Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 14 August 2004

89 articles found

Indonesia's 59th Independence Day, and Its Future

Indonesia's 59th Independence Day, and Its Future Jusuf Wanandi Jakarta After eight years of multiple crises encompassing all fields of life, and many pessimistic evaluations and assessments, including mine, it is about time to ask ourselves what lies ahead for us? Should we be more optimistic about the future? Are we still going to keep muddling through or are better days going to come soon?

JP/20/TANTO

JP/20/TANTO Tarko Sudiarno The Jakarta Post/Magelang, Central Java Journalists and fellow artists often call him a village provocateur. "I'm part of the villagers and I admire them for their wisdom, art and culture. I have learned a lot from them," says artist Sutanto Mendut, who lives near Mendut Temple in Magelang, Central Java. On Aug.

1. Indo (4x14)

1. Indo (4x14) Indofood's profit drops by 62% on currency losses 2. FTA (1x30) RI prepares 50-item FTA with U.S. OR RI prepares 50-item FTA OR RI preparing FTA with U.S. 3. Permat (2x25) Jamsostek earmarks Rp 800b for Permata Banks shares is it Permata Bank or Bank Permata? State pension fund Jamsostek has set aside Rp 800 billion (US$88.8 million) to buy the government's 71 percent share in Permata Bank but it is still selecting suitable partners for the bid. 4.

Elections Commission

Elections Commission Valina Singka Subekti displays a specimen ballot paper to be used for the Sept. 20 presidential election runoff. The commission introduced the ballot paper on Friday and announced plans to advertise the election soon in the mass media.

'The death sentence is no joke'

'The death sentence is no joke' The execution of 67-year-old Indian national Ayodhya Prasadh Chaubey in Medan, North Sumatra, last week for drug smuggling remains controversial. Some people support capital punishment, and say it should also be applied to big-time corruptors. Meanwhile others oppose it in the name of humanity. The Jakarta Post talked to some Jakarta residents about the issue. Husodo, 32, an employee of a wholesaler in East Jakarta.

RI, E. Timor set to discuss rights abuse acquittals

RI, E. Timor set to discuss rights abuse acquittals The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The foreign ministers of Indonesia and East Timor are likely to discuss matters related to the 1999 human rights violations in East Timor, including the possible establishment of a commission of experts, when the two meet in Bali on Sunday. Foreign minister Hassan Wirayuda said that both Indonesia and East Timor rejected any such commission.

Indonesia, Japan to hold crucial talks on economy

Indonesia, Japan to hold crucial talks on economy Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The government will host a high-level discussion on matters concerning the economy with a visiting delegation from Japan on Monday, with a search for ways to improve the investment climate in this country likely to be high on the agenda.

RI July vehicle sales down 10%

RI July vehicle sales down 10% JAKARTA: Sales of new vehicles in Indonesia fell 10% in July to 38,481 from 42,769 in June, the Indonesian car assemblers' association, Gaikindo, said on Friday. The association didn't provide an explanation for the fall in vehicle sales in the domestic market, but analysts said consumers may have delayed their plan to buy a car as they await the release of new models in September.

JP/17/KAWIN

JP/17/KAWIN Sri Yunnah, AY Kuncana continue painting despite old age Sri Wahyuni The Jakarta Post/Yogyakarta Getting older does not mean you have to stop working. Artists Sri Yunnah, 64, and her husband, A.Y. Kuncana, 70, are proof of this. Despite their age, they still paint and are very productive, each producing up to two paintings -- on mostly medium and large canvases -- a month.

3 x 20

3 x 20 Police blame locals for failure to arrest mysterious gunmen JP/4/gadis 2 X 28 Mining endangers species in national park, say officials JP/5/YOGYA 2 x 29 Panwaslu quiz police chief over alleged poll partiality JP/5/RIVER 2 x 31 27 firms face investigation into pollution in Karanganyar rivers 2 x 21 13 councillors probed over fake documents

Yogya's cultural bulletin launched

Yogya's cultural bulletin launched YOGYAKARTA: In a bid to provide greater access and information to the public, the Yogyakarta municipal board of culture (DKK) launched over the weekend Umbul, a bimonthly bulletin on culture. Speaking during the launch at the official residence of Yogyakarta Mayor Herry Zudianto, DKK chairman Achmad Charris Zubair said the bulletin would feature only light writings on culture.

