Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 19 July 2004

74 articles found

Asia-Pacific executives concerned over near-term economic outlook

Asia-Pacific executives concerned over near-term economic outlook Global executives have become less upbeat about the economic outlook, but concerns are most pronounced in the developed Asia- Pacific economies, a survey showed on Saturday.

Beer firms eye Muslim consumers

Beer firms eye Muslim consumersTony Hotland, JakartaThe fact that Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world was not, and perhaps is still not, a major deterrent for alcoholic drink producers here in marketing their products.

'It's about instan success, not hard work'

'It's about instan success, not hard work'Talent shows in the form of singing, beauty and modeling contests have become increasingly popular recently, attracting big audiences with corporations lining up to be sponsors. The Jakarta Post ask some residents about their opinion of this phenomena.

ICR offers riding package at Phillip Island circuit

ICR offers riding package at Phillip Island circuitThe Jakarta Post Jakarta The Australia-based International Circuit Riders has launched the world's first Grand Prix riding academy to teach the general public how to ride "like a championship racer".

Maluku refugees await promised aid

Maluku refugees await promised aidM. Azis Tunny, MasohiRefugees from the Maluku conflict are still living precariously despite hundreds of billions of rupiah allotted by the central government to alleviate the problem.

Marty, the voice of RI foreign policy

Marty, the voice of RI foreign policyFabiola Desy Unidjaja and Kornelius Purba, Jakarta Until 2002, most spokesmen for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs acted as officials whose main duty was to deny press reports about the ministry or to blame the media for misquoting their boss.

RI urges stop to West Bank wall

RI urges stop to West Bank wall JAKARTA: Indonesia has urged the United Nations Security Council and its General Assembly to take measures against Israel's construction of a wall in the West Bank, in the case that the Jewish state ignored the International Court of Justice (ICJ) decision.

Looking to the skies for the home above it all

Looking to the skies for the home above it all OR The ups and downs of apartment livingBruce Emond The Jakarta Post Jakarta-------------------------------------------- Many of us are putting aside our misty dreams of the three- bedroom with the white picket fence, and instead taking a long, hard...

Richard Gere and AIDS campaign

Richard Gere and AIDS campaign American actor Richard Gere was among the main speakers in a recent packed international conference on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome or AIDS, held in Bangkok. He called for the press to take a greater role in fighting the deadly disease, asking them to devote...

RI, Japan agree to export control

RI, Japan agree to export controlZakki P. Hakim, JakartaIndonesia must implement an export control mechanism on "sensitive items", otherwise it might meet difficulties in importing goods from developed countries, a discussion last week between the Indonesian and Japanese governments concluded.

Second busway corridor yet to break ground

Second busway corridor yet to break groundBambang Nurbianto, JakartaThe city public works agency has apparently strayed from its schedule to begin widening the road designated for the second busway corridor, from Pulo Gadung bus terminal in East Jakarta to the National Monument (Monas) park in...

JP/4/scene19

JP/4/scene19 RI takes bronzes in biology Olympiad JAKARTA: Indonesia won three bronze medals at the International Biology Olympiad held this week at the University of Queensland, Brisbane, it was reported on Saturday.

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"...

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.

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...

Agustina Wayansari/Hendarsyah Tarmizi

Agustina Wayansari/Hendarsyah Tarmizi The Jakarta Post/JakartaMajor apartment complexes are gearing up for face-lifts and more aggressive sales campaigns to anticipate a surge in demand, following the nation's peaceful direct presidential election.

Asian stocks seen mixed this week

Asian stocks seen mixed this weekAgence France-Presse, Jakarta/Singapore/JapanIndonesian shares, which fell marginally last week, are expected to strengthen this week pushed by Telkom, carmaker Astra International and resource companies, dealers said over the weekend.

2 heads

2 heads 1. MARTY -- 1 x 35 Marty, the voice of RI foreign policy 2. OEI -- 1 x 42 Tycoon Oei is all the talk in Singapore

Govt mulls omission of restructuring clause

Govt mulls omission of restructuring clauseRendi A. Witular, Jakarta Government officials and legislators now deliberating a revision to the Bankruptcy Law are likely to drop proposed articles that would allow companies with financial difficulties to undergo restructuring first, instead of facing...

1. HDI: 2 LINES, 15 COUTS

1. HDI: 2 LINES, 15 COUTS Crisis, debt blamed for RI's low HDI2. SOCCER: 2 LINES, 21 COUNTS Underdog Indonesia snarls at Qatar in Asian Cup 3. JENKINS: 2 LINES, 16 COUNTS The Jenkins family arrives in Japan 4. POSO: 1 LINE, 27 COUNTS Female reverend shot dead in Palu 5.

