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 7,512.43 Danish krone 1 1,619.98 1,455.35 1,545.94 1,529.33 Euro 1 12,037.13 10,818.28 11,487.01 11,368.17 Poundsterling 1 18,080.48 16,251.92 17,254.16 17,078.01 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,270.93 1,142.67 1,212.85 1,200.75...

'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. The Jakarta Post talked to some residents about their hopes for the capital. Toto, 30, is a gas station attendant in Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta.

Indian drug trafficker to be executed soon

Indian drug trafficker to be executed soon Abdul Khalik, Jakarta The 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. Attorney General's Office spokesman Kemas Yahya Rahman said the office received confirmation from the Supreme Court recently that Chaubey's last-ditch legal effort to evade execution had been rejected.

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 Arctic Circle and a complex of three national parks in Sumatra -- were among five it had recommended for approval at a meeting of the World Heritage Committee in China, next week. -- Reuters U.S.

House approves bill to ratify Kyoto Protocol

House approves bill to ratify Kyoto Protocol Moch. N. Kurniawan, Jakarta The 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. The bill will be brought to the House's plenary session for endorsement. The ratification will come into force following the President's signature.

ASEAN, China may miss deadline in free trade talks

ASEAN, China may miss deadline in free trade talks Agence 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 meet Musthofid, 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 crushing loss to GM Vladimir Akopian of Armenia.

S'pore's biomedical industry a success

S'pore's biomedical industry a success Agence 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. Trade Minister George Yeo said the industry's output for this year would likely hit 12 billion Singapore dollars (seven billion US), 12 months ahead of schedule and double the 2000 figure.

Timber workers on hunger strike to press for payment

Timber workers on hunger strike to press for payment Rusman, Samarinda, East Kalimantan At 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. The hunger strikers have camped out in front of the main gate of the East Kalimantan governor's office here, after the workers earlier picketed in front of their company buildings.

BP Migas yet to decide on LNG discount

BP Migas yet to decide on LNG discount The 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). BP Migas head Rachmat Sudibyo said the body had yet to negotiate with the South Korean firm. "Forty percent is a very huge discount. We will work to get a maximum price to ensure a profit for the state," he told reporters.

Infractions decline in third week of presidential campaign

Infractions decline in third week of presidential campaign M. Taufiqurrahman, Jakarta The 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. However, Panwaslu predicted that breaches of campaign regulations would increase in the final week, when the candidates would be desperate to win support from prospective voters ahead of the July 5 presidential election.

74 RI illegal migrants detained

74 RI illegal migrants detained MALAYSIA: 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. The migrants were arrested at a construction site late on Monday, said director of the state Immigration Department Mohamed Nasri Ishak. "This is the biggest arrest on illegal immigrants in the state for the year," he told Bernama.

Quick resolution sought in BNI case

Quick resolution sought in BNI case Tony Hotland, Jakarta The 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. GM chairman and chief executive Rick Wagoner said expansion of the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center was part of a previously announced $3 billion investment plan in China with its joint venture partners over the next three years.

Plantation firm director charged in Palu graft scam

Plantation firm director charged in Palu graft scam Ruslan Sangadji, Palu A 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 Wednesday. He said Gunawan Purwanto, director of PT Mitra Buana Persada Mukti based in Palu, was formally named a suspect following the questioning of several witnesses and the discovery of evidence.

Television license

Television license From Koran Tempo I 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. I believe this company must be managed by more professional people to ensure that TVRI can compete with other television stations. SOEWARDJONO R., Tangerang, Banten

Local architects must gear up for free trade era

Local architects must gear up for free trade era Rita A.Widiadana, Denpasar Bali is home to priceless architectural legacies, with thousands of beautifully designed temples, shrines, palaces, public and residential buildings sprawling across the island. A number of the world's most renowned architects have drawn inspiration from rich Balinese architectural elements, adopting them into their modern-style buildings, many of them star-rated hotels, luxury resorts and villas in Bali.

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. Besides the masks, the foundation also sent, through the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) disaster team, 800 canvas bags for the refugees' personal belongings.

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: Ong Agence France-Presse, Singapore An 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 single community.

'Bajaj' drivers, owners oppose 'kancil'

'Bajaj' drivers, owners oppose 'kancil' Damar Harsanto, Jakarta More 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) to the city beginning next month. Police were forced to shut down Jl.

JP/03/IFES

JP/03/IFES 39 percent do not know how to vote: IFES M. Taufiqurrahman Jakarta Presidential 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. "More than a third of respondents who will vote in the presidential elections, or 39 percent, do not know the right way to vote," a report of the International Foundation for Elections System (IFES) revealed on Wednesday.