House rushes debate on commission bill

House rushes debate on commission bill JAKARTA: The House of Representatives committee deliberating the truth and reconciliation commission bill has intensified its deliberation and pledged to finish it in the upcoming session. M. Akil Mochtar, the committee's deputy chairman, said on Friday his team was now working on the wording of the bill. The military/police faction had earlier demanded that the bill focus on reconciliation, rather than the truth.

Health agency fails to meet annual target for free cataract operations

Health agency fails to meet annual target for free cataract operations Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post/Tangerang With around 4,000 residents on the north coast of Tangerang regency suffering sight problems caused by cataracts every year, the regency health agency has failed to fulfill its goal of providing free-of-charge operations for 3,000 patients annually.

Megawati congratulates Lee, hopes for better relations

Megawati congratulates Lee, hopes for better relations Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri congratulated on Thursday new Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and expressed hope his government would work to improve bilateral relations between the two countries. "President Megawati sent the letter yesterday (Thursday) and expressed the hope that the two countries could strengthen their ties," Minister for Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda said on Friday.

Rupiah Rates Aug.13

Rupiah Rates Aug.13 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 6,931.20 6,217.01 6,608.95 6,539.04 Brunei dollar 1 5,685.59 5,100.38 5,421.25 5,364.56 Canadian dollar 1 7,335.49 6,580.82 6,994.44 6,921.69 Swiss franc 1 7,766.03 6,967.96 7,404.96 7,328.88 Danish krone 1 1,606.77 1,441.04 1,532.07 1,515.68 Euro 1 11,947.48 10,719.60 11,392.01 11,274.84 Poundsterling 1 17,781.09 15,955.81 16,954.40 16,728.27 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,252.15 1,123.78 1,193.93 1,181.98...

Respecting pedestrians

Respecting pedestrians The rapid proliferation of motor vehicles in the ever- enlarging and teeming megalopolis that is Jakarta has created serious problems for pedestrians. It is obvious that the pedestrians' rights have been denied by fellow residents and administration officials. The sidewalks constructed for pedestrians have been used for everything it seems except for walking. Motorcycles can usually be seen speeding along sidewalks, and heedless drivers park their cars on them.

Panwaslu quizes police chief over alleged poll partiality

Panwaslu quizes police chief over alleged poll partiality Slamet Susanto and Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post/Yogyakarta/Jakarta The Yogyakarta Election Supervisory Committee (Panwaslu) questioned on Friday Yogyakarta municipal police chief Sr. Comr. Condro Kirono over his alleged partiality in the July 5 presidential election.

Corruption eradication moves ahead

Corruption eradication moves ahead From Koran Tempo The Megawati government's serious intention to eliminate corruption is indicated by the issuance of Presidential Decree No.59/2004 on the establishment of anticorruption courts. The introduction of this decree is very appropriate and strategic to prevent any further waste of public resources, as long as it has no political motive.

RI prepares 50-item FTA with U.S.

RI prepares 50-item FTA with U.S. Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The government has proposed 50 products and commodities as the initial focus of a possible future free trade agreement (FTA) between the country and the U.S., according to a senior official at the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Oil above $45 on Iraq, Venezuela

Oil above $45 on Iraq, Venezuela Reuters, London Oil hovered near record peaks on Friday, underpinned by worries of fresh sabotage on Iraq's oil industry and possible unrest in Venezuela where President Hugo Chavez this weekend faces a referendum on his rule. U.S. light crude eased 8 U.S. cents to $45.42 a barrel after Thursday's new record high of $45.75 on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

*Proper maintenance key to clean gas emission: Experts Page 2

*Proper maintenance key to clean gas emission: Experts Page 2 *Priok victims refuse to give up Page 4 *Police blame locals for failure to nab mysterious gunmenPage 5 *The benefits of learning true independence Page 7 *Market demolition pending new study by university Page 8 *Iraqis demonstrate in support of Sadr Page 9 *Iraq stuns Portugal 4-2 at Games Page 11 *Indofood's profit drops by 62% on currency losses Page 13 *'Village provocateur' preserves rural arts Page 20

Unforgettable moment on offer in special honeymoon package

Unforgettable moment on offer in special honeymoon package Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post/Klaten, Central Java It was Monday afternoon at Candi Sewu, a Buddhist temple in Bener, Bugisan village, Prambanan sub-district, Klaten, Central Java, about 17 kilometers east of Yogyakarta. The sun was about to set when honeymooning Russian couple, Finskiy Maxim and Kyyda Vladislava arrived in front of the ancient, flower-adorned temple, ready to act out a "wedding ceremony" in classical Javanese style.