Child abuse still rampant: Activist

Child abuse still rampant: ActivistDewi Santoso, JakartaThe country's legal system is unable to protect child victims of domestic violence, an activist says.Office manager of the National Commission for Child Protection (Komnas Anak) Rachma Fitriati said, although accurate figures were hard to come...

Use of gas in cars drops as support wanes

Use of gas in cars drops as support wanesFitri Wulandari and Muninggar Saraswati, Jakarta Taxi driver H.R. Thajim prefers premium gasoline to compressed natural gas (CNG) for his taxi even though he has to spend Rp 60,000 (US$6.8) a day on gasoline compared to Rp 20,000 ($2) a day if he used gas.

Sutiyoso

Sutiyoso named new PBSI chairmanEva C. Komandjaja Jakarta Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso won the chairmanship of the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) on Saturday after contender Dahlan Iskan withdrew his bid just before the votes began during an extraordinary meeting here.

To vote or not to vote?

To vote or not to vote? Unlike in the past, people nowadays are brave enough to abstain from voting during general elections. Nobody is afraid to abstain during this era of "democracy".Former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid, who was unable to launch his presidential bid due to illness,...

The Jenkins family arrive in in Japan

The Jenkins family arrive in in JapanAgencies, Tokyo/JakartaGripping a cane and looking haggard, an American accused of deserting the U.S. Army and defecting to North Korea arrived in Tokyo on Sunday with his wife and two North Korean-born daughters after flying from Indonesia to face an uncertain...

Nahdlatul Ulama politics should be reinterpreted

Nahdlatul Ulama politics should be 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.

RI takes bronzes in biology Olympiad

RI takes bronzes in biology Olympiad JAKARTA: Indonesia won three bronze medals at the International Biology Olympiad held this week at the University of Queensland, Brisbane, it was reported on Saturday.

Jordan challenges S. Korea in Asian Cup

Jordan challenges S. Korea in Asian CupAssociated Press, Jinan, China The pressure will be on World Cup semifinalist South Korea to live up to its star billing on Monday when it takes on tournament newcomer Jordan in an Asian Cup soccer Group B match in the eastern Chinese city of Jinan.

Senior journalist Albert passes away

Senior journalist Albert passes away JAKARTA: A senior journalist from Suara Pembaruan, Albert Situmorang, died on Sunday at Mitra Kemayoran hospital, Central Jakarta, following a heart attack. He was 53 years old.

Crisis, debt blamed for RI's low HDI

Crisis, debt blamed for RI's low HDIM. Taufiqurrahman, JakartaA United Nations official and a scholar have blamed the prolonged economic crisis and the vicious cycle of the nation's debt on the failure of Indonesia to increase its human development index.

MarkPlus expands business into Singapore

MarkPlus expands business into SingaporeDadan Wijaksana, SingaporeHaving opened an office in Singapore and marked its existence in the offshore market, top marketing strategy consultant MarkPlus&Co remains upbeat about facing much stiffer competition in the region's most dynamic business hub.

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.

'Nurdin, Puteh cases window dressing'

'Nurdin, Puteh cases window dressing'Abdul Khalik, JakartaAlthough law enforcers have stepped up a gear in their corruption investigations involving lawmaker Nurdin Halid and Aceh Governor Abdullah Puteh, skepticism remains widespread that the cases are merely political commodities ahead of the...

People impressed by honesty

People impressed by honestyFrom Suara KaryaThe provisional results of the presidential election on July 5, show that extraordinary campaign teams were not necessary to win. What counted was honesty, and the honesty of a candidate was what encouraged people to vote for them.

Medical tests empty govt job seekers' wallets

Medical tests empty govt job seekers' walletsMulta Fidrus, TangerangHundreds of would-be civil servants in the Tangerang Regency have complained about the expensive medical checkups required for the application process.

Jakarta Fair surpasses targets, closes to fanfare

Jakarta Fair surpasses targets, closes to fanfareLeony Aurora , JakartaThe 2004 Jakarta Fair in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, ended with smiles on organizers' faces, as 2.25 million visitors showed up and more than Rp 300 billion (US$ 33.

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.

Mega says PDI-P must work harder to win runoff

Mega says PDI-P must work harder to win runoffFabiola Desy Unidjaja, JakartaIndonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) leader Megawati Soekarnoputri told her party's members to work harder to support her bid for president in the runoff on Sept.20.