1. KL: 1 LINE, 35 COUNTS

1. KL: 1 LINE, 35 COUNTS Haze from Indonesia wreaks havoc in Malaysia 2. KYOTO: 2 LINES, 21 COUNTS House approves bill to ratify Kyoto Protocol 3. BAJAJ: 1 LINE, 24 COUNTS 'Bajaj' drivers oppose 'kancil' 4. IRAQ: 1 LINE, 40 COUNTS Roh slams beheading; troops will be sent 5. SUSUL 1 LINE, 32 COUNTS Avoid intervention in religion: ICRP

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. PANWAS: 28 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 24 Campaign infractions decline in third week 5. IFES: 30 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 32 39% do not know how to vote: IFES

Old Jakarta at present

Old Jakarta at present As 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. This is the fourth of a six-part series on old city landmarks that still exist today. THE SCHOUWBURG The Schouwburg theater was actually ready for officiation in mid October 1821, but a cholera outbreak in Batavia prevented the plan.

TV Program: Thursday, June 24, 2004

TV Program: Thursday, June 24, 2004 .TB.30" .90" TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Children Show Pentas Ceria 8:30 Music: Asyik-Asyik 10:00 Talk Show: Wirausaha 11:00 Singing Contest: Konteswara 12:00 p.m. Documentary 1:00 News: Berita Siang 2:00 Music 3:00 English News Service 3:30 Zooming 4:00 Music 4:30 Children Drama 6:30 Talk Show: Obrolan Wong Cilik 7:00 News: Berita Nasional 8:05 Talk Show: Cawapres 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 9:35 Music: Country Road 11:30 TVRI's Report TPI 5:00 a.

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. The company said dividend payment for this year would total Rp 1.53 trillion (US$162 million), or Rp 200 per share -- 18 percent higher than last year's Rp 1.3 trillion net profit.

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. Today, the malaria parasite is resistant to chloroquine. A relatively new malaria drug, which is effective and almost free of side effects, is artemisin.

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. It didn't provide a reason for the increase in May, which saw the highest monthly sales figure during the first five months of the year. But analysts said the increase was likely due to the low interest rate environment in the country.

Against corruption or corruptors?

Against corruption or corruptors? From Suara Karya The 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. It is intangible and can never be captured, tried, punished or eliminated. If we fight corruption, we will never succeed because it is like the other words indicating action, such as marketing, shopping, reading, etc.

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. Ministry secretary-general Wahyudi Wardoyo said the two non- governmental organizations would be given access to the ministry's database to enable them to monitor it and provide input to the ministry, which is entitled to probe any violations.

Britain revises travel advice

Britain revises travel advice BRITAIN: 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. It was criticized for not upgrading warnings against travel to Indonesia before the nightclub bombings in Bali, but has also been accused of damaging the tourist trade in countries such as Kenya.

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 hostage Agencies, Jakarta/Tokyo Indonesia 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 withdraw troops. "The Indonesian government condemns the 'barbaric killing' and act of terrorism committed against Kim Sun-il, who was held hostage by a terrorist group in Iraq," Marty A.

Would-be parent adobt illegally

Would-be parent adobt illegally Evi Mariani, Jakarta The 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. "Since it is an illegal practice, we don't have data on the number of babies sold every month.

Haze spreads while govt only hopes for rain

Haze spreads while govt only hopes for rain The Jakarta Post Pekanbaru/Jambi/Medan/Jakarta Haze 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 motorists to wear masks. But Indonesian authorities appeared powerless in their efforts to tackle the annual haze and instead hoped heavy rain would put out the fires.

Govt awaits rain to disperse haze

Govt awaits rain to disperse haze The Jakarta Post, Pekanbaru/Jambi/Medan/Jakarta Haze 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 motorists to wear masks. But Indonesian authorities appeared powerless in their efforts to tackle the annual haze and instead heavy rain would put out the fires.

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/MEDAN 2 x 21 Six family members die when bus hits 'becak' JP/5/PTPN 2 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. Ifdhal Kasim of ELSAM, a non governmental organization on public policies, said on Wednesday the government had no right to postpone the investigation into the incident. "It must be settled for the sake of the nation.

Prince of Wales gets award from Brunei

Prince of Wales gets award from Brunei INDONESIA: 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 to The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.

Union demands Pertamina bosses resign for lying

Union demands Pertamina bosses resign for lying The 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 controversial sale of the company's two supertankers. "The two of you must immediately resign for lying to the Indonesian people," SPPSI chairman Otto Geo Diwira said in a press statement.

