Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 26 August 2004

91 articles found

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.

1. NELAWA -- 1 x 36

1. NELAWA -- 1 x 36 'Ngelawang', a traveling art in Bali 2. CARTON -- 1 x 49 Exhibition explores journalistic flaws, hardships 3. UMBUL -- 1 x 44 A place for everyone at Umbul-Umbul Festival 4. BALI -- 1 x 42 Bali among top five Asian destinations: Report

New president must focus on job creation

New president must focus on job creation Hans W Vriens Jakarta 2. Pro -- India with 1.5 billion people 1 X 45 Can India cope with a population of 1.5 billion? Robert Cassen Project Syndicate 3. Nation -- Has Asia got the will to get together? 1 x 30 Asian willingness to cooperate Jeerawat Na Thalang The Nation Asia News Network Bangkok

Sulawesi sharia campaigner denied entry to Australia

Sulawesi sharia campaigner denied entry to Australia Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post, Makassar A former secretary-general of the South Sulawesi-based Islamic Sharia Enforcement Committee (KPSI) has accused the Australian government of barring his entry to the neighboring country, without good reason. Azwar Hasan, speaking in the South Sulawesi capital of Makassar on Tuesday, said he was denied a visa, after he applied last week to go to Australia for an Islamic forum.

On the IMF-initiated debt rescheduling

On the IMF-initiated debt rescheduling Arya B. Gaduh, Jakarta For the most part, there was nothing out of the ordinary in last week's presidential address. Ditto the section on the economy -- that is, if we exclude the section's "prelude" on the International Monetary Fund (IMF). President Megawati Soekarnoputri began her report on the economy with a commentary on the recovery effort and the role of international institutions in them.

Protest marks swearing-in of councillors

Protest marks swearing-in of councillors Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The swearing-in ceremony of 75 city councillors on Wednesday was marred by a rally, involving some 1,000 people, in front of the City Council on Jl. Kebon Sirih, Central Jakarta. The protesters demanded the new councillors act to prevent collusion, corruption and nepotism (KKN) practices in the council.

Indonesia not a threat to Australia: Ambassador

Indonesia not a threat to Australia: Ambassador Ivy Susanti, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Australian Ambassador to Indonesia David Ritchie questioned a defense think-tank report released in Canberra on Wednesday, which said Australians believed Indonesia poses the greatest threat to their national security.

Govt aid won't bias the press, says PWI

Govt aid won't bias the press, says PWI Rusman, The Jakarta Post/Balikpapan The East Kalimantan provincial government has recently channeled Rp 25 million (US$2,659) in aid to an important journalist association in the province but denies it is an attempt to influence media coverage.

Native ice treat hard to find in town

Native ice treat hard to find in town Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Amsyir scoops some shaved ice into a small bowl in his right hand, adds two spoonfuls of sugar syrup and two more of coconut milk. With the left, he lifts a banana leaf covering a container, revealing the red top of a selendang mayang, a pudding made of mung bean flour. He cuts three pieces of gelatin about two centimeters wide and quickly places them in the bowl. Voila, a portion of es selendang mayang.

Govt won't hike duty on cigarettes

Govt won't hike duty on cigarettes The Directorate General of Customs and Excise said on Wednesday that it would not increase the excise duty on cigarettes and other products despite the government's decision to revise the excise revenue target upward for this year.

Forest fires in East Kalimantan spread to coal deposits

Forest fires in East Kalimantan spread to coal deposits Rusman, The Jakarta Post/Samarinda East Kalimantan forestry office firefighters are on high alert as forest and cropland fires spread to coal deposits. As the situation becomes worse by the day, the provincial administration has increased fire watch patrols and field monitoring, and moved in more fire-fighting equipment to fire-prone locations.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug.25. 2004

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug.25. 2004 ___________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume __________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 3,000 0 0 Adhi Karya 320 10 5,225,000 Adira Dinamika 2,475 0 0 AGIS Tbk 95 0 360,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 80 0 190,000 Alakasa Industrindo 125 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 1,025 0 0 Alter Abadi Tbk 35 0 0...

