Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 8 June 2004

80 articles found

[b]Puteh takes

Puteh takes over command in Aceh 2. Mega defends mining policy in protected forests 3. 2 x 32 House, govt face final hurdle over medical council 4. 1 x 42 Few scientists register inventions: Expert

East Timorese PM attacks Australia

East Timorese PM attacks Australia Jill Jolliffe, Agence France-Presse, Darwin East Timorese Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri launched a freewheeling attack on the Australian government Monday saying it had shown "a lack of seriousness and commitment" in maritime talks with his new nation. Speaking at an oil conference in the northern capital of Darwin, Alkatiri said negotiations with Australia on better sharing billions of dollars in oil and gas resources under the Timor Sea had so far failed.

Time needed to stop use of homes for business purposes

Time needed to stop use of homes for business purposes Damar Harsanto, Jakarta An official said on Monday that the Jakarta administration would need more time to regularize the use of houses as business places, arguing that other government institutions had complicated the process. "This is a very big and complicated job as there have been many recommendations issued by many city agencies and central government institutions.

Hospitals face malpractice complaints

Hospitals face malpractice complaints Evi Mariani, Jakarta A mother of three reported Budi Lestari Hospital in Bekasi on Monday to the Jakarta Police for alleged malpractice. Herly Hutauruk suspects that her third child, Jeremia, who was born on May 9 at the hospital, suffered a brain hemorrhage during delivery. She also reported one of the hospital's gynecologists for failing to inform her that there was a problem.

Collective graft case being probed in Lampung

Collective graft case being probed in Lampung Oyos Saroso, Bandarlampung The Bandarlampung District Court opened the trial here on Monday of three councillors allegedly involved in a corruption scam, while prosecutors said all the 45 local council members could be charged in the same case. Earlier last month, a district court in the West Sumatra capital of Padang jailed almost all the 55 provincial council members for corruption.

Sharon's coalition unsteady after Gaza pullout vote

Sharon's coalition unsteady after Gaza pullout vote Reuters, Jerusalem Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon faced the possible collapse of his governing coalition on Monday, with a key rightist partner debating bolting over the cabinet's approval of his Gaza withdrawal plan.

HAVE BOAT, WILL CAMPAIGN: A watery gap between boats in Bunaken

HAVE BOAT, WILL CAMPAIGN: A watery gap between boats in Bunaken Marine National Park, North Sulawesi, does not prevent journalists from interviewing vice presidential candidate Siswono Yudohusodo on marine life conservation policies. Siswono was at Bunaken on Monday, while his running mate, Amien Rais, campaigned in Jakarta.

House, government face final hurdle over medical council

House, government face final hurdle over medical council Dewi Santoso, Jakarta Legislators and the government managed to resolve on Monday all but one item in their lengthy debate on the responsibilities of a proposed medical council.

Dichotomies of presidential campaign

Dichotomies of presidential campaign One week has passed since the kickoff of the campaign period, during which the presidential candidates will be using various strategies to win the hearts of the people. Some candidates have visited traditional markets, others have gathered their supporters, others have made promises on television and in newspapers, and still others have played soccer with villagers.

The parallel between talent shows and politics

The parallel between talent shows and politics Bantarto Bandoro, Jakarta Almost no one here, young and old, boys and girls, even preschool children, has not seen the popular television program Akademi Fantasi Indosiar (AFI), which is based on Mexican La Academia, where audience members vote for their favorite singer. Another private channel, RCTI, broadcasts a similar program, Indonesian Idol.

1. Trade (1x43)

1. Trade (1x43) EUROCHAM vows to boost business cooperation 2. PTBA (2x24) Government to sell stake in coal giant this month 3. Report (1x40) JSX s Telkom, Gresik more slack 4. Paiton (2x18) Paiton Energy to expand power plant

REINVENTING MEDIA: Serikat Penerbit Suratkabar's (SPS) vision is

REINVENTING MEDIA: Serikat Penerbit Suratkabar's (SPS) vision is to enforce the freedom of the press and to build a sound and dignified press industry.

