Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 16 August 2004

75 articles found

Jakartans in festive mood

Jakartans in festive mood Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Many Jakartans were busy beautifying their neighborhoods with red-and-white bunting and decorations, and preparing themselves for fun and games two days before the country's 59th Independence Day on Aug. 17. Hasan, a resident of Kali Pasir subdistrict in Cikini, Central Jakarta, said that preparing for Independence Day was the only activity that brought all residents together.

Research event has surprise ending

Research event has surprise ending Dewi Santoso, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The Youth Research Competition was brought to a surprising end on Saturday as research papers on social sciences dominated the awards. Arnold Akobiarek of State High School 1 Jayapura in Papua was named the winning participant with his study on a local dialect.

Police leaves reporters in dark over big arrest

Police leaves reporters in dark over big arrest Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta A short messaging system (SMS) was received by many crime news reporters on the night of Aug. 10. It said Tanri Abeng's son, Emil, had been arrested in a room at the Grand Mahakam Hotel by Kebayoran Baru Police for the possession of three grams of shabu- shabu (crystal methamphetamine).

Dili undecided on 'expert commission'

Dili undecided on 'expert commission' Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayudha met with his East Timorese counterpart Jose Ramos Horta here on Sunday to discuss human rights and the borders between the two countries. Hassan told reporters after the meeting that the two countries expected to reach an agreement on their land border before October. Only "10 percent" of the issue remains to be resolved, he said.

Security beefed up prior to festival

Security beefed up prior to festival BANDA ACEH, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam: The Aceh provincial police has deployed over 1,000 personnel to secure the week-long cultural festival here, which will be opened on Thursday by President Megawati Soekarnoputri. Ahead of the festival, the police have heightened security measures such as ID card and vehicle registration checks on several access roads to Iskandar Muda Airport.

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.

Suspension of flights renews concern over Garuda's health

Suspension of flights renews concern over Garuda's health Tony Hotland The Jakarta Post/Jakarta When Garuda Indonesia recently halted its Jakarta-Amsterdam flights and cut back on the number of flights to Guangzhou, it raised questions about the health of the national flag carrier. Service to Amsterdam has sentimental and historic value for the airline, as the Dutch city was one of Garuda's earliest overseas destinations.

*Attorney general under fire for lapsed travel bans Page 2

*Attorney general under fire for lapsed travel bans Page 2 *PT Newmont to be summoned over Buyat pollution Page 4 *W. Sumatra holds graft brief Page 5 *59th Independence Day and Indonesia's future Page 6 *Authorities urged to enforce vehicle emission standards Page 8 *15 killed, dozens hurt in Indian Independence Day blast Page 12 *Singh leads at Straits Page 13 *Govt to unveil upbeat 2005 economic outlook Page 15 *Loyal, outspoken, loved: Mochtar's friends remember Page 20

'Wayang Kancil' amuse Jakartans

'Wayang Kancil' amuse Jakartans Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Most children who visited the Puppet Museum in Kota, West Jakarta, on Saturday were already familiar with the clever mouse- deer, or kancil as it is locally known. Sitting on the floor and munching snacks, students of two elementary schools in Jembatan Lima, West Jakarta, watched the cunning mouse-deer come to life in the hands of shadow puppeteer Sri Sulansih Warsito.

Artists protest closure of Sobokarti

Artists protest closure of Sobokarti SEMARANG: Five septuagenarian gamelan artists held a performance as a form of protest on Saturday in front of the Sobokarti Art Center, the main performing arts venue in the city. The five musicians, who used to perform at the center, were protesting the Sobokarti Foundation's plan to close the 75-year- old theater on Jl. Dr. Cipto for sale to a third party.

Hotels, businesses gear up for Independence Day

Hotels, businesses gear up for Independence Day An atmosphere of national pride and tradition prevails not only in Jakarta thoroughfares and in residential areas, but also at major shopping malls, restaurants and hotels. In commemoration of Independence Day on Aug. 17, many of the capital's restaurants are offering traditional dishes for guests.