Dutch FM arrives in Jakarta

Dutch FM arrives in Jakarta JP/P.J. Leo The Netherlands' Minister of Foreign Affairs Bernard Bot (left) and Dutch Ambassador to Indonesia Ruud Treffers (right) enter a hotel in South Jakarta. Bot, who was born in Batavia (Jakarta's former name) in 1937, arrived in Jakarta on Wednesday for three days of talks with Indonesian officials on bilateral relations, counterterrorism and the upcoming Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM).

Taufik's allegiance with mentor earns Olympic gold

Taufik's allegiance with mentor earns Olympic gold Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Taufik Hidayat's gold medal success at the Athens Olympics can be attributed to his natural talent, a fierce competitive drive and a desire to prove the skeptics wrong. It also has something to do with his coach. Arriving in Athens with the odds against him, the 23-year-old Taufik overpowered Shon Seung-mo of South Korea in the badminton men's singles final for the biggest triumph of his career.

E. Timor urges UN to keep peacekeepers

E. Timor urges UN to keep peacekeepers INDONESIA: East Timor urged the United Nations on Wednesday not to be hasty in withdrawing its peacekeeping forces from the fledgling nation, after the world body said it was considering further cutbacks to the mission. Nelson Santos, the secretary-general of East Timor's foreign ministry, said the security situation along the country's border with former ruler Indonesia had improved but remained fragile.

Antiterrorism squad to be inaugurated

Antiterrorism squad to be inaugurated JAKARTA: The newly formed antiterrorism unit of the Jakarta Police will be inaugurated by the city police chief Insp. Gen. Firman Gani on Thursday. "The squad personnel will be trained at the police educational center in Megamendung, Bogor regency. They will come from all police stations in Jakarta and the mobile brigade," the city police detectives chief Sr. Comr. Mathius Salempang said on Wednesday.

Religious leaders tell TNI to set aside own interests

Religious leaders tell TNI to set aside own interests Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Religious leaders have asked the Indonesian Military (TNI) to sacrifice its interests -- at least for the next five years -- for the sake of the country's democratic development.

Former minister chides Newmont over Buyat case

Former minister chides Newmont over Buyat case Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Former state minister for the environment Sonny Keraf said on Wednesday that PT Newmont Minahasa Raya, the only mining company operating in Buyat Bay, North Sulawesi, had not met ecological risk assessment (ERA) requirements during his tenure.

KPI plans to introduce broadcasting standards

KPI plans to introduce broadcasting standards Muninggar Sri Saraswati and Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) is planning to issue content guidelines to serve as program standards for the country's television industry, a commission member says. KPI member Amelia Hezkasari said on Wednesday that the commission would release the draft guidelines later this month.

How to stimulate Indonesia's economy

How to stimulate Indonesia's economy David E. Sumual, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri fulfilled the yearly ritual of the address to the nation last week, unveiling the government's draft 2005 budget.

Fuel subsidies wasted

Fuel subsidies wasted The steep oil price hike since May -- to as high as US$50 per barrel now -- has finally forced the Indonesian government to revise upward from $22 to $36 per barrel the average oil price used to estimate oil tax revenues and the cost of fuel for the current fiscal year. However, the contingency measure Minister of Finance Boediono proposed to the House of Representatives on Tuesday does not, by any means, bring about fundamental changes to basic energy policy.

Exhibition explores journalistic flaws, hardships

Exhibition explores journalistic flaws, hardships I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post/Denpasar, Bali The Bali Independent Journalists Alliance (AJI Bali) has a unique way of celebrating its 10th anniversary -- organizing a cartoon exhibition, where most of the work deals with the dark side of journalism, from news-spinning and insinuation to the prevailing culture of bribery among local journalists.

1. Permat (1x32)

1. Permat (1x32) Jamsostek reveals Permata plan 2. Exxon (1x30) Pertamina says 'no' to ExxonMobil 3. Cigar (2x20) Govt won't hike duty on cigarettes

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.

