Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 16 September 2004

98 articles found

Bill on Batam FTZ 'unconstitutional'

Bill on Batam FTZ 'unconstitutional' M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The House of Representatives' controversial endorsement of its bill to grant Batam Island free trade zone status (FTZ) is unconstitutional and served to confirm the legislature's attempts to usurp power from the executive, according to a constitutional law expert. J.E.

Australia-RI security: 'Learn the words'

Australia-RI security: 'Learn the words' Rob Goodfellow, New South Wales, Australia With elections pending in Australia and Indonesia, the bombing of the Australian Embassy in Jakarta last week has placed security at the top of respective national campaigns. Unfortunately, an important opportunity may be lost as politicians in both countries attempt to outbid each other over who is tougher on the issue of security.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sept. 15, 2004:

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sept. 15, 2004: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Close Change Trading Volume ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 3,000 0 0 Adhi Karya 440 -20 25,566,000 Adira Dinamika 2,625 25 460,500 AGIS Tbk 95 -5 432,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 85 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 125 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 925 0 62,000 Alter Abadi...

Transportation council members announced

Transportation council members announced Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The newly formed City Transportation Council announced on Wednesday its 13 members, who were selected through a series of recruitment tests.

Intelligence failure?

Intelligence failure? With only three days to go before balloting begins in the country's final round of its first direct presidential elections on Monday, Indonesians can draw little comfort from official assurances that everything is being done to ensure that the situation remains under control. After all, the deadly bomb attack in front of the Australian Embassy in Kuningan one week ago occurred only minutes after the chief of the National Police, Gen.

Fire destroys artist's work

Fire destroys artist's work YOGYAKARTA: Fire razed a gallery belonging to noted painter Amri Yahya early on Wednesday, destroying hundreds of batik paintings and other collections worth billions of rupiah. Amri's friend, artist Godod Sutedjo, said the batik painter was in a state of shock and taken to his relative's house following the blaze, which began before midnight on Tuesday. It took five fire engines almost three hours to douse the fire.

Jasa Marga told to delay key bond plan

Jasa Marga told to delay key bond plan Rendi A. Witular, Jakarta State toll road operator PT Jasa Marga will have to delay its plan to issue Rp 10 trillion (about US$1.11 billion) worth of bonds later this year as the Capital Market Supervisory Agency (Bapepam) refuses to give its approval to it until a key bill on toll roads has been endorsed.

Synthetic fiber world demand to increase

Synthetic fiber world demand to increase Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Chemical fiber producers in Asia see rising world demand for their products after the termination of the global quota system on textiles early next year.

Two ex-councillors summoned over graft

Two ex-councillors summoned over graft JAKARTA: Two former Depok councillors, Lt. Col. (ret) Ali Sumaris Sudamasa and Lt. Col. (ret) Saliman Mireja, are scheduled to be questioned over graft allegations on Friday, Jakarta Police anticorruption chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Anton Wahono said. The two failed to answer a police summons on Tuesday.

Foreign observers gear up for polls

Foreign observers gear up for polls The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Two foreign agencies officially registered to monitor the presidential election runoff have arrived here to observe the poll from the opening until vote counting. The Atlanta-based Carter Center said in a statement made available to The Jakarta Post on Wednesday that it would deploy a team of 57 personnel for the mission.

Religion and politics

Religion and politics From Republika Some members of the political elite still insist on "the separation of religion from politics", which puts religious aspirations in politics in the same position as during the over 30-year rule of the New Order regime. At that time, religious-inspired political ideals were frozen, so ethical and moral norms based on religious teachings were only treated as subjects of discussion in meetings of a ritual nature.

JP/5/POWER

JP/5/POWER Conserve energy: Best solution for power crisis at the moment Riza Mulyadi Antara/Padang Many people have blamed nature for the prolonged electricity crisis in West Sumatra. This is a sensible conclusion. A drop in rainfall in the province has inevitably reduced water levels in lakes Singkarak and Maninjau, as well as Batang Agam River. This in turn has meant that turbines at some hydroelectric power stations in the province have been unable to operate at maximum capacity.

Hercules aborts landing in Maumere

Hercules aborts landing in Maumere Yemris Fontuna, The Jakarta Post/Kupang Waioty Airport in the town of Maumere, East Nusa Tenggara province was closed for a second day on Wednesday, as volcanic activity at Mount Egon continued. Despite warnings from airport officials, an Army Hercules aircraft carrying hundreds of passengers insisted on landing at the airport on the same day.

More health workers needed to reduce MMR

More health workers needed to reduce MMR Dewi Santoso The Jakarta Post/Jakarta While the current trend of maternal mortality rate (MMR) shows a decreasing pattern, it may be difficult for Indonesia to achieve the target of MMR of around 125 per 100,000 births set by the United Nations' Millenium Development Goals, an expert says.

