Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 19 June 2004

101 articles found

BI to withdraw, replace banknotes

BI to withdraw, replace banknotes The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The central bank plans to withdraw all Rp 100,000 and Rp 50,000 notes from circulation and replace them with new ones to combat the rise in counterfeit money, said Bank Indonesia senior deputy governor Anwar Nasution. "It's necessary to prevent the counterfeit (notes) from spreading. We have to replace those bills, and that's what we're going to do," Anwar said.

Undip to open new program

Undip to open new program SEMARANG: Diponegoro University (Undip) in Semarang is set to open a postgraduate program on law and human rights, according to Muladi, a former Undip rector and minister of justice and human rights. Muladi, who will be a lecturer in the program, said on Friday that the program was opened to promote the protection of human rights and to spur the transition to democracy.

1. JUMP 1x30

1. JUMP 1x30 Youths risks life, limb to survive A group of youths in colorful shorts wave frantically for attention from the top of a hill at the Baturaden tourist resort. They yell loudly to be heard over the roaring noise of the waterfall cascading down from the top of the hill, hoping that the tourists crowding the site some 20 meters below will turn their heads. Once they catch a visitor's eye, they hold up one or two fingers for the visitor's approval.

Student group donates food

Student group donates food JAKARTA: Bina Nusantara's Community and Social Service, a group of 23 middle and high school students, distributed 245 staple-food packages to the poor in South Grogol subdistrict, South Jakarta on Friday. Each package contained one kilogram of rice, one kilogram of sugar, five packets of instant noodles and one packet of biscuits. Most of the families live in temporary houses and survive by collecting cardboard and plastic containers.

Court ends electoral dispute hearings

Court ends electoral dispute hearings Muninggar Sri Saraswati, Jakarta The Constitutional Court ended on Friday the hectic hearings on electoral disputes by granting more seats at regental legislatures for three minor parties. The Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) reaped eight regental council seats in Selama, Banyuasin, Pandeglang, Langkat, South Tapanuli, East Barito, Tulangbawang and Bandar Lampung. However, 15 other cases were thrown out by the court in Friday's hearing.

U.S. creditor looks to intervene in suit against APP

U.S. creditor looks to intervene in suit against APP Dow Jones, New York A U.S. creditor is looking to intervene in a lawsuit against Asia Pulp & Paper Co. and its Indonesian subsidiaries, arguing it could backfire on bondholders participating in the company's multi-tiered debt restructuring process. The New York State Supreme Court will hold a hearing next week on whether Fintech Advisory Inc. can intervene on a lawsuit filed by U.S.

Youths risks their lives at waterfall

Youths risks their lives at waterfall Agus Maryono, Purwokerto, Central Java A group of youths in colorful shorts wave frantically for attention from the top of a hill at the Baturaden tourist resort. They yell loudly to be heard over the roaring noise of the waterfall cascading down from the top of the hill, hoping that the tourists crowding the site some 20 meters below will turn their heads. Once they catch a visitor's eye, they hold up one or two fingers for the visitor's approval.

Commission chairman cautious about vote-buying allegations

Commission chairman cautious about vote-buying allegations M. Taufiqurrahman, Jakarta The General Elections Commission (KPU) emphasized on Friday that all vote-buying allegations leveled at presidential candidates must be supported by strong evidence. KPU chairman Nazaruddin Sjamsuddin said only where there was solid evidence could the Election Supervisory Committee (Panwaslu) bring the case to trial, otherwise the allegations could be considered slanderous.

The winding road to better education

The winding road to better education Sayidiman Suryohadiprojo, Jakarta Public opinion in Indonesia supports a radical improvement in general education, which covers scholastic education, education at home and social education. This article focuses on scholastic education. It is becoming increasingly clear that scholastic education in Indonesia lags far behind its Southeast Asian neighbors.

New 'kancil' to traverse city, gradually replaces 'bajaj'

New 'kancil' to traverse city, gradually replaces 'bajaj' Damar Harsanto, Jakarta The city administration has issued an operational license for the kancil, a locally assembled four-wheeled vehicle, to replace the decrepit and noisy Indian-made bajaj, which is three-wheeled. "I approve the kancil to begin operating next month. So far, I have not heard about any problems over this issue," Governor Sutiyoso said on Friday at City Hall.

Second crane accident at SBDC

Second crane accident at SBDC A plywood sheet that was being lifted by a crane fell onto a passing Honda sedan in front of the Sudirman Business District Center (SBCD) Suites construction project in South Jakarta on Friday afternoon. The driver of the black Honda, Sutrisno, was not injured as the plywood fell onto the passenger side of the car. The car was badly dented, however, and the windows shattered. It was the second accident involving the crane.

Attorney general criticized for failing to recover state assets

Attorney general criticized for failing to recover state assets Abdul Khalik, Jakarta Observers claimed on Friday that bribery and poor coordination between law enforcers were behind the low recovery rate of state assets in corruption cases prosecuted by the Attorney General's Office. Legal expert Pradjoto said the low rate of recovery reflected the failure of the office to eradicate corruption in the country due to its lack of commitment to saving state assets.

