Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 23 July 2004

80 articles found

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 Hadisaputra while presenting the certificate to the management of the health center, which is located at Jl. Krendang Utara No. 4, as quoted by city online news portal Beritajakarta.com.

Susilo-Kalla begins search for coalition partner

Susilo-Kalla begins search for coalition partner Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, Jakarta Susilo 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. Jusuf Kalla met with leader of the United Development Party (PPP) Hamzah Haz at the latter's private residence in Tegalan, Central Jakarta to look into the possibility of forming a coalition for the Sept. 20 election.

Puteh 'can stay in Aceh top posts'

Puteh 'can stay in Aceh top posts' Tiarma Siboro and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, Jakarta Puteh 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 minister has said. Chief security minister Hari Sabarno made the statement on Thursday, only a day after President Megawati Soekarnoputri issued an instruction to strip Puteh of his powers.

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. Since the establishment of the Commission, I myself have been wondering whether it will be capable of doing its job. In Indonesia, it is said that corruption has become part of the culture.

Bonix targets Athens medal

Bonix targets Athens medal Eva 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. The 24-year-old boxer from North Sumatra will compete in the 51-kilogram flyweight division along with other 31 boxers from around the world. "All the boxers competing in Athens will definitely be tough opponents -- no matter whether they're from Asia, America or Europe.

Opposition mounts against Jakarta dumps

Opposition mounts against Jakarta dumps The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Bogor/Tangerang Producing 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. Fresh opposition arose on Thursday, when about 300 Klapanunggal villagers of Bojong district, West Java, staged a rally at City Hall to oppose the construction of a 35-hectare waste treatment facility in the area.

Sjamsul repays Rp 10.1t debt to govt

Sjamsul repays Rp 10.1t debt to govt Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Abdul Khalik, Jakarta The Attorney General's Office has halted its corruption investigation into Sjamsul Nursalim after the businessman repaid all Rp 10.1 trillion of Bank Indonesia Liquidity Assistance (BLBI) funds his firms misused at the height of economic crisis in 1999. Attorney General M.A.

Asia states refuses to bow to EU demand over Myanmar

Asia states refuses to bow to EU demand over Myanmar Associated Press, Bangkok Asian 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 Thursday.

RI boys assured of berth in Milo finals

RI boys assured of berth in Milo finals Moch. 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. The home teenagers were through at the expense of their Chinese and South Korean opponents with Achmad Rivai setting up the biggest shock of the day.

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 10.1t debt to govt or Sjamsul repays Rp 10.1t to govt 4. SEPTEMBER : 36 pt, 6 cols, 1 x 42 U.S. failed to grasp al-Qaeda threat: Sept 11 panel

Office praised for stopping terrorists

Office praised for stopping terrorists Abdul Khalik and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, Jakarta President 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. Before hundreds of prosecutors, who were commemorating the 44th anniversary of the institution here, the President said criticism had been directed to the office because the public was uninformed about its achievements.

Government admits migrant workers not well protected

Government admits migrant workers not well protected Ridwan Max Sijabat, Jakarta A 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 materials Puji Santoso, Pekanbaru The 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. A man and his wife were arrested for allegedly selling at least two tons of perforated ballot papers and ballot boxes illegally in Pekanbaru, Riau province, police here said on Thursday.

4 heads

4 heads 1. 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 7,203.61 Danish krone 1 1,576.40 1,410.28 1,501.34 1,485.27 Euro 1 11,729.99 10,493.93 11,171.48 11,051.99 Poundsterling 1 17,571.57 15,728.49 16,734.92 16,564.92 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,225.27 1,096.91 1,166.93 1,155.24...

Indonesian leadership vital as ASEAN looks to future

Indonesian leadership vital as ASEAN looks to future Jusuf 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 developments. These achievements have also shown that foreign affairs bureaucrats and diplomats, in cooperation with the foreign affairs' intellectual community, can pull off something substantial.

Indonesian leadership in

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

Malaysia strict about 'Passion of Christ'

Malaysia strict about 'Passion of Christ' Mark Bendeich, Reuters/Kuala Lumpur It 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. But to view Mel Gibson's Passion of Christ in Malaysia, viewers must be Christian. No Muslims are allowed to see it.

