Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 23 August 2004

66 articles found

Workshop to discuss Islamic movements

Workshop to discuss Islamic movements The Ridep Institute, a research organization in Jakarta, and Friedrich Eibert-Stiftung, a German-based non-governmental organization, are organizing a two-day regional workshop on contemporary Islamic movements in South and Southeast Asia at the Imperial Aryaduta Hotel in Lippo Karawaci, Tangerang, starting on Monday.

Indictment weak: Experts

Indictment weak: Experts Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The failure of the human rights tribunal to bring justice to the families of those killed in the 1984 Tanjung Priok incident and the 1999 mayhem in East Timor is likely to affect the credibility of the court, experts and activists say. They also blamed on Sunday state prosecutors for failing to press appropriate indictments against military personnel accused of gross human rights violations in the two incidents.

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Soaring oil price strikes U.S. economy 2. 2 x 27 Oil prices rocket on supply fears, boosting gold 3. 1 x 55 RI shares seen lower this week on oil fears, weak rupiah 4. 2 x 34 Japan slowdown temporary, high oil to hit Asia: Minister

Low salaries force teachers to moonlight

Low salaries force teachers to moonlight Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post/Bandung Mohamad Subur, 46, starts his day by riding his motorcycle to a nearby market at 3:30 a.m. He mingles with food vendors and housewives at the market. The darkness before dawn has not revealed Subur's true persona. Upon returning from the market, he conducts his dawn prayers and then starts to prepare the ingredients for the various kinds of traditional snacks he will make.

Susilo ups his public appearances

Susilo ups his public appearances The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As the presidential runoff draws closer, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is increasing his public appearances in a bid to shore up his popularity ahead of voting day. Susilo, who will face incumbent President Megawati Soekarnoputri in the Sept. 20 election, joined Green Garden residents, who are mostly Chinese Indonesians, in a fun walk around the housing complex in Kedoya, West Jakarta.

Rights group elects lawyer as chairman

Rights group elects lawyer as chairman MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Lawyer Johnson Panjaitan was elected on Saturday as chairman of the Indonesian Legal Aid and Human Rights Association (PBHI), succeeding PBHI and founder Hendardi. At the conclusion of the PBHI's congress here on Saturday, Hendardi said the country's judiciary had failed to properly handle high-profile corruption and human rights cases, and instead provided leeway for perpetrators to escape justice.

Players doubt free power market

Players doubt free power market Fitri Wulandari, Jakarta A free market may be successful in providing customers with sufficient and affordable goods and services, but can a free market ensure an uninterrupted power supply at affordable prices for customers in Indonesia? Consumer protection activists concluded during a recent discussion on the issue that free market competition in the country's electricity sector would likely result in a sharp increase in power prices of up to 40 percent.

Where to go in Jakarta: Monday, August 23, 2004

Where to go in Jakarta: Monday, August 23, 2004 Exhibitions * Korean Art Exhibition featuring 90 pieces of Korean ceramics and 15 oil paintings by Maestro Kim So-sun, 30 pieces of Hangul calligraphy by Maestro In Shik-shon, 20 pieces of Susek, 15 pieces of Hanbok, at Shangri-La Hotel (until Aug. 23), South Jakarta, at National Museum (on Aug. 23 to Aug. 29), Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat No. 12, Central Jakarta. * Sintang Textile at Textile Museum, Jl. K.S Tubun No. 4, West Jakarta (Tel.

Nursing homes answer elderly needs

Nursing homes answer elderly needs Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The wish not to burden her children and concerns for her security led Erifa to move six years ago to a nursing home for senior citizens, away from her loved ones. The 71-year-old mother of four told The Jakarta Post on Sunday her children were all married and lived with their families in Jakarta, Bogor, Bekasi and Tangerang.

Care needed for heritage sites

Care needed for heritage sites Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The modern touch is not always good, especially when it is applied to heritage buildings. Not only can it reduce the buildings' aesthetic features, it can lead to a further deterioration of the structure of the buildings, an expert says.

