Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 17 July 2004

94 articles found

It is all a matter of timing

It is all a matter of timingMedelina Hendytio, Budi Setiyono and Guy Janssen Jakarta When the General Elections Commission ordered a nationwide recount of the ballot, election monitoring groups rightly expressed their concern there would be no subdistrict-level representatives of the candidates...

'ASEAN must do more to release Suu Kyi'

'ASEAN must do more to release Suu Kyi'MALAYSIA: Southeast Asian countries should do more to pressure Myanmar's military regime to restore democracy and free Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi from detention, the UN's special envoy to Myanmar said on Friday.

Rupiah Rates July 16

Rupiah Rates July 16 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 6,882.48 6,152.24 6,552.15 6,482.34 Brunei dollar 1 5,559.79 4,971.86 5,292.94 5,238.63 Canadian dollar 1 7,166.62 6,407.25 6,822.65 6,751.04 Swiss franc 1 7,709.20 6,893.75 7,339.19 7,263.

Busway: Six months after

Busway: Six months after It may seem somewhat premature to judge Jakarta's six-month- old busway system's failure or success. Nevertheless, after that time span, a thorough evaluation is certainly appropriate.

House ends session, only 13 bills endorsed

House ends session, only 13 bills endorsedKurniawan Hari, JakartaThe House of Representatives closed its two-and-a half-month long session with Speaker Akbar Tandjung boasting that the legislators had been able to finish deliberating 13 bills.

Revive the student loan scheme

Revive the student loan scheme The Jakarta Post reported this week that three students from Java were accepted into the Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB). On the surface, nothing is extraordinary about this good news -- there are thousands of other students in the country who are granted similar...

Police in the dark over Bandung blasts

Police in the dark over Bandung blastsBANDUNG: Police have no leads in two separate bomb blasts that shook Bandung on Wednesday.Police investigators so far have only been able to identify the substances used in the bombs and how they were detonated.

Busway: Six months after

Busway: Six months after It may seem somewhat premature to judge Jakarta's six-month- old busway system's failure or success. Nevertheless, after that time span, a thorough evaluation is certainly appropriate.

Nahdlatul Ulama politics reinterpreted

Nahdlatul Ulama politics reinterpretedMuhaimin Syamsuddin Jakarta The politics of 30-million-strong Muslim organization Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), has been interpreted as the day-to-day politics of anyone who makes use of traditional Islamic symbols.

Police name project supervisor as suspect in bridge collapse

Police name project supervisor as suspect in bridge collapseIndra Harsaputra, SurabayaEast Java Provincial Police have named as a suspect Karto Sujono, a project supervisor, for negligence in the collapse of six concrete slabs at the Suramadu bridge construction site recently.

Bangkok's grim reminder

Bangkok's grim reminder When did Indonesians last hear about the global HIV/AIDS epidemic? After the initial fright, came a hush that lulled many among us into a state of complacency. Then came wishful thinking, as in the minds of many Indonesians AIDS is something that happens elsewhere.

Citizenship bill

Citizenship bill discussed JAKARTA: A plenary meeting of the House of Representatives agreed on Friday to further deliberate a bill on the revision of the Citizenship Law.The bill was drafted by the House's Legislation Body (Baleg) to revise Law No.

Rupiah Rates July 16

Rupiah Rates July 16 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 6,882.48 6,152.24 6,552.15 6,482.34 Brunei dollar 1 5,559.79 4,971.86 5,292.94 5,238.63 Canadian dollar 1 7,166.62 6,407.25 6,822.65 6,751.04 Swiss franc 1 7,709.20 6,893.75 7,339.19 7,263.

Monorail changed to avoid disputes

Monorail changed to avoid disputesBambang Nurbianto, JakartaTo minimize losses ensuing from "social costs" from the construction of the monorail, developer PT Indonesia Transit Central (ITC) has decided to alter route of the Blue Line from Kampung Melayu, East Jakarta, to Roxy, West Jakarta.

1 head

1 head 1. BETAWI -- 2 x 25 Young people shine at fiesta celebrating Betawi culture

Deposit insurance bill awaits approval

Deposit insurance bill awaits approvalTony Hotland, JakartaThe government's plan to gradually remove its costly blanket guarantee for bank time deposits should be complemented with credible supporting institutions and a clean government, according to an analyst.

