Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 7 June 2004

61 articles found

Wildlife poaching rampant in Lampung

Wildlife poaching rampant in Lampung Oyos Saroso H.N., Bandarlampung Wildlife smuggling was out of control in Lampung, with syndicates often using elderly women as couriers, two environmental watchdogs said. Lampung Natural Resource Conservation Agency (BKSDA) and Wildlife Crime Unit (WCU) investigations had found Lampung and South Sumatra were regional hubs for the illicit trade, which supplied animals to Jakarta and other large cities both locally and overseas, BKSDA head Puja Utama said.

Asia-Pacific economies urge WTO members to resume trade talks

Asia-Pacific economies urge WTO members to resume trade talks P. Parameswaran, Agence France-Presse, Pucon, Chile Trade ministers of 21 Asia-Pacific economies meeting in Chile are set to adopt a "strong" statement urging WTO members to return to the negotiating table by July and devise long awaited new rules governing global trade.

Hamzah targets economic equality

Hamzah targets economic equality Zakki P. Hakim, Jakarta While other presidential and vice presidential candidates are putting job creation at the top of their economic platforms, Hamzah Haz and his running mate Agum Gumelar are focusing on economic equality, which they define as equal access to goods and public services.

Slum areas to get community parks, official says

Slum areas to get community parks, official says Damar Harsanto, Jakarta Jakarta Parks Agency director Sarwo Handhayani says that the city administration plans to establish a 500 square-meter-park in every subdistrict, prioritizing slum and densely populated areas. "These parks are meant to become open spaces for communities to hold their activities in," she told The Jakarta Post over the weekend.

Veteran generals star in campaign teams

Veteran generals star in campaign teams A. Junaidi, Jakarta With the unprecedented direct presidential election turning into a battle of wits, candidates have resorted to the help of retired generals. Their presence seems to confirm the significant -- if not dominant -- role the military still holds, despite the reform movement and its formal exit from national politics under a civilian government. Further, three of the aspirants -- Gen. (ret) Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Gen.

Candidates revamp teams in Jakarta

Candidates revamp teams in Jakarta Bambang Nurbianto, Jakarta Jakarta-based campaign teams for the candidates running for presidency are recruiting new personnel to offset the weaknesses some experienced during the April 5 legislative election. The pairing of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Jusuf Kalla is currently a favorite, according to recent surveys, and their campaign member Herry Suprapto said that his pair would get the largest chunk of the votes in Jakarta.

Accepting with resignation

Accepting with resignation From Media Indonesia The Javanese word legowo has become popular following the failure of former president Abdurrahman " Gus Dur" Wahid to satisfy the health requirements for standing in the presidential election. Used by both Javanese and non-Javanese people, this word is often misinterpreted. Legowo means accepting something unpleasant in a sincere manner and with resignation.

Behind the scenes: IT solutions for SMEs

Behind the scenes: IT solutions for SMEs Vishnu K. Mahmud, Contributor/vmahmud@yahoo.com After conquering the high-end corporate market, global Information Technology companies are now focusing on the promising Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector. A segment that is said to have the most promising growth and considered to be a backbone for the Indonesian economy, many SMEs have yet to embrace this integrated form of computerization.

KPU begins distributing of ballot papers

KPU begins distributing of ballot papers M. Taufiqurrahman, Jakarta The General Elections Commission (KPU) has begun to distribute ballot papers for the presidential election, with the country's far-flung regions given top priority. KPU data made available to The Jakarta Post on Saturday revealed four of the 15 firms contracted to print the ballots had already finished the job, with over 15 million papers, or 10 percent of the total, now complete.

Puteh takes over command in Aceh

Puteh takes over command in Aceh BANDA ACEH: Aceh Governor Abdullah Puteh will take over command in troubled Aceh on Monday, officially ending the one- year period of martial law in the country's westernmost province. Aceh Secretary Thantawi Ishak said on Sunday that the handing- over of command from the martial law administrator, Maj. Gen.