Why not recycle leftovers for reuse?

Why not recycle leftovers for reuse? Damar Harsanto, Jakarta Recycled 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. "This drink is made from fermented rice mixed with coconut meat, water, and a pandanus leaf for flavor.

Quick count is only prediction

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.

PPA says 32 investors to bid for Bank Permata

PPA says 32 investors to bid for Bank Permata Rendi 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 birthplace 2. BANJAR -- 1 x 35 Recycle the leftover, why not Why not recycle leftovers for reuse? Damar Harsanto Jakarta

Man jailed for striking RI maid

Man jailed for striking RI maid SINGAPORE: 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. Muhamad Shafiq Woon Abdullah admitted in a Singapore court he physically abused the woman on several occasions between June and October 2002, The Straits Times said. The magistrate's court heard that Shafiq, 31, began striking Winarti, 22, about a month after she started working for him.

Rp 7b earmarked for repatriations

Rp 7b earmarked for repatriations SAMARINDA, 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. Hundreds of thousands of Indonesian migrant workers will be deported soon from Malaysia for entering the neighboring country illegally.

PLN staff dominate power board list

PLN staff dominate power board list The 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. Out of 13 candidates who passed the preliminary selection, eight were PLN officials, while the remaining five were either professionals or university lecturers, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources secretary general Luluk Sumiarso said.

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. Police were immediately called after an unidentified caller told an employee at the Bala Keselamatan church on Jl. Hasanuddin that there was a bomb in the compound.

City says no to dissolution of school committees

City says no to dissolution of school committees Damar Harsanto, Jakarta Governor 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. "If the committees do something wrong, please straighten them out. But do not dissolve the committees," he said.

Street carnival to close Jakarta's month-long fest

Street carnival to close Jakarta's month-long fest Leony Aurora , Jakarta A street carnival on Sunday will close the month of festivities held to commemorate Jakarta's 477th anniversary, which fell on June 22. The carnival is to feature a variety of parades, musical and dance performances, plus a jam session of 477 drummers and percussionists.

Rupiah ends lower amid regionwide weakness on Greenspan testimony

Rupiah ends lower amid regionwide weakness on Greenspan testimony Dow 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. After hitting an intra-day high of Rp 9,090, the dollar closed at 9,070, up from its close Wednesday at 9,010. Greenspan reiterated in Congress that the U.S.

Indonesia turns down draft to revive WTO talks

Indonesia turns down draft to revive WTO talks Zakki 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 countries, director of multilateral cooperation at the Ministry of Industry and Trade Djunari Inggih Waskito said on Thursday.

PPA says 32 investors vying for Permata

PPA says 32 investors vying for Permata Rendi 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 island The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bali, 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. Bali, which has now taken the top honor for the third year running, beating out dozens of top tourist destinations across the globe including the Galapagos Islands and Hawaii, which had to be content for fourth and fifth places respectively.

Traditional allegiances 'inconsequential'

Traditional allegiances 'inconsequential' M. Taufiqurrahman, Jakarta After 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 on Thursday. They told The Jakarta Post that short-term interests would instead prompt political parties to establish alliances ahead of and after the Sept. 20 presidential runoff.

JP/4/PUTEH

JP/4/PUTEH Puteh may retain top Aceh posts: Minister Tiarma Siboro and Muninggar Sri Saraswati Jakarta Puteh 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 minister has said.

Many families still poor in Riau

Many families still poor in Riau PEKANBARU, 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 2002. Head of the Family Planning Agency's Riau office Narlis Alamsyah said that those categorized as poor families had meals only once a day and lived in dwellings with a dirt floor. -- JP

Twilite Orchestra on stage again

Twilite Orchestra on stage again Damar Harsanto, Jakarta Thirteen 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, rearranging pop and Indonesian traditional songs for the orchestra. Its first concert of the year was held at Balai Sarbini in Central Jakarta on Monday.

