Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 23 July 2004

80 articles found

Indonesia turns down draft to revive WTO talks

Indonesia turns down draft to revive WTO talksZakki P. Hakim, Jakarta The Indonesian government has rejected a recent World Trade Organization (WTO) draft proposal aimed at reviving stalled global trade talks.

PPA says 32 investors to bid for Bank Permata

PPA says 32 investors to bid for Bank PermataRendi A. Witular, Jakarta Some 32 strategic local and overseas investors are expected to join the tender for a controlling stake in Bank Permata, the country's seventh largest lender in terms of assets, an official said.

2 heads

2 heads 1. GIRONA -- 1 x 40 Girona, paying homage to Dali's birthplace2. BANJAR -- 1 x 35 Recycle the leftover, why notWhy not recycle leftovers for reuse? Damar Harsanto Jakarta

Man jailed for striking RI maid

Man jailed for striking RI maidSINGAPORE: A supervisor was jailed for two months for repeatedly striking his Indonesian maid on the head and back with a television remote control, news reports said on Thursday.

Rp 7b earmarked for repatriations

Rp 7b earmarked for repatriationsSAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: East Kalimantan provincial government will earmark Rp 7 billion (US$ 736,842) to handle the imminent repatriation of Indonesian migrant workers from Malaysia.

PLN staff dominate power board list

PLN staff dominate power board listThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta Officials of state power firm PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) dominate the list of candidates for the board of the new power market regulator.

Palu church target of bombing hoax

Palu church target of bombing hoax PALU, Central Sulawesi: A church in East Palu was the target of a bomb hoax on Thursday, just two days after a female minister, Susianti Tinulele, was shot dead while giving sermon in Effata Church in South Palu.

City says no to dissolution of school committees

City says no to dissolution of school committeesDamar Harsanto, JakartaGovernor Sutiyoso said on Thursday that he supported the existence of school committees as a mediator between parents and school managements, rejecting the idea of dissolving them as recommended by several councillors.

Street carnival to close Jakarta's month-long fest

Street carnival to close Jakarta's month-long festLeony Aurora , JakartaA street carnival on Sunday will close the month of festivities held to commemorate Jakarta's 477th anniversary, which fell on June 22.

Rupiah ends lower amid regionwide weakness on Greenspan testimony

Rupiah ends lower amid regionwide weakness on Greenspan testimonyDow Jones, Jakarta The rupiah ended lower on Thursday, tracking losses in major Asian currencies following further upbeat testimony from U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan overnight.

Quick count is only prediction

Quick 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.

PPA says 32 investors vying for Permata

PPA says 32 investors vying for PermataRendi A. Witular Jakarta Some 32 strategic local and overseas investors are expected to join the tender for a controlling stake in Bank Permata, the country's seventh largest lender in terms of assets, an official said.

Bali named as world top resort island

Bali named as world top resort islandThe Jakarta Post, JakartaBali, the country's most famous resort island, has won the World's Best Island Award this year, a leading U.S. Travel+Leisure tourism magazine says.

Traditional allegiances 'inconsequential'

Traditional allegiances 'inconsequential'M. Taufiqurrahman, JakartaAfter this year's elections, Indonesian politics would not be polarized between the traditional ideological groupings of Islamists and nationalists, under which political parties formed rival coalitions to claim power, analysts said...

JP/4/PUTEH

JP/4/PUTEHPuteh may retain top Aceh posts: MinisterTiarma Siboro and Muninggar Sri Saraswati JakartaPuteh will still be free to resume his duties as Aceh governor and the province's civil emergency administrator, after the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has finished questioning him in a...

Many families still poor in Riau

Many families still poor in RiauPEKANBARU, Riau: Poverty remains a cause for concern in Riau province. A senior official at the provincial administration revealed on Thursday that 435,531 families in Riau province, or some 40 percent of total families in the province, were still listed as poor in...

Twilite Orchestra on stage again

Twilite Orchestra on stage againDamar Harsanto, JakartaThirteen years on, the Twilite Orchestra is very much alive and shining in a country where classical music has long fought for an audience.Conductor and director of the orchestra Addie MS works tirelessly to popularize classical music,...

Nurlaila's grilled for six hours

Nurlaila's grilled for six hoursTeacher Nurlaila of SMP 56 state junior high school in Melawai, South Jakarta, was questioned as a suspect at the Jakarta Police Headquarters on Thursday for six hours over multiple charges filed by the city administration.

