Archive: 20 August 2004
74 articles found
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
'Mitigating factors' save drug convict from death
'Mitigating factors' save drug convict from death Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post/Tangerang In a new precedent for drug trials in Indonesia, the West Java High Court commuted the death sentence of a drug convict to 20 years' imprisonment on the grounds that the defendant was only a courier and had become involved purely to earn money to feed his family. "The defendant felt indebted to a person known as Norman, whom he had got to know only last year, and who had often helped him financially.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Air quality improving: Official
Air quality improving: Official Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Although many people complain about choking air caused by high levels of air pollution, the City Environmental Management Agency (BPLDH) has reported that Jakarta enjoyed more days with "better" air quality last year.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
[b]Valuair launches
Valuair launches new service to RI SINGAPORE: Singapore-based budget carrier Valuair will begin a second daily service to Jakarta next week to tap into the growing traffic between the two neighbours, the airline said on Thursday. The second flight to the Indonesian capital, starting on Monday, will be an evening service. The existing daily flight leaves in the morning.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah Rates Aug.19
Rupiah Rates Aug.19 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 6,975.80 6,256.32 6,651.15 6,580.75 Brunei dollar 1 5,698.68 5,111.51 5,433.46 5,376.58 Canadian dollar 1 7,479.68 6,711.51 7,131.57 7,059.41 Swiss franc 1 7,893.12 7,032.69 7,474.28 7,397.38 Danish krone 1 1,620,11 1,452.82 1,544.71 1,528.16 Euro 1 12,042.55 10,805.42 11,482.08 11,365.75 Poundsterling 1 17,792.14 15,964.74 16,964.09 16,792.61 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,250.75 1,122.48 1,192.54 1,180.69...
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia in debt trap
Indonesia in debt trap President Megawati Soekarnoputri's appeal to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to ease Indonesia's debt burden reflects the severity of the country's indebtedness. However, Megawati raised a political issue on Monday in her Independence Day address when she blamed the debt burdens partly on what she called some mistakes the IMF made in its policy recommendations in the late 1990s.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Mosquito coil plaintiff wins round one
Mosquito coil plaintiff wins round one Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The South Jakarta District Court decided on Thursday to continue hearing a civil action against PT Coca-Cola Indonesia brought by Japanese citizen Tasaku Masaharu for allegedly circulating a bottled drink that contained a piece of mosquito coil.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
HI fountain shuts down due to cut cable
HI fountain shuts down due to cut cable After keeping the whole affair silent for the last two weeks, the Jakarta administration claimed on Thursday that someone had tried to steal a power cable attached to the giant fountain at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle, and that was why it was not operating.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Thai govt promises to return orangutans after DNA test
Thai govt promises to return orangutans after DNA test The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia will have to wait for the return of 69 orangutans, it suspects have been smuggled into Thailand, as the Thai government requires them to undergo DNA tests to determine their origin, an activist says. ProFauna Indonesia international affairs coordinator Hardi Baktiantoro said on Thursday that the Thai government had promised to return the 69 orangutans once it was proven that they originated from Indonesia.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
1. COALITION: 55 pt, 6 cols, 1 x 30
1. COALITION: 55 pt, 6 cols, 1 x 30 Four parties rally behind Megawati 2. OLYMPIC: 36 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 27 Zhang shines with badminton gold 3. FISCAL: 32 pt, 2 cols, 2 x 16 Govt applauded for dumping exit tax 4. TKI: 32 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 32 KL delays deportation of RI illegals
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Malaysia gasses chickens in bird flu battle
Malaysia gasses chickens in bird flu battle Reuters/Kampung Pasir Pekan, Malaysia Malaysia gassed hundreds of screeching birds in a village near the Thai border on Thursday, seeking a quick end to its first outbreak of bird flu, a scourge that has killed 27 people in Southeast Asia this year. Malaysia banned exports of poultry and slapped a quarantine for 10 km (6 miles) around a property where two chickens were found on Wednesday to have avian influenza.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Non-oil/gas exports to grow 7%
Non-oil/gas exports to grow 7% Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The government expects non-oil and gas exports this year to grow by 7 percent from US$47.41 billion last year and to further expand by 10 percent in 2005, a senior official said on Thursday. Exports, excluding the hydrocarbon sector, grew by 5.18 percent last year and 3.12 percent in 2002.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Valuair launches new service to RI
Valuair launches new service to RI SINGAPORE: Singapore-based budget carrier Valuair will begin a second daily service to Jakarta next week to tap into the growing traffic between the two neighbours, the airline said on Thursday. The second flight to the Indonesian capital, starting on Monday, will be an evening service. The existing daily flight leaves in the morning.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
