Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 13 July 2004

69 articles found

KPU: Officials can be

KPU: Officials can be installed as councillors JAKARTA: The General Elections Commission (KPU) ruled on Monday that active civil servants who were elected members of local legislative councils can be sworn in. But before being installed, the councillors-elect must show three letters from their superiors stating that they were giving up their positions, a KPU statement said.

Rp 27.86b allotted for Jambi highway

Rp 27.86b allotted for Jambi highway JAKARTA: The Ministry of Settlement and Regional Infrastructure has allocated Rp 27.86 billion (US$3.09 million) for the building of a 59-kilometer-long highway in Jambi province, an official said on Monday. The Jambi-Talang Duku road will connect Jambi city with Muara Sabak and Talang Duku ports, said Dianatoro Murod, the ministry's head of road and bridge maintenance, in Jakarta.

Enforcing laws on decency in TV programs

Enforcing laws on decency in TV programs Ardimas Sasdi, Jakarta In a move reflecting the anger of the public against the electronic media for flooding the airwaves with indecent and offensive content, the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) says it has drafted a code of ethics for broadcasting.

RI repeats same old song on Papua

RI repeats same old song on Papua Kurniawan Hari, Jakarta In its response to new questions over the legitimacy of Indonesia's sovereignty over Papua, it seems the government has learned little from the loss of East Timor in 1999.

House endorses controversial Plantation Law

House endorses controversial Plantation Law Zakki P. Hakim, Jakarta The House of Representatives endorsed the controversial plantation bill at a plenary session on Monday, despite protests from farmers and non-governmental organizations. The House said that the new law would provide investors with legal certainty in the industry, although critics have said it fails to protect the interests of small-scale farmers and traditional tribes, particularly in relation to control of land.

Driver charged over fatal crash

Driver charged over fatal crash SEMARANG, Central Java: Police here charged a driver as a suspect on Monday after his container truck slammed into a wedding reception in Ambarawa, Semarang, Central Java, killing at least 16 people (not 17 as earlier reported by The Jakarta Post). The suspect, Wawan, was among the 14 seriously injured victims in the accident and is receiving medical treatment at the Ungaran hospital. Semarang Police chief Adj. Comr.

Myanmar, under pressure, seeks support from China

Myanmar, under pressure, seeks support from China John Ruwitch, Reuters, Beijing Myanmar's junta, under pressure to move toward democracy and free Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, sent Prime Minister Khin Nyunt to China this week to seek reassurances from an influential benefactor and friend.

Media raises heat under fakes

Media raises heat under fakes Slamet Susanto and Tarko Sudiarno, Yogyakarta After a protest last week, Yogyakarta journalists stepped up their campaign against bogus journalists in the city on Monday by attaching stickers to cars and various places in the city.

UN office to channel aid to Poso residents

UN office to channel aid to Poso residents POSO, Central Sulawesi: The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) has said it will donate Rp 940 million (US$ 98,947) to finance psychosocial training and health service programs in 12 subdistricts in the ravaged province of Poso.

JP/4/SCENE

JP/4/SCENE Terror suspects have no lawyers DENPASAR, Bali: None of the five terror suspects arrested recently in Sukoharjo, Central Java, and transferred to Bali Police Headquarters has hired a lawyer, police said on Monday. Bali Police spokesman Adj. Sr. Comr. Pande Gede Setiawan said the suspects would be given several more days to hire lawyers. "If they don't appoint any soon, the police will provide them with lawyers," he said.

Where to go in Bandung for Tuesday, July 13, 2004

Where to go in Bandung for Tuesday, July 13, 2004 Performances * French Festival Fete Nationale Francaise, featuring singing and cooking contests, CCF (French Cultural Center), Jl. Purnawarman 32 (Tel. 022 4212417), 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., July 14. * Traditional Dances, Teater Terbuka Balai Pengelolaan Taman Budaya, Jl. Bukit Dago Selatan No. 53 A (Tel. 022 2504912), 7:30 p.m., July 17. * Theater Doger Hanoman by Pancakaki Longser group, CCF (French Cultural Center), Jl. Purnawarman 32 (Tel.

Allow money politics

Allow money politics From Bisnis Indonesia On July 5, eligible Indonesians exercised their right to vote for their next president and vice president. If you asked who was the winner of the presidential election, the answer would be the media. During the election campaign, the campaign teams of the five presidential candidates spent huge amounts of money on political ads in the mass media.