Photo-caption

Photo-caption Photo: Antiterrorism Antara ANTITERRORISM CENTER: A worker paints a plane at the Antiterrorism Training Center at the Police Academy in Semarang, Central Java. Aside from the aircraft, ships, trains and buses have been prepared to create attack scenarios for training sessions at the center, which is expected to be inaugurated by President Megawati Soekarnoputri on July 3. Finishing touches were put on the plane on Sunday.

Jakarta's campaign teams all hoping for big win

Jakarta's campaign teams all hoping for big win Bambang Nurbianto Jakarta Jakarta-based campaign teams for the candidates running for presidency are recruiting new personnel to offset the weaknesses some experienced during the April 5 legislative election. The pairing of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Jusuf Kalla is currently a favorite, according to recent surveys, and their campaign member Herry Suprapto said that his pair would get the largest chunk of the votes in Jakarta.

Growing sea piracy in region could cripple world trade, Singapore says

Growing sea piracy in region could cripple world trade, Singapore says Jason Szep, Reuters, Singapore Attacks on ships by sea pirates in Southeast Asia are resembling military operations -- growing bolder, more violent and fueling fears of an attack that would cripple world trade, Singapore said on Sunday.

Aspirants woo Muslim leaders, farmers

Aspirants woo Muslim leaders, farmers The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Presidential aspirants continue to woo Muslim leaders and farmers to support their bid in the July 5 election. Gen. (ret) Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono met with three leaders of Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) in Madura, East Java on Sunday, while Amien Rais was scheduled to meet prominent Muslim leader Djazouli in Martapura, Banjar regency in South Kalimantan.

Tangerang to prosecute firms for polluting river

Tangerang to prosecute firms for polluting river Multa Fidrus, Tangerang Tangerang is planning to prosecute up to four companies suspected of dumping toxic waste into the Cisadane River, the mayor said. Mayor Wahidin Halim said he would name the firms responsible for the pollution at the Achmad Yani soccer stadium on June 10, in conjunction with World Environment Day. "Investigations are still being conducted by officials from the State Minister of the Environment's office," he said on Saturday.

Clerics told to pacify followers

Clerics told to pacify followers Tiarma Siboro and Kurniawan Hari, Jakarta Muslim leaders were told on Sunday to calm their followers to prevent possible clashes ahead of and during next month's presidential election, after several leading clerics insisted that it is forbidden for Muslims to vote for a woman leader. Their comments were an elaboration of the edict issued by clerics from East Java in support of the decision of the National Awakening Party (PKB) to endorse the pairing of Gen.

On Indian meat

On Indian meat I write in reference to a news item published in The Jakarta Post on May 25, regarding the importation of meat from some countries, including India. While this Embassy has no information on the provenance of the smuggled meat, and supports the Indonesian government's action to check violations of local regulations, it is essential that readers are informed of the facts about Indian meat. * India is not affected by mad-cow disease.

Social security system

Social security system I am writing in response to an article written by Dr. Hasbullah Thabrany in The Jakarta Post, May 27, in which he responded to my May 4 article on the National Social Security System Bill (SJSN) currently being considered by the House of Representatives.

Mistresses: Flip side of Batam sex trade

Mistresses: Flip side of Batam sex trade Fadli, Batam The industrial city of Batam has grown into a mini-metropolis in its own right, and glitters with the promise of profit and prosperity. Located strategically adjacent to Singapore at only 20 kilometers away, many are drawn to the opportunity of earning foreign currency in Batam, and some women come in quest of Singapore dollars -- by becoming the mistresses of married Singaporean men.

Late Roesmin's biography launched

Late Roesmin's biography launched A. Junaidi Jakarta The biography of a former Air Force commander, the late Marshall Roesmin Nurjadin, was launched here on Saturday, telling his version of what happened around the time of the 1965 alleged coup that has since been blamed on the now-defunct Indonesian Communist Party (PKI).