China loosens capital control
China loosens capital control BEIJING: China will allow domestic insurers to invest forex in offshore debt markets, a step that could pave the way for loosening of the country's tightly controlled capital account, state press reported on Thursday. The provisional rules will allow Chinese insurance companies to invest up to 80 percent of their total foreign currency holdings in offshore markets, the Xinhua news agency reported.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
JP/5/MALUKU
JP/5/MALUKU Maluku refugees continue to live in uncertainty Muhammad Azis Tunny The Jakarta Post/Ambon This is the second time that Jamaria Makattita, 79, a widow with four children, has had to take refuge when her home in Waringin village was burned down in the violence in Ambon, Maluku. The first time she had to take refuge was in January 1999, when the sectarian fighting in Maluku first erupted.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Factions submit inputs on TNI bill
Factions submit inputs on TNI bill JAKARTA: Factions in the House of Representatives (DPD) have submitted their proposals for inclusion in the deliberation of the Indonesian Military (TNI) bill. Franklin W. Kayhatu, deputy chairman of the House defense commission, said on Thursday the proposals would be clear only after each faction gave an explanation.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
'Each of us can make small changes'
'Each of us can make small changes' Indonesia has long held international attention with the significant role it plays in many multilateral organizations -- such as the Non-Aligned Movement, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and as current president of OPEC -- aside from its notorious reputation as one of the most corrupt nations in the world with a poor human rights record. In observance of Independence Day on Aug.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
The end of elite games in Indonesian politics
The end of elite games in Indonesian politics James Van Zorge, Jakarta If nothing else could be concluded from the first round of Indonesia's presidential elections, it should be this: The old game of elitist politics in deciding the presidential election is officially over. In the times of Soeharto, who would win the presidency was preordained.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Telkom to launch new satellite by end of 2004
Telkom to launch new satellite by end of 2004 Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom) plans to launch a new satellite with broader coverage in December to capitalize on the increasing use of satellites in Asia. The new satellite, to be known as Telkom-2, will replace Telkom's Palapa B4 satellite. It has a total of 24 transponders and a useful life of 15 years. "The total investment is around US$170 million, and has been taken from our internal reserves.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Govt mulls global bond issue next year
Govt mulls global bond issue next year Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta After a successful global bond issue early this year, the government may again tap the international market next year by issuing new dollar-dominated bonds to help plug the 2005 budget deficit. Anggito Abimanyu, head of the fiscal policy division at the Ministry of Finance, said the government was keeping a global bond issue as an option because of its low cost as compared to a domestic bond issue.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
PPA to name shortlisted bidders early next month
PPA to name shortlisted bidders early next month Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The Assets Management Company (PPA), a state agency overseeing state asset sales, will name as many as five shortlisted bidders for the majority stake in Bank Permata early next month, its vice president said on Thursday. "We'll shortlist the potential bidders, probably to between three to five, in early September.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Earthquake rocks Yogyakarta, Sumbawa
Earthquake rocks Yogyakarta, Sumbawa JAKARTA: Earthquakes rocked Yogyakarta and Sumbawa Besar Island separately on Thursday, but no immediate fatalities or damages were reported. A temblor measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale shook the city of Yogyakarta at 1 p.m. It could also be felt in Banjarnegara regency, Central Java. Some 30 minutes earlier, another earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale jolted the resort island of Sumbawa Besar, close to the island of Bali.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Kiani optimistic JPMorgan will accept restructuring plan
Kiani optimistic JPMorgan will accept restructuring plan The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Troubled pulp and paper company PT Kiani Kertas is optimistic that JPMorgan Chase & Co., its biggest overseas creditor, will accept a debt restructuring scheme proposed by the company as it would deliver a high recovery rate for the bank. Kiani chief commissioner Luhut M.P.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
NGO says Rp 288b in campaign funds not reported to KPU
NGO says Rp 288b in campaign funds not reported to KPU Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Transparency International Indonesia (TII), a group devoted to fighting corruption, has estimated that the presidential candidates for the July 5 election failed to report a total of Rp 288 billion (US$31.3 million) in campaign funds to the General Elections Commission (KPU).