Fake documents discovered in sugar scandal

Fake documents discovered in sugar scandal Zakki 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 latter.

Part 2 of 2: Real military reform depends on civilians

Part 2 of 2: Real military reform depends on civilians Juwono 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 control over the TNI.

Two strategic developments will affect peace, stability in the region

Two strategic developments will affect peace, stability in the region Jusuf 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. The first trend is the strategic presence of the U.S. in East Asia and the future adjustments that are made imperative by the revolution of military affairs and the restructuring of the department of defense operations.

TNI keeps power to try soldiers

TNI keeps power to try soldiers Tiarma Siboro, Jakarta The 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. Basyir said on Wednesday that each person accused of committing crimes outside of the military would be legally processed by the internal affairs department at each military branch.

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. Many see the smuggling as beneficial to consumers who can buy sugar at a cheaper price. The smuggling, however, harms our sugarcane farmers and the country's sugar industry.

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. Jamsostek's president Achmad Junaidi said an average of 349 accidents occurred every day during the first quarter of 2004, with an average of 35 workers becoming disabled every day.

Copies of fake land decree sell well in North Sumatra

Copies of fake land decree sell well in North Sumatra Apriadi Gunawan, Medan People 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 reportedly will be handed over to people in North Sumatra.

Avoid intervention in religion: ICRP

Avoid intervention in religion: ICRP The 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 religion. "We will soon send the contract to the presidential candidates," ICRP president Djohan Effendi said after opening a two-day workshop titled "Building a new moral political contract".

39% do not know how to vote: IFES

39% do not know how to vote: IFES M. Taufiqurrahman, Jakarta Presidential 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. "More than a third of respondents who know of the presidential elections, or 39 percent, do not know the right way to vote," a report of the International Foundation for Elections System (IFES) revealed on Wednesday.

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 -- has taken place since June 15. Another nine members of the council will be questioned in the coming weeks.

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. Amril Alif, the head of the office, said that the meeting was important to prevent the circulation of counterfeit notes.

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. The House of Representatives approved the appointment of Miranda through a voting process at a plenary session on Monday.

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. The Betawi are the original inhabitants of Jakarta, with the name being derived from the city's former name, Batavia.

RP to cash in on Asian gambling industry

RP to cash in on Asian gambling industry Associated 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 Corporation said on Wednesday.

Budget constraints limit presidential campaigns

Budget constraints limit presidential campaigns Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Rendi Witular, Jakarta Budget 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. Citing difficulties in raising enough money for the month-long campaign, the campaign teams are now concentrating on ensuring that their respective candidates meet with as many voters as possible.

Bilateral cooperation 'needed to curb human trafficking'

Bilateral cooperation 'needed to curb human trafficking' Wahyoe Boediwardhana, Nusa Dua, Bali Indonesia 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 Nusa Dua, Bali. "It would be better if the government cooperates with those countries whose nationals are directly involved (in human trafficking) on a bilateral basis.

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 and international competitions. The Jakarta Post's Zakki P.

'Gambuh' given Western nuance

'Gambuh' given Western nuance Kadek Suartaya, Contributor/Ubud The 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. These days, gambuh are usually only performed in important religious ceremonies. Observers worry the art form, believed to be the source of all performing arts in Bali, could soon become extinct.

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 and international competitions. The Jakarta Post's Zakki P.

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. "Logistics and material provisions for the July 5 election has been arranged as scheduled," said senior legislator Agustin Teras Narang, quoting KPU chairman Nazaruddin Syamsuddin as saying after a meeting at the House of Representatives.

Judges mega-wealthy despite low pay

Judges mega-wealthy despite low pay Moch. N. Kurniawan, Jakarta The 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.

TV Program: Thursday, June 24, 2004

TV Program: Thursday, June 24, 2004 .TB.30" .90" TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Children Show Pentas Ceria 8:30 Music: Asyik-Asyik 10:00 Talk Show: Wirausaha 11:00 Singing Contest: Konteswara 12:00 p.m. Documentary 1:00 News: Berita Siang 2:00 Music 3:00 English News Service 3:30 Zooming 4:00 Music 4:30 Children Drama 6:30 Talk Show: Obrolan Wong Cilik 7:00 News: Berita Nasional 8:05 Talk Show: Cawapres 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 9:35 Music: Country Road 11:30 TVRI's Report TPI 5:00 a.