Police slow on malpractice cases

Police slow on malpractice cases Evi Mariani, Jakarta Another malpractice report was filed with the police on Friday, bringing the number of such cases reported to city police to four in the past two months. City police chief Insp. Gen. Makbul Padmanagara said his officers were working hard on the cases, but none had been completed nor any suspects named. "Investigation into malpractice takes time.

Saudi Arabia responds

Saudi Arabia responds I would like to draw your attention to the article published in The Jakarta Post entitled Disaffection escalates in Saudi Arabia written by Gwynne Dyer, dated June 1. We feel that an unintentional mistake occurred in publishing such an article, which resulted in hurting the Kingdom and its leaders at large, and the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Indonesia.

Power cut hits parts of Sumatra

Power cut hits parts of Sumatra Puji Santoso, Pekanbaru Power blackouts sometimes lasting longer than three hours have been a frequent occurrence in Riau province during the past two weeks, and the provincial government wants answers from the power suppliers. Riau Governor Rusli Zainal expressed concern on Friday about the cuts, saying the electricity supply in the province was still far from expectations.

Stop promiscuity among teenagers

Stop promiscuity among teenagers From Koran Tempo The level of promiscuity among teenagers in the West Java capital of Bandung is worrying, and is resulting in a rising number of cases of pre-marital sex being reported to the counseling agency of the provincial family planning association. While in 2002 only 104 cases were registered, the total soared to 170 in the following year. The figures are believed to represent only the tip of the iceberg (Tempo Interaktif, June 13).

Railway employee admits wrongdoing

Railway employee admits wrongdoing PEKALONGAN, Central Java: Sarmidi, 50, a railway employee, acknowledged on Friday that negligence on his part had led to the fatal train accident in Pekalongan recently that killed seven and injured several others. "I fell asleep at the time, so I forgot to lower the crossing barrier and sound the signal," said Sarmidi, who has worked with state train operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia for 34 years.

1. PAN: 1 LINE, 35 COUNTS

1. PAN: 1 LINE, 35 COUNTS Leaders break Muhammadiyah's neutrality vow 2. KPU: 2 LINES, 24 COUNTS KPU chairman cautious about vote buying allegations 3. MK: 1 LINE, 32 COUNTS Court ends electoral dispute hearings 4. KPI: 1 LINE, 40 COUNTS KPI flooded with protests about 'biased' programs

Dollar purchases from SOEs to be regulated

Dollar purchases from SOEs to be regulated The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Office of the State Minister for State Enterprises is formulating a scheme with Bank Indonesia to manage and control the purchase of dollars by state companies in a bid to help support the ailing rupiah. State Minister for State Enterprises Laksamana Sukardi said on Friday better management of dollar purchases was necessary in relation to state firms' huge need of dollars to finance imports and debt payments.

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Promoting socially responsible investment Noah Beckwith OECD Observer, Paris 2. Pitan -- RI must fight common enemies to remain united 2 x 30 Nation must agree to fight common enemies to forge unity Pitan Daslani Jakarta

1. BA'ASYIR: 55 pt, 3 cols, 3 x 18

1. BA'ASYIR: 55 pt, 3 cols, 3 x 18 Ba'asyir behind bombings since 1999: Police 2. EXAMS: 40 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 21 Ministry of Education to revise exam formula 3. EURO: 32 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 24 (TO BE DECIDED LATER AFTER bULGARIA VS dENMARK MATCH FINISHED) 4. HAMZAH: 32 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 27 Hamzah's chance in presidential election slim, neighbors say

Marketing promises

Marketing promises From Media Indonesia During the campaign for the July 5 presidential election, most candidates have been very keen to be seen visiting traditional markets. By doing so, they are able to talk with vendors and shoppers in the hope of winning public support. However, when they get into power, they will probably forget the promises they made as part of their manifestos.

Rupiah Rates June 18

Rupiah Rates June 18 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 6,751.87 6,065.61 6,443.01 6,374.24 Brunei dollar 1 5,765.94 5,180.68 5,502.18 5,444.28 Canadian dollar 1 7,206.37 6,475.38 6,876.73 6,804.86 Swiss franc 1 7,886.44 7,087.81 7,525.68 7,448.45 Danish krone 1 1,601.21 1,439.29 1,527.96 1,512.52 Euro 1 11,902.42 10,697.84 11,357.96 11,242.17 Poundsterling 1 18,148.24 16,311.19 17,318.07 17,141.13 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,269.96 1,141.64 1,211.86 1,199.73...

Muslim group sets voting criteria

Muslim group sets voting criteria SEMARANG: The Association of Indonesian Muslim Intellectuals (ICMI) announced on Friday its criteria as a guide for the public in electing the best candidate into office. ICMI chairman Muslimin Nasution said the candidate should have a high sense of integrity, possessed statesmanship, was a strong leader and a reformist, and had good communication skills.