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
KL delays massive deportation of RI illegals
KL delays massive deportation of RI illegals Agencies Jakarta Malaysia has put on hold until January 2005 the massive deportation of up to 700,000 Indonesians working illegally in the neighboring country. The move follows warnings from Jakarta earlier this month that a crackdown on Indonesian illegals in Malaysia, before or during the Sept. 20 presidential runoff, could affect the political condition and hurt bilateral ties.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Outgoing lawmakers agree on qualifying period for reconciliation
Outgoing lawmakers agree on qualifying period for reconciliation Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Resolution of all cases of human rights abuse via the planned truth and reconciliation commission will cover a long period between Independence Day in 1945 and 2000, lawmakers have agreed. Sofwan Chudorie, deputy chairman of the House committee deliberating the bill on truth and reconciliation, said on Thursday the agreement was reached unanimously.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
KPU transparency demanded
KPU transparency demanded From Warta Kota General Elections Commission (KPU) chairman Ramlan Surbakti has proposed that additional funds be allocated for the second- round presidential election in September, with the money going on increased fees for the members of local election committees (KPPS) and the setting up of polling stations (TPS).
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
TV Today: Friday, August 20, 2004
TV Today: Friday, August 20, 2004 .TB.30" .90" TVRI .tb .30" .90" 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Children Show: Pentas Ceria 8:30 Music: Asik-Asik 10:30 Religious Teachings 12:30 p.m. Music 1:00 News: Berita Siang 1:30 Pesona Flora 2:00 Music 3:00 English News Service 4:30 Pak Odor's Show 5:00 Children Drama 6:00 TV Drama 7:00 News: Berita Nasional 7:30 Music 8:00 TV Drama 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 9:30 Music 10:30 Live Show TPI 5:30 a.m.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Govt hailed for dumping exit tax
Govt hailed for dumping exit tax The Jakarta Post, Jakarta More plaudits were expressed on Thursday regarding the government's plan to abolish the departure tax imposed on people wishing to travel overseas, as this would facilitate businesses in expanding their businesses overseas. Minister of Industry and Trade Rini Soewandi said the plan would encourage more businesspeople to travel abroad to promote trade.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Deputy MPR speaker in bad shape
Deputy MPR speaker in bad shape JAKARTA: Muslim cleric Cholil Bisri, a deputy speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), is in critical condition and will be flown to his hometown of Rembang in Central Java on Friday morning from Jakarta by helicopter, his sister-in law said on Thursday. "It's the wish of Pak Cholil to return home," she added. Cholil was admitted to the MMC hospital last week with a serious liver ailment and dangerously low blood pressure.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Cirebon bans schools from imposing fees
Cirebon bans schools from imposing fees CIREBON, West Java: The Cirebon regency government will take stern measures against school authorities that still impose school fees on elementary school students in the regency, a top official with the Cirebon administration said on Thursday.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
President Megawati visits forces in isolated Aceh
President Megawati visits forces in isolated Aceh Nani Afrida, The Jakarta Post/Banda Aceh After more than one year of the military operations that started in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam in May 2003, President Megawati Soekarnoputri for the first time on Thursday visited soldiers and police in an isolated area of the war-torn province.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Jambi's Tugu Juang named a city park
Jambi's Tugu Juang named a city park JAMBI, Jambi: The Jambi provincial administration has named several hectares of land in Tugu Juang area a city park and conservation area, an official said on Thursday. The change of status is aimed at reforesting the area and creating more public space in Jambi, the capital of Jambi province, according to Chalik Saleh, the secretary to the Jambi provincial administration. The Tugu Juang area is four kilometers west of downtown Jambi city. -- JP
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Police to determine source of contamination in Buyat Bay
Police to determine source of contamination in Buyat Bay Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Police are investigating who is responsible for the contamination in Buyat Bay and Totok Bay in Minahasa, North Sulawesi. National Police Director of Special Crimes Brig. Gen. Suharto said on Monday that after determining both Totok Bay and Buyat Bay had been polluted, his officers were now looking for the sources of the pollution.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Will Southeast Asia take sides?
