Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 9 June 2004

72 articles found

Police nab gambling coupon vendors

Police nab gambling coupon vendors TANGERANG: Tangerang Police arrested on Monday 45 men for selling gambling coupons in several districts of Tangerang regency and municipality. Police detectives chief Adj. Comr. Adi Saputra said on Tuesday that his officers had also seized from the suspects 379 coupon books, 14 gambling codes, nine gambling scratch cards, seven calculators and Rp 2.4 million (US$260) in cash which the suspects had allegedly obtained from the sale of the coupons.

Bird's-eye view of pollution

Bird's-eye view of pollution From Republika As an Indonesian, I am saddened to learn that the Ancol coastal area is now so polluted that many fish have been killed from the red tide phenomenon or toxic waste and oil spills. I would like to share with readers what I, as a pilot, have seen from the sky. When I fly over Jakarta Bay to land at Soekarno-Hatta airport, I can see, during the descent from 5,000 feet to 2,000 feet, an oil slick on the sea.

Students plant trees, release fish

Students plant trees, release fish BOGOR: Dozens of junior and senior high school students planted 20 trees in the Bogor Botanical Garden and released 100 kilograms of carp fry at Gunting pond, behind the Bogor Palace on Monday. The activities were held in conjunction with the World Environment Day, which falls on June 5, and the appointment of the city as a pollution-free zone.

3 million teenagers are active smokers

3 million teenagers are active smokers JAKARTA: A recent survey by Pelita Ilmu Foundation revealed that over three million teenagers are active smokers, with some 20 percent of them still in junior high school. Psychologist A. Kasandra Oemarjadi of the foundation was quoted by tempointeraktif.com as saying on Tuesday that a third of the students remain smokers until their adult years and die prematurely of various diseases caused by smoking.

Choosing a president: Image vs. substance

Choosing a president: Image vs. substance B. Herry Priyono, Jakarta Now that the presidential race has begun in earnest, the streets are again flooded with banners. The campaign frenzy, like commercial advertisement, has also created a bizarre world of deception. Having never really presented any sensible platforms, the only way the contestants can overcome public cynicism is by brandishing images, and the more the merrier.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 8, 2004

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 8, 2004 ___________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ___________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 950 25 57,500 Adhi Karya 310 -10 10,814,000 Adira Dinamika 2,425 0 13,000 AGIS Tbk 90 0 0 Akbar Indo Makmur 75 0 50,000 Alakasa Industrindo 135 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 950 0 5,000 Alter Abadi Tbk 35 0...

2. 2 x 27

2. 2 x 27 Only family members fete Soeharto on birthday 3. 4 x 7 Poverty program revision advised 4. 3 x 14 'Media can kill politicians many times over'

U.S. companies bullish on ASEAN, except Philippines

U.S. companies bullish on ASEAN, except Philippines Dow Jones, Singapore U.S. companies in the region are bullish on prospects for Southeast Asia except for the Philippines, with the majority planning to expand their Asian operations and increase staffing, a survey showed.

Arroyo orders review of security in RP

Arroyo orders review of security in RP PHILIPPINES: President Gloria Arroyo on Tuesday ordered the national police to review security measures in the Philippine capital Manila and in nearby urban centers after a grenade attack on an office building in the financial center.

Campaign teams poorly prepared in July5 election

Campaign teams poorly prepared in July5 election The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The role of a campaign team is to conduct a series of operations that are designed to bring about victory, yet, the teams of nearly all presidential candidates, particularly those of the regions, seem unprepared for the task ahead of them.

Pertamina to sell three subsidiaries this year

Pertamina to sell three subsidiaries this year Fitri Wulandari Jakarta State oil and gas firm PT Pertamina announced on Tuesday plans to sell three of its subsidiaries this year to improve its performance. Pertamina finance director Alfred Rohimone said the companies to be sold are Patra Jasa Hotel, insurance company PT Tugu Pratama and Pelita Air Service. The company has 14 subsidiaries and 16 joint venture companies.

TVRI considers reviving license fees on TV owners

TVRI considers reviving license fees on TV owners Moch. N. Kurniawan and Dewi Santoso, Jakarta State television channel TVRI said on Tuesday it was mulling reinstating monthly license fees for television owners across the country in order to collect the funds it needs before becoming a public broadcaster in late 2005.