TV Program: Tuesday, June 8, 2004

TV Program: Tuesday, June 8, 2004 TVRI .TB.30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Children Show 8:30 Music: Asyik Asyik 10:00 Talk Show: Agribiz 11:00 Singing Contest: Konteswara 12:00 p.m.

July 27 tragedy probe reopened

July 27 tragedy probe reopened Abdul Khalik, Jakarta The joint team investigating the bloody takeover of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI)'s offices on Jl. Diponegoro, Central Jakarta, on July 27, 1996, announced on Monday that it plans to accelerate the currently stalled investigation. After almost two years of moving at a snail's pace, the team is gearing up for the prosecution of suspects in the attack that claimed five lives, injured 149 and left 23 others missing.

Top runners to compete in Jakarta Int'l 10K

Top runners to compete in Jakarta Int'l 10K Eva C. Komandjaja, Jakarta The capital will play host to The Jakarta International 10K run on June 20 to celebrate the city's 477th anniversary. International and top national runners have been invited to participate in the event, which will offer a total of Rp 541 million (US$60,000) in cash prizes and trophies for the runners. Local residents and students are also encouraged to take part in the event.

Court asks police to help in executing verdicts

Court asks police to help in executing verdicts Muninggar Sri Saraswati, Jakarta Wary about possible violence, a court has called on the police to deploy personnel across the country next week to ensure the implementation of its verdicts on legislative election disputes. "We understand that the verdicts could incite trouble in all level of society," Constitutional Court President Jimly Asshidiqie told reporters at his office on Monday.

10 C. Jakarta areas prone to floods

10 C. Jakarta areas prone to floods JAKARTA: Central Jakarta Public Order office has warned residents in 10 areas of possible flooding. The areas, which are situated in the lower part of the municipality, are: Kebon Kacang, Pejompongan, Benhil, Karang Anyar, South Mangga Dua, North Gunung Sahari, Serdang, Kebon Sirih, Petamburan and Cempaka Putih. The last four are the most vulnerable, office head Sulaiman Bachtiar told the city administration's official news portal Berita Jakarta on Saturday.

Amien claims support of pimps

Amien claims support of pimps SURABAYA, East Java: The campaign team for presidential hopeful Amien Rais said on Monday their candidate was receiving strong support from all walks of life, including pimps. Some 300 representatives of pimps, street vendors and other groups in the regencies of Nganjuk, Kediri and Jombang will declare their support for Amien on Tuesday in Surabaya, according to the campaign team.

Poll committees withhold voter data

Poll committees withhold voter data MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: Five district poll committees are withholding voter registration data pending payment by the West Lombok General Elections Commission (KPUD). Hasanain Juaini, chairman of the West Lombok KPUD, said the KPUD understood the demand and promised the commission would disburse the money as soon as it was received from the West Lombok regency government.

'Tempo' to report Tomy to police for perjury

'Tempo' to report Tomy to police for perjury Urip Hudiono, Jakarta Lawyers for Tempo magazine journalists will report well-connected businessman Tomy Winata to the police for allegedly giving false testimony during the Tempo libel trial. The decision was made following the judges' refusal to act on the perjury allegation.

* Tribal war continues in Timika Page 2

* Tribal war continues in Timika Page 2 * Governor Puteh takes over command in Aceh Page 4 * Collective graft case being probed in Lampung Page 5 * The parallels between talent shows and politics Page 6 * Most vehicles in Jakarta fail emission test Page 8 * Els wins Memorial Tournament by four shots Page 9 * U.S. plans to cut troops in South Korea Page 11 * Government to sell stake in coal giant Page 13 * Climate change, boom or bust for biodiversity? Page 17

Four arrested in church attacks

Four arrested in church attacks Evi Mariani, Jakarta The South Jakarta Police have arrested four suspects in Sunday's attack on a church and three shop-houses used for religious services in Pamulang, Tangerang, Banten province, which left priest Jonathan Wijaya injured. "We arrested four men on Sunday night who allegedly played a major role in the vandalism," Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Prasetyo said on Monday.

Stock prices on the Jakarta stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 7, 2004

Stock prices on the Jakarta stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 7, 2004 _________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume __________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 925 50 2,500 Adhi Karya 320 5 39,947,000 Adira Dinamika 2,425 0 0 AGIS Tbk 90 0 50,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 75 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 135 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 950 50 10,000 Alter Abadi Tbk 35 0 0...