Will Southeast Asia take sides? Michael Richardson The Straits Times Asia News Network Singapore China has lately been ratcheting up the pressure on Taiwan while telling Singapore and other Asia-Pacific countries in unambiguous terms that it expects them to stick to its interpretation of the one-China policy. Beijing's assertiveness is a reminder that China's rise brings challenges as well as benefits.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
JP/5/caption
JP/5/caption FUEL SHORTAGE: Fishermen wait for a delivery of kerosene at the Kumis fuel depot in a coastal area in Jayapura, Papua province. The city has been experiencing a kerosene shortage for almost a month, leaving hundreds of fishermen there without fuel for their boats, such as these men on Thursday.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Kalibata Mall gets another hoax
Kalibata Mall gets another hoax JAKARTA: Less than a month after a bomb scare, Kalibata Mall, South Jakarta, received another bomb threat at around 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Police reports said on Thursday the telephone call was received by Fery Parlin, a security guard at the mall. The caller said he had planted a bomb inside Hero Supermarket in the basement level and that it would explode at midnight sharp. The threat was immediately reported to the police.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
[b]
Ties with Singapore under new PM Lee Jusuf Wanandi Jakarta 2. SEASIA -- Will S-E Asian states be forced to take sides? 1 x 30 Will Southeast Asia take sides? Michael Richardson The Straits Times Asia News Network Singapore
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Military, police offices attacked in NTT
Military, police offices attacked in NTT Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post/Kupang Dozens of residents vandalized the offices of the Indonesian Military (TNI) and police in two separate regencies in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). No fatalities were reported but the buildings were severely damaged.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Poor infrastructure hinders 5.4% growth: Minister
Poor infrastructure hinders 5.4% growth: Minister Rendi A. Witular Jakarta A senior economic minister warned that the economic growth target of 5.4 percent, as set in the draft 2005 state budget, may not be attainable unless the next government dramatically improved infrastructure in the country.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Police speed up Nurdin's questioning
Police speed up Nurdin's questioning JAKARTA: Police said on Thursday that they were speeding up their interrogation of lawmaker Nurdin Halid, a suspect in a case involving 73,000 tons of smuggled sugar, and planned to complete his dossier before the end of the month. National Police Director of Economic Crimes Brig. Gen. Samuel Ismoko said that Nurdin, chairman of the Association for the Confederation of Primary Cooperatives (Inkud), was very cooperative.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Armed robbers steal Rp 30m
Armed robbers steal Rp 30m JAKARTA: Two armed robbers broke into the house of Endang Gunawar Sumantri in Ciputat, South Jakarta, on Wednesday night and stole Rp 30 million (US$3,260) in electronics and cash. Police reports said on Thursday that the robbers came on a motorcycle, carrying guns and broke into the house through the garage, which was unlocked. They tied up the victim and stole six wrist watches, a camera, two cell phones, a laptop computer and Rp 1.5 million in cash.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Maluku refugees continue to live in uncertainty
Maluku refugees continue to live in uncertainty Muhammad Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post/Ambon This is the second time that Jamaria Makattita, 79, a widow with four children, has had to take refuge when her home in Waringin village was burned down in the violence in Ambon, Maluku. The first time she had to take refuge was in January 1999, when the sectarian fighting in Maluku first erupted.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
50% of industrial zones closed
50% of industrial zones closed Rendi A. Witular, Jakarta About 50 percent of industrial estates across the country have stopped operating, following the relocation of many manufacturing firms overseas due to a worsening local investment climate and the lack of adequate business infrastructure in the estates.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Mega told to swear in anticorruption judges
Mega told to swear in anticorruption judges JAKARTA: The Supreme Court has asked President Megawati Soekarnoputri to swear in Anticorruption Court judges to speed up the trial of corruption cases. "We have sent a letter to the President, but there has been no response yet," Chief Justice Bagir Manan told reporters on Thursday. He did not say when his office sent the letter. The Anticorruption Law stipulates that Anticorruption Court judges shall be sworn in by the president.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Poor nations 'must unite to reform UN'
