiating with the old hotel management PT Hotel Indonesia Natour (HIN)," spokesman of the hotel's labor union Marcus Kappuw was quoted as saying by Tempo News Room on Friday.

Police recover 50% of stolen funds

Police recover 50% of stolen funds MEDAN, North Sumatra: Police here said on Friday they had recovered more than 50 percent of at least Rp 33 billion (US$3.6 million) stolen from the Medan branch of Danamon Bank. North Sumatra Police chief of detectives Sr. Comr. Satria Hari Prasetya said his office recently seized a total of Rp 17.2 billion from suspects in the bank scandal, including Rp 6 billion in cash.

Elektrik to play against Monas in Proliga final

Elektrik to play against Monas in Proliga final Eva C. Komandjaja, Jakarta Newcomer Jakarta Elektrik will challenge Jakarta Monas in the women's final of the Proliga 2004 volleyball championships after winning their semifinal matches here on Friday. Jakarta Elektrik denied Bandung Art Deco, last year's champion, a place in the final, cruising to a 3-1 victory in Friday's matches at the basketball hall at Bung Karno Sports Complex.

Ba'asyir's group supports Amien Rais

Ba'asyir's group supports Amien Rais JAKARTA: A group of some 70 Islamic delegates, including from the hardline group, the Indonesian Mujahidin Council (MMI), expressed their support for Amien Rais on Friday. Embattled Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Ba'asyir is the cofounder and spiritual leader of MMI.

Police begin cross-checking Puteh's testimony

Police begin cross-checking Puteh's testimony P.C. Naommy Jakarta Police began questioning two more top officials from Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam province on Friday as witnesses in a Rp 30 billion (US$3.52 million) corruption case. The secretary of the provincial administration, Thantawi Ishak, and the head of the provincial treasury, T. Lizam, appeared at the National Police Headquarters in Jakarta on Friday for questioning.

Hope for Miranda

Hope for Miranda Miranda Swaray Goeltom will finally be back at the Bank of Indonesia (BI). She has been chosen by House Commission IX to be the senior deputy of the governor of BI. Miranda has a vision to speed up change and reformation in the central bank. Among her plans is to improve the quality of human resources, above that of those in the market. In addition to that, she has also her vision on international networking.

Three rebels killed in Aceh

Three rebels killed in Aceh JAKARTA: Indonesian Military soldiers have killed three suspected separatist rebels in the latest violence in Aceh province, an officer said Friday. The Free Aceh Movement (GAM) guerrillas died in a gun battle on Thursday in Central Aceh district, said Lt. Col. Asep Sapari, the provincial military spokesman. Troops seized one pistol from the dead men, he said. -- AFP

* Jakarta presidential campaign teams change strategy Page 3

* Jakarta presidential campaign teams change strategy Page 3 * Stay-away legislators may be named and shamed Page 4 * Terror suspect to challenge police in court Page 5 * Pedestrian walkways, the soul of Jakarta Page 6 * Three women arrested in baby-trafficking case Page 8 * Portugal and Scolari begin historic bid Page 10 * ASEAN leaders expected to press Myanmar for reform Page 11 * Bonded zones reportedly used by smugglers Page 13 * Sleman uses natural predators against mice Page 17

Part 1 of 2

Part 1 of 2 ASEAN: A single market and production base Romeo A. Reyes Jakarta 2. dAILY -- Will we reach the Millennium Development Goals? 1 X 45 Will we reach the Millennium Development Goals? Iyanatul Islam The Daily Star Asia News Network Dhaka 3. iNQUI --Seeking virtue in 'sin taxes' 2 X 21 Philippines is seeking virtue in 'sin taxes'

ASEAN leadership seen bringing pressure on Myanmar: Downer

ASEAN leadership seen bringing pressure on Myanmar: Downer Agencies, Kuala Lumpur/Phnom Penh Myanmar is likely to face strong pressure from its neighbors to push through political reform once it takes over the chairmanship of Southeast Asia's main grouping, Australia's foreign minister said on Friday. Alexander Downer said Myanmar's turn as chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2006 was a prospect its partners in the 10-country bloc viewed with concern.

Majority of working children in Asia: ILO

Majority of working children in Asia: ILO Agencies United Nations/Bangkok Around 700,000 Indonesian child workers, and over 127 million child workers in Asia, toil under frequently appalling conditions, and face sexual abuse and even slavery, international labor and children's organizations said on Friday.

Komnas Perempuan's appeal

Komnas Perempuan's appeal We welcome the response of President Megawati Soekarnoputri to the public demand that a presidential message be immediately issued to discuss the endorsement of the Bill Against Domestic Violence (RUU AKDRT). The President raised two problems, namely the preparedness of the law enforcement apparatus to support the law's implementation, and the near-to-expiry term of office of legislators, which prevents their optimal performance.