EUROCHAM vows to boost business cooperation

EUROCHAM vows to boost business cooperation Tony Hotland, Jakarta The newly established European Business Chamber of Commerce (EUROCHAM) in Indonesia plans to set up sectoral working groups in cooperation with the Indonesian business community to promote investment in various parts of the country. Chamber chairman Jean-Francois Fischaux said on Monday that the pharmaceutical, finance, transportation, trade and distribution sectors would likely be priorities.

Susilo cancels visit over protest rumor

Susilo cancels visit over protest rumor MALANG, East Java: Presidential candidate Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) canceled a visit here on Monday to sugarcane factory PT Molindo Raya in response to rumors of a worker protest at the factory. The cancellation came as a disappointment to the management of the factory, which had arranged a welcoming ceremony, security and food for the candidate and his team.

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.

Workers demand special cars

Workers demand special cars SEMARANG: About 100 employees from a cement factory staged a protest here on Monday, demanding their company bus them to and from work. The workers said PT Kino Sentra Industries' transportation allowance of Rp 250 (US$0.03 cents) a day was insufficient and should be abolished. The company should provide employees with special buses instead, they said.

Sumedang police question STPDN students over alleged separatism

Sumedang police question STPDN students over alleged separatism Yuli Tri Suwarni, Bandung West Java's Sumedang Police began questioning several students of the Institute of Public Administration (STPDN) on Monday for allegedly backing activities of the separatist Maluku Sovereignty Front (FKM). The students, all hailing from the troubled province of Maluku, were quizzed as they were found wearing T-shirts bearing symbols of the separatist movement. Wahyu F.

Wiranto-Wahid to settle corruption, rights cases in one year

Wiranto-Wahid to settle corruption, rights cases in one year Abdul Khalik Jakarta Presidential candidates know that their rivals are making similar promises about law enforcement. But in a country where many think they have seen enough of the turbulent "transition" period no candidate can do without pledges of law enforcement even though they themselves might have been seen to have violated the law. Golkar Party candidates Gen.

Two Indonesian men and a toddler were hacked to death in Malaysia

Two Indonesian men and a toddler were hacked to death in Malaysia following a suspected dispute between rival migrant laborers, Malaysian police said on Monday. The victims, from Indonesia's eastern island of Flores, were attacked by a mob of about 50 people late on Sunday in a residential area just south of Kuala Lumpur, said district police chief Shah Gzali Khan Shahadad.

Wiranto unveils tough on crime platform

Wiranto unveils tough on crime platform Abdul Khalik, Jakarta Presidential candidates know that their rivals are making similar promises about law enforcement. But in a country where many think they have seen enough of the turbulent "transition" period no candidate can do without pledges of law enforcement even though they themselves might have been seen to have violated the law. Golkar Party candidates Gen.

Ceremony to be held for monorail

Ceremony to be held for monorail JAKARTA: Governor Sutiyoso said on Monday a ceremony marking the start of a US$630 million monorail project would be held on June 12. "We have obtained permission from the State Secretary (Bambang Kesowo) to mark the commencement of the project at the Bung Karno sports complex," the governor said. The complex is managed by the state secretary.

Expert says few local scientists register inventions

Expert says few local scientists register inventions Sari P. Setiogi, Jakarta Only three percent of 30,000 patented intellectual property rights in the country have been registered by Indonesian inventors, while all the rest being registered by foreigners, a scientist says. "And most of this three percent was made up of basic, simple patents," head of the Design Engineering Advocacy (LBT) organization, Prasetyo Sunaryo, said on Monday.

Mega defends mining policy in protected forests

Mega defends mining policy in protected forests Moch. N. Kurniawan, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri said on Monday economic reasons outweighed environmental concerns in the government's recent decision to allow mining in protected forests.

Councillor queries construction of governor's residence

Councillor queries construction of governor's residence Rusman, Samarinda A councillor lashed out on Monday at the ongoing construction of the official residence of the East Kalimantan governor, saying that the decision to go ahead with it had bypassed the East Kalimantan legislative council.

