Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 6 July 2004

58 articles found

4 x 12

4 x 12 Police await Mega's OK to grill lawmaker JP/4/terror 2 x 35 Police accuse six terror suspects of hiding Malaysian 'masterminds' JP/5/jambi 1 x 35 Suspects named in Jambi graft case JP/5/egon 1 x 38 Volcano refugees subsist on cassava JP/4/walhi 1 x 36 Walhi to appeal Ladia Galaska ruling

Weather, eruption cause KPUDs to delay elections

Weather, eruption cause KPUDs to delay elections The Jakarta Post Padang/Medan/Kupang Bad weather and increased volcanic activity have meant voting was delayed in remote villages in Sumatra and East Nusa Tenggarra on Monday. Regional General Elections Commissions (KPUDs) delayed polls in two villages in West Sumatra and eight villages in North Sumatra as ballot papers and other election materials had not arrived.

Optimism marks historic election

Optimism marks historic election The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Over 130 million voters flocked to more than 570,000 polling stations across the country on Monday in the country's first direct election since it declared independence from the Netherlands in 1945. The elections, which mark a nearly complete transition to democracy after six years of ups and downs since authoritarian leader Soeharto stepped down, ran smoothly and peacefully from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m..

PLN to halt blackouts for vote count

PLN to halt blackouts for vote count PEKANBARU, Riau: The local unit of state-owned electricity company PLN in Riau pledged on Monday to temporarily stop the rolling blackouts that have been going on for the past month to ensure the presidential election passed off successfully. "We will make every effort not to cut supplies for five days after the election so as to ensure a smooth vote count," said Riau PLN spokesman Delvis in Pekanbaru.

Only Wiranto fails to woo neighbors

Only Wiranto fails to woo neighbors The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Neighbors proved on Monday they were faithful to presidential candidates, except for Wiranto, who is running under the Golkar Party flag. Wiranto and his wife, Rugaiya Usman, cast their votes at a polling station near their home in Bambu Apus, East Jakarta, which saw Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono top the tally with 82 votes. Wiranto, who partners Muslim figure Solahuddin Wahid, had to be content with 61 votes for second place.

China trains police from ASEAN nations

China trains police from ASEAN nations CHINA: China has started training police officers from Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Cambodia as part of efforts to boost security cooperation with ASEAN nations, state media said on Monday. Ten officers from Cambodia completed a training program run by China's Ministry of Public Security last week, becoming the first police officers from an ASEAN country to be instructed by China.

TV programs: Good or bad, overall?

TV programs: Good or bad, overall? From Republika The broadcast output of 11 national TV stations enables viewers to be kept informed of current events, enjoy live transmissions of football matches and broaden their horizons, from wildlife to religious duties and from fitness to home economy. On the other hand, some programs have negative implications.

Police await Maga's OK to question lawmaker

Police await Maga's OK to question lawmaker Abdul Khalik, Jakarta National Police Headquarters have postponed the questioning of Nurdin Halid, chairman of the Confederation of Primary Cooperatives Association (Inkud), in relation to a sugar smuggling case pending approval by President Megawati Soekarnoputri, a police general said on Monday. Questioning was initially scheduled for Tuesday. Comr. Gen.

1. PRESIDENT: 55 pt, 6 cols, 1 x 30

1. PRESIDENT: 55 pt, 6 cols, 1 x 30 Optimism marks historic election or Voters keen to pick next president 2. CANDIDATES: 40 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 20 Only Wiranto fails to woo neighbors 3. EURO: 36 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 23 Greece burns with pride as dream comes true 4. BOX STORY: 30 pt, 2 cols, 2 x 18 Sleepy Euro fans stumble to polls

Where to go in Bandung for Tuesday, July 6, 2004

Where to go in Bandung for Tuesday, July 6, 2004 Performances * Concert Nyanyian Seni by students of UPI, CCF (French Cultural Center), Jl. Purnawarman 32 (Tel. 022 4212417), 7:30 p.m., July 7. * Sundanese Traditional Performances, Teater Terbuka Balai Pengelolaan Taman Budaya, Jl. Bukit Dago Selatan No. 53 A (Tel. 022 2504912), 7:30 p.m., July 10. * French Festival Fete Nationale Francaise, featuring singing and cooking contests, CCF (French Cultural Center), Jl. Purnawarman 32 (Tel.

Sleepy Euro fans stumble to polls

Sleepy Euro fans stumble to polls Bambang Nurbianto, Jakarta The Euro 2004 final, including its celebration, ended less than three hours before the official start of voting at the country's nearly 600,000 polling stations at 7.a.m. Many voters and committee members of the polling stations did not want to miss the soccer final, broadcast live by a private TV station. Sleepy committee members of polling station No.