Rupiah Rates Aug.25

Rupiah Rates Aug.25 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 6,902.07 6,191.08 6,581.27 6,511.65 Brunei dollar 1 5,709.61 5,123.59 5,444.24 5,388.89 Canadian dollar 1 7,483.34 6,715.17 7,135.52 7,062.88 Swiss franc 1 7,668.39 6,880.64 7,311.98 7,236.91 Danish krone 1 1,585.74 1,422.25 1,512.04 1,495.89 Euro 1 11,789.98 10,580.35 11,242.00 11,128.19 Poundsterling 1 17,516.95 15,720.15 16,702.80 16,534.12 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,252.36 1,124.07 1,194.15 1,182.28...

Singapore Airlines orders 18 Boeing 777 jets

Singapore Airlines orders 18 Boeing 777 jets Jake Lloyd-Smith, Associated Press, Singapore Singapore Airlines, Asia's most valuable flag-carrier, said on Wednesday it had ordered up to 31 long-range Boeing 777-300 jetliners as it expands its fleet, but was for now spurning the U.S. planemaker's new Dreamliner 7E7. The contract win is likely to be regarded as a big plus for Boeing in its never-ending dogfight with European rival Airbus.

done

done JP/Tarko Sudiarno Students of SMAN I Karangmojo senior high school are taught silk- screen printing. JP/Tarko Sudiarno SMPN I Semanu junior high school students learn to use computers.

Police shoot thief dead in street

Police shoot thief dead in street Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Like a scene from an action movie, two detectives chased after two suspected motorcycle thieves along Jl. Sudirman in Central Jakarta before lunchtime on Wednesday, sending pedestrians fleeing in panic as the officers fired their guns. One of the suspects, Kadir, was hit in the stomach and died. The other suspect, Firmansyah, was shot in the leg and was taken to Soekanto Police Hospital in Kramat Jati, East Jakarta.

Maid found dead in attache's pool

Maid found dead in attache's pool JAKARTA: A housemaid working for the family of Australian Embassy Police Attache Chief Comr. Max Brisky, was found dead on Wednesday morning in the house's swimming pool in Tebet, South Jakarta. The body of Suyatminah, 19, was found by a security guard at the house at about 11:20 p.m. It was sent to the Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital for an autopsy. "We did not find any indications of abuse on her (Suyatminah's) body," South Jakarta Police chief Sr. Comr.

* Church leaders call for end to discrimination Page 2

* Church leaders call for end to discrimination Page 2 * New labor law causes workers more distress Page 4 * Forest fires in Kalimantan spread to coal deposits Page 5 * How to stimulate Indonesia's economy Page 6 * Senior citizens just want to have fun Page 8 * Indonesia 'not a threat to Australia' Page 9 * Paraguay shatters Iraq's dreams of gold Page 11 * Jamsostek plans medium-term investment in Permata Page 13 * Taufik Hidayat smashes the skeptics Page 20

Ba'asyir transferred to Cipinang, formal charges expected in days

Ba'asyir transferred to Cipinang, formal charges expected in days Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Investigators submitted the case file on cleric Abu Bakar Ba'asyir to prosecutors on Wednesday, paving the way for his trial on charges of involvement in a string of terrorist attacks across the country. Police also handed over Ba'asyir, who is accused of planning the 2003 J.W. Marriott Hotel bombing in Jakarta and of leading the al-Qaeda linked Jamaah Islamiyah (JI), to prosecutors.

[b]How to stimulate

How to stimulate Indonesia's economy David E. Sumual Jakarta 2. Andri -- Putting the record straight about Papua 2 x 30 Setting the record straight on Papua not just perception Andri Hadi Jakarta

Angkasa Pura owes ads tax

Angkasa Pura owes ads tax Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post/Tangerang The operator of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, PT Angkasa Pura II, has not paid its dues to the municipal administration for the tax it has collected from outdoor advertisements at the airport over the last four years, an official said on Tuesday.

2 heads

2 heads 1. CARLA -- 2 x 25 Exhibition showcases best of Indonesian sculpture 2. CUBA -- 3 x 25 Cubans, Americans unite to create art recalling aftermath of 9/11 attacks

BRI first-half profit rises 47 percent

BRI first-half profit rises 47 percent Bloomberg, Jakarta PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI), the nation's fourth-largest lender, said first-half profit rose 47 percent as lending expanded and interest margins improved. The bank said it's interested in bidding for smaller rival PT Bank Permata together with a state pension fund.