Indonesian culture takes center stage at MIT

Indonesian culture takes center stage at MIT Maggie Tiojakin, Contributor/Boston, Massachusetts, mathe_80@yahoo.com "There's been a bombing in Bali," a 21-year-old Indonesian called out as he stormed into sight. "I'm so worried about my friends and family back home," he continued, as he paced relentlessly. He buried his head in both hands, fell to his knees and let out an agonizing groan.

Paiton Energy will expand power plant

Paiton Energy will expand power plant Tony Hotland, Jakarta Independent power producer PT Paiton Energy has announced it will install additional generating capacity of 800 Megawatts (MW) to its 1,290 MW coal-fired power plant in East Java amid growing electricity demand in the country. Company president Ronald P.

RI, East Timor to finalize border demarcation

RI, East Timor to finalize border demarcation Associated Press, Dili In another sign of improving relations, Indonesia and East Timor will complete demarcation of their border at talks this week in Bali, the foreign ministry said on Monday.

Return to pre-Kartini era?

Return to pre-Kartini era? Upon reading an article in the June 4 edition of The Jakarta Post about a group of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) clerics who said women should not become president, I was really amazed and considered it to be degrading to women. If their capabilities are proven, why should they not be allowed to become leaders? Wasn't Cut Nyak Dhien a warrior and a great female leader? Will Indonesian women be forced back into the era before Kartini, who fought for women's emancipation?

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.

Bank told to up reserve deposits

Bank told to up reserve deposits Dadan Wijaksana, Jakarta Bank Indonesia may require banks to double their deposits as reserves with the central bank, but in return it also promises to provide banks with interest rate on the additional funds. Bank Indonesia Governor Burhanuddin Abdullah said on Monday that the central bank planned to increase the minimum reserve requirement by 3 percent to 5 percent in a bid to help stabilize the embattled rupiah.

'Politics' behind edict agaisnt woman president

'Politics' behind edict agaisnt woman president The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Semarang/Surabaya Secretary-general of the state-sponsored Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) Din Syamsuddin said on Monday the edict (fatwa) recently issued by a number of ulema that effectively banned women from serving as president, was politically motivated. "This fatwa is full of political motives.

FPDA to expand to counter terrorist threat

FPDA to expand to counter terrorist threat Karl Malakunas, Agence France-Presse/Singapore A 33-year-old defense agreement between Singapore, Malaysia, Britain, Australia and New Zealand will be expanded to deal with terrorism and other "unconventional threats", the governments of the five nations said here Monday.

East Asia readies emergency measures amid oil supply worries

East Asia readies emergency measures amid oil supply worries Teresa Cerojano, Associated Press, Manila Facing runaway oil prices and security fears, East Asian officials meeting in Manila are making emergency plans that include creating oil reserves and finding alternative sources for their energy imports.

Most vehicles in city fail emission test: Official

Most vehicles in city fail emission test: Official Leony Aurora, Jakarta More than 60 percent of diesel-fueled private vehicles and 36.2 percent of gasoline-fueled ones in Greater Jakarta do not meet emission standards, official announced on Monday. The data comes from spot checks involving 2,034 cars, comprising 903 diesel-fueled and 1,131 gasoline-fueled vehicles.

Puteh takes over power in Aceh

Puteh takes over power in Aceh Nani Farida and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, Aceh/Jakarta Governor Abdullah Puteh officially took over the command from martial law administrator Maj. Gen. Endang Suwarya on Monday, almost three weeks after the government lowered the province's status to a state of civil emergency.

Candidates polish up to look good on screen

Candidates polish up to look good on screen M. Taufiqurrahman, Jakarta In the run-up to the 30-day presidential campaign, television viewers were given the rare opportunity to watch presidential candidates try to outwit one another in a series of televised debates and special programs outlining their respective platforms. During the programs, candidates also took questions from the audience that sometimes touched on sensitive issues.

Myanmar frees 9 NLD members

Myanmar frees 9 NLD members MYANMAR: Military-ruled Myanmar freed nine supporters of detained democracy figurehead Aung San Suu Kyi on Monday, a week after they were arrested while handing out leaflets on human rights. The young men, who said they had not been ill-treated despite spending most of their detention in Yangon's notorious Insein Prison, made their protest on May 30, the first anniversary of Suu Kyi's arrest.