Observers criticize alleged partiality of 'TVRI'

Observers criticize alleged partiality of 'TVRI' M. Taufiqurrahman The Jakarta Post/Jakarta State television station TVRI has triggered criticism from election observers for its apparent favoritism toward the incumbent President, Megawati Soekarnoputri, although it is registered as a public broadcaster. Garin Nugroho of the Media Coalition for Free and Fair Elections said TVRI had turned itself into a vehicle the incumbent could exploit for her own interest, a common practice in the past.

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.

Tribe fights for park

Tribe fights for park Jon Afrizal, The Jakarta Post/Jambi Illegal logging and land clearance in the past 20 years have deforested some 40 percent out of the total 60,500-hectare forest in the Bukit Duabelas National Park. To prevent further damage to the forest reserve, the Rimba (forest) tribe, natives to the area, has made efforts to develop agro-forestry in the form of hompongan (rubber plantation), over the past two years.

Indonesian killed

Indonesian killed in Iraq ambush Insurgents kill Indonesian, wound Filipino in Iraq An Indonesian worker and two Iraqis were killed during an ambush in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul on Sunday in an attack that also wounded a Filipino, Iraqi police said. Police said the two foreigners, contractors working for a foreign company, were attacked by insurgents who cut off their vehicle and opened fire as the men drove towards their compound. The identity of the Indonesian has not been released.

*Observer criticizes partiality of 'TVRI' Page 2

*Observer criticizes partiality of 'TVRI' Page 2 *Govt warns haze could worsen next month Page 4 *Peace remains fragile in Maluku Page 5 *Defendant's statement: A journalist accused Page 7 *Drive for money leads to bus accidents Page 8 *U.S. tanks move toward Najaf shrine as talks falter Page 9 *Cink takes commanding lead over Woods at NEC Page 10 *'Miracle' needed to cool frenzied oil market Page 13 *Flying robot developed for security Page 18

Subterfuge at Semen Gresik

Subterfuge at Semen Gresik There is only a very slim chance that Indonesia might win its dispute with Mexican cement company Cemex SA over the foreign firm's investment in state-controlled PT Semen Gresik (SG), which is undergoing arbitration proceedings at the International Center for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) in Washington. An out-of-court settlement is thus the best, least costly solution, as opposed to a messy, costly and protracted litigation process.

Fatmawati, model hospital

Fatmawati, model hospital From Republika As a participant in the compulsory health insurance scheme, I last used the health facilities of Fatmawati General Hospital in South Jakarta on July 19, followed by my wife, who later underwent orthopedic surgery. What we experienced in this hospital is the dream of all retirees, namely, good health care for those with insurance in their old age.

Drive for money leads to bus accidents

Drive for money leads to bus accidents Urip Hudiono and Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Two public buses plying the same route wait in line for a red light to change at a busy intersection. The driver of the second bus has two choices left: let the first one go ahead and take all the passengers waiting ahead of the traffic lights, or, seriously better, rev up the engine and overtake the bus in front, even if it means endangering his passengers and other motorists.

Taufik's victory surprises

Taufik's victory surprises Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Indonesian shuttler Taufik Hidayat's success in winning a gold medal in Athens has been a major surprise not only to Indonesian badminton enthusiasts but to the country's past Olympians back home. With only the Asian championship as his major achievement this year, Taufik entered the Athens competition as an unseeded player. China, with his players topping the world's top three rankings had been expected to make a sweep.

Japan slowdown temporary, high oil to hit Asia: Minister

Japan slowdown temporary, high oil to hit Asia: Minister Agence France-Presse, Tokyo Japan's top economic minister Heizo Takenaka said on Sunday that Japan's growth slowdown in the June quarter was temporary, but expressed worry that high oil prices would severely hurt Asian economies.

What's behind rejection of TNI bill?

What's behind rejection of TNI bill? From Suara Karya The debate about the Indonesian Military (TNI) bill is underway, with various circles commenting on, criticizing, blaming and condemning the TNI for trying to revive the military's civilian role and refusing to be subject to a civilian authority.

Coalition dilemma?

Coalition dilemma? From Media Indonesia The first round of the presidential election enabled Indonesians to exercise their sovereignty by directly voting for their favorite candidate. Now the General Elections Commission has announced the two candidates for the second round of the election.