Government to unveil upbeat 2005 economic outlook

Government to unveil upbeat 2005 economic outlook Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The government is to unveil the draft 2005 state budget on Monday, which outlines an optimistic economic growth outlook of 5.4 percent, defying concerns of a threat to the global economy amid the current surge in oil prices.

RI seeks Malaysia's help to battle forest fires

RI seeks Malaysia's help to battle forest fires Agence France-Presse Kuala Lumpur Jakarta has renewed a call for Malaysia to stem the smuggling of illegal logs into the country as a spate of forest fires has caused a recurrence of smog in the region, officials and reports said on Sunday.

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.

Cement industry to fully revive next year: Semen Gresik CEO

Cement industry to fully revive next year: Semen Gresik CEO State-owned firm, PT Semen Gresik, the country's largest integrated cement producer, has projected that the cement industry will fully recover next year on the back of robust demand for property and an increase in infrastructure projects funded by the government.

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.

Challenge of political Islam

Challenge of political Islam 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. On Tuesday, a large crowd of journalists camped outside his home as presidential hopeful, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, held a 45-minute meeting with him.

Community against crime

Community against crime From Suara Karya The public will praise successful attempts by the police to seize criminals. However, these days community members prefer to catch crooks and punish them physically on the spot. A newspaper reported on the capture of three bandits by passengers in a holdup on a city bus in Jakarta. The suspects, including three fugitives, were caught after a passenger shouted for help, prompting people nearby to respond.

UI admission fee to be voluntarily

UI admission fee to be voluntarily JAKARTA: The University of Indonesia (UI) rector Usman Chatib Warsa said on Saturday the high admission fees for new students were voluntary. "It's not true that the admission fee is obligatory for all students, regardless of whether they come from poor or rich families," he said. The rector said that around 3,500 new students, admitted through regular tests, would not be obliged to "contribute between Rp 25 million (US$2,717) and Rp 75 million".

Govt appoints 300,000 teachers

Govt appoints 300,000 teachers JAKARTA: President Megawati Soekarnoputri has signed a decree appointing 300,000 new teachers as part of efforts to improve education in the country. Megawati announced the decree after receiving outstanding teachers, village heads, district heads, forest rangers and agricultural instructors on Saturday at the State Palace.

Attorney general under fire for lapsed travel bans

Attorney general under fire for lapsed travel bans Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The government has failed to extend the travel bans on 10 suspects and convicts in the misuse of Bank Indonesia liquidity support funds, sparking concerns that the suspects will be able to evade justice by fleeing abroad. The travel bans should have been extended in July this year, when most of the travel bans on the 10 expired.

Lisa lifts RI to first medal

Lisa lifts RI to first medal Agencies Athens Raema Lisa Rumbewas made history on Sunday by becoming the first Indonesian woman to win a medal at consecutive Games, taking the silver with a 210.5 kg total and adding it to the 48 kg silver she won in Sydney. Weightlifter Udomporn Polsak of Thailand won the gold medal, topping the 53 kg weight class.

RI teacher absenteeism 'third-highest' in world

RI teacher absenteeism 'third-highest' in world Dewi Santoso, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Moonlighting teachers and the lack of toilets in many schools are among the reasons for alarming levels of the absence rate of elementary school teachers in Indonesia, a survey suggested. The study, recently issued by the SMERU Research Institute involved 147 state and private elementary schools in 10 major and small towns.

Challenge of interfaith dialog in globalization era

Challenge of interfaith dialog in globalization era Benny Susetyo Jakarta Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi of Malaysia has said that the world is now seriously in need of establishing an interfaith dialog in the struggle for peace and justice, and should not remain in a state of continuous conflict that could lead to more acute differences.

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.

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.

RI maids working in HK demand rights

RI maids working in HK demand rights HONG KONG: Indonesian maids and their supporters marched to Indonesia's embassy in Hong Kong on Sunday, demanding the right to find jobs without having to hire costly private agencies.