Schools and education first

Schools and education first From Republika Over the past few years, a lot of school buildings have collapsed, been demolished to make way commercial developments or fallen into disrepair. Such conditions will adversely affect the interest of both students and teachers in the education process. This situation shows that the country is being left behind in the education field, especially compared to Malaysia, which in the past even invited Indonesian teachers to come and work in that country.

Educators need to increase their adaptability and flexibility

Educators need to increase their adaptability and flexibility Simon Marcus Gower, Jakarta Our world of flux and ever increasing change means that today's technology is quickly surpassed. What is true today tomorrow may appear false. In short, stasis means that you will be left behind and so it is for this "ever-moving" world that educators must try to prepare students.

Stopping the poverty cycle

Stopping the poverty cycle I am writing in response to an op-ed by Dr. Anis Chowdury, a consultant with the United Nations Support Facility for Indonesian Recovery (UNSFIR), that appeared in The Jakarta Post on June 10. Of course, everyone wants to help the unemployed and underemployed in Indonesia. As Dr. Chowdury stated, the idea is a populist one.

Minister installs new STPDN rector

Minister installs new STPDN rector BANDUNG: Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno officially installed on Friday I Nyoman Sumaryadi as the rector of the Institute of Public Administration (STPDN) in Jatinangor, Sumedang regency, West Java province. Sumaryadi replaced Sutrisno, who had already moved and assumed a new post in Jakarta last year, following several incidents of hazing in the institute that claimed the lives of two students, including second year student Wahyu Hidayat.

New IMF chief set for visit to Asia

New IMF chief set for visit to Asia WASHINGTON: International Monetary Fund (IMF) chief Rodrigo Rato heads for Asia next week in his first official trip since taking the helm of the fund. His itinerary includes Japan and China. The respected former Spanish finance and economy minister, who took over as managing director of the IMF this month for a five-year term, will be in Tokyo June 21-22 and in Beijing the following two days.

Megawati issues decree on national human rights committee

Megawati issues decree on national human rights committee Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri has issued a decree establishing a national committee that will coordinate human rights activity across the country. Chaired by the minister of justice and human rights, the committee will be responsible directly to the president, with members comprising representatives of both the government and national human rights institutions.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 18, 2004

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 18, 2004 _________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume _________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 950 50 182,500 Adhi Karya 280 0 3,028,000 Adira Dinamika 2,425 0 0 AGIS Tbk 90 0 0 Akbar Indo Makmur 80 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 135 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 975 0 5,000 Alter Abadi Tbk 35 0 0 Alumindo...

Heart disease big killer in Padang

Heart disease big killer in Padang PADANG, West Sumatra: Heart disease was the cause of death for about one in every three people in West Sumatra, a doctor said on Friday. Asnil, an expert from the Dr M Djamil Hospital, said research in 2000 by Andalas University showed about 1,600 people in West Sumatra were known to have died from heart disease annually. The province has 4.2 million people. Some 400 of the deaths occurred before patients received medical care, he said.

BPK wants greater jurisdiction over SOEs

BPK wants greater jurisdiction over SOEs Tony Hotland, Jakarta The Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) wants greater authority in auditing publicly listed state-owned enterprises (SOEs), and that appointed public accountants consult the agency first before conducting an audit. "The problem is how to ensure that the public accountants' audit covers public interests and company information required by legislators," BPK chairman Satrio "Billy" Joedono said on Friday.

OPEC doubts producers can ramp up output

OPEC doubts producers can ramp up output Associated Press, Jakarta Several of the world's oil producers that are not members of OPEC might not be able to immediately ramp up their output to help bring down current high oil prices, the group's president said on Friday. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) president, Purnomo Yusgiantoro, did not mention any of the nonmember countries by name but said they would need to increase investments before boosting output.

Pertamina case may lead to legislator's prosecution

Pertamina case may lead to legislator's prosecution Fitri Wulandari, Jakarta Legislators receiving money from state oil and gas firm PT Pertamina for a recent overseas trip could face up to 20 years in prison if they fail to explain the payouts to the government- sanctioned anti-corruption commission (KPK) within a 30-day period. KPK deputy head Erry Riyana Hardjapamekas said on Friday the lawmakers had to prove the funds were not illegal gratuities from Pertamina. According to Law No.

Ministry of Education to revise exam formula

Ministry of Education to revise exam formula P.C. Naommy, Jakarta Amid a public outcry over the National Final Exams' (UAN) score conversion formula, the education ministry decided on Friday to revise the formula to make the results fairer for high-performing students. Head of the Research and Development (R&D) Division at the ministry, Dodi Nandika, said the decision was made after reviewing the results of score conversions in Jakarta, Banten, and East Java.

Carved tree a record of cultural and social life

Carved tree a record of cultural and social life Suherdjoko, Semarang Woodworking is a popular craft in Indonesia. But the carving of an entire living tree has only been done once in the country -- in Semarang, the capital of Central Java. The tree involved is a 200-year-old randu alas, or ceiba, tree on Jl. Diponegoro, some two kilometers away from the famous Simpang Lima intersection.

