Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 24 June 2004

86 articles found

Rupiah Rates Jun.23

Rupiah Rates Jun.23 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 6,822.43 6,129.67 6,510.63 6,441.25 Brunei dollar 1 5,764.47 5,181.40 5,501.02 5,444.77 Canadian dollar 1 7,311.89 6,571.79 6,977.72 6,905.83 Swiss franc 1 7,953.78 7,149.05 7,590.27 7,512.

Forestry ministry, NGOs sign MOU

Forestry ministry, NGOs sign MOU JAKARTA: The forestry ministry signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Wednesday with Indonesian Corruption Watch (ICW) and Greenomics Indonesia on anticorruption cooperation in the ministry's 22 projects.

1. KL: 1 LINE, 35 COUNTS

1. KL: 1 LINE, 35 COUNTS Haze from Indonesia wreaks havoc in Malaysia 2. KYOTO: 2 LINES, 21 COUNTSHouse approves bill to ratify Kyoto Protocol3. BAJAJ: 1 LINE, 24 COUNTS'Bajaj' drivers oppose 'kancil' 4. IRAQ: 1 LINE, 40 COUNTSRoh slams beheading; troops will be sent 5.

Athletic hopes rest on Papua project

Athletic hopes rest on Papua project According to Hans Peter Thumm, the Papua project is a six- month scheme consisting of three main activities of talent identification, talent selection and talent promotion, which targets students between the ages of 13 and 14 years.

1. ROUNDUP: 48 pt, 7 cols, 1 x 42

1. ROUNDUP: 48 pt, 7 cols, 1 x 42 Gus Dur asks NU members to back Wiranto 2. FUNDS: 36 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 21 Budget constraints limit presidential campaigns 3. BPK: 36 pt, 4 cols, 2 x 28 Susilo, Agum tainted by corruption, Kalla cleared 4.

Old Jakarta at present

Old Jakarta at presentAs the capital city, Jakarta has seen many changes and has lived through many development plans. Many historical sites and buildings have been replaced by business premises. This year, Jakarta celebrates its 477th anniversary.

TV Program: Thursday, June 24, 2004

TV Program: Thursday, June 24, 2004 .TB.30" .90"TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi7:00 Children Show Pentas Ceria8:30 Music: Asyik-Asyik10:00 Talk Show: Wirausaha11:00 Singing Contest: Konteswara12:00 p.m.

Unilever to provide 'huge' dividend

Unilever to provide 'huge' dividend Publicly listed PT Unilever Indonesia, a local unit of consumer goods giant Unilever NV, has decided to allocate all of its 2003 net profit as a dividend for shareholders to commemorate its 70th anniversary of operations.

KPU incurs debts to regional govts

KPU incurs debts to regional govts JAYAPURA, Papua: The legislative election has long been over, but it left behind a problem in Papua province: a huge Rp 2 billion (US$ 210,526) debt to local governments incurred by the central General Elections Commission (KPU).

Traditional remedy for malaria

Traditional remedy for malaria Malaria is currently widespread and has claimed several lives in places such as Sukabumi and Cilacap. The Ministry of Health says that most malaria sufferers are reluctant to seek modern medical treatment and instead prefer to avail of traditional healing methods.

Motorcycle sales up 2.9% in May

Motorcycle sales up 2.9% in May JAKARTA: Sales of new motorcycles in Indonesia rose 2.9 percent to 320,904 in May from 311,995 in April, Indonesia's association of motor-vehicle producers Gaikindo said Wednesday.

Against corruption or corruptors?

Against corruption or corruptors?From Suara KaryaThe mass media and campaigning posters for the next presidential election have used the words "eliminating corruption", which in my view is inaccurate and will obscure the target.Corruption represents action, behavior or conduct.

JP/03/IFES

JP/03/IFES39 percent do not know how to vote: IFES M. Taufiqurrahman JakartaPresidential candidate Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono may still be the public's favorite, but a large share of votes may be invalid, a recent opinion poll suggests.

Britain revises travel advice

Britain revises travel adviceBRITAIN: Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said on Monday the government would only advise against traveling to a country affected by terrorism if the threat was "extreme and imminent."The Foreign Office has held an internal review of the advice it offers travelers.