Govt eyes higher oil revenue

Govt eyes higher oil revenueThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta Soaring crude oil prices mean the government expects higher revenue from oil and gas operations this year despite a drop-off in production.The Oil and Gas Upstream Regulatory Body (BP Migas) estimates oil and gas revenue may reach close to US$12...

Bekasi to develop bay area into industrial port town

Bekasi to develop bay area into industrial port townWahyuana, BekasiThe Bekasi regency administration plans to build a new residential and industrial zone, to be called Kota Teluk Jakarta, or Jakarta Bay Town, in north Bekasi.

Part 1 of 2: The ASEAN model of economic integration

Part 1 of 2: The ASEAN model of economic integrationRomeo 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.

Navy patrol boat to secure Papua

Navy patrol boat to secure PapuaMANOKWARI, Papua: The Indonesian navy is building a KAL 36 speedboat in fiberglass and a Caterpillar to increase coastal patrols in the eastern waters off West Irian Jaya, Papua.The head of the Manokwari naval maintenance and repair facility, Col.

1. Law (1x43)

1. Law (1x43) Govt mulls omission of restructuring clause 2. Migas (1x28)Govt eyes higher oil revenue 3. Nabiel (1x42)Use of gas in cars drops as support wanes 4. WTO (2x26) WTO officials make new trade round proposal

TV Program: Monday, July 19, 2004

TV Program: Monday, July 19, 2004TVRI .TB.30" .90" 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi7:00 Children Show: Pentas Ceria8:30 Music: Asyik Asyik10:00 Dialogue11:00 Singing Contest: Konteswara 11:30 Doing Business12:00 p.m.

Australia 'must help SE Asia counter terrorist threat'

Australia 'must help SE Asia counter terrorist threat'Agence France-Presse, Sydney, AustraliaA Labor government would switch Australia's counter-terrorist focus from the Middle East, where the U.S. has many allies, to Southeast Asia, where Islamic militancy is an "extremely serious threat", the...

Tension grips Poso after murder

Tension grips Poso after murderIrvan NR, PosoTension returned to the restive regency of Poso, Central Sulawesi province, on Sunday, following a bomb explosion and two separate murders on Friday and Saturday.

S'pore PM Goh says may have role in new cabinet

S'pore PM Goh says may have role in new cabinetJennifer Tan, Reuters/SingaporeSingapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, who steps down next month, said on Sunday he may have a role to play in the next government.

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...

Photo: A

Photo: AJP/Mulkan Salmona A motorbike rider speeds along Jalan Casablanca, South Jakarta, where many high-rise apartment buildings are located. The apartments along the thoroughfare are among the most sought after in Jakarta thanks to their strategic locations.

Opposition Forces

Opposition ForcesFrom RepublikaAlthough the official results of the presidential election are yet to be announced, the final ranking of all five candidates is almost certain.Therefore, those who lose in this election should not be discouraged because they can serve as opposition forces in the House...

Underdogs Indonesia snarls at Qatar in Asian Cup

Underdogs Indonesia snarls at Qatar in Asian CupAgence France-Presse, BeijingThe underdogs bared their teeth at the Asian Cup on Sunday as three-time champions Saudi Arabia were held by debutante Turkmenistan while Indonesia scored an upset victory over Qatar.

Malaysia to start new course on racial ties

Malaysia to start new course on racial tiesMalaysian university students will soon have to take a compulsory course on racial relations amid fears of a widening gap among races in the country, reports said on Sunday.

Germany bounces back to beat Japan at v'ball GP

Germany bounces back to beat Japan at v'ball GPMoch. N. Kurniawan and Eva C. Komandjaja Jakarta The German women bounced back from their opening loss to defeat Japan 3-1, while Cuba enjoyed a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Russia in the second series of the World Volleyball Grand Prix here on...

Tycoon Oei is all the talk in Singapore

Tycoon Oei is all the talk in SingaporeJake Lloyd-Smith, Associated Press/SingaporeHe's the son of one of Indonesia's most prominent businessmen. He received part of his education at the hands of China's Red Guards in the 1960s.

Timing of the essence to create effective legislative elections

Timing of the essence to create effective legislative electionsMedelina 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...

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...

North coast schools prioritized

North coast schools prioritized TANGERANG: Tangerang administration has allocated Rp 70 billion (US$7.8 million) from its budget for the renovation of at least 219 elementary schools, most of which are located along the north coast.