Govt told to better regulate precursor chemicals

Govt told to better regulate precursor chemicalsAbdul Khalik, JakartaThe government has been urged to regulate the trading of precursors imported from abroad to stop the misuse of the chemical substances for the production of narcotics and psychotropic substances.

1. NABIEL: 48 pt, 3 cols, 3 x 15

1. NABIEL: 48 pt, 3 cols, 3 x 15 Only 13 firms allowed to mine in forests: Nabiel 2. ABILIO: 36 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 21 Ex-governor Abilio escapes jail for now 3. WORKERS: 36 pt, 4 cols, 2 x 28 Workers shun onerous rules to enter Malaysia illegally 4.

Japan upsets Russia to break win drought in volleyball GP

Japan upsets Russia to break win drought in volleyball GPEva C. Komandjaja and Moch. N. Kurniawan, Jakarta Japan chalked up its first win at the women's 2004 World Volleyball Grand Prix while Cuba continued its winning ways with a 3-1 victory over Germany on the opening day of the second series...

Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae)

Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae)There are about 400 Sumatran tigers throughout the world today, many in zoos in Europe, Australia and North America. The single largest population in the wild is found in the national parks, forest reserves and tiger conservation zones of Indonesia.

Money talks in April ballot printing contracts

Money talks in April ballot printing contractsMoch. N. Kurniawan, JakartaOfficials from the General Elections Commission (KPU) argued in April that they lacked the money to better inform the public on how to properly cast their votes in the legislative election, which may in part explain the fact...

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 16, 2004

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 16, 2004 _____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ______________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades...

House ends session with only 13 bills endorsed

House ends session with only 13 bills endorsed 2. 1 x 52 After Al-Zaytun, KPU orders repeat balloting in Tawau JP/4/TAWAUAfter Al-Zaytun, KPU to hold revote in Tawaucase.3. 1 x 30HIV positive moms must avoid breastfeeding JP/4/HIV positive moms told to avoid breastfeeding babies 4.

Only 13 firms allowed to mine in forests: Nabiel

Only 13 firms allowed to mine in forests: NabielMuninggar Sri Saraswati, JakartaMinister of the Environment Nabiel Makarim assured on Friday that no more mining companies would be allowed to operate in protected forests despite the possibility of other concessionaires filing lawsuits against the...

Blackouts cost tourism, Internet businesses

Blackouts cost tourism, Internet businessesSyofiardi Bachyul Jb, PadangRotating power shutdowns in West Sumatra in the past month have hit the tourism and telecommunications sectors in the province.Businessmen have not yet reported significant financial losses due to the incidents, but they have...

One more dies in Mimika violence

One more dies in Mimika violenceJAYAPURA, Papua: One more person died on Friday in Mimika regency, bringing the number of deaths in renewed violence there to two, Mimika Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Paulus Waterpauw said.

Presidential aspirant ready to lose

Presidential aspirant ready to loseFrom Koran TempoThe presidential election on July 5 came off democratically, fairly and safely, despite some minor problems related to double perforations on the ballot papers.Indonesians realize the significance of electing their own leader. Even former U.S.

Jakarta to get new police chief

Jakarta to get new police chief JAKARTA: National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar announced on Friday a plan to promote the incumbent Jakarta Police chief, Insp. Gen. Makbul Padmanagara, as the executive director of the National Narcotics Agency (BNN).

Myanmar's bugging scandal

Myanmar's bugging scandal House of Commission I revealed that a joint investigation to beef up national security by the (foreign affairs) National Intelligence Agency, the State Code Institution and the Foreign Ministry had found a bugging device in Indonesia's ambassador office in Yangon.

Cemeti offers research funding

Cemeti offers research fundingYOGYAKARTA: Cemeti Art Foundation (YSC) is offering Rp 10 million in funding for fine arts research, with a special focus on Indonesian fine arts collectors.Named YSC's 2004 to 2005 Tuhfah Program, the research competition is eligible for university graduates or...

OPEC calls off July Vienna meeting

OPEC calls off July Vienna meetingThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has canceled a scheduled ministerial meeting in Vienna on July 21, but it is sticking to its decision to raise its output ceiling by 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) on August 1.