Maid's body arrives home

Maid's body arrives home BANDUNG: The remains of Lala Nurlaela, 28, an Indonesian domestic maid, finally arrived home on Sunday at the Soekarno- Hatta Airport, Jakarta, after being held for three months by the Saudi Arabian authorities. Her family in Bandung, West Java, confirmed on Monday they had received Lala's remains, and that the cause of her death was still unknown.

The corruptors just don't realize the severe damage they are doing

The corruptors just don't realize the severe damage they are doing Patrick Guntensperger, Jakarta It is, of course, both gratifying and encouraging to see some tough jail sentences imposed upon a few recently convicted criminals. The two former BRI branch heads who were convicted of embezzling over Rp 200 billion, much of which was public money, have been given sizable fines, an order to repay some of the stolen funds and a total of 24 years in prison between them.

Police accuse six terror suspects of hiding Malaysian 'masterminds'

Police accuse six terror suspects of hiding Malaysian 'masterminds' Abdul Khalik, Jakarta Six terror suspects arrested recently in the Central Java town of Sukoharjo hid Malaysian fugitives Azahari and Noordin Moh. Top in Jakarta last year, police said on Monday. National Police chief of detectives Comr. Gen.

The Jenkins to reunite in RI

The Jenkins to reunite in RI Agencies, Tokyo/Jakarta A Japanese woman abducted to North Korea decades ago and repatriated in 2002 will be reunited this week with the family she left behind in the reclusive communist state, a human drama that could help Japan's ruling party in an election on Sunday. Hitomi Soga will meet her two daughters and husband, Charles Jenkins, a former U.S.

Death of a nation under global trade

Death of a nation under global trade Alexander C. Chandra, Jakarta Indonesia will soon have to renegotiate its position in the World Trade Organization (WTO) nonagricultural market access agreement (NAMA). This agreement was a product of the Doha Mandate, which, primarily, regards development as the central issue, particularly for developing countries. In reality, however, negotiations on the NAMA have so far neglected the needs of developing countries in achieving their developmental objective.

China, India, RI become the focus of AIDS battle in Asia

China, India, RI become the focus of AIDS battle in Asia Agence France-Presse, Hong Kong Three Asian countries that are alone home to 40 percent of humanity are at risk of seeing the HIV/AIDS epidemic jumping from narrow risk groups into the broader population, experts warn. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) have warned that India, China and Indonesia are in danger of seeing serious HIV outbreaks among their more than 2.5 billion people.

Misleading report misleads?

Misleading report misleads? Your report Businessman clarifies 'misleading' reports (The Jakarta Post, June 26) is in itself an attempt to mislead the Indonesian community regarding the legal dispute between our client, Rowe Evans Investments Plc. subsidiary PT Pangkatan Indonesia, and Rahmat Shah over the contract of sale of a plantation land in North Sumatra.

Police nab gamblers

Police nab gamblers JAKARTA: Jakarta Police detectives have arrested dozens of gamblers in a week-long operation in several parts of the capital. The arrest was made after a tip-off from residents. The police also seized Rp 9 million (US$968) cash, along with dozens of calculators and lottery forms. Police said in their report a suspected gambling den operator "WS" had been arrested on Tuesday on Jl. Pintu Besar Selatan, Glodok, West Jakarta.

Chinese traditions spice up Jakarta Fair

Chinese traditions spice up Jakarta Fair Leony Aurora, Jakarta The boy was just five years old, yet he performed the kung fu steps of the drunken god last Friday with great skill. The audience applauded as he twirled around and, with a swift strike, ended up lying on the red carpet. The boy is part of a 19-strong Shaolin kung fu group summoned from South China to spice up the 2004 Jakarta Fair in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta.

TV Program: Tuesday, July 6, 2004

TV Program: Tuesday, July 6, 2004 TVRI .TB.30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:30 Pop Music 8:00 Family's Skill 8:30 Music: Asyik Asyik 10:00 Talk Show: Agribiz 11:00 Singing Contest: Konteswara 12:00 p.m.

Delible ink used in presidential election

Delible ink used in presidential election The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Semarang/Yogyakarta The use of delible ink marred the presidential election on Monday, with the General Elections Commission (KPU) vowing to demand an explanation from the four companies appointed to supply the poll material. "The quality of the ink is very poor, it is easy to clean off," said Yuliastuti in Semarang, showing her left little finger that no longer had an ink stain.

