Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 2 September 2004

82 articles found

Favorites chalk up wins in basketball competition

Favorites chalk up wins in basketball competition Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Palembang Play began in the men's division of the basketball competitionon at the National Games on Wednesday with West Java and East Java living up to expectations by beating their respective opponents. West Java edged North Sumatra 67-51, while East Java outclassed South Kalimantan 88-25 in their Pool A matches. Starting at 8 a.m.

Rupiah Rates Sept.1

Rupiah Rates Sept.1 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 6,956.23 6,246.30 6,636.64 6,565.67 Brunei dollar 1 5,768.11 5,180.07 5,503.10 5,444.93 Canadian dollar 1 7,510.66 6,746.88 7,165.60 7,091.84 Swiss franc 1 7,795.08 7,001.74 7,436.95 7,359.73 Danish krone 1 1,616.37 1,451.25 1,542.11 1,525.45 Euro 1 12,018.35 10,794.14 11,466.19 11,346.03 Poundsterling 1 17,785.47 15,979.01 16,968.35 16,796.00 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,264.20 1,135.85 1,206.12 1,193.93...

Teana hopes to shed hulky image of Nissan

Teana hopes to shed hulky image of Nissan Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta For the Indonesian market, Nissan has been known for a long time as a tough brand, usually associated with its Nissan Patrol four- wheel-drive vehicle employed by Indonesian government agencies some three decades ago. The Nissan Patrol of yesteryear was truly rugged compared with today's sports utility vehicles (SUVs). Nissan now seems to have continued its long history here by promoting a "No.

Philippines carrier to buy 12 Airbus

Philippines carrier to buy 12 Airbus Agence France-Presse, Manila Budget Philippines carrier Cebu Pacific said on Wednesday it is to buy 12 A319 aircraft from Airbus and lease two A320s in a US$670 million refleeting program. This would extend the range of the regional operations of the country's number two carrier and help it gun for the leadership of the domestic market, where it now holds a 38 percent market share, airline president Lance Gokongwei told a news conference.

*Megawati's wealth rises by Rp 15b in three years Page 2

*Megawati's wealth rises by Rp 15b in three years Page 2 *House allots Rp 123b to welcome new members Page 4 *Suicide attempts increase in Batam Page 5 *Political Islam and today's politicians Page 6 *City mulls adopting Malaysian septic tanks Page 8 *Cheney to lash into Kerry in speech as protests continue Page 9 *Henin-Hardenne overpowers Czech teen at U.S. Open Page 11 *RI shares end 2.7% up on regional gains, rupiah Page 13 *New cars that run on gas, alcohol make Brazilians smile Page 17

Bank Indonesia to boost role of foreign banks

Bank Indonesia to boost role of foreign banks The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bank Indonesia (BI) has vowed to seek ways to boost the role of foreign banks in the country's struggling economy, especially in the provision of investment and working capital loans. BI Governor Burhanuddin Abdullah said on Monday that currently, foreign banks still played a minimum and limited role in supporting the nation's economy.

1 x 25

1 x 25 421 rebels killed in Aceh JP/5/SUICIDE 1 x 34 Suicide attempts increase in Batam

;AFP;

;AFP; ANPAf..r.. Philippines-air-company Philippines carrier Cebu Pacific to buy 12 Airbus planes, lease t JP/15/RP Philippines carrier Cebu Pacific to buy 12 Airbus planes, lease two more Agence France-Presse Manila Budget Philippines carrier Cebu Pacific said on Wednesday it is to buy 12 A319 aircraft from Airbus and lease two A320s in a US$670 million refleeting program.

