Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 21 September 2004

76 articles found

What's stopping RI brands from competing globally

What's stopping RI brands from competing globally Michael J. Webdell, Jakarta Nike, Samsung, Tommy Hilfiger, Guess, Sony: These are just a few brands popular to people across the world. In shopping malls from Jakarta to London, and New York to Seoul, they are symbols of a lifestyle consumers pay premium to be part of.

Man dies after preparing for polls

Man dies after preparing for polls MAKASSAR: A public safety official in Bontonompo, Gowa, South Sulawesi died on Monday morning, allegedly from exhaustion. According to local residents, Timoro, 67, died at 6:30 a.m. He had spent the previous day preparing for the election. Neighbors said Timoro woke up at 4.00 a.m. to pray. He left his house but collapsed soon after. His neighbors managed to take him inside and he died in his bedroom.

Several people arrested for presidential election fraud

Several people arrested for presidential election fraud The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Bandarlampung Several incidents of election fraud were uncovered during the country's first ever direct presidential polls on Monday, with a number of people arrested for allegedly voting more than once. In Makassar, South Sulawesi, police arrested at least eight people for attempting to vote twice in the final round of the presidential election.

Rethinking nationalism in the context of separatist conflict

Rethinking nationalism in the context of separatist conflict Adam Tyson, Toronto Aceh has always been an essential part of the vast Indonesian archipelago, being of great historical, economic and symbolic importance. Today this volatile region of Northern Sumatra is most commonly identified with the perpetual "low-intensity conflict" between the military and the unconventional separatist force known as the Free Aceh Movement (Gerakan Aceh Merdeka or GAM).

Competitive market benefits power consumers, but how?

Competitive market benefits power consumers, but how? JP/6/SUJA Competitive market benefits power consumers, but how? Nengah Sudja Jakarta I do fully agree, in relation to David O'Brien's article entitled Competitive market benefits power consumers in this paper on Sept. 1. That piece says there is little appreciation for the fact that the production and delivery of electric power remains close to a crisis point and the current system will not stop the lights from going out.

Pertamina won't renew accord to buy Angolan, Algerian oil

Pertamina won't renew accord to buy Angolan, Algerian oil PT Pertamina, Indonesia's state oil company, said it won't renew annual contracts to buy crude oil from Algeria and Angola because prices are too high. Pertamina buys 900,000 barrels a month of Saharan Blend crude oil from Algeria's state-owned energy company Sonatrach and 950,000 barrels a month of Angola's Nemba crude oil from ChevronTexaco Corp. The contracts end in October.

Golkar fires 9 free-thinkers execs

Golkar fires 9 free-thinkers execs Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Golkar Party dismissed on Monday nine key Golkar members for defying the executive board's order to support presidential candidate Megawati Soekarnoputri and her running mate Hasyim Muzadi in Monday's election runoff.

New government told to use IT to help economy boom

New government told to use IT to help economy boom Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The new government must pay more attention to the information technology (IT) sector given its great potential in accelerating economic growth, the Indonesian Information and Communications Society (Mastel) has said. Mastel vice chairman Richard Kartawijaya told The Jakarta Post on Monday that the current government continued to pay far too little attention to the sector, despite its obvious importance.

Source of bomb funding same as Marriott: Police

Source of bomb funding same as Marriott: Police The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Bandung/Klaten/Makassar The money used for the deadly blast at the Australian Embassy was likely part of a US$50,000 fund, which also paid for the expenses used in the attack at the JW Marriott Hotel last year, a police general close to the investigation said on Monday.

Eight dissident councillors to face dismissal

Eight dissident councillors to face dismissal Damar Harsanto The Jakarta Post/Jakarta A man is worth his words, so the saying goes. When eight of 16 city councillors from the Democratic Party did not comply with the party's written agreement with the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) to cast their votes for PKS councillor Ahmad Heryawan for the council speakership, they had a price to pay: facing recall and even dismissal from the party.