Villagers accuse ceramics factory of contaminating local wells

Villagers accuse ceramics factory of contaminating local wells Multa Fidrus, Tangerang Villagers from Curug Kulon in Tangerang say the waste from ceramics producer PT Karemindo is polluting their wells. A villager, Syaiful, said the water in all wells around the company premises had turned whitish and was not safe for consumption. The residents took a sample of the groundwater from the wells and brought it to the Tangerang tap water company PDAM Tirta Kerta Raharja (TKR) for a laboratory test.

Riau schools close registration

Riau schools close registration Almost 13,000 elementary and junior high school students in Pekanbaru, Riau, will not be able to pursue their studies in affordable state schools, the Antara news agency reported on Monday. The students who failed to pass the national examination recently were supposed to take another supplementary examination on Monday. However, almost all state schools had closed registrations on Saturday last week.

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A better alternative for reducing unemployment Alex Arifianto Jakarta 2. ILO -- Can stigmatization and discrimination against people with 2 X 30 Removing HIV/AIDS discrimination in Indonesian labor regulations Tauvik Muhamad Jakarta

JP/4/ELECTION

JP/4/ELECTION Susilo sets up lobby team Tiarma Siboro/Muniggar Sri Saraswati Jakarta The Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono-Jusuf Kalla ticket have set up a special team to ensure the pairing's victory in the second round of the presidential election in September. "The team will be led by Susilo himself. It consists of 35 members drawn from the Democratic Party, the Crescent Star Party (PBB) and the Indonesia Justice and Unity Party (PKPI)," said a team member, who requested anonymity.

Chaubey too old to be executed: India

Chaubey too old to be executed: India Abdul Khalik, Jakarta The Indian government has expressed objection to the planned execution of its national Ayodhya Prasadh Chaubey, 65, for drug trafficking, saying the death row convict is too old to face a firing squad. Attorney General M.A. Rahman said on Monday his office had received a letter from the Indian Embassy in Jakarta to convey the objection.

Temple as a TV setting?

Temple as a TV setting? From Kompas The Indonesian Educational Television (TPI) station aired on Thursday, May 25, a program called Gentayangan (Roaming) set at Masceti Temple in Gianyar, Bali. The program was a "test of courage". As a Hindu, I was both disappointed and angered by this program, because a temple is a holy place where Hindus pray to God. TPI management argues that they got permission from the temple keeper, and do not seem concerned about the feelings of Hindus.

GAM leaders' arrest and the Acehnese

GAM leaders' arrest and the Acehnese From Gatra In 2001, the Indonesian government asked Sweden to deal with its citizens causing destruction in Indonesian territory. Sweden at first declined the request, but after evidence was supplied in June last year, it acknowledged the deeds of Hasan Tiro and his group in Aceh.

JP/13/Opec

JP/13/Opec Please check heading: 2x20 OPEC has no plans to mull extra output The Jakarta Post Jakarta The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has no plans at its meeting this month to consider a further increase to its targeted output of 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) starting Aug. 1, OPEC president Purnomo Yusgiantoro said on Monday. "It is not on our agenda yet. We will observe the oil market first," said Purnomo, who is also Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources.

Three arrested for diploma forgery

Three arrested for diploma forgery MEDAN, North Sumatra: Medan Police arrested on Monday three people suspected of belonging to a high school and university diploma forgery ring. During the arrest on Jl. Binjai here, police also seized several pieces of evidence, including a desktop computer, three forged diplomas and bogus stamps from various universities and schools in Medan.

TV Program: Tuesday, July 13, 2004

TV Program: Tuesday, July 13, 2004 TVRI .TB.30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:30 Pop Music 8:30 Music: Asyik Asyik 10:00 Talk Show: Agribiz 11:00 Singing Contest: Konteswara 12:00 p.m.

Public inputs needed for cabinet ministry bill

Public inputs needed for cabinet ministry bill Kurniawan Hari, Jakarta Legislature-watch Formappi urged legislators on Monday to engage the public in the deliberation of the Cabinet ministry bill. The House of Representatives is currently discussing the bill as mandated by the newly amended Constitution. Article 17 (4) of the 1945 Constitution stipulates that the establishment of, the change and the dissolution of a Cabinet ministry is regulated by law.

NGOs demand Sutiyoso's ouster

NGOs demand Sutiyoso's ouster Damar Harsanto, Jakarta About 100 protesters from several non-governmental organizations rallied on Monday in front of City Council to demand the councillors recommend Governor Sutiyoso's dismissal. The protesters claimed the governor was not fit to continue in office because of his status as a suspect in the violent attack on the Jakarta headquarters of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) on July 27, 1996, and his inability to alleviate poverty in the city.

Surabaya court rejects Walhi suit

Surabaya court rejects Walhi suit Indra Harsaputra, Surabaya The Surabaya District Court rejected on Monday a lawsuit filed by the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) that the court take stern measures against three companies for polluting the Surabaya River. Presiding judge Ida Setiawati Tjandra turned down the suit on the grounds that the environmental group had failed to prove its credibility and thus justify the legality of its suit.

BI moves to strengthen BPR

BI moves to strengthen BPR The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The central bank inaugurated on Monday a certification program for rural banks (BPR) as part of its efforts to build a sound, robust industry able to provide additional benefits to the nation's small and medium-size businesses.

Vice regent interrogated over graft

Vice regent interrogated over graft Oyos Saroso H.N., Bandarlampung A team of investigators questioned the vice regent of Way Kanan, Lampung province, on Monday on suspicion of graft involving Rp 556 million (US$62,000). The team from the Blambangan Umpu Prosecutor's Office named Vice Regent Marsidi Hasan a suspect in the case after interrogating him and 12 witnesses.

Nurdin Halid defies police summons over sugar scam

Nurdin Halid defies police summons over sugar scam Abdul Khalik, Jakarta Lawmaker Nurdin Halid defied a police summons for questioning on Monday in connection with his alleged role in a sugar smuggling scam. National Police chief of detectives Comr. Gen. Suyitno Landung Sudjono said Nurdin failed to show up and instead sent a letter to his office asking for the questioning to be delayed until Friday.

Robbery arises in posh housing areas

Robbery arises in posh housing areas Evi Mariani, Jakarta Robbers broke into a house on Jl. H. Saidi III in Cilandak, South Jakarta, in the early morning hours on Monday, taking jewelry worth an estimated Rp 1 billion (US$111,000) and Rp 55 million in cash. It was the fourth robbery in three weeks in an elite housing area in South Jakarta which is usually heavily guarded. The victims revealed that the five-strong gang, jumped over the high wall of the house at about 3:30 a.m.

Bus strike leaves workers stranded

Bus strike leaves workers stranded BEKASI: Drivers from the PT Hiba Utama bus company went on strike on Monday, causing workers at four industrial zones in Bekasi to be late for work. PT Hiba, which has 1,500 buses, serves mostly workers at four industrial zones: the East Jakarta Industrial Park, Jababeka, MM 2100 and the Kompleks Industri Surya Citra.

Rupiah ends at two-month high

Rupiah ends at two-month high The rupiah closed at a fresh two-month high on Monday in line with the yen's strength, traders said. But the rupiah is unlikely to gain much further as players wait on the sidelines to see who wins September's second-round of the presidential election, they added. The dollar closed at Rp 8,840, down from its finish Friday at Rp 8,935. Monday marked the lowest close for the dollar since early May.

Luring customers' hearts with quality services

Luring customers' hearts with quality services Rudijanto, Contributor, Jakarta Developing excellent service that gives customers real peace of mind is a big challenge for a highly competitive businesses, as such a marketing approach can be counterproductive. For example, when a company launches an innovative package of services -- the first reaction often comes from its competitors, which respond by providing a similar package -- rather than customers.

Polls reassure market

Polls reassure market The financial market performed last week in very much the same way as it did following the April 5 legislative election.

Workers complain on prayers ban

Workers complain on prayers ban TANGERANG: Workers of PT Mega Sembada Indonesia garment factory in Jatiuwung subdistrict, Tangerang municipality, are up in arms about the company's policy that prohibits them from performing Friday prayers. "The factory management wants to maintain its production target, apparently by ignoring the workers' right to pray," said Agus Puji Raharjo, the chairman of the Banten Prosperous Workers Brotherhood, on Monday.

Nielsen, 'mother' of orangutans

Nielsen, 'mother' of orangutans Tarko Sudiarno, Palangkaraya A hairy hand gripped the shoulder of a pretty woman, in a stark contrast. It belonged to Jack, an orangutan, who gazed at the woman while making a sound that only she could understand. "Oh, you don't want to be left here, then. You're still afraid. OK dear, come home with me then," the woman, Lone Droscher-Nielsen, gently told Jack. In fact, he was scheduled to be reintroduced to the thick forest on Kaja island, Central Kalimantan.

JP/7/let

JP/7/let NU and politics From Koran Tempo The paternalistic and less-than democratic culture of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) may have a negative impact on the Muslim organization, the country's largest, which has lately been plagued by a worsening feud leading to further internal friction.

The merging of giants

The merging of giants Rodney Louis Vincent, Contributor, Jakarta Draft and Lowe are two companies at large, which over the years, have expanded into markets such as North and South America, Europe, the U.K. and Asia Pacific. The announcement of their global alliance in March 2003 has brought their Above-The-Line (ATL) and Through-The-Line (TTL) communications programs together under one roof.

Billboard tax to go up 45%

Billboard tax to go up 45% TANGERANG: The Tangerang municipal administration will increase billboard tax rates by 45 percent next month in order to meet its Rp 4 billion (US$449,438) revenue target for outdoor advertisements. "The new policy will be outlined in Decree No. 8/2004 signed by Mayor Wahidin Halim," Said Hendrowiyanto, an official at the spatial and building layout agency, said on Monday.

KPK orders Megawati to suspend Puteh for corruption probe

KPK orders Megawati to suspend Puteh for corruption probe Muninggar Sri Saraswati, Jakarta Amid apparent government reluctance, the newly established Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has ordered President Megawati Soekarnoputri to suspend alleged corruptor Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam Governor Abdullah Puteh following the governor's uncooperativeness toward the commission.

1. EXPAT: 2 LINES, 18 COUNTS

1. EXPAT: 2 LINES, 18 COUNTS Jakarta seeks 60% of expatriate levy 2. PERTAMINA: 2 LINES, 20 COUNTS Pertamina to import more fuel to boost reserves 3. AIDS: 1 LINE, 28 COUNTS Firms to offer AIDS drugs to poor 4. INDIAN: 2 LINES, 18 COUNTS Clemency rejected, Indian to be executed

Susilo sets up team to lobby political parties

Susilo sets up team to lobby political parties Tiarma Siboro and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, Jakarta The Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono-Jusuf Kalla ticket have set up a special team to ensure the pairing's victory in the second round of the presidential election in September. "The team will be led by Susilo himself. It consists of 35 members drawn from the Democratic Party, the Crescent Star Party (PBB) and the Indonesia Justice and Unity Party (PKPI)," said a team member, who requested anonymity.

Mount Egon refugees refuse to go home

Mount Egon refugees refuse to go home KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: More than 1,200 Mount Egon refugees in Sikka regency ignored on Monday a government call for them to return to their homes on the slopes of the 1,700-meter- high mountain, although Mount Egon's activity has been very low in the past few days.

Financial problems destroy dreams of bright students

Financial problems destroy dreams of bright students The Jakarta Post, Madiun/Purworejo/Sukabumi Eighteen-year-old Sugiarto's dream of going to college nearly came true. The graduate of Purworejo 7 high school consistently made high marks at school, enabling him to be selected as one of thousand of students nationwide admitted to the prestigious Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB) without test.

'Population issue not taken seriously'

'Population issue not taken seriously' Statistics show that Jakarta is home to about 8.3 million people, while migrants continue to arrive in the city in search of work. The Jakarta Post asked some Jakartans how they felt to be living in one of the world's most populous cities, in observance of World Population Day that fell on Sunday. Yustinus Heri, 29, is a journalist with a travel magazine in Kedoya, West Jakarta.

Rupiah Rates July 12

Rupiah Rates July 12 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 6,756.90 6,028.13 6,426.48 6,358.32 Brunei dollar 1 5,490.14 4,898.79 5,221.67 5,167.12 Canadian dollar 1 7,078.87 6,316.39 6,732.71 6,662.37 Swiss franc 1 7,611.62 6,792.59 7,239.41 7,164.65 Danish krone 1 1,554.22 1,386.39 1,478.22 1,462.33 Euro 1 11,553.68 10,311.35 10,988.69 10,876.15 Poundsterling 1 17,325.85 15,463.69 16,478.60 16,310.71 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,195.64 1,067.40 1,137.17 1,125.87...

* Legislator questions U.S. release of Papua report Page 2

* Legislator questions U.S. release of Papua report Page 2 * Nurdin Halid defies police summons over sugar scam Page 4 * Lampung vice regent interrogated over graft Page 5 * Removing PLWHA discrimination in Indonesian laws Page 6 * NGOs demand Governor Sutiyoso's ouster Page 8 * Hensby edges Morgan to land John Deere Classic Page 9 * N. Korean officials' request to meet Jenkins rejected Page 11 * Central bank moves to strengthen rural banks Page 13 * Nielsen, 'mother' of orangutans Page 20

A better alternative for reducing unemployment

A better alternative for reducing unemployment Alex Arifianto, Jakarta During the past few weeks, Anis Chowdury, a consultant with the United Nations Support Facility for Indonesian Recovery (UNSFIR), has written two interesting articles for this newspaper. The first one, dated June 10, 2004, argued that Indonesia should adopt an unemployment and poverty reduction policy by creating public sector jobs (mostly in new infrastructure projects) and through job training programs.

Govt's AIDS effort deficient: Activists

Govt's AIDS effort deficient: Activists Dewi Santoso, Jakarta While the government has demonstrated its will to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS in the country, it has failed to provide adequate access to medical care and treatment facilities, say people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and activists. Pelita Ilmu Foundation (YPI) program manager Pungky Djoko said on Monday the greatest difficulties faced by PLWHA was access to medical care and treatment facilities, because of inadequate equipment.

S'pore grows at fastest rate since Asian crisis

S'pore grows at fastest rate since Asian crisis Karl Malakunas, Agence France-Presse, Singapore Singapore's economy expanded at its fastest pace since before the 1997-98 Asian crisis during the second quarter, posting year- on-year growth of 11.7 percent, the government said on Monday. Although the figures were off a low base due to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) crisis last year, quarter-on- quarter growth was still an impressive 9.1 percent.

Removing HIV/AIDS discrimination in Indonesian labor regulations

Removing HIV/AIDS discrimination in Indonesian labor regulations Eliminating HIV/AIDS discrimination Tauvik Muhamad, Jakarta The Thai newspaper, The Nation, reported that while Bangkok prepares to host 20,000 delegates to the first-ever international AIDS conference to be held in Southeast Asia (from July 11 through July 16, 2004), a four-star hotel is separating guests who are living with HIV/AIDS (LWHA) from the rest of its clientele.

Jakarta seeks 60% of expatriate levy

Jakarta seeks 60% of expatriate levy Damar Harsanto, Jakarta As no clear policy exists on the allocation of foreign workers levies, the administration has demanded that the central government channel more than half of the levy's revenue to help the capital finance four training centers.

Bickering arises over candidates for PBSI top job

Bickering arises over candidates for PBSI top job Eva C. Komandjaja, Jakarta While having succeeded in forcing Chairul Tanjung to resign his chairmanship of the country's badminton governing body, the PBSI, which is expected to officially take place on Saturday, the five members of the working group charged with finding a new chairman look to have started bickering among themselves over who will replace Chairul.

Pertamina to import more fuel to up reserves

Pertamina to import more fuel to up reserves Fitri Wulandari and Tony Hotland, Jakarta State oil and gas firm PT Pertamina will import more gasoline and diesel fuel to gradually boost its fuel reserves to a safe level of 24-days supply to avoid shortages during the current election period. Pertamina fuel division head Mukti Wibowo said national fuel supplies currently stood at 20.4 days.

Sarce to compete in Athens Olympics

Sarce to compete in Athens Olympics JAKARTA: Sarce Aronggaer, who contributed three gold medals for the Indonesian team at the 2003 Southeast Asian Games, will be heading to the Athens Olympics after the Indonesian Rowing Association (Podsi) was awarded a wildcard by its international counterpart, the ICF. Podsi general secretary Budiman told The Jakarta Post on Monday that he received an email from the International Canoeing Federation saying that Indonesia had been awarded the wildcard.

Eradication of terrorism

Eradication of terrorism From Koran Tempo President Megawati Soekarnoputri reaffirmed Indonesia's rejection of terrorism at the 43rd annual session of the Asian- African Legal Consultative Organization in Nusa Dua, Bali, some time ago. In fact, terrorism is rooted in disparity and injustice in international life. In the 20th century a major change took place in the use and practice of terrorism, which marked rightist and leftist extremist political movements.

Today's game: Satisfy, delight and surprise

Today's game: Satisfy, delight and surprise Burhanuddin Abe, Contributor, Jakarta Indonesia's first-ever presidential election consisted of many elements similar to those used in marketing communications. It was an interesting exercise in positioning -- akin to the brand positioning in marketing -- managing the candidates' images and promoting their differing visions to the nation.

Terror suspects have no lawyers

Terror suspects have no lawyers DENPASAR, Bali: None of the five terror suspects arrested recently in Sukoharjo, Central Java, and transferred to Bali Police Headquarters has hired a lawyer, police said on Monday. Bali Police spokesman Adj. Sr. Comr. Pande Gede Setiawan said the suspects would be given several more days to hire lawyers. "If they don't appoint any soon, the police will provide them with lawyers," he said.

New entry system bars back-door deals: Parents

New entry system bars back-door deals: Parents Leony Aurora, Jakarta The new online system for admission to state senior high schools and vocational schools, implemented for the first time in Jakarta, provides no opening for backdoor negotiations or the use of special recommendations, parents say. A mother of a junior high school graduate told The Jakarta Post on Monday, the third and last day of admission, that she had tried to "negotiate" with the principal of SMA 6 but to no avail.

RI and Myanmar deny allegation of wiretapping

RI and Myanmar deny allegation of wiretapping The Jakarta Post, Jakarta While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintained that there were indications the Indonesian Embassy in Myanmar had been bugged, the embassies of both countries denied the charge.

7 alleged rebels killed in Aceh

7 alleged rebels killed in Aceh BANDA ACEH, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam: Troops shot dead seven suspected separatist guerrillas in weekend violence in Aceh province, the military said on Monday. The suspected Free Aceh Movement (GAM) members were shot dead during separate clashes in four districts on Saturday and Sunday, said provincial military spokesman Asep Sapari. Three other rebels surrendered in South Aceh on Sunday, Sapari said. Troops seized five automatic rifle and some ammunition. -- AFP

Three arrested for diploma forgery

Three arrested for diploma forgery MEDAN, North Sumatra: Medan Police arrested on Monday three people suspected of belonging to a high school and university diploma forgery ring. During the arrest on Jl. Binjai here, police also seized several pieces of evidence, including a desktop computer, three forged diplomas and bogus stamps from various universities and schools in Medan.

OPEC has no plans to mull extra output

OPEC has no plans to mull extra output The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has no plans at its meeting this month to consider a further increase to its targeted output of 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) starting Aug. 1, OPEC president Purnomo Yusgiantoro said on Monday. "It is not on our agenda yet. We will observe the oil market first," said Purnomo, who is also Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources.

Civil servants can become councillors

Civil servants can become councillors JAKARTA: The General Elections Commission (KPU) ruled on Monday that active civil servants who were elected members of local legislative councils can be sworn in. But before being installed, the councillors-elect must show three letters from their superiors stating that they were giving up their positions, a KPU statement said.

English to be taught to children

English to be taught to children BALIKPAPAN, East Kalimantan: English will be taught at elementary schools (SD) in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, the head of the provincial education office said here on Monday. "We support the use of English as a second language, particularly in elementary schools, in the academic year 2004 to 2005," Hernawati said, adding that English will be taught for at least two hours per week.

1. KPK: 48 pt, 3 cols, 3 x 18

1. KPK: 48 pt, 3 cols, 3 x 18 KPK orders Megawati to suspend Puteh for corruption probe 2. PAPUA: 36 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 28 RI repeats same old song on Papua 3. IPB: 32 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 25 Financial constraints abort dreams of bright students 4. AIDS: 28 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 35 Govt's AIDS effort incomplete: Activists

PNG national nabbed with bomb

PNG national nabbed with bomb JAYAPURA, Papua: Navy personnel arrested Lazarus Hom, 30, a Papua New Guinea (PNG) national, for bringing a low-explosive bomb into Papua territory. Lazarus was detained on Friday along with 11 other PNG nationals while sailing in the waters off Jayapura. Lazarus was the only person charged with a crime after Navy personnel found a low-explosive bomb in his possession, which he apparently planned to use for fish bombing.

N. Korean officials' request to meet Jenkins rejected

N. Korean officials' request to meet Jenkins rejected Agencies, Jakarta Japan has rejected a request by North Korean officials to meet an alleged U.S. army deserter who lived in North Korea for decades and is now in Indonesia for a reunion with his Japanese wife, an official said on Monday.

Trial resumes as Gus Dur, KPU ditches mediation

Trial resumes as Gus Dur, KPU ditches mediation Urip Hudiono and M. Taufiqurrahman, Jakarta The trial between former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid and the General Elections Commission resumed on Monday, after the two sides failed to reach an out-of-court settlement.

Squatters face survival in staunch solidarity

Squatters face survival in staunch solidarity Damar Harsanto, Jakarta The World Population Day passed unobserved last Sunday in the capital city, where over 100,000 poor families live in temporary houses, or even in cardboard boxes, on riverbanks or beneath overpasses. To make things worse, the city administration has blamed annual flooding and the worsening condition of overpasses and bridges on squatters.