MPs seek changes in Myanmar

MPs seek changes in Myanmar MALAYSIA: Malaysian parliamentarians launched an unusual cross- party committee on Tuesday to push for democracy in Myanmar, calling on the country's junta to immediately release all political detainees. The caucus of government and opposition MPs and senators, in a rare instance of cooperation, appealed for free and fair elections in the country.

Concerns over Straits of Malacca

Concerns over Straits of Malacca Problems affecting safe navigation in the Strait of Malacca -- a narrow 900-kilometer waterway lying between Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia -- will remain of international concern because, according to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), at least 50,000 ships sail through the narrow channel every year. They transport about 30 percent of the world's trade goods and 80 percent of Japan's oil needs.

Industry hails Prudential victory

Industry hails Prudential victory Zakki P. Hakim, Jakarta The Indonesian Insurance Council (DAI) welcomed on Tuesday the decision of the Supreme Court to annul a bankruptcy ruling against insurance firm PT Prudential Indonesia Assurance, saying it would have a positive impact on the industry and encourage new investment in the sector. "It is the right decision," DAI chairman Hotbonar Sinaga told The Jakarta Post.

S. Arabia vows to hunt

S. Arabia vows to hunt down terrorists INDONESIA/SAUDI ARABIA: The Saudi Arabian foreign minister reiterated on Tuesday his government's resolve to hunt down terrorists. Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Saud Al-Faisal said in a statement, which was made available to The Jakarta Post by the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Jakarta on Tuesday, that the recent terrorist attack in Al-Khobar would not discourage Saudi Arabia in its determination to fight terrorism.

S. Arabia vows to hunt down terrorists

S. Arabia vows to hunt down terrorists INDONESIA/SAUDI ARABIA: The Saudi Arabian foreign minister reiterated on Tuesday his government's resolve to hunt down terrorists. Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Saud Al-Faisal said in a statement, which was made available to The Jakarta Post by the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Jakarta on Tuesday, that the recent terrorist attack in Al-Khobar would not discourage Saudi Arabia in its determination to fight terrorism.

More guns seized from Poso people

More guns seized from Poso people POSO, Central Sulawesi: A joint military and police force again found at least 20 homemade firearms and 200 bullets in the troubled town of Poso, a senior officer said on Tuesday. "The sharp weapons were seized in an arms operation on a number of villages in several districts since June 1," Poso military chief Lt. Col. IKG Ray Gunawan said.

Labor agencies demand protection for domestics

Labor agencies demand protection for domestics Damar Harsanto, Jakarta A group of labor agencies providing domestic workers urged the Jakarta administration to rectify a regulation on domestic workers in a bid to promote labor protection amid rising reports of abuse committed by employers.

JP/5/HOUSE

JP/5/HOUSE Construction of governor's residence queried Rusman Samarinda A councillor has lashed out 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. Rikmo Kuswanto, a councillor and a member of the budget committee of the provincial legislative council, also regretted that the construction had proceeded without approval from the provincial legislative council.

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.

'I'm not bragging, I care for the environment'

'I'm not bragging, I care for the environment' Pollution has killed thousands of fish in Jakarta Bay in the past month, a phenomenon that experts suspect was caused by the dumping of household waste into rivers. In conjunction with World Environment Day on June 5, The Jakarta Post talked to some residents on how they personally protect the environment in the city. Yudi Effendi, 28, is an electronic data processing (EDP) officer working for a private company in Mampang, South Jakarta.

Enviromental crime and graft: Evil twins

Enviromental crime and graft: Evil twins Patrick Guntensperger, Jakarta If you ask any group of reasonably intelligent people to list the gravest problems in the world today, several perennial favorites can usually be predicted to show up on the list. Along with terrorism, corruption and poverty, the environment can usually be counted upon to make the top ten, with the flavors of the week and issues of special interest rounding out the contenders.

Miranda new BI senior deputy governor

Miranda new BI senior deputy governor Tony Hotland, Jakarta Miranda Swaray Goeltom was named on Tuesday night as the new senior deputy governor of Bank Indonesia, a key post which will have a greater role in determining central bank policies. The decision was made during a closed-door meeting at the House of Representatives Commission IX on financial affairs.

2 x 22

2 x 22 Death toll increases to four in tribal clash JP/5/ACEH 2 x 26 Aceh court to hear another collective corruption case JP/5/FERRY 1 x 42 Suspect denies role in prosecutor's murder JP/5/HOUSE 2 x 31 Construction of East Kalimantan governor's residence queried

Bromo erupts, killing two tourists

Bromo erupts, killing two tourists ID Nugroho and Jongker Rumthe, Surabaya/Manado At least two hikers, including a Singaporean, were killed five others injured as Mount Bromo, a popular tourist destination in Probolinggo regency, East Java, unexpectedly spewed black smoke and hot ash on Tuesday, police and panicked residents said.