'I'd like to see'TVRI' well managed'

'I'd like to see'TVRI' well managed' A number of lawmakers, media observers and consumer activists have warned state television station TVRI not to press ahead with its plan to reinstate monthly license fees for TV owners as this could give rise to public protests as happened in the past. The TV station, which owes more than Rp 200 billion to the government, needs fresh funds to stave off bankruptcy. The Jakarta Post talked to some Jakarta people what they thought of the TVRI plan.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 18, 2004

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 18, 2004 _________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume _________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 950 50 182,500 Adhi Karya 280 0 3,028,000 Adira Dinamika 2,425 0 0 AGIS Tbk 90 0 0 Akbar Indo Makmur 80 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 135 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 975 0 5,000 Alter Abadi Tbk 35 0 0 Alumindo...

State finance accountability

State finance accountability The Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) will be armed with stronger and broader powers with which to perform its duties and to enforce its recommendations under a public finances accountability bill that is expected to be passed soon by the House of Representatives.

Chusnul holds on to her ideals

Chusnul holds on to her ideals Carla Bianpoen, Contributor, Jakarta "I prefer to give my information through written releases," Dr. Chusnul Mar'iyah, director of the IT Tender Commission at the Logistics Division of the General Elections Commission (KPU), told me during a visit I paid to her office. Slightly defiant, she points to numerous cases of what she says is misinformation tarnishing her image and integrity.

Provinces told to protect disabled

Provinces told to protect disabled BANDUNG: President Megawati Soekarnoputri instructed provincial governments across the country on Friday to draft bylaws that provide disabled people with access to facilities in public places and building access. "The bylaws are necessary as we have already enforced Law No. 22/1999 on people with disabilities," she said during her visit here.

Confused in Bandung

Confused in Bandung From Koran Tempo Bandung, the capital of West Java, was formerly known as the Paris of Java. Today, it is no longer so beautiful because of its complex city plan and muddled public transportation system. As a student from Jakarta, I was confused when I first arrived in Bandung. I went to a destination by public minivan and for my return trip, I had to take another means of public transport. The routes used by the two were also different.

* Pertamina case may lead to legislators' prosecution Page 2

* Pertamina case may lead to legislators' prosecution Page 2 * GAM leaders released by Swedish court Page 4 * Haze starts to blanket Jambi, Riau Page 5 * Competency-based learning: The dreams and realities Page 6 * Sutiyoso ill-informed about proposed house conversion Page 8 * UN rebukes defiant Iran amid fears of cover-up Page 9 * Paradorn leads Asian challenge at Wimbledon Page 11 * BI to withdraw, replace banknotes Page 13 * Chusnul holds on to her ideals Page 20

S'pore, Malaysia to allow cross-border stock trading

S'pore, Malaysia to allow cross-border stock trading Associated Press, Singapore The stock exchanges in Malaysia and Singapore announced plans on Friday to link their markets, letting each country trade shares in the other. The tie-up - which should be in place by the end of next year - is the latest sign that improved ties between the neighbors are helping boost business links.

Golkar to dismiss Kalla: Party advisor

Golkar to dismiss Kalla: Party advisor MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: A senior advisor of the Golkar Party disclosed on Friday that Jusuf Kalla, the running mate of Gen. (ret) Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, would soon be dismissed from the major party for shifting his allegiance. Instead of making his bid for the presidential or vice presidential seats through Golkar's convention, party member Kalla had opted to become running mate to Susilo of the Democratic Party.

Muhammadiyah support won't ensure Amien win

Muhammadiyah support won't ensure Amien win The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Presidential candidate Amien Rais may have gotten the support of the country's second largest Muslim organization Muhammadiyah, but his chances of winning the July 5 election remains a big question.

Mega donates braille 'ballots'

Mega donates braille 'ballots' BANDUNG: President Megawati Soekarnoputri donated on Friday some 2,000 braille cards to blind people in the city to help them vote in the upcoming presidential election. Yusi Hasibuan of the official Election Supervisory Committee (KPUD) in Bandung presented the cards to representatives of the blind community at the Wyata Guna Building on Jl. Padjadjaran.

Riau's rhinos face extinction

Riau's rhinos face extinction PEKANBARU, Riau: the Natural Resources Preservation Forum said on Friday that the two-horned rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) was facing extinction due to the destruction of its habitat, with only five of the species left in their natural habitat in Rokan Hulu, Riau. Head of the forum Bismark Tampubolon expressed concern that the remaining rhinos would leave their fast-disappearing habitat and head for the border, where there were many illegal hunters.

Central Java sets official birthday

Central Java sets official birthday SEMARANG: Central Java Governor Mardiyanto announced earlier this week that Aug. 15, 1950, was the province's official date of birth. The date was decided following a long and careful discussion involving government officials, experts, public figures and a special committee of the provincial legislative council.

