Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 8 July 2004

59 articles found

U.S. Independence Day

U.S. Independence Day I often ask myself as an Indonesian why is it that every time I hear the American national anthem, I feel as if something inside me, a spirit of renewal and resolution, is born. Perhaps as was also experienced by the founding fathers of this republic, American ideals of liberty and the right of every citizen to pursue happiness and the freedom of worship have never ceased to appeal to people with democratic aspirations.

U.S. Independence Day

U.S. Independence Day I often ask myself as an Indonesian why is it that every time I hear the American national anthem, I feel as if something inside me, a spirit of renewal and resolution, is born. Perhaps as was also experienced by the founding fathers of this republic, American ideals of liberty and the right of every citizen to pursue happiness and the freedom of worship have never ceased to appeal to people with democratic aspirations.

Cambodia backs Myanmar over ASEM

Cambodia backs Myanmar over ASEM CAMBODIA: Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen strengthened Southeast Asia's collective stance behind Myanmar on Wednesday, saying he would not join an Asia-Europe forum unless the military-ruled state was also admitted. The spat between the European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) over Myanmar threatens to scuttle a biennial Asia-Europe summit meeting (ASEM) scheduled for October in Hanoi.

The Jenkins family to see dream come true in Jakarta

The Jenkins family to see dream come true in Jakarta Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, Jakarta The administration of Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, who will face an upper house election on Sunday, has chartered a special plane to fly U.S. Army sergeant Charles Robert Jenkins -- who Washington says is a deserter -- and his two daughters from Pyongyang to Jakarta on Friday, to reunite with his Japanese wife Hitomi Soga.

Team to split military, civilian suspects

Team to split military, civilian suspects JAKARTA: The joint team probing the July 27, 1996 attack on the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) office in Central Jakarta decided on Wednesday to split the case files of military suspects and civilians in order to facilitate the investigation. There will be three separate case files for the military suspects including former Jakarta military commander Let. Gen. (ret) Sutiyoso and former National Intelligence Body chief Maj. Gen.

Civil servants fired for absenteeism

Civil servants fired for absenteeism PALU, Central Sulawesi: Palu Mayor Suardin Suebo fired on Wednesday 15 civil servants for excessive absenteeism and for being active members of political parties. The 15 civil servants consist of several elementary school teachers, an employee of the Palu education office, employees of the Palu Municipal Secretariat, employees of the Palu Environmental Impact Management Body and employees of the Palu Culture and Tourism Office.

Cosmetic products seized in Pekanbaru

Cosmetic products seized in Pekanbaru PEKANBARU, Riau: Officials from the Pekanbaru Food and Drug Monitoring Agency have confiscated from stores here thousands of cosmetic products manufactured in China and Taiwan. "We seized the products because they were illegal. The products were never registered with the health ministry and we even found some samples containing mercury, which is dangerous for humans," said Maringan Silitonga, the head of the agency, on Wednesday. -- JP

New Volvo SUV is ready for tough journeys

New Volvo SUV is ready for tough journeys Novan Iman Santosa, Jakarta, novan@thejakartapost.com Swedish carmaker Volvo is best known here for its luxurious sedans provided for our ministers and other high-ranking state officials. Currently, those officials are driven around in the S90 sedans, which are modified versions of the S960. As the new trend in automotive industry is shifting toward sports utility vehicles (SUV), Volvo has released its own, the Volvo XC90.

Bird flu comes back to haunt Asia

Bird flu comes back to haunt Asia Ben Rowse Agence France-Presse Hanoi Bird flu has come back to haunt Asia, just months after governments rushed to declare victory over the disease that killed 24 people and decimated poultry stocks across the region. China, Thailand and Vietnam have all reported fresh outbreaks of avian influenza, confirming earlier warnings by international disease control experts that the virus would strike again.