Aceh court to hear another collective corruption case

Aceh court to hear another collective corruption case Syofiardi Bachyul JB, Padang Investigators handed over on Tuesday to the Banda Aceh Prosecutor's Office the case files of seven suspects allegedly involved in a Rp 5.7 billion (US$600,000) scam at the local council. Besides the dossiers, the investigators from Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam Prosecutor's Office also submitted material evidence consisting of five cars and Rp 125 million ($13,158) in cash.

Govt to start sale of Bank Permata next month

Govt to start sale of Bank Permata next month Dadan Wijaksana, Jakarta The government said on Tuesday it would begin the sale of a majority stake in Bank Permata next month, by launching a road show in several Asian nations to test the interest of foreign investors.

RI looking for first win against Sri Lanka

RI looking for first win against Sri Lanka Eva C. Komandjaja, Jakarta The Indonesian soccer team can't afford to slip up in its 2006 World Cup qualifying match against Sri Lanka here on Wednesday if it wants to keep its hopes alive of making the next stage. Indonesia is currently bottom of Group 8 after losing in its previous two matches. The Sri Lankans have also been winless but they have conceded less goals than the Indonesians.

RP pushes to get mangoes into Hawaii

RP pushes to get mangoes into Hawaii MANILA: The Philippines is negotiating with the United States to allow its mangoes to be exported to Hawaii and Guam where certain quarantine rules should not apply, an Agriculture Department spokesman said on Tuesday. The Philippines is arguing that a U.S. quarantine on most Filipino mangoes, imposed to keep out the seed weevil pest, should not apply to Guam and Hawaii since both areas also have the same pest, spokesman Fermin Diaz said.

Death toll increases to four in tribal clash

Death toll increases to four in tribal clash Nethy Dharma Somba, Jayapura One died and 22 others were injured, including two who sustained gunshot wounds, as the tribal war in the town of Timika, Papua entered its fourth day on Tuesday. Ulum Alom from the Nduga tribe died after he was shot in the chest at 1 p.m, or two hours after the battle resumed on Tuesday. The death of Ulum brought the total number of fatalities to four, two from the Nduga tribe and two others from the Damal tribe.

Political 'fatwa' for presidential election is not legally binding

Political 'fatwa' for presidential election is not legally binding Ahmad Najib Burhani, Jakarta On Thursday, 3 June, several influential ulema of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the country's largest Muslim organization, in East Java issued a fatwa (edict) ordering its members to vote against any woman candidate as president.

Microsoft sets sights on emerging markets

Microsoft sets sights on emerging markets Grant Peck, Associated Press, Bangkok, Thailand The long-running legal battles between Microsoft Corp. and governments in Europe and the United States make the company look like a partner in a bad marriage, ready to walk out and call the divorce lawyer. But in Southeast Asia, the software giant seems more like an ardent suitor, wooing governments with sweet promises and gifts - such as unprecedented bargain prices on its Windows operating system.

[i][b]Author credit is written wrongly: Should be "the writer [e-mail

Author credit is written wrongly: Should be "the writer [e-mail address] is a business consultant" Environmental crime and graft: Evil twins Patrick Guntensperger Jakarta The writer (ttpguntensperger@hotmail.com) is Business Consultant. 2. Star -- U.S. initiative threatens ASEAN's intent 1 x 30 U.S. move threatens ASEAN plan Mohd Roslan Mohd Saludin The Star Asia News Network Selangor, Malaysia 3. nation -- Situation in South needs honest appraisal 1 x 30 S.

Activists hail July 27 case reopening

Activists hail July 27 case reopening Abdul Khalik, Jakarta Right activists welcomed the reopening of the investigation into the July 27, 1996 melee at the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) in Central Jakarta, but they questioned the motives behind the move.