Plantation company head queried over sugar smuggling

Plantation company head queried over sugar smuggling The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Police questioned on Friday state plantation company PT Perkebunan Nusantara (PTPN) X president director Duduh Sadarachmat as a witness in connection with the discovery of smuggled sugar in several warehouses at Tanjung Priok, Jakarta, and in Bekasi and Bogor, West Java. "It is still possible that we will name him (Duduh) as a suspect if we find enough evidence," National Police chief of detectives Comr. Gen.

RI needs 60,000 sports teachers

RI needs 60,000 sports teachers JAKARTA: The country is in need of at least 60,000 sports teachers for primary, elementary and high schools, Ministry of National Education's Director General of Primary and Elementary Education Indra Djati Sidi said on Friday. Apart from recruiting more sports teachers, the government will also train 540 teachers who will coach sports clubs for elementary school students.

Investors sought for buggy project

Investors sought for buggy project Dewi Santoso, Jakarta Eleven months after the launching of the country's first electric buggy, dubbed the Marlip, its maker, the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), says that it is seeking investors to mass produce the prototype. LIPI director Umar Anggara Jenie said on Friday that they had received an order for 100 of the cars from the National Police.

Akbar not serious about Wiranto: Gus Dur

Akbar not serious about Wiranto: Gus Dur JAKARTA: Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid, leader and co-founder of the National Awakening Party (PKB), accused Golkar Party chairman Akbar Tandjung on Friday for not being serious in supporting Gen. (ret) Wiranto and Solahuddin Wahid in their campaigns. "Golkar Party executives are not serious, as we can see from their failure to raise campaign funds for Wiranto and Solahuddin," said Gus Dur.

RI protests fishing-boat sinkings

RI protests fishing-boat sinkings AUSTRALIA: Indonesia has lodged a formal protest over a crackdown on poaching by Australian authorities that led to last month's sinking of two Indonesian fishing boats and the repatriation of their crews from Darwin, news reports said on Friday. Indonesian ambassador to Canberra Imron Cotan requested an explanation of the new policy, under which offending vessels are sunk, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

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The winding road to better education Sayidiman Suryohadiprojo Jakarta 2. Ali -- Significance of religious philanthropy in reducing Indonesia's 1 X 45 Role of religious philanthropy in reducing poverty Muhamad Ali Jakarta 3. Nation -- Facing up to the threat of maritime terror 2 X 21 Facing up to the threat of maritime terror Pavin Chachavalpongpun The Nation Asia News Network Bangkok

Official investigated for graft

Official investigated for graft Multa Fidrus, Tangerang Police have questioned Tangerang Social Welfare Agency head Wildanul Firdaus following activists' calls that the Tangerang Prosecutor's Office investigate the alleged embezzlement of a Rp 3.3 billion (US$351,064) community development fund by local councillors. Wildanul said on Friday before meeting with Council Speaker Dadang Kartasasmita that he had been summoned and questioned by the police as a witness.

Downsizing Cabinet

Downsizing Cabinet I am writing to comment on the National Resilience Institute alumni association (Ikal)'s proposals regarding the next Cabinet. It proposes that whoever wins the July 5 presidential election, appoint four coordinating ministers and 35 ministers (Pelita, June 9).

Social security programs mandatory for expatriates

Social security programs mandatory for expatriates Ridwan Max Sijabat, Jakarta Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Jacob Nuwa Wea has issued a ministerial decree requiring all expatriates working in Indonesia to join a social security program, which, according to Law No. 3/1992 on social security, is obligatory for all workers.

KL welcomes RI's proposal on straits patrols

KL welcomes RI's proposal on straits patrols Jasbant Singh, Associated Press, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia on Friday welcomed an Indonesian suggestion to conduct joint patrols with Singapore to guard the Malacca Straits against threats from pirates and terrorists. Indonesia's navy chief Adm. Bernard Kent Sondakh said on Thursday that officials from his country will meet with their Malaysian counterparts on June 27 to discuss increasing security in the narrow, 900 kilometer waterway.

Women legislative candidates cheated

Women legislative candidates cheated JAKARTA: The Center for Electoral Reform (Cetro) said on Friday the low representation of women in the House of Representatives was a result of the poor electoral system and the reluctance of political parties to accept women politicians. "Many women legislative candidates were "cheated" by the system and the parties," Cetro's program director Ani Sutjipto said in a discussion on women and politics at the Office of the State Minister for Women's Empowerment.

Paiton's $180m debt on watch: S&P

Paiton's $180m debt on watch: S&P PT Paiton Energy, Indonesian unit of Edison Mission Energy, had $180 million of debt placed on credit-watch with negative implications by Standard & Poor's, which said the company's expansion plan may hurt its creditworthiness. The bond, issued by Paiton Energy Funding BV, is currently rated B-, six levels below investment grade and on a level under Indonesia's B sovereign rating, S&P said in a statement. The outlook on the rating is stable.