Sri Yunnah, Kuncana continue painting, despite old age

Sri Yunnah, Kuncana continue painting, despite old age Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post/Yogyakarta Getting older does not mean you have to stop working. Artists Sri Yunnah, 64, and her husband, A.Y. Kuncana, 70, are proof of this. Despite their age, they still paint and are very productive, each producing up to two paintings -- on mostly medium and large canvases -- a month.

Indofood's profit drops by 62% on forex losses

Indofood's profit drops by 62% on forex losses Rendi Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The world's largest instant noodle maker PT Indofood Sukses Makmur announced on Friday its net profit in the first semester dropped by 62 percent on-year, mostly on foreign exchange losses and interest burdens.

Bigger budgets allocated to improve public services

Bigger budgets allocated to improve public services Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Taxpayers should expect better service from public officials when gathering taxes and levies as their departments' operational budgets are set to increase. The move, in the form of a draft bylaw on tax revenue allocation approved by the City Council on Friday, would improve efficiency and stop the imposition of illegal tariffs by unscrupulous officials, councillors said.

TV Today: Saturday, August 14, 2004

TV Today: Saturday, August 14, 2004 TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Children Show: Pentas Ceria 7:30 Religious Teachings 8:00 Talk Show: Sehat Ala Hembing 9:00 Religious Teachings 10:00 Talk Show 11:30 Battle of Wits 12:30 p.m.

Home buyers report developer for fraud

Home buyers report developer for fraud BOGOR: Home-seekers who had purchased property in Bukit Sentul housing complex in Bogor regency filed a report to Bogor Police on Thursday against developer PT Bukit Sentul Tbk for fraud. Sudaryatmo of the Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI), who is representing the 26 buyers, accused the developer of violating Article 378 of the Criminal Code on fraud.

Hospital reported for alleged malpractice

Hospital reported for alleged malpractice The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jakarta Police have questioned two women following their complaints of criminal negligence against doctors at the Pondok Indah Hospital in South Jakarta. The police questioned Masnur Surjadi, a 35-year-old mother of two, on Friday for three hours. "I showed the police some evidence including the X-ray results and the extracted kidney stones and a catheter which had been inside my body," she said.

Police tests confirm bay polluted

Police tests confirm bay polluted Abdul Khalik and Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Police laboratory tests have found heavy metal contamination in Buyat Bay in Minahasa, North Sulawesi, silencing doubts over the pollution that has allegedly caused health problems for residents. Although not blaming PT Newmont Minahasa Raya mining firm, which has for years disposed of its tailings in the bay, National Police chief of detectives Comr. Gen.

174 nabbed in gambling raid

174 nabbed in gambling raid BANDUNG: Police here raided two gambling dens that had recently been bombed by unidentified people on Jl. Braga 8, Bandung, West Java. At least 174 people, including gambling operators, were rounded up and taken to the city police office for questioning during the raid on Thursday night. Bandung Police chief Sr. Comr. Sulistiyono said that only 17 of the arrested people were named suspects on gambling charges.

KONI bans PABBSI from handling b'building

KONI bans PABBSI from handling b'building Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta After having been stripped of its membership in Asian and international bodybuilding associations, the Indonesian Weightlifting, Powerlifting and Bodybuilding Association (PABBSI) has now been banned from organizing bodybuilding events at home. The decision was taken in a meeting held by the National Sports Council (KONI) here on Friday.

DEA, BNN forge cooperation to stamp out drug groups

DEA, BNN forge cooperation to stamp out drug groups Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) and the United States' Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) are collaborating to curb the business of drug syndicates. The initial phase of the cooperation was a 10-day training course for narcotics detectives, organized by BNN and DEA, from Aug. 2 to Aug. 11 in Jakarta.