The medal tally on Wednesday, a day before the 16th National

The medal tally on Wednesday, a day before the 16th National Games is officially opened in Palembang: Provinces Gold Silver Bronze Total 1 JAKARTA 6 4 1 11 2 RIAU 2 1 1 4 3 JATIM 1 2 5 8 4 SUMUT 2 0 0 2 5 SUMBAR 1 1 2 4 6 LAMPUNG 1 0 2 3 7 JAMBI 0 2 0 2 8 SUMSEL 0 0 1 1 9 KALTIM 0 1 0 1 10 JABAR 0 1 0 1

'RI needs to promote' multicultural education

'RI needs to promote' multicultural education Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A pluralist Indonesia should promote multicultural education in a bid to nurture more tolerance among its some 215 million people, an education expert said on Wednesday. "When we talk about multiculturalism, it does not only refer to relations between nations but also ethnic groups. Indonesia is a country with hundreds of ethnic groups," H.A.R. Tilaar said.

Foreign tourist arrivals up 4.14 percent

Foreign tourist arrivals up 4.14 percent The Jakarta Post Jakarta Foreign tourist arrivals increased by 4.14 percent in July, as travellers, encouraged by the peaceful first-round presidential election, continued coming to the country, the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) said on Wednesday. The agency said the number of foreign visitors during the month rose to more than 424,800 from over 407,900 in the previous month.

Tax pardon for problem taxpayers

Tax pardon for problem taxpayers From Bisnis Indonesia The chairman of the Indonesian Economic Recovery Commission (KPEN) hopes that the next government will promptly apply a tax pardon to speed up the flow of funds and investment derived from problem taxpayers after they have taken flight abroad. The KPEN chief also expected a reduction in fines of 5 percent to 10 percent instead of as high as 30 percent, as reported in Bisnis Indonesia on Aug. 16.

Daihatsu to up RI output by 50%

Daihatsu to up RI output by 50% TOKYO: Daihatsu Motor Co. plans to expand automobile production in Indonesia to keep pace with growing demand, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported in its on Wednesday morning edition. By 2008, the automaker plans to increase production capacity at local subsidiary PT Astra Daihatsu Motor by 50 percent to 150,000 units per year. ADM produces the U-IMV, a low-price version of Toyota Motor Corp.'s IMV vehicles.

Video-painting on view in Ubud

Video-painting on view in Ubud Fabio Scarpello, Contributor, Ubud, Bali It seems somehow incongruous that in Ubud, famous for its traditional painting, one should suggest a visit to Gaya, a gallery of modern art, where Filippo Sciascia's one-man exhibition is currently running. Nonetheless, one does it. In entering the wide, white and bright exhibition room, the eye is immediately attracted by the red, black and grey that constitute most of the superimposed colors of the large paintings.

1 x 25

1 x 25 421 rebels killed in Aceh JP/5/SUICIDE 1 x 34 Suicide attempts increase in Batam

Is the Golkar party solid?

Is the Golkar party solid? From Media Indonesia On Aug. 15, the Golkar Party officially announced its support for presidential candidate Megawati Soekarnoputri and her running mate Hasyim Muzadi in the Sept. 20 runoff. Since the decision was announced, Golkar leaders have ordered their local chapters across the country to tell party supporters to abide by the decision.

Ancient skull, bones unearthed

Ancient skull, bones unearthed DENPASAR: A team of archaeologists unearthed on Wednesday a pot containing a skull as well as six other human bones located 4.3 meters below ground in Pacung village of Buleleng regency, some 105 kilometers north of Denpasar, Bali. Another skeleton has yet to be unearthed from a nearby site. I Made Suastika, an archeologist of the Bali Archeological Body (BAB), theorized that the location was a 2,000-year-old cemetery.

Foreign tourist arrivals up 4.14 percent

Foreign tourist arrivals up 4.14 percent The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Foreign tourist arrivals increased by 4.14 percent in July, as travellers, encouraged by the peaceful first-round presidential election, continued coming to the country, the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) said on Wednesday. The agency said the number of foreign visitors during the month rose to more than 424,800 from over 407,900 in the previous month.

Games torch arrives in Palembang

Games torch arrives in Palembang Muhammad Uzair, The Jakarta Post, Palembang The National Games flame arrived here on Wednesday at 10 a.m. to a welcome reception comprising thousands of enthusiastic sports fans, who lined the streets inside the town.