Six family members die when bus hits 'becak'

Six family members die when bus hits 'becak' Apriadi Gunawan and Nana Rukmana, Medan/Cirebon Two 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. Chief of the Rantau Prapat Police traffic division Adj. Comr. Edi Sudarsono said on Wednesday that the six were killed and another family member severely injured after their motorized becak was hit by a bus.

Two die in horrific motorcycle accident

Two die in horrific motorcycle accident Two 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. Rizky, a Pamulang resident, was riding his Yamaha Jupiter motorcycle, with Nurcholis as a pillion passenger, after visiting a friend at the Fatmawati Hospital, South Jakarta.

*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. offers new proposal on nuke talks Page 9 *Sweden, Denmark send Italy packing from Euro 2004 Page 12 *RI must transform labor force, says senior minister Page 13 *Ferrari chief at apex of Italian business Page 20

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. City Secretary Harry Mulya Zain quoted the mayor as saying on Wednesday that schools that charged new students extra fees would be punished.

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 for about one year.

IMF should account for poor advice during crisis: Govt

IMF should account for poor advice during crisis: Govt Bloomberg, Jakarta Indonesia 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 row Damar Harsanto, Jakarta Governor 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 of the center will deal a blow to traders at nearby Tanah Abang textile market.

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. Susilo instructed his campaign team to cover the medical costs for Irwan Nugroho, 12, who suffered burns after the Susilo balloon caught fire near him on Tuesday. "We regret the accident and apologize," Susilo said in Surabaya, East 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. The incident began when a mob surrounded and began beating Asudungan Silalahi, 23, an employee of the Dewi Sri bus company, who was accused of picking the pocket of a bus passenger.

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. 2/2003, the legislative body will hold its final meeting a week before the new lawmakers are inaugurated. The Assembly will comprise 550 House of Representatives (DPR) members and 128 that makes 678 -- what about the other 22? Regional Representatives Council (DPD) members.

Audit agency reports on irregularities involving Susilo, Agum Gumelar

Audit agency reports on irregularities involving Susilo, Agum Gumelar The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Presidential 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 free from corruption during their tenure as ministers.

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 Bay, until July 1. * Harmony Painting and Glasses by Suklu and Richard Morrel, at Jenggala Ceramics Bali, Jl. Uluwatu, Jimbaran, Kuta (Tel. 0361 703311), until Aug. 5.

Gus Dur asks NU members to back Wiranto

Gus Dur asks NU members to back Wiranto The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Prominent 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. Gus Dur told hundreds of NU leaders in Jombang, East Java, that Wiranto, a four-star retired Army general, was committed to the democratization process, and thus deserved support.

Cooperation elusive on SE Asia security

Cooperation elusive on SE Asia security Dan Eaton, Reuters/Jakarta/Bangkok Rivalry and vastly different levels of development in Southeast Asia are frustrating cooperation in combatting militants and a host of other security threats. Some regional nations trust their neighbors less than they do outside powers, and are more comfortable cooperating with the United States, despite its wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Rights commission proposes agrarian dispute committee

Rights commission proposes agrarian dispute committee A. Junaidi, Jakarta The 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. "We will soon meet with President Megawati Soekarnoputri to convince her of the urgency of this commission," Komnas HAM member Amidhan told reporters after a seminar on the need for an agrarian disputes resolution commission.

Marriott bomber gets three years

Marriott bomber gets three years The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The 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. The sentence was much more lenient than the 10 years being sought by prosecutors against Malikul for storing the explosives in his house for six months.

RI must transform labor force: Dorodjatun

RI must transform labor force: Dorodjatun Ridwan Max Sijabat, Jakarta Indonesia 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 malaria tablets. A malaria outbreak has hit several regencies in the province since last year, affecting hundreds of residents and killing seven. -- JP

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. One can only hope the winners in the race will, indeed, be the best among the contestants. However, the chances are the two may be the luckiest rather than the most ideal the country needs as leaders at this juncture.

Haze from Indonesia wreaks havoc in Malaysia

Haze from Indonesia wreaks havoc in Malaysia Agencies, Kuala Lumpur Choking 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. Air quality at five major states along the west coast had dropped to "unhealthy" levels of air quality, while visibility levels in the capital were dangerously low at two to three kilometers, said a spokesman for the Department of Environment.

TV soap operas portray Betawi folk as dumb: Pundit

TV soap operas portray Betawi folk as dumb: Pundit Bambang Nurbianto, Jakarta Many 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. Head of the Anthropology Department at the University of Indonesia (UI), Yasmine Shahab, told a press conference on Wednesday that nearly all TV dramas on Betawi people and their culture depict them as stupid and backward.