Sidoarjo councillors in hot seat over Rp 21b graft charges

Sidoarjo councillors in hot seat over Rp 21b graft charges ID Nugroho, Sidoarjo, East Java A prosecutor asserted on Wednesday that all 45 councillors on Sidoarjo regental council could be implicated in graft allegations involving Rp 21 billion (US$ 2.2 million). In a court session here, prosecutor E. Supriehanto said that the councillors had received state money allegedly embezzled by council speaker Ustman Ikhsan, who was being prosecuted as a defendant in the high-profile case.

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.

Current oil prices lower than 1980: BP

Current oil prices lower than 1980: BP The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The recent surge in oil prices that recently reached a high of US$40 a barrel in real terms was actually half the price level reached in 1980 due to a weaker dollar and adjustments for inflation, Europe's leading energy firm BP Plc announced. Michael D. Smith, BP's head of energy analysis, said oil prices in 1980 would be equivalent to $80 a barrel today.

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;JP;CD; ANPAk..r.. Democratizing religious bureaucracy JP/6/ALI Democratizing religious bureaucracy Muhamad Ali Jakarta The Indonesian Conference on Religion and Peace (ICRP) recently issued a "moral political contract", urging presidential candidates, if elected, not to intervene in religious affairs and not to discriminate against any particular religion: The new president and minister of religious affairs should revoke all discriminatory policies against particular religions and should focus...

AIDS: Where do we stand?

AIDS: Where do we stand? If, whether by a lack of publicity or preoccupation with the more pressing issues of the day, Indonesians have allowed themselves to be lulled into believing that the AIDS scare has subsided over the years, then a country report for Indonesia that was released in Jakarta yesterday should serve them as a stark reminder of the prevailing realities. The figures are alarming indeed.

Many Muslims ignore party lines

Many Muslims ignore party lines M. Taufiqurrahman, Jakarta How did members of Islamic-based parties and organizations vote on election day? A survey revealed on Wednesday suggested that about 57 percent of respondents who were members of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) toed the party line and voted for Amien Rais, while 24 percent said they went for Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Councillors reported

Councillors reported for alleged corruption TANGERANG: The Tangerang Non-Governmental Organization Forum (NGO Forum) reported seven members of Tangerang municipality council to the Tangerang Prosecutor's Office for alleged misuse of the council budget. NGO member Imron Khamami accused councillors Gian Sugiharsono, Jhoni Suherlan, Burhanuddin, Krisna Gunata, Tb.

Bali's Subak museum faces the threat of closure

Bali's Subak museum faces the threat of closure Anton Muhajir, Contributor/Tabanan, Bali The fact that most young Indonesians would rather be anywhere else but a museum on their days off is not so much a cultural problem, as a management failure on the part of our museums. Take, for example, Subak Museum in Kediri village, Tabanan regency, Bali, which is dedicated to Bali's traditional irrigation system, called subak, and its meaning to the survival of the Balinese.

Japan manufacturers in ASEAN upbeat on earnings

Japan manufacturers in ASEAN upbeat on earnings Doutche Press-Agentur Singapore More Japanese manufacturers in ASEAN are hopeful of achieving higher operating profits next year due to a better outlook for exports, a published survey said on Wednesday.

Experts question 'Tempo' case

Experts question 'Tempo' case JAKARTA: The prosecution of two separate criminal cases after a mob attacked the Tempo magazine headquarters was strange, legal experts said on Wednesday. The two defendants, Hidayat Lukman and David Tjioe, were allegedly part of a mob that attacked the magazine's headquarters after it carried a negative article on businessman Tomy Winata. "The cases of Hidayat Lukman and David Tjioe should not have been split.

House may reject regulation on mining in protected forests

House may reject regulation on mining in protected forests Rendi A. Witular Jakarta Most legislators deliberating a controversial government regulation in lieu of law on mining expressed their opposition on Wednesday to a provision in the regulation that allows 13 mining firms to resume their operations in protected forests.

