Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 26 June 2004

96 articles found

Quality of education system doubtful

Quality of education system doubtful From Koran Tempo Thousands of high school (SMU) and vocational high school (SMK) students will be retaking the national final exams early next month. Those retaking the exams in July comprise 10 percent of 13,363 SMU students and 16.8 percent of 8,000 SMK students in Tangerang regency, Banten (Tempo Interaktif, June 15).

War has not lessen Aceh students' desire to study

War has not lessen Aceh students' desire to study Ibnu Mat Noor, Banda Aceh It only took 15 of 120 minutes for Ardiansyah and Firda Nazira, fifth graders at elementary schools in a remote district of Aceh Besar regency, to answer 30 questions of a national physics test. The next day, they were named the winners of the regency's elementary level Physics Olympics, which was participated in by 40 contestants at the Jantho Study Course Studio here.

Mega 'deserves one more term'

Mega 'deserves one more term' JAYAPURA, Papua: Guruh Soekarnoputra, the younger brother of presidential candidate Megawati Soekarnoputri, campaigned on Friday in Merauke here on behalf of Megawati. In the campaign, he called on Papuans to vote for Megawati, saying that the leadership of Megawati had produced many advancements in the life of the nation in the past three years, including in the economic sector.

Setiono

Setiono Jakarta 2. Simon -- All over the world schools can be challenging 2 X 30 All over the world, managing a school can be a real challenge Simon Marcus Gower Jakarta

All over the world, managing a schools can be a real challenge

All over the world, managing a schools can be a real challenge Simon Marcus Gower, Jakarta It seems as though the management of schools, and the schooling system, in Indonesia is constantly facing problems and difficulties: It is not achieving standards; that it is not preparing students for the world of today; and even that many schools are the subject of malpractices and corrupt and collusive behavior that forms an obstacle to progress.

1. CD (1x45)

1. CD (1x45) Excise duty to be imposed on several new products 2. Kadin (1x39) Kadin plans trading house to help SMEs 3. Remit (1x47) BRI, DBS Bank strike deal on remittance services 4. Migas (2x20) Govt sees higher oil and gas investment

JP/13/Market

JP/13/Market Shares end higher as funds buy blue chips Dow Jones Jakarta Shares ended higher Friday on further midyear window dressing by institutional funds, with gains in many regional markets providing support, dealers said. "Institutional funds continued buying blue chips to improve their equity portfolio by the end of this month," said a trader with a local securities firm.

In a haze over forest fires

In a haze over forest fires Once again, a pall of haze is hanging over much of Malaysia and drifting across Southeast Asia, caused by forest fires in Indonesia. It is small comfort that the latest satellite shots show a reduction in the number of hot spots in Sumatra, especially when the weather is expected to remain dry for the next few days. It is also small comfort that this is not as serious as in 1997- 1998.

Ex-coach criticizes national shuttlers

Ex-coach criticizes national shuttlers Eva C. Komandjaja, Jakarta Most national badminton players lack discipline and motivation, which has played a major role in recent failures at international competitions, former national coach Retno Kustijah said. Retno criticized the young players at the national training center for not having discipline or a sense of responsibility, two qualities he said were necessary for elite athletes.

Revision to citizenship law imposes more restrictions

Revision to citizenship law imposes more restrictions Kurniawan Hari, Jakarta American researcher and analyst on good governance Sidney Jones in May sent an e-mail to her Indonesian colleague senior journalist Goenawan Mohamad that if U.S. President George W. Bush were to be reelected in November, she would become an Indonesian citizen. She is, however, unlikely to keep her word, given that she was deported from the country.

Keep your promises, please

Keep your promises, please The campaign for the July 5 presidential election has entered its third week and all presidential and vice presidential candidates have already made numerous promises. They have at least promised two things -- to uphold the law and fight corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN). Amien Rais, for instance, has promised to fight KKN hands-on from the presidential palace.

Kadin plans trading house to help SMEs

Kadin plans trading house to help SMEs Tony Hotland, Jakarta The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) plans to set up a trading house to help market products from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) both domestically and overseas. "The point is that the company will buy (the products) and help market them in the country or export them abroad," the chamber's chairman, M.S. Hidayat, said on Friday.

Preparations completed for ASEAN meetings: RI

Preparations completed for ASEAN meetings: RI Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post Without much fanfare, Indonesia, the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), has completed its preparations for the success of a series of regional meetings, in which 25 ministers and over 475 officials from ASEAN as well as 15 other countries will participate.