House, govt struggle to define TNI's duty

House, govt struggle to define TNI's duty Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House committee deliberating the military bill and the government struggled in vain on Wednesday to define the nature and duty of the Indonesian Military (TNI) as a group of women staged a protest against the draft. The government-sponsored bill defines the TNI by spelling out the acronym as Tentara National Indonesia, while House factions want to add substance to the definition.

AFP to use timber tracking system

AFP to use timber tracking system Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Top government officials and environmentalists, grouped in the Asia Forest Partnership (AFP), agreed on Wednesday that timber producing and consuming countries need to boost cooperation in fighting illegal timber trading.

Poll commission completes drawing up campaign rules

Poll commission completes drawing up campaign rules M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The General Elections Commission (KPU) finalized on Wednesday a new regulation on media campaigns ahead of the runoff, which allocates 35 minutes of airtime a day for each candidate during the three-day campaign period. The regulation was the result of protracted negotiations with the campaign teams of the two candidates. It will be incorporated into the commission's Ruling No.

Police charge unlicensed gunner

Police charge unlicensed gunner The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As suspect Raja Sapta failed to produce ownership documents for his firearms, the police charged him with Emergency Law No. 12/1951, Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Firman Gani said on Wednesday. "It is confirmed that Raja does not have ownership papers for the guns in his possession. The law on emergency carries a maximum sentence of 20 years' imprisonment for offenders," he said.

Sales likely to be boosted at Jakarta Motor Show

Sales likely to be boosted at Jakarta Motor Show Novan Iman Santosa and Primastuti Handayani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With less than three weeks to go before the second phase of the presidential election on Sept. 20, the automotive industry and prospective buyers will likely forget for a while the hustle and bustle of the political parties. From Sept. 4 to Sept.

Mall marks birthday with medical aid

Mall marks birthday with medical aid JAKARTA: The management of Taman Anggrek shopping mall in West Jakarta donated Rp 80 million ($8,988) to help needy TB patients through the HOPE Indonesia Foundation, in conjunction with the mall's 8th anniversary, which fell on Aug. 27. The donation was made to the foundation's Adopt A Lung program, which ran from June 25 through Aug. 25.

SPOTLIGHT For Thursday, September 2, 2004

SPOTLIGHT For Thursday, September 2, 2004 BADMINTON HEROES: The Director of LippoBank, Harry Sasongko (second from left), and Lutfi Hamid, chairman of the Indonesian Badminton Association's West Java Chapter (right), have friendly chat with Taufik Hidayat (third from left), the men's singles badminton gold medalist at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, and Flandy Limpele, who won the bronze medal at the Games in men's doubles badminton, at the KONI Building in Bandung, West Java.

House allocates Rp 123b to welcome new members

House allocates Rp 123b to welcome new members Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives (DPR) has allocated at least Rp 123 billion (US$13 million) to welcome its 550 new members who were elected in the April 5 legislative polls, and assume office early in October. The money is being spent on the construction of 51 official residences for new lawmakers, a four-story office building, and furnishings. "Based on the contract, the project will be finished by Nov.

Indian arrested for carrying drug

Indian arrested for carrying drug JAKARTA: Gurdib Sigh, a 37-year-old Indian national, was caught red-handed carrying 300 grams of heroin while he was about to board a plane at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to Surabaya on Wednesday. "He was arrested because police officers were suspicious of his behavior at the airport. When he was searched, the police found heroin on him," Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Tjiptono.

Supreme Court takes over military tribunal

Supreme Court takes over military tribunal Kurniawan Hari and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Supreme Court officially took over on Wednesday the administration and supervision of the military tribunal from the Indonesia Military (TNI), apart from the trials of soldiers who have committed crimes.