RI slaps antidumping duty on carbon black producers

RI slaps antidumping duty on carbon black producers The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has imposed additional duties on carbon black imported from South Korea, India and Thailand after investigations indicated that the three countries had been dumping the product into the Indonesian market. The Ministry of Finance said the policy was effective for five years as of Sept. 6.

JP/13/Rupiah

JP/13/Rupiah Rupiah rates Sept.15 6,719.67 6,013.88 5,670.73 5,077.23 7,406.63 6,630.85 7,596.95 6,801.71 1,576.32 1,410.60 11,721.82 10,495.55 17,201.01 15,402.74 1,228.50 1,100.18 8,732.00 7,818.28 -- -- 1,399.31 1,251.40 6,353.75 5,684.45 3,204.18 2,801.04 -- -- 1,288.63 1,152.55 5,670.73 5,077.23 232.33 207.98 9,579.00 8,579.00 6,400.49 6,332.83 5,401.37 5,346.51 7,054.82 6,982.53 7,236.10 7,162.45 1,501.45 1,485.42 11,165.04 11,052.20 16,383.97 16,219.64 1,170.15 1,158.53 8,317.23 8,232.94...

Jakarta declares itself ready for election runoff

Jakarta declares itself ready for election runoff Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Jakarta is prepared for the presidential election runoff on Sept. 20, with all of the election materials distributed to the subdistrict offices, Jakarta General Elections Commission (KPUD) head Muhamad Taufik said on Wednesday. "One hundred percent of the materials have been distributed to the subdistrict offices. We are now just waiting for D-Day," he said.

The European Union (EU) extended until next March a ban on the

The European Union (EU) extended until next March a ban on the import of poultry, eggs and live birds from 10 Asian countries because of the spread of the avian flu virus. Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Pakistan, China, South Korea, Vietnam and Malaysia will be barred from shipping chicken products to the 25-nation EU until March 31, 2005.

E. Timor growing like topsy

E. Timor growing like topsy AUSTRALIA: East Timor is tipped to have one million people by next year, news reports from the capital Dili said on Wednesday. A soaring birth rate and return of those that fled the strife that followed its declaration of independence from Indonesia in 1999 are the reasons given for a 17.5 percent increase in population over the last three years to 925,000.

City to allow thicker walls at embassies

City to allow thicker walls at embassies Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta A week after the bombing outside the Australian Embassy, Governor Sutiyoso will allow at least three embassies in the city to build thick outer walls as an effort to heighten security -- but he stressed these structures would only be temporary. The call for stronger walls was made during a meeting between Sutiyoso and American Ambassador Ralph L.

Civilian guards ready to protect election

Civilian guards ready to protect election BANDUNG: A top police officer said on Wednesday some 240,000 civilian guards in West Java, on top of 25,000 police and military personnel, were prepared to provide security during the Sept. 20 presidential election. Insp. Gen. Edi Darnadi, the chief of the West Java Police, said some of the civilian guards would assist police and military personnel in guarding the some 82,000 polling stations throughout the province. -- JP

Korea Electric, Posco may buy RI coal mines

Korea Electric, Posco may buy RI coal mines Bloomberg, Seoul Korea Electric Power Corp., Posco and other South Korean companies may spend $610 million on overseas coal mines by 2010 to cut fuel costs and secure supplies of the raw material, state- run Korea Resources Corp. said.

Two Indonesians released on bail

Two Indonesians released on bail JAKARTA: Two of six Indonesians who were arrested in Australia for credit card fraud have been released on bail as they hold permanent residence status in Australia. An officer with the Indonesian Consulate in Melbourne, Kamapradipta, said they were both released on Wednesday after their lawyers paid A$50,000 each to the court. "As they are permanent residents, they were able to be released on bail," Kamapradipta said.

Swiss German University gets first graduating class

Swiss German University gets first graduating class Ati Nurbaiti, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Optimism filled the air, along with bouquets of flowers and camera flashes, at the Swiss German University (SGU) last Saturday. Members of the university's first graduating class of bachelors seemed to be optimistic that at the least, they would not be joining the country's legions of unemployed.

RI must help protect ozone layer: Expert

RI must help protect ozone layer: Expert Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta For many, the ozone layer is just something up there in the sky that has nothing to do with people's lives down here. In fact, the ozone layer is vital to the survival of mankind. Depletions in the ozone layer have led to increases in harmful ultra-violet B (UV-B) radiation that cause various serious diseases, such as skin cancers, cataracts and decreases in the body's immunity.

World request for ozone saving in RI too demanding

World request for ozone saving in RI too demanding Sari P. Setiogi The Jakarta Post/Jakarta For many, the ozone layer is just something up there in the sky that has nothing to do with people's lives down here. In fact, the ozone layer is vital to the survival of mankind. Depletions in the ozone layer have led to increases in harmful ultra-violet B (UV-B) radiation that cause various serious diseases, such as skin cancers, cataracts and decreases in the body's immunity.