Feeling uneasy on Serpong freeway

Feeling uneasy on Serpong freeway From Media Indonesia As a resident of Serpong in Tangerang, I go to work in Jakarta mostly via the Ulujami-Serpong freeway. On my way home, I often feel scared because the toll road is not illuminated at night. Apart from the lighting along Jalan Ulujami, the whole section from Ranji to Serpong is without lights, making the road very dark and making me feel insecure. Once my car stalled on the dark freeway, which made me wary of robbery.

Respecting pedestrians

Respecting pedestrians The rapid proliferation of motor vehicles in the ever- enlarging and teeming megalopolis that is Jakarta has created serious problems for pedestrians. It is obvious that the pedestrians' rights have been denied by fellow residents and administration officials. The sidewalks constructed for pedestrians have been used for everything it seems except for walking. Motorcycles can usually be seen speeding along sidewalks, and heedless drivers park their cars on them.

Priok victims refuse to give up

Priok victims refuse to give up M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Dismayed by the acquittal of Army's special forces commander Maj. Gen. Sriyanto Muntrasan, victims and the family members of victims of the 1984 shooting incident in Tanjung Priok demanded on Friday an international rights tribunal for the military officers involved.

Blatant displays of wealth amid poverty

Blatant displays of wealth amid poverty From Kompas An interesting trend in Indonesian infotainment is becoming established. After last year's F4 musical shows, and the extravagant birthday parties of celebrities and their billion- rupiah weddings, this year, Indonesian versions of American Idol are dominating our TV screens. One version is AFI, which in June entered its second series on Indosiar.

East Timor welcomes new RI ambassador

East Timor welcomes new RI ambassador EAST TIMOR: East Timor welcomed Indonesia's first ambassador to the tiny nation on Friday, saying his arrival shows the relationship with its former occupier is maturing just five years after bloody independence battles. President Xanana Gusmao accepted the credentials of Ahmed Sofwan, who was until recently deputy chief of the National Intelligence Agency (BIN). Previously, Jakarta was represented in Dili by a consular official.

Investment and governance: A new paradigm

Investment and governance: A new paradigm Joe C. Bartlett Jakarta Economic growth and job creation depends heavily on high levels of investment. One of the major disappointments of Indonesia's economic recovery is that the government's success in re-establishing macro-economic stability has not generated the high levels of investment necessary to increase per capita income, reduce poverty, and raise gross domestic product (GDP) growth levels.

Govt delays tax hike on stock

Govt delays tax hike on stock The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has decided to postpone a controversial plan to raise the tax rate on stock transactions as deliberations on a revised tax law have yet to be completed, an official has said. Syarifuddin Alsyah, a member of the tax reform team for the Directorate General of Taxation, told The Jakarta Post recently that the directorate would not raise tax rates, including those for stock transaction, for this year.

Councillors get cash for shirts

Councillors get cash for shirts SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: The provincial legislative council has been accused of corruption in the use of funds allocated to buy official shirts for its members. The council distributed the funds in cash to all 45 of its members, instead of providing them directly with official shirts. Senior councillor Dahlan Syahranie said on Friday that the move was normal, so that the council members would be able to maximize the use of the funds to buy shirts.

The benefits of learning true independence

The benefits of learning true independence Simon Marcus Gower, Jakarta As the noted date in Indonesia's calendar of Aug. 17 approaches, homes and business premises alike become adorned in the red and white of this nation's flag and the word "independence" increasingly crosses people's lips.

Sunparking and lost helmet

Sunparking and lost helmet From Bisnis Indonesia On Aug. 1, I visited ITC and Ambassador Mal in Kuningan, Jakarta, at 3:28. I parked my motorcycle in the parking lot managed by Sunparking, leaving my locked helmet and jacket on my motorcycles as there were no lockers around. Though security personnel were registering incoming vehicles and checking the police numbers of outgoing ones, when I left the mall I found my helmet was gone.

Charoen units to go private

Charoen units to go private JAKARTA: Two subsidiaries of Thai conglomerate Charoen Pokphand Group plan to go private next month by buying its entire shares currently owned by the public. The two companies are animal feed producer PT Central Proteinaprima and animal health products producer and distributor PT Surya Hidup Satwa. In its reports to the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) on Friday Central will buy its shares from public investors at Rp 350 per share, with Surya Hidup at Rp 1,350.