Part 2 of 2

Part 2 of 2 Real military reform depends on civilians Juwono Sudarsono London 2. Jusuf -- Strategic developments in the East Asian Region 2 x 30 Two strategic developments will affect peace, stability in the region Jusuf Wanandi Jakarta

Indonesia, Asian states condemn killing of hostage

Indonesia, Asian states condemn killing of hostageAgencies, Jakarta/TokyoIndonesia and other Asian countries reeled in horror on Wednesday at the beheading of a South Korean hostage in Iraq, but some of them joined the United States in praising Seoul for refusing to bow to the kidnappers' demand to...

Would-be parent adobt illegally

Would-be parent adobt illegallyEvi Mariani, JakartaThe official procedure to adopt a child is marked by complexity, thus, to avoid delays or possible disappointment, some people make the decision to "buy" a baby from an illegal foundation or maternity clinic.

Haze spreads while govt only hopes for rain

Haze spreads while govt only hopes for rain The Jakarta Post Pekanbaru/Jambi/Medan/JakartaHaze from cropland and forest fires was spreading on Wednesday to other parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan, and had begun to blanket Singapore and Malaysia, delaying more flights in Riau province and forcing...

Govt awaits rain to disperse haze

Govt awaits rain to disperse hazeThe Jakarta Post, Pekanbaru/Jambi/Medan/JakartaHaze from cropland and forest fires was spreading on Wednesday to other parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan, and had begun to blanket Singapore and Malaysia, delaying more flights in Riau province and forcing local...

3 x 18

3 x 18 Timber workers on hunger strike to press for payment JP/5/suspect 1 x 35 Director charged in forestry graft scam JP/5/MEDAN2 x 21 Six family members die when bus hits 'becak' JP/5/PTPN2 x 28 Copies of fake land decree sell well in North Sumatra

Govt told July 27 probe must continue

Govt told July 27 probe must continue JAKARTA: The government has no choice but to continue the investigation into the July 27, 1996 incident in a bid to reveal the truth, a non-governmental organization said.

Prince of Wales gets award from Brunei

Prince of Wales gets award from BruneiINDONESIA: The government of Brunei Darussalam will present the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah International Prize to the Prince of Wales for the promotion of dialog between Islamic and Western civilizations, the British Embassy in Jakarta said in a media release sent...

Union demands Pertamina bosses resign for lying

Union demands Pertamina bosses resign for lyingThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Pertamina Workers Union (SPPSI) demanded on Wednesday that state oil and gas firm PT Pertamina's president Ariffi Nawawi and finance director Alfred Rohimone to step down for lying to the public in defending the...

74 RI illegal migrants detained

74 RI illegal migrants detainedMALAYSIA: Malaysian police have detained 74 Indonesian illegal immigrants, including six women, in an operation to nab and deport illegal in the northern Terengganu state, the official Bernama news agency said on Tuesday.

'Autorities should have grand design for city'

'Autorities should have grand design for city'Jakarta turned 477 this year. However, the older the city gets, the more problems occur. The city administration still has to deal with the same old problems -- floods, traffic jams, health and sanitation in slum areas and other issues.

Indian drug trafficker to be executed soon

Indian drug trafficker to be executed soonAbdul Khalik, JakartaThe Attorney General's Office announced on Wednesday it was making preparations for the execution of convicted Indian drug dealer Ayodhya Prasadh Chaubey following the Supreme Court's rejection of his second request for a review.

A rain forest, home to endangered orangutan in Indonesia, and a

A rain forest, home to endangered orangutan in Indonesia, and a unique ice-stream glacier in Greenland, are set to join the UN's main heritage site protection list, a key agency said on Wednesday. The Swiss-based IUCN, or World Conservation Union, said the two -- the Ilulissat Icefjord inside the...

House approves bill to ratify Kyoto Protocol

House approves bill to ratify Kyoto ProtocolMoch. N. Kurniawan, JakartaThe House of Representatives Commission I approved on Wednesday the bill on the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol as part of the country's effort to help reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the world.