Megawati's promise of jobs

Megawati's promise of jobs President Megawati Soekarnoputri's adoption of job creation as a key policy of her economic platform ahead of the July 5 election is unconvincing, as it is precisely in this area that, as perceived by the public, her government has failed miserably. If reelected, Megawati promises to create almost 13 million jobs in the next five years by accelerating annual economic growth to an average of 6.8 percent, from about 4 percent over the past three years.

JP/17/VISHNU

JP/17/VISHNU The hidden costs of corporate IT solutions Vishnu K. Mahmud Contributor/vmahmud@yahoo.com After conquering the high-end corporate market, global Information Technology companies are now focusing on the promising Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector. A segment that is said to have the most promising growth and considered to be a backbone for the Indonesian economy, many SMEs have yet to embrace this integrated form of computerization.

One person goes blind every minute

One person goes blind every minute YOGYAKARTA: At least one person goes blind every minute in the country as a result of cataracts, glaucoma, and retina and cornea disorders, a professor says. Head of Eye Diseases at Gadjah Mada University's School of Medicine, Soehardjo, said on Saturday that cataracts were the main cause of blindness.

Int'l preschools offer world-class curriculum

Int'l preschools offer world-class curriculum Debbie A. Lubis, Contributor, Jakarta Four-year-old Caca used to be reluctant when it was time to go to school. Her mother always tried hard to wake her up every morning. However, the little girl often went back to sleep even though the school bus had been waiting for several minutes. "She always complained that school was the most boring place and often refused to mingle with other kids," said Farida, the girl's mother.

Play groups cater to the needs of urban parents

Play groups cater to the needs of urban parents T. Sima Gunawan, Contributor, Jakarta Ivan is only three years old, but his mother is already busy looking for a good "school" for him. After visiting several places, Mira, the mother, finally decided to send the toddler to the Anisa play group located not far from her house in Bintaro, Tangerang. But the play group can only accommodate 50 "students", while the number of candidates reached about 90.

Jones leaves RI on deportation order

Jones leaves RI on deportation order JAKARTA: The Jakarta director of the International Crisis Group and her staff left the country on Sunday following a deportation order that has drawn concern from activists and intellectuals both from Indonesia and foreign countries. Sidney Jones said Sunday that she and Francesca Miriam Lawe- Davies were departing from Soekarno-Hatta international airport to the U.S. following the issuance of a deportation order last week.

BPK opposes new member selection process

BPK opposes new member selection process Tony Hotland, Jakarta A senior board member of the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) has criticized the ongoing selection of the agency's new board members at the House of Representatives, saying that the process violated the Constitution. BPK deputy chairman Bambang Triadji said on Friday that the selection process should have been put off until the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) was formed.

Jakarta's campaign teams all hoping for big win

Jakarta's campaign teams all hoping for big win Bambang Nurbianto Jakarta Jakarta-based campaign teams for the candidates running for presidency are recruiting new personnel to offset the weaknesses some experienced during the April 5 legislative election. The pairing of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Jusuf Kalla is currently a favorite, according to recent surveys, and their campaign member Herry Suprapto said that his pair would get the largest chunk of the votes in Jakarta.

East Timor PM challenged answer bribe charges in US court

East Timor PM challenged answer bribe charges in US court Agence France-Presse, Darwin/Australia A U.S. oil company challenged East Timorese Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri on Sunday to appear in a U.S. court to respond to allegations that he accepted a multi-million dollar bribe from a rival firm.

Garbology concerns

Garbology concerns SEMARANG: Most of the garbage in Semarang, amounting to more than 4,000 cubic meters a day, can be recycled into fertilizer or other reusable materials, thereby mitigating pollution, said a lecturer on Saturday. Safrudin, a lecturer from the Environmental Technology school at Diponegoro University, said that some 97.55 percent of garbage consisted of vegetable matter, leftover food, plastic, tin cans and other things that can be reprocessed.

Yogyakarta's walls filled with color

Yogyakarta's walls filled with color Slamet Susanto, Yogyakarta The city famed for its art and culture is now becoming the city of murals. As part of a bid to beautify Yogyakarta and celebrate its thriving arts scene, the municipal administration has freed up over 11,000 meters of walls in the city for mural painting.