Semsar back home for exhibition

Semsar back home for exhibition Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Semsar is back. For those unfamiliar with the name, Semsar Siahaan is considered one of today's foremost Indonesian artists. Not only because his work has received numerous awards from the international community, but also because of his consistency in developing humanistic themes throughout the span of his long career.

'Indonesia is 59 but we haven't done anything meaningful'

'Indonesia is 59 but we haven't done anything meaningful' Indonesia will celebrate its 59 anniversary on Tuesday and many people nationwide are planning to welcome the anniversary by holding festivities around the special day. The Jakarta Post talked to city residents on what they planned to do on Aug. 17.

2. Cycling (30) -24pts 3cols 1line (30x1)

2. Cycling (30) -24pts 3cols 1line (30x1) Women's race could go double-Dutch 3. Badminton (30) -24 pts 1cols 3lines (10x3) China's Gong shuttles into last 16

Golkar announces support for Megawati in runoff

Golkar announces support for Megawati in runoff Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The Golkar Party made official on Sunday its support for presidential candidate Megawati Soekarnoputri and her running mate Hasyim Muzadi in the Sept. 20 runoff. Golkar leaders ordered their regional chapters across the country to tell party supporters to abide by the decision, but analysts doubt the effectiveness of such efforts.

59th Independence Day and Indonesia's future

59th Independence Day and Indonesia's 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?

State university students pay less fees, but complain more

State university students pay less fees, but complain more Dewi Santoso, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Lifestyle-wise, Hendra and Indri -- both students of the state- owned University of Indonesia (UI) -- pretty much follow the trends, and indulge in the same types of activities that their peers at prominent private universities in Jakarta do.

Gong Ruina sweeps into the last 16

Gong Ruina sweeps into the last 16 Chinese top seed Gong Ruina encountered few problems on her way to an 11-9, 11-4 first round victory over Singapore's Li Li in the Olympic women's singles badminton tournament here on Saturday. In the mixed doubles, Taipei's Tsai Chia-Hsin and Chen Wen- Hsing beat South Africa's Chris Dednam and Antoinette Uys, while Indonesia's Anggun Nugroho and Eny Widiowati needed a third set to see off Russia's Nikolaj Zuev and Marina Yakusheva 12-15, 15- 7, 15-5.

RI teacher absenteeism 'third-highest' in world

RI teacher absenteeism 'third-highest' in world Dewi Santoso The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Moonlighting teachers and the lack of toilets in many schools are among the reasons for alarming levels of the absence rate of elementary school teachers in Indonesia, a survey suggested. The reason for the highest absence rate of 36.4 percent was because "several grades are being taught in one classroom", the study recently issued by the SMERU Research Institute said.

1. 5COUNCIL (1x24)

1. 5COUNCIL (1x24) W. Sumatra holds graft brief 2. 5LISTRIK (2x16) Riau meets PLN heads over power crisis

RI independence and national memory

RI independence and national memory 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.

International aid

International aid The caption for the photo titled Medical aid on Page 4 of Thursday's edition did not identify the woman next to Swedish Ambassador Lennart Linner. Melanie Alton, acting head of the Canadian Development Agency, along with Linner and representatives of the United Nations Children's Fund presented US$800,000 in assistance to the Ministry of Health during their visit to Aceh on Wednesday. -- Editor

Bus driver arrested for fatal accident

Bus driver arrested for fatal accident JAKARTA: The Jakarta Police arrested a Mayasari Bhakti public bus driver on Saturday afternoon for his involvement in a traffic accident in May on the Wiyoto Wiyono toll road near Rawamangun, East Jakarta. Jakarta Police traffic chief Comr. Naufal Yahya said the driver, identified as Agus Iwan, 35, was arrested at home in Tasikmalaya, West Java. Two women were killed and four others injured in the three- vehicle crash.