Mega delivers aid 2 weeks before poll

Mega delivers aid 2 weeks before poll KUNINGAN, West Java: Megawati Soekarnoputri, in her capacity as President, handed over aid on Friday to a community in Kuningan regency here. The aid, a staggering Rp 27 billion (US$ 2.8 million), included, among other things, computers, scholarships and tractors. The hand over of the aid, only two weeks before the presidential election, was seen as being part of Megawati's political campaign, who is seeking reelection this year. -- JP

Fake money rampant in poll campaign

Fake money rampant in poll campaign SURABAYA: The circulation of counterfeited notes in East Java province rose 300 percent to Rp 222 billion (US$ 23.4 million) in the first quarter of this year, from Rp 55 billion in the same period last year. Chief of the economic and monetary section at Bank Indonesia's Surabaya branch Wijoyo Santoso alleged on Friday that the sharp increase was attributed to the holding of legislative and presidential election this year.

NCW demands governor delay wholesale center

NCW demands governor delay wholesale center JAKARTA: The Nusantara Corruption Watch (NCW) demanded Governor Sutiyoso delay the start of the construction of the Jakarta Wholesale Center at the site of the former Melati dam in Kebon Kacang, Central Jakarta. NCW coordinator GB Harahap said on Friday that the feasibility study on the project had yet to be completed. He feared bigger problems would occur in the future because of the construction.

Dead fish no crime: police

Dead fish no crime: police JAKARTA: A police laboratory test has revealed that the cause of death of thousands of fish in Jakarta Bay last month was a natural phenomenon. "It was caused by the extensive proliferation of phytoplankton, which is natural," Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Makbul Padmanagara said on Friday. The police findings support the conclusion of the Jakarta Environmental Impact Management Agency.

Businessman clarifies 'misleading' reports

Businessman clarifies 'misleading' reports Tony Hotland, Jakarta A North Sumatra businessman spoke out on Thursday against news reports about a recent district court verdict he won against British agricultural group Rowe Evans that he said unfairly pictured him in a bad light. "I am upset because the news reports are imbalanced and seem to point to me as someone who could endanger foreign investment in the country instead of seeing the big picture," Rahmat Shah said.

Indonesian Military divided over presidential race

Indonesian Military divided over presidential race The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Military (TNI) has declared its neutrality in the face of the unprecedented direct presidential election -- and repetitions of this stance seem to reflect the need of its leadership to remind its own ranks to stay away from politics, the military's traditional playground.

Sutiyoso OKs coast plan redesign

Sutiyoso OKs coast plan redesign Damar Harsanto, Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso agreed on Friday to redesign the planned reclamation of Jakarta's northern coast as demanded earlier by President Megawati Soekarnoputri. "I have no problem with that (redesigning). We will cooperate with the State Minister of the Environment (Nabiel Makarim) to improve the plan so we can proceed with the project," Sutiyoso told reporters at the Islamic Center in Kramat Tunggak, North Jakarta.

Traffickers see Indonesia as 'easy' drug market

Traffickers see Indonesia as 'easy' drug market With an estimated 3.9 percent of the 220 million people nationwide, or around 8.58 million people, either using illegal drugs and/or trafficking them, the National Narcotics Body (BNN) has a pile of work to do. The BNN director, Comr. Gen. Togar Sianipar, spokes to The Jakarta Post's Evi Mariani on the difficulties in curbing drug trafficking in the country.

Diarrhea common in poor children: Survey

Diarrhea common in poor children: Survey Dewi Santoso, Jakarta Approximately 11 percent of children aged below five years old suffer from diarrheal diseases annually, a survey says, highlighting that the diseases remain a serious concern among toddlers in the country. Data from the Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey (SDKI) shows that in 2002 and 2003, approximately 11 percent of children aged below five, most of whom were from low-income families, suffered from diarrheal diseases.

Irish Bellefire hits Indonesian airwaves

Irish Bellefire hits Indonesian airwaves M. Taufiqurrahman, Jakarta In the early eighties, four high school boys from Dublin, Ireland, broke through on the English music charts with the three-note guitar riffs of their debut album Boy. The group, named U2 and consisting of Bono, Larry Mullen, Adam Clayton and the Edge, went on to release hit album after hit album that set the music world on fire.

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 last of a six-part series on old city landmarks. THE HARMONIE SOCIETY During the Dutch colonial rule, the prestigious Harmonie Society, located within the Rijswijk (now Jl. Veteran), was the home of a prominent social club.

Palu residents disheartened

Palu residents disheartened PALU, Central Sulawesi: Several Palu residents here expressed disappointment on Friday as they failed to meet presidential candidate Gen. (ret) Wiranto. "I came here from Parigi, some 150 kilometers north of Palu, to see and shake hands with Wiranto, but he canceled his plan to pray here," said Achmad Munif, 39.