Jakarta Fair expected to end in success

Jakarta Fair expected to end in successUrip Hudiono, JakartaWith only two days remaining, organizers of the Jakarta Fair in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, are confident they will meet their target of 2.2 million total visitors.PT Jakarta International Expo project director Ralph R.

Busway: Six months after

Busway: Six months after It may seem somewhat premature to judge Jakarta's six-month- old busway system's failure or success. Nevertheless, after that time span, a thorough evaluation is certainly appropriate.

PKS: Finally triumphant

PKS: Finally triumphantFrom RepublikaAs a member of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), I, and other party members, were happy to learn of the party's decision to support Amien and Siswono in the presidential election.

Citizenship bill discussed

Citizenship bill discussed JAKARTA: A plenary meeting of the House of Representatives agreed on Friday to further deliberate a bill on the revision of the Citizenship Law.The bill was drafted by the House's Legislation Body (Baleg) to revise Law No.

Part 1 of 2

Part 1 of 2 The ASEAN model of economic integration Romeo A. Reyes Jakarta2. Yale -- Strategy for an energy-starved world: Go coal! 1 x 45 Strategy for an energy-starved world: Go coal! David Dapice Yale Center for the Study of Globalization Medford3.

RI to host int'l science Olympiad

RI to host int'l science Olympiad JAKARTA: Indonesia will for the first time host an international science Olympiad for junior high school students from Dec. 5 to Dec. 14, an official said on Friday.At least 17 countries, including some from Asia, have confirmed their participation in the...

JP/7/LET

JP/7/LETQuick Count is only PredictionFrom Koran TempoThe Economic and Social Research, Education and Information Institute (LP3ES) has challenged all parties to verify the quick-count method it is using to determine the results of the July 5 presidential election.

Busway: Six months after

Busway: Six months after It may seem somewhat premature to judge Jakarta's six-month- old busway system's failure or success. Nevertheless, after that time span, a thorough evaluation is certainly appropriate.

Oil exploration slows: BP Migas

Oil exploration slows: BP MigasThe Jakarta Post , Jakarta Oil and gas exploration activities in the country have been on the decline in recent years, as investors have postponed investment plans due to unfavorable fiscal policy and uncertainty in the regions.

Medan issues new travel policy

Medan issues new travel policyApriadi Gunawan, MedanThe North Sumatra provincial administration announced on Friday that Indonesian nationals traveling to Malaysia through seaports and airports in Medan would not be required to pay a fiscal tax.

85 more Aceh women get counseling

85 more Aceh women get counselingBANDA ACEH, Aceh: The Aceh Women's Empowerment Bureau provided psychological counseling to 85 women on Friday, bringing the number of women who have received such counseling to 720.

After Al-Zaytun fiasco, KPU orders repeat balloting in Tawau

After Al-Zaytun fiasco, KPU orders repeat balloting in TawauM. Taufiqurrahman and Adianto P. Simamora, JakartaThe General Elections Commission has decided to hold a revote at a polling station for Indonesian expatriates in the East Malaysian town of Tawau after the Election Supervisory Committee...

Mining in protected forests

Mining in protected forests Apparently concerned by the risk of messy litigation, as state oil and gas company Pertamina is now experiencing in its dispute with U.S.-based Karaha Bodas Company, the House of Representatives approved last week a government regulation in lieu of law allowing mining...

Puteh's head on the line: Source

Puteh's head on the line: SourceFabiola Desy Unidjaja and Tiarma Siboro, JakartaPresident Megawati Soekarnoputri is reportedly considering a replacement for Aceh Governor Abdullah Puteh as pressure mounts on her to fire him due to graft charges against him.

Government unlikely to impose tax on shrimp

Government unlikely to impose tax on shrimpZakki P. Hakim, JakartaThe government is unlikely to apply a 40 percent import tax on shrimp as suggested by some because it could prompt other countries to retaliate against Indonesia, according to a senior official.

Kopassus soldiers sentenced for assault

Kopassus soldiers sentenced for assaultYOGYAKARTA: A panel of judges at the Yogyakarta Military Court sentenced on Friday two soldiers from the Army's elite Kopassus unit to 18 months in jail each for a brutal assault that claimed the life of civilian Widyo Prabowo, 29, and left another civilian,...