Minaret collapse in Jeneponto kills two

Minaret collapse in Jeneponto kills two MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Two people were killed and two others seriously injured in Bontang subdistrict, Jeneponto regency, on Sunday when a minaret collapsed and fell on them. The four Bontang residents were painting the minaret when a sudden wind brought the newly built minaret crashing down on them, according to witness Gunawan. The two people who were killed were identified as Mudeng, 35, and Mansyur, 20.

State of alert on Mount Semeru

State of alert on Mount Semeru Iman Dwianto Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Carrying a sack of dry grass, a local resident passes a zalacca palm plantation in the foothills of erupting Mount Semeru in Lumajang regency, East Java province. The volcano, whose summit is 3,676 meters above sea level, has been spewing hot ash for several days, prompting local authorities to declare a state of alert.

Riau meets PLN heads over power crisis

Riau meets PLN heads over power crisis Puji Santoso, The Jakarta Post/Pekanbaru Riau Governor Rusli Zainal met top executives of state-owned electricity company PT PLN on Friday night in Jakarta, hoping that the company would help it end the province's electricity crisis.

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.

C. Java paddies suffer severe drought

C. Java paddies suffer severe drought SEMARANG, Central Java: A severe drought has affected 14,399 hectares (ha) of paddy fields in Central Java, and more paddies are feared to be affected if rain does not fall soon. The farmers have been unable to reap any harvest from 3,491 ha of the 14,399 ha affected by the drought, said Central Java Agricultural Office head Sukarno. The barren paddy fields are located across 19 regencies and municipalities of the province. -- JP

A splendid dining journey through Bali

A splendid dining journey through Bali Rita A. Widiadana, The Jakarta Post/Denpasar Dining in a romantic, serene garden surrounded by water lily and lotus ponds or in a beachfront open-air pavilion overlooking the great rolling waves of the Indian Ocean could be a perfect escape from your hectic days.

Kwitang Church now a heritage site

Kwitang Church now a heritage site JAKARTA: The Indonesian Kwitang Christian Church was officially declared a heritage building by Central Jakarta Mayor Hosea Petra Lumbun on its 75th anniversary on Saturday. The church, formerly known as Christelijke Gereformeerd Kerk van Batavia during Dutch colonialism, was designed by architect F. Wiemans. Clergyman Hendra Gosana said a gubneratorial decree had been issued in 1993 designating the church as a heritage site.

Susilo-Kalla barred from palace ceremony

Susilo-Kalla barred from palace ceremony MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: Vice presidential candidate Jusuf Kalla expressed regret on Sunday that he and his presidential running mate, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, had been barred from attending the Independence Day celebration at the State Palace. He recalled that both he and Susilo had been invited by the State Secretariat to attend the grand ceremony, but suddenly the invitations for both were withdrawn on Friday.

To be a nation

To be a nation Another Independence Day approaches, and Indonesians across the country engage in customary flag-waving and community celebrations. Such is the routine of this annual event -- the 59th in Indonesia's history -- that most take it for granted. After the political turmoil and economic hardship of the last few years, many of us just hope to get by, forgetting that our forefathers' sacrifice may have been as great, if not greater, than the challenges of the past six years.

Fire razes homes of 400

Fire razes homes of 400 JAKARTA: At least 440 residents from Petamburan subdistrict, Central Jakarta, lost their homes to a fire that hit the densely populated area at about 10:30 a.m. on Sunday. No reports on fatalities were available, said Petamburan police officer Chief Sgt. Ngatiyono, but the police were still investigating the cause of the fire and the losses incurred. Residents said the fire was caused by a kerosene stove exploding in a house rented by someone named Endang.

UN urged to probe Wamena 'rights abuse'

UN urged to probe Wamena 'rights abuse' JAKARTA: Two humanitarian organizations in Papua have demanded the United Nations to investigate alleged violations of human rights in the prosecution of two Papuans being held by Wamena Police in connection with a burglary case. In a statement on Saturday, the Office for Justice and Peace of Jayapura and the Franciscans International said the two defendants had been denied proper medical attention since their detention in November 2003.