Cooperation isn't getting any easier

Cooperation isn't getting any easier A conference of East Asian academics here next week will plonk Thailand in the middle of a fresh debate on the wisdom of 13 Asian countries converging in a new community. The discussions will show who continues to hold reservations about the idea, which evolved from Malaysia's initiative in the early 1990s to set up an East Asian economic caucus.

Gunasegaran wins Taman Dayu Open

Gunasegaran wins Taman Dayu Open JAKARTA: Gunasegaran of Malaysia defended his championship title at the Taman Dayu-Sonni Putri Open golf tournament in Pandaan, East Java, after he carded six-under-par 66 in the final day on Friday. Gunasegaran scored a total of eight-under-par 280 (69-75-70- 66) in four days of the tournament to win the top cash prize of Rp 34 million, out of the total Rp 200 million (US$21,600) up for grabs.

KPU to launch education program

KPU to launch education program M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Facing the prospect of a low voter turnout in the presidential election runoff, the General Elections Commission (KPU) is preparing a massive media education program to encourage eligible voters to exercise their rights on Sept. 20.

KPPU rules against Telkom

KPPU rules against Telkom Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The Business Competition Supervisory Agency (KPPU) ruled on Friday that telecommunications company PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom) was guilty of violating Law No. 5/1999 on Monopolies and Unfair Competition. KPPU member Tadjuddin Noersaid said Telkom was proven guilty of blocking rival PT Indonesian Satellite Corporation (Indosat) from providing its international call dial service, 001 and 008, in phone shops.

University students worry over new costly admission charges

University students worry over new costly admission charges The Jakarta Post, Depok/Yogyakarta/Surabaya Despite their elation upon finding out they secured a place at a state university, students on Friday said they were a little worried about how they were going to pay for their education, as this year admission fees have been imposed.

Businesses offered role in education

Businesses offered role in education Dewi Santoso and Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The private sector should increase its role in education to help the government speed up the development of quality human resources, Minister of Education Malik Fadjar said on Friday. Malik said the government's ability to fund the national education program was limited and conceded many people had difficulties affording education for their children.

Cycling to work

Cycling to work We should give a big salute and strong support to the Indonesian Mountain Biking Community (MTB Indonesia) in organizing "A Bike to Work Event" on Aug. 6 (The Jakarta Post of Aug. 7). Let us treat this as a starting point for Jakarta people who really care about worsening air pollution and congestion. I am sure the bicycle community understands the constraints they face, and how to keep cyclists motivated and involve more people in cycling to work.

Man found dead in Bandung rehab clinic

Man found dead in Bandung rehab clinic BANDUNG: Ishak Purwanto, 27, who was undergoing therapy at the Budi Luhur rehab center in the West Java capital of Bandung, ended his own life on Friday. Ishak's body was found hanging in the clinic's locked bathroom at around 10:30 a.m. and was taken to Hasan Sadikin hospital for an autopsy, said clinic official Musa Maxitalan.

Muhamad Ali

Muhamad Ali Jakarta 2. Cina18 -- America in two minds about China? 1 X 48 Is America really in two minds about China? Tom Plate The Straits Times Asia News Network Singapore 3. Nation18 -- Trafficking in a stain on humanity 1 X 30 Trafficking is a stain on humanity Pradit Charoenthaitawee The Nation Asia News Network Bangkok

TNI claims it shot rebel leaders

TNI claims it shot rebel leaders BANDA ACEH, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam: The Indonesian Military (TNI) claimed on Friday to have shot three leaders of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) rebel group, including its army commander Muzakir Manaf. Aceh security restoration operation commander Maj. Gen.

The powerful wife of Singapore's new PM

The powerful wife of Singapore's new PM Jason Szep, Reuters/Singapore Singapore's new prime minister Lee Hsien Loong has a very powerful, market-savvy wife -- a publicity-shy, U.S.-educated engineer who Fortune Magazine ranks among the 25 most powerful people in Asian business.