*Flights delayed, city empty on election day Page 2

*Flights delayed, city empty on election day Page 2 *Source of bomb funding same as Marriott: Police Page 5 *What's stopping RI brands from competing globally Page 6 *Eight dissident councillors face dismissal from party Page 8 *Real coach Camacho quits after 'embarrassing' losses Page 10 *U.S., UK hostages in Iraq face death as deadline nears Page 12 *JSX wants new government to rejuvenate stock market Page 13 *Slowly but surely Asia switches on to green power Page 18

FOR FOCUS ISSUE -- SUNDAY --- 19 Sept

FOR FOCUS ISSUE -- SUNDAY --- 19 Sept ;JP; ANPAd..r.. Asia-cuisines-recipes Same name but different taste Sudibyo M. Wiradji The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The name may be the same but the taste is different -- that seems to be the story with many foreign dishes served up in Indonesian restaurants. China's Peking Duck, for example, is much more spicy and sweet than it is in Canton, where the dish originates.

'Indonesia Sukses' quiz

'Indonesia Sukses' quiz From Koran Tempo We have often heard on the television that many elementary schools have collapsed because not enough funds are available for their proper maintenance. Many experts and government leaders have also complained on TV that there is not enough money to develop the country's education.

More senior Newmont officers face questioning

More senior Newmont officers face questioning Abdul Khalik The Jakarta Post/Jakarta More senior officers of PT Newmont Minahasa Raya (NMR) are to be questioned this week for allegedly contributing to the contamination of Buyat Bay in Minahasa, North Sulawesi. A reliable police headquarters source said on Monday that they would question American Bill Long, Newmont's site manager, as a suspect as a senior officer at the mining site. National Police director of specific crimes Brig. Gen.

Hari allows probe of possible graft case

Hari allows probe of possible graft case BANDAR LAMPUNG: Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno said on Monday he had issued a letter allowing prosecutors to go ahead with the investigation of some regional legislature members suspected of corruption. Hari said prosecutors could summon local legislators without having to ask for permission from his office and go through administrative procedures.

Finding a common cause in sand

Finding a common cause in sand BIndra Harsaputra, Surabaya Illegal sand quarrying can be stopped only if local administrations and law enforcers strictly enforce the law and take stern measures against those undertaking illegal sand quarrying along the Brantas River. In fact, the necessary legislation is in place to enforce the law in this sector. Law No. 11/1967 on mining by locals stipulates a ban on sand quarrying, whether manually or mechanically. Then there is Bylaw No.

Fish find new home in old bus

Fish find new home in old bus Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Public minibuses in the city, with their thick black smoke and dangerous maneuvers, are looked upon by many to be a menace. But fish, clams and crabs around the Kotok island pier in Kepulauan Seribu (Thousand Islands) regency are likely to consider the bus a cozy home.

Anticorruption judges undergo training

Anticorruption judges undergo training JAKARTA: Nine ad hoc judges for the anticorruption court are currently undergoing training to prepare them for handling high- profile corruption cases submitted by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). Supreme Court Chief Justice Bagir Manan said on Monday that the two months of training, designed to educate non-career judges, is jointly conducted by the Supreme Court and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Senseless acts of violence

Senseless acts of violence I would like to express my profound sympathy for the people of Indonesia. The recent terrorist attack on the Australian Embassy, as well as the Bali bombing and the attack on the Marriott, were certainly carried out by people who do not represent the peaceful people of Indonesia. They have brought shame on upon a nation that does not deserve it.

More senior Newmont officers face questioning

More senior Newmont officers face questioning Abdul Khalik The Jakarta Post/Jakarta More senior officers of PT Newmont Minahasa Raya (NMR) are to be questioned this week for allegedly contributing to the contamination of Buyat Bay in Minahasa, North Sulawesi. A reliable police headquarters source said on Monday that they would question American Bill Long, Newmont's site manager, as a suspect as a senior officer at the mining site. National Police director of specific crimes Brig. Gen.

Smooth election boosts economic sentiment: Experts

Smooth election boosts economic sentiment: Experts Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Waves of optimisms greeted the trouble-free runoff vote on Monday, with experts hailing the smooth process as a powerful starting point towards the much-needed revival of investor confidence in the economy.

East Timor border talks resume

East Timor border talks resume Bloomberg, Sydney, Australia Australia and East Timor resumed discussions on maritime boundaries that may lead to more oil and gas revenue going to the former Indonesian province, an Australian government spokesman said. Talks between delegations from both countries are expected to continue in Canberra until Thursday, said Chris Kenny, spokesman for Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer. Downer and East Timorese counterpart Jose Ramos-Horta said Aug.