Candidates turn to print, electronic media to campaign

Candidates turn to print, electronic media to campaign The Jakarta Post Jakarta/Surabaya/Makassar Confronted with a limited campaign period and the vast expanse of the country, candidates of the Sept. 20 runoff have decided to turn to print and electronic media to lure voters.

Low competitiveness seen as major obstacle to growth

Low competitiveness seen as major obstacle to growth The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Low competitiveness in the country's manufacturing products is a major obstacle in the efforts to push economic growth, according to a senior economist. Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) economist Mari E. Pangestu said on Wednesday that low competitiveness had hampered both exports and investment, two key factors to accelerate economic growth.

Racing lubricants from Agip

Racing lubricants from Agip JAKARTA: Italian lubricant manufacturer Agip recently launched its latest products of racing lubricants for motorcycles through its Indonesian marketing arm PT Bahana Nusa Lubrindo. The company launched Agip 2T Racing Plus, Agip 2T Speed and Agip 4T Super Racing in an attempt to support Indonesia's automotive sports on Sept. 8 at the sidelines of the just concluded second Jakarta Motor Show.

New Audi A6 emphasizes single frame in its facelift

New Audi A6 emphasizes single frame in its facelift Primastuti Handayani, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta What is so special about the New Audi A6 and what is the difference with the older version? Those questions were raised during the unveiling of the New Audi A6 during the Second Jakarta Motor Show at the Jakarta Convention Center last weekend.

Motor shows exceed targets

Motor shows exceed targets JAKARTA: The just concluded second Jakarta Motor Show and the second Jakarta Motorcycle Show ended on Sunday exceeding its initial targets of sales and visitors, the organizer said over the weekend. As of last Saturday, the total sales have well exceeded initial target of Rp 600 billion (US$65 million) with car sales amounted to more than Rp 913 billion and motorcycle sales reached more than Rp 11 billion for a total sales of more than Rp 924.6 billion.

Jakarta Motor Show's best car

Jakarta Motor Show's best car Best Car of the Show: Bentley Continental GT Best Innovation : VW Golf 2.0 FSI Best Value : Toyota Kijang Innova Other nominees : Daihatsu Xenia Li Nissan Terano Suzuki APV Best City Car: KIA Picanto Other nominee: Chevrolet Spark Best Mini Sedan: Honda City VTEC Other nominees : Chevrolet Aveo Sport Peugeot 206 Toyota Vios Best Small Sedan: Audi A3 2.0 Other nominees : Chevrolet Optra Ford Lynx RS Honda Civic VT 1.5 Mazda 1.5 Mitsubishi Lancer 2.8 GLX MT Peugeot...

Susilo looks set to win presidency, opinion polls say

Susilo looks set to win presidency, opinion polls say M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta With the election runoff only four days away, two opinion polls showed on Wednesday that Megawati Soekarnoputri would not catch up with candidate Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono who was predicted to win the election with a landslide victory.

Gale kills one, damages hundreds of houses

Gale kills one, damages hundreds of houses Apriadi Gunawan The Jakarta Post/Medan A gale that swept through several parts of Indonesia has claimed at least one life and destroyed hundreds of houses in North Sumatra, officials said on Wednesday. A woman died after being hit by a falling tree, while at least 278 houses in a number of areas across the province were damaged amid two days of strong wind and rain.

Presidential tickets make no difference in dialog

Presidential tickets make no difference in dialog Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The General Election Commission (KPU)-sponsored dialog has failed to live up to expectations that it would be a forum for presidential candidates to convince the public of their platforms and programs, mass communication experts said on Wednesday.

Judge allows human rights lawsuit against Unocal Corp.

Judge allows human rights lawsuit against Unocal Corp. A California judge on Tuesday kept alive a human rights lawsuit that claims energy giant Unocal Corp. should be held liable for the alleged enslavement of local residents during construction of a gas pipeline in Southeast Asia. The lawsuit alleges that during the 1990s soldiers in Myanmar, a politically isolated country formerly known as Burma, forced male villagers to help build the $1.2 billion Yadana pipeline into Thailand.

Investors sought for gold mining

Investors sought for gold mining SEMARANG, Central Java: A senior official here appealed to investors on Wednesday to put money into the gold mining industry in Wonogiri regency. Sudanti, the head of the Settlement and Land Office at the Central Java provincial administration, said putting money into the gold mining industry would benefit investors because the regency boasted large gold deposits.