Rupiah gains from peaceful election: BI

Rupiah gains from peaceful election: BI Dadan Wijaksana, Jakarta The trouble-free presidential election has reduced the risks of uncertainty and improved people's expectations on the economy -- thus easing pressure on the rupiah, according to the central bank. "It's a relief as it (the election) has reduced various risk factors stemming from this transitional period.

Police seek removal of reporter

Police seek removal of reporter JAKARTA: Jakarta Police sent on Wednesday a letter to the chief editor of Media Indonesia daily, asking for the removal of reporter Aries Wijaksena from his post at the city police headquarters. The letter, signed by city police spokesman Sr. Comr. Prasetyo, said Aries was deemed "uncooperative in his articles".

Mount Egon active again after Monday's calm, observer says

Mount Egon active again after Monday's calm, observer says Yemris Fointuna, Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara Mount Egon in East Nusa Tenggara province (NTT) has shown increased signs of activity over the last two days, spewing out sand, rock, fumes and sulfuric ash, an official said on Wednesday.

Controversial mining regulation may be rejected by House

Controversial mining regulation may be rejected by House Rendi A. Witular, Jakarta Most legislators deliberating a controversial government regulation in lieu of law on mining expressed their opposition on Wednesday to a provision in the regulation that allows 13 mining firms to resume their operations in protected forests.

Local and foreign observers differ on poll assessment

Local and foreign observers differ on poll assessment M. Taufiqurrahman, Jakarta While local observers declined to call the July 5 polls free and fair, the Carter Center and other foreign monitoring teams said on Wednesday that they were impressed by the way in which the election had proceeded. "It was an honest, fair and safe election," former U.S. president Jimmy Carter, who chairs the center, announced after a 15-minute meeting with President Megawati Soekarnoputri.

Court dismisses water case

Court dismisses water case Urip Hudiono, Jakarta The Central Jakarta District Court dismissed all charges by the Jakarta Water Consumers Community (Komparta) against PT Thames PAM Jaya (TPJ) and PT PAM Lyonnaise Jaya (Palyja) as the consumer group failed to comply with required legal procedures in its class action suit against the firms.

Councillors accused of corruption

Councillors accused of corruption TANGERANG: The Tangerang Non-Governmental Organization Forum (NGO Forum) reported seven members of Tangerang municipality council to the Tangerang Prosecutor's Office for alleged misuse of the council budget. NGO member Imron Khamami accused councillors Gian Sugiharsono, Jhoni Suherlan, Burhanuddin, Krisna Gunata, Tb.

Custom holds sway over romance among the Aga

Custom holds sway over romance among the Aga Jagadhita, Contributor/Denpasar Love may be a private matter for many of us, but not for the Aga people of Tenganan Pegringsingan village in Manggis, Karangasem, about 85 kilometers from Denpasar. The Aga's custom dictates that only people of the same group can marry, and couples must make their living in their own village. Violating this custom will surely lead to exile and restitution.

Toyota unveils new project in RI

Toyota unveils new project in RI Novan Iman Santosa, Jakarta Subsidiaries of Japanese carmaker Toyota Motor Company (TMC) in Indonesia are planning a new venture to produce a multipurpose van (MPV), which they say will set a new benchmark for the world's automotive industry.

Robots to rule in UI contests

Robots to rule in UI contests P.C. Naommy, Jakarta Robots will rule this weekend when university students compete to unite two lovers and put out fires in exciting displays of scientific prowess. On Saturday and Sunday, 32 teams from 24 state and private colleges across the country will each present two robots for the Sixth Indonesian Robot Contest themed The Reunion of Rama and Shinta.

Susilo leads, voters hope for better future

Susilo leads, voters hope for better future Bambang Nurbianto, Jakarta With around 67 percent of the vote already counted on Wednesday, election front-runner Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono topped the provisional tally in the capital with 37.80 percent and is assured of entering the runoff in September. His lead has been a hot topic of discussion among Jakartans in government offices, commercial places, coffee shops, public buses and traditional markets.