Three pillars prevent militarism

Three pillars prevent militarismFrom Warta KotaFor 32 years Indonesia was under Gen. (ret) Soeharto. During this period, all choice positions were given to the military or those closely related to the military. Of course the New Order regime under Soeharto did gain some success in development.

1. WTO (2x20)

1. WTO (2x20) RI turns down draft to revive WTO talks 2. Permat (1x43) PPA says 32 investors to bid for Permata 3. Rating (2x18) S&P gives country positive rating 4. Bali (1x36) Bali named as world top resort island

1.FLU : 55 pt, 3 cols, 3 x 15

1.FLU : 55 pt, 3 cols, 3 x 15 Negligence causes new bird flu cases: Association 2. WIRANTO: 36 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 21 Wiranto demands total vote recount or Wiranto demands recount of the total vote 3.BLBI : 36 pt, 4 cols, 1 X 30 Sjamsul repays Rp 10.1t in BLBI funds or Sjamsul repays Rp 10.

Health center gets ISO certificate

Health center gets ISO certificate JAKARTA: The Tambora public health center in West Jakarta received on Wednesday the ISO 9001:2000 certificate for quality management."I expect that with better public service other health centers will also be able to qualify for certification," said Mayor Sarimun...

Susilo-Kalla begins search for coalition partner

Susilo-Kalla begins search for coalition partnerFabiola Desy Unidjaja, JakartaSusilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Jusuf Kalla began their search for coalition partners on Thursday, days after insisting that any political alliance would be made after the presidential election runoff.

Puteh 'can stay in Aceh top posts'

Puteh 'can stay in Aceh top posts'Tiarma Siboro and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, JakartaPuteh will still be free to resume his duties as Aceh governor and the province's civil emergency administrator, after the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has finished questioning him in a graft scam, a...

KPK needs support

KPK needs support Regular protests complaining about the performance of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) show that there is still some confusion among the public about the processes and functions of the KPK.

Bonix targets Athens medal

Bonix targets Athens medalEva C. Komandjaja, Jakarta Bonix Saweho, Indonesia's sole contender in the Athens Olympics boxing competition, said here on Thursday he had set sights on winning a medal in August.

Opposition mounts against Jakarta dumps

Opposition mounts against Jakarta dumpsThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Bogor/TangerangProducing at least 6,500 tons of garbage daily, Jakarta continues to face a crisis in its waste disposal amid increasing opposition against several planned city dumps and waste treatment facilities.

Sjamsul repays Rp 10.1t debt to govt

Sjamsul repays Rp 10.1t debt to govtFabiola Desy Unidjaja and Abdul Khalik, JakartaThe Attorney General's Office has halted its corruption investigation into Sjamsul Nursalim after the businessman repaid all Rp 10.

Asia states refuses to bow to EU demand over Myanmar

Asia states refuses to bow to EU demand over MyanmarAssociated Press, BangkokAsian nations are insisting that military-ruled Myanmar be included in an October summit with Europe, despite strenuous objections by the European Union (EU), Thailand's foreign minister told a visiting EU envoy on...

RI boys assured of berth in Milo finals

RI boys assured of berth in Milo finalsMoch. N. Kurniawan, Medan, North Sumatra Indonesia was assured of a place in the boys' final after five players managed to advance to the quarterfinals at the US$11,000 Milo Junior Indonesia Open badminton championships here on Thursday.

S&P gives country positive rating

S&P gives country positive ratingThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta Global rating agency Standard and Poor's (S&P) sees "positive bias" in the sovereign rating of Indonesia, along with four other Asia-Pacific countries.

Office praised for stopping terrorists

Office praised for stopping terroristsAbdul Khalik and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, JakartaPresident Megawati Soekarnoputri praised on Thursday the Attorney General's Office (AGO) for its success in bringing terror and drug trafficking suspects to justice over the last few years.

Government admits migrant workers not well protected

Government admits migrant workers not well protectedRidwan Max Sijabat, JakartaA government official and a labor observer said on Thursday the widespread abuse of Indonesian migrant workers (TKI) was caused by the absence of an integrated system of protection during their employment.