421 rebels killed in Aceh

421 rebels killed in Aceh Nani Afrida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh At least 421 separatist rebels have been killed since Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam was placed under a state of civil emergency three months ago, an official has said. Sr. Comr. Sayed Hoesainy of Aceh's civil emergency administration said on Tuesday that the rebels were killed during military operations since May 19. Over that same period, 20 soldiers and police officers were killed, mostly in clashes with rebels.

Malpractice victims protest medical bill

Malpractice victims protest medical bill JAKARTA: Over 100 people claiming to be victims of malpractice held a protest in front of the Ministry of Health on Wednesday to protest the bill on medical practice, arguing that the bill would only protect the interests of doctors, not the patients.

Suicide attempts increase in Batam

Suicide attempts increase in Batam Fadli, The Jakarta Post, Batam The number of attempted suicides in Batam so far this year has been higher than last year, with records from two large hospitals showing that of 73 people who were hospitalized this year after attempting suicide, eight had died. Last year, only 29 people attempted to commit suicide. Twenty- seven of them were saved, while two died. Similar to this year's trend, females made up the majority of those attempting to commit suicide.

Nigerian drug smuggler sent to death row

Nigerian drug smuggler sent to death row Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang The Tangerang District Court handed down another death sentence on Wednesday; to a Nigerian citizen, Sylvester Obiekwe Nwolise, 39, who was convicted of smuggling 1.2 kilograms of heroin into the country from Pakistan in December. The court granted the prosecutors' call for the death penalty but did not fine him the requested Rp 50 million (US$5,434.78).

Please, give me space

Please, give me space From Media Indonesia As a small-scale vendor, I would like to voice my opinion about the development of the Tanah Abang market in particular, and other similar projects in general. Tanah Abang has been rebuilt into a new, modern, multistory trading center. In fact, kiosk owners do not mind if the government or developers turn the market into a 25-floor building, or construct other such projects, as long as the original shops are restored.

KL seeks to become Asia's top outsourcing center

KL seeks to become Asia's top outsourcing center Eileen Ng, Agence France-Presse, Putrajaya, Malaysia Malaysia will seek to lower the cost of business to remain competitive as one of the region's top outsourcing centers and bolster growth in its eight-year-old high-tech zone, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said on Wednesday.

Olympic champion crashes at PON but W. Java through

Olympic champion crashes at PON but W. Java through Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Palembang Olympic gold medalist Taufik Hidayat suffered a 15-11, 17-15 shock loss to North Sumatra's Wimpie Mahardi in the first-round team match of the National Games (PON)'s badminton competition at the Dempo Badminton Hall here on Wednesday. His fellow Olympic medalist Sony Dwi Kuncoro, who won a bronze in Athens, cruised to the second round with a 15-2, 15-10 win over Lampung shuttler Hogianto.

Officials seize endangered animals

Officials seize endangered animals MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Local officials have confiscated 16 endangered animals from various locations in Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi province. Among the animals seized recently from residents by the Makassar Natural Resources Conservation Center (BKSDA) were honey bears, cockatoos and orangutans.

S'pore expects unemployment to fall

S'pore expects unemployment to fall SINGAPORE: Singapore's labor market is improving in tandem with the economic rebound and the unemployment rate should fall further later this year from 4.5 percent in the June quarter, the manpower ministry said on Wednesday.

Sino-Indonesian economic relations

Sino-Indonesian economic relations Indonesian Minister of Industry and Trade Rini MS Soewandi recently completed an official visit to China. The visit did not have any urgent agenda, but was related to Indonesia's solo exhibition in Beijing, thus it was significant to the country. One important point to be noted is the demand of Ministry of Industry and Trade for the Chinese government to provide Indonesian businesspeople who want to buy Chinese products export credit facilities.

Reclamation works blamed for causing floods

Reclamation works blamed for causing floods Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang Two ongoing reclamation projects in Tangerang municipality and regency respectively have received strong opposition from residents, who claim the work will worsen flooding during the rainy season and water shortages during the dry season. Residents of Batu Ceper, Tangerang municipality, have delivered their complaints to developer PT Lingkarindo Buana Raya (LBR).