Mobile phone vendors robbed

Mobile phone vendors robbed BEKASI: Two mobile phone vendors were robbed in separate incidents on Monday and Tuesday by robbers armed with sickles, who made off with Rp 15 million (US$1,632) and Rp 12 million worth of goods, respectively. Police said on Wednesday that Akhin, 40, was taking an employee, 21-year-old Ngarawati, home on his motorcycle after selling mobile phones and refill vouchers in Bantar Gebang on Tuesday evening.

Workers, bosses reject bill

Workers, bosses reject bill JAKARTA: Around 100 workers and employers held a rally on Wednesday against the social security bill, demanding that the state pay the contributions to any such expanded scheme. The rally took place in front of the national legislative complex in Senayan.

[b]

Susilo poised to win poll, surveys say 2. 1 x 28 Bill on FTZ 'unconstitutional' 3. 1 x 36 Police beef up security ahead of runoff 4. 2 x 14 RI must help protect ozone layer: Experts 5. 1 x 35 More midwives called for

An answer for those who want to own their first BMW

An answer for those who want to own their first BMW What is so special about the latest generation of the BMW 520i? Apart from the fact that only a few have roamed this city's streets, the car is sporty, dynamic and rearing to go. When The Jakarta Post scored the chance to try the new 520i on a Saturday evening, it definitely attracted loads of attention -- on the street and when it was parked in a shopping center in Central Jakarta.

Novan Iman Santosa

Novan Iman Santosa The Jakarta Post Jakarta Diversifying car models and options is perhaps a must in the automotive industry, in order to catch a larger market share as well as to tame the competition. This strategy was recently employed by PT General Motors Indonesia (GMI), which released the Chevrolet Aveo Sport and Chevrolet Spark Trendy on Aug. 24 -- ahead of the just-concluded second Jakarta Motor Show.

'Tribun Batam' hits Batam streets

'Tribun Batam' hits Batam streets BATAM, Riau Islands: The Tribun Batam daily, published by media giant PT Gramedia, hit newsstands on Wednesday in Batam city, heating up an already fierce newspaper competition. There are already several newspapers published daily in Batam, including Sijori Mandiri, Batam Pos and Pos Metro.

2. 2 x 21

2. 2 x 21 Korea Electric, Posco may buy RI coal mines 3. 2 x 26 RI slaps antidumping duty on carbon black producers 4. 1 x 25 RI to explore energy blocks 5. 1 x 25 Medco to sell Novus assets

Police tighten security ahead of runoff

Police tighten security ahead of runoff Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Police are tightening security across the country ahead of the presidential election, deploying 190,000 officers, with trouble spots like Poso in Central Sulawesi, Ambon, Papua and Aceh getting most of the extra manpower. "We began deploying personnel right before the campaign began on Sept. 14. This tight security will last until the winning candidate is inaugurated on Oct. 20.

Police release photos of bombing suspects

Police release photos of bombing suspects Abdul Khalik and I.D. Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Surabaya Police released on Wednesday 10 pictures of terrorist suspects allegedly involved in the Bali, Marriott and Australian Embassy bombings, including two updated sketches of fugitive terror masterminds Dr. Azahari bin Husin and Noordin Moh. Top.

Former Indonesian star believes in young generation of players

Former Indonesian star believes in young generation of players Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post/Nusa Dua, Bali Ayu Fani Damayanti may have exited the WTA Wismilak International women's tennis tournament early, but the performance she gave in her 6-3, 6-1 defeat by Argentina's Gisela Dulko prompted a former Indonesian star to hail her as a player with a promising future.

Central Bank, Kadin at odds over low lending

Central Bank, Kadin at odds over low lending Dadan Wijaksana/Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The corporate sector needs to improve its risk management skills to keep up with the banking sector and make corporations more bankable, thus increase lending to the corporate sector, a top official at the central bank said. Bank Indonesia senior deputy governor Miranda S.

'Who were the terrorists targeting'

'Who were the terrorists targeting' With two bomb attacks in the last 13 months, security in Jakarta has been beefed up particularly with the upcoming presidential election on Sept. 20. The bomb that killed at least nine people and injured more than 180 others has left many people in sorrow and fear. The Jakarta Post talked to some residents on the issue. Andi, 30, is a receptionist at a fitness center on Jl. Sudirman, Central Jakarta.

New Chevrolet Aveo, Spark offers sportier look

New Chevrolet Aveo, Spark offers sportier look Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Diversifying car models and options is perhaps a must in the automotive industry, in order to catch a larger market share as well as to tame the competition. This strategy was recently employed by PT General Motors Indonesia (GMI), which released the Chevrolet Aveo Sport and Chevrolet Spark Trendy on Aug. 24 -- ahead of the just-concluded second Jakarta Motor Show.

City to start urine tests for night club raids

City to start urine tests for night club raids Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Jakarta Police will soon have two mobile labs to test the urine of suspected drug abusers in the city, National Narcotics Agency (BNN) director Comr. Gen. Makbul Padmanagara said on Wednesday. "The devices are from Germany and now are in Singapore. We expect them to arrive here next week. Each of the devices is worth Rp 1.5 billion (US$163,256)," he said. The devices were bought with the 2004 state budget.

