Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 19 July 2004

74 articles found

Child abuse still rampant: Activist

Child abuse still rampant: Activist Dewi Santoso, Jakarta The 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 by, the number of cases of child abuse continued to be high, as the law on child protection was inadequate. Enacted in September 2002, Law No.

Use of gas in cars drops as support wanes

Use of gas in cars drops as support wanes Fitri 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. "Maintenance is easier and cheaper when using gasoline compared to gas.

Sutiyoso

Sutiyoso named new PBSI chairman Eva 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. Sutiyoso replaced outgoing chairman Chairul Tanjung for the 2004-2008 term with the challenging task ahead of raising Indonesia's badminton performance.

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, abstained in the first round of the presidential election on July 5. He went to a polling station but did not exercise his right to vote.

The Jenkins family arrive in in Japan

The Jenkins family arrive in in Japan Agencies, Tokyo/Jakarta Gripping 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 fate. "Welcome home!" a crowd of waiting journalists shouted. Charles Robert Jenkins' daughters smiled shyly as they followed behind.

Nahdlatul Ulama politics should be reinterpreted

Nahdlatul Ulama politics should be reinterpreted Muhaimin 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. The medals were awarded to three senior high school students: Mulyono and Budi CH -- both from Kediri in East Java -- as well as Ni Komang Darmiyastini from Singaraja, Bali. Indonesia sent four students to compete against participants from 43 countries.

Jordan challenges S. Korea in Asian Cup

Jordan challenges S. Korea in Asian Cup Associated 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. South Korea is one of the favorites to win the 16-nation tournament, despite being without captain Yoo Sang-chul and key defender Song Chong-gug.

1. HDI: 2 LINES, 15 COUTS

1. HDI: 2 LINES, 15 COUTS Crisis, debt blamed for RI's low HDI 2. 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. BEER: 1 LINE, 32 COUNTS Beer firms turn to Muslim consumers

Crisis, debt blamed for RI's low HDI

Crisis, debt blamed for RI's low HDI M. Taufiqurrahman, Jakarta A 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 Singapore Dadan Wijaksana, Singapore Having 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 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.

'Nurdin, Puteh cases window dressing'

'Nurdin, Puteh cases window dressing' Abdul Khalik, Jakarta Although 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 runoff presidential election. Legal expert Luhut M.

People impressed by honesty

People impressed by honesty From Suara Karya The 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. A candidate should not feel too worried about any efforts made by the campaign teams of their rivals. People know who they will elect, and will not be easily influenced. They will simply listen to their own consciences.

Medical tests empty govt job seekers' wallets

Medical tests empty govt job seekers' wallets Multa Fidrus, Tangerang Hundreds of would-be civil servants in the Tangerang Regency have complained about the expensive medical checkups required for the application process. The administration will consider civil servants for vacancies from July 20 to July 22.

Jakarta Fair surpasses targets, closes to fanfare

Jakarta Fair surpasses targets, closes to fanfare Leony Aurora , Jakarta The 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$ 33.4 million) in transactions were completed, far surpassing the targets. PT Jakarta International Expo project director Ralph R. Scheunemann said that, as of Sunday afternoon, the last day of the fair, 210,000 people had bought tickets.

Presidential aspirant ready to lose

Presidential aspirant ready to lose From Koran Tempo The 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. president, Jimmy Carter, praised the organization of the presidential election. In a democracy, presidential aspirants who are not elected by the people must accept this fact magnanimously.

Second busway corridor yet to break ground

Second busway corridor yet to break ground Bambang Nurbianto, Jakarta The 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 Central Jakarta. Agency head Fodly Misbach previously said that work would start early this month, on five kilometers of the corridor along Jl.

Beer firms eye Muslim consumers

Beer firms eye Muslim consumers Tony Hotland, Jakarta The 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. But add that to excessive taxes and slipping consumer purchasing power, and the only logical thing left for them to do is to turn to producing nonalcoholic beverages instead.