Dollar purchases from SOEs to be regulated

Dollar purchases from SOEs to be regulated The Jakarta Post Jakarta The Office of the State Minister for State Enterprises is formulating a scheme with Bank Indonesia to manage and control the purchase of dollars by state companies in a bid to help support the ailing rupiah. State Minister for State Enterprises Laksamana Sukardi said on Friday better management of dollar purchases was necessary in relation to state firms' huge need of dollars to finance imports and debt payments.

3 x 12

3 x 12 Haze starts to blanket Jambi, Riau JP/5/DPRD 2 x 32 Defying protests, councillors adamant on operational funds JP/5/poso 1 x 36 Rights body told to study Poso sex cases JP/5/FERRY 2 x 32 Main suspect in prosecutor's murder gives police the slip 1 x 30 Power cut hits parts of Sumatra

Hamzah makes a good neighbor, but president?

Hamzah makes a good neighbor, but president? Moch. N. Kurniawan, Jakarta This is the second in a series of articles on the five presidential candidates in the eyes of their neighbors. To his neighbors in Tegalan, Matraman, East Jakarta, Vice President Hamzah Haz is a down-to-earth person. He is modest, generous and a devoted Muslim who prays five times a day. But despite his good standing with the neighbors, they think Hamzah has little chance of winning the presidential election.

Disease-carrying vaccine destroyed

Disease-carrying vaccine destroyed Multa Fidrus, Tangerang The Animal Quarantine Center at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport burned on Friday some vaccines and substances suspected of carrying animal diseases that had been illegally imported from China and the United States.

List of bomb attacks in Indonesia between 1999 and 2003

List of bomb attacks in Indonesia between 1999 and 2003 ---------------------------------------------------------------- No. Place Date Fatalities ---------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Residence of the Aug. 1, 2000 2 Philippines Ambassador 2. Jakarta Stock Sept. 13, 2000 10 Exchange 3. Christmas Eve Dec. 24, 2000 (31 churches and other places in Jakarta, Bekasi, Bandung, Sukabumi, Ciamis, Pekanbaru, Batam, Medan, Pematang Siantar, Mojokerto, Mataram. 4.

Shares down on interest rate fears

Shares down on interest rate fears Dow Jones, Jakarta Shares ended lower on Friday for the second consecutive day, hurt by concerns of rising interest rates and the continued weakness of the rupiah, dealers said. The weighted average of Bank Indonesia's one-month benchmark notes Wednesday rose to 7.34 percent from 7.33 percent on Wednesday. Analysts said higher interest rates could spur investors to switch their equity portfolio to fixed-income instruments for higher returns.

Sheraton offers relaxation package

Sheraton offers relaxation package YOGYAKARTA: Wishing for a weekend getaway at Yogyakarta? Sheraton Mustika Yogyakarta Resort and Spa on Jl. Laksda Adisucipto is offering a special Weekend Package for Rp 350,000 net per night for its Deluxe Garden View rooms. The hotel's public relations manager, Jeni Handayani Ratnasari, said the package, on offer until Dec.

Role of religious philanthropy in reducing poverty

Role of religious philanthropy in reducing poverty Muhamad Ali, Jakarta A conference on Islamic philanthropy involving participants from Indonesia and other Muslim countries was held in Cairo last week to seek common ground and alternative programs to improve socioeconomic conditions in Muslim societies, the majority of which are still mired in poverty. Attempts to reduce poverty seem to have overlooked the potential resources of civil society.

VICO clarifies 'SCTV' news

VICO clarifies 'SCTV' news Referring to a broadcast by SCTV on their News Coverage 6 on the afternoon of June 13, "Villagers occupy land of VICO operations", we would like to respond as follows. BPMigas-VICO Indonesia is planning to drill a new well at the Nilam L site, an operation which will be conducted by a contractor in Saliki village, Muara Badak subdistrict, Kutai Kartanegara.

4. Corrupt (2 x27)

4. Corrupt (2 x27) Attorney general criticized for failing to recover state assets 5. Expat ( 1 x 45) Social security programs mandatory for expatriates

Happy Birthday, Jakarta and its myriad problems

Happy Birthday, Jakarta and its myriad problems Jakarta will celebrate its 477th birthday on June 22. Unfortunately, the capital city continues to face huge problems, such as disorganized public transportation, traffic congestion, floods, crime, poor public facilities, poverty and pollution. All these problems exist because Jakarta is packed with people and buildings. It could be said that Jakarta is the city with the fewest parks in the world.

Main suspect in prosecutor's murder gives police the slip

Main suspect in prosecutor's murder gives police the slip Ruslan Sangadji, Palu Central Sulawesi provincial police are scouring the city for the prime suspect in the killing of prosecutor Ferry Silalahi, after a police raid on his hideout in Poso failed to capture him on Thursday. Ferry Silalahi, a prosecutor handling terrorism cases in the provincial capital of Palu, was shot on May 26 in his car by four gunmen on two motorcycles after attending an evening prayer service with his wife.