[b]

The Sidney Jones case and the presidency of Megawati Jusuf Wanandi Jakarta 2. Irman -- It's a hypocritical campaign 2 X 30 A very hypocritical campaign, voters lose in such a situation Irman G. Lanti Jakarta

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.

Compensation undecided for lights

Compensation undecided for lights Damar Harsanto, Jakarta Although the Rp 15 billion (US$1.6 million) laser show project at the National Monument (Monas) Park in Central Jakarta has already begun, the city administration has yet to complete its negotiation with the project's sponsor over the compensation. "We are still negotiating with the company on some locations in the city in exchange to the project," said assistant to the city secretary for development affairs IGKG Suena recently.

Pool halls now popular with women

Pool halls now popular with women Slamet Susanto, Yogyakarta Wearing a cream head scarf, or jilbab, Paramitha, 22, stares intently at the balls racked in front of her. After a few seconds of concentration, a loud crack is heard and the spheres roll to the corners of the billiard table. "What a pity, none have gone in!" Paramitha, a student of a private university, exclaims. Her friend, Palupi, 23, approaches the table, picks up a cue, and rubs it with chalk.

Wiranto bridge event debutes with 57 pairs

Wiranto bridge event debutes with 57 pairs Moch. N. Kurniawan, Jakarta The inaugural Wiranto Cup bridge competition began here on Friday with the Indonesian Contract Bridge Association (Gabsi) expecting to use the event to qualify players for upcoming international tournaments. Being held as part of a development program launched by Gabsi, the competition, which will run until Sunday, features 57 pairs made up of eight women's, nine junior and 40 senior pairs in the open category.

Golden handshakes to be paid out soon

Golden handshakes to be paid out soon PALANGKARAYA, Central Kalimantan: Despite public criticism, Central Kalimantan Governor Asmawi Agani gave approval on Friday for the planned disbursement of end-of-service payments to all 45 provincial councillors, whose five-year terms are almost at an end.

Government sees higher oil and gas investment

Government sees higher oil and gas investment The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government expects investment in the oil and gas sector to increase by 41 percent this year to US$7.492 billion, up from $5.305 billion last year.

A glimpse of the surreal regional Security Community arrangement

A glimpse of the surreal regional Security Community arrangement Ivy Susanti, Jakarta, ivy@thejakartapost.com Recently, a high-ranking official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jakarta met a few acquaintances and spoke about the progress on the preparation for the 37th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM), the 11th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the Post- Ministerial Conferences (PMCs), all hosted by Indonesia next week.

Graduates unable to get into college

Graduates unable to get into college The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Surabaya/Semarang Thousands of senior high school graduates in Central and East Java have not yet received the certificates required to enroll in higher education institutions. The research and development division of the Ministry of National Education said on Wednesday that the ministry's offices in Central and East Java would receive the graduation certificates by Wednesday afternoon (June 23) at the latest.

Nationalist Supeni dies at 86

Nationalist Supeni dies at 86 The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Supeni, a veteran politician and former deputy foreign minister who has long been linked to the erstwhile Indonesian National Party (PNI), died at the age of 86 on Friday morning at the Pelni Petamburan hospital after battling complications following a stroke. She is survived by her four children -- Sonny Sumarsono, 65, Puji Kusumaningtyas, 60, Ardi Saputro, 55, and Agus Supartono, 52.

1. INSIGHT: 1 LINE, 35 COUNTS

1. INSIGHT: 1 LINE, 35 COUNTS Indonesia seen as 'easy' drug market 2. PAPUA: 2 LINES, 21 COUNTS FBI confirms rebels killed Americans: Da'i 3. TANKER: 1 LINE, 32 COUNTS Laksamana insists Frontline top bidder 4. OBIT: 1 LINE, 28 COUNTS Nationalist Supeni dies at 87 5. DIARE: 1 LINE, 40 COUNTS Diarrhea common in poor children: Survey

BRI, DBS Bank strike deal on remittance services

BRI, DBS Bank strike deal on remittance services Fadli, Singapore Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) has signed a deal with Singapore's DBS Bank to provide cheaper and faster remittance services for Indonesian workers in Singapore. Under the deal signed on Thursday, Indonesian maids working in the city state can send money to their home villages through DBS, which is linked with BRI, for a remittance fee of S$13 per transaction.

Prominent GAM leader surrenders to TNI

Prominent GAM leader surrenders to TNI BANDA ACEH, Aceh: After months on the run, a prominent leader of the rebel Free Aceh Movement (GAM) has finally surrendered to the Indonesian military. Acting spokesman for the Iskandar Muda military command, Major Achmad Husein, said that Teungky Ayub, 51, GAM's self-styled deputy governor for Aceh Rayeuk, surrendered to military personnel in Kruemak village, Aceh Besar regency, late on Thursday due to a lack of food.