*Business observers cautiously laud peaceful election Page 2

*Business observers cautiously laud peaceful election Page 2 *Police await Mega's OK to grill lawmaker Page 5 *Can the UN succeed with its global antigraft drive? Page 7 *Transport council not going anywhere: Expert Page 8 *Iraqi PM pledges no interference in Saddam's trial Page 10 *Greece crowned Euro champions Page 12 *Pertamina says fuel problems resolved Page 13 *Australia creates world's largest reef sanctuary Page 17

Suspects named in Jambi graft case

Suspects named in Jambi graft case Jon Afrizal, Jambi Jambi Police announced on Monday they have named three suspects in a Rp 5.2 billion (US$577,777) graft case in Sarolangung regency. The money was allocated in the regental budget to finance the Ponton port development project. The three suspects are project chief Bustami, contractor Ayong alias Suwandi and an unidentified supervisor. Sarolangun Regent M.

Police vow to get tough on vice

Police vow to get tough on vice BOGOR: Bogor Police chief Sr. Comr. Bambang Wasgito promised to get tough on gambling and prostitution in the municipality. "Just wait and see what we do in the near future," he said following a commemoration ceremony on Saturday for the National Police's anniversary. Prominent figures and Muslim scholars in the municipality have reported an increase in gambling and prostitution in Bogor. -- Antara

Minor violations mark first direct presidential election

Minor violations mark first direct presidential election The Jakarta Post, Surakarta/Padang/Jakarta Violations ranging from allegations of bribery to providing underage people with fake IDs occurred across the country during Monday's election. In the Central Java town of Surakarta, a man identified as Bejo Siswo Mulyono, was handed over to the police Sunday night for allegedly offering cash to residents of Kedunglumbu village in Pasar Kliwon districts in exchange for the promise of their votes.

Weather, eruption cause KPUDs to delay elections

Weather, eruption cause KPUDs to delay elections The Jakarta Post, Padang/Medan/Kupang Bad weather and increased volcanic activity have meant voting was delayed in remote villages in Sumatra and East Nusa Tenggarra on Monday. Regional General Elections Commissions (KPUDs) delayed polls in two villages in West Sumatra and eight villages in North Sumatra as ballot papers and other election materials had not arrived.

NGO questions budget for market renovation

NGO questions budget for market renovation The Tangerang Government Watch (TGW) organization questioned the municipality's decision to disburse funds of Rp 2.8 billion (US$297,872) out of its annual budget for the renovation of Pasar Anyar. TGW director Tonny Wismantoro argued that all the facilities in the market complex were the responsibility of management firm PD Pasar and its designated contractor, PT Cikupa Raya Semesta.

Subway system suggested

Subway system suggested From Koran Tempo The time has come for Jakarta to build a subway system and road tunnels to overcome traffic jams and the growing number of motor vehicles in the city. These means of public transportation can be found in nearly all capital cities in the world and, in my view, they are at present both feasible and appropriate for Jakarta. Finally, I wish to express my best wishes to Jakarta, my place of birth, on the occasion of its 477th anniversary.

Where to go in Bandung for Tuesday, July 6, 2004

Where to go in Bandung for Tuesday, July 6, 2004 Performances * Concert Nyanyian Seni by students of UPI, CCF (French Cultural Center), Jl. Purnawarman 32 (Tel. 022 4212417), 7:30 p.m., July 7. * Sundanese Traditional Performances, Teater Terbuka Balai Pengelolaan Taman Budaya, Jl. Bukit Dago Selatan no. 53 A (Tel. 022 2504912), 7:30 p.m., July 10. * French Festival Fete Nationale Francaise, featuring singing and cooking contests, CCF (French Cultural Center), Jl. Purnawarman 32 (Tel.

1. ELECT: 3 LINES, 15 COUNTS

1. ELECT: 3 LINES, 15 COUNTS Business observers cautiously laud peaceful election 2. PANWAS: 2 LINES, 27 COUNTS Minor violations mar first direct presidential election 3. SUSUL: 2 LINEs, 32 COUNTS Pope on mountain holiday to rest 4. TOKYO: 1 LINE, 27 COUNTS Megawati asked to host reunion 5. PRJ: 1 LINE, 32 COUNTS Chinese traditions spice up Jakarta Fair

Bogor mayor warns officials on schools

Bogor mayor warns officials on schools BOGOR: A circular from Mayor Diani Boediarto has become the talk of city officials, especially those with children about to enter new schools. All agency heads and civil servants received the circular on school admissions on June 24. Toward the end of the circular, Diani told officials "not to enroll your children at schools whose admission requirements they cannot meet".