Jakarta becomes ghosts town; 38 flights delayed

Jakarta becomes ghosts town; 38 flights delayed The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city was quiet as a whisper on Monday, with no jams on the streets, most shops closed and even air traffic reduced, as 38 flights to and from Soekarno-Hatta airport were delayed. Meanwhile, all the action was taking place at polling stations, with Jakartans turning out in droves to vote.

Lack of standards harm electronics industry: Adhi

Lack of standards harm electronics industry: Adhi Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A lack of effective regulations governing the standards of electronic goods in the country is hurting the industry at a time when ASEAN is set to liberalize the sector by 2007, according to an industry leader.

Eight dissident councillors face dismissal from party

Eight dissident councillors face dismissal from party Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A man is worth his words, so the saying goes. When eight of 16 city councillors from the Democratic Party failed to abide by the party's written agreement with the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) to cast their votes for PKS councillor Ahmad Heryawan for the council speakership, they will have a price to pay: recall and possible dismissal from the party.

C. Jakarta to check apartment tenants

C. Jakarta to check apartment tenants JAKARTA: The Central Jakarta population and civil registration agency plans to check on the residency status of tenants at several apartments in the area. Agency official Rosyik Muhammad told the city's official news portal Beritajakarta.com that his team would focus on foreigners live in the Executive Menteng and Senayan apartments.

Australia praises RI's democratic election

Australia praises RI's democratic election Agencies, Sydney, Australia Australian Prime Minister John Howard on Monday welcomed Indonesia's democratic presidential election and pledged to work with whichever candidate won. Campaigning in Darwin ahead of Australia's Oct. 9 general election, Howard said it was not appropriate to comment on who he thought would win but he welcomed the signal the election sent.

Source of embassy bomb funding same as Marriott: Police

Source of embassy bomb funding same as Marriott: Police The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Bandung/Klaten/Makassar The money used for the deadly blast at the Australian Embassy was likely part of a US$50,000 fund, which also paid for the expenses used in the attack at the JW Marriott Hotel last year, a police general close to the investigation said on Monday.

Australia govt plans counter-terror teams in Asia

Australia govt plans counter-terror teams in Asia Agencies Canberra Australia wants to base counter-terrorism teams in Southeast Asia, including in Indonesia and the Philippines, the government said on Monday, as it laid out its security plan ahead of an Oct. 9 general election. Center-left opposition Labor pledged to spend A$373 million (US$260 million) to strengthen Australia's defense as the two parties argued over the best way to wage the war on terror.

FOR FOCUS ISSUE -- SUNDAY --- Sept. 19

FOR FOCUS ISSUE -- SUNDAY --- Sept. 19 Thai food, a favorite for many T. Sima Gunawan Contributor Jakarta It's spicy and sour. And it tastes really good, especially when it's still hot. And who can resist the delicious aroma of tom yam goong soup? The popular Thai dish is a favorite among many Indonesians as well as expatriates here. Indeed, Thai cuisine has a big fan base worldwide, with its great variety of mouth-watering foods.

"Walls remind me of the prison..."

"Walls remind me of the prison..." Sari P. Setiogi The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Being acquitted from all charges Thursday by the Central Jakarta District court was a big relief for Tempo news magazine journalist, Ahmad Taufik. His family already brought him a black plastic bucket, filled with a flip-flop, Thursday's edition of Tempo newspaper, a sarong and toothbrush. "Just in case I have to go to the jail..." Taufik told The Jakarta Post after the verdict reading.

Local people turn hostile to sand quarrying

Local people turn hostile to sand quarrying Indra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya Bambang, a resident of Mlirip hamlet in the East Java town of Mojokerto, can only sit still watching how sand quarrying machines are operated in Brantas River. "It's really appalling because despite frequent warnings from locals, sand quarrying machines continue to operate," Bambang told The Jakarta Post several weeks ago.