Dry season to start next month: BMG

Dry season to start next month: BMG A. Junaidi, Jakarta The Meteorology and Geophysics Agency (BMG) announced on Friday that the dry season would start next month and peak in August, causing drought in many parts of the country. "We predict that the dry season will last for three months," BMG head Gunawan Ibrahim said at a press conference here on Friday. Gunawan said this year's drought would not be as severe as last year's since the El Nino phenomenon would not take place this year.

Ismeth appointed as caretaker governor of Riau Islands

Ismeth appointed as caretaker governor of Riau Islands Fadli, Batam President Megawati Soekarnoputri has appointed Batam Industrial Development Authority (BIDA) chairman Ismeth Abdullah as the caretaker governor of Riau Islands (Kepri) province. He will hold both positions indefinitely. Riau Islands was established as a new province under Law No.25/2002. It consists of Kepri, Karimun, Natuna and Lingga regencies, as well as Tanjung Pinang and Batam municipalities.

Santika offers fashion program

Santika offers fashion program YOGYAKARTA: Santika Hotel Yogyakarta on Jl. Sudirman is offering a fashion luncheon program this weekend, featuring 15 designers from the local chapter of the Association of Indonesian Fashion Businesspeople and Designers. Titled the Charisma of Yogyakarta Tradition, the program is scheduled to take place at the hotel's Pandansari Restaurant this Saturday starting at 11:30 a.m.

UGM to fetch its new students

UGM to fetch its new students YOGYAKARTA: Gadjah Mada University (UGM) is offering a new pick- up service for new students coming from outside Yogyakarta to enroll for the coming school year. The head of the Pick-up and Register service, Bambang Rusdihardjo, said here that lecturers and older students would provide the pick-up service around the clock.

Ragunan Zoo hits revenue high of Rp 14.3 billion

Ragunan Zoo hits revenue high of Rp 14.3 billion JAKARTA: The Ragunan Zoo's annual revenue reached Rp 14.3 billion (US$1.52 million) this year, the highest in the past seven years. Zoo director Edy Setiarto told www.beritajakarta.com on Friday zoo management had tried to increase the zoo's income on last year's Rp 12.09 billion. "From the RP 14.3 billion, some Rp 14 billion comes from the entrance fees while the rest comes from other sources," he said. -- JP

Better City, Better Life?

Better City, Better Life? The older Jakarta gets, the more disorderly it becomes. A befitting statement, perhaps, as the capital celebrates its 477th anniversary this month. While many cities across the globe have grown better managed and more civilized with age, Jakarta is not yet on the right track to becoming a real "home" for its nine million inhabitants. Continual conflicts of interest between the city management and citizens have almost brought development to a standstill.

Experts back anniversary date change

Experts back anniversary date change Experts support the idea of changing the date of Jakarta's anniversary, saying that such efforts should be conducted carefully and thoroughly. Noted author on Jakarta's history Adolf Heuken said on Friday that the June 22 date was still a controversy. "I agree with those suggesting that the date of the city's anniversary be changed. We can't just determine the date of a city's anniversary based on legend. It must be based on fact," he said.

Why RI should ratify the Kyoto Protocol

Why RI should ratify the Kyoto Protocol Alan Oxley Alan, Melbourne, Australia There is probably no reason Indonesia should not ratify the Kyoto Protocol. However lawmakers and government officials should be fully aware of what the Protocol can and can't achieve. The truth is that it will have precious little impact on global warming but it promotes strategies that may well harm developing countries.

Drivers protest over new road charge

Drivers protest over new road charge YOGYAKARTA: Hundreds of angkot (public transportation minibus) drivers staged a protest on Friday in front of the Yogyakarta Transportation Agency's offices on Jl. Raya Magelang here, rejecting the imposition of border toll charges. According to a recently introduced policy, each public transportation driver whose route traverses the Yogyakarta border is required to pay a local government charge of Rp 30,000 (US$ 3.2) every 21 days.

The Sidney Jones case and the presidency of Megawati

The Sidney Jones case and the presidency of Megawati Jusuf Wanandi, Jakarta Sidney Jones, the Head of the International Crisis Group (ICG) in Indonesia has been most helpful to Indonesian intelligence groups with her research, studies and publications about Jamaah Islamiyah particularly, but also on Islamic extremism in Indonesia in general. Her in-depth analysis about the complexities of the Poso conflict in Sulawesi is a classic.