Nabiel under fire for alleged incompetence

Nabiel under fire for alleged incompetence Kurniawan Hari, Jakarta Non-governmental organizations called Minister of the Environment Nabiel Makarim incompetent on Wednesday, but stopped short of urging him to resign. The criticism was lodged by the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi), the Mining Advocacy Network (Jatam) and the Institute for Policy Research and Advocacy (Elsam).

1. SBY: 55 pt, 2 cols, 3 x 10

1. SBY: 55 pt, 2 cols, 3 x 10 Susilo now bracing for uphill runoff 2. PAPUA: 32 pt, 2 cols, 2 x 16 Papua poll officials charged with fraud 3. ANEMIA: 36 pt, 2 cols, 3 x 15 One in two Indonesians has anemia

Senior officer gets marching order over Al-Zaytun affair

Senior officer gets marching order over Al-Zaytun affair Tiarma Siboro and Nana Rukmana, Jakarta/Indramayu A middle-ranking military officer was discharged on Wednesday for involvement in the illegal mobilization of voters to the advantage of candidate Gen.(ret) Wiranto. Lt. Col. E was said to have been involved in the deployment of 21 military vehicles carrying thousands of civilians to the Al-Zaytun Islamic boarding school in Indramayu regency, West Java on Monday.

Courts urged to detain corruption defendants

Courts urged to detain corruption defendants Abdul Khalik, Jakarta The Attorney General's Office (AGO) urged district and high courts on Wednesday to order the detention of corruption defendants so as to prevent them from fleeing justice during their trials. AGO spokesman, Kemas Yahya Rahman, said that many corruptors managed to abscond prior to verdicts in their cases as they were not taken into custody while on trial or awaiting decisions on their appeals.

TV Program: Thursday, July 8, 2004

TV Program: Thursday, July 8, 2004 .TB.30" .90" TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Children Show Pentas Ceria 7:30 Music 10:00 Talk Show: Wirausaha 11:00 Singing Contest: Konteswara 12:00 p.m. Documentary 1:00 News: Berita Siang 2:00 Music 3:00 English News Service 3:30 Zooming 4:00 Music 4:30 Children Drama 6:00 TV Drama 7:00 News: Berita Nasional 8:00 Jaya Show 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 9:35 Music: Country Road 11:30 TVRI's Report TPI 5:00 a.m.

Chile to honor Pramoedya

Chile to honor Pramoedya JAKARTA: The president of Chile will present an award to noted Indonesian novelist Pramoedya Ananta Toer during the 100th anniversary commemoration of Chilean Nobel laureate Pablo Neruda, it was reported on Wednesday. The Embassy of Chile here asserted that Pramoedya, whose books were banned by former strongman Soeharto, is a very important and influential individual in Indonesian literature.

*Senior officer gets marching orders over Al-Zaitun affair Page 2

*Senior officer gets marching orders over Al-Zaitun affair Page 2 *KPU told to get tough on Puteh probe Page 4 *Sidoarjo councillors in hot seat over graft charges Page 5 *Money talks loudly in KPU ballot-printing projects Page 6 *Susilo leads in city, supporters hope for better times Page 8 *El Guerrouj wins 1,500, Johnson sets season world best Page 9 *N.

'I don't want my children to end up like me'

'I don't want my children to end up like me' As more parents realize the importance of a good education, they are sending their children to the best schools in town or financing overseas educations for their sons and daughters. However, the costs involved mean that some parents can only dream about providing their children with the best education possible. The Jakarta Post talked to residents about the cost of education.

70 percent of city assets lack proper title documents

70 percent of city assets lack proper title documents Damar Harsanto, Jakarta Nearly all 12 factions on the City Council have criticized the city administration's poor recording and documenting of city assets, which could lead to the loss of assets or their transfer to unauthorized parties. "Only 30 percent of city assets in the form of land and buildings have proper ownership certificates.