Police nab couple for selling ballot materials

Police nab couple for selling ballot materialsPuji Santoso, PekanbaruThe General Elections Commission (KPU) is scheduled to announce the final results of the vote count on July 26 but election materials have reportedly been sold in several areas.

4 heads

4 heads1. MALAY -- 3 x 18 Malaysia strict about 'Passion of the Christ' 2. PAUL -- 1 x 50 Films by legendary Orson Welles to be shown at TUK 3. SMITH -- 2 x 22 Will Smith sizzles once more in summer 4. ROBOT -- 1 x 40 'I, Robot' a slick sci-fi blockbuster

Rupiah Rates July 22

Rupiah Rates July 22 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 6,882.98 6,104.71 6,498.11 6,429.35 Brunei dollar 1 5,569.74 4,983.98 5,304.54 5,249.02 Canadian dollar 1 7,220.25 6,461.26 6,876.46 6,804.86 Swiss franc 1 7,644.19 6,839.88 7,280.22 7,203.

Indonesian leadership vital as ASEAN looks to future

Indonesian leadership vital as ASEAN looks to futureJusuf Wanandi, Jakarta Indonesia, as the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for 2003-2004, has made some major achievements, clearly showing that she can focus on her foreign policy without being distracted by domestic...

Indonesian leadership in

Indonesian leadership in ASEAN and its challengesJusuf Wanandi Jakarta 2. Purba -- 2 X 30

Malaysia strict about 'Passion of Christ'

Malaysia strict about 'Passion of Christ'Mark Bendeich, Reuters/Kuala LumpurIt broke box office records in parts of the Middle East, the heart of Islam, and is now screening in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim country.

Why not recycle leftovers for reuse?

Why not recycle leftovers for reuse?Damar Harsanto, JakartaRecycled plastic and paper has been around for awhile now, but ever heard of recycled food? Environmental activist Sari is among those who believe that leftovers should be eaten.

Cambodia tourist arrivals up 54.6%

Cambodia tourist arrivals up 54.6% PHNOM PENH: Tourist arrivals in Cambodia jumped 54.6 percent in the first six months of the year after a dismal 2003 and despite the regional bird flu crisis earlier in the year, officials said on Thursday.

UK investor to build power plant in Medan

UK investor to build power plant in MedanMEDAN, North Sumatra: Medan municipal government announced on Thursday that a Britain investor, along with its Indonesian counterpart, would jointly invest Rp 730 billion (US$ 76.8 million) on the construction of a power plant in the province.

*National Children's Day serves as dark reminder Page 2

*National Children's Day serves as dark reminder Page 2 *Govt admits to minimal protection for migrant workers Page 4 *Al-Zaytun exec. named suspect in press case Page 5 *Indonesian leadership vital as ASEAN looks to future Page 6 *Opposition mounts against Jakarta dumps Page 8 *Brazil meets...

1. WTO (2x20)

1. WTO (2x20) RI turns down draft to revive WTO talks 2. Permat (1x43) PPA says 32 investors to bid for Permata 3. Rating (2x18) S&P gives country positive rating 4. Bali (1x36) Bali named as world top resort island

Jindal Stainless buys Maspeon

Jindal Stainless buys MaspeonMUMBAI: Jindal Stainless Ltd., India's largest stainless steel producer, on Thursday said it bought Indonesian steel company Maspeon Stainless Steel for US$32 million.Jindal said in a statement to the Bombay Stock Exchange the Indonesian company will now be named PT...

Many families still poor in Riau

Many families still poor in RiauPEKANBARU, Riau: Poverty remains a cause for concern in Riau province. A senior official at the provincial administration revealed on Thursday that 435,531 families in Riau province, or some 40 percent of total families in the province, were still listed as poor in...

Negligence causes new bird flu cases: Association

Negligence causes new bird flu cases: AssociationZakki P. Hakim and ID Nugroho, Jakarta/Tulungagung, East JavaCarelessness on the part of farmers has been the main reason for the reoccurrence of avian influenza or bird flu in previously infected areas, according to one poultry industry leader.

Helping poor children through charity programs

Helping poor children through charity programsT. Sima Gunawan, Contributor, Jakarta For some children, rain means money. As the clouds hang in the sky, they get ready to "work" -- renting out umbrellas to those who need them.