3 Indonesian crew missing near S'pore

3 Indonesian crew missing near S'pore SINGAPORE: Authorities were searching for three Indonesian crew members missing after their wooden boat caught fire near Singapore's east coast on Friday. Ten other crew members on the boat, the Jambi Jaya, were rescued after the fire started, a statement from the Maritime and Port Authority said. Some had suffered burns and were being treated in hospital. The 45-meter-long craft caught fire about 4 kilometers southeast of Singapore.

Money talks in April ballot printing projects

Money talks in April ballot printing projects Moch. N. Kurniawan Jakarta Alleged corruption, collusion and nepotism in the printing of ballots for the legislative election are unraveling as the General Elections Commission (KPU) prepares for the country's first direct presidential election, which falls in less than two weeks.

Oil spill hits Balikpapan beach

Oil spill hits Balikpapan beach BALIKPAPAN, East Kalimantan: The local authority here announced on Friday that crude oil had been spilled along Balikpapan beach, raising fears that it could damage the environment and marine life in the area. Chusnul Busro, from state oil and gas company PT Pertamina's Balikpapan Processing Unit, said it was unable to confirm as yet whether the oil had been spilled from oil tankers passing through the area or from oil rigs at sea.

Court admits causing delay in verdict execution

Court admits causing delay in verdict execution Muninggar Sri Saraswati, Jakarta The Supreme Court admitted to administrative shortcomings on Friday that resulted in a failure to deliver a copy of the court's final verdict on convicted corruptor David Nusa Widjaja to prosecutors for execution. "We're still trying to find where the file is," Moegihardjo, who heads the court's criminal cases administration division, told reporters.

Dead fish

Dead fish no crime: police JAKARTA: A police laboratory test has revealed that the cause of death of thousands of fish in Jakarta Bay last month was a natural phenomenon. "It was caused by the extensive proliferation of phytoplankton, which is natural," Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Makbul Padmanagara said on Friday. The police findings support the conclusion of the Jakarta Environmental Impact Management Agency.

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, June 26, 2004

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, June 26, 2004 Exhibitions * Japanese Calligraphy, Shoudou, Pusat Kebudayaan Jepang - The Japan Foundation, Summitmas I, Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 61-62 South Jakarta (Tel. 5201266), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., until June 30. * Painting, Bentara Budaya Jakarta, Jl. Palmerah Selatan no. 17, Central Jakarta (Tel. 5483008), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., until June 26. * Summer Fun - Accessory Extravaganza with summer colors and great discounts, FUSIONNS boutique, Saberro House, Jl.

Salim in driving seat at Indofood

Salim in driving seat at Indofood Rendi A. Witular, Jakarta Anthoni Salim took control of the management of giant food producer PT Indofood Sukses Makmur on Friday, marking the bold return of the seriously rich Salim family, which once had dominated many sectors of the country's economy for decades.

Kivlan reports Wiranto to police

Kivlan reports Wiranto to police JAKARTA: Former Army Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad) chief of staff Maj. Gen. (ret) Kivlan Zein reported on Friday his former superior Gen. (ret) Wiranto to the Jakarta Police for alleged defamation. Kivlan said Wiranto had made a libelous statement in the June 12 edition of Gatra magazine, which cost him a potential client. "In the interview published by the magazine, Wiranto takes pity over me and my wife because we always fail in business," Kivlan said.

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, June 26, 2004

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, June 26, 2004 Yogyakarta Arts Festival Dances: Tato Totem body painting (Parangtritis Beach, 9:30 a.m., June 27 - 28), Elly D. Luthan's Kunthi Pinilih (Sositet Taman Budaya Yogyakarta, Bulaksumur, 7:30 p.m., July 10), Sahita dance performances Iber-iber Tledhek Barangan (Pendopo Nitiprajan, 7:30 p.m., July 20), Sutopo and Widodo dances (Pendopo Nitiprajan, 7:30 p.m., July 20).

Research award offered to women

Research award offered to women JAKARTA: For the first time, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and L'Oreal are allowing Indonesian women researchers to apply for the Fellowship National award. The program is open to women under the age of 35, for those with doctorates, and under 40 years old, for researchers. Organizers will select two winners, both of whom will receive Rp 25 million (US$2,631).

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Democracy and economic development B. Herry-Priyono Jakarta 2. State -- Follow China, economically... 1 x 45 Learning from China in wooing foreign investors Durgadas Roy The Statesman Asia News Network Calcutta 3. Strait28 -- Haze? So what's new 2 x 21 Haze? So what's new?: It's the same old story The Straits Times Asia News Network Singapore

Election materials have reach regencies

Election materials have reach regencies The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Ten days before the election day, a number provincial General Elections Commission (KPUD) reported on Friday that despite many problems, they had begun distributing ballot papers and other election materials to regental KPUDs. In regions where the material has reached the regency KPUDs, the commission simultaneously delivered the materials to poll organizers at the village level (PPS).