Terrorism and introspection

Terrorism and introspection A week after the Sept. 2 terrorist attack on a school in the Russian town of Beslan, in which over 300 people -- mostly school children -- were killed and hundreds wounded, it happened again on Sept. 9, on our own soil, Jakarta. These two separate incidents have similarities, namely, that they were senseless and brutal acts and committed without conscience. All civilized nations condemn such acts when innocent children, women and the elderly are targets.

1. FLIGHT: 3 LINES, 15 COUNTS

1. FLIGHT: 3 LINES, 15 COUNTS Jakarta becomes ghost town; 38 flights delayed 2. COALITION: 2 LINES, 24 COUNTS Pro-Mega parties won't accept Cabinet posts if she lost 3. SUSILO: 1 LINE, 32 COUNTS Susilo, pollsters see landslide win 4. GOLKAR: 1 LINE, 32 COUNTS Golkar fires 9 free-thinking execs

Parents should be warned of excessive schooling

Parents should be warned of excessive schooling Anton Sudarisman Balikpapan With the frenzy of the new academic year now subduing, parents are now thinking about how to boost their children's academic performance. Parents seem to be aware that as the competition to get into the top universities becomes more and more fierce, they must do everything in their power to ensure their children get the best education possible beginning as early as possible.

Kaltim Prima raises $385m syndicated loans

Kaltim Prima raises $385m syndicated loans PT Kaltim Prima Coal has raised US$385 million through a two- and-a-half year syndicated loan to refinance existing debt, sources familiar with the deal said on Monday. The coal miner is paying a price of 400 basis points over the 3-month London Interbank Offered Rate for the funds, plus undisclosed fees. Credit Suisse First Boston Corp. was the arranger of the deal.

Police ready to secure businesses

Police ready to secure businesses JAKARTA: Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Firman Gani said on Monday the police were ready to secure the capital's business districts should riots break out during the vote-counting period. He said that backup forces were standing by at Jakarta Police Headquarters, Mobile Brigade quarters in Kwitang in Central Jakarta, Kelapa Dua in East Jakarta and Petamburan in Central Jakarta.

Landmark direct election peaceful

Landmark direct election peaceful The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Except for a minor incident in Bali, Monday's runoff polls capping an eight-month election season went on relatively smoothly. Despite increasing security concerns after a bomb rocked Jakarta just 11 days earlier, with over 100 million voters directly electing their new president. Most of the 550,000 polling stations completed the process on time, at 1 p.m.

More senior Newmont officers face questioning

More senior Newmont officers face questioning Abdul Khalik The Jakarta Post/Jakarta More senior officers of PT Newmont Minahasa Raya (NMR) are to be questioned this week for allegedly contributing to the contamination of Buyat Bay in Minahasa, North Sulawesi. A reliable police headquarters source said on Monday that they would question American Bill Long, Newmont's site manager, as a suspect as a senior officer at the mining site. National Police director of specific crimes Brig. Gen.

Worrying sign from House?

Worrying sign from House? The passing of the bill on the free trade status of Batam island into law last week without government approval is a disturbing sign. It is disturbing, because the House of Representatives (DPR) can only endorse a bill when the government is also in agreement, according to the amended 1945 Constitution. This is so, despite the House's right to initiate legislation as enshrined in Article 20 of the Constitution. The House and the government had agreed on Sept.

;AFP;

;AFP; ANPAf..r.. SKorea-IT-Samsung Samsung claims breakthrough in key technologies JP/16/Samsung Samsung claims breakthrough in key technologies Park Chan-Kyong Agence France-Presse Seoul South Korea's Samsung Electronics on Monday claimed breakthroughs in key technologies that promise greater data storage and faster processing for computers and mobile devices such as MP3 audio players.

Police find finger after loud explosion

Police find finger after loud explosion PEKANBARU, Riau: The Pekanbaru Police found on Monday a finger, a pack of cigarettes and a blood stain near Siak river in Pekanbaru, Riau. Senapelan Police chief Adj. Comr. Didik Dwi Santoso said locals had heard a loud noise the night before and tried to find where it came from when they saw two RX-King motorcycles, with two people on each bike, leaving the location.