Setiono

Setiono Jakarta 2. Simon -- Educators need to increase adaptability and flexibility 2 X 30 Educators need to increase their adaptability and flexibility Simon Marcus Gower Jakarta

Regents, mayors told to punish speculators

Regents, mayors told to punish speculators KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Governor Piet A. Tallo urged regents and mayors in the province to take stern measures against speculators who have been accused of hoarding basic necessities and fuel, causing shortages of those items. The shortage of fuel and basic necessities has been going on for two weeks, causing prices to soar.

Jakarta 10K runners begin arriving

Jakarta 10K runners begin arriving JAKARTA: Ten of the 21 international runners scheduled to take part in the Jakarta International 10K on Sunday have arrived in the capital to begin their preparations for the competition. Kenyans Leah Mallot and Sammy Kipruto, runners-up at last year's Bali International 10K, said they liked their chances in Sunday's race.

Ba'asyir behind bombing since 1999: Police

Ba'asyir behind bombing since 1999: Police Abdul Khalik, Jakarta Police announced for the first time on Friday that controversial cleric Abu Bakar Ba'asyir was the man behind a series of bombings that have shaken the country since 1999. "Bombs have exploded everywhere across the country since 1999. They didn't occur just like that, somebody must have planned them. We have strong evidence that Ba'asyir was behind these bombings," police chief of detectives Comr. Gen. Suyitno Landung Sudjono said.

'Abang-None' reaches finals

'Abang-None' reaches finals JAKARTA: The annual 'Abang and None' pageant, which is held to pick a pair of the city's "cultural and tourism ambassadors", will reach its final stage on July 18 at the Jakarta Convention Center. Tourism agency head Aurora Tambunan said that the organizer had recruited judges for the final, including elected member of the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) Biem Triani Benyamin, who is Betawi (native Jakartan).

Govt may issue less debt this year

Govt may issue less debt this year The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government may reduce the size of the domestic bond issue for this year due to current volatility in the financial market, says Minister of Finance Boediono. Boediono stressed, however, that the move would not create financing problems for the 2004 state budget because the government had extra funds, primarily from the sale of assets by the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) last year.

A breakthrough in waste?

A breakthrough in waste? For the first time in the history of Greater Jakarta, the capital and its satellite cities -- Bogor, Depok, Tangerang and Bekasi -- have agreed to join hands in managing their waste. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed on Tuesday indicates the strong commitment of the seven municipal and regental administrations toward managing the 10,000 tons of garbage produced daily by the 27 million Greater Jakarta residents.

TV Today: Saturday, June 19, 2004

TV Today: Saturday, June 19, 2004 TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Children Show: Pentas Ceria 7:30 Religious Teachings 8:00 Talk Show: Sehat Ala Hembing 9:00 Religious Teachings 10:00 Talk Show 11:30 Battle of Wits 12:30 p.m.

JP/13/Market

JP/13/Market Shares down on weak rupiah, rate hike fears Dow Jones Jakarta Shares ended lower on Friday for the second consecutive day, hurt by concerns of rising interest rates and the continued weakness of the rupiah, dealers said. The weighted average of Bank Indonesia's one-month benchmark notes Wednesday rose to 7.34 percent from 7.33 percent on Wednesday.

Sampoerna may issue bonds this year

Sampoerna may issue bonds this year Rendi A. Witular, Jakarta Publicly listed PT HM Sampoerna, the country's third largest cigarette producer in terms of market share, may sell bonds by the end of this year, in a bid to refinance debt maturing in January next year. Sampoerna's 25-year-old president director, Michael Sampoerna, said the company would refinance Rp 1 trillion (US$106 million) of its debts probably in the next couple of months or in the next quarter.

Melia offers Chinese food promo

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

Back to local names

Back to local names From Kompas The use of foreign names for real estate complexes was severely criticized by linguists and those concerned about the national language around 1995, and as a result developers changed a lot of English names to Indonesian. In consequence, such names as Cikarang City, Lippo City, Citra City, BSD City, Raffles Hills and Sentul Hills became Lippo Cikarang, Lippo Karawaci, Citra Raya, BSD Kota Mandiri, Bukit Raffles and Bukit Sentul.

ASEAN 'must establish regional mechanism on human rights'

ASEAN 'must establish regional mechanism on human rights' Adianto P. Simamora, Jakarta Southeast Asian nations must continue their endeavors to establish and develop a network of human rights mechanisms, the participants of a regional workshop said on Friday. At the two-day gathering, which was attended by government officials, human rights activists, non-governmental organizations and scholars, the possibility of forming a regional mechanism on human rights was discussed at length.

Haze starts to blanket Jambi, Riau

Haze starts to blanket Jambi, Riau Jon Afrizal, Jambi Haze from forest fires and land clearing work has blanketed Jambi and Riau provinces on Sumatra island at the start of the dry season. Despite the haze, local residents went about their daily activities as usual and there were no reports of flights in or out of the area being disrupted. The haze has blanketed Jambi and neighboring Riau for the past two days.