Female reverend shot dead in Palu

Female reverend shot dead in PaluIrvan NR, PaluAn unknown assailant shot dead a female reverend on Sunday night during a sermon at Effata Church in the Central Sulawesi capital of Palu, some four hours away from the restive regency of Poso.

Sutiyoso stops construction at port

Sutiyoso stops construction at port JAKARTA: Governor Sutiyoso has ordered state port operator PT Pelabuhan Indonesian (Pelindo) to stop the construction of shop houses on Jl. Enggano, Tanjung Priok, as the firm had not obtained building permits.

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.

Activists acknowledge need for recycling

Activists acknowledge need for recycling JAKARTA: Green activists met on Saturday in Banjarsari, West Cilandak, South Jakarta, to join in a discussion on waste reduction in the city.Sponsored by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the participants agreed...

checked

checked FOR FOCUS ISSUE -- APARTMENT Buyers' Preference Survey: Location remains buyers' main considerationApartments have become an important alternative as a place to live for many Indonesians, as indicated in the continued increase in apartment sales during the past few years.

Sumatra's forest in a critical state

Sumatra's forest in a critical stateJon Afrizal, Jambi"Protected" forests in the country are increasingly at risk from illegal logging and one, the Bukit Duabelas National Park in Sumatra, is now in a critical conditional, environmental data says.

'Top brass won't be mired in E. Timor case'

'Top brass won't be mired in E. Timor case'Tiarma Siboro and Abdul Khalik, JakartaThe imprisonment of former East Timor governor Abilio Soares is maintaining the immunity of military top brass in the gross human rights violations in the former Indonesian province in 1999, a rights campaigner says.

Acehnese feel sideline over Puteh

Acehnese feel sideline over PutehNani Afrida and Tiarma Siboro, Banda Aceh/Jakarta Acehnese people will again have to face the bitter reality of the government's failure to consult and to take into account their aspirations every time it takes a major policy decision, even though the decision will...

Soldiers kill three GAM members

Soldiers kill three GAM membersBANDA ACEH, Aceh: The Indonesian Military (TNI) has said its troops killed three Free Aceh Movement (GAM) separatists on Saturday following gunfights that erupted during a routine patrol.Aceh military spokesman Lt. Col.

Abstentions could reach 30%: Expert

Abstentions could reach 30%: ExpertThe Jakarta Post, Malang, East JavaThe level of abstentions in the runoff presidential election on Sept. 20 could reach a staggering 30 percent of registered voters, a scholar has predicted.

Enriched biscuits for 300,000 pupils

Enriched biscuits for 300,000 pupilsSari P. Setiogi, JakartaAbout 300,000 elementary school students in the country, particularly those who live in conflict areas, will soon be given a daily ration of 50 grams of enriched biscuits at school, as part of the UN World Food Program's (WFP) three-year...

No word yet on Ayodhya's execution

No word yet on Ayodhya's executionMEDAN, North Sumatra: As of Sunday, no notification has yet been issued by the Attorney General's Office on when the death sentence against drug convict Ayodhya Prasadh Chaubey will be carried out, although the Indian national is to be executed by the end of this...

Prosecutor drops case against Hasan Tiro

Prosecutor drops case against Hasan TiroAssociated Press, StockholmA Swedish prosecutor has dropped an investigation of the exiled leader of the Aceh rebel movement, saying the aging Hasan Tiro no longer controls the group, news reports said on Sunday.

Poor students ask for help to study

Poor students ask for help to studySari P. Setiogi, JakartaOne of the ironies of the country's education system is the fact that millions of children, who wish to continue with their studies, are forced to drop out, as their parents cannot afford to pay their school fees.

Tangerang opts to build, not repair, roads

Tangerang opts to build, not repair, roadsWith residents complaining about the damaged roads in the regency, Tangerang Regent Ismet Iskandar attended a ceremony marking the beginning of construction on a new Rp 136 billion (US$15.

* RI, Japan agree to export control mechanism Page 3

* RI, Japan agree to export control mechanism Page 3 * Nurdin and Puteh cases seen as window dressing Page 4 * Tension grips Poso after a string of murders Page 5 * Nahdlatul Ulama politics should be reinterpreted Page 6 * Bekasi to develop bay area into industrial port town Page 8 * Hamilton keeps...

Government to file lawsuits against 10 Riau companies

Government to file lawsuits against 10 Riau companiesPuji Santoso, PekanbaruA government team will soon submit the case files of three companies that have allegedly damaged the environment to the prosecutor's office, as part of its plan to file a Rp 2 trillion (US$213 billion) lawsuit, an...