ASEAN, China may miss deadline in free trade talks

ASEAN, China may miss deadline in free trade talksAgence France-Presse, Singapore China and Southeast Asian nations are likely to miss a June 30 deadline to conclude talks on which goods will be liberalized under an ambitious free trade agreement, ASEAN chief Ong Keng Yeong said here on Wednesday.

Utut's hopes crumble at Tripoli chess meet

Utut's hopes crumble at Tripoli chess meetMusthofid, Jakarta Utut Adianto, who had entered the world chess championship in Tripoli with high hopes, crashed out in the second round on Tuesday.The Indonesian grand master's expectation of moving ahead in the championship crumbled after he suffered a...

S'pore's biomedical industry a success

S'pore's biomedical industry a successAgence France-Presse, Singapore Singapore is becoming a successful international biomedical hub more quickly than planned, the government said Wednesday as GlaxoSmithKline announced an expansion of its operations in the city-state.

Timber workers on hunger strike to press for payment

Timber workers on hunger strike to press for paymentRusman, Samarinda, East KalimantanAt least nine of the thousands of striking timber workers in Samarinda began a hunger strike on Wednesday, to press their demands for their April and May salaries.

BP Migas yet to decide on LNG discount

BP Migas yet to decide on LNG discountThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Oil and Gas Implementing Body (BP Migas) denied on Wednesday it was ready to cede up to a 40 percent discount to the Korea Gas Corp. (Kogas) in purchasing liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Infractions decline in third week of presidential campaign

Infractions decline in third week of presidential campaignM. Taufiqurrahman, JakartaThe General Elections Supervisory Committee (Panwaslu) recorded a decline in the number of violations committed by the candidates in the third week of the month-long presidential campaign.

Fake documents discovered in sugar scandal

Fake documents discovered in sugar scandalZakki P. Hakim and Abdul Khalik, Jakarta The Ministry of Industry and Trade said on Wednesday that sugar imported by the Association of Village Cooperatives (Inkud) from Bangkok was illegal, but the former denied any role in the affair as accused by the...

Quick resolution sought in BNI case

Quick resolution sought in BNI caseTony Hotland, JakartaThe Financial Transaction and Report Analysis Center (PPATK) has blamed the government's lack of political will and effort in curbing money-laundering here as the reasons why Indonesia was still considered an uncooperative country.

GM eyes bigger role in Shanghai

GM eyes bigger role in Shanghai SHANGHAI: General Motors said on Wednesday it will move its Asian headquarters to Shanghai from Singapore and invest US$250 million in a testing center to ramp up its presence in the world's fastest growing auto market.

Plantation firm director charged in Palu graft scam

Plantation firm director charged in Palu graft scamRuslan Sangadji, PaluA director of a forestry and plantation firm has been named a suspect in the misuse of more than Rp 2.395 billion (US$266,111) in state reforestation funds, spokesman of the Central Sulawesi Prosecutor's Office Hasman said on...

Television license

Television licenseFrom Koran TempoI was disappointed to learn that PT TVRI (state television) was planning to reinstitute the TV license fee for the owners of television sets.In this regard, I would like to know whether TVRI is a social foundation or a state-owned limited liability company.

Local architects must gear up for free trade era

Local architects must gear up for free trade eraRita A.Widiadana, DenpasarBali is home to priceless architectural legacies, with thousands of beautifully designed temples, shrines, palaces, public and residential buildings sprawling across the island.

Zero-to-one sends aid to Awu refugees

Zero-to-one sends aid to Awu refugees JAKARTA: Zero-to-one Foundation recently sent 2,400 face masks to the refugees on Sangihe Island who are suffering from smoke inhalation and respiratory problems, due to the eruption of Mount Awu.

Belgium offers soft loans

Belgium offers soft loans MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: Belgium Ambassador to Indonesia Hans-Christian Kint has offered six million euro (Rp 66 billion) in soft loans to the West Nusa Tenggara provincial administration to tackle power shortages in the province.

East Asian summit may be held in 2005: Ong

East Asian summit may be held in 2005: OngAgence France-Presse, SingaporeAn East Asian Summit could be convened as early as next year, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) secretary general Ong Keng Yong said on Wednesday, in a move that would boost the region's ambitions of forming a...