Defying protest, councillors adamant on operational funds

Defying protest, councillors adamant on operational funds Rusman, Samarinda Defying criticism by non-governmental organizations, members of the East Kalimantan provincial council were adamant that they deserved to receive Rp 5.4 billion (US$600,000) in operational funds. "The allocation of the funds is proper and has a strong legal basis," said a member of the provincial council on Friday.

Sutiyoso ill-informed about proposed house conversion

Sutiyoso ill-informed about proposed house conversion Damar Harsanto, Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso has promised his administration would carry out an in-depth analysis on the proposal to convert parts of the upscale Kebayoran Baru residential area into business districts. "I have yet to receive the proposal but we need to carry out an analysis to make sure any changes made to accommodate dynamic development in the capital would not sacrifice open and green spaces," he said on Friday at City Hall.

RI must fight common enemies to remain united

RI must fight common enemies to remain united Pitan Daslani, Jakarta In a fragmented democracy at risk of disintegration, one good way to keep the nation united is to draw public attention to the need to fight common enemies. This kind of rallying strategy could be adopted by the next Indonesian president to promote national stability, in an era that does not welcome the return of military politics to state affairs.

Students to join maritime course

Students to join maritime course JAKARTA: In a bid to preserve the country's maritime resources, the Indonesian Sea Conservation Foundation (YLLI) will hold a Summer Field Course on Sangihe Talaud islands, North Sulawesi from July 8 to Aug. 6. The course will provide 30 participants from the eastern part of the country with knowledge of the outer islands, the country's tourism sector and conservation.

GAM leaders released by Swedish court

GAM leaders released by Swedish court Tiarma Siboro and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, Jakarta A Swedish court ordered on Friday the release of two exiled leaders of the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) accused by the Indonesian government of staging assassinations, bombings and kidnappings. The Huddinge District Court in Stockholm, however, remains uncertain whether prosecutors will drop their case.

Restless chapters push for Chairul's ouster

Restless chapters push for Chairul's ouster Eva C. Komandjaja, Jakarta Several provincial chapters of the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) are demanding the immediate resignation of chairman Chairul Tanjung and have asked for an extraordinary meeting to be held within the next two weeks.

Pertamina expects higher profit

Pertamina expects higher profit The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State oil and gas firm PT Pertamina expects pretax profit from exploration and production activities to increase by 21 percent in the first half of this year. Bambang Nugroho, Pertamina's upstream director, said on Friday pretax profit from upstream businesses was expected to increase to Rp 4.4 trillion (US$468.08 million) in the first semester of this year, from Rp 3.6 trillion in the same period in 2003.

Vendors demand reopening of market

Vendors demand reopening of market BOGOR: Around 100 vendors of Kebon Kembang Market demonstrated at the Bogor City Council on Thursday, demanding that the administration clean up the market's Blok E, which was razed by fire on June 14, so they could restart their businesses. Nasir, 50, who had a stall at Blok E, said vendors needed to reopen their shops as soon as possible. "We want the appropriate agencies to clean up the debris.

KPI flooded with protests about 'biased' programs

KPI flooded with protests about 'biased' programs Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, Jakarta The Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) has received an increasing number of complaints against television stations for running programs that allegedly favor particular candidates contesting the upcoming presidential election. KPI member Ade Armando said on Friday the most recent complaint was filed against state-funded TVRI for broadcasting news allegedly favoring a particular candidate.

House legislators name 14 new Supreme Court justices

House legislators name 14 new Supreme Court justices Kurniawan Hari and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, Jakarta The House of Representatives (DPR) picked 14 Supreme Court justices on Friday after a series of hearings of 43 eligible candidates over the past four days. The new justices, selected by House Commission II for home and legal affairs, will be assigned to the 39-strong Supreme Court, which has a backlog of 16,000 cases.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 18, 2004

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 18, 2004 _________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume _________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 950 50 182,500 Adhi Karya 280 0 3,028,000 Adira Dinamika 2,425 0 0 AGIS Tbk 90 0 0 Akbar Indo Makmur 80 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 135 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 975 0 5,000 Alter Abadi Tbk 35 0 0 Alumindo...

From teak forest to commercial area

From teak forest to commercial area Like other parts of South Jakarta, Kebayoran Baru, which covers an area of around 730 hectares, used to be a teak forest. The name Kebayoran comes from the Indonesian word for a kind of teak tree, bayur (Pterospermum javanicum). During the Dutch colonial era, the forest was cleared for orchards. In 1948, downtown Kota, West Jakarta, was becoming more and more crowded.

Rights body told to study sex cases

Rights body told to study sex cases Ruslan Sangadji, Palu The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has been urged to investigate alleged sexual exploitation of women by security forces in the troubled town of Poso, Central Sulawesi. In the meantime, local women's organization the Women's Group Struggling for Gender Equality in Central Sulawesi (KPKP-ST), criticized on Friday Poso Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr.