Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 14 July 2004

68 articles found

PPS responsible for poll fraud: Cetro

PPS responsible for poll fraud: Cetro M. Taufiqurrahman, Jakarta An independent poll watchdog blamed on Wednesday the high number of electoral procedure violations on the deliberate disregard of correct procedure by poll committee (PPS) members.

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.

China and Iraq to feature in Milo meet

China and Iraq to feature in Milo meet The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Next week's Milo Junior Indonesia Open (MJIO) badminton championships will include for the first time China and Iraq, organizers said. The tournament, which has been included on the International Badminton Federation's calendar, will take place in Medan, North Sumatra, from July 19 to July 25. About 140 players from 12 countries, including China and Iraq, will take part in the tournament, making it the biggest Milo open ever held.

Philippines' MILF linked to JI, says ICG study

Philippines' MILF linked to JI, says ICG study Jerry Norton, Reuters, Jakarta The main Moro rebel group in the Philippines has close ties to the al Qaeda-linked Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) group, despite denials, a study released on Tuesday says. Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels have been fighting for an Islamic state on Mindanao island in predominantly Roman Catholic Philippines for the past three decades, but its leaders deny allegations they shelter foreign Islamic militants.

Investors want majority stake in Permata

Investors want majority stake in Permata Rendi A. Witular, Jakarta Several strategic investors interested in Bank Permata have urged the government to sell at least 71 percent of its stake in the country's seventh-largest bank, according to an official. "The investors want to have full control in Permata ...

Telkom says benefits of NYSE listing outweigh costs

Telkom says benefits of NYSE listing outweigh costs Rendi A. Witular, Jakarta State-owned telecommunications company PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom) said that it wanted to retain its listing on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as this was in the company's best interests, despite requests by several government officials for it to withdraw from the U.S. exchange.

KPK's credibility on the line

KPK's credibility on the line The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The powerful Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) will prove to be powerless if President Megawati Soekarnoputri refuses to comply with the commission's order to dismiss Aceh Governor Abdullah Puteh, legal experts and activists say. They also warn that Megawati's refusal would also undermine the government's campaign against corruption, which has been blamed for pushing the country to the brink of bankruptcy.

Winners deserve support

Winners deserve support From Koran Tempo The nation's first direct presidential election has taken place and two pairs of frontrunners will again race in the coming run-off election if none of them can score more than 50 percent votes. This direct election is a valuable experience for the entire population to make further progress in democracy and politics. The public received political education during the campaign period.

House offers next president 31 ministries

House offers next president 31 ministries Kurniawan Hari, Jakarta The House of Representatives (DPR) continued its internal deliberations on the Cabinet ministries bill on Tuesday and decided to propose the appointment of 31 ministers to assist the next president carry out his/her state duties.

Pertamina seeks government guarantee for fuel imports

Pertamina seeks government guarantee for fuel imports Fitri Wulandari, Jakarta State oil and gas firm PT Pertamina is requesting a government guarantee to facilitate crucial fuel import plans as the company faces cash flow problems. Pertamina's finance director Alfred Rohimone said a government guarantee would be needed in obtaining loans from banks to finance fuel imports if the government fails to reimburse the company for its share of the fuel subsidy.

EXPO BRIEF ( Advertisement)

EXPO BRIEF ( Advertisement) FOR July 14, 2005 Workshop for relationship managers Prof. D Ghosh Roy MSc, CAIIB, DBM, CAIB of London, a professional banker with 28 years and experience of more than 500 workshops, will lead a three-day workshop for relationship managers to be held in Jakarta from July 20 through July 22, 2004. The three-day course will help relationship managers in banks in defining their role clarity and role efficacy.

Students take SPMB tests

Students take SPMB tests YOGYAKARTA: Up to 16,171 high school graduates in Yogyakarta, as well as hundreds of thousands of other students nationwide, are sitting the national entrance examinations (SPMB) to gain admission to prestigious state universities. The tests started on Wednesday and will continue on Thursday.

Susilo: Popular leader, but weak chief executive

Susilo: Popular leader, but weak chief executive Yang Razali Kassim, The Straits Times, Asia News Network, Singapore Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, as widely predicted by various polls, is emerging as the most popular choice, with Muhammad Jusuf Kalla as his vice-president.

Housewife reports doctor to police

Housewife reports doctor to police JAKARTA: A 44-year-old housewife, Ngatmi, filed a malpractice complaint with the Jakarta Police on Tuesday against a doctor at a hospital in East Jakarta. Ngatmi was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001 and the doctor removed her right breast in August of that year. "Her right arm became lame and began swelling about three months ago ... it now as large as her thigh.

Four years sought for DPRD speaker

Four years sought for DPRD speaker PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: The prosecution urged the Palembang District Court on Tuesday to sentence former South Sumatra provincial legislative council (DPRD) speaker Adjis Saip to four years in jail for alleged corruption involving Rp 7.5 billion (US$789,474). The prosecution also recommended that the defendant be fined Rp 200 million. The trial was adjourned until next week. -- Antara

Institutes, universities committed to helping poor students

Institutes, universities committed to helping poor students Theresia Sufa and Yuli Tri Suwarni, Bogor/Bandung The Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB) said on Tuesday that it had sent out letters to provincial governments to encourage them to assist 10 poor students who wished to enter the IPB but had no money. The 10 students had actually passed the admission requirements set by the institute and had been offered places, but were unable to take these up due to financial constraints.

Three provinces on the verge of total blackouts

Three provinces on the verge of total blackouts Syofiardi Bachyul and Puji Santoso, Padang/Pekanbaru State electricity company PT PLN may be forced to cut off electricity in three provinces in Sumatra in the near future following the decline in the water debit in reservoirs and lakes that have been the source of power for three power plants. The low water debit was aggravated by a fact that steam- powered power plant Ombilin could not function properly as parts of its equipment were damaged.

NU and politics

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.

Fear and loathing in Jakarta, CNN style

Fear and loathing in Jakarta, CNN style How appropriate that The Sunday Post, July 11 edition has "blessed" us with two articles that clearly link up the circle of fear and loathing that have cemented the international image of Indonesia as a haven for terrorists over the past two years.

Death penalty politically motivated: Campaigners

Death penalty politically motivated: Campaigners Tiarma Siboro and Abdul Khalik, Jakarta The policy of upholding the death sentence for drug traffickers is politically motivated in a bid to defend the corrupt legal system that failed to stop trafficking in the first place, human rights campaigners say.

Journalist assaulted for alleged slander

Journalist assaulted for alleged slander Yemris Fointuna, Kupang Claiming he had been defamed, JO, a councillor on the East Nusa Tenggara provincial council, launched a gratuitous assault on Tuesday on Benny Djahang, a journalist with the Pos Kupang daily. The assault took place right in front of the assembled councillors and journalists who were attending a plenary session in the council building.

RI concerned over Myanmar bugging

RI concerned over Myanmar bugging Adianto P. Simamora, Jakarta The Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially summoned Myanmar's Ambassador to Indonesia, U Kyaw Myint, on Tuesday to express the country's deep concern over suspected bugging by the Myanmar junta of the Indonesian embassy in Yangon.

Counterterrorism moves may hurt trade

Counterterrorism moves may hurt trade Zakki P. Hakim, Jakarta Export control mechanisms applied by developed countries to help counter terrorism may create another trade barrier that is costly to the business sector, a number of trade associations said during a seminar here on Tuesday.

'Poor people miss out on cheap housing'

'Poor people miss out on cheap housing' This year's observance of World Population Day on July 11 coincided with the 10th anniversary of the International Conference of Population and Development (ICPD) held in Cairo, Egypt, in 1994. Many population issues have yet to be addressed, including the deprived lives of squatters worldwide. The Jakarta Post asked some Jakartans their opinion on how the city administration should deal with squatters here.

Slow progress in logging probes

Slow progress in logging probes JAMBI: Jambi prosecutors and police investigators have been investigating 23 cases of illegal logging since last year, but only three cases have been brought to court so far. Frans Tandipau, the head of the Forest Protection Section at the Jambi Forestry Agency, said that the slow pace of the investigations was due to a lack of evidence. The illegal logging cases are said to have cost the state hundreds of millions of rupiah. -- JP

Six missing chopper passengers found

Six missing chopper passengers found MALAYSIA: All six people aboard a helicopter that disappeared during a storm while flying over thick jungle in Malaysia's part of Borneo island were found on Tuesday, a charter company official said. The six were sheltering in a traditional longhouse in a village near the Malaysia-Indonesia border in eastern Sarawak state, Aidan Wing of Hornbill Skyways was cited as saying by the national news agency, Bernama.

Busway a no-go for private motorists

Busway a no-go for private motorists Leony Aurora, Jakarta Six months since its launch on Jan. 15, it seems the controversial busway's only success is in providing a faster means of travel as it speeds along its exclusive lane from Blok M, South Jakarta, to Kota, West Jakarta. "(The busway) is fast. That's its only advantage," said Indra, 33, a regular busway passenger. "It's not comfortable.

JP/1/VOTE

JP/1/VOTE People no longer vote along party lines: Analysts M. Taufiqurrahman Jakarta Contrary to what happened in the April 5 legislative elections when people voted according to their political party affinities, the public displayed greater maturity during the presidential election. This newfound political rationality has resulted in major differences between the outcome of the legislative election and the provisional results of the presidential election, analysts said on Tuesday.

Gading to host Indonesia golf meet

Gading to host Indonesia golf meet The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The 26th edition of the Indonesia Open amateur women's golf championship will tee off in early August with organizers expecting more foreign golfers than last year to participate. The three-day competition will start on Aug. 3 at the Gading Raya Golf Course in Tangerang, Banten province. "Last year we had foreign participants from three countries.

Panwaslu reports election violations to police

Panwaslu reports election violations to police Abdul Khalik and M. Taufiqurrahman, Jakarta The official Election Supervisory Committee (Panwaslu) has reported violations in the recent presidential election to police, including mass voter mobilization at Al-Zaytun Islamic boarding school in Indramayu, West Java. Deputy chairman Rozy Munir said the Panwaslu had handed over all pertinent information to police for investigation into the violations.

JP/1/VOTE

JP/1/VOTE People no longer vote along party lines: Analysts M. Taufiqurrahman Jakarta Contrary to what happened in the April 5 legislative elections when people voted according to their political party affinities, the public displayed greater maturity during the presidential election. This newfound political rationality has resulted in major differences between the outcome of the legislative election and the provisional results of the presidential election, analysts said on Tuesday.

Voters better informed: Experts

Voters better informed: Experts M. Taufiqurrahman, Jakarta Contrary to what happened in the April 5 legislative elections when people voted according to their political party affinities, the public displayed greater maturity during the presidential election. This newfound political rationality has resulted in major differences between the outcome of the legislative election and the provisional results of the presidential election, analysts said on Tuesday.

Bylaw blocks development of Jakarta Wholesale Center

Bylaw blocks development of Jakarta Wholesale Center Damar Harsanto, Jakarta The Jakarta administration is considering amending the existing city bylaw on private markets, as the bylaw does not support its plan to build the Jakarta Wholesale Center at a site that was formerly part of the Melati dam in Central Jakarta. Deputy Governor Fauzi Bowo said that several articles in Bylaw No. 2/2002 were not applicable to what was happening in the field.

Wife gets 7 years for drug dealing

Wife gets 7 years for drug dealing JAKARTA: West Jakarta District Court sentenced on Monday a wife of a marine to seven years in prison and ordered the defendant to pay a Rp 3 million (US$337) fine for possessing and trading narcotics. Presiding judge Muchtar Ritonga told the court that the defendant Nurhayati, 44, who is a mother of four, was guilty of committing the crime from her home in Tambora, West Jakarta. Her husband, Chief Sgt.

Megawati slow to decide on Puteh's suspension

Megawati slow to decide on Puteh's suspension The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri is apparently buying time before responding to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK)'s order to suspend Aceh Governor Abdullah Puteh for alleged graft. She said on Tuesday she needed to hear further explanations from the commission, which has also issued an order for Puteh's arrest.

Govt to raise subsidy for ARV

Govt to raise subsidy for ARV JAKARTA: The government plans to increase its subsidy for antiretroviral drugs (ARV) to Rp 24 billion (US$2.6 million) for 10,000 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), Minister of Health Achmad Sujudi has said. The government is ready to disburse some Rp 10 billion to subsidize ARV for 5,000 PLWHA, he added on Monday. He said the funds would be channeled to improve health services for PLWHA at 25 hospitals across the country.

Ill Jenkins may be flown to Japan

Ill Jenkins may be flown to Japan The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Japanese government is considering sending accused U.S. army deserter Charles Jenkins to Tokyo for medical treatment, despite a U.S. warning that he faces prosecution if he travels to Japan. Jenkins reportedly told Japanese diplomat Akitaka Saiki last week that he wanted to live in Japan with his wife, Hitomi Soga, and their two daughters, Mika and Belinda, who have been granted Japanese citizenship at the request of their mother.

Activist accused of defamation

Activist accused of defamation JAYAPURA, Papua: Trikora Military Commander Maj. Gen. Nurdin Zainal has filed a complaint against Latifah Hanum Siregar, the director of the Democratic Alliance for Papua (ALDP), alleging defamation. In a statement released on Tuesday, the two-star general demanded that the democracy activist withdraw her recent statement to the media that Indonesian Military (TNI) personnel had committed human rights abuses in Wamena and Demta in the province.

Anwar's health worsens in Malaysia jail: Lawyer

Anwar's health worsens in Malaysia jail: Lawyer Reuters, Kuala Lumpur The health of Malaysia's jailed rebel politician, Anwar Ibrahim, has worsened and he could suffer some paralysis unless he is allowed to travel to Germany for back surgery, his family lawyer said on Tuesday. The former deputy premier, whose arrest on charges of sodomy and abuse of power in 1998 sparked violent street protests, wants to undergo non-invasive surgery that his lawyer, Sankara Nair, says can't be done in Malaysia.

Court says terror trials must continue

Court says terror trials must continue JAKARTA: The Central Jakarta District Court dismissed on Tuesday defense pleas by terror suspects Furqon Abdullah and Muhammad Syaifuddin, ruling that their separate trials must go ahead. The judges said the trials were adjourned until July 21, 2004 to hear the testimonies of witnesses. Furqon and Syaifuddin were arrested in September last year and charged with terrorism activities.

Govt, hospitals forge coop to control dengue

Govt, hospitals forge coop to control dengue Dewi Santoso, Jakarta The Ministry of Health has recently signed an agreement with the Regional Hospitals Association (Arsada) to forge cooperation in the handling of dengue fever -- outbreaks of which have affected the country almost every year over the last 36 years.

Police nab drug suspects

Police nab drug suspects TANGERANG: Police arrested a suspected drug dealer and a courier in an operation on Monday evening, and confiscated 200 grams of shabu-shabu (crystal methamphetamine) valued at Rp 160 million (US$17,977). Tangerang Police detectives chief Adj. Comr. Asep Adi Saputra said on Tuesday undercover officers arranged to buy a small package of shabu-shabu from one of the suspects at his rented house in Rawa Bokor subdistrict.

Residents ask that waste be processed elsewhere

Residents ask that waste be processed elsewhere Multa Fidrus, Tangerang Residents living near the abandoned Pondok Cabe bus terminal in Pamulang district, Tangerang regency, strongly oppose the regental administration's plan to use the site to accommodate a waste treatment facility.

The U.S. fight against Iraq's militants: An asymmetric war

The U.S. fight against Iraq's militants: An asymmetric war Lina A. Alexandra, Jakarta After 14 months under U.S. occupation, sovereignty finally was handed over to an interim Iraqi government on June 28. That occasion marked a new era of independence for the Iraqi people. But many are still horrified by acts of violence committed by Iraqi guerrilla movements against the foreign occupation. Many foreigners and Iraqi people seen as U.S.

1. KPK: 4 LINES, 10 COUNTS

1. KPK: 4 LINES, 10 COUNTS Puteh affair puts KPK's credibility on the line 2. PROVINCE: 1 LINE, 25 COUNTS Voters better informed: Experts 3. JENKINS: 3 LINES, 10 COUNTS Ill Jenkins may be flown to Japan 4. EXPAT: 1 LINE, 35 COUNTS Planned expatriate levy confuses officials 5. MYANMAR: 1 LINE, 32 COUNTS RI concerned over Myanmar bugging

An uphill battle

An uphill battle It is certainly gratifying to hear, straight from the horse's mouth as it were, that fighting corruption is so close to the hearts of our presidential election candidates. In all their campaign speeches and statements, none of the five pairs currently running for the highest posts in government neglected to assure the public that fighting this by-now-ingrained social scourge would be at the top of their agenda, should they be elected.

* Commuters not giving up their cars for busway Page 2

* Commuters not giving up their cars for busway Page 2 * Pro-Susilo soldier accused of assaulting poll officials Page 4 * Batam to merge six brothel complexes Page 5 * Innovation in India could be a lesson for Indonesia Page 6 * Tangerang councillors seek end to reclamation work Page 8 * Jones struggles into long jump final at Olympic trials Page 9 * China furious over Singapore deputy PM's Taiwan trip Page 11 * Thailand confirms additional cases of bird flu Page 14 * Stress may prompt...

Police on trial for immorality

Police on trial for immorality POSO, Central Sulawesi: Four low-ranking police officers are being prosecuted in Poso District Court for alleged immorality in the regency. Poso Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Abdi Dharma Sitepu said on Tuesday that the four had been put on trial after they allegedly had extramarital relationships with Poso girls, but later had refused to accept responsibility when the girls became pregnant. One of the four, Second. Brig.

New body planned to watch prosecutors

New body planned to watch prosecutors JAKARTA: The next president will have an instrument to supervise and boost the performance of prosecutor's offices after House of Representatives members agreed on revisions to Law No. 5/1991. Lawmakers and the Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra, deliberating the bill, had agreed that the President could set up a commission to supervise and improve the performance of prosecutors. M.

David O'Brien

David O'Brien Jakarta 2. Lina -- U.S. vs Iraqi's militants: An Asymmetric War 2 X 30 The U.S. fight against Iraq's militants: An asymmetric war Lina A. Alexandra Jakarta

Council suggests end to reclamation work

Council suggests end to reclamation work Multa Fidrus, Tangerang Tangerang Regency Council Commission D for development affairs has recommended the regency administration stop a land reclamation project near Dadap beach in Kosambi district in response to allegations of environmental damage caused by the work. The recommendation was made after the commission held a hearing with the regency spatial and building layout agency, the tourism agency and the maritime and fisheries agency on Saturday.

Soerjadi wants more PBSI candidates

Soerjadi wants more PBSI candidates JAKARTA: The former chairman of the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI), Soerjadi, feels two candidates for the PBSI chairman position are not enough. Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso and media tycoon Dahlan Iskan are running for the PBSI's top post left vacant by Chairul Tanjung. A new chairman will be elected at an extraordinary meeting on Saturday in Jakarta.

1. COALITION: 48 pt, 6 cols, 1 x 36

1. COALITION: 48 pt, 6 cols, 1 x 36 Mega says she's ready for coalition 2. PANWASLU: 36 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 21 Panwaslu reports election violations to police 3. BUSWAY: 32 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 32 Busway a no-go for private motorists 4. PUTEH: 28 pt, 5 cols, 1 x 45 Mega slow to decide on Puteh's suspension 5. SUSUL: 28 pt, 1 cols, 4 x 9 FBI fails to alert Australia on terrorism

Batam to merge six brothel complexes

Batam to merge six brothel complexes Fadli, Batam The Social Affairs Office within Batam municipal administration has decided to merge six brothel complexes scattered around Batam into a single complex in the Batam district, Nongsa, in order to "contain" prostitution there.

China fury at Singapore deputy PM trip to Taiwan

China fury at Singapore deputy PM trip to Taiwan Alice Hung and Jason Szep, Reuters, Taipei/Singapore Singapore's future prime minister, Lee Hsien Loong, has offered to mediate talks between arch-foes Taiwan and China during a visit to the island that has drawn Beijing's ire, a Taiwan newspaper said on Tuesday. China responded with fury, saying intermediaries were not needed and a trip by Lee in any capacity to Taiwan damaged relations.

Expatriate levy confuses officials

Expatriate levy confuses officials Damar Harsanto and Tony Hotland, Jakarta With no guiding policy on the allocation of funds generated from a levy on foreign workers, officials from different institutions are releasing contradictory statements regarding the issue. The Ministry of Finance's director general of budgetary affairs, Ahmad Rochjadi, said on Tuesday the levies were transferred directly to the ministry as state revenue.

FBI failed to alert Australia on terrorism

FBI failed to alert Australia on terrorism The Australian government admitted on Tuesday the United States' Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had failed to pass on information about a terrorist threat in Indonesia before the Bali bombings, but said the information would have made no difference to the outcome.

University student found dead at home

University student found dead at home The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A 19-year-old student, Marco Imannuel Sibih, was found dead at his home in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, on Monday at 8 p.m. He died from blood loss caused by stab wounds. Police suspect the murderer is a man but have not named a suspect. Police said the housemaid, identified as EM, 22, suffered a gash to the neck but survived. Pasar Minggu Police chief Comr. Didik has not commented on the progress of the investigation.

Farmers want Nurdin charged

Farmers want Nurdin charged JAKARTA: The Association of Indonesian Sugarcane Farmers chairman Arum Sabil said on Tuesday lawmaker Nurdin Halid was the mastermind behind the smuggling of at least 56,000 of over 70,000 tons of sugar into the country. "We are the first organization to leak the scandal to the public. We know exactly Nurdin's role in the scam. He should be declared a suspect," he said.

Innovation in India could be a lesson for Indonesia

Innovation in India could be a lesson for Indonesia David O'Brien, Jakarta India (if you believe the hype) is developing its economy to be the "next China". Rather than being the factory of the world it is portraying itself farther up the value chain. It sees itself as supporting the factory in software design and support services. This is the vision and promotion; so what is the reality and are there parallels with Indonesia?

Seven policemen on trial for stealing drugs

Seven policemen on trial for stealing drugs Oyos Saroso H.N., Bandarlampung Seven policemen are being tried by the Lampung Police tribunal for allegedly stealing 60 kilograms of marijuana from the evidence room at the end of May. Lampung Police spokesman Adj. Sr. Comr. Hariyadi Wibowo said on Tuesday that the trial began on Monday. He said that Lampung Police chief Brig. Gen. MD Primanto stated last week that the seven would be immediately dismissed if found guilty.

Megawati says she's ready for coalition

Megawati says she's ready for coalition Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri says she is willing to enter into coalition with major political parties in order to retain the presidency. Meanwhile, PDI-P deputy secretary-general Pramono Anung claimed that presidential aspirant Hamzah Haz of the United Development Party (PPP) has thrown his support behind Megawati.

Rupiah weakens, stock extends losses

Rupiah weakens, stock extends losses The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The rupiah, having gained consistently in the past week, fell on Tuesday due to a combination of profit-taking and the U.S. dollar's rise against the region's major currencies, notably the Japanese yen. The local currency, which strengthened by nearly 2 percent last week, closed lower at Rp 8,940 per dollar as compared to 8,840 the day before.

Bistro offers real taste of Malaysian, plus great sweets

Bistro offers real taste of Malaysian, plus great sweets Dewi Santoso, Jakarta Ask people what they know about Malaysia and most will talk about its infamous Petronas Tower -- the so-termed Twin Towers of Asia. Little will they say about the country's cuisine as many claim that it is the same as that of Indonesia, ignoring that it tastes surprisingly different.

JP/4/conserve

JP/4/conserve Limited funds, expertise blamed for area damages Wahyoe Boediwardhana, Denpasar More than 20 percent of natural resources in over 450 conservation areas across Indonesia have been extremely depleted due to lack of government funds and poor expertise in managing them, an official said on Monday. "Social conflict that has damaged the conservation areas is also a factor," said Adi Susmianto, conservation director at the Ministry of Forestry.

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.

Pro-Susilo soldier blamed for election attacks

Pro-Susilo soldier blamed for election attacks Yuli Tri Suwarni, Bandung Dozens of students rallied here on Tuesday to demand an investigation into a soldier who allegedly assaulted poll officials in Bandung, West Java, during the presidential election. The demonstrators accused First Sgt. Kusnaidi from the Pemeungpeuk Military District Command of attacking at least eight poll officials in the hamlet of Wangunsari, Patrolsari village, Banjaran district. The alleged incident took place at 9 p.m.

Proper implementation of death penalty

Proper implementation of death penalty The Indian Embassy in Jakarta has objected to the impending execution of Indian drug dealer Ayodhya Prasadh Chaubey (65), who has been sentenced to death for possession of 12.9 kg of heroin. The foreign mission said Chaubey was too old to be executed, citing Indian law. Capital punishment is a heavy sentence and generates controversy. A number of European countries have even put an end to the death penalty.