Community figures should guide election

Community figures should guide election The country's first direct presidential election is approaching, while Indonesian people are learning to practice democracy. The fate of the nation for the next five years and even further, therefore, is at stake. Does the population have the capacity, facilities, infrastructure and information needed to exercise their voting rights properly? On the other hand, can the present political system produce quality leaders? The answer is no.

Pacific rim economies prepare for energy crisis

Pacific rim economies prepare for energy crisis Agence France-Presse, Manila Pacific rim countries agreed on Friday to exchange information on oil data as part of guidelines to prepare for any energy disruptions, officials said. The officials looked at measures to cope with energy problems, ranging from finding new sources of oil, new energy sources and security of supply in each country, Philippines Energy Secretary Vincent Perez said.

Presidential candidates go cyber to attract voters

Presidential candidates go cyber to attract voters Muninggar Sri Saraswati, Jakarta Over 10 million computer users represents quite a big market for the candidates contesting the presidential election on July 5. Previous elections saw campaigners banking on traditional methods, including rallies and media advertisements.

NU Youth drum up support with soccer

NU Youth drum up support with soccer SURABAYA: Seizing on the soccer fever ahead of the Euro Cup Championship, Nadhlatul Ulama Youth in East Java have organized an extra large screening of the opening matches on Saturday at Bungkul sports field. Zakaria Irfani, the coordinator of the function, denied that the function was being held to solicit support for Megawati Soekarnoputri and Hasyim Muzadi, whom the group strongly supports.

Bonded areas reportedly used by smugglers

Bonded areas reportedly used by smugglers Rendi A. Witular, Jakarta The Directorate General of Customs said on Friday that it had deployed its officials to closely supervise bonded warehouse facilities in the wake of reports that they were often being used by smugglers to stockpile illicit goods.

Waste management a dream

Waste management a dream A popular joke made the rounds in Jakarta in the 1970s, calling the Indonesian capital "the largest ghetto in the world" and the Ciliwung River the "longest toilet on earth". Sadly, that joke remains relevant today, with Jakarta looking increasingly chaotic and both residents and officials inadequately equipped to deal with the city's problems. Most people in Jakarta would agree that the city administration should put waste management at the top of its priority list.

No mention of the environment

No mention of the environment It seems to be true, World Environment Day came and went with barely peep from any of the five presidential candidates. At least, not that I heard. An article in The Jakarta Post on June 5 commented that environmentalists were "up in arms" that none of the parties were speaking about environmental issues.

MONDAY

MONDAY Money politics? From Media Indonesia Without understanding precisely what money politics actually means, I wonder if the distribution of money to supporters of a presidential candidate falls under this category? If I support candidate Z, for instance, and the campaign manager pays me Rp 20,000 to campaign at a certain location, I think that's fair enough. Not all supporters have enough money to buy food and drinks while campaigning, so the money would cover their basic needs.

JP/ /

JP/ / Grafik General Precautions: 1. The surface of all original bank notes produced by Bank Indonesia will feel rough to the touch of hand, while the fake ones are smooth. This includes all texts of BANK INDONESIA and the nominal values of the bills. Rp 100,000 bank note (Soekarno Hatta) 1. The Garuda Pancasila symbol will feel rough to the touch of hand due to the Intaglio printing method used. 2. Both the colored and the clear sections of the plastic part of the bills are transparent. 3.

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Military backgrounds, female candidates hot election topics Thomas Hidya Tjaya Jakarta 2. Salmi -- The region's concerns over Indonesia's developments 2 x 30 Neighboring countries concerned over developments in Indonesia Hanys Salmi Kuala Lumpur

People asked to choose pro-democracy candidates

People asked to choose pro-democracy candidates A. Junaidi, Jakarta Religious leaders called on the public on Friday to choose those candidates with a strong commitment to upholding human rights, democracy and pluralism in the July 5 presidential election. They also urged the people to elect candidates who have demonstrated a strong determination in fighting discrimination and the country's pandemic corruption.

Central Sulawesi strives to revive traditional bamboo music

Central Sulawesi strives to revive traditional bamboo music Irvan NR, Palu It is rare nowadays for youngsters and students to play traditional musical instruments, raising concerns among the older generation that traditional music may vanish. One of these traditional musical instruments is the bamboo instruments from Central Sulawesi.

New busway entails more cash

New busway entails more cash Damar Harsanto, Jakarta The city administration intends to propose an additional budget to provide cash to finance construction of the next busway corridor. "The proposed additional budget is around Rp 200 billion (US$21.28 million). Hopefully we can complete the proposal by the end of this month and submit it to the City Council," City Secretary Ritola Tasmaya said at City Hall on Friday.