TV Program: Thursday, September 2, 2004

TV Program: Thursday, September 2, 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.

No significant effort made to deal with forest fires

No significant effort made to deal with forest fires Forest fires have become a fact of life in several areas in Sumatra and Kalimantan. However, the government has yet to make significant efforts to deal with the core problems that cause the fires.

Newmont manager named suspect

Newmont manager named suspect Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After more than a month of investigation, the National Police named on Wednesday the head of waste disposal at PT Newmont Minahasa Raya a suspect in a pollution case involving the United States-operated mining firm. National Police detectives chief Comr. Gen.

AFTA council to expand rules of origin

AFTA council to expand rules of origin Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Trade ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will gather here on Thursday for the 18th ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) council meeting to seek ways to boost intra- regional trade and to attract foreign investment. The main agenda is to amend and expand the AFTA "rules of origin" so that trade between member countries can be increased.

Villagers told to leave Mt. Egon

Villagers told to leave Mt. Egon JAKARTA: Seismologists and officials urged villagers near the eastern slope Mount Egon on Wednesday to evacuate their homes after the volcano spewed ash and dust earlier on Tuesday. Yosef Ansa Rera, deputy district chief of Maumere, Flores -- 1,800 km east of Jakarta -- said several eruptions on Tuesday had sparked fears about the safety of the 2,000 or so villagers living on the mountainside.

Gus Dur, Taufik hospitalized

Gus Dur, Taufik hospitalized Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid and President Megawati Soekarnoputri's husband Taufik Kiemas are undergoing treatment for health problems, after weeks of tiring regional visits and other activities related to the election runoff.

Presidential election must be peaceful

Presidential election must be peaceful Indonesia's presidential election is not an all-out, exclusive and definitive war. The Sept. 20 presidential runoff is a competition between two knights, to be held based on democratic values. Whoever wins the second round of the presidential election will be subject to the regulation stating that a president can serve only for two five-year terms.

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, September 2, 2004

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, September 2, 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, until Sept. 23. * Painting Retrospective by John Hardi, at Octopus's garden restaurant Lovina until Sept. 30 (Tel. 0362 42031). * Cartoon The Art of Jango Pramartha, Griya Santrian Hotel, in Sanur, Jl. Danau Tamblingan, until Sept. 25.

Toyota reaffirms commitment in Indonesia with MPV project

Toyota reaffirms commitment in Indonesia with MPV project Japanese carmaker Toyota Motor Company (TMC) launched on Wednesday the fifth generation of the popular Kijang multipurpose van (MPV), the Kijang Innova. The new generation of the Kijang has been developed under Toyota's International Innovative Multipurpose Vehicle (IMV), a global effort worth some US$360 million.

Bureaucracy hampers export of orchids

Bureaucracy hampers export of orchids Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar Indonesia is home to more than 5,000 species of orchid, or one- fifth of the world's total. Unfortunately, in terms of the orchid business, Indonesia is still behind other countries in the region. Thailand remains the largest orchid-exporting country in Asia. Singapore is the second while Indonesia is the third, followed by Malaysia and New Zealand.

Bali bomber in cafe

Bali bomber in cafe JAKARTA: Bali bomber Ali Imron was spotted at a cafe in Central Jakarta on Wednesday drinking with National Police of bomb squad chief Brig. Gen. Gorries Mere. National Police Chief of Detectives Comr. Gen. Suyitno Landung Sudjono confirmed that Ali, who has been sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in the 2002 Bali bombings, was in Jakarta and may have been taken outside by his officers for interrogation.

East Java opens title defense with win

East Java opens title defense with win Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Palembang East Javanese women began their defense in the National Games (PON) volleyball competition with a convincing 3-0 win over Papua on Wednesday. The defending champions won the match 25-19, 25-14, 25-23. Purwitasari and Wenni Evitasari took turns sending powerful spikes to break the Papuans' defense, while Yokbet Kapasiang for Papua saw her efforts repeatedly foiled by the East Javanese blocking guards.