ASEAN, major partners to hold trade talks

ASEAN, major partners to hold trade talks Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Trade ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) plan to hold a four-day meet in the capital starting Sept. 2 to discuss ways to boost regional trade.

Asia faces water catastrophe: scientists

Asia faces water catastrophe: scientists Agence France-Presse, Paris Farmers are driving Asian countries toward an environmental catastrophe, using tube wells that are sucking groundwater reserves dry, New Scientist says.

Councillors installed amid graft charges

Councillors installed amid graft charges KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: Thirty councillors who were elected in the April 5 election this year were inaugurated on Wednesday in Kendari, amid an ongoing investigation into the alleged graft committed by their predecessors between 1999 and 2004. The number of councillors this time around was increased to 30 from 25 previously due to the increase in the population of the municipality, which is the capital of Southeast Sulawesi province.

Few motorists turn to busway

Few motorists turn to busway Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Seven months after its launch on Jan. 15, the busway has only managed to attract around 5,600 private car owners, or 14 percent of the busway's 40,000 daily commuters. The figure was revealed recently in a study held by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in March.

Anti-terrorism squad

Anti-terrorism squad to be inaugurated JAKARTA: The newly formed antiterrorism unit of the Jakarta Police will be inaugurated by the city police chief Insp. Gen. Firman Gani on Thursday. "The squad personnel will be trained at the police educational center in Megamendung, Bogor regency. They will come from all police stations in Jakarta and the mobile brigade," the city police detectives chief Sr. Comr. Mathius Salempang said on Wednesday.

Convicted GAM members relocated

Convicted GAM members relocated BANDUNG: Five prisons in West Java are ready to accept 74 inmates convicted for being members of the banned Free Aceh Movement (GAM) separatist group, a senior official said on Wednesday. The inmates, including GAM top negotiator Sofyan Ibrahim Tiba, will be moved to the prisons from their cells in the Aceh Police Headquarters on Wednesday, said Sukotjo, the head of Correctional Institutions at the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights' West Java office.

New President has to focus on job creation

New President has to focus on job creation Hans W Vriens, Jakarta The winning candidate in the run-off of the presidential elections in Indonesia on Sept. 20, will have to focus on creating millions of jobs. There can be little doubt that Indonesia's most pressing problem is creating jobs for its 40 million citizens who are either un- or under-employed out of a total population of 235 million.

1. INSIGHT: 48 pt, 4 cols, 2 x 20

1. INSIGHT: 48 pt, 4 cols, 2 x 20 On the IMF-initiated debt rescheduling 2. DPRD: 36 pt, 5 cols, 1 x 35 Protest marks swearing-in of councillors 3. BUYAT: 32 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 24 Former minister chides Newmont over Buyat case 4. PAPUA: 30 pt, 2 cols, 3 x 14 Candidates told to stop discrimination

Malaysian, S'pore relations improve

Malaysian, S'pore relations improve SINGAPORE: Diplomatic and economic ties between Malaysia and its southern neighbor Singapore have vastly improved, Malaysia's High Commissioner to the city-state said on Wednesday, pointing to a desire for better relations at the highest levels of government. The marked change has come since the acerbic Mahathir Mohamad stepped down last November after 22 years as Malaysia's prime minister.

New labor law causes workers more distress

New labor law causes workers more distress Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A labor union has cried out against the nationwide trend of outsourcing, labor layoffs and dismissals that have helped employers raise efficiency levels amid the prolonged economic hardship, but have worsened workers' situation.

JP/5/FOCUS

JP/5/FOCUS Cargo train derailed in Surakarta SURAKARTA, Central Java: Three out of a train's 16 tank cars jumped the rails at Balapan Train Station in Surakarta on Wednesday, but no fatalities were reported. The train was heading east to Madiun regency, East Java province, from Yogyakarta when the accident occurred. The derailed cars started leaking kerosene, prompting workers for state-owned train operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia to bring drums to siphon off the remaining spilled kerosene.