Police blame locals for failure to arrest mysterious gunmen

Police blame locals for failure to arrest mysterious gunmen Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta After months of fruitless searching, the National Police blamed their failure to find the murderers of a clergywoman and a prosecutor in Palu, Central Sulawesi, on the lack of help from local residents. National Police director of general and transnational crime Brig. Gen.

More students join research contest

More students join research contest JAKARTA: The Youth Research Competition organizing committee received 1,021 research papers this year, almost three times higher than scientific works submitted by participants last year. Head of the panel of jury Mien Ahmad Rifai hailed the standard of this year's competition because most of the papers were well-written in accordance with scientific principles and raised interesting issues. Only 33 papers from students in 13 provinces qualified for the final.

First smoking, next apartments?

First smoking, next apartments? From Warta Kota Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso's plan to issue a local regulation banning people from smoking in public places will surely be welcomed by most citizens in the capital as good health is indeed the right of everyone. Many smokers may feel they have the right to smoke anywhere they like, and some do not hesitate to puff out cigarette smoke in front of non-smokers.

1. Jusuf -- Indonesia's 59th Independence Day and Its Future

1. Jusuf -- Indonesia's 59th Independence Day and Its Future 2 X 23 59th Independence Day and Indonesia's future Jusuf Wanandi Jakarta 2. Joe16 -- Investment and governance: A new paradigm 1 x 30 Good governance and investment Joe C. Bartlett Jakarta

PT Newmont clarifies

PT Newmont clarifies As part of our efforts to keep you informed regarding PT Newmont Minahasa Raya and in response to the article Govt mulls relocating fishermen from contaminated Buyat Bay in the Aug. 12 edition of your paper, we would like to provide some clarification.

Jamsostek earmarks Rp 800b for Permata Bank shares

Jamsostek earmarks Rp 800b for Permata Bank shares Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta State pension fund Jamsostek has set aside Rp 800 billion (US$88.8 million) to buy the government's 71 percent share in Permata Bank but it is still selecting suitable partners for the bid. Jamsostek president Achmad Junaidi said here on Friday the company management decided to acquire a stake in the bank in the expectation of using Permata's networks to improve Jamsostek's services to its clients.

Developers to make room for graves

Developers to make room for graves Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post/Bogor The urgent need to expand public cemeteries has prompted the Bogor municipal administration to enforce Bylaw No. 15/1999 on developers' provision of two percent of land for graveyards. "The administration plans to establish Muslim cemeteries of five hectares total across five districts.

13 councillors probed over fake documents

13 councillors probed over fake documents Syofiardi Bachyul Jb, The Jakarta Post/Padang At least 13 councillors in a number of cities in West Sumatra province have been discovered to have used fake school diplomas and health certificates in their candidacy applications, an official said on Friday.

Independence and memory of the nation

Independence and memory of the nation Thomas Hidya Tjaya Jakarta Fifty-nine years ago on Aug. 17, 1945, Sukarno and Hatta proclaimed the independence of the Republic of Indonesia. They did so on behalf of the people of the country, who had the same deep desire for freedom. Even though poorly attended, the event itself marked the beginning of this country, paving the way for the making of a nation that would be free from any form of slavery, which is invariably dehumanizing.

Sutanto preserves rural arts

Sutanto preserves rural arts Tarko Sudiarno, The Jakarta Post/Magelang, Central Java Journalists and fellow artists often call him a village provocateur. "I'm part of the villagers and I admire them for their wisdom, art and culture. I have learned a lot from them," says artist Sutanto Mendut, who lives near Mendut Temple in Magelang, Central Java. On Aug.

Akbar hints at TNI bill delay

Akbar hints at TNI bill delay Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta After insisting upon the endorsement of the military bill by September, the House of Representatives Speaker Abkar Tandjung hinted on Friday that the House may be unable to finish deliberating the draft bill on time.

Ministry bars 204 haj pilgrims

Ministry bars 204 haj pilgrims JAKARTA: The Ministry of Religious Affairs has prohibited 204 people from performing the haj pilgrimage next year for producing fake documents. Head of the Central Sulawesi religious affairs office Noor Sulaiman said the pilgrims were residents of South Sulawesi, who registered with his office using fake identity cards because all seats for the upcoming pilgrimage, allocated for their province of origin, were booked.