*Indonesia seen as 'easy' drug market Page 2

*Indonesia seen as 'easy' drug market Page 2 *Delay sought for social security bill Page 4 *Drug convict restless as execution nears Page 5 *Can companies safeguard labor and human rights? Page 7 *City ignores conservation of old buildings Page 8 *Hopes fade for breakthrough in N.Korea nuke talks Page 9 *Penalty hell for England is heaven for Portugal Page 12 *Excise duty to be imposed on several new products Page 13 *Promo tour sheds light on tourism industry Page 17

Promo tour sheds light on tourism industry

Promo tour sheds light on tourism industry The Amazing Jogya Road Show, which recently toured Malaysia and Singapore, aimed to promote the tourist industry in Yogyakarta. The Jakarta Post's Sri Wahyuni was invited to join the road show, which was jointly organized by national flag-carrier Garuda Indonesia, the Tourist Industry Association (ASITA) and the Yogyakarta administration. This is the first of a three-part series on the event.

[i]Indonesia, which holds the chair of the Association of Southeast

Indonesia, which holds the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), will host the 37th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting, 11th ASEAN Regional Forum and Post-Ministerial Conferences, from June 29 through July 2. In connection with these meetings, starting from today, The Jakarta Post will publish a series of articles and interviews. The following two articles are part of our first Special Report.

Court mix-up thwarts justice

Court mix-up thwarts justice Muninggar Sri Saraswati, Jakarta The Supreme Court admitted to administrative shortcomings on Friday that resulted in a failure to deliver a copy of the court's final verdict on convicted corruptor David Nusa Widjaja to prosecutors for execution. "We're still trying to find where the file is," Moegihardjo, who heads the court's criminal cases administration division, told reporters.

Haze? So what's new

Haze? So what's new The Straits Times, Asia News Network, Singapore A twilight grey hung over Singapore island for most of the day on Wednesday. The sun never showed, despite the thin cloud cover. Sensitive noses detected an acridity in the air. People with short memories can get by muttering about those forest fires in Indonesia -- again.

'The poor are not allowed here'

'The poor are not allowed here' With the current rapid rate of development in the capital, urban activists are concerned that space for residents to relax and enjoy life in, will be even more limited. True, a month-long celebration of Jakarta's 477th anniversary is underway, but that doesn't mean that economic and social issues should be swept under the carpet by the administration. The Jakarta Post talked to some residents about the city.

Education, poverty Susilo's concerns

Education, poverty Susilo's concerns KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Presidential candidate Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono told Kupang residents on Friday that if he were elected, he would pay attention to poverty and education in the East Nusa Tenggara province. He asserted that both sectors had to be addressed as the province still lacked 18,000 teachers and some 28 percent of its total four million residents were still living in dire poverty.

City ignores conservation of old buildings

City ignores conservation of old buildings Bambang Nurbianto, Jakarta An observer of old buildings, Grace Pamungkas, criticized the city administration on Friday for not making a sufficient effort to preserving the dozens of old buildings that stand in the capital. Speaking at a seminar titled "Jakarta: the Past, the Present and the Future", she pointed to the lack of policy that could encourage the owners of old buildings to help maintain their property in good condition.

Delay sought for social security bill

Delay sought for social security bill Ridwan Max Sijabat, Jakarta The Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) and an alliance of labor unions called on the government and the House of Representatives to suspend the ongoing deliberation of the controversial bill on the national social security system, saying that it would be better to revise Law No. 3/1992 on social security programs in an effort to improve workers' benefits. Haryanto M.S.

Excise duty to be imposed on several products

Excise duty to be imposed on several products The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In a bid to boost excise revenue, the Directorate General of Excise and Customs will impose excise duty on a number of new products starting Jan. 1 next year, provided that the House of Representatives give its approval.

NZ's Olympic qualifiers exit Jakarta Open

NZ's Olympic qualifiers exit Jakarta Open Eva C. Komandjaja, Jakarta Daniel Shirley and Sara Runesten-Petersen, who will represent New Zealand in the badminton competition at the Olympic Games, lost to Unang and Angeline of Indonesia in the quarterfinal mixed doubles match at the Jakarta Open here on Saturday. The Kiwi pair won the first game at 15-12 but seemingly lost their focus in the rest of the game with error-prone play on the net. They were beaten 14-17, 7-15 in the remaining two games.

Witnesses ready to oversee ballot-counting process

Witnesses ready to oversee ballot-counting process Fabiola Desy Unidjadja and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, Jakarta Having learned from disputes in the legislative election that were mostly the result of lax control over ballot counting, campaign teams have all prepared witnesses who will oversee polling stations during the July 5 poll and vote-counting process.