Exhibition showcases best of Indonesian sculpture

Exhibition showcases best of Indonesian sculpture Carla Bianpoen, Contributor/Jakarta Just four years ago, sculptors in Indonesia who wanted to encourage better appreciation of their art on the part of the general public founded the Association of Indonesian Sculptors. They felt their art deserved the same appreciation as the paintings that dominated the galleries and auction rooms. In fact, sculpture has been receiving a lot of attention, albeit not as much as painting.

Magazine article has Hercules seeing red

Magazine article has Hercules seeing red JAKARTA: An alleged gang leader in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, went to the Cilandak, South Jakarta, office of Matra magazine on Wednesday to demand an apology for what he said was an unflattering portrayal of him in one of the magazine's articles. Hercules, accompanied by lawyer Gusti Randa and some 200 members of the Betawi Communication Forum, said he objected to an article titled Recent Tales of Tanah Abang that ran in Matra No. 217 in early August.

ASEAN, major trade partners to hold trade talks

ASEAN, major trade partners to hold trade talks Zakki P. Hakim The Jakarta Post Jakarta Trade and economic ministers of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries plan to hold a four-day meet on Sept. 2 here to discuss ways to boost trade within the region. The officials would also meet with their counterparts from the grouping major trading partners which include Japan, China, South Korea, India, Australia, New Zealand, European Union and the U.S.

Asian willingness to cooperate

Asian willingness to cooperate Jeerawat Na Thalang, The Nation, Asia News Network, Bangkok Are Japan and China ready to work together and build on an idea that has been floating around since the 1990s by becoming the anchor for an East Asian community? If such a community were to follow the pattern of the European Union, cooperation would likely start with a small core of countries, namely the ASEAN nations along with Japan, China and South Korea.

RI 'not a threat to Australia'

RI 'not a threat to Australia' Ivy Susanti, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Australian Ambassador to Indonesia David Ritchie questioned a defense think-tank report released in Canberra on Wednesday, which said Australians believed Indonesia poses the greatest threat to their national security.

Workers denied medical care: Ministry

Workers denied medical care: Ministry Dewi Santoso, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The government needs to revise its policy on workers' welfare, as most of the country's workers do not have access to medical services at work, an official says. Recent data from the Ministry of Manpower and Transmigration showed only 1,173 of approximately 170,000 small, medium and large enterprises provided health care services recognized by the government to workers. "It's a sad fact, given that we enforced Law No.

Official accused of selling frequencies

Official accused of selling frequencies JAKARTA: Legislators urged State Minister for Communications and Information Syamsul Mu'arif on Wednesday to clarify allegations a staff member at his office was selling broadcasting frequencies to businesspeople. They said the staff member, who they identified by the initials BA, charged businesspeople applying for broadcasting frequencies between Rp 100 million and Rp 150 million.

Setting the record straight on Papua not just perception

Setting the record straight on Papua not just perception Andri Hadi, Jakarta On Aug. 10, 2004, The Jakarta Post published an article by John Saltford responding to mine (The Jakarta Post, July 30) on the issue of Papua. Without any intention to generate a polemic, I feel compelled to take issue with some of the arguments contained in his article in order to set the record straight about Papua.

done

done JP/Tarko Sudiarno Students of SMAN I Karangmojo senior high school are taught silk- screen printing. JP/Tarko Sudiarno SMPN I Semanu junior high school students learn to use computers.

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, August 26, 2004

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, August 26, 2004 .TB.30" 1.0" Exhibitions * Art Within Moving Shadows by I Nyoman Sujana (Kenyem), at Ganesha Gallery, Four Seasons Resort Bali, Jimbaran, 10 am to 6 pm, Aug. 31 to Sept. 23. * Art Shadows and Reflections by Rio Helmi at Alila Ubud, Desa Melinggih Kelod, Ubud, until Aug. 31 (Tel. 0361 975963). * Painting Retrospective by John Hardi, at Octopus's garden restaurant Lovina until Sept. 30 (Tel. 0362 42031).