'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. Danang, 27, is an employee at an IT company on Jl. Cideng Barat, Central Jakarta.

ICR offers riding package at Phillip Island circuit

ICR offers riding package at Phillip Island circuit The 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". "If you want to ride a motorcycle like a championship racer, don't try it until you get proper training from qualified persons, in particular those with first-hand experience," ICR vice chairman Guillaume Catala said in a release here on Saturday.

Maluku refugees await promised aid

Maluku refugees await promised aid M. Azis Tunny, Masohi Refugees from the Maluku conflict are still living precariously despite hundreds of billions of rupiah allotted by the central government to alleviate the problem. In 2003, the government reportedly provided funds of Rp 176 billion (US$20 million) in addition to Rp 30 billion given in an earlier addition to the budget. This money does not include assistance from non-governmental organizations, donors and foreign aid.

Marty, the voice of RI foreign policy

Marty, the voice of RI foreign policy Fabiola 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. They also sometimes accompanied reporters to the airport when the minister wanted to talk to the press after their arrival from an overseas trip.

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 living Bruce 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 look at the reality of what apartments have to offer. In a streamlined, downsized world, apartments are at center stage.

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 more space to covering AIDS eradication and prevention. Gere encouraged governments, ordinary people and celebrities to support AIDS treatments and prevention.

RI, Japan agree to export control

RI, Japan agree to export control Zakki P. Hakim, Jakarta Indonesia 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.

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. Across every region, confidence levels have fallen 6 percent since the start of the year, according to the McKinsey Global Survey of Business Executives in Singapore.

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. The medals were awarded to three senior high school students: Mulyono and Budi CH -- both from Kediri in East Java -- as well as Ni Komang Darmiyastini from Singaraja, Bali. Indonesia sent four students to compete against participants from 43 countries.

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" expat. His opinion almost mirrors that of the cleric, Abu Bakar Ba'asyir, who claims the bombings were the work of the CIA and that there is no such organization as JI.

JP/7/LET

JP/7/LET Quick Count is only Prediction From Koran Tempo The 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. Those doubting this method should point out where the error in it lies. The quick count method has been adopted by Indonesia's young researchers, and they are always ready to put at stake their credibility in this respect.

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 firms to resume open-pit mining in protected forests.

Agustina Wayansari/Hendarsyah Tarmizi

Agustina Wayansari/Hendarsyah Tarmizi The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Major 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. Hotel Borobudur, which manages the Garden Wing apartments, is renovating its apartments to take the advantage of the more favorable market.

Asian stocks seen mixed this week

Asian stocks seen mixed this week Agence France-Presse, Jakarta/Singapore/Japan Indonesian 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. "We see that the upward movement may be capped below 770 because historically that is a very strong trend-line resistance," said Arianto Reksoprojo, senior analyst at Trimegah Securities.

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 clause Rendi 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 immediate bankruptcy.

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. "He fell from his bed this morning and died upon arrival at the hospital sometime before noon," one of Albert's cousins, Yuliantino Situmorang, told The Jakarta Post.

Female reverend shot dead in Palu

Female reverend shot dead in Palu Irvan NR, Palu An 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. Susianti Tinulele, the 29-year-old reverend, was shot dead while delivering a sermon. The unknown assailant showered bullets on dozens of churchgoers, seriously injuring four of them. Adj. Sr. Comr.

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. "Moreover, there no master spatial plan has been designed for the port area, either by the port operator or the North Jakarta administration.

PKS: Finally triumphant

PKS: Finally triumphant From Republika As 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. The public image of the PKS has been slightly tarnished, due to some of its top leaders' support of Wiranto. For the public, the PKS is an Islamic party, which is pro-reform and against the New Order.

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 to follow up by holding other meetings and providing better health and financial support for scavengers in Jakarta.

checked

checked FOR FOCUS ISSUE -- APARTMENT Buyers' Preference Survey: Location remains buyers' main consideration Apartments 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. More than 40 new apartment projects have been built during the past two years, providing a total of 21,000 units, according to data issued by Procon property consulting company.