Poor nations 'must unite to reform UN' Reuters Durban, South Africa Developing countries must band together to force the powerful West to help tackle their problems from poverty to reform of the United Nations, South African President Thabo Mbeki said on Thursday.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Tour d'Indonesia features 85 riders from nine countries
Tour d'Indonesia features 85 riders from nine countries Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta A total of 85 cyclists from nine countries, including Indonesia, are set to take part in the Dji Sam Soe Tour d'Indonesia 2004 next month. The race, which is scheduled to run from Sept. 27 to Oct. 6, will cover a distance of 1,503 kilometers from Jakarta to Denpasar in nine stages. A total of US$100,000 in cash prizes will be up for grabs.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Kampar councillors face questioning
Kampar councillors face questioning PEKANBARU, Riau: Riau Prosecutor's Office began questioning Kampar regental councillors on Thursday for allegedly misappropriating Rp 1.125 billion (US$ 118,421) in state money. Among the 45 councillors questioned in Pekanbaru, the capital of Riau province, were Syaifuddin Effendi, Kampar council speaker, Jurmalis Saruji, deputy speaker and Masnur, the chairman of Golkar Party faction at the council.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
13 men face jail terms over Poso attacks
13 men face jail terms over Poso attacks POSO: Prosecutors on Thursday demanded jail terms of four to eight years for 13 men charged with killing 10 people in last year's attacks on Christian villages in the troubled town of Poso, Central Sulawesi. The defendants were believed to have been responsible for the October 2003 attacks on Betheleme village, prosecutor Hartana told the Palu District Court.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
*Repeal criminal defamation law: Experts Page 2
*Repeal criminal defamation law: Experts Page 2 *Yogyakarta police chief cleared of electoral charges Page 4 *Haze blankets East Kalimantan province Page 5 *The end of elite games in Indonesian politics Page 7 *Five administrations team up to clean up Ciliwung Page 8 *Five weightlifters fail drugs tests, says IOC Page 11 *50% of industrial zones not functioning Page 13 *Goss, CIA man in Latin America Page 20
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Oil price hike vs reserves
Oil price hike vs reserves From Koran Tempo Minister of Finance Boediono has said the net impact of the current oil price increase on the fiscal situation is still under control, and it will not be followed by a fuel price hike because the government has a buffer stock to ensure security of supply. In fact, the crude oil price has reached US$44 a barrel -- $10 higher than the average figure forecast in the state budget, that is to say, an increase of 29 percent.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Susilo denies anti-Chinese economic policy
Susilo denies anti-Chinese economic policy Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Leading presidential candidate Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono denied accusations that he and his running mate Jusuf Kalla were discriminatory against Chinese-Indonesian businesspeople, saying his future government would foster unity for the good of the country.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Students make do with village hall for classroom
Students make do with village hall for classroom Muhammad Uzair, The Jakarta Post/Palembang Pupils of an elementary school in Banyuasin regency here attend classes in the village hall, after strong winds leveled their school to the ground last month. "Had the school collapsed during school hours, many would have been injured," said Usman, an official of the Sebubus subdistrict office, where the school -- Pangkalanbalai State Elementary School No.1 -- is located.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
TV Today: Friday, August 20, 2004
TV Today: Friday, August 20, 2004 .TB.30" .90" TVRI .tb .30" .90" 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Children Show: Pentas Ceria 8:30 Music: Asik-Asik 10:30 Religious Teachings 12:30 p.m. Music 1:00 News: Berita Siang 1:30 Pesona Flora 2:00 Music 3:00 English News Service 4:30 Pak Odor's Show 5:00 Children Drama 6:00 TV Drama 7:00 News: Berita Nasional 7:30 Music 8:00 TV Drama 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 9:30 Music 10:30 Live Show TPI 5:30 a.m.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Supreme Court focuses on management improvement
Supreme Court focuses on management improvement Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Marking its 59th anniversary on Thursday, the Supreme Court has expressed its intention to improve its management and reduce the court's steadily increasing backlog of cases. "We expect to make everything orderly and efficient, so that the outcome will improve," Chief Justice Bagir Manan said after an anniversary celebration at his office.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