Oil rises, as OPEC may delay output hike

Oil rises, as OPEC may delay output hike Agence France-Presse, London Oil prices rose on Monday amid increasing signs that the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) could hold back on a planned production hike next month. The price of reference Brent North Sea crude oil for delivery in August climbed 41 U.S. cents to US$36.33 per barrel in early deals in London.

Analysts see brief rally in JSX

Analysts see brief rally in JSX The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Monday's peaceful presidential elections will provide positive sentiment for the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX), but that will likely be temporary as market players realize that the true battle lies ahead in the second-round election in September.

Environmentalists to sue regent over reclamation

Environmentalists to sue regent over reclamation Multa Fidrus, Tangerang Environmentalists from the group Public Interest Environmental Lawyers (Piels) will file a lawsuit against Regent Ismet Iskandar over environmental damage caused by reclamation works at Dadap beach, Kosambi district.

Transport council 'not going anywhere'

Transport council 'not going anywhere' Damar Harsanto, Jakarta Urban activists and transportation observers criticized the laggard establishment of the bylaw-sanctioned City Transportation Council amid concerns that high-cost transportation projects carried out by the administration this year remained unmonitored.

Indramayu probes attacks on officials

Indramayu probes attacks on officials INDRAMAYU, West Java: The Indramayu administration will immediately investigate an attack on two of its official cars by a mob in Rancamulya village, Gabuswetan district, officials said on Monday. Administration head of legal affairs Muhammad Rahmat said he was assigning a team of lawyers to collect information on the attack from witnesses.

Walhi to appeal Ladia Galaska ruling

Walhi to appeal Ladia Galaska ruling P.C. Naommy, Jakarta The Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) is planning to appeal a district court ruling that dismissed its lawsuit against the government over the controversial Ladia Galaska road project. In the ruling on Saturday, judges at the Banda Aceh District Court said that Walhi had not presented hard evidence that the road project would cause environmental damage within the Leuser National Park, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam province.

JP/1/hour

JP/1/hour NDI declares Susilo's victory: The National Democratic Institute (NDI) announced that according to its "quick count" on Monday the pair of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Jusuf Kalla would certainly contest the runoff on Sept. 20. However, it could not determine whether the rival ticket of Megawati Soekarnoputri-Hasyim Muzadi or Wiranto-Solahuddin Wahid would challenge Susilo in the second round.

Pertamina says fuel problems resolved

Pertamina says fuel problems resolved Fitri Wulandari, Jakarta State oil and gas firm PT Pertamina said the fuel supply problems that have been affecting some areas of the country were due to technical problems rather than low fuel stocks. The company gave assurances that national fuel stocks were sufficient and that the supply problems had been resolved. "There is no fuel shortage at present.

Against populist programs

Against populist programs Thirty-four economists from the University of Indonesia expressed great concern last week over what they saw as the unrealistic economic visions and programs promoted by the five presidential candidates over the past month of campaigning. The economists said most of the economic programs put forward by the candidates were short-term populist measures that could damage the long-term foundation of the economy.

Focus Issue: Furniture, May 4, 2004

Focus Issue: Furniture, May 4, 2004 Caption: Photo A: Furnifair Rattan furniture designs have improved over the years. To protect the rattan furniture industry, the government recently imposed a ban on the exportation of unprocessed and half-processed rattan. Photo B: Furnifair A rattan phone table and chair. Photo C: Decorus Contract A designer sofa gives a polished look to this lounge room.

'Quality education comes at a price'

'Quality education comes at a price' Many people have criticized the government for neglecting education and it has yet to meet its lofty target of allocating 20 percent of the national budget to education. The government has said 2009 would be the earliest year it could increase the allocation to the 22.5 percent maximum from the current 3.49 percent. The Jakarta Post asked some Jakartans how they dealt with providing proper education for their children.

Weather conditions delay polls

Weather conditions delay polls The Jakarta Post, Padang/Medan/Kupang Bad weather and increased volcanic activity have meant voting was delayed in remote villages in Sumatra and East Nusa Tenggarra on Monday. Regional General Elections Commissions (KPUDs) delayed polls in two villages in West Sumatra and eight villages in North Sumatra as ballot papers and other election materials had not arrived.

Apkindo protests logging quota cut

Apkindo protests logging quota cut Tony Hotland, Jakarta Local logging industry players are objecting to the government's decision to cut the logging quota again for next year, saying the decision could leave the domestic timber industry hanging by a thread and that it will be ineffective in protecting the natural forests.

TV Program: Tuesday, July 6, 2004

TV Program: Tuesday, July 6, 2004 TVRI .TB.30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:30 Pop Music 8:00 Family's Skill 8:30 Music: Asyik Asyik 10:00 Talk Show: Agribiz 11:00 Singing Contest: Konteswara 12:00 p.m.