'Bajaj' drivers, owners oppose 'kancil'

'Bajaj' drivers, owners oppose 'kancil'Damar Harsanto, JakartaMore than 3,000 bajaj (three-wheeled motorized vehicle) drivers and owners rallied on Wednesday in front of City Hall to protest the Jakarta administration's plan to introduce four-wheeled vehicles known as kancil (literally deer mouse)...

Audit agency reports on irregularities involving Susilo, Agum Gumelar

Audit agency reports on irregularities involving Susilo, Agum GumelarThe Jakarta Post, JakartaPresidential candidates and their running mates may boast "clean" track records that suit the country's fight against chronic corruption, but findings reveal that some of them failed to keep their offices...

Six family members die when bus hits 'becak'

Six family members die when bus hits 'becak'Apriadi Gunawan and Nana Rukmana, Medan/CirebonTwo separate accidents occurred on Tuesday night in Labuhan Batu regency, North Sumatra, and Cirebon in West Java. Nine people were killed in total, six of whom were from one family.

Two die in horrific motorcycle accident

Two die in horrific motorcycle accidentTwo motorcyclists -- identified as Rizky, 25, and Prayitno, 22 -- died gruesome deaths from burns after the gas tank of Prayitno's motorcycle exploded following a crash on Jl. Pajajaran Pamulang, Tangerang, on Wednesday.

*Haze from Indonesia wreaks havoc in Malaysia Page 2

*Haze from Indonesia wreaks havoc in Malaysia Page 2 *Judges mega-wealthy despite low pay Page 4 *Timber workers on hunger strike to press for payment Page 5 *Western democracy not globally applicable Page 7 *Market to go ahead, despite row Page 8 *U.S.

Mayor warn schools not

Mayor warn schools not to collect extra fees TANGERANG: Tangerang Mayor Wahidin Halim ordered all state school principals and school boards not to collect extra fees from new students, except those usually collected at the start of the academic year.

Thumm looking for young Indonesian talents

Thumm looking for young Indonesian talents Hans Peter Thumm is helping Indonesia find and develop young sporting talent under what he calls a strategic and comprehensive talent identification process.Thumm has been working in the country as a consultant under a cooperative Germany-Indonesia project...

IMF should account for poor advice during crisis: Govt

IMF should account for poor advice during crisis: GovtBloomberg, JakartaIndonesia said the International Monetary Fund must account for its poor advice during the 1997 financial crisis after the fund said it failed to fully diagnose the magnitude of a liquidity problem in the economy.

Wholesale center to go ahead, despite row

Wholesale center to go ahead, despite rowDamar Harsanto, JakartaGovernor Sutiyoso is scheduled to officiate the start of the construction of the eight-story Jakarta Wholesale Center at the site of the former Melati dam in Kebon Kacang, Central Jakarta, next week, despite concerns that the operation...

SBY apologizes over balloon accident

SBY apologizes over balloon accident SURABAYA: Presidential candidate Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono expressed regret here on Wednesday over an accident involving one of his campaign balloons that caught fire and injured a young street child in Bandung, West Java.

Three cops hurt in mob attack

Three cops hurt in mob attack JAKARTA: An angry mob turned on three policemen late on Tuesday after the officers intervened to stop the mob from beating an alleged pickpocket in front of the Christian University of Indonesia in East Jakarta.

New lawmakers begin term in September

New lawmakers begin term in September JAKARTA: The 700-member People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), elected in the April 5 poll, will start its tenure in September.According to an Assembly decree Tap is that correct? No.

TV Program: Thursday, June 24, 2004

TV Program: Thursday, June 24, 2004 .TB.30" .90"TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi7:00 Children Show Pentas Ceria8:30 Music: Asyik-Asyik10:00 Talk Show: Wirausaha11:00 Singing Contest: Konteswara12:00 p.m.