1 x 40

1 x 40 Quake, gale kill two in Bali, N. Sumatra JP/5/death 2 x 27 Two Thai men to be executed later this month: Police JP/5/EGON 1 x 38 Hercules aborts landing at Waioty Airport JP/5/PAPUA 2 x 23 One rebel dead, soldier shot in Papua fighting

Quake, gale kill two in Bali, N. Sumatra

Quake, gale kill two in Bali, N. Sumatra The Jakarta Post, Denpasar/Medan/Makassar An earthquake killed one person and injured two others on Wednesday on the resort island of Bali, while a gale that swept through several parts of the country claimed one life and damaged hundreds of houses in North Sumatra. A 33-year old construction worker, identified as I Ketut Suardana, died in hospital of serious head wounds after falling from the second floor of a building in Denpasar, Bali, officials said.

Candidates turning to media

Candidates turning to media The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Surabaya/Makassar Confronted with a limited campaign period and the vast expanse of the country, candidates of the Sept. 20 runoff have decided to turn to print and electronic media to lure voters.

2 heads

2 heads 1. AKSARA -- 1 x 38 Balinese script joins the computer age 2. BEACH -- 2 x 25 Karangasem beaches suffer environmental damage

Local shares end up, rupiah shows promise

Local shares end up, rupiah shows promise Dow Jones, Jakarta Indonesian shares ended higher for the third straight session on Wednesday amid growing expectations that the presidential runoff will run peacefully next week, dealers said. The stronger rupiah against the U.S. dollar also added to positive sentiment, they said. The main index, however, was off its intraday high as mostly local investors took profit, they added.

Supporting the ALA province

Supporting the ALA province With the growing demand for the formation of a new province in Nangroe Aceh Darussalam (NAD) to be named Aceh Leuser Antara (ALA), I and my whole family, who once lived in Banda Aceh from 1989 to 1995, fully support the steps already taken by 51 legislators toward this end. The five regencies which will belong to the proposed province, namely Southeast Aceh, Gayo Lues, Aceh Singki, Central Aceh and Bener Meriah, are geographically a long way from the capital of NAD.

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, September 16, 2004

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, September 16, 2004 .TB.30" 1.0" Festival Nusa Dua Festival, organized by The Bali Tourism Development Corporation (BTDC), at Nusa Dua Resort, until Sept. 16. Closing ceremony at 7 p.m. Concert * Scorpion World Tour 2004 at Garuda Wisnu Kencana, Jimbaran, 8 p.m., Sept. 18. Exhibitions * Art Within Moving Shadows by I Nyoman Sujana (Kenyem), at Ganesha Gallery, Four Seasons Resort Bali, Jimbaran, 10 am to 6 pm, until Sept. 23.

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

1. TEMPO: 48 pt, 4 cols, 2 x 20 Wind of change blows prior to 'Tempo' verdict 2. TERROR: 36 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 30 Govt sets up antiterror task force 3. CAMPAIGN: 36 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 23 Presidential tickets make no difference in dialog 4. CORRUPTION: 32 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 33 RI urged to ratify UN graft convention

The Mega metamorphosis is great but rather late

The Mega metamorphosis is great but rather late Ong Hock Chuan, Jakarta There has been a fundamental shift in how President Megawati Soekarnoputri communicates. The Megawati we saw during Tuesday night's presidential "dialog" was definitely a different one from the Megawati in the first round of presidential dialogs weeks ago. Mega watchers will note that up to the last presidential dialog she was her old self -- tentative, insecure, inarticulate and unprepared to speak before the public.

Antiterror efforts must go on

Antiterror efforts must go on From Koran Tempo No country in the world is now free from the challenge and threat of global terrorism, but ironically Indonesia, as a frequent target of terrorist acts, has deprived itself of a legal mechanism to seize and punish the culprits. With the annulment of Law No.

JP/P.J. Leo and AP/Abdullah Azam

JP/P.J. Leo and AP/Abdullah Azam ARTISTIC SUPPORT: A number of amateur artists from the Independent Initiative (INI) group write slogans on a white cloth in support of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Jusuf Kalla outside their presidential campaign base camp in Blora Center, Jakarta (photo above), while the opposing candidate incumbent Megawati Soekarnoputri applauds to the performance of street musicians at her residence in Jakarta. Both events took place on Wednesday.

Emergency brake not for fun: Railway company

Emergency brake not for fun: Railway company The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A packed electric commuter train plying Bogor-Jakarta stopped suddenly after passing Cawang Station, East Jakarta, on Wednesday at around 8:45 a.m. State railway company PT KAI could not pinpoint a cause, but suspect that someone applied the emergency brake -- either accidentally or deliberately. Dozens of standing passengers bumped into each other due to the jolt.