Green activists made partner by regency

Green activists made partner by regencyMulta Fidrus, TangerangIn a new program to fight environmental damage and pollution, the Tangerang regency has taken on a group of activists from several environmental watchdogs as working partners.

Teacher summoned for questioning

Teacher summoned for questioningEvi Mariani, JakartaThe Jakarta Police sent on Friday a second letter to summon teacher Nurlaila from disputed SMP 56 state junior high school, expecting her to show up for questioning scheduled for next week.

Haywire traffic accompanies school opening

Haywire traffic accompanies school openingUrip Hudiono, JakartaAn international school that opened its doors on Wednesday in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, is turning the usually slow traffic in the suburb to one resembling hectic downtown.As the clock nears the 7:15 a.m.

Mandiri may join bidding for Permata

Mandiri may join bidding for PermataTony Hotland, JakartaGiant Bank Mandiri has indicated it wants to join the bidding for Bank Permata if the government sets a reasonable price for the country's seventh-largest bank."If the price is relatively low, of course we'd be interested to bid.

Nowadays, the population of the Sumatran Tiger is about 400

Nowadays, the population of the Sumatran Tiger is about 400 species. Some animals live in zoos in Europe, Australia, and North America. The greatest population is found in parks and reserves of Indonesia. Its body parts and pelt have always been hunted for as "essential" constituents of medicines.

Part 1 of 2: The ASEAN model of economic integration

Part 1 of 2: The ASEAN model of economic integration Romeo A. Reyes, Jakarta The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has gone a long way since the original five members -- Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand -- signed the Bangkok Declaration on Aug.

Astra Agro CPO exports soars 127%

Astra Agro CPO exports soars 127%The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Publicly listed plantation company PT Astra Agro Lestari reported on Thursday its crude palm oil (CPO) export had surged by 127 percent on-year in the first semester, primarily due to higher demand from India.

NGOs up pressure on forest mining

NGOs up pressure on forest miningRendi A. Witular and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, Jakarta A coalition of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) has vowed to continue its campaign against 13 mining firms that have been allowed to resume open-pit mining in protected forests, upon a controversial government...

Let students have a voice, and let it be heard

Let students have a voice, and let it be heardSimon Marcus Gower, Jakarta Sometimes it is possible to ask teachers what they consider to be a well organized and disciplined class and get answers that are, in essence, really quite disturbing.

TV Today: Saturday, July 17, 2004

TV Today: Saturday, July 17, 2004TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi7:00 Children Show: Pentas Ceria7:30 Religious Teachings8:00 Talk Show: Sehat Ala Hembing9:00 Religious Teachings10:00 Talk Show11:30 Battle of Wits12:30 p.m.

74 hospitals provide free health care for the poor

74 hospitals provide free health care for the poorLeony Aurora, JakartaFive more hospitals in the capital will provide free health care for poor families who hold Gakin (health care benefit) cards under a scheme budgeted to spend Rp 61 billion (US$ 6.81) this year.

Ex-governor Abilio Soares escapes jail for now

Ex-governor Abilio Soares escapes jail for nowYemris Fointuna and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, Jakarta/KupangConvicted former East Timor governor Abilio Soares defied a summons on Friday to begin serving his three-year jail term for human rights crimes in Indonesia's former province in 1999.

Cituis to be model fishing village

Cituis to be model fishing village TANGERANG: The Tangerang regency administration plans to transform 200 hectares of empty land near the Cituis River estuary in Surya Bahari village, Pakuhaji district, into a model fishing village as part of a pilot project.

Government to resume bond issue

Government to resume bond issueThe Jakarta Post, JakartaThe government announced on Friday it would sell Rp 2 trillion- worth of treasury bonds at an auction on July 27.Minister of Finance Boediono told a media conference that the indicative yield for the eight-year bonds was 11 percent.

How to be tolerant, in the right way

How to be tolerant, in the right wayRoy Voragen, Bandung Discussions on the Islamic headscarf (hijab) keep on returning in the headlines for the past two decades. These discussions are marked by a high density of trenches -- the different parties accuse each other of not being tolerant, of being...