A winning coalition only Susilo could beat

A winning coalition only Susilo could beat Meidyatama Suryodiningrat, Jakarta Everything is proceeding as planned for Megawati Soekarnoputri. After the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P)'s disastrous showing in the legislative election, the incumbent President has defied the odds and come out in the best possible position ahead of the presidential runoff.

Officials accused of campaigning for Mega

Officials accused of campaigning for Mega Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Public pronouncements aside, some state officials have been subtly campaigning for presidential candidate Megawati Soekarnoputri and her running mate Hazyim Muzadi, the Election Supervisory Committee (Panwaslu) says. The committee pledged on Sunday to announce the names of these state officials in order to deter other officials from taking sides in the presidential runoff.

Susilo, Megawati: Too close to call a winner

Susilo, Megawati: Too close to call a winner Wimar Witoelar, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Less than a month before the final round of the presidential election, we still cannot be confident in predicting the outcome. Polls say one thing, pundits say another, but the tools of prediction are uncertain. It would help to predict the outcome if we were fully cognizant of the major differences between the two candidates and their different voter appeals, but this is not easy.

Bird flu may have reappeared in SE Asia

Bird flu may have reappeared in SE Asia Associated Press, Kuala Lumpur Health experts warned that the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu appeared to be entrenched in parts of Southeast Asia after a teenager in a Malaysian village hit by the virus was hospitalized with flu symptoms. Also on Friday, a Chinese laboratory said the avian influenza had been found in pigs, and authorities in northern Thailand reported a new outbreak in ducks.

Mayor promises more sports centers

Mayor promises more sports centers TANGERANG: Mayor Wahidin Halim said that his administration would build a sports center in each of its eight districts within two years. "I think, it's only by providing adequate sporting facilities that we can produce good athletes to represent the municipality or the province at the national or even international level," he said on Saturday while seeing off 67 athletes representing Banten province to the National Games, which will start on Sept. 2.

Singaporean neurologist pays tribute to Mochtar Lubis

Singaporean neurologist pays tribute to Mochtar Lubis Noted journalist and writer Mochtar Lubis, who passed away on July 2, was not only admired by many at home, but also abroad, including a Singaporean neurosurgeon. James C.M. Khoo of Mt. Elizabeth Medical Center in the island- state, a physician to Mochtar and his wife Halimah who passed away three years ago, sent a letter to The Jakarta Post recently to share his memories of close friend Mochtar.

IPB to link up with U.S. universities

IPB to link up with U.S. universities BOGOR, West Java: The Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB) is considering the establishment of an exchange program with three universities in the United States toward academic excellence. The three universities are the University of Georgia, Auburn University and Purdue University. Muhammad Agil, IPB's international program deputy head, said on Sunday the program would include exchange in lecturers and students, and visiting U.S.

Jakarta roads offer freedom for F1 wannabes

Jakarta roads offer freedom for F1 wannabes Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Neither the traffic or the potholes can stop some Jakartans from speeding, and with the police turning a blind eye to the problem speeding motorists have turned some roads in the capital into their own private race tracks. Of the 295,003 tickets issued by the Jakarta Police from January to July, surprisingly not a single one was for speeding.

S. African travel agents to visit NTB

S. African travel agents to visit NTB MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: A group of some 50 South African travel agents are expected to visit West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) in September to obtain first-hand information on the province's tourism potential, a provincial official said. Official HL Gita Ariadi said here on Friday the South African travel agents would explore ways in which they could cooperate with the local administration to promote tourism to the province.

'TVRI' biased towards Mega, says media watchdog

'TVRI' biased towards Mega, says media watchdog M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta State television station TVRI has triggered criticism from election observers for its apparent favoritism toward the incumbent President, Megawati Soekarnoputri, although it is registered as a public broadcaster. Garin Nugroho of the Media Coalition for Free and Fair Elections said TVRI had turned itself into a vehicle the incumbent could exploit for her own interest, a common practice in the past.

Haze could worsen next month: Govt

Haze could worsen next month: Govt Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Haze from forest fires that delayed several flights in Pontianak on Saturday could worsen in Kalimantan and Sumatra provinces next month due to a lack of rain and continued land clearing, officials here warned on Sunday. The officials blamed local administrations in Sumatra and Kalimantan for not taking tough measures to prohibit residents from burning forests to clear land for farming.