Muslims told to curb radicalism

Muslims told to curb radicalism JAKARTA: Noted Muslim cleric Azyumardi Azra urged moderate Muslims to play a role in helping prevent radicalism spreading further in the country. Speaking at the media center set up to provide information on the Australian Embassy bombing, Azyumardi also urged moderate Muslims to spread the true meaning of jihad, as some people had mistakenly used it as a pretext for terrorism.

Indomobil sets bond coupon

Indomobil sets bond coupon JAKARTA: PT Indomobil Sukses Internasional, the country's second- largest auto-distributor, will set coupons ranging from 9.5 percent to 12.25 percent on the Rp 300 billion (US$32.3 million) of bonds it will sell in October. Rp 50 billion of 370-day bonds will be sold with a coupon of between 9.5 percent and 10.25 percent while Rp 75 billion of two-year bonds will carry a coupon of between 10.75 percent and 11.25 percent.

'Tempo' on trial

'Tempo' on trial Bambang Harymurti, the chief editor of Tempo, will appear in Jakarta court tomorrow (today), together with two of his staff, to find out if they face jail terms for publishing an article that upset a wealthy businessman renowned for his strong political connections to the country's power brokers. It's a case that threatens to deal a chilling blow to the future of press freedom in a nation still emerging from the censorship of the Soeharto years.

RI urged to ratify UN graft convention

RI urged to ratify UN graft convention Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In the months following the downfall of former president Soeharto in May 1998, the government sent a special team to look for stolen money allegedly stashed away by the former dictator in Europe. The team returned home empty handed. Many doubted that the team was actually serious about its work. But if it was, and it still failed to come up with the goods, what could be done?

JP/13/Rupiah

JP/13/Rupiah Rupiah rates Sept.15 6,719.67 6,013.88 5,670.73 5,077.23 7,406.63 6,630.85 7,596.95 6,801.71 1,576.32 1,410.60 11,721.82 10,495.55 17,201.01 15,402.74 1,228.50 1,100.18 8,732.00 7,818.28 -- -- 1,399.31 1,251.40 6,353.75 5,684.45 3,204.18 2,801.04 -- -- 1,288.63 1,152.55 5,670.73 5,077.23 232.33 207.98 9,579.00 8,579.00 6,400.49 6,332.83 5,401.37 5,346.51 7,054.82 6,982.53 7,236.10 7,162.45 1,501.45 1,485.42 11,165.04 11,052.20 16,383.97 16,219.64 1,170.15 1,158.53 8,317.23 8,232.94...

Balinese script joins the computer age

Balinese script joins the computer age Made Jagra, Contributor, Denpasar Many people are concerned with the fate of the Balinese language and Balinese writing. As a pragmatic-materialistic life style comes hand-in-hand with modernization, there is a fear that Balinese writing will not survive. Amid the worry is a hope for a better future for Balinese language and writing, thanks to computer technology that allows the conversion of the Roman alphabet into Balinese script, called Bali Simbar.

Prosecutors seek presidential approval

Prosecutors seek presidential approval MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: Prosecutors investigating alleged graft in the West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) provincial and regency councils said on Wednesday they were unable to proceed further with their investigation, pending presidential approval.

Golkar fires Jusuf Kalla as party advisor

Golkar fires Jusuf Kalla as party advisor Kurniawan Hari and Suherdjoko, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta/Semarang The Golkar Party dismissed Jusuf Kalla, a member of the party and the running mate of election front-runner Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, from his post as a Golkar advisor on Wednesday, and suspended the membership of 11 other party members indefinitely for refusing to support Megawati Soekarnoputri in Monday's election runoff.

Medco to sell Novus assets

Medco to sell Novus assets PT Medco Energi Internasional, Indonesia's biggest publicly traded oil company, said shareholders have approved its plan to sell some assets of Australia's Novus Petroleum Ltd. to two companies. Medco's Finance Director Sugiharto said the company would sell some of Novus's assets in Indonesia and Australia worth US$110 million to Santos Ltd., Australia's biggest natural gas producer. Medco had bought Novus for A$350 million ($240 million).

Racing lubricants from Agip

Racing lubricants from Agip JAKARTA: Italian lubricant manufacturer Agip recently launched its latest products of racing lubricants for motorcycles through its Indonesian marketing arm PT Bahana Nusa Lubrindo. The company launched Agip 2T Racing Plus, Agip 2T Speed and Agip 4T Super Racing in an attempt to support Indonesia's automotive sports on Sept. 8 at the sidelines of the just concluded second Jakarta Motor Show.