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, June 24, 2004

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, June 24, 2004.TB.30" 1.0" Exhibitions* Painting The Alchemy of Asia by Pablo Gentile, at Gaya Fusion of Senses, Jl. Raya Sayan Ubud (Tel. 0361 979252), until July 20. * Photo: A Memory of Images by Gill Marais, at Ganesha Gallery, Four Season Resort Bali, Jimbaran...

Gus Dur asks NU members to back Wiranto

Gus Dur asks NU members to back WirantoThe Jakarta Post, JakartaProminent cleric Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid has told members of the country's largest Muslim organization, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), to vote for the Wiranto-Solahuddin Wahid ticket in the July 5 presidential election.

Cooperation elusive on SE Asia security

Cooperation elusive on SE Asia securityDan Eaton, Reuters/Jakarta/BangkokRivalry and vastly different levels of development in Southeast Asia are frustrating cooperation in combatting militants and a host of other security threats.

Rights commission proposes agrarian dispute committee

Rights commission proposes agrarian dispute committeeA. Junaidi, JakartaThe National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) and a number of non-governmental organizations (NGO) suggested on Tuesday that a national commission to deal with agrarian conflicts be set up.

Marriott bomber gets three years

Marriott bomber gets three yearsThe Jakarta Post, JakartaThe South Jakarta District Court sentenced on Wednesday Malikul Zurkoni to three years in prison for storing the explosives used in the Aug. 5, 2003, Marriott hotel bombing, which left 12 people dead and 147 others injured.

RI must transform labor force: Dorodjatun

RI must transform labor force: DorodjatunRidwan Max Sijabat, JakartaIndonesia has to transform its labor force, especially in this era of globalization, to improve competitiveness and productivity if it wants to speed up economic recovery, says a senior minister.

Funds earmarked to tackle malaria

Funds earmarked to tackle malaria BANDUNG: The West Java Health Office has earmarked Rp 1 billion (US$ 105,263) to help prevent and eradicate malaria.Fatimah Resmiati, the head of the office, said on Wednesday that the funds would be used to establish malaria eradication posts and to purchase...

Mandate by coincidence

Mandate by coincidence From one of the world's spectacular direct presidential election systems involving 150 million voters now under way in Indonesia, only two of 10 candidates will be declared the next official leaders of a country of 250 million people.

Haze from Indonesia wreaks havoc in Malaysia

Haze from Indonesia wreaks havoc in MalaysiaAgencies, Kuala LumpurChoking haze continued to cloud Malaysian skies on Wednesday as smoke from forest fires in Indonesia threatened to close schools down in the capital Kuala Lumpur.

The senior deputy governor

The senior deputy governor Miranda Swaray Goeltom, the articulate monetary expert, will soon reenter Bank Indonesia at a crucial time as the rupiah exchange rate has been weakening and highly volatile due to the strengthening of the American dollar.

Part 2 of 2: Real military reform depends on civilians

Part 2 of 2: Real military reform depends on civiliansJuwono Sudarsono , London o Changing legislation governing civilian authority.A corollary to strengthening political parties and civic institutions is the need to review and revamp all legislation confirming half-hearted civilian authority...

Two strategic developments will affect peace, stability in the region

Two strategic developments will affect peace, stability in the regionJusuf Wanandi, Jakarta For the East Asia/Asia-Pacific regions two main strategic trends will influence the future peace and stability -- the key requirements for maintaining the areas' economic growth.

TNI keeps power to try soldiers

TNI keeps power to try soldiersTiarma Siboro, JakartaThe military said it would maintain the authority to investigate soldiers accused of criminal offenses outside of military, brushing aside public demands to try servicemen in civilian courts.The Military Police Chief Maj. Gen. Sulaiman A.

Who owns the smuggled sugar?

Who owns the smuggled sugar? Sugar smuggling is not new to Indonesia. It has long occurred and it is common. Sugar entering Indonesia illegally now represents 30 percent of the total sugar imported legally by the country every year, amounting to 400,000 to 500,000 tons -- an incredible figure.

Occupational accident rate high

Occupational accident rate high JAKARTA: State insurance company PT Jamsostek said on Wednesday the occupational accident rate in the country remained high and it would therefore continue cooperation with state-owned general hospitals to establish trauma centers to deal with fatalities.