Life goes on for May riot victims -- with painful memories

Life goes on for May riot victims -- with painful memories Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Hasanuddin was only out to have a little fun when he went with some friends to the Yogya Department Store at Plaza Klender in East Jakarta during the May 1998 riots. He never imagined that his fun would turn into a nightmare. "My friends came home with food and nice clothes that afternoon. They said they got it from the Yogya (department store).

Golkar comes out in force for Megawati

Golkar comes out in force for Megawati Indra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post/Surabaya Top Golkar leaders got tough on Sunday on behalf of presidential candidate Megawati Soekarnoputri and her running mate Hasyim Muzadi, threatening to take action against Golkar members in East Java who failed to support her. Golkar leader Akbar Tandjung ordered party officials in Surabaya to support Megawati in the September runoff, saying the issue had been decided at Golkar's leadership meeting on Aug. 15.

No free lunch for students

No free lunch for students From Koran Tempo The University of Indonesia's Student Union is protesting against the admission fees to be imposed on new students by putting up tents on the university campus in Depok, West Java. A popular saying goes, "There's no such thing as a free lunch". If students object to high tuition fees, it is logical. But have they ever questioned the quality of the education they receive at the price they pay?

Law amended to deter people smuggling

Law amended to deter people smuggling Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The government has submitted to the House of Representatives a bill on amendments to Law No. 9/1992 on immigration, which would criminalize human trafficking. The bill says anyone who is found guilty of human trafficking -- into or out of the country -- for profit, could face between four and 15 years in prison, or fines amounting to between Rp 500 million (US$54,171) and Rp 1 billion.

Deadly bird flu strain may have reappeared in SE Asia

Deadly bird flu strain may have reappeared in SE Asia Associated Press Kuala Lumpur Health experts warned that the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu appeared to be entrenched in parts of Southeast Asia after a teenager in a Malaysian village hit by the virus was hospitalized with flu symptoms. Also on Friday, a Chinese laboratory said the avian influenza had been found in pigs, and authorities in northern Thailand reported a new outbreak in ducks.

Govt to get tough on taxpayers to offset losses

Govt to get tough on taxpayers to offset losses Rendi A. Witular, Jakarta The government will get tougher on taxpayers to achieve next year's revenue target and to offset potential losses from the implementation of new taxation laws, a tax official said. The 2005 draft budget projects revenues from taxes, including excise and import duties, to increase by only 9.3 percent, or Rp 25.3 trillion (US$2.81 billion), to Rp 297.5 trillion from Rp 272.2 trillion last year.

'I'd never send my parents away'

'I'd never send my parents away' The definition of family living in large cities is changing, from the traditional extended family to a nuclear family. Grown-up children will settle down on their own, leaving their retired parents alone without younger people to help them around. The Jakarta Post asked residents whether they would prefer to admit their parents to riterment homes instead of taking care of them by themselves.

Home minister says civil servants neutral

Home minister says civil servants neutral SURABAYA: Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno denied on Saturday allegations that civil servants across the country had been instructed to vote for a particular candidate in the election runoff scheduled for Sept. 20. Hari said no instruction had been given to members of the bureaucracy to vote for a certain candidate. "As far as I am concerned, there has been no direct instruction from the central government," he was quoted by Antara.

Part 1 of 2: Defendant's statement: A journalist accused

Part 1 of 2: Defendant's statement: A journalist accused Bambang Harymurti, Jakarta I am a journalist. I am not a lawyer who has mastered the technicalities of preparing a plea or legal defense in a court of law. (But) I would like to convey my thoughts and opinions on various issues that have arisen in the process of this trial.

Improving performance through public service reform

Improving performance through public service reform Graeme Macmillan, Jakarta The Public Service in Indonesia is too big, too slow and too dysfunctional. It is the huge anchor retarding progress towards Indonesia's rightful place as a respected international and regional leader. The structure of government is full of ministries and departments that do not work effectively, people without real jobs and many who use the authority of public position for personal gain.

On the orangutan show

On the orangutan show I refer to an article in the ASEAN AT A GLANCE in The Jakarta Post, on Aug. 5, page 11, titled Thailand bans orangutan show. The revelation regarding the existence of a zoo in Bangkok that displayed kick-boxing orangutans filled me with profound shock, disgust and anger. The total disregard for these highly intelligent creatures that is exhibited in Thailand and other Asian countries is appalling.