1. Fuel (1x37)

1. Fuel (1x37) Pertamina says fuel problems resolved 2. Log (1x30) Apkindo protests logging quota cut 3. Aussie (2x20) Australia, Thailand sign free trade deal 4. Susul (4x10) Oil rises, as OPEC may delay output hike

Education is for the rich

Education is for the rich From Koran Tempo When delivering an election campaign address in Saburai Square, Bandar Lampung, on June 28, vice presidential candidate Jusuf Kalla promised to provide more financial assistance to schoolchildren of poor parents. "Poor students will enjoy free education. Rich students will not enjoy free education but will have to pay more," he said.

U.S. Medan office to reopen

U.S. Medan office to reopen MEDAN, North Sumatra: The United States plans to reopen its Consulate General in Medan, North Sumatra, before the end of the year, after being officially closed since 1996. "We hope the U.S. Consulate will be reopened, and that there will be no changes to the plan," said chief representative Paul S. Berg during celebrations to mark U.S. independence day in Medan on Sunday.

Commission amends decree to validate double-punctures

Commission amends decree to validate double-punctures The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Yogyakarta/Denpasar The General Elections Commission (KPU) prompted on Monday an amendment to its decree on valid votes, declaring that a puncture on the cover of a ballot paper was acceptable. The move sparked confusion and debate, as the decree was signed and circulated throughout the country only moments after a great number of polling stations had closed.

Terrorists may attack U.S., Asian allies, say experts

Terrorists may attack U.S., Asian allies, say experts Sean Yoong, Associated Press/Kuala Lumpur Al-Qaeda-linked terrorist groups such as Jamaah Islamiyah could try to launch biological or chemical attacks against U.S. allies and secular Muslim governments in Asia using widely available materials, security experts warned on Monday.

The Japanese and RI independence war

The Japanese and RI independence war Chisato Hara's interesting article, Legacy of Japanese 'Merdeka' veterans lives on, published in The Jakarta Post on Sunday, June 27 -- about the Japanese who fought for Indonesia after the end of World War II -- leaves out a very pertinent question or two.

Business observers cautiously laud peaceful election

Business observers cautiously laud peaceful election Dadan Wijaksana, Jakarta The economy should benefit from the peaceful presidential election on Monday, as it will increase investor's confidence in the country, experts say. However, they quickly added that it would not immediately translate into a higher direct-investment flow as most investors would maintain a wait-and-see attitude -- possibly holding back until after the anticipated runoff on September 20.

Volcano refugees subsist on cassava

Volcano refugees subsist on cassava Yemris Fointuna, Kupang Villagers who fled a volcanic eruption on Flores island are languishing in refugee camps, and have started consuming cassava, while many of their children are suffering respiratory problems, an official said on Monday. The refugees had also been forced to delay casting their votes in Monday's direct presidential election as Mount Egon in Sikka regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), continued to be dangerous.

Deepening the integration of Southeast Asia

Deepening the integration of Southeast Asia Yayan GH Mulyana, Bogor, West Java The 37th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM), which took place in Jakarta this week marked a new "punctuated equilibrium" in the process towards a more integrated Southeast Asia. A new chapter in the evolution of ASEAN began when the AMM agreed to the Plan of Action for the ASEAN Security Community, initially drafted by Indonesia. The process towards the ASEAN community has long been on the way.

Clash in Aceh, calm elsewhere

Clash in Aceh, calm elsewhere The Jakarta Post, Aceh/Palu/Papua/Ambon Sporadic gunfights and alleged voter intimidation marked the historic presidential election on Monday in war-torn Aceh, but National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar said the security situation remained generally calm in conflict areas throughout the country.

2 x 23

2 x 23 Deepening the integration of Southeast Asia Yayan GH Mulyana Bogor, West Java 2. Kavi --The EAC vs the ACD: Which one will have the edge? 1 X 30 EAC vs ACD: Which will have the edge? Kavi Chongkittavorn The Nation Asian News Network Bangkok

City like ghost town as election fever strikes

City like ghost town as election fever strikes Evi Mariani and Multa Fidrus, Jakarta/Tangerang Usually a bustling metropolis, Greater Jakarta was more like a deserted city most of the day as office workers stayed home to cast their vote at polling stations in the first direct presidential election on Monday. Few vehicles were seen on the city's roads and at intersections, which are often traffic traps for motorists. Roads are usually quiet only at Idul Fitri. Polling booths were open from 7 a.m.