'Many of us have little access to clean water'

'Many of us have little access to clean water' It goes without saying that development is often at the cost of the environment, replacing green spaces in big cities with concrete jungles. In conjunction with World Environment Day on June 5, The Jakarta Post asked a few residents for their opinion of the city administration's environmental management. Gregorius, 30, works for a private firm in Kedoya, West Jakarta. He lives close to his office with his wife: Let's talk about regreening the city.

1. DISPUTE: 48 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 18

1. DISPUTE: 48 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 18 Court asks police help in executing verdicts 2. ROUNDUP: 36 pt, 7 cols, 1 x 49 Candidates stay true to what they do best, making promises 3. LAW: 32 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 36 Wiranto unveils tough on crime platform 4. KPU: 28 pt, 3 cols, 1 x 28 KPU registers 153 million voters

KPU registers 153 million voters

KPU registers 153 million voters M. Taufiqurrahman, Jakarta The General Elections Commission (KPU) disclosed on Monday that a total of 153,357,307 million people have been registered as eligible voters for the July 5 presidential election, up from the 147,106 million registered for the April 5 legislative elections. KPU deputy chairman Ramlan Surbakti said that of the new figure, 6,252,012 were new voters recorded during the registration period from April 25 to May 25.

KPU registers 153 million voters for July 5 poll

KPU registers 153 million voters for July 5 poll M. Taufiqurrahman Jakarta The General Elections Commission (KPU) disclosed on Monday that a total of 153,357,307 million people have been registered as eligible voters for the July 5 presidential election, up from the 147,106 million registered for the April 5 legislative elections. KPU deputy chairman Ramlan Surbakti said that of the new figure, 6,252,012 were new voters recorded during the registration period from April 25 to May 25.

JSX gives Telkom, Semen Gresik more slack

JSX gives Telkom, Semen Gresik more slack The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) on Monday gave until the end of this month for telecommunications firm PT Telkom and cement giant PT Semen Gresik to submit their audited 2003 financial reports, or risk being suspended. The JSX also extended the deadline to June 11 to trading company PT Wicaksana Overseas and textile company PT Apac Citra Centertex to submit their 2003 financial reports.

Fatwa banning female president politically motivated: MUI

Fatwa banning female president politically motivated: MUI The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Semarang/Surabaya Secretary-general of the state-sponsored Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) Din Syamsuddin said on Monday the edict (fatwa) recently issued by a number of ulema that effectively banned women from serving as president, was politically motivated. "This fatwa is full of political motives.

New Camry Brings Real Experience of Comfort and Luxury

New Camry Brings Real Experience of Comfort and Luxury With 46,589 units sold from January to April 2004, Toyota has increased its domestic market share from 29 percent in 2003 to 32.5 percent. No doubt, this market share increase reflects customers' confidence in Toyota brands, ranging from passenger cars to commercial vehicles.

JP/03/TV

JP/03/TV Candidates polish up to look good on screen M. Taufiqurrahman Jakarta In the run-up to the 30-day presidential campaign, television viewers were given the rare opportunity to watch presidential candidates try to outwit one another in a series of televised debates and special programs outlining their respective platforms. During the programs, candidates also took questions from the audience that sometimes touched on sensitive issues.

Condolence book for Reagan in Jakarta

Condolence book for Reagan in Jakarta INDONESIA: The U.S. Embassy in Indonesia will open a book of condolences for former U.S. president Ronald Reagan on Tuesday. "Expressions of condolence in memory of former President Reagan may be made in a book at the U.S. Embassy from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily Tuesday through Friday this week, June 8-11," the embassy said in a press release sent to The Jakarta Post on Monday. The book of condolences will be made available at the front gate of the U.S.