TV Program: Monday, August 23, 2004

TV Program: Monday, August 23, 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 Show 6:30 Bagito's Show: Obrolan Wong Cilik 7:00 News: Berita Nasional 7:30 Comedy 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 9:30 Dangdut Music 10:30 Comedy 11:00 Talk Show: Mimbar Indonesia TPI 5:30 a.m.

Workshop to discuss Islamic movements

Workshop to discuss Islamic movements The Ridep Institute, a research organization in Jakarta, and Friedrich Eibert-Stiftung, a German-based non-governmental organization, are organizing a two-day regional workshop on contemporary Islamic movements in South and Southeast Asia at the Imperial Aryaduta Hotel in Lippo Karawaci, Tangerang, starting on Monday.

Tourism cheers plan to abolish departure tax

Tourism cheers plan to abolish departure tax The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The tourist sector, hit by recent internal and external shocks, would benefit in the long-term should the government's plans to abolish the fiskal departure tax materialize, industry players say.

20 heads

20 heads note, in 2nd story hijab should be italicized and Moslem sp. Muslim, thanks 1. LISA -- (1 x 30) Lisa Rumbewas reveals silver lining Nethy Dharma Somba The Jakarta Post/Papua Entering the Athens Games against the backdrop of her silver victory in Sydney four years ago, Indonesia's weightlifter Lisa Rumbewas had been tipped to repeat the feat. And the Indonesian weightlifter rewarded her supporters by winning a silver in Athens.

Local govts' port plans cause jitters

Local govts' port plans cause jitters Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Local governments have recently triggered a fresh controversy in the business community in the exercise of their powers under the local autonomy law. This time, a total of 57 regents and mayors -- joined in what they call the Balikpapan Declaration Forum -- plan to take over the management of seaports in their respective jurisdictions from the hands of state-owned seaport operator PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo).

47 civilians die in Aceh violence

47 civilians die in Aceh violence BANDA ACEH, Aceh: The armed conflict between the Indonesian Military and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) has claimed the lives of 47 civilians over the past three months. A spokesman for the Aceh civil emergency administration, Sr. Comr. Sayed Hoesaini, said on Saturday another 40 civilians had been wounded in the violence.

Time to stop climbing trees

Time to stop climbing trees From Kompas Tree climbing contests in Jakarta to celebrate Independence Day on Aug. 17 have always used the trunks of pinang (areca palm) trees measuring seven meters in length with a diameter of 20 centimeters. It takes over five years for the tree to grow to this size. In July every year, the trees are cut and their trunks sold on sidewalks around town, including in the Manggarai area of South Jakarta, to people preparing for the Independence Day commemorations.

Lisa Rumbewas reveals silver lining

Lisa Rumbewas reveals silver lining Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post/Papua Entering the Athens Games against the backdrop of her silver victory in Sydney four years ago, Indonesia's weightlifter Lisa Rumbewas had been tipped to repeat the feat. And the Indonesian weightlifter rewarded her supporters by winning a silver in Athens. Competing in the 53-kilogram category, Lisa hoisted a total of 210 kilograms to finish second behind gold medalist Udomporn Polsak of Thailand.

Democracy and foreign interests

Democracy and foreign interests From Bisnis Indonesia The Indonesian Military (TNI) bill does not lead to a TNI that conforms to principles of democracy, according to observers from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies. To my knowledge, the principles of democracy in Indonesia have not yet been established. No descriptions have ever been made of the type of democracy suitable to Indonesia. Democracy remains one of the global issues used by liberal nations to liberalize the world.

JI suspects in 'suicide squad': Police

JI suspects in 'suicide squad': Police Abdul Khalik and Indra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Surabaya The National Police said on Sunday that three terror suspects they had captured last month in Solo and Surabaya were suicide squad members of the regional Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) terror network. JI is a UN-listed terrorist organization blamed for the Oct. 12, 2002, Bali bombings, which killed at least 202 people, and the Aug.

Firms asked to build water catchment systems

Firms asked to build water catchment systems 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. "Industrial firms have used groundwater on a large scale every single day.