Mangga Dua fire

Mangga Dua fire guts homes, shops Fire gutted four houses and two auto repair shops on Jl. Mangga Dua Selatan in Central Jakarta on Wednesday at about 6:30 p.m. First Brig. Rudi of the Central Jakarta Police said the owner of one of the repair shops, Hartono, 53, died of a presumed heart attack when he saw his destroyed property. The fire is thought to have been started by a short circuit in Hartono's shop, which had been idle for several years.

RI mechanics go to ASEAN competition

RI mechanics go to ASEAN competition JAKARTA: Automotive technicians Rahadian Daniel Hutabarat of PT DaimlerChrysler Indonesia and Fery Gunawan of Dipo Service will represent Indonesia at the 2004 ASEAN Skill Competition in Hanoi in September. Rahadian and Fery are the top graduates from a high-tech skill apprentice program sponsored by PT DaimlerChrysler Indonesia in Ciputat, Tangerang.

Mulyo stays in training center, says Icuk

Mulyo stays in training center, says Icuk Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Taufik Hidayat's Olympic glory has prompted the national badminton training center to retain the champion's coach, Mulyo Handoyo, in what appeared to be an abrupt change in policy, given that Mulyo had initially been excluded from the center's coaching roster.

Complaints run high on faulty PAM service

Complaints run high on faulty PAM service Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta After more than 80 years since the city administration managed the water service, and six years after Jakarta water company PD PAM Jaya signed a contract with two foreign firms, customers are still complaining of poor service and poor water quality. "Out of 9,000 complaints filed each month by customers, 40 percent are about shortages," said Indonesian Drinking Water Society (MAMI) chairman, Asrul Harun.

Life begins after 50 at clubs for senior citizens

Life begins after 50 at clubs for senior citizens Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Growing old does not necessarily lead to feeling lonely and abandoned. Senior citizens can still enjoy their lives by joining numerous activities such as dancing, bridge and even karaoke.

Jamsostek reveals Permata plan

Jamsostek reveals Permata plan Rendi A. Witular, Jakarta State pension fund PT Jamsostek said it will only hold Bank Permata shares for between three and five years if it wins the upcoming tender for a controlling stake in the country's seventh largest lender.

Oil prices and the national budget

Oil prices and the national budget The oil price assumption of US$24 per barrel in the 2005 state budget draft has been widely criticized, as the world market price of oil has already reached $50 per barrel. The high price of oil on the international market, which could probably stay like that for a long period, is likely to burden the Indonesian economy in the coming months.

A place for everyone at Umbul-umbul Festival

A place for everyone at Umbul-umbul Festival Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali The upcoming Umbul-umbul Festival draws from a key concept in Bali, the nawa sanga, whereby different Hindu deities are positioned at each of the eight principal cardinal points, and one in the center. Each supreme being represents a different color, character, sound or weapon.

UGM's fantastic admission fees

UGM's fantastic admission fees From Koran Tempo Yogyakarta's Gadjah Mada University (UGM) has set admission fees for enrollments through the regional development seeding program at Rp 25-100 million and for new candidates at Rp 20 million. This is one of the results of reform beyond proper limits. Bureaucrats can now determine practically everything at will, with the majority becoming the victims of such policies.

Malaysia eyes Middle East funds with entry of Islamic foreign banks

Malaysia eyes Middle East funds with entry of Islamic foreign banks Eileen Ng, Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur The central bank said on Wednesday that issuing new Islamic banking licenses to foreign players this year would enable Malaysia to tap funds in the Middle East and become a key Islamic financial hub.

Debate heats up over fuel subsidy

Debate heats up over fuel subsidy Dadan Wijaksana and Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Renewed debate on whether to retain the hugely costly national fuel subsidy remerged on Wednesday, following a proposal by the government to set aside a whopping Rp 63 trillion (some US$7 billion) for the subsidy this year.

IFC to up investment on positive RI outlook

IFC to up investment on positive RI outlook Rendi A. Witular, Jakarta The International Finance Corporation (IFC), an investment arm of the World Bank, plans to increase its investment in Indonesia, Southeast Asia's largest economy, on optimism over the country's economic and political outlooks, a senior official said. IFC country manager for Indonesia German A.