Thai deal could

Thai deal could face red card BANGKOK: Thailand's likelihood of buying a 30 percent stake in English Premiership giants Liverpool has faded markedly since the kingdom abandoned plans to finance the deal through a public lottery, analysts and observers said. Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra gave his assurance at the weekend that Thailand's 100-115 million dollar bid for the fabled club was still on the table despite scrapping the 10-billion-baht (US$245.9-million) lottery.

'Karma exists in human, environment affairs'

'Karma exists in human, environment affairs' The World Environment Day was commemorated on June 5 and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) picked "Wanted! Seas and Oceans -- Dead or Alive?" as its theme. In conjunction with the commemoration, The Jakarta Post talked to some residents on their opinion about the environment in the city, particularly the worsening pollution in the air and the sea. Didiek, 29, is a security officer at Koja Hospital in North Jakarta.

TV Program: Monday, June 7, 2004

TV Program: Monday, June 7, 2004 TVRI .TB.30" .90" 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Children Show: Pentas Ceria 8:30 Music: Asyik Asyik 10:00 Dialogue 11:00 Singing Contest: Konteswara 11:30 Doing Business 12:00 p.m. Documentary 1:00 News: Berita Siang 3:00 English News Service 4:00 TV Drama 5:30 Music 6:00 TV Drama 7:00 News: Berita Malam 7:30 TV Drama: Paviliun 21 8:00 TV Drama: Pondokan 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 10:30 Music 11:00 Talk Show: Mimbar Indonesia TPI 5:30 a.m.

Residents riot over sand mining

Residents riot over sand mining SERANG, Banten: Dozens of residents in Lontar subdistrict attacked on Friday night the Lontar subdistrict office and dumped some 15 tons of rice in the street. The rice was given to local residents as compensation by sand mining firm PT Jetstar to appease them after earlier demonstrations caused by fears of environmental damage.

No Fuso trucks to be recalled here

No Fuso trucks to be recalled here Tony Hotland, Jakarta Japanese truck maker Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corp. has no plans to recall any of its products sold in Indonesia as none of them is of the type being recalled globally. "The trucks we're selling are of different types than the ones being recalled by Mitsubishi.

More buckling up a month after new policy: Police

More buckling up a month after new policy: Police Evi Mariani, Jakarta The Jakarta Police have revealed that, a month after seat belts were made mandatory on May 5, the number of drivers and front- seat passengers wearing seat belts continued to rise, particularly according to data gathered from the capital's main thoroughfares. "Our conclusion that the number of those observing the new regulation is growing is based on our observation at several key points," city police traffic head Sr. Comr.

NGOs and democracy

NGOs and democracy An American woman named Sidney Jones has hit the news headlines recently. Her statements and her very existence have drawn a range of views. Many say that Jones, who is the Southeast Asian director of the International Crisis Group (ICG), has contributed to the promotion of human rights in the country. Where as many others accused Jones of helping to 'disintegrate' the nation.

Late Roesmin's biography launched

Late Roesmin's biography launched A. Junaidi Jakarta The biography of a former Air Force commander, the late Marshall Roesmin Nurjadin, was launched here on Saturday, telling his version of what happened around the time of the 1965 alleged coup that has since been blamed on the now-defunct Indonesian Communist Party (PKI).

No NGO protest against oil waste

No NGO protest against oil waste From Bisnis Indonesia Reports of the accumulation of 16,000 tons of toxic waste in the Balongan oil refinery in Indramayu, West Java, have failed to trigger any reaction from non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or the government. A careful examination of mass media stories on environmental damage or waste management indicates something peculiar.

Mayor requires Koran reading

Mayor requires Koran reading TANGERANG: All Muslim civil servants in Tangerang are now required to read the Koran for 90 minutes every Friday morning in a bid to encourage akhlakul kharimah -- the Islamic virtues of honesty, discipline and loyalty. Tangerang Mayor Wahidin Halim launched the mandatory program on Friday, his second move following an earlier ruling this year requiring all Muslim civil servants to wear traditional prayer costumes on Fridays.