Copies of fake land decree sell well in North Sumatra

Copies of fake land decree sell well in North SumatraApriadi Gunawan, MedanPeople in Medan are paying millions of rupiah for copies of what is believed to be a gubernatorial decree that deals with state land formerly managed by state-owned plantation company PT Perkebunan Nusantara II (PTPN), which...

Avoid intervention in religion: ICRP

Avoid intervention in religion: ICRPThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Conference on Religion and Peace (ICRP) issued a "moral political contract" on Wednesday, urging presidential candidates, if elected, not to intervene in religious affairs and not to discriminate against any particular...

39% do not know how to vote: IFES

39% do not know how to vote: IFESM. Taufiqurrahman, JakartaPresidential candidate Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono may still be the public's favorite, but a large share of votes may be invalid, a recent opinion poll suggests.

Councilmen quizzed in diploma case

Councilmen quizzed in diploma case BOGOR: As of Wednesday, police had questioned five members of the Bogor City Council over Deputy Mayor M. Sahid's alleged use of a fake high school diploma.The questioning of the councillors -- Lismo Handoko, Rohili, Hotman Damanik, Taufik Kusnun and Suherman --...

BI briefs public on fake money

BI briefs public on fake money YOGYAKARTA: Officials at Bank Indonesia's Yogyakarta branch met representatives of Yogyakarta market traders on Wednesday, informing them of the characteristics of genuine bank notes.

TV soap operas portray Betawi folk as dumb: Pundit

TV soap operas portray Betawi folk as dumb: PunditBambang Nurbianto, JakartaMany sinetron (TV soap operas) portray Betawi people in a bad light, and mislead viewers, because they only show one aspect of the native Jakartan, an expert says.

West Jakarta to host Betawi Days festival

West Jakarta to host Betawi Days festival JAKARTA: The West Jakarta municipal administration is to hold a Betawi Days festival to celebrate the capital's 477th anniversary in the Srengseng urban forest on Saturday and Sunday.

RP to cash in on Asian gambling industry

RP to cash in on Asian gambling industryAssociated Press, Singapore The Philippines said it would speed up an ambitious S$15 billion casino and entertainment project on Manila Bay as it bids for a slice of Asia's booming gambling industry, the president of the Philippines Amusement and Gaming...

Budget constraints limit presidential campaigns

Budget constraints limit presidential campaignsFabiola Desy Unidjaja and Rendi Witular, JakartaBudget constraints have forced all five presidential tickets to cut back on their campaign activities, forcing them to now focus their spending on getting their candidates closer to the voters.

Bilateral cooperation 'needed to curb human trafficking'

Bilateral cooperation 'needed to curb human trafficking'Wahyoe Boediwardhana, Nusa Dua, BaliIndonesia must enhance its efforts and work on a bilateral basis with other countries to curb the transnational trafficking of women and children, a senior official said at an international conference in...

Government's commitment to sports development questioned

Government's commitment to sports development questioned As it is home to 220 million people, Indonesia is in an ideal position to become a force to be reckoned with in the sporting world. But poor management in the development program has resulted in some mediocre Indonesian results in regional...

'Gambuh' given Western nuance

'Gambuh' given Western nuanceKadek Suartaya, Contributor/UbudThe art of the traditional Balinese gambuh dance drama is dying, at least in the island it comes from.It is now difficult to find a gambuh theater group, as most young artists are not interested in this traditional performing art.

Government's commitment to sports development questioned

Government's commitment to sports development questioned As it is home to 220 million people, Indonesia is in an ideal position to become a force to be reckoned with in the sporting world. But poor management in the development program has resulted in some mediocre Indonesian results in regional...

KPU prepping for elections: House

KPU prepping for elections: House JAKARTA: Logistical woes that afflicted the April 5 legislative election may be unlikely to recur in the July 5 presidential election, as the General Elections Commission (KPU) has completed all necessary preparations.

Judges mega-wealthy despite low pay

Judges mega-wealthy despite low payMoch. N. Kurniawan, JakartaThe majority of the 14 Supreme Court justice candidates who passed the screening process by the House of Representatives have amassed substantial personal wealth despite their relatively meager official salaries.