Constitutional Court controversy

Constitutional Court controversy From Koran Tempo The Constitutional Court's decision to declare unconstitutional Law No.16/2003 on antiterrorism, as it conflicts with a new provision in the recently amended Constitution, is certainly controversial.

Islamic reformism from within

Islamic reformism from within Muhamad Ali, Jakarta The New York Times columnist Nicholas D. Kristof in his recent article, Islamic Reformism: Martyrs, Virgins and Grapes (Aug. 4), provides criticism of religious fundamentalism -- Christian, Jewish, but specifically Muslim fundamentalism -- and hoped that Islamic reformism could prevent the creation of future fundamentalists and therefore should be path taken by the Muslim world. But he does not say how Islamic reformism can be undertaken.

One year of Constitutional Court

One year of Constitutional Court Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, Jakarta The Constitutional Court celebrated its first anniversary on Friday, citing as several accomplishments the resolution of cases related to the 1945 Constitution. Court president Jimly Asshidiqie said in his speech that the court had managed to deal with 20 judicial review cases and 274 election disputes in the past year.

Elections Commission

Elections Commission Valina Singka Subekti displays a specimen ballot paper to be used for the Sept. 20 presidential election runoff. The commission introduced the ballot paper on Friday and announced plans to advertise the election soon in the mass media.

Benny Susetyo

Benny Susetyo Jakarta 2. Wibowo18 -- Jusuf Kalla and the Chinese 2 X 30 Jusuf Kalla and the Chinese, a critique of past views Ivan Wibowo Jakarta

27 firm face investigation into pollution in Karanganyar rivers

27 firm face investigation into pollution in Karanganyar rivers Suherdjoko, The Jakarta Post/Semarang The Central Java office of the Environmental Impact Management Agency (Bappedal) is investigating 27 companies over allegations of polluting rivers in Karanganyar regency. The investigation comes in the wake of the alleged mercury contamination scandal in Buyat Bay, South Minahasa regency, North Sulawesi.

Mining endangers species in national park, say officials

Mining endangers species in national park, say officials Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The operations of a gold mining firm in the Batang Gadis National Park in Mandailing Natal, North Sumatra, is threatening the survival of more than 500 species of rare plants and animals, local officials said on Friday.

Exhibition week at Puppet Museum

Exhibition week at Puppet Museum Leony Aurora , The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Traditional art lovers can enjoy performances of wayang (shadow puppets), dances and music as well as an exhibition from Aug. 13 until Aug. 26 at the Puppet Museum in Kota, West Jakarta. The Second Puppet Museum Week, held to commemorate the museum's 29th anniversary on Aug.

JSX receives bomb threat

JSX receives bomb threat JAKARTA: Only three days after Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Firman Gani vowed to charge hoaxers under the Antiterrorism Law, the Jakarta Stock Exchange on Jl. Sudirman, South Jakarta, received a bomb threat at about 11:30 p.m. on Thursday. The Jakarta Police said on Friday that the anonymous caller dialed 112, the police emergency line, and claimed he had planted a bomb in the JSX parking structure and it was ready to go off. The police bomb squad, led by Brig.

Challenge of political Islam

Challenge of political Islam Challenge of political Islam in world's most populous Muslim nation Amy Chew New Straits Times Kuala Lumpur Indonesia's former President Abdurrahman Wahid may have failed in his attempt to stand for elections but the ulama remains an influential figure as the country's presidential candidates seek his support in their bid for power.

Jusuf Kalla and the Chinese

Jusuf Kalla and the Chinese Ivan Wibowo Jakarta From the names on the two presidential tickets in the Sept. 20 election runoff -- Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono-Jusuf Kalla and Megawati Soekarnoputri-Hasyim Muzadi -- South Sulawesi businessman Kalla's is the most controversial for Chinese- Indonesians. Rumors have been circulating among those of Chinese descent of Kalla's anti-Chinese sentiment, despite his repeated denials.

A conference of East Asian academics here next week will plonk

A conference of East Asian academics here next week will plonk Thailand in the middle of a fresh debate on the wisdom of 13 Asian countries converging in a new community. The discussions will show who continues to hold reservations about the idea, which evolved from Malaysia's initiative in the early 1990s to set up an East Asian economic caucus.