Lack of money, space keep kids from school

Lack of money, space keep kids from school PEKANBARU, Riau: An average 400,000 of three million elementary school students drop out of school annually due to financial constraints and the limited capacity of junior high schools to accommodate new students, an official says.

JP/5/SHIP

JP/5/SHIP Fishermen still wary over fragile peace in Maluku M. Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post/Ambon Although the security situation has largely returned to normal in the formerly riot-torn province of Maluku, people are still worried about the future of the fragile peace in the province. The apprehension is manifested, by among other things, the low number of fishing and cargo ships docking in the Archipelago Fishery Seaport in the Maluku capital of Ambon.

RI shares seen lower this week on oil fears, weak rupiah

RI shares seen lower this week on oil fears, weak rupiah Agence France-Presse, Jakarta Jakarta shares, which dipped slightly this week, are set to post further losses this week with concern over oil prices and a weak rupiah continuing to weigh on sentiment, an analyst said on Friday. The Jakarta Stock Exchange composite index closed the holiday- shortened trading week to Aug. 20 down 5.45 points, or 0.72 percent, at 750.472.

Councillors urged to return official cars

Councillors urged to return official cars TANGERANG: Tangerang regency spokesman Jabier said on Saturday that only four of the outgoing council members had returned their official cars to the administration before the 45 new councillors were sworn in on Aug. 7. "Regent Ismet Iskandar had told each of the 42 former councillors that he will send public order officers to take the cars back by force," he said.

Thailand to permit use of GMO crops

Thailand to permit use of GMO crops BANGKOK: In a move that has drawn immediate criticism from some environmentalists, Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has reversed the government's former ban on commercial trade in genetically modified (GM) crops, media reports said on Saturday. The Thai cabinet is scheduled Tuesday to revoke a previous resolution passed on April 3, 2001 that effectively banned commercial use of GM crops except for research purposes, The Nation newspaper said.

The truth about the

The truth about the Buyat Bay incident Having read various articles and reports published recently in several mass media including The Jakarta Post about the Buyat Bay incident in which mining company PT Newmont was involved, I would like to present some facts pertaining to the matter. No modern gold processing outfit uses mercury.

PAN celebrates 6th anniversary

PAN celebrates 6th anniversary PADANG, West Sumatra: National Mandate Party (PAN) leader Amien Rais urged during the party's 6th anniversary event on Sunday that party members boost their commitment to reform, otherwise they would not win the hearts of the people. Speaking at the ceremony here, Amien said more and more people had thrown their support behind PAN. PAN has consistently won an increasing number of seats in the House of Representatives, from 34 in 1999 to 53 in 2004.

Aceh council accepts governor's report

Aceh council accepts governor's report Nani Afrida, The Jakarta Post/Banda Aceh Defying public protest, 54 of the total 55 councillors of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam council accepted on Saturday the accountability report of the expenditure of Aceh's 2003 budget. The acceptance paves the way for embattled Aceh Governor Abdullah Puteh, who is a graft suspect, to continue as governor until 2005, when his term comes to an end.

Govt to reimburse BDB depositors

Govt to reimburse BDB depositors The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has decided to honor about Rp 104.7 billion worth of assets in more than 34,000 incomplete accounts in bankrupt Bank Dagang Bali (BDB) and will start reimbursing these and other depositors by the end of the month, an official statement says.

1. OLYNPIC : 55 pt, 6 cols, 1 X 30

1. OLYNPIC : 55 pt, 6 cols, 1 X 30 New doping scandal at Games 2. TAUFIK: 36 pt, 3 cols, 1 x 27 Taufik's victory surprises 3. RIGHTS: 36 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 25 Prosecutors blamed in Priok case 4. SPEEDING: 32 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 35 Jakarta roads offer freedom for F1 wannabes

Invisible glory at Olympics

Invisible glory at Olympics As politicians fight for power at home and youths throng to television talent shows, five Indonesians hoisted the Red-and- White at the 2004 Athens Olympics. None of their beloved ones, however, witnessed their achievement, as Indonesia is the only participating country that is not broadcasting the world's greatest sporting event. Certainly, the five athletes deserved more than the routine ceremonial homecoming or cash prizes from sponsors.