3 x 18

3 x 18 Source of embassy bomb funding same as Marriott: Police 1 x 46 Several people arrested for election fraud JP/4/newmont 2 x 27 More senior Newmont officers face pollution questioning JP/5/FTZ 2 x 28 Government told to seek review of Batam free trade zone bill

Pro-Mega parties won't accept cabinet posts if she losses

Pro-Mega parties won't accept cabinet posts if she losses Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The coalition of major parties backing President Megawati Soekarnoputri's bid to retain power has vowed to serve as an opposition force, should she lose Monday's election runoff. Golkar Party leader Akbar Tandjung said on Monday the four parties in the coalition would not join the cabinet of rival candidate Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and running mate Jusuf Kalla if the pair won the election.

Suko Sudarso

Suko Sudarso Jakarta 2. Paul -- Libel suit threatens Indonesian democracy 1 x 30 Libel suit threatens RI democracy Paul Wolfowitz The Straits Times Asia News Network Singapore 3. NKorea -- Dialogue with North Korea 1 X 30 Constructive dialog with N. Korea Bill Rammell Guardian News Service Pyongyang

[b]Competition in the primary energy market has to be set first

Competition in the primary energy market has to be set first before competition in the power sector commences.

BCA set to beat 2004 profit forecast

BCA set to beat 2004 profit forecast Bloomberg, Jakarta Bank Central Asia, Indonesia's second-biggest lender, expects to beat its 2004 profit forecast as faster economic growth encourages consumers and companies to borrow more, president commissioner Eugene Galbraith said. The Jakarta-based lender had forecast net income to increase 42 percent to Rp 3.4 trillion (US$376.7 million) this year from Rp 2.39 trillion in 2003.

Several people arrested for election fraud

Several people arrested for election fraud The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Bandarlampung Several incidents of election fraud were uncovered during the country's first ever direct presidential polls on Monday, with a number of people arrested for allegedly voting more than once. In Makassar, South Sulawesi, police arrested at least eight people for attempting to vote twice in the final round of the presidential election.

People come together for fair, safe poll

People come together for fair, safe poll Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Dozens of residents of Kelapa Gading Timur, North Jakarta, focused on a whiteboard as members of the polling committee wrote out the results of the ballot count in Monday's presidential election. A few gasps were heard, and some people could not hide their happiness whenever their candidate received another vote.

Neighbors lend support

Neighbors lend support The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Polling Station No. 046 in Kebagusan, South Jakarta, suddenly came to life when President Megawati Soekarnoputri and members of her family arrived at 11 a.m. on Monday to cast their votes. Hundreds of people clapped their hands, excited to see Megawati, who has been living in the area for years. "I will still vote for her because she is our neighbor. Why vote for someone else?" local resident Effendi said after Megawati had cast her vote.

Kiss and make up

Kiss and make up Indonesia made history on Monday, yet most people probably don't know it. The country held the final round of its first-ever direct presidential election. The system is not perfect, but it was quite democratic. But what is even more significant is the fact that the election proceeded in an orderly and peaceful manner. Indonesians deserve to pat themselves on the back, for showing, to ourselves more than to anybody else, that we can hold a democratic and peaceful election.

Bali convicts help police investigators

Bali convicts help police investigators DENPASAR: Three Bali convicts Ali Imron, Utomo Pamungkas and Achmad Roichdan are currently in Jakarta to help investigators track down fugitive terrorist suspects. Kerobokan prison warden Tulus Widjayanto said on Monday that Ali Imron and Utomo Pamungkas left for Jakarta on April 20, while Achmad was brought to Jakarta on May 30.

"Walls remind me of the prison..."

"Walls remind me of the prison..." Sari P. Setiogi The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Being acquitted from all charges Thursday by the Central Jakarta District court was a big relief for Tempo news magazine journalist, Ahmad Taufik. His family already brought him a black plastic bucket, filled with a flip-flop, Thursday's edition of Tempo newspaper, a sarong and toothbrush. "Just in case I have to go to the jail..." Taufik told The Jakarta Post after the verdict reading.

JP/5/fraud

JP/5/fraud Several people arrested for election fraud The Jakarta Post Jakarta/Bandarlampung Several incidents of election fraud were uncovered during the country's first ever direct presidential polls on Monday, with a number of people arrested for allegedly voting more than once. In Makassar, South Sulawesi, police arrested at least eight people for attempting to vote twice in the final round of the presidential election.