Sumatra's forest in a critical state

Sumatra's forest in a critical state Jon 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. The wood from Jambi and Riau goes into luxurious houses and to manufacture furniture.

'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, Jakarta The 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 Puteh Nani 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 greatly affect their lives. President Megawati Soekarnoputri made up her mind last week to replace Aceh Governor Abdullah Puteh, who has been declared a suspect in a corruption case.

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. "We have prioritized 150 damaged schools along the north coast because the area is affected by poverty and needs better education facilities," head of the regental spatial agency, Benyamin Davnie, was quoted as saying by Tempo News Room news portal on Sunday.

Abstentions could reach 30%: Expert

Abstentions could reach 30%: Expert The Jakarta Post, Malang, East Java The level of abstentions in the runoff presidential election on Sept. 20 could reach a staggering 30 percent of registered voters, a scholar has predicted. Political analyst from Yogyakarta-based Gadjah Mada University Ichlasul Amal said on Saturday people who would not vote in the runoff election were those who had seen their choices lose in the first round of polling on July 5.

Enriched biscuits for 300,000 pupils

Enriched biscuits for 300,000 pupils Sari P. Setiogi, Jakarta About 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 plan to help the government alleviate malnutrition in the country, the WFP disclosed on Sunday.

No word yet on Ayodhya's execution

No word yet on Ayodhya's execution MEDAN, 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 month, his lawyer said. The lawyer, Hadiningtyas, said he had not received any letters from the office on the execution date.

Prosecutor drops case against Hasan Tiro

Prosecutor drops case against Hasan Tiro Associated Press, Stockholm A 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. Tiro, 80, and two other exiled leaders of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) are accused by Indonesia of staging assassinations, bombings and kidnappings.

Poor students ask for help to study

Poor students ask for help to study Sari P. Setiogi, Jakarta One 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. Kiki Setya Dewi, 18, a high school graduate recently had to turn down a seat at the Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB). Her father, a retiree, could not pay entrance and tuition fees amounting to Rp 5.475 million (US$613).

Tangerang opts to build, not repair, roads

Tangerang opts to build, not repair, roads With 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$15.11 million) road stretching for 30 kilometers from Serpong to Tigaraksa. The regent asked residents to support the project, which also will include the construction of a 250-meter bridge over the Cisadane River in Kranggan village, Cisauk district.

* 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 the lead in British Open Page 9 * Death toll mounts in Yemen clashes Page 11 * Gas for transportation going downhill as support wanes Page 13 * Marty Natalegawa, voice of RI foreign policy Page 20

Government to file lawsuits against 10 Riau companies

Government to file lawsuits against 10 Riau companies Puji Santoso, Pekanbaru A 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 investigator says. The team consists of National Police officers, prosecutors and officials of the Office of the State Minister of the Environment.

More attention for public transportation crew

More attention for public transportation crew From Suara Karya I 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 for their jobs. Unfortunately, tight competition among public transportation companies has resulted in public transportation crews being rather poorly paid.

Govt eyes higher oil revenue

Govt eyes higher oil revenue The 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 million for 2004 compared to $10.5 million last year. "The high crude oil prices compensates for the decline in oil output.

Bekasi to develop bay area into industrial port town

Bekasi to develop bay area into industrial port town Wahyuana, Bekasi The 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. Regent Saleh Manaf said over the weekend his administration had hired a consultant from the Netherlands, the Dutch Environment Technology Consultant (Detec), to conduct a feasibility study for the project.

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. 8, 1967, binding them together into a regional institution to secure peace, freedom, and prosperity for their peoples.

Navy patrol boat to secure Papua

Navy patrol boat to secure Papua MANOKWARI, 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. Surachman, recently said the construction of the patrol boat was to strengthen the fleet of the central Naval Base V in Jayapura.