1. LISA: 60 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 12

1. LISA: 60 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 12 Lisa lifts RI to first medal Lisa wins RI's first medal Lisa gives RI first medal 2. GOLKAR: 36 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 24 Golkar announces support for Megawati in runoff 3. TEACHER: 36 pt, 6 cols, 1 x 47 RI teacher absenteeism 'third-highest' in world 4. SEMSAR: 28 pt, 3 cols, 1 x 28 Semsar back home for exhibition

Nova Widianto/Vita Marissa (Ina x8) bt Robert Blair/Natalie Munt

Nova Widianto/Vita Marissa (Ina x8) bt Robert Blair/Natalie Munt (Gbr) 15-8, 15-12

JCI seen little changed this week

JCI seen little changed this week Agence France-Presse Jakarta Jakarta share prices are likely to drift in a narrow range with few investors willing to take fresh positions ahead of the Independence Day holiday and with concerns over oil prices continuing to weigh on sentiment, dealers said For the week ended Aug. 13, the Jakarta Stock Exchange composite index up 0.26 percent at 755.920.

Newmont to be summoned over Buyat Bay pollution

Newmont to be summoned over Buyat Bay pollution Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Following up their findings that Buyat Bay, North Sulawesi, is highly polluted, police are moving to question top management of PT Newmont Minahasa Raya to determine the source of the contamination. A National Police environmental expert, and pollution investigator Comr.

Heroism, fun and joy all mixed together

Heroism, fun and joy all mixed together Sudibyo M. Wiradji, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta A heroic, but festive atmosphere has developed in most of the country's residential areas over the past few days, as the nation has been gearing up to celebrate Independence Day on Aug. 17.

TV Program: Monday, August 16, 2004

TV Program: Monday, August 16, 2004 TVRI .TB.30" .90" 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Children Show: Pentas Ceria 8:30 Music: Asyik Asyik 11:00 Singing Contest: Konteswara 11:30 Doing Business 12:00 p.m. Documentary 1:00 News: Berita Siang 3:00 English News Service 4:00 Children Drama 7:00 News: Berita Nasional 8:00 TV Drama 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 9:30 Jazz 10:30 Music 11:00 Talk Show: Mimbar Indonesia TPI 5:30 a.m.

A festering wound

A festering wound It surely surprises no one that criticism by the U.S. State Department of the trial of those considered responsible for human rights violations in East Timor in 1999 has been met with a lack of sympathy in Jakarta. To quote Indonesian Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra: "Speaking about disappointment, we too are disappointed with the European court's verdicts on war criminals in Bosnia.

W. Sumatra holds graft briefing

W. Sumatra holds graft briefing The Jakarta Post, Padang/Semarang/Bandarlampung More than 200 councillors and executives in West Sumatra have attended a briefing on the law and regulations in government, the provincial prosecutor's office said on Saturday. The gathering, the first of its kind in the country, is aimed at broadening the understanding of public officials so they will not become involved in the misuse of public money in the future.

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.

Market oversupplied by 2 million bpd: OPEC chief

Market oversupplied by 2 million bpd: OPEC chief Fitri Wulandari, Jakarta The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) said on Sunday that the soaring of oil prices to historic peaks was not caused by a shortage because the market already had an ample supply. "The world is oversupplied by 1.5 million barrels per day (bpd) to 2 million bpd; the figure fluctuates from time to time. But the problem is not based on the supply-demand balance," OPEC president Purnomo Yusgiantoro said.

BOJ mulls ending monetary ease

BOJ mulls ending monetary ease TOKYO: The Bank of Japan's policy board discussed setting specific conditions for terminating its quantitative easing measures at its June 25 meeting, according to minutes released on Friday, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun reports in its Saturday morning edition.