First week sees candidates unprepared for campaign

First week sees candidates unprepared for campaign The Jakarta Post , Jakarta The opening days of the presidential campaign saw the candidates engaged in an assorted mix of publicity gimmicks and public rallies, which were overshadowed by occasional outbursts of intriguing behavior. Most of the five candidates seemed to suffer from stage fright, but they can be forgiven for this as the month-long event is the first presidential campaign in the nation's history.

1. 1 x 29

1. 1 x 29 Komnas HAM the last resort for justice seekers 2. 3 x 14 Biography of late Marshal Roesmin launched 3. 1 x 35 Interaction helps mentally retarded people develop 4. 2 x 27 Guns will not solve problems: Observer

Guns for prosecutors will not solve problems: Observer

Guns for prosecutors will not solve problems: Observer P.C. Naommy, Jakarta An observer has warned the Attorney General's Office of a possible increase in the misuse of firearms if it presses ahead with its plan to arm prosecutors for self-defense purposes. "The plan to equip prosecutors with guns will increase the number of weapons circulating in society, which will in turn increase the possibility of misuse," Rashid Lubis of the Police Watch organization said on Saturday.

Fuel prices left to market?

Fuel prices left to market? From Koran Tempo The price of some fuels will be left to follow the market mechanism starting next year, which means that they will be rising in phases according to their economic value. Tubagus Haryono, head of the Oil and Gas Distribution Agency, said in Jakarta recently that the fuels which would follow market regulation were gasoline and automotive diesel oil (Tempo Interaktif, May 26).

Komnas HAM last resort for justice seekers

Komnas HAM last resort for justice seekers M. Taufiqurrahman, Jakarta Founded on Jan. 3, 1994, the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has aimed to promote and protect the basic rights of citizens. However, in a country where the judiciary is accused by many of being riddled with corruption, the commission has, in a way, become the last resort for people seeking justice.

Jakarta in a festive mood

Jakarta in a festive mood Jakarta will celebrate its official 477th anniversary on June 22. The date, decided on by the Jakarta administration, refers to the first time in history when the name of Jakarta appears in old documents. A full month celebrations to mark the anniversary was initiated by Jakarta governor Sutiyoso last Sunday at the small industry complex (PIK) in East Jakarta. Here are some of the upcoming events organized by the Jakarta administration to enliven the city. 1.

1. BPK (3x17)

1. BPK (3x17) BPK opposes new member selection process 2. Piracy (2x36) Growing sea piracy in region could cripple world trade, Singapore says 3. Oil (1x45) East Kalimantan gets most oil, gas revenue 4. Mitsu (1x36) No Fuso trucks to be recalled here 5. Susul2 (2x22) G8 leaders to discuss antipoverty campaign

Rupiah, stocks still under pressure

Rupiah, stocks still under pressure Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The rupiah, having depreciated another 2 percent against the U.S. dollar last week, is likely to remain under pressure in the next couple of weeks as prevailing uncertainties surrounding the U.S. interest rate hike and the domestic political scene continue. "The combination of those factors causes negative sentiment in the market.

Tourists arrivals in Vietnam soar

Tourists arrivals in Vietnam soar HANOI: International arrivals to Vietnam soared 115.4 percent in the first five months of the year compared with the same period in 2003, state media said on Saturday. Some 1.115 million foreigners visited the country during the five-month period, with Chinese, American and South Korean visitors leading the charge, the ruling Communist Party's Nhan Dan newspaper said.

More people buckling up a month after new policy: Police

More people buckling up a month after new policy: Police Evi Mariani, Jakarta The Jakarta Police have revealed that, a month after seat belts were made mandatory on May 5, the number of drivers and front- seat passengers wearing seat belts continued rise, particularly according to data gathered from the capital's main thoroughfares. "Our conclusion that the number of those observing the new regulation is growing is based on our observation at several key points," city police traffic head Sr.