The race still open for all candidates: IFES

The race still open for all candidates: IFES M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Although Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is still being touted as the favorite to assume the country's top job, the race remains open for the incumbent president Megawati Soekarnoputri to outshine him in the Sept. 20 runoff, a survey revealed.

Councillors installed amid graft charges

Councillors installed amid graft charges KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: Thirty councillors who were elected in the April 5 election this year were inaugurated on Wednesday in Kendari, amid an ongoing investigation into the alleged graft committed by their predecessors between 1999 and 2004. The number of councillors this time around was increased to 30 from 25 previously due to the increase in the population of the municipality, which is the capital of Southeast Sulawesi province.

PPP, PBR to form one House faction

PPP, PBR to form one House faction JAKARTA: The Reform Star Party (PBR) has welcomed an approach from the United Development Party (PPP) to form a single faction at the House of Representative, saying the move could bring forth a reconciliation between the two parties. "It is a good idea to have one faction because both parties share similar platforms and goals," PBR deputy secretary-general Miqdad Husein said on Wednesday.

Water shortages spread

Water shortages spread The Jakarta Post, Antara Millions of people nationwide are beginning to feel the effects of the dry season this year, which has led to water shortages and forest fires in many parts in the country. Tens of thousands of residents in the densely populated Bojonegoro regency in East Java province and Sragen regency in Central Java province have been suffering from a lack of water for the last few weeks, and are now desperately waiting for the government to act.

Candidates told to stop discrimination

Candidates told to stop discrimination Nethy Dharma Somba and Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post/Jayapura/Makassar Church leaders are seeking assurances that the next president will put an end to discrimination against minority groups in the world's most populous Muslim country.

'Ngelawang', a traveling art in Bali

'Ngelawang', a traveling art in Bali Kadek Suartaya, Contributor/Denpasar Balinese artists used to observe closely the tradition of ngelawang -- traveling from one place to another to present performance art. They usually performed on the important religious Hindu Balinese holidays of Galungan and Kuningan, which fell on Aug. 10 and Aug. 21 this year. But the unique tradition has been absent from the celebration of Galungan and Kuningan for several decades.

'There are too many dangdut shows on TV'

'There are too many dangdut shows on TV' The country's 10 private TV stations and state TVRI have a wide range of entertainment on offer that they consider fit for popular consumption. TV channels are currently crammed with celebrity gossip, mysteries, quiz shows, reality-TV talent quests and crime shows that compete against each other for the highest rating. Many observers say the TV networks are focusing too much on entertainment rather than on informative and educational programing.

Bali among top five Asian destinations: Report

Bali among top five Asian destinations: Report Bali is back as one of the top five favourite destinations for Asia-Pacific travellers, less than two years after a terrorist attack killed 202 people on the Indonesian resort island, a report received here Tuesday showed. Bangkok remained the top choice, followed by Hong Kong, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, with Bali in fifth place, according to an analysis by Singapore-based ZUJI, a leading online travel booking company in the region.

Pertamina says 'no' to ExxonMobil

Pertamina says 'no' to ExxonMobil The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State oil and gas company PT Pertamina said on Wednesday it would not extend its contract with U.S.-based ExxonMobil Oil Indonesia Inc. to operate the Cepu oil and gas block, which is believed to contain huge oil and gas reserves. Pertamina's president Widya Purnama said it was more profitable for Pertamina to operate the block itself rather than with a partner.

Cargo train derailed in Surakarta

Cargo train derailed in Surakarta SURAKARTA, Central Java: Three out of a train's 16 tank cars jumped the rails at Balapan Train Station in Surakarta on Wednesday, but no fatalities were reported. The train was heading east to Madiun regency, East Java province, from Yogyakarta when the accident occurred. The derailed cars started leaking kerosene, prompting workers for state-owned train operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia to bring drums to siphon off the remaining spilled kerosene.