1. BI: 2 LINES, 15 COUNTS

1. BI: 2 LINES, 15 COUNTS Miranda named new BI deputy governor 2. BROMO: 1 LINE, 42 COUNTS Bromo volcano erupts, killing at least two tourists 3. ROUNDUP: 2 LINES, 24 COUNTS PKB plays down fatwa while Wiranto claims int'l support 4. PRUDENTIAL: 1 LINE, 54 COUNTS Industry hails annulment of Prudential bankruptcy ruling

Envirocrime and corruption: evil twins

Envirocrime and corruption: evil twins Patrick Guntensperger Jakarta If you ask any group of reasonably intelligent people to list the gravest problems in the world today, several perennial favorites can usually be predicted to show up on the list. Along with terrorism, corruption and poverty, the environment can usually be counted upon to make the top ten, with the flavors of the week and issues of special interest rounding out the contenders.

Venus transit delights international stargazers

Venus transit delights international stargazers Agencies, London/Lembang, Indonesia Venus made a rare transit across the face of the Sun on Tuesday, giving stargazers from Australia to the Middle East and Africa a celestial view that no living person had seen before. To the fascination of people around the globe armed for the occasion with telescopes, pinhole cameras and special dark glasses, Venus appeared at 0520 GMT (12:20 p.m.

Brazilian gets death for drugs

Brazilian gets death for drugs Multa Fidrus, Tangerang The Tangerang District Court sentenced on Tuesday Marco Archer Cardoso Moreira of Brazil to death for smuggling 13.6 kilograms of cocaine into the country from Peru last August through Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Moreira is the 27th drug smuggler sentenced by the court to death by firing squad since January 2000, although no death row inmate has been executed pending appeals.

Farmers protest plantation bill

Farmers protest plantation bill JAKARTA: Hundreds of farmers rallied at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle on Tuesday to protest the plantation bill currently being deliberated by the House of Representatives. The farmers, hailing from the Pasundan Farmers Union, the Indonesian Farmers Alliance, the Banten Farmers Union, the Independent Farmers Union and the Jampang Farmers Union, said the bill would only impoverish the nation's farmers.

Country Profile: The Philippines -- June 12

Country Profile: The Philippines -- June 12 Message from Charge d'Affaires a.i., Catalino R. Dilem, Jr. I would like to extend my warmest greetings to all Filipinos in the Republic of Indonesia on the occasion of the 106th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.

Only family members fete Soeharto on birthday

Only family members fete Soeharto on birthday The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Former president Soeharto celebrated his 83rd birthday on Tuesday, with only five of his six children, grandchildren and a number of his lawyers arriving to greet him. No former officials nor businessmen came to congratulate him at Jl. Cendana No. 8, Central Jakarta. However, dozens of bouquets of flowers (see picture) from relatives and former colleagues were delivered to the house, which appeared quiet from the outside.

[b]Choosing a president:

Choosing a president: Image vs. substance B. Herry Priyono Jakarta 2. Najib -- Political fatwa for presidential election 2 x 30 Political fatwa for presidential election is not legally binding Ahmad Najib Burhani Jakarta

Accepting with resignation

Accepting with resignation 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.

Puppeteers back Amien

Puppeteers back Amien JAKARTA: At least 20 practitioners of wayang golek wooden puppet shows and two comedians from West Java expressed their support for the Amien Rais-Siswono Yudohusodo ticket on Tuesday. The puppeteers, grouped together in the West Java Wooden Puppet Masters Association, and comedians Aom Koesman and Kang Ibing, met Amien at his official residence on Jl. Widya Chandra, South Jakarta, on Tuesday.

Train derails, blocks railroad

Train derails, blocks railroad SEMARANG: The north coastal railroad came to a standstill for almost four hours on Tuesday after an executive train serving the Jakarta-Surabaya route skidded off the tracks in Tegal regency, Central Java. The accident occurred at around 2:30 a.m. at the Tegal railway station and the railroad resumed to normal four hours later, said Suprapto, state railway operator PT KAI spokesman for operation region IV in Semarang.

Live bullets and mortars unearthed

Live bullets and mortars unearthed JAYAPURA, Papua: Hundreds of live bullets and mortars dating back to World War II were unearthed over the weekend in two villages in Sentani district in the country's easternmost province of Papua, police said here on Tuesday. They said some 459 live, Brenbar type, 12.7 caliber bullets were excavated by villagers of Telaga Maya and Nendaly Netar in Sentani, about 30 kilometers west of Jayapura. Jayapura Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr.

JP/2/IBOX

JP/2/IBOX Articles in Broadcasting Law No. 23/2003 related to state channel TVRI Article 14 (1): Public broadcasting institutions are corporate bodies founded by the state, which are independent, neutral, noncommercial and serving the public. Article 14 (2): The public broadcasters are the Radio of the Republic of Indonesia (RRI) and the Television of the Republic of Indonesia (TVRI). Article 15 (1): The operation of public broadcasters is funded by: a. broadcast fee b.