East Kalimantan gets most oil, gas revenue

East Kalimantan gets most oil, gas revenue The Jakarta Post, Jakarta East Kalimantan tops the list of the provincial oil and gas revenue stakes this year with a total estimated revenue of Rp 3.1 trillion (about US$326 million), according to the Ministry of Finance. The province is home to the world's largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) complex in Bontang, which has a production capacity of about 21 million tons annually.

Malaysia rejects use of outside forces in SE Asia

Malaysia rejects use of outside forces in SE Asia Agencies, Singapore Malaysia rejected the use of foreign forces in fighting terror threats in Southeast Asia on Sunday, saying their presence could trigger a radical backlash among the region's mostly moderate Muslim community.

Preschools maximize potential learning

Preschools maximize potential learning Simon Marcus Gower, Executive Principal, High/Scope Indonesia School, Jakarta The other day, I happened to be talking to a couple of friends who have two small children, the oldest of which is now attending preschool. It was quite surprising how flippant and even dismissive they were regarding their child's attendance of a small preschool-playgroup, which was being run from a large converted house conveniently located in their neighborhood.

Biography of late Marshal Roesmin launched

Biography of late Marshal Roesmin launched A. Junaidi, Jakarta The biography of a former Air Force commander, the late Marshall Roesmin Nurjadin, was launched here on Saturday, telling his version of what happened around the time of the 1965 alleged coup that has since been blamed on the now-defunct Indonesian Communist Party (PKI).

Pertamina plants 2,500 mangrove

Pertamina plants 2,500 mangrove JAKARTA: State oil company Pertamina planted on Saturday 2,500 mangrove trees in the protected forest in Muara Angke, North Jakarta, to help ease the impact from floods that hit the area annually. "This is our commitment to improve the environment in order to help the city administration handle floods," said Pertamina official Adiatma Sarjito.

* More people buckling up a month after new policy Page 2

* More people buckling up a month after new policy Page 2 * Observer questions policy of arming prosecutors Page 4 * Mistresses: Flip side of the sex trade Page 5 * Oil price hike: Economic meltdown unlikely Page 7 * Slum areas to get community parks: Official Page 8 * Els leads as Tiger lurks at Memorial Page 10 * East Timor PM challenged in U.S. court Page 11 * BPK opposes new member selection process Page 13 * Best websites for learning English Page 17

Mutant frogs evidence of environmental damage

Mutant frogs evidence of environmental damage Theresia Sufa, Bogor A lecturer with the Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB)'s School of Forest Resources Conservation, Ami Mardiastuti, urged the people to be on alert if they saw frogs with abnormalities, particularly noticeable in the limbs. She said recently in a discussion on the environment that frogs are quicker than most other species to react to changes in the environment.

S'pore, Malaysia make up, after Mahathir era ends

S'pore, Malaysia make up, after Mahathir era ends Jake Lloyd-Smith, Associated Press/Singapore For decades, Southeast Asian neighbors Singapore and Malaysia traded barbs about a host of petty differences - from the price of water Malaysia sells to the city-state to the ownership of a small islet no larger than a football field.

Mistresses: Flip side of Batam sex trade

Mistresses: Flip side of Batam sex trade Fadli, Batam The industrial city of Batam has grown into a mini-metropolis in its own right, and glitters with the promise of profit and prosperity. Located strategically adjacent to Singapore at only 20 kilometers away, many are drawn to the opportunity of earning foreign currency in Batam, and some women come in quest of Singapore dollars -- by becoming the mistresses of married Singaporean men.

Jakarta lights up for its 477th anniversary

Jakarta lights up for its 477th anniversary Jakarta will celebrate its 477th anniversary on June, 22. The anniversary date made official by the Jakarta administration refers to the first time in history when the name of Jakarta came up in old documents on Jakarta. A full month celebrations of the Jakarta anniversary has been initiated by Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso last Sunday at the small scale industry complex (PIK) Penggilingan in East Jakarta.