Independence, yes but economically -- not yet

Independence, yes but economically -- not yet T.Sima Gunawan, Contributor, Jakarta It was Thursday afternoon at around 3 p.m. and the sun was still shining brightly. A young man walked slowly along the road in a housing complex in Bintaro, Tangerang, pushing a cart loaded with red-and-white flags and bamboo poles. Rohim, 24, is one of many seasonal vendors who try their luck selling flags and poles for people to hoist on Independence Day.

Good governance and investment

Good governance and investment 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.

Chung Hee-seok wins Makassar Open Men's Future 2004

Chung Hee-seok wins Makassar Open Men's Future 2004 MAKASSAR: South Korean Chung Hee-seok emerged the winner in the singles division at the Makassar Open Men's Future 2004 tennis tournament after defeating host player Suwandi 7-6, 6-3 in the final round held on Sunday. With his victory, Chung earned a first prize of US$1,300, while Suwandi, as runner-up, received $900.

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.

14 die in crash on Jakarta road

14 die in crash on Jakarta road Fourteen people died in a crash on the Cikampek toll road in Jakarta at about 8 p.m. on Sunday. Two others were severely injured when a public bus traveling from the direction of Cikampek crashed into a Suzuki Carry minivan, causing another bus and a pickup truck to swerve off the road to avoid the collision.

14 die in crash

14 die in crash on Jakarta road Fourteen people died in a crash on the Cikampek toll road in Jakarta at about 8 p.m. on Sunday. Two others were severely injured when a public bus traveling from the direction of Cikampek crashed into a Suzuki Carry minivan, causing another bus and a pickup truck to swerve off the road to avoid the collision.

Riau to call on firms over renewed haze

Riau to call on firms over renewed haze PEKANBARU, Riau: The Riau Environmental Impact Management Agency (Bapedalda Riau) is to summon executives of several plantation companies and concessionaires over the return of haze to the province. Local Bapedalda head Khairul Zainal said on Saturday the agency would question them over the new appearance of 92 hot spots detected by satellites across the province, believed to be the source of the haze.

Wahyuana

Wahyuana The Jakarta Post/Bekasi As part of police reform, the Bekasi Police will establish two new police posts this month, adopting the koban concept, which originated in Japan. "This project encourages closer relations between the police and the community. We plan to have nine more koban next year. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will finance the project," Bekasi Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Edward Syah Pernong told The Jakarta Post recently.

Authorities urged to enforce vehicle emission standards

Authorities urged to enforce vehicle emission standards Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Notorious as the second most polluted city in the world after Mexico City, Jakarta could have improved its air quality significantly and protected residents' health if the city had enforced emission standards, said an air pollution expert.

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.

Textile center exports training skills

Textile center exports training skills Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post/Bogor The International Garment Training Center (IGTC) in Bogor, West Java, has agreed to help develop a similar training facility in Honduras and Vietnam. The center's training programs, which focus on marketing and merchandising, quality assurance and production supervision, would be applied in the two latter countries.

Govt claims farming sector fully recovered

Govt claims farming sector fully recovered Zakki P. Hakim and Johannes Simbolon, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite the lingering effects of the economic crisis, the nation's farming industry has grown over the past four years at a faster rate than during the previous decade's economic boom, according to a senior government official. The farming sector, which includes agricultural and livestock industries, grew at an average of 1.83 percent annually from 2000 to 2003.

Loyal, outspoken, loved: Mochtar's friends remember

Loyal, outspoken, loved: Mochtar's friends remember A. Junaidi, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta To the young people today, especially young reporters, the name of Mochtar Lubis does not carry much currency. This towering figure in Indonesia's journalism is indeed more appreciated abroad than in his own country, according to one of his friends.

America in two minds about China?

America in two minds about China? Tom Plate The Straits Times Asia News Network Singapore The China question has not yet surfaced in the United States presidential election. Perhaps this is just as well. U.S. campaigns are blunt instruments at best for the mastication of complex issues. For unless you are a geopolitical rocket scientist or a convinced ideologue, the surge of China presents the West in general and the U.S. in particular with vexing questions.