Mega vows to put Soeharto on trial

Mega vows to put Soeharto on trial Abdul Khalik, Jakarta Incumbent President Megawati Soekarnoputri will bring former president Soeharto to court if she is reelected president, her campaign legal coordinator says. "We will make sure the case will be resolved. (A trial) would be possible if the current Attorney General (MA Rachman) is replaced by someone outside the institution," Trimedya Panjaitan told The Jakarta Post over the weekend.

Military-police revival a step back: TNI chief

Military-police revival a step back: TNI chief JAKARTA: Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto gave a lecture on Tuesday at the Police Staff College (PTIK) on the relationship between TNI and the police, stressing their separate functions in the post-reform era.

Ex-wealth auditors reject disbandment

Ex-wealth auditors reject disbandment JAKARTA: Several members of the now-defunct Public Servants' Wealth Audit Commission (KPKPN) are challenging a 2003 presidential decree that dissolved it and established the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). During a press conference on Tuesday, former KPKPN member Petrus Selestinus said the group would file a lawsuit against the government with the State Administrative Court if they were not incorporated into the newer commission. Under Law No.

Jakarta to host Sister City basketball

Jakarta to host Sister City basketball Eva C. Komandjaja, Jakarta Three basketball clubs from Beijing, Seoul and Bangkok will participate in the Sister City Basketball Tournament to begin here on Sunday. The six-day competition will be held to coincide with the city's 477th anniversary. Indonesia will be represented by three teams. One will be the Jakarta city team, which is being prepared for the upcoming National Games (PON) in Palembang, South Sumatra, in September.

Golkar Party, PKB leaders claim to support Wiranto

Golkar Party, PKB leaders claim to support Wiranto The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Golkar and the National Awakening Party (PKB) denied on Tuesday suggestions that they were not fully supporting standard bearers Gen. (ret) Wiranto and cleric Salahuddin Wahid. They admitted, however, that those who had participated in the Golkar convention were not actively campaigning for the Wiranto- Salahuddin ticket, but said that they had contributed money to the campaign.

House announces 44 justice candidates

House announces 44 justice candidates Moch. N. Kurniawan, Jakarta The House of Representatives said on Tuesday it would conduct a series of interviews with 44 Supreme Court justice candidates next week. All 44 of them, who were nominated by the Supreme Court, have had long careers as lower court judges. They will be vying for 12 spots as Supreme Court justices and two for the constitutional court.

Security issues in Straits of Malacca

Security issues in Straits of Malacca The Straits Times, Asia News Network, Singapore Deterring terrorist strikes in the Straits of Malacca was the issue given the most useful airing at the Asian security conference here. Not, it should be prefaced, because agreement on a form of military presence and searches of suspicious craft is anywhere close, as the passageway's three littoral states and a host of nations with merchant navies using it are interested parties.

Censession holders fail to pay $99m

Censession holders fail to pay $99m A. Junaidi, Jakarta Three non-governmental organizations (NG0s) alleged on Tuesday that many forestry concessionaires had failed to pay a total of Rp 955 billion (US$99.47 million) in reforestation fees and timber royalties (PSDH).

Exxon seeks 'constructive relationships'

Exxon seeks 'constructive relationships' Josef Hebert, Associated Press, Washington The idea of American energy independence is a myth and the United States must maintain "constructive relationships" with oil-producing countries for its own prosperity, the head of petroleum giant Exxon Mobil Corp. said. "We do not have the resource base to be energy independent," Exxon Mobil chairman Lee R.

TV Program: Wednesday, June 9, 2004

TV Program: Wednesday, June 9, 2004 .TB.30" 1.00" TVRI .TB.30" .90" 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Children Show 7:30 Music 8:30 Music: Asyik-Asyik 10:00 Showbiz 11:00 Singing Contest: Konteswara 12:00 p.m.

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.

U.S. move threatens ASEAN's plan

U.S. move threatens ASEAN's plan Mohd Roslan Mohd Saludin, The Star, Asia News Network, Selangor, Malaysia The United States is considering deploying marines and special operations forces on high-speed vessels along the Straits of Malacca to flush out terrorists in one of the world's busiest waterways. A quarter of the world's commerce and half of the world's oil supply pass through the strait each year.