Questioning the monorail

Questioning the monorailFrom Bisnis IndonesiaLast month's launch of the monorail project by the Jakarta administration has prompted much debate among residents.The question is whether the city administration did its homework before launching the project or if it just went straight into the...

BMW sells 929 cars as of June

BMW sells 929 cars as of JuneJAKARTA: PT BMW Indonesia said on Thursday it had sold 929 cars in the first half of the year, boosted by robust sales of the BMW 3-series, which accounted for up to 60.5 percent of the German- based car producer's total sales in this country.

Lawsuit filed against councillor

Lawsuit filed against councillorKUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Beni Jahang, a journalist who was recently intimidated and assaulted by a local councillor, filed suit with the police on Thursday against the councillor.

PSSI youth cup to begin Sunday

PSSI youth cup to begin Sunday JAKARTA: The Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) will kick off on Sunday its Suratin Cup -- an under-15 and under-18 national soccer championship.The Bogasari-sponsored, six-region competition will run until Aug.

Monas to house historic flag

Monas to house historic flagDamar Harsanto, JakartaGovernor Sutiyoso will resume the delayed Rp 3.5 billion (US$388,889) relocation of the Bendera Pusaka, a historic heirloom of the Indonesian people, from the State Palace to the National Monument (Monas).

Six nabbed over extortion

Six nabbed over extortion JAKARTA: Jakarta Police arrested six people claiming to be Mobile Brigade officers late on Wednesday for allegedly extorting money from people."We're still verifying whether they are policemen or not," city police spokesman Sr. Comr. Prasetyo said on Thursday.

Expats donate Rp 884 million

Expats donate Rp 884 million JAKARTA: The Women's International Club (WIC) distributed on Thursday some Rp 186 million (US$20,667) of the Rp 884 million it collected in last October's charity bazaar to 15 beneficiaries in the capital.

Mega receives new ambassadors

Mega receives new ambassadors JAKARTA: President Megawati Soekarnoputri received on Thursday the credentials of the new Vatican envoy and the Philippine ambassador to Indonesia.The Vatican has appointed Mgr.

JP/5/RENTEN

JP/5/RENTENPeople in Batam swimming with the loan sharksFadli BatamMany small-time traders and businesspeople in the Riau provincial city of Batam continue to turn to loan sharks when they need money, even though they know they will be charged exorbitant interest rates.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 22, 2004

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 22, 2004 __________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ___________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk...

Twelve tae kwon doins train in Korea

Twelve tae kwon doins train in Korea SEMARANG, Central Java: Twelve tae kwon doins from Central Java will be heading to South Korea on Friday to participate in a one-month training camp ahead of the National Games (PON) in September.The traveling team comprises seven women and five men.

World Bank criticized on birthday

World Bank criticized on birthdayThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Pekanbaru/YogyakartaHundreds of activists in three cities commemorated the 60th World Bank anniversary on Thursday by staging rallies to protest the bank's capital-driven policies and its economic interference in developing countries,...

UT enjoys strong sales amid robust mining sector

UT enjoys strong sales amid robust mining sectorRendi A. Witular, Jakarta Publicly listed heavy equipment supplier PT United Tractor (UT) said consolidated sales revenue rose by around 21 percent in the first semester of this year, primarily due to higher demand for heavy equipment from mining...

Police begin investigating Newmont mine pollution

Police begin investigating Newmont mine pollutionJongker Rumteh and Trisna Wahyuni, Manado/MataramThe National Police began on Thursday its investigation into the alleged pollution committed by mining company PT Newmont Minahasa Raya, believed to have led to the death of 30 Minahasa villagers since...

RI says no to WTO first draft

RI says no to WTO first draftZakki P. Hakim Jakarta The Indonesian government has rejected a recent World Trade Organization (WTO) draft proposal aimed at reviving stalled global trade talks.The draft, which includes an end to farm export subsidies, fails to meet the requests of developing...

Children's Day highlights dark side of city

Children's Day highlights dark side of cityThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Aceh/Semarang/MedanAs the traffic lights at Cempaka Putih overpass in Central Jakarta turn red, six-year-old Taufiq and his three friends hurry toward cars and motorcycles, begging for money while their mothers watch from a...

Drug suspect swallows evidence

Drug suspect swallows evidenceEvi Mariani, JakartaA drug suspect, Ariandino Reiza Pratama, 27, died on Thursday in unusual circumstances when being questioned by narcotics detectives at the South Jakarta Police precinct.