* Church leaders call for end to discrimination Page 2

* Church leaders call for end to discrimination Page 2 * New labor law causes workers more distress Page 4 * Forest fires in Kalimantan spread to coal deposits Page 5 * How to stimulate Indonesia's economy Page 6 * Senior citizens just want to have fun Page 8 * Howard vows to pressure RI over Bali bombers Page 9 * Paraguay shatters Iraq's dreams of gold Page 11 * Jamsostek plans medium-term investment in Permata Page 13 * Taufik Hidayat smashes the skeptics Page 20

NTT govt bemoans of deportation problem

NTT govt bemoans of deportation problem KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: East Nusa Tenggara was receiving an increasing number of Indonesians deported from Australia, which was a financial burden on the provincial administration, a senior government official said on Wednesday.

Even President Megawati, who, without a sense of irony, declared 2003 the Year of Investment, warned members of parliament a few months later about how foreigners have robbed the country instead of created jobs.

Poverty lingers in developing Shanghai

Poverty lingers in developing Shanghai ------------------------------------------------------------ As one of Jakarta's sister cities, Shanghai, China -- with a total population of 13 million and an area of 6,341 square kilometers -- shares similar problems. In a recent comparative study tour organized by the City Council, The Jakarta Post's Damar Harsanto was invited to visit Shanghai to learn how its officials deal with the problems. This is the last of three articles.

RSPI responds to criticism

RSPI responds to criticism This letter is in response to an article titled Hospital reported for alleged malpractice published in The Jakarta Post on Aug. 14. The article made mention of our establishment, Rumah Sakit Pondok Indah. However, we believe there are some inaccuracies in the article that might lead to misperception among your readers and thus tarnish our hospital's reputation.

Valuair adds flight to Jakarta

Valuair adds flight to Jakarta JAKARTA: Singapore's budget airline Valuair has increased its flights from Jakarta to Singapore from one to two flights a day, the company announced on Wednesday. "Singapore has been a popular destination for Indonesian. We are happy to increase our flights and provide the best value for the industry," Sim Kay Wee, Valuair's Chief Executive Officer in a press briefing.

RI shares end lower on selling in blue chips

RI shares end lower on selling in blue chips Dow Jones, Jakarta Indonesian shares ended lower for the fifth consecutive session on Wednesday as investors, mostly foreigners, continued to offload many blue chips ahead of the presidential runoff in September, dealers said. "Foreign investors were dominant sellers," said a trader with a local securities firm. The losses could reflect investors' concerns over the nation's security ahead of the September event, she said.

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.

PPP to embrace nationalism as party principles

PPP to embrace nationalism as party principles The Jakarta Post, Jakarta To prepare for future political challenges, the Islam-based United Development Party (PPP) is considering a departure from its long-standing Islamic platform, for nationalism. The party's deputy secretary-general Chozin Chuamidi said on Wednesday that the PPP's religious base was no longer effective to secure votes. "Previous elections proved that sectarian parties have been abandoned by voters.

Fuel subsidies wasted

Fuel subsidies wasted The steep oil price hike since May -- to as high as US$50 per barrel now -- has finally forced the Indonesian government to revise upward from $22 to $36 per barrel the average oil price used to estimate oil tax revenues and the cost of fuel for the current fiscal year. However, the contingency measure Minister of Finance Boediono proposed to the House of Representatives on Tuesday does not, by any means, bring about fundamental changes to basic energy policy.

Malaysia eyes Middle East funds with entry of Islamic foreign banks

Malaysia eyes Middle East funds with entry of Islamic foreign banks Eileen Ng Agence France-Presse Kuala Lumpur The central bank said Wednesday that issuing new Islamic banking licenses to foreign players this year would enable Malaysia to tap funds in the Middle East and become a key Islamic financial hub.

TV Program: Thursday, August 26, 2004

TV Program: Thursday, August 26, 2004 .TB.30" .90" TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Children Show Pentas Ceria 8:30 Music: Asyik-Asyik 10:00 Talk Show: Wirausaha 11:00 Singing Contest: Konteswara 12:00 p.m.

Howard vows to pressure RI over Bali bombers

Howard vows to pressure RI over Bali bombers Agencies, Canberra/Wellington Australia's leader vowed on Wednesday to pressure Indonesia into ensuring militants convicted of the Bali bombings are punished, after an Indonesian court dropped charges against a confessed conspirator in the attack that killed scores of Australians.