Court puts limits on hearing poll disputes

Court puts limits on hearing poll disputes Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, Jakarta Constitutional Court President Jimly Asshidiqie says the court will only consider election disputes that have significant impact on the position of the presidential candidates in order to speed up the election process. "The court will only look into cases that could change the ranking of presidential candidates," Jimly said after meeting President Megawati Soekarnoputri on Wednesday.

Democratizing religious bureaucracy from the state

Democratizing religious bureaucracy from the state Muhamad Ali, Contributor/Jakarta The Indonesian Conference on Religion and Peace (ICRP) recently issued a "moral political contract", urging presidential candidates, if elected, not to intervene in religious affairs and not to discriminate against any particular religion: The new president and minister of religious affairs should revoke all discriminatory policies against particular religions and should focus on policies protecting all...

Govt told to start reforestation drive

Govt told to start reforestation drive JAMBI: Approximately 300,000 hectares of the four million hectares of forest in Jambi province have been stripped bare by illegal loggers, an official said on Wednesday. The government must put an end to illegal logging and begin a massive reforestation program to prevent major natural disasters from occurring in the province, said M. Suprijanto, head of the Batanghari River Management Agency.

Lawmakers get Rp 20m for uniforms

Lawmakers get Rp 20m for uniforms Rusman, Samarinda, East Kalimantan The East Kalimantan Provincial legislature has allocated itself the staggering amount of more than Rp 1 billion (US$105,263) for the 45 councillors' uniforms this year, according to government statistics obtained by The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.

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JP/4/scene French architect stands drug trial DENPASAR, Bali: A French citizen went on trial on Wednesday at the Denpasar District Court charged with the possession of 15.9 grams of cannabis. Prosecutor Putu Awantara charged Fredebert Ettenne De Souza, a 51-year old architect, with possessing the illegal drug for personal use.

RP angry over U.S. comments

RP angry over U.S. comments PHILIPPINES: The Philippines reacted angrily on Wednesday to U.S. concern about terrorist training camps in the south of the country and said it regretted a decision to withdraw US$30 million of aid for the region. U.S. Ambassador Francis Ricciardone said on Tuesday Washington was concerned about the camps on Mindanao island which he said were being run by Jamaah Islamiyah, the al-Qaeda linked group behind the 2002 Bali bombings.

Chevy Optra affordable and luxurious

Chevy Optra affordable and luxurious Nitza Arbi and Zatni Arbi, Contributors/Jakarta A stripped-down Maybach, it is definitely not. There has never been such a thing, and there never will be. What about "a poor man's limousine"? Let's see. When we got our first look at General Motors' Chevrolet Optra during its launch last year, we thought the car was a bit uninspiring.

Susilo now bracing for uphill runoff

Susilo now bracing for uphill runoff Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and M.Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Senior party executives and campaign managers for Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Megawati Soekarnoputri and Wiranto began wrestling on Wednesday with coalition building for the expected Sept. 20 runoff. Ranked outsiders from the start, supporters of Hamzah Haz on Wednesday conceded defeat and started the more tenable prospect of looking for a coalition to support.

Terror suspects transferred to Bali

Terror suspects transferred to Bali DENPASAR, Bali: Five terror suspects arrested recently in Surakarta, Central Java, arrived in Bali on Wednesday to face questioning over their alleged roles in the 2002 Bali bombings that killed 202 people. Bali Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Pengasihan Gaut said the suspects would also be quizzed over the whereabouts of suspected Malaysian masterminds Azahari and Noordin Moh Top. "One of them is believed to have funded the escape of Azahari and Noordin.