Nurlaila's grilled for six hours

Nurlaila's grilled for six hours Teacher 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. She arrived at the headquarters at around 1:30 p.m., after school hours. While she was being questioned for the third times, dozens of her supporters, mostly students' parents, staged a protest outside the headquarters.

Three pillars prevent militarism

Three pillars prevent militarism From Warta Kota For 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. Now that the Soeharto era is over, the country is in the reform era, in which the military has undergone its own reform.

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

S&P gives country positive rating

S&P gives country positive rating The 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. The four others with positive rating outlooks are China, Thailand, Pakistan and the Cook Islands, the agency said in its latest report issued on Thursday.

Police begin investigating Newmont mine pollution

Police begin investigating Newmont mine pollution Jongker Rumteh and Trisna Wahyuni, Manado/Mataram The 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 1996. PT Newmont Minahasa Raya is a subsidiary of U.S. gold mining giant Newmont Mining Corporation.

RI says no to WTO first draft

RI says no to WTO first draft Zakki 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 countries, director of multilateral cooperation at the Ministry of Industry and Trade Djunari Inggih Waskito said on Thursday. "We are saying no to the first draft," Djunari told the press on Thursday.

Children's Day highlights dark side of city

Children's Day highlights dark side of city The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Aceh/Semarang/Medan As 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 distance. The suffocating heat hardly seems to worry them as they approach drivers and passengers, hoping for as little as Rp 100 (0.05 U.S. cents) from each.

Drug suspect swallows evidence

Drug suspect swallows evidence Evi Mariani, Jakarta A drug suspect, Ariandino Reiza Pratama, 27, died on Thursday in unusual circumstances when being questioned by narcotics detectives at the South Jakarta Police precinct. Police said Reiza died during questioning after he swallowed a white powder that was thought to be heroin. They said Reiza had hidden the heroin in his pants. However, Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr.

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) and the Indonesian Sports Society (FOMI). His funeral was held on Thursday afternoon at Karet Bivak Cemetery in Central Jakarta.

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 victims KENDARI, 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. They were Aris Triono, the captain of the Amami cargo ship, Yakub, a crewman, and Suharto, a passenger. They were found on Thursday floating in waters close to Menui Island, Central Sulawesi province.

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?

UT enjoys strong sales amid robust mining sector

UT enjoys strong sales amid robust mining sector Rendi 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 firms.

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. The National Development Planning Board (Bappenas) has thus proposed the establishment of a social development fund to speed up human development.

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 Pagi 7:00 Children Show: Pentas Ceria 8:30 Music: Asik-Asik 10:30 Religious Teachings 12:30 p.m. Music 1:00 News: Berita Siang 1:30 Traditional Comedy: Lenong Modern 2:00 Music 3:00 English News Service 4:30 Pak Odor's Show 5:00 Children Drama 6:00 TV Drama 7:00 News: Berita Nasional 7:30 TV Drama: Paviliun 21 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 9:30 Music: Blues 10:30 Live Show TPI 5:30 a.m.

Al-Zaytun exec named suspect in press case

Al-Zaytun exec named suspect in press case Nana Rukmana, Indramayu Police 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. Abdul Halim, a close aide of Al-Zaytun head A.S. Panji Gumilang, was charged with an attempt to curb press freedom over the incident on July 7, said Indramayu Police chief of detectives Adj. Comr. Siswanto.

Wiranto wants recount in light of polling breaches

Wiranto wants recount in light of polling breaches Kurniawan Hari and Yuli Tri Suwarni, Jakarta/Bandung The 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 Thursday, when the pairing of Wiranto-Solahuddin Wahid said the high number of electoral violations that had occurred made a recount essential.

Making progress in corruption fight

Making progress in corruption fight W. 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 road to industrialization there -- in the U.S.

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. He enrolled in the IPB post-graduate program in 2002 when he was still the coordinating minister for political and security affairs. When talking to the press after the exam, Susilo criticized people who obtained an academic degree without attending classes.

Many children's problems remain unresolved

Many children's problems remain unresolved This 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. Erita Narhetali, Contributor, Jakarta Every child in this world has the right to grow up in a family environment, in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding. But in Indonesia, many children still live in misery.