Australia may deploy agents in Indonesia

Australia may deploy agents in Indonesia Agencies, Canberra, Kuala Lumpur Australia wants to base counter-terrorism teams in Southeast Asia, including in Indonesia and the Philippines, the government said on Monday, as it laid out its security plan ahead of an Oct. 9 general election. Center-left opposition Labor pledged to spend A$373 million (US$260 million) to strengthen Australia's defense as the two parties argued over the best way to wage the war on terror.

Susilo, pollsters see landslide win

Susilo, pollsters see landslide win Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Bogor A mere fraction of the vote has been counted by the General Elections Commission (KPU), but candidate Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono expressed optimism on Monday that he could win by a landslide. Susilo said he estimated he and his running mate Jusuf Kalla would garner 60 percent of the vote, judging from the increased public support they observed during their trips across the archipelago.

[b]

RI, democracy and the Islamic world Jonathan Power London 2. Anton -- Parents should be warned of excessive schooling 1 X 45 Parents should be wary of excessive schooling Anton Sudarisman Balikpapan 3. Pro -- Japan's emerging China strategy 2 X 21 Japan moves to improve understanding with China Hideaki Kaneda Project Syndicate

TV Program: Tuesday, September 21, 2004

TV Program: Tuesday, September 21, 2004 TVRI .TB.30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:30 Children Show 8:30 Music: Asik-asik 10:00 Talk Show: Agribiz 11:00 Singing Contest: Konteswara 12:00 p.m.

1. GRAFT: 48 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 18

1. GRAFT: 48 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 18 Hu will be tough on graft: analysts 2. ECONOMY: 36 pt, 4 cols, 2 x 28 Smooth election boosts economic sentiment: Experts 3. TERROR: 28 pt, 3 cols, 1 x 28 Australia may deploy agents to RI 4. POVERTY: 32 pt, 5 cols, 1 x 40 Leaders highlight gap between rich and poor

Sand quarrying is 'similar to mining gold'

Sand quarrying is 'similar to mining gold' Indra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya "The sand down in Brantas River is just like gold. Net earnings from sand sales amount from Rp 30 to 50 million a month," Harisnaga, a sand seller in Mojokerto, told The Jakarta Post. The quality of the sand, however, depends on the season. In the wet season, the quality is better than in the dry and gets a better price. "The sand is very coarse in the dry season so the price drops," Harisnaga said.

Roads, schools to be upgraded

Roads, schools to be upgraded TANGERANG: Tangerang regental administration will soon repair damaged roads and renovate hundreds of elementary schools in 26 districts. Regent Ismet Iskandar said on Monday the administration had applied for a Rp 200 billion (US$21.73 million) loan from the West Java-run Bank Jabar to finance the project. "We cannot rely on our budget," he said. He said that 70 percent of a 1,100 kilometer road in the regency had been seriously damaged.

More senior Newmont officers face questioning

More senior Newmont officers face questioning Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta More senior officers of PT Newmont Minahasa Raya (NMR) are to be questioned this week for allegedly contributing to the contamination of Buyat Bay in Minahasa, North Sulawesi. A reliable police headquarters source said on Monday that they would question American Bill Long, Newmont's site manager, as a suspect as a senior officer at the mining site. National Police director of specific crimes Brig. Gen.

Susilo leads in Greater Jakarta

Susilo leads in Greater Jakarta The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Tangerang/Bekasi Former coordinating ministers Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Muhammad Jusuf Kalla jumped out to big lead over incumbent President Megawati Soekarnoputri and her running mate Hasyim Muzadi in the presidential election in Greater Jakarta, according to the provisional vote count on Monday evening.

'I don't know where to throw my old junk'

'I don't know where to throw my old junk' Indonesia does not have a formal industry for the disposal and recycling of old electronic goods. As a result, discarded household electronic appliances and personal electronics such as computers and cell phones have been piling up since their widespread introduction to the country in the early 1980s. Many of these items contain carcinogenic substances that, if improperly disposed off, could damage the environment.