IPB student hall goes up in smoke

IPB student hall goes up in smoke BOGOR: Fire destroyed the Graha Widya Wisuda (GWW) student hall of the Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB) on the Darmaga campus at 6:15 p.m. on Friday, an hour after it was used to receive new students who were accepted without having to take a test. No casualties were reported as the building was vacant, according to security guards.

More firms probed over Riau fires

More firms probed over Riau fires Puji Santoso and PC Naomy, Pekanbaru/Jakarta The government is investigating more plantation companies accused of massive slash-and-burn land-clearing, which has blanketed parts of Southeast Asia with noxious haze.

[i]The Amazing Jogya Road Show, which recently toured Malaysia and

The Amazing Jogya Road Show, which recently toured Malaysia and Singapore, aimed to promote the tourist industry in Yogyakarta. The Jakarta Post's Sri Wahyuni was invited to join the road show, which was jointly organized by national flag-carrier Garuda Indonesia, the Tourist Industry Association (ASITA) and the Yogyakarta administration. This is the first of a three-part series on the event.

TV Today: Saturday, June 26, 2004

TV Today: Saturday, June 26, 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.

1 x 40

1 x 40 Drug convict restless as execution nears JP/5/ISMETH 1 x 55 Ismeth appointed as caretaker governor of Riau Islands JP/5/LOMBA 2 x 26 War has not lessened Aceh students' desire to study JP/5/mogok 2 x 28 Hunger-striking workers in bad shape in E. Kalimantan

TV stations' responsibility

TV stations' responsibility From Republika I believe the freedom to air various entertainment programs on television has led to an increase in the number of criminal cases. As a mother of three, I would like to appeal to TV stations to assume a greater responsibility for the next generation's character building.

Developer asked to stop gymnasium construction

Developer asked to stop gymnasium construction Multa Fidrus, Tangerang PT Modernland Real Property was in violation of a city bylaw by building a gymnasium in Tangerang without obtaining a building permit, a local official said recently. This is the second violation committed by the developer. In 2002, it was ordered by the administration to stop construction of the Metropolis Town Square.

BI to fight court ruling on BDB case

BI to fight court ruling on BDB case Dadan Wijaksana, Jakarta Bank Indonesia said on Friday it would stick by its decision to close down Bank Dagang Bali (BDB) in April, and that it was ready to defend it, despite a recent court ruling putting on hold the liquidation policy. On Thursday, the Administrative Court ruled that the revocation of BDB's operating license -- a decision issued by the central bank -- was temporarily suspended.

Analyst warns of more money politics as election nears

Analyst warns of more money politics as election nears Kurniawan Hari, Jakarta Vote buying is likely to intensify in the presidential election run-off scheduled for Sept. 20 as there will be nothing left to offer to attract support, a political analyst has warned. Arbi Sanit of the University of Indonesia (UI) said all five of the presidential candidates might have promised positions or money in exchange for support in the July 5 poll.

The ethical treatment of students' exam scores

The ethical treatment of students' exam scores Setiono, Jakarta A Ministry of National Education policy on the conversion of students' national exam scores has caused quite an uproar throughout all levels of society. Those who are involved either directly or indirectly in education here have bemoaned the policy. The strongest reaction has come from education observers.

Suspect named in sugar scandal

Suspect named in sugar scandal Abdul Khalik and Zakki P. Hakim, Jakarta An employee of a consortium that imported sugar from Thailand, Effendy Kemek, was declared a suspect on Friday in the scandal over 56,000 tons of illegal sugar, following his confession that he faked documents to place the commodity in a port warehouse. National Police chief Gen.

About arming prosecutors

About arming prosecutors From Media Indonesia Head of the information center of the Attorney General's Office, Kiemas Yahya has said in his statement the office has received permits from the police to provide 70 prosecutors in Jakarta and in the provinces with guns for self-defense, following the murder of Ferry Silalahi, a prosecutor stationed in Palu, Central Sulawesi.

Democracy: Absence makes yearning grow stronger

Democracy: Absence makes yearning grow stronger B. Herry-Priyono, Jakarta It is consoling to read Ziad Salim's perceptive article (Economy and democracy: Don't turn out the light, The Jakarta Post, June 22, 2004). I could not agree more with his plea. As history has given us ample lessons, the drive for making any socially consequential exercise of power accountable -- which is the essence of democracy -- will never die.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 25, 2004

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 25, 2004 ___________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ___________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 950 0 0 Adhi Karya 300 0 5,216,500 Adira Dinamika 2,425 0 13,000 AGIS Tbk 85 -5 2,338,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 75 5 150,000 Alakasa Industrindo 135 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 975 0 5,000 Alter Abadi Tbk 35...