[b]

The parallels between talent shows and politics Bantarto Bandoro Jakarta 2. ali -- Significance of televised public dialogs on voter perception 2 x 30 Significance of televised public dialogs on voter perception Muhamad Ali Jakarta

Police arrest, murder suspect

Police arrest, murder suspect Kebayoran Lama Police detectives arrested early on Monday Muhamad Laten, alias Dedi Candra, a suspect in the murder of 10-year-old Fitri Handayani. The suspect was arrested at his rented house near Pabuaran market in Tangerang, Banten, where he sells satay. Laten allegedly killed Fitri for revenge against the girl's father, Deslyh Abbas, 30, a resident of Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta.

Four provinces form high courts

Four provinces form high courts JAKARTA: The House of Representatives endorsed on Monday four bills on the establishment of high courts in four new provinces -- Banten, Bangka Belitung, Gorontalo and North Maluku. The government, represented by Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra, directly passed the bills into law later that day. The Supreme Court will soon assign judges to the high courts, which will hear appeal cases.

KPK to probe 10 cases

KPK to probe 10 cases MEDAN, North Sumatra: The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) expects to complete its investigations into 10 alleged corruption cases by the end of this month. Sjahruddin Rasul, a KPK deputy chairman, said he was ready to resign if the commission failed to meet the deadline. The 10 cases are among about 200 cases reported by the public to the commission. Sjahruddin, however, refused to provide further details.

'Ghost' voters could haunt presidential election

'Ghost' voters could haunt presidential election M. Taufiqurrahman, Jakarta The General Elections Commission (KPU) warned on Monday that millions of "ghost" voters, or those recorded on the voters registration list who did not actually exist, could affect the July 5 presidential election. After a month-long registration period, the commission has managed to remove only 1.4 million of an estimated five million ghost voters.

Disabled rally against KPU

Disabled rally against KPU JAKARTA: Dozens of people with physical disabilities staged a rally on Monday in front of the Constitutional Court to protest the General Elections Commission's (KPU) health criteria for presidential candidates, which they said was discriminatory. The protesters, part of the Disabled Anti-discrimination National Front, said KPU ruling No. 26/2004 on registration guidelines for presidential candidates and ruling No.

Public awareness of environment issues rises in autonomy era

Public awareness of environment issues rises in autonomy era Yuli Tri Suwarni, Bandung Public concern for the environment has increased steadily since the initiation of regional autonomy in 2000. According to environmentalist Otto Soemarwoto, the increasing public awareness is possibly due to the new accessibility of policymakers in provincial administrations. In other words, the autonomy era has brought the government closer to the people.

Student power, revisited

Student power, revisited As everybody vividly remembers, it was about seven years ago when student power toppled the authoritarian regime of Soeharto, making way for Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid, followed by Megawati Soekarnoputri, to head the government and the beginning of the reform era. It was a transition marked by bloodshed and the deaths of a number of students.

Leaders face hard times: Hamzah

Leaders face hard times: Hamzah MAGELANG, Central Java: Presidential candidate Hamzah Haz said on Monday it was not an easy time to be a national leader. The country is currently facing major problems, including mounting foreign debt, unemployment, poverty, corruption and threats of terrorism, he said. Hamzah, who is running for president on the United Development Party's ticket, did not say why he was seeking the presidency in the face of such daunting challenges. -- Antara

Government to sell stake in coal giant this month

Government to sell stake in coal giant this month The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite the current uncertainties in the local financial market, the government is pressing ahead with its plan to sell a 12.4 percent stake in coal mining giant PT Tambang Batubara Bukit Asam (PTBA).

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).

4 x 12

4 x 12 Collective graft case being probed in Lampung JP/5/rms 2 x 30 Sumedang police question STPDN students over alleged separatism JP/5/OTTO 2 x 30 Public awareness of environment issues improves in autonomy era JP/5/VOLCANO 1 x 55 More than 1,000 villagers evacuated from slopes of Mount Awu

Women's groups support Mega

Women's groups support Mega SURABAYA: Several women's organizations in East Java grouped under the Indonesian National Women's Forum proclaimed their support on Monday for presidential candidate Megawati Soekarnoputri. Their support comes after a group of clerics affiliated with the Nadhlatul Ulama in East Java issued an edict forbidding Muslims from voting for a woman leader. "The edict is a political commodity and counterproductive to the process of democracy in the country," said Eva K.