SIA raises fuel surcharge
SIA raises fuel surcharge SINGAPORE: Singapore Airlines (SIA) and its regional wing SilkAir will increase their current fuel surcharge of US$5 to as high as $12 from September to offset escalating oil prices, the carriers said on Thursday. For flights to Southeast Asian cities, passengers will have to pay a levy of $7, SIA and SilkAir said in separate statements. The surcharge on all other flights outside of Southeast Asia will increase to $12, they said.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Industrial firms asked to make water catchment system
Industrial firms asked to make water catchment system Multa Fidrus The Jakarta Post/Tangerang Tangerang administration has asked all industrial firms to establish water catchments in their factory compounds in an effort to anticipate water shortages during the dry season and floods during the rainy season. Mayor Wahidin Halim said earlier this week that the water catchment system would help preserve the environment in the municipality.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Four parties support Mega
Four parties support Mega Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Leaders of four political parties threw their support behind presidential candidate Megawati Soekarnoputri on Thursday, but doubts lingered that the move would improve her chances in the September runoff.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Top actress Christine named Unicef ambassador
Top actress Christine named Unicef ambassador The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Top Indonesian actress Christine Hakim was appointed on Thursday as ambassador for the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) in Indonesia to promote the interests of Indonesian children.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Policeman helps in jailbreak
Policeman helps in jailbreak Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta A Jakarta Police officer has been detained at the headquarters since Wednesday for allegedly helping a man under the custody of the Jakarta Prosecutor's Office to escape Cipinang Prison, East Jakarta, earlier in the day. Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Firman Gani confirmed on Thursday that the detained officer will be investigated by internal affairs.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Is Indonesia loosing its Moorings?
Is Indonesia loosing its Moorings? S.P. Seth, Sydney Now that Indonesia's Constitutional Court has rejected the challenge to last month's presidential election result from Gen. Wiranto, a presidential candidate, the two-horse race between Gen. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and President Megawati Soekarnoputri can proceed in earnest. Susilo obviously has a clear edge with his 34 percent votes against 26 percent polled by Megawati.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
JP/13/Oil
JP/13/Oil Oil prices reach new zenith as Iraq peace hopes fade Agence France-Presse London World oil prices set new records on Thursday as hopes of an easing of tensions in Iraq faded and Iraqi forces prepared for a new assault on the forces of Shiite militia leader Moqtada Sadr. New York's main oil contract, light sweet crude for September delivery, climbed 53 U.S. cents to a new all-time peak of US$47.80 per barrel in pre-opening electronic trading.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Hearse driver sees pros of job
Hearse driver sees pros of job Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post/Tangerang He is not a famous television detective, but 45-year-old Kojak Anandang, Ojeg to his friends, no doubt has had his share of excitement and scares as a hearse driver. Kojak said the first six months on the job in the early 1990s were a nightmare. "I drove one corpse to a village in Central Java. At night, while driving, I kept feeling someone tap me on the shoulder.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
People want govt to finish road
People want govt to finish road BEKASI: Residents of Pondok Gede, which borders Bekasi and Jakarta, demanded the government to continue construction on a road that was built until the three-way intersection at Gamprit, as it was causing heavy traffic congestion. "I don't know why they stopped the roadwork," Ria, who lives in Jatiwaringin, Bekasi, said on Thursday. Rudy, who lives in Pondok Gede, complained that the abandoned roadwork caused traffic jams during peak hours.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Tour d'Indonesia features 85 riders from 9 countries
Tour d'Indonesia features 85 riders from 9 countries Eva C. Komandjaja The Jakarta Post/Jakarta A total of 85 cyclists from nine countries, including Indonesia, are set to take part in the Dji Sam Soe Tour d'Indonesia 2004 next month. The race, which is scheduled to run from Sept. 27 to Oct. 6, will cover a distance of 1,503 kilometers from Jakarta to Denpasar in nine stages. A total of US$100,000 in cash prizes will be up for grabs.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Panwaslu clears police chief of partiality charges