Former TNI chief launches journal

Former TNI chief launches journal JAKARTA: The Center for National Strategy Research (PPSN), an institute established by former TNI chief Adm. (ret) Widodo A.S., launched on Tuesday its biannual journal Nasion, which covers various issues on democratization and nation building. Present at the launch were senior military officers, including former TNI chief of general affairs Lt. Gen. (ret) Djamari Chaniago and former TNI chief of territorial affairs Lt. Gen.

Corruption eradication starts in W. Sumatra

Corruption eradication starts in W. Sumatra When Padang District Court handed down jail sentences to 43 West Sumatra provincial councillors for corruption, we could say that was a special case. But, with speaker of the Payakumbuh legislative council, Chin Star, along with 24 other councillors, about to be interrogated on allegations of financial impropriety, we hope that a corruption eradication drive has just started in West Sumatra.

Ministry proposes Rp 5t 2005 budget

Ministry proposes Rp 5t 2005 budget JAKARTA: The Ministry of Social Affairs announced it had proposed a Rp 5 trillion (US$543 million) for the 2005 budget. More than half of that amount, or Rp 2.7 trillion, is allocated toward poverty alleviation programs to help the poor, who account for 37.4 million of the country's 220 million population.

KL to cooperate on Malacca Straits security

KL to cooperate on Malacca Straits security Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia shares Singapore's concern over security in the Malacca Straits and welcomes cooperation against terrorism short of the deployment of foreign forces, Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said on Tuesday. The minister ruled out the idea of United States marines helping to patrol the vital waterway, which carries half the world's oil and a third of its trade, saying such a move would provoke Islamic militants.

PKB plays down fatwa polemic

PKB plays down fatwa polemic The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Surabaya/Kupang National Awakening Party (PKB) politicians sought to dispel concerns over the possibility of internal friction rising among the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) as several NU figures blaze the campaign trail, but took up the challenge presented by their electoral rivals subtly.

Police fail to tackle auto theft

Police fail to tackle auto theft Evi Mariani, Jakarta Although the Tangerang Police have had success in solving murder and burglary cases, they have made little headway in solving auto theft cases. The latest monthly police report reveals that of the 34 reported cases of motorcycle and car theft between May 1 and June 7, only six arrests pertaining to four cases have been made and two motorcycles and one car recovered. The report did not specify the type of vehicles seized.

Construction of East Kalimantan governor's residence queried

Construction of East Kalimantan governor's residence queried Rusman, Samarinda A councillor has lashed out 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.

Pertamina to sell three subsidiaries this year

Pertamina to sell three subsidiaries this year Fitri Wulandari, Jakarta State oil and gas firm PT Pertamina announced on Tuesday plans to sell three of its subsidiaries this year to improve its performance. Pertamina finance director Alfred Rohimone said the companies to be sold are Patra Jasa Hotel, insurance company PT Tugu Pratama and Pelita Air Service. The company has 14 subsidiaries and 16 joint venture companies.

Trauma centers set up for workers in Koja, Cakung

Trauma centers set up for workers in Koja, Cakung Leony Aurora, Jakarta Two trauma centers have been set up in Koja Regional Hospital and Nusantara Bonded Zone (KBN) clinic in Cakung, both in North Jakarta, to provide emergency medical treatment for workers involved in work-related accidents. Both locations have provided such services in the past year, but have had their equipment and building upgraded recently, funded by state insurance company PT Jamsostek.

Quality of elementary schools

Quality of elementary schools From Kompas It must be admitted that, in terms of quality, education in our country, particularly at elementary school level, lags far behind the quality of education in other countries. The problem of the inferior quality of our education system is a vicious circle and must be jointly solved by parents, teachers and students.

Suspect denies role in prosecutor's murder

Suspect denies role in prosecutor's murder Ruslan Sangadji, Palu One of the men arrested by Central Sulawesi Police and charged with the murder of prosecutor Ferry Silalahi has claimed that he was not involved, and his friends say he has an alibi. Emil, a resident of Donggulu village some 150 kilometers from Palu, was picked up by the police on June 1 to be questioned over Ferry's murder.

Indofood sets coupon rate for bonds

Indofood sets coupon rate for bonds Zakki P. Hakim, Jakarta The country's largest instant noodle maker PT Indofood Sukses Makmur said it had set an indicative coupon rate of between 11.5 percent and 12 percent for its planned Rp 1 trillion bond issue. This is lower than the 13.5 percent coupon set for the company's Rp 1.5 trillion bond issue in May last year.