When workers have to use black magic to protect their livelihoods

When workers have to use black magic to protect their livelihoods Kornelius 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. The employers opened a small package sent by Anna's husband from Indonesia, containing dried flowers and a note explaining how a simple spell would ensure the family would not dismiss 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. However, one thing I found very disappointing was the behavior of your customs staff. In both visits, regardless of whether we were entering or departing, the staff asked for money from me and my friends.

Lawsuit filed against councillor

Lawsuit filed against councillor KUPANG, 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. In the lawsuit, JO, a councillor from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), was accused of having assaulted Beni, a journalist from Pos Kupang.

UK investor to build power plant in Medan

UK investor to build power plant in Medan MEDAN, 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. The coal-fired plant would be built in Belawan, close to Medan. The construction will start in August and will be completed next year, according to Medan Development and Planning Agency head Harmes Joni.

*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 Argentina in Copa final showdown Page 9 *Dazed Filipino hostage back home, thanks to president Page 11 *RI turns down draft to revive WTO talks Page 13 *Malaysia strict about Passion of the Christ Page 17

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 Maspeon MUMBAI: 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 Jindal Stainless Indonesia.

Many families still poor in Riau

Many families still poor in Riau PEKANBARU, 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 2002. Head of the Family Planning Agency's Riau office Narlis Alamsyah said that those categorized as poor families had meals only once a day and lived in dwellings with a dirt floor.

Negligence causes new bird flu cases: Association

Negligence causes new bird flu cases: Association Zakki P. Hakim and ID Nugroho, Jakarta/Tulungagung, East Java Carelessness 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 programs T. 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. You can easily find them in public places, outside office buildings or in shopping centers, such as in the parking lots of the Pondok Indah Mall in South Jakarta.

Questioning the monorail

Questioning the monorail From Bisnis Indonesia Last 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 construction. If it did conduct comprehensive research, it should inform the public of the results of its studies. For one thing, we have little information on the need for a monorail system.

BMW sells 929 cars as of June

BMW sells 929 cars as of June JAKARTA: 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.

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. According to the tourism ministry, arrivals totaled 482,390 over the six-month period, with 11.5 percent coming from South Korea, 10.5 percent from Japan and 9.6 percent from the United States.

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. 20, with 27 teams in the U-15 and 71 U-18 teams competing for Rp 200 million in cash prizes. Matches will be held in North Sumatra, Jakarta, East Java, Bangka Belitung, South Sulawesi and North Sulawesi.

Monas to house historic flag

Monas to house historic flag Damar Harsanto, Jakarta Governor 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). "The State Secretary has given the green light to continue the relocation of the historic flag to 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. Prasetyo said the suspects always claimed they were in a police raid when extorting money from people.

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. Among other beneficiaries, two individuals received artificial legs, three foundations got building renovations, two nursing homes were given jet water pumps and two foundations for handicapped children received three and six wheelchairs respectively.

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. Patabendige Don Albert Malcolm Ranjith as its new envoy to Indonesia, while the Philippines named Shulan O. Primavera to fill the ambassadorial post here. After the ceremony at Merdeka Palace.

JP/5/RENTEN

JP/5/RENTEN People in Batam swimming with the loan sharks Fadli Batam Many 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. The rampant practice of usury, known locally as renten, in Batam has been attributed to the complicated bureaucracy at local banks.

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 1,400 300 9,687,500 Adhi Karya 330 0 2,033,000 Adira Dinamika 2,450 -25 50,000 AGIS Tbk 85 -5 1,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 75 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 135 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 975 0 0 Alter Abadi Tbk 35...

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. "The outing is expected to forge further their skill for the PON in Palembang," Yahya Patu, an official of the Central Java Tae kwon do Association, said here on Thursday.

World Bank criticized on birthday

World Bank criticized on birthday The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Pekanbaru/Yogyakarta Hundreds 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, including Indonesia.

Businessmen get 15 years in bank scam

Businessmen get 15 years in bank scam Sari P. Setiogi and Urip Hudiono, Jakarta Businessmen 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 prison sentence which took effect immediately.