Wind of change blows prior to 'Tempo' verdict

Wind of change blows prior to 'Tempo' verdict The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In a departure from the general legal trend that has characterized the Tempo saga and coming ahead of the verdict expected on Thursday from the Central Jakarta District Court, a high court ruled in favor of the Tempo Media Group in its appeals against two lower court rulings.

Govt sets up antiterror task force

Govt sets up antiterror task force Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The latest bomb attack that rocked the country last week has prompted the government to set up a military-backed antiterror task force, which will be allowed to conduct clandestine operations.

Ban firearm ownership

Ban firearm ownership From Koran Tempo A criminologist at the University of Indonesia, Adrianus Meliala, has warned that the use of firearms, now becoming all too common, can become a social time bomb in Indonesia (Tempo Interaktif, Sept. 2). In my opinion, the use or ownership of firearms should be banned entirely because it is not beneficial and will only cause public anxiety. Latest developments in the country have shown that the mentality of firearm users is still immature.

* China party chief rules out democracy Page 3

* China party chief rules out democracy Page 3 * Police beef up security ahead of Sept. 20 election Page 4 * Quake, high winds kill two in Bali, North Sumatra Page 5 * Mega's metamorphosis is great, but rather late Page 6 * Sutiyoso to allow bigger walls at embassies Page 8 * Waiting game almost over at golf's Ryder Cup Page 9 * Russia rejects U.S. criticism of planned reforms Page 11 * Synthetic fiber makers await quota-free regime Page 13 * Balinese script joins the computer age Page 18

Next government will raise fuel prices next year

Next government will raise fuel prices next year Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The two presidential candidates and their running mates were forced to address what may be the toughest economic challenge next year -- raising fuel prices at home -- when they met a group of economists during a televised dialogue late on Wednesday.

RI to explore energy blocks

RI to explore energy blocks Bloomberg, Jakarta Indonesia, Southeast Asia's biggest oil producer, said companies submitted bids to explore for oil and gas in 11 new areas as soaring crude prices encourage suppliers to seek more reserves. The companies chose the areas, rather than bidding for blocks offered by the government, said Iin Arifin Takhyan, director general of oil and gas at the energy ministry.

TV Program: Thursday, September 16, 2004

TV Program: Thursday, September 16, 2004 .TB.30" .90" TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:05 Religious Teachings 8:30 Music: Asyik-Asyik 10:00 Talk Show: Wirausaha 11:00 Singing Contest: Konteswara 12:00 p.m.

Businessmen to hold meeting in Aceh

Businessmen to hold meeting in Aceh JAKARTA: Some 250 businesspeople from Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand are scheduled to meet in Aceh later this year, the head of the provincial branch of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry said on Wednesday. "The meeting will show the world that security in Aceh, particularly in Sabang and Banda Aceh, is improving," Firmandes said. He said the businesspeople would likely discuss possible investment opportunities in their respective countries.

1. DEBATE: 3 LINES, 16 COUNTS

1. DEBATE: 3 LINES, 16 COUNTS Next government will raise fuel prices next year 2. GOLKAR: 3 LINES, 15 COUNTS Golkar fires Jusuf Kalla as party advisor 3. ELECTION: 3 LINES, 10 COUNTS Candidates turn to media for campaign 4. BOMB: 1 LINE, 35 COUNTS Police release photos of bombing suspects

Two Thai men on death row to be executed later this month: Police

Two Thai men on death row to be executed later this month: Police Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post/Medan Two Thai citizens sentenced to death in 1994 for heroin possession will be executed by the end of September, North Sumatra Police chief Insp. Gen. Iwan Pandjiwinata announced on Wednesday. He said his office received approval last Tuesday from prosecutors to execute Saelow Praseart, 62, and Namsong Sirilak, 32. "We are planning the executions ...

Angie clears first hurdle at Wismilak tournament

Angie clears first hurdle at Wismilak tournament Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post/Nusa Dua, Bali Angelique "Angie" Widjaja of Indonesia stunned eighth seed Jelena Jankovic of Serbia and Montenegro into a 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 defeat in the opening round of the Wismilak International Tennis Tournament here on Wednesday. Wednesday's matches saw more shock exits with third seed Ai Sugiyama of Japan and fifth seed Chanda Rubin of the United States losing to her unheralded opponents.

Duty on telecoms components lifted

Duty on telecoms components lifted JAKARTA: The Ministry of Finance has issued a decree to exempt raw materials and components for the manufacturing of some telecommunication products from import duty. The products include mobile communications network (MCN) products such as boosters/boots and modulators; central station products such as CDMAs and power supply units (PSU); and terminal products such as keypad sets and transceiver assemblies.

Foreign observers gear up for poll runoff

Foreign observers gear up for poll runoff The Jakarta Post Jakarta Two foreign agencies officially registered to monitor the presidential election runoff have arrived here to observe the poll from the opening until vote counting. The Atlanta-based Carter Center said in a statement made available to The Jakarta Post on Wednesday that it would deploy a team of 57 personnel for the mission.