City mulls adopting Malaysian septic tank

City mulls adopting Malaysian septic tank Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The capital's unintegrated sewage system has long been blamed for contaminating groundwater and rivers with untreated waste. The Jakarta Environmental Management Agency (BPLHD Jakarta) had reported earlier that most shallow artesian wells were contaminated with the Escherichia coli, or E. coli, bacteria, from human feces seeping through conventional septic tanks.

TV Program: Thursday, September 2, 2004

TV Program: Thursday, September 2, 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.

A hope from the House

A hope from the House From Tempo Finally, the General Elections Commission (KPU) has announced the 678 new legislators who will sit in the House of Representatives (DPR) and Regional Councils (DPD) for the 2004- 2009 term. Comprising 550 DPR members and 128 regional councillors respectively, they will also take their seats in the People's Consultative Assembly. With a stronger mandate, these new faces will play a prominent role in Indonesian politics in the next five years.

Political Islam and today's politician

Political Islam and today's politician Santi W.E. Soekanto, Jakarta Which Indonesian Muslim figure could be more political than former president and former Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) chairman Abdrrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid?

On tax stimulus

On tax stimulus I am writing in response to the article by David Sumual on Aug. 26 on the need for a tax stimulus to create new investment and higher economic growth for Indonesia. While in principle, I agree with Sumual's argument, I think his tax stimulus proposal does not go far enough. Companies in Indonesia are hit by one of the highest corporate income taxes in the Southeast Asian region, at 28 percent per annum.

When politicians are still trapped by old way of thinking

When politicians are still trapped by old way of thinking Imam Cahyono, Jakarta In politics there is no such thing as an everlasting enemy. This was proven in the declaration of the National Coalition on Aug. 19.

Japanese lawmakers visit E. Kalimantan

Japanese lawmakers visit E. Kalimantan SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: A delegation of 10 Japanese legislators visited the East Kalimantan provincial administration on Wednesday, promising local officials they would help the local government combat illegal logging in the province. Toshikatsu Matsuoka, the head of the delegation, said the legislators were seeking information as to those areas to which they could contribute in the fight against illegal logging. -- JP

Annualized inflation slows down in August

Annualized inflation slows down in August The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Annualized inflation in August slowed down compared to the previous month as a slower increase in the prices of basic food commodities, the largest contributor to inflation, put a brake on inflationary pressure. The milder inflation should help ease pressure on Bank Indonesia to push interest rate up.

Rupiah Rates Sept.1

Rupiah Rates Sept.1 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 6,956.23 6,246.30 6,636.64 6,565.67 Brunei dollar 1 5,768.11 5,180.07 5,503.10 5,444.93 Canadian dollar 1 7,510.66 6,746.88 7,165.60 7,091.84 Swiss franc 1 7,795.08 7,001.74 7,436.95 7,359.73 Danish krone 1 1,616.37 1,451.25 1,542.11 1,525.45 Euro 1 12,018.35 10,794.14 11,466.19 11,346.03 Poundsterling 1 17,785.47 15,979.01 16,968.35 16,796.00 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,264.20 1,135.85 1,206.12 1,193.93...

Jakarta strikes before PON opening

Jakarta strikes before PON opening The Jakarta Post, Palembang Jakarta ruled early in the National Games (PON) by collecting six gold medals a day before the opening ceremony of the 16th edition of the Games here at Jakabaring Stadium on Thursday. On Wednesday, Jakarta, which had been the dominant force in the nation's biggest sporting spectacle before East Java toppled it to win the most medals 2000, grabbed another three golds to give it a total of six overall.