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, 2004 TVRI .TB.30" .90" 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Children Show: Pentas Ceria 8:30 Music: Asyik Asyik 10:00 Dialogue 11:00 Singing Contest: Konteswara 11:30 Doing Business 12:00 p.m. Documentary 1:00 News: Berita Siang 3:00 English News Service 4:00 Children Drama 7:00 News: Berita Nasional 8:00 TV Drama: Pondokan 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 9:30 Jazz 10:30 Music 11:00 Talk Show: Mimbar Indonesia TPI 5:30 a.m.

Australia 'must help SE Asia counter terrorist threat'

Australia 'must help SE Asia counter terrorist threat' Agence France-Presse, Sydney, Australia A 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 opposition vowed on Sunday.

Tension grips Poso after murder

Tension grips Poso after murder Irvan NR, Poso Tension returned to the restive regency of Poso, Central Sulawesi province, on Sunday, following a bomb explosion and two separate murders on Friday and Saturday. The explosion occurred on Saturday night, only 20 minutes after an unknown assailant stabbed to death Helmy Tombiling, the wife of a military officer.

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

S'pore PM Goh says may have role in new cabinet Jennifer Tan, Reuters/Singapore Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, who steps down next month, said on Sunday he may have a role to play in the next government. Goh was speaking a day after announcing he would hand power to his deputy, Lee Hsien Loong, on Aug. 12, marking the second transition of power in modern Singapore history. Goh said Lee had told him he would have a role to play in government after stepping down.

Mega says PDI-P must work harder to win runoff

Mega says PDI-P must work harder to win runoff Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, Jakarta Indonesian 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. Citing the fact that the Megawati-Hasyim Muzadi ticket only won in seven provinces in the election on July 5, Megawati urged party leaders to hit the streets and meet their constituents.

Photo: A

Photo: A JP/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. Photo: B Puri Casablanca The Puri Casablanca apartment complex provides a beautiful swimming pool for its residents. According to a survey, a swimming pool is one of the most important factors in attracting tenants.

Opposition Forces

Opposition Forces From Republika Although 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 of Representatives. In this way, our democracy will be more dynamic and the House will no longer be a place for horse trading.

Underdogs Indonesia snarls at Qatar in Asian Cup

Underdogs Indonesia snarls at Qatar in Asian Cup Agence France-Presse, Beijing The 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. Frenchman Philippe Troussier confirmed his decision to step down as Qatar coach at the end of the tournament after seeing his team beaten 2-1 by Indonesia in an upset opening defeat.

Malaysia to start new course on racial ties

Malaysia to start new course on racial ties Malaysian 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. The course, tentatively entitled "Ethnic Relations in Malaysia," would help young Malaysians understand and respect each other, Higher Education Minister Shafie Mohamad Salleh said.

Germany bounces back to beat Japan at v'ball GP

Germany bounces back to beat Japan at v'ball GP Moch. 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 Saturday. Entering the match at the Senayan Indoor Stadium following its defeat to Cuba on Friday, Germany initially looked jittery, dropping the first game.

Tycoon Oei is all the talk in Singapore

Tycoon Oei is all the talk in Singapore Jake Lloyd-Smith, Associated Press/Singapore He'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. He's now a wine-sipping, smartly dressed tycoon who's been the talk of Singapore this week. Oei Hong Leong has been splashed all over the city-state's media: smiling over a surprise business deal and looking somber during a gritty libel trial.

Timing of the essence to create effective legislative elections

Timing of the essence to create effective legislative elections Medelina 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 available to witness the recount. During the legislative elections such concerns were not raised by election observers.

JP/7/LET

JP/7/LET Disappointed in Pangandaran From Kompas Some 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 10,000 we would be taken to the protected forest area. We agreed to take three modest motorized boats. Unfortunately, we found the forest neglected.

Soldiers kill three GAM members

Soldiers kill three GAM members BANDA 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. Asep Sapari said skirmishes occurred in three separate locations: Peusangan, Bireun district; Kampung Alue Suke, North Aceh; and Krueng Sabre, West Aceh. One separatist was killed in Alue Suke, the two others in Geni, Krueng Sabre, he said.