Malaysia's Anwar loses bid to lift political ban

Malaysia's Anwar loses bid to lift political ban Barani Krishnan, Reuters/Putrajaya, Malaysia Malaysian dissident politician Anwar Ibrahim failed on Wednesday in a final court bid to erase his criminal record and free himself of a ban on holding political office, but he vowed not to be silenced.

Malaysia faces bird flu quarantine

Malaysia faces bird flu quarantine Associated Press, Kuala Lumpur Three children exposed to the carcasses of culled chickens were hospitalized with flu-like symptoms Wednesday as Malaysia mulled whether to widen a quarantine to cover an entire state near the Thai border to contain a spreading bird flu outbreak.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sept. 15, 2004:

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sept. 15, 2004: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Close Change Trading Volume ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 3,000 0 0 Adhi Karya 440 -20 25,566,000 Adira Dinamika 2,625 25 460,500 AGIS Tbk 95 -5 432,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 85 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 125 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 925 0 62,000 Alter Abadi...

OPEC decided in Vienna Wednesday to increase its official

OPEC decided in Vienna Wednesday to increase its official output by one million barrels per day from November 1 in a signal to the markets that it would continue pumping at near full capacity, ministers said. "We have decided to raise the quota by one million barrels per day from Nov. 1," Algerian Oil Minister Chakib Khelil said here at the close of the cartel's ministerial meeting. -- AFP U.S. rebukes S.

Karangasem beaches suffer from environmental damage

Karangasem beaches suffer from environmental damage Luh De Suriyani, Contributor, Karangasem The twigs of a coconut tree in front of the small lodge in Candi Dasa beach, Karangasem regency, Bali danced violently in the wind. The strong wind also whipped up some large waves that smashed the foundation of the building that directly faces the Bali strait. A part of the foundation was eroded by seawater, while the big stones that were piled up as a barrier were smashed into pieces.

BP migas seeks to settle dispute

BP migas seeks to settle dispute The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Oil and gas upstream authority BP Migas is seeking to settle a dispute involving oil and gas companies ExxonMobil, Pertamina and PetroChina over production tests at the Sukawati oil field in East Java. "BP Migas has invited the disputing parties for a talk to solve the dispute on Friday," Trijana Kartoatmodjo, BP Migas' deputy of operation, told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.

Clean-up fraud

Clean-up fraud From Warta Kota In connection with the claim by certain parties -- Indonesia Asri, Jakarta Asri and the Indonesia-Australia Action Committee (IACT) -- that the Clean Up Indonesia/Indonesia Bersih program is part of their activities, I must clarify the matter as follows. Clean Up Indonesia/Indonesia Bersih is fully under the auspices of Yayasan Indonesia Bersih (the Clean Up Indonesia Foundation) and has no relationship whatsoever with the other parties.

One rebel dead, soldier shot in Papua fighting

One rebel dead, soldier shot in Papua fighting Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post/Jayapura A group of suspected Free Papua Movement (OPM) rebels attacked on Tuesday 15 Indonesian Military (TNI) soldiers in Lima Jari subdistrict, Puncak Jaya regency, leaving one rebel dead and one soldier severely injured. The attack occurred at about 8:30 a.m. local time, when a group of TNI soldiers on patrol in Lima Jari subdistrict was fired upon by suspected rebels hiding behind a hillock. Pvt.

Astra speeds up debt payment

Astra speeds up debt payment JAKARTA: Automotive conglomerate PT Astra International plans to speed up the settlement of its debts ahead of schedule by making a further prepayment of its US$122 million loan and bond obligations at the end of this month. Astra finance director John Slack said the company would use internal cash to make the prepayment, with the balance of the debt after the prepayment being reduced to $125 million. The debt would be entirely matured on June 30, 2006.

BI projects higher growth of 6% by 2006

BI projects higher growth of 6% by 2006 Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The country's economic growth is projected to reach about 6 percent by 2006, encouraged by the implementation of prudent fiscal and monetary policies as well as the determination by the incoming government to create a more favorable business climate, a senior official at Bank Indonesia (BI) says.

PAL wins tender to build ship for East Timor

PAL wins tender to build ship for East Timor The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The country's largest shipyard, state-run PT PAL in Surabaya, has won an international tender to build a passenger and car ferry for East Timor. The German government would provide financing for the construction of the vessel through the German Development Bank, the bank said.

The European Union (EU) extended until next March a ban on the

The European Union (EU) extended until next March a ban on the import of poultry, eggs and live birds from 10 Asian countries because of the spread of the avian flu virus. Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Pakistan, China, South Korea, Vietnam and Malaysia will be barred from shipping chicken products to the 25-nation EU until March 31, 2005.