Breaking free with the new Ford Escape 2.3 L

Breaking free with the new Ford Escape 2.3 L Novan Iman Santosa The Jakarta Post Jakarta It was a hot, sunny day when I drove the new Ford Escape 2.3L out of the Indomobil compound in Cawang, East Jakarta, for a test drive offered by PT Ford Motor Indonesia for a couple of days. The Ford Escape's air-conditioning system has been improved, so cool air quickly filled the cabin as soon as I turned on the air-con. Nice start.

RI shares end 2.7% up on regional gains, rupiah

RI shares end 2.7% up on regional gains, rupiah Dow Jones, Jakarta Indonesian shares ended sharply higher Wednesday on foreign buying, boosted by gains across Asian markets amid easing oil prices, dealers said. The rebound of the rupiah and softer on-month inflation figures in August also spurred investors to buy blue chips, they said. "There were also renewed expectations that the forthcoming presidential runoff will proceed smoothly," said a trader with Kuo Capital Securities.

Disappointed by food event

Disappointed by food event I just returned from a company outing in Bandung and was looking forward to going to "Heritage Food in Heritage City" at Gedung Arsip Nasional, which was a one-day event (Aug. 29, from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.). My husband and I arrived at 6 p.m. and had to pay an entrance fee of Rp 30,000 each. To my great disappointment, not only was I not able to buy es putri mayang, I was also not given the booklet that accompanied the event because they had run out of stock.

ITF vows to help Myanmarese sailors

ITF vows to help Myanmarese sailors JAKARTA: The International Transportation Federation (ITF) has pledged to step in and help the more than 1,200 Myanmarese mariners who have been stranded in southeast Maluku regency for almost 10 years. Indonesian Mariners Union (KPI) chairman Hanafie Rustandi said the ITF would discuss the issue at its annual Asia-Pacific meeting here on Wednesday and Thursday.

Most transport workers yet to unionize

Most transport workers yet to unionize Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Minister of Manpower and Transmigration has called on transportation workers to form a labor union in an attempt to improve their bargaining position and working conditions.

Activists says free press in peril

Activists says free press in peril The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Twelve prominent activists warned on Wednesday that the country's free press is in peril, as law courts have continued to use the Criminal Code to try journalists in defamation cases. "The enemy is at the gate," law expert Nono Anwar Makarim, one of the 12 signatories of the petition, told a media conference at the Freedom Institute.

Australia explains missile plan to TNI

Australia explains missile plan to TNI JAKARTA: An Australian delegation held a meeting with the Indonesia Military (TNI) leadership on Wednesday in a bid to clarify its plan to equip its fighter jets and aircraft with long-range cruise missiles. The delegation included Australia's foreign affairs ministry secretary-general Ashton Calvert, assistant Greg Moriarty, Australian Ambassador to Indonesia David Ritchie, defense attache Ken Brenwrigg and political attache John Williams.

'We don't have time to enjoy arts'

'We don't have time to enjoy arts' As a major city, Jakarta hosts a relatively large number of artistic events and performances. The arts are important if one is to learn to appreciate the achievements of others. The Jakarta Post talked to some people about the sort of arts performances that interest them and where they go to see them.

Students in the dark on pluralism

Students in the dark on pluralism Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Dozens of students have just stepped down from a stage decorated with a big backdrop emblazoned with the word "pluralism". But when asked what the word means, many of the students could not come up with a clear definition. "What is pluralism?" Ani, a junior high school student from Theater Aura tossed back The Jakarta Post's question on Tuesday.

Import increases 16.06%: BPS

Import increases 16.06%: BPS Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Imports in July escalated by 16.06 percent to US$4.11 billion from $3.54 billion in the previous month, with non-oil and gas imports at the highest since the economic crisis in 1997, the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reported on Wednesday. BPS said that imports increased at a much higher rate of 33.34 percent from $18.63 billion in the same month of last year.

TNI probes alleged corruption in Aceh

TNI probes alleged corruption in Aceh JAKARTA: The Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto said on Wednesday that he had ordered an investigation into corruption allegedly perpetrated by his institution during the implementation of martial law in Aceh. "We have audited the funds and found no violations. But based on KPK information, I have ordered (TNI's) internal supervision division to investigate it.