Significance of televised public dialogs on voter perception

Significance of televised public dialogs on voter perception Muhamad Ali, Jakarta The General Elections Commission (KPU) has decided to schedule televised public dialogs, rather than debates, for June 30 and July 1, to provide all candidates with an opportunity to convey their visions, missions and programs. The term dialog was officially selected to prevent "any candidates from discrediting others".

Accor to open Ibis Bali in 2005

Accor to open Ibis Bali in 2005 JAKARTA: International hotel chain Accor plans to launch its Ibis Legian Bali hotel early next year. The firm said in a statement the hotel located between Kuta and Seminyak was currently undergoing a US$2 million renovation that includes the construction of 33 additional rooms. "Once completed the hotel will have 109 rooms overlooking the newly renovated swimming pool with surrounding tropical gardens," the statement said.

KPU registers 153 million voters for July 5 poll

KPU registers 153 million voters for July 5 poll M. Taufiqurrahman Jakarta The General Elections Commission (KPU) disclosed on Monday that a total of 153,357,307 million people have been registered as eligible voters for the July 5 presidential election, up from the 147,106 million registered for the April 5 legislative elections. KPU deputy chairman Ramlan Surbakti said that of the new figure, 6,252,012 were new voters recorded during the registration period from April 25 to May 25.

Dozens more people injured in Timika tribal violence

Dozens more people injured in Timika tribal violence Nethy Dharma Somba, Timika Fears a tribal conflict in Papua could end in a bloodbath grew on Monday after 45 people were injured on the third day of fighting on the outskirts of the southern town of Timika. The conflict began at 7:30 a.m. when about 3,000 Nduga and Damal tribesmen battled with spears and bows and arrows in the Old Kwamki village, about 10 kilometers north of Timika, on the south coast of Papua.

Candidates stay true to what they do best, making promises

Candidates stay true to what they do best, making promises The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As the second week of the presidential campaign began, candidates on Monday traveled across the country to meet with supporters and prospective voters, pledging to bring about improvement. In the West Java town of Kuningan, Agum Gumelar, the running mate of presidential candidate Hamzah Haz of the United Development Party (PPP), vowed to step up efforts to uproot terrorists from the country.

BI's new rupiah measures

BI's new rupiah measures The new measures launched on Monday by Bank Indonesia to soak up excess liquidity from banks succeeded in curbing a further slide in the rupiah exchange rate, which fell last Friday to as low as Rp 9,540 to the U.S. dollar before closing the week at Rp 9,465. The local unit has strengthened slightly to Rp 9,340 at the close of Monday's trading. We remain, however, unconvinced that this trend will continue until some factors of uncertainty, notably those related to the U.

Top economists gather to tout respective presidential candidate

Top economists gather to tout respective presidential candidate Zakki P. Hakim, Jakarta A number of top economists representing different presidential candidates gathered on Monday to discuss to best ways to fight unemployment, with all insisting that their respective candidates were the most capable of solving the problem.

More than 1,000 villagers evacuated from slopes of Mount Awu

More than 1,000 villagers evacuated from slopes of Mount Awu Jongker Rumthe, Manado The Sangihe regental administration in North Sulawesi evacuated on Monday more than 1,000 residents from the slopes of Mount Awu to safer areas after the volcano continued to show signs of activity. The condition of the volcano had been declared normal for the past three weeks, but from Saturday the mountain was seen spewing fire and discharging thick smoke.

Indonesia mourns Reagan's death

Indonesia mourns Reagan's death JAKARTA: Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri on Monday offered her condolences to the United States government over the death of its former president Ronald Reagan. "I feel sorry that (Reagan) has left the American people," Megawati said after inaugurating work on the upgrade of the Bung Karno stadium complex here. State Secretary Bambang Kesowo said the government would convey its condolences in a telegram later that day.

Jakarta shares end up on regional gains

Jakarta shares end up on regional gains Dow Jones, Jakarta Indonesian shares ended marginally higher on Monday on a rebound, with gains in most Asian markets providing support, dealers said. They said worries that the rupiah may remain weak during the presidential election period kept sentiment low, discouraging investors from taking strong buying positions.