PRSI chairman Thantawi dies

PRSI chairman Thantawi dies JAKARTA: Chairman of the Indonesian Swimming Association (PRSI) Datuk Hakim Thantawi, 57, died of a heart attack on Wednesday night at Pertamina Hospital.Datuk was the current PRSI chair for the 2004-2006 term, as well as chairman of the Indonesian Dance Council (IODI)...

Aksara to hold int'l seminar

Aksara to hold int'l seminar JAKARTA: The Aksara Foundation will hold a two-day international conference titled "Law colloquium 2004 from insult to slander, defamation and the freedom of the press" on July 28 and July 29.

Kendari SAR team finds 3 more victims

Kendari SAR team finds 3 more victimsKENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: A search-and-rescue (SAR) team discovered on Thursday three more victims from a ship that sunk in the Banda Sea, who had been missing since the incident occurred on Friday last week.

1. 5ZAITUN (2x18)

1. 5ZAITUN (2x18) Al-Zaytun exec named suspect in press case 2. 5POLL (2x24) Police nab couple for selling ballot materials

Corruption in Indonesia: Culturally dictated?

Corruption in Indonesia: Culturally dictated?Patrick Guntensperger, Jakarta Just what is at the root of the pervasive corruption that is so much a part of Indonesian society? Why is Indonesia, of all the countries of the world, a perennial favorite in the corruption sweepstakes?Working from the...

Businessmen get 15 years in bank scam

Businessmen get 15 years in bank scamSari P. Setiogi and Urip Hudiono, JakartaBusinessmen Yudi Kartolo and Hartono Tjahjadjadja joined on Thursday three former branch managers of state bank BRI in prison after the two were convicted in a US$21 million scandal involving the bank and received a...

Indonesia remains poor

Indonesia remains poor There is good and bad news in the latest Human Development Report. It stated that Indonesia's human development index rose one level to 111th place out of 177 countries, but the country remains poor despite its abundant natural resources.

TV Today: Friday, July 23, 2004

TV Today: Friday, July 23, 2004 .TB.30" .90"TVRI .tb .30" .90" 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi7:00 Children Show: Pentas Ceria8:30 Music: Asik-Asik 10:30 Religious Teachings12:30 p.m. Music1:00 News: Berita Siang1:30 Traditional Comedy: Lenong Modern2:00 Music3:00 English News Service4:30 Pak Odor's...

Al-Zaytun exec named suspect in press case

Al-Zaytun exec named suspect in press caseNana Rukmana, IndramayuPolice here named a senior executive of the Al-Zaytun Islamic boarding school as a suspect on Thursday, for allegedly ordering that 13 journalists be forcibly removed from the campus in Indramayu, West Java.

Wiranto wants recount in light of polling breaches

Wiranto wants recount in light of polling breachesKurniawan Hari and Yuli Tri Suwarni, Jakarta/BandungThe recent prediction of Constitutional Court president Jimly Asshiddiqie that the losers of the presidential election would dispute the final tally, looked like it would become a reality on...

Making progress in corruption fight

Making progress in corruption fightW. Scott Thompson, Sukawati, Bali The problem about corruption is that it is a moving target. What is "corrupt" today was permissible yesterday. Standards change. My own country is sanctimonious today but some of history's greatest corruption took place on the...

Susilo pursues PhD at IPB

Susilo pursues PhD at IPB BOGOR, West Java: Presidential candidate Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Thursday took an exam at the Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB) in a bid to obtain a doctorate in agricultural economics.

Many children's problems remain unresolved

Many children's problems remain unresolvedThis special page is in observance of National Children's Day, which is commemorated on July 23 each year. This page looks at only a small number of the problems facing the country's children.

When workers have to use black magic to protect their livelihoods

When workers have to use black magic to protect their livelihoodsKornelius Purba, Jakarta In Hong Kong, Anna Kurnia, an Indonesian maid, lost her job after her employer found she planned to use black magic in a desperate attempt to stop the family from sacking her.

Tourist disappointed by illegal levies

Tourist disappointed by illegal levies I am Chinese. Indonesia and China are two great countries in Asia. This year I have had the chance to visit Indonesia twice. I'm entranced by Indonesia, with your life and your beautiful landscapes, especially Bali, which I am reminded of all the time.