1. DISCOURSE: 36 pt, 7 cols, 1 x 49

1. DISCOURSE: 36 pt, 7 cols, 1 x 49 'No significant effort made to deal with forest fires' 2. RUSSIA: 48 pt, 4 cols, 2 x 24 Russian school attackers threaten to kill children 3. INFLATION: 36 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 21 Annualized inflation slows down in August 4. NEPAL: 32 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 33 Curfew applied after protests over Iraq 5. TOYOTA: 32 pt, 7 cols, 1 x 63 Toyota reaffirms commitment in Indonesia with MPV project

RP, China hope for free trade zone

RP, China hope for free trade zone Philippine President Gloria Arroyo and Chinese President Hu Jintao expressed hope on Wednesday for the early establishment of a planned free trade zone linking China and 10 Southeast Asian countries. Meeting on the first day of Arroyo's three-day visit to China, Hu said he hoped to speed up negotiations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and launch the free-trade pact "on time," state television CCTV said.

Mega's wealth rockets by Rp 15b in 3 years: KPK

Mega's wealth rockets by Rp 15b in 3 years: KPK The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Surakarta/Mataram In three years, the amount of President Megawati Soekarnoputri's verified assets has increased by more than Rp 15 billion (US$1.6 million) to over Rp 75 billion, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) announced on Wednesday.

Close race expected in election runoff, survey shows

Close race expected in election runoff, survey shows Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With only three weeks to go until the election runoff, a pollster revealed on Wednesday the two candidates would face an uphill battle to win the presidency, according to the latest approval ratings from electorates. The Jakarta-based Soegeng Sarjadi Syndicated (SSS) found 41.3 percent of respondents would vote for Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Sept.

Kupang destroys befouled sugar

Kupang destroys befouled sugar KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: The Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) in Kupang recently found contaminated sugar in several local stores and shops, an agency official said on Wednesday. BPOM Kupang head Sally Markus said hundreds of kilograms of sugar had been contaminated by sea and rain water, and was no longer consumable and hazardous to the health.

Armed robbers swipe Rp 56.5m

Armed robbers swipe Rp 56.5m TANGERANG: Three armed robbers stopped a car and snatched a bag on Tuesday containing Rp 56.5 million (US$6,141). Police reports said on Wednesday that the victim, Emi A.Z., 40, was driving his car on Jl. Teko in Bumi Serpong Damai in Tangerang regency, when a motorcyclist motioned to him to pull over. The suspect questioned victim about his identity and threatened him with a gun.

Holy scripts a sacred quest for Balinese man

Holy scripts a sacred quest for Balinese man Jagadhita, Contributor, Denpasar Some people collect stamps and coins, others paintings and antiques. I Wayan Turun, meanwhile, prefers to collect holy scripts written on palm leaves, or lontar. He said he first became interested in holy scripts when he used to sit and listen to his father read from lontar on the verandah of their house. "I was touched when I listened to him reading from the lontar.

Innova steals limelight at Jakarta Show

Innova steals limelight at Jakarta Show Even before its public unveiling, about 14,000 units of the Toyota Kijang Innova had been ordered. This demonstrates just how enthusiastic the public is about the successor to the legendary Kijang, which first hit Indonesia's streets in 1977. Almost three decades later, the Kijang still rules the streets, with more of these vehicles on the roads than any other type of automobile.

Acupuncturists to hold expo

Acupuncturists to hold expo JAKARTA: The Indonesian Acupuncturists Association (Paksi) plans to hold an exhibition from Dec. 4 to Dec. 6 at the Jakarta Convention Center in Senayan, Central Jakarta. The Indonesian Acupuncture Expo 2004, the first of its kind, will feature seminars, workshops, presentations and an exhibition. "We want to present the development of acupuncture to the public," said Paksi chairman Tomi Hardjatno on Wednesday. "There are many misconceptions regarding acupuncture.