Panwaslu clears police chief of partiality charges Slamet Susanto and Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta/Jakarta The Yogyakarta Election Supervisory Committee (Panwaslu) cleared on Thursday Yogyakarta city police chief Sr. Comr. Condro Kirono of partiality charges, saying that he did not intentionally store thousands of T-shirts bearing the image of presidential candidate Megawati Soekarnoputri.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Govt expects too much from poverty-line teachers: Union
Govt expects too much from poverty-line teachers: Union Dewi Santoso, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The high absence rate of elementary school teachers is understandable, as they are paid far below their monthly cost of living, said the head of an educators union. Indonesian Teachers Union (PGRI) chairman Mohammad Surya said on Thursday the government lacked appreciation for teachers, who, like other professionals, needed good salaries and a clear status.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Ties with Singapore under new PM Lee
Ties with Singapore under new PM Lee Jusuf Wanandi, Jakarta There are basically two ways to look at Singapore from an Indonesian point of view. One is that of Habibie, who once described Singapore as a red dot in the regional map of South East Asia. As such she is expected to behave, especially towards "big brother" Indonesia, and should not pretend to "teach" others in the region of what is good for them.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Zhang shines over Audina with badminton gold
Zhang shines over Audina with badminton gold Agencies Athens Zhang Ning helped China shake off its badminton blues on Thursday, beating Indonesian-born Mia Audina of the Netherlands to take her country's first gold medal in the Olympic tournament. "We needed a gold in badminton today," Zhang said after a gripping 8-11 11-6 11-7 match. "I hope my gold will motivate the rest of my teammates to do well in mixed doubles and women's doubles," she told a news conference.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Oil, gas government regulations face further delay
Oil, gas government regulations face further delay Fitri Wulandari, Jakarta The State Secretariat has asked the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources to revise drafts of government regulations on downstream and upstream sectors of the oil and gas industry, pushing many investors to delay their projects further.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug.19, 2004
Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug.19, 2004 ____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 3,000 0 0 Adhi Karya 320 0 6,538,500 Adira Dinamika 2,425 -150 1,000 AGIS Tbk 95 0 95,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 80 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 125 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 1,025 0 0 Alter Abadi Tbk 35 0 0...
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Forest fires spread across E. Kalimantan
Forest fires spread across E. Kalimantan Rusman, The Jakarta Post/Samarinda Fires from forests and farmland have spread across East Kalimantan, causing haze in cities and towns around the province. Local officials said on Thursday that farmers had lit the fires, some of which had been detected in conservation areas. "The forest fires were set by residents to clear land.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Authorities investigate alleged police torture
Authorities investigate alleged police torture JAKARTA: The National Police will send a team to investigate a report that a terrorist suspect had been tortured by Surabaya Police officers, causing serious injuries and depression. National Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Paiman said a team of police would be sent to Surabaya to question the victim, Saifudin, and family members as well as several police officers before determining whether or not the victim was tortured.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Five administrations to team up to clean up Ciliwung
Five administrations to team up to clean up Ciliwung Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The Ciliwung river, one of Greater Jakarta's main arteries, will soon get the honor of being closely monitored by a horde of bureaucrats from five separate government administrations in a bid to control its notorious pollution levels.
Fri, 20 Aug 2004, 00:00 WIB
Fire guts food stalls in Mega Kuningan
Fire guts food stalls in Mega Kuningan JAKARTA: Four food stalls and a telecommunications kiosk in Mega Kuningan, South Jakarta, were gutted by fire on Wednesday night. No fatalities were reported. Jakarta Police said the fire was started by a kerosene stove in a food stall belonging to Badrus Salam that exploded. The fire was put out at around 8:30 p.m. Setiabudi Police are investigating the case, and material losses have yet to be estimated. -- Antara