Slovenia wary about Jakarta humidity

Slovenia wary about Jakarta humidity Moch. N. Kurniawan, Jakarta The Slovenian women's tennis team coach says the hot, humid Jakarta weather could be a deciding factor in its World Group playoff of the Federation Cup against Indonesia. "We might lose about 10 to 15 percent of our normal performance levels because of the high temperature and humidity in Jakarta," Boris Breskvar said during the team's practice session at the Senayan tennis courts here on Wednesday.

UOB starts Islamic fund in Malaysia

UOB starts Islamic fund in Malaysia Singapore: United Overseas Bank (UOB) launched its maiden Islamic unit trust in Malaysia in a bid to tap into growing demand from Muslim investors, officials said on Wednesday. The Afdaal Fund Series, domiciled in Labuan, is a joint effort between UOB Asset Management and Commerce International Merchant Bankers, part of Malaysia's second-largest financial services group.

Papua poll officials charged with fraud

Papua poll officials charged with fraud Nethy Dharma Somba, Jayapura Repeating an old trick of their New Order counterparts, two subdistrict poll officials in Timika, Papua province, allegedly pierced thousands of ballot papers to benefit Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Jusuf Kalla. The act was discovered by the local authorities on Monday and the two were immediately arrested for police questioning.

40% import tax on shrimp proposed

40% import tax on shrimp proposed Zakki P. Hakim, Jakarta The Ministry of Industry and Trade has proposed to the Ministry of Finance that an import tax of 40 percent be imposed on shrimp following demands from the Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Affairs and domestic farmers. Minister of Industry and Trade Rini MS Soewandi said on Wednesday that the 40 percent tariff was the maximum a country could impose on the commodity under World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.

Special TKI airport lounge a secretive hub of chaos

Special TKI airport lounge a secretive hub of chaos The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The situation at the special lounge for overseas migrant workers (TKIs) at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Cengkareng, Tangerang, remains chaotic and closed to the public, raising concerns about the extent of workers' protection.

Int'l kite festival staged at Ancol

Int'l kite festival staged at Ancol JAKARTA: Beachgoers will be able to enjoy the 2004 Jakarta International Kite Festival at the Karnaval beach in Ancol, North Jakarta, between July 9 and July 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The 12th kite festival, held to coincide with the commemoration of the city's official 477th anniversary this year, will see kite aficionados from 11 foreign countries, including Greece, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands and Australia.

2006 Asian Games shun pencak silat

2006 Asian Games shun pencak silat Eva C. Komandjaja, Jakarta Hopes for pencak silat, a martial art originating here, to be among sports contested at the 2006 Asian Games in Qatar were dashed, after the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) decided against its inclusion. The news was announced by Djohar Arifin, the secretary-general of the National Sports Council (KONI), here on Wednesday.

50% of Indonesians anemic: Study

50% of Indonesians anemic: Study Sari P. Setiogi, Jakarta Approximately 50 percent of the population of Indonesia suffers from anemia, which translates into a 20 percent drop in worker productivity, research data from the Ministry of Health's directorate of nutrition revealed. "Half of all Indonesians have anemia," said hematologist Syafrizal Syafei from Cipto Mangunkusumo hospital (RSCM) on Wednesday.

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;JP;IWA;CD; ANPAa..r.. Ballot-paper-printing Money talks in KPU printing projects JP/6/printing Money talks in April ballot printing projects Moch. N. Kurniawan Jakarta Officials of the General Elections Commission (KPU) argued in April that they lacked the funds to better educate the public on how to cast their votes in the legislative election, which may in part explain the invalid votes reaching some 9 percent (almost 11 million) of 125 million votes.

Change of Jakarta's anniversary date

Change of Jakarta's anniversary date I support the idea of reviewing Jakarta's anniversary date, as proposed in The Jakarta Post on June 26. It has always been my belief that June 22, 1527, is not the right date. The Portuguese fleet entered Sunda Kelapa harbor on that date, so it is illogical to say the date of the arrival of Francisco de Sa should be considered the anniversary date of Jayakarta.