RI maids plunge to deaths in Singapore

RI maids plunge to deaths in Singapore Reuters, Singapore Two Indonesian maids have fallen to their deaths from high-rise apartments in Singapore in separate incidents over the past week, Indonesia's embassy said on Friday. The deaths bring to 100 the number of Indonesian women who have died after plunging from high-rise apartments in Singapore since December 1999, while either hanging out laundry or washing windows or committing suicide, embassy officials said.

Unidentified phone users

Unidentified phone users From Kompas Our telephone number (021-78893084) has been illegally used by unidentified people since February this year. We have submitted our claim to the state telecommunications (Telkom) office in South Jakarta and even temporarily stopped our long-distance service. Printed evidence shows the unscrupulous users made long distance calls (SLJJ) to different major cities, notably Surabaya, at any time between 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. and 10 p.m.- 12 a.m.

Rupiah Rates 25 Jun

Rupiah Rates 25 Jun Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 6,964.01 6,257.25 6,645.86 6,575.16 Brunei dollar 1 5,813.11 5,223.81 5,547.54 5,489.22 Canadian dollar 1 7,366.47 6,621.12 7,029.94 6,957.52 Swiss franc 1 7,961.46 7,156.27 7,597.75 7,519.87 Danish krone 1 1,621.16 1,456.48 1,547.10 1,530.48 Euro 1 12,046.95 10,827.59 11,496.60 11,377.71 Poundsterling 1 18,069.93 16,243.17 17,244.42 17,068.44 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,271.71 1,143.31 1,213.61 1,201.40...

1. TNI: 48 pt, 7 cols, 1 X 42

1. TNI: 48 pt, 7 cols, 1 X 42 RI Military divided over presidential race 2. KPU: 36 pt, 4 cols, 2 X 28 Materials have reached regencies, are going to villages 3. TPS: 32 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 24 Witnesses readied to oversee ballot-counting process 4. DISCUSS: 30 pt, 3 cols, 2 X 27 Analyst warns of more money politics ahead

Laksamana insists Frontline top bidder

Laksamana insists Frontline top bidder Tony Hotland, Jakarta State Minister for State Enterprises Laksamana Sukardi has insisted that Frontline Ltd. was the top bidder for two huge tankers sold by state-owned oil and gas company PT Pertamina. He was responding to earlier reports suggesting that another company was the top bidder, adding additional confusion to the controversial transaction. "It is not true. You can check and see all the documents.

FBI confirms Papua rebels killed Americans: Da'i

FBI confirms Papua rebels killed Americans: Da'i Abdul Khalik and Tiarma Siboro, Jakarta An investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has concluded that the ambush on a bus carrying U.S. and Indonesian teachers on Aug. 31, 2001 was perpetrated by 15 members of the Free Papua Organization (OPM). National Police chief Gen.

Motorcycles in Jakarta

Motorcycles in Jakarta As a person who commutes by motorcycle taxi (ojek) from my home in Depok to my office in downtown Jakarta, I read with anger Zatni Arbi's article (The Jakarta Post, June 13) and Soegih Arto's letter (Post, June 18) about ridding Jakarta's streets of motorcycles. I think neither writer realizes that motorcycles are an integral part of the transportation system in Jakarta. Some residential areas are easily accessed by motorbikes.

Drug Crisis Center to be inaugurated

Drug Crisis Center to be inaugurated YOGYAKARTA: A drug crisis center is to be inaugurated in Yogyakarta on Saturday in conjunction with International Day against Drug Trafficking and Drug Abuse. The coordinator of the crisis center, Amri Uchrowi Budiyanto, said on Friday that the crisis center would be attached to the Yogyakarta Municipal Hospital in Wirosaban.

Fisherfolk to occupy new dwellings

Fisherfolk to occupy new dwellings Leony Aurora, Jakarta For an area that will be vacated within one day, Kali Adem in Muara Karang district, North Jakarta, was awfully quiet. Most of the inhabitants preferred to sleep amid the Friday afternoon heat. Nobody was packing. "Yes, we're going to move on Saturday," Rawut, a member of the Traditional Fishermen Union (SNT), whose house was demolished by the North Jakarta administration last October, told The Jakarta Post on Friday.

Hunger-striking workers in bad shape in East Kalimantan

Hunger-striking workers in bad shape in East Kalimantan Rusman, Samarinda Thousands of workers with two timber companies continued their two-week protest on Friday to demand their April and May salaries, nine of whom have been on a hunger strike since Wednesday. The protesters are also holding two executives of PT Kalimanis Plywood Industry (KPI) and PT Santi Murni Plywood (SMP), whom they took hostage on Tuesday to press for their demands to be met.