HIV moms must not breastfeed

HIV moms must not breastfeedDewi Santoso, JakartaHIV positive mothers have been advised not to breastfeed their babies to avoid them contracting the virus.A HIVAIDS activist said on Friday that although the risk of being infected by the virus through breastfeeding was lower at about 30 percent than...

Police detain two suspects in BII scam

Police detain two suspects in BII scam JAKARTA: Police said on Friday they had arrested two suspects for their alleged roles in a Rp 31 billion bank scam involving the pension fund of fertilizer firm PT Pupuk Sriwijaya and Bank International Indonesia (BII).

Muhaimin Syamsuddin

Muhaimin Syamsuddin Jakarta2. Guy -- It is all a matter of timing 2 X 30 Timing of the essence to create effective legislative elections Medelina Hendytio, Budi Setiyono and Guy Janssen Jakarta

'We care when squatters are forcefully evicted'

'We care when squatters are forcefully evicted'World Population Day passed unobserved on July 11 in the capital, where squatters, who live on riverbanks or beneath overpasses and bridges, are blamed for annual flooding and the worsening condition of city infrastructure.

Sumatran tiger

Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae)There are about 400 Sumatran tigers throughout the world today, many in zoos in Europe, Australia and North America. The single largest population in the wild is found in the national parks, forest reserves and tiger conservation zones of Indonesia.

Revive the student loan scheme

Revive the student loan scheme The Jakarta Post reported this week that three students from Java were accepted into the Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB). On the surface, nothing is extraordinary about this good news -- there are thousands of other students in the country who are granted similar...

Papuan leaders want rights findings revealed

Papuan leaders want rights findings revealedFabiola Desy Unidjaja, JakartaPapuan religious leaders have urged the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) to reveal the findings of its probe into alleged human rights violations by soldiers and police in the troubled province.

PBSI candidates prepare for election

PBSI candidates prepare for electionDamar Harsanto and Eva C. Komandjaja, Jakarta The two candidates for the top post at the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) both claimed on Friday to have the support to win Saturday's election.

Workers shun onerous rules to enter Malaysia illegally

Workers shun onerous rules to enter Malaysia illegallyRidwan Max Sijabat, JakartaThe large number of Indonesians living and working illegally in Malaysia is closely connected with "the complicated and expensive formal procedures" at home, and the absence of strict law enforcement in the neighboring...

U.S. govt to seek custody of alleged Army deserter

U.S. govt to seek custody of alleged Army deserterAgencies, Washington/Jakarta/TokyoThe United States will ask the Japanese government for custody of an alleged Army deserter if he arrives in the country for medical treatment, the State Department said on Thursday.

Sumatran tigers on the verge of extinction

Sumatran tigers on the verge of extinctionJon Afrizal, JambiThe numbers of Sumatran tigers in the province of Jambi are increasingly dwindling due to poaching, conservationists say.About 100 of the tigers, or panthera tigris sumatrae, still live in local reservations.

Allow money politics

Allow money politicsFrom Bisnis IndonesiaOn 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.

A response to Joel D. Palmer's letter

A response to Joel D. Palmer's letter As one who owns a house in Indonesia and spends a great deal of time there, I find the comments from Joel D. Palmer, Jakarta, (Fear and loathing in Jakarta, CNN style, Your Letters, The Jakarta Post, July 14, 2004) to be a typical of the "head-in-the-sand"...

The first-class instruction of English as a second language

The first-class instruction of English as a second languageSetiono, Jakarta The status of English language as a lingua franca throughout the globe has compelled non-English-speaking countries to brace themselves for the free trade era.

Al-Zaytun case

Al-Zaytun caseFrom Koran TempoThousands of voters were taken in buses to 83 polling stations at Al-Zaytun Islamic Boarding School in Indramayu, West Java. Following this, protests were lodged and a stern measure taken by the commander of the Indonesian Military (TNI), Gen. Endriartono Sutarto.

Myanmar bugging

Myanmar bugging Recently, it was suspected that the Indonesian embassy in Yangon was bugged by the Yangon military junta, which would pose a challenge to ASEAN's "Constructive Engagement" approaches to Myanmar's junta.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 16, 2004

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 16, 2004 _____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ______________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades...