Investment board reports FDI drop

Investment board reports FDI drop The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Foreign direct investment (FDI) approvals in the first five months of the year dropped by 41 percent compared to the same period last year, the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) said on Friday. The government approved 405 foreign investment projects worth US$2.51 billion in the January-May period, much less than the $4.24 billion it approved last year, Bloomberg quoted BKPM data.

Three women apprehended in baby-trafficking case

Three women apprehended in baby-trafficking case Leony Aurora, Jakarta Jakarta Police are questioning three women alleged to be involved in transnational baby-trafficking, and who were arrested in three operations in the capital carried out between Thursday evening and Friday afternoon. City police chief Insp. Gen. Makbul Padmanagara said on Friday that the three suspects, Indonesians A and L and a Singaporean citizen, T, were being held at the police detention center.

The Jakarta Post's June 9 issue carried a story titled

The Jakarta Post's June 9 issue carried a story titled Environmental crime and graft: Evil twins written by Patrick Guntensperger. He effectively argued that crimes against the environment basically come down to a moral failure. I have been appalled by the lack of concern many people have on how pollution would impact their own health. The issue is not awareness, and certainly education would likely not help. Many U.S.

Cacuk

Cacuk The obituary on Cacuk Sudarijanto published on June 11, 2004 erroneously stated that he passed away at age 65. He was 56 years old. We apologize for the inconvenience caused by the mistake. -- Editor

JP/ /

JP/ / This tips will go with a story on fake notes from national desk General Precautions: The surface of all genuine bank notes produced by Bank Indonesia will feel rough to the touch, while fake ones are smooth. This includes all text reading "BANK INDONESIA" and the nominal value of the bills. Rp 100,000 bank note 1. The serial number on the bill fades under ultraviolet light. 2. The Garuda Pancasila symbol will feel rough to the touch due to the Intaglio printing method used. 3.

Former minister's daughter nabbed for drugs

Former minister's daughter nabbed for drugs Leony Aurora Jakarta Jakarta Police have arrested the daughter of former Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas for alleged possession of illicit drugs. An investigator from the city police narcotics division, who requested anonymity, said on Friday that the police intended to raid a boarding house belonging to a person named Stephen, who had previously been targeted for alleged drug dealing.

JTCC offers free workshop

JTCC offers free workshop YOGYAKARTA: Along with the development of tourism industry in the city, the professionalism of employees in the industry must also be upgraded and therefore the Gadjah Mada University's Jogjakarta Tourism Training Center (JTCC) is offering a free workshop for front office employees of non star-rated hotels in the city.

Dealing DVDs: Movie pirates find Indonesia a safe haven

Dealing DVDs: Movie pirates find Indonesia a safe haven Tony Ryanto, Contributor/Jakarta Just a few days after The Passion of the Christ premiered in the U.S. and Canada, a friend of mine told me he had already seen it. Indeed, the Passion is everywhere. It is on the big screen, but it is also available on the streets, where vendors sell the DVD for a fraction of the price of a movie ticket. The vendors have been told that the film grossed impressively in the U.S.

Reality TV cop remains on force

Reality TV cop remains on force Leony Aurora, Jakarta Despite a dismissal recommendation from the Jakarta Police Professional Ethics Board, First Insp. Sunarjo, a policeman involved in a crude "candid camera" show, will stay in the force, but under probation. Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Makbul Padmanegara announced on Friday his decision on the matter, saying that Sunarjo had a clean record prior to the show.

Police view foreign intel as warning

Police view foreign intel as warning P.C. Naommy, Jakarta Police said Friday the recent media reports citing Western security agencies, which warn of "credible" terrorism threats in the country targeting diplomats, only confirmed their suspicions. "We heard about the news, and even though we already had our own analysis on the same concern, we'll regard the information as a warning to prepare for any unwanted situations," said National Police Chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar.

Villagers join hands to save the Earth

Villagers join hands to save the Earth Bambang M, Contributor/Yogyakarta Garbage has always been a problem, especially if it is not properly managed. Villagers in Sukunan hamlet, Sleman, are working on ways to manage their household garbage to save the environment. One of the villagers, Iswanto, initiated an environmentally friendly waste-disposal scheme. His offer was welcomed, and nowadays his fellow villagers no longer dump garbage anyplace they please.

Chinese cuisine on offer at the Melia

Chinese cuisine on offer at the Melia YOGYAKARTA: During the holiday season of June and July, Melia Purosani Hotel on Jl. Suryotomo is offering a special Chinese set menu at its Ching San halal Chinese restaurant. "We decided on this particular set menu because Chinese food is not just full of delicious flavors but also very popular. Everybody loves it," the hotel's public relations manager Atik Damarjati said.