Malaysia travel business frets as skies hazy again

Malaysia travel business frets as skies hazy again Agencies, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia's travel industry expressed fears on Friday that the haze from Indonesian forest fires, which has driven away foreign tourists in the past, is posing a fresh threat to local businesses. Malaysia sees its peak season for Arab tourists between now and September and tour operators said the recurrence of the acrid-smelling haze, after a brief respite last month, could hurt new bookings and arrivals.

Hotels gear up for Aug. 17 fiesta

Hotels gear up for Aug. 17 fiesta YOGYAKARTA: To celebrate the country's 59th day of independence that will fall on Tuesday, Aug. 17, star-rated hotels in the city have prepared a variety of special dinner packages. Santika Hotel on Jl.

Labor exporters, NGOs oppose labor bill

Labor exporters, NGOs oppose labor bill Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta While the House of Representatives is yet to extensively discuss the bill on labor placement and protection overseas, both labor exporters and non-governmental organizations have spoken out against it, for conflicting reasons.

Mochtar Lubis to get top award

Mochtar Lubis to get top award Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, Jakarta A noted journalist, the late Mochtar Lubis, will be among the 12 recipients of annual awards to honor people for outstanding service to the country. Mochtar's offspring will accept the Bintang Mahaputra, the second highest award after the Bintang Republik Indonesia, at a state ceremony on Saturday. Mochtar was among the first journalists to support the movement to defend the country's independence in the 1950s.

Proper maintenance key to clean gas emission: Experts

Proper maintenance key to clean gas emission: Experts Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Private car owners can avoid contributing to Jakarta's air pollution by making sure that their cars meet the required emission standards. Therefore, it is important for them to service their cars as often as recommended by manufacturers. They should also have an engine tuneup and oil change every 5,000 kilometers.

Elections Commission

Elections Commission Valina Singka Subekti displays a specimen ballot paper to be used for the Sept. 20 presidential election runoff. The commission introduced the ballot paper on Friday and announced plans to advertise the election soon in the mass media.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug.13, 2004

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug.13, 2004 ____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 3,000 0 0 Adhi Karya 325 0 623,500 Adira Dinamika 2,425 0 5,500 AGIS Tbk 95 0 0 Akbar Indo Makmur 80 0 497,500 Alakasa Industrindo 125 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 1,025 0 0 Alter Abadi Tbk 35 0 0...

Megawati calls for social integration

Megawati calls for social integration Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri told Chinese-Indonesians on Friday to stop complaining about discrimination against them and open themselves up to other ethnic groups in the country. Speaking in front of about 100 Chinese-Indonesian intellectuals, the President said that while the government had to revoke discriminatory rulings, Chinese-Indonesians must do more to mingle with other ethnic groups.

Shares end lower on weak rupiah

Shares end lower on weak rupiah Indonesian shares closed lower on Friday, tracking losses in most Asian markets, as the rupiah's continued weakness hurt overall sentiment, dealers said. "The market lost its ground again," said a trader with a local securities firm. She expects the main index to remain in a tight range ahead of the presidential runoff in September, which is contributing to negative sentiment.

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, August 14, 2004

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, August 14, 2004 Exhibition * Fine Arts exhibition and performances Lintang Desa by Moelyono, and people from Kebonsari village, at Rumah Seni Cemeti, Jl. D.I. Panjaitan No. 41 (Tel. 0274 371015), until Aug. 31. * Fund Rising Exhibition Gedebook!!!, the Gallery of Kedai Kebun Forum Restaurant, Jl. Tirtodipuran No. 3 (0274 376114), until Aug. 20. * Video Installation Reading the Kebaya by Victoria Cattoni, the Gallery of Kedai Kebun Forum Restaurant, Jl.

Busway shut during Aug. 17 ceremony

Busway shut during Aug. 17 ceremony JAKARTA: TransJakarta Busway Management announced on Friday that it would suspend the busway's operation on Aug. 17 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. for the duration of the Independence Day ceremony at the presidential palace. "We will also suspend operation from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. during the flag-lowering ceremony at the palace," management head Irzal Z. Djamal said. Busway buses will run before 8 a.m., between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and after 7 p.m. on the day.