School no chore as domestic helpers learn their rights

School no chore as domestic helpers learn their rightsSlamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, YogyakartaSuparmi had to drop out of junior high a year ago, as her parents could no longer afford to pay her school fees.With limited skills she set out to find a job.

More attention for public transportation crew

More attention for public transportation crewFrom Suara KaryaI am a commuter who uses public transportation in Jakarta and I know full well what bus conductors and bus drivers do every day. As they play an important role in the city's public transportation, it is only proper that they are well-paid...

Simon Marcus Gower

Simon Marcus Gower Jakarta2. Setio -- Fallacies in teaching literacy 2 X 30 The first-class instruction of English as a second language Setiono Jakarta

Legislator calls on government to get tough on car smuggling

Legislator calls on government to get tough on car smugglingFadli, BatamAn outspoken legislator of the Batam Council has called on the central government to take action against the unchecked smuggling of used cars from Singapore and Malaysia, which has contributed to traffic congestion on the islet.

Modern hypermarkets vs. traditional markets

Modern hypermarkets vs. traditional marketsPatrick Guntensperger, Jakarta The emergence of a powerful force in retailing has caused some very reasonable concern among residents and merchants throughout the world and here in Jakarta.

Acehnese nabbed with marijuana

Acehnese nabbed with marijuana JAKARTA: Jagakarsa Police arrested two Acehnese men on Friday morning at a house in Parung, Bogor, where officers found eight kilograms of marijuana."The suspects are big dealers," said Jagakarsa Police chief of detectives First Insp.

UPN offers new study program

UPN offers new study programYOGYAKARTA: While most other privately run universities in the country are getting rid of their non-degree programs, the National Development University (UPN) Veteran Yogyakarta is offering a new non-degree program: D3 chemical engineering.

Scouts launch anti-trafficking drive

Scouts launch anti-trafficking driveINDRAMAYU, West Java: The Scout Movement in Indramayu began a four-day gathering on Thursday that will serve to kick off a campaign to fight human trafficking in the regency.

JP/7/LET

JP/7/LETDisappointed in PangandaranFrom KompasSome time ago, I went to Pangandaran beach with some friends. Unfortunately, the trip was spoiled by the bad conduct of a motorized vessel provider. We were told that for Rp 20,000 per person we could tour the Pangandaran waters, and for another Rp...

Tambak specialty: Duck sate and curry

Tambak specialty: Duck sate and curryAgus Maryono, Banyumas, Jawa TengahIf you travel along Jl. Raya Tambak in the Central Java regency, Banyumas, on the southern road route from Jakarta to Yogyakarta -- between Purwokerto and Kebumen to be precise -- you will surely notice dozens of street kiosks...

Young people shine at Betawi culture fiesta

Young people shine at Betawi culture fiestaSuzanne Plunkett, Associated Press/JakartaKenny has just strutted his stuff on stage at the amusement park. Now, the emcee grills him on his favorite local museum, and teases him about whether or not he has a girlfriend.

Arroyo may pay dear for hostage's life

Arroyo may pay dear for hostage's lifeStuart Grudgings, Reuters/ManilaBy withdrawing from Iraq, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has kissed goodbye any reputation she had as Asia's "iron lady", but her strong bond with Washington seems unlikely to unravel as a result.

Grilled for 9 hours, Nurdin Halid declared suspect in sugar scam

Grilled for 9 hours, Nurdin Halid declared suspect in sugar scamP.C. Naommy, JakartaConfederation of Primary Cooperative Associations (Inkud) chairman Nurdin Halid was declared a suspect in an illegal sugar scam after almost 10 hours of questioning on Friday.National Police chief of detectives Comr.

Singapore's export growth slower in June but 2004 forecasts raised

Singapore's export growth slower in June but 2004 forecasts raised Agence France-Presse Singapore Singapore's main exports grew 20.9 percent in June from a year ago, slower than the previous month's 27.7 percent, but the outlook for the rest of the year remains upbeat, the government said on Friday.

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, July 17, 2004

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, July 17, 2004Yogyakarta Arts Festival Dances: Sahita dance performances Iber-iber Tledhek Barangan (Pendopo Nitiprajan, 7:30 p.m., July 20), Sutopo and Widodo dances (Pendopo Nitiprajan, 7:30 p.m., July 20).