Megawati versus Susilo: Judgment Day

Megawati versus Susilo: Judgment Day Millions of Indonesians cast their votes in Monday's presidential election runoff at polling stations nationwide, from the jungle- clad province of Papua to the plush Menteng district of Jakarta. Some 153 million of registered voters -- out of the more than 216 million population -- were expected to turn out to vote for either Megawati Soekarnoputri or Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in the landmark election.

Quick counts suggest victory for Susilo

Quick counts suggest victory for Susilo M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Two quick counts predicted on Monday that Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and running mate Jusuf Kalla will emerge the winners of the final round of the country's first direct presidential election.

Mahathir in Vietnam for bilateral talks

Mahathir in Vietnam for bilateral talks VIETNAM: Former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad held talks with Vietnam's top leaders in Hanoi on Monday as part of efforts to improve relations between the two ASEAN members, the foreign ministry said. Mahathir, whose official visit to the communist nation began on Sunday, met President Tran Duc Luong and Prime Minister Phan Van Khai.

UN rings call for more peace

UN rings call for more peace JAKARTA: The ringing of the 50-year-old Peace Bell marked the International Day of Peace on Tuesday, sending a powerful message of peace around the world, the United Nations said in a statement made available to The Jakarta Post by the UN Information Center in Jakarta.

'Solid walls remind me of prison ...'

'Solid walls remind me of prison ...' Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Being acquitted of all charges on Thursday by the Central Jakarta District Court came as a huge relief for Tempo news magazine journalist, Ahmad Taufik. His family already brought him a black plastic bucket, filled with a pair of flip-flops, Thursday's edition of Tempo newspaper, a sarong and toothbrush. "Just in case I have to go to jail ..." Taufik told The Jakarta Post after the verdict was read.

Thailand to provide security for judges

Thailand to provide security for judges THAILAND: Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra pledged on Monday to provide additional security for judges in Thailand's insurgency- hit Muslim south, where a prominent judge was killed last week. The slain judge, Raphin Ruankaew, was the most senior official to be killed in a wave of violence in the region that has left more than 340 people dead since January, mostly police and soldiers.

More senior Newmont officers face questioning

More senior Newmont officers face questioning Abdul Khalik The Jakarta Post/Jakarta More senior officers of PT Newmont Minahasa Raya (NMR) are to be questioned this week for allegedly contributing to the contamination of Buyat Bay in Minahasa, North Sulawesi. A reliable police headquarters source said on Monday that they would question American Bill Long, Newmont's site manager, as a suspect as a senior officer at the mining site. National Police director of specific crimes Brig. Gen.

JSX wants govt to rejuvenate stock market

JSX wants govt to rejuvenate stock market Rendi A. Witular and Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) hopes that the new government will promote the further development of the country's stock markets by offering incentives and clear cut policies to attract more companies and domestic retail investors to the local bourses.

Eight dissident councillors to face dismissal

Eight dissident councillors to face dismissal Damar Harsanto The Jakarta Post/Jakarta A man is worth his words, so the saying goes. When eight of 16 city councillors from the Democratic Party did not comply with the party's written agreement with the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) to cast their votes for PKS councillor Ahmad Heryawan for the council speakership, they had a price to pay: facing recall and even dismissal from the party.

Govt told to seek review of Batam free trade bill

Govt told to seek review of Batam free trade bill Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Constitutional Court President Jimly Asshidiqie said on Monday the government had strong grounds for challenging the constitutionality of the recently endorsed Batam free trade zone bill. Jimly said a bill required the consent of both the House of Representatives and the government before it could be passed.

A:

A: Shangri-La Chef Sham Yun Ming of the Sang Palace, a Chinese restaurant at the Shangri-La hotel in Jakarta, shows off some of popular dishes at the restaurant. B Te de Chine Chau Ma Mien, a spicy soup made of seafood and handmade noodles, is one of the favored Chinese dishes available at Te de Chine restaurant in Jakarta. C. The Food of Thailand Tom Yam Soup, a spicy prawn with lemon grass dish is one of the best known Thai dishes.

Competitive market helps power consumers

Competitive market helps power consumers Nengah Sudja, Jakarta I do fully agree, in relation to David O'Brien's article entitled Competitive market benefits power consumers in this paper on Sept. 1. That piece says there is little appreciation for the fact that the production and delivery of electric power remains close to a crisis point and the current system will not stop the lights from going out.