Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 24 September 2004

80 articles found

BRI expects to exceed profit target

BRI expects to exceed profit target The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Publicly listed Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) expects its 2004 net profit to exceed its target of Rp 2.6 trillion (US$283.68 million), thanks to aggressive growth in lending and cheap funds amid declining interest rates. BRI president director Rudjito said on Thursday the bank saw a possible rise of 36 percent in net profit to approximately Rp 3.4 trillion, from Rp 2.5 trillion last year. "We booked Rp 1.72 trillion as of June.

Mayor quizzed over alleged poll violation

Mayor quizzed over alleged poll violation Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon The Cirebon Election Supervisory Committee (Panwaslu) has made good on its promise and questioned on Thursday Cirebon Mayor Subardi over an alleged campaign violation. Subardi was accused of failing to take leave while campaigning for President Megawati Soekarnoputri and Hasyim Muzadi on Sept. 16, the third day of the election run-off campaign period. "The Panwaslu will hold a plenary meeting after the questioning.

;AFP;

;AFP; ANPAf..r.. U.S.-G7-China China finance chiefs to join G7 meeting for first time JP/16/G7 China finance chiefs to join G7 meeting for first time Agence France-Presse Washington Group of Seven finance ministers and central bankers will be joined by representatives from China for the first time at the G7 Oct. 1 meeting in Washington, a U.S. official said Wednesday. John Taylor, U.S.

Part 1 of 2

Part 1 of 2 The revolution of Indonesian democracy Damien Kingsbury Jakarta 2. Yale -- Iran on the brink 1 x 45 Iran on the brink of going nuclear Henry Sokolski Yale Center for the Study of Globalization Washington 3. Herald -- Democracy in Indonesia 2 X 21 Democracy in Indonesia the pride of Muslims The Korea Herald Asia News Network Seoul

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sept.23, 2004

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sept.23, 2004 ____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 3,000 0 0 Adhi Karya 440 0 48,759,000 Adira Dinamika 2,600 125 79,500 AGIS Tbk 95 0 2,430,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 110 5 1,443,000 Alakasa Industrindo 125 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 900 -25 127,000 Alter...

Bogor again target of bomb threat

Bogor again target of bomb threat BOGOR: Bogor was again the target of a bomb threat on Thursday targeting hotels and council buildings, with police saying the threat was a hoax. The threat was issued by telephone against the heritage Salak Hotel, the Permata Hotel and the Bogor Council building on Jl. Kapten Muslihat. While police said they believed the threats were a hoax, officers continued to sweep public places, including city offices and shopping malls considered potential targets.

Security problems urgent challenge for Susilo

Security problems urgent challenge for Susilo Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Terrorist threats, separatism in Aceh and Papua and dormant sectarian conflicts in several regions await Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on his imminent victory. But to manage security issues, Susilo will first need to build teamwork among the Indonesian Military (TNI), the National Police and intelligence agencies, military experts Indria Samego and Salim Said concluded.

Bojong dump to open on Oct. 1

Bojong dump to open on Oct. 1 JAKARTA: After several delays, the Jakarta administration now says it will start the operation of Bojong dump in Bogor regency on Oct. 1, despite strong opposition from local residents. "We can no longer delay the opening of the dump. We plan to start its operation gradually next month with the processing of waste from Bogor," IGKG Suena, a development affairs assistant to the city secretary, told reporters at City Hall on Thursday.

Bold: need clarification

Bold: need clarification Message from the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China, H.E.

Daniel regains option over Chrisjon bout

Daniel regains option over Chrisjon bout Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After splitting for about three months, boxing promoter Daniel Bahari and WBA featherweight champion Chrisjon will be back together for the Indonesian's title defense against American Derrick Gainer in November.

Bold: need clarification

Bold: need clarification Message from the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China, H.E.

Food poisoning, whose fault?

Food poisoning, whose fault? From Koran Tempo The government will take stern measures against manufacturers whose products cause food poisoning said Minister of Health Achmad Sujudi in response to the many recent cases of poisoning in Bali, Lampung, Jakarta and Bandung. In fact, cases of food poisoning do not only originate from food manufacturers, even though they are often seen as the party deserving the most blame.

*Peaceful runoff shows 'democracy taking root' in RI Page 2

*Peaceful runoff shows 'democracy taking root' in RI Page 2 *House speaker admits flaws in law making Page 4 *Australian arrested in Bali for alleged drug smuggling Page 5 *Authoritarians at the gate, media their first prisoner Page 6 *Apartments on stilts, alternative to eviction Page 8 *Money in the drivers' seat at Chinese Grand Prix Page 9 *'West fuels terrorism but Muslims must help rebuild Iraq'Page 11 *BI sees no need for rate hike Page 13 *Gamawan Fauzi, pioneer of good governance Page...

The 100-day challenge for the Susilo administration

The 100-day challenge for the Susilo administration David E. Sumual, Jakarta The election process that began in March culminated in a peaceful presidential runoff election on Monday. In the short term, this peaceful political event could be seen as a good start for a more sustainable push toward an era of higher economic growth.

Suspects sworn in as new councillors

Suspects sworn in as new councillors MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Hundreds of students staged a protest as the 74 new members of the South Sulawesi legislative council were sworn in on Thursday, including at least 13 councillors accused of corruption. A total of 37 of the councillors were reelected, including the 13 graft suspects, in the April 5 legislative elections.

Election shows 'democracy is taking root' in Indonesia

Election shows 'democracy is taking root' in Indonesia The Carter Center is one of the overseas organizations that have sent missions here to monitor the country's successive elections this year. In the Sept. 20 runoff election, the Center deployed 57 observers to monitor the polls. The Jakarta Post's M. Taufiqurrahman spoke with Ambassador Douglas Peterson, who led the delegation in place of former U.S. president Jimmy Carter.

Akbar admits law-making flaws

Akbar admits law-making flaws Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung said on Thursday that the current House had endorsed a large number of bills during its five-year term, which is due to end soon, but the quality of many of them remained a cause for concern.

Parents arrested for maiming six-year-old

Parents arrested for maiming six-year-old Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang Two years after the House of Representatives passed the Child Protection bill into law, the abuse of minors remains widespread, with the most recently reported case in Pasar Kemis, here. The victim, May Andriani, 6, was allegedly abused by her mother, Wina, 40, and stepfather, Ucok Simanungkalit, 45.

Strongest signal of intentions will be new Cabinet lineup

Strongest signal of intentions will be new Cabinet lineup Although the final result of the presidential election runoff has yet to be announced, it seems certain that Gen. (ret) Susilo Bambang Yudhyono will be the next president. The Jakarta Post's Kornelius Purba talked with the World Bank's Country Director for Indonesia, Andrew Steer, on Wednesday about international expectations regarding the new government. The following are excerpts from their conversation.

Five people die as two buses collide in Ngawi

Five people die as two buses collide in Ngawi ID Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya At least five people were killed and nine others injured when a bus collided with a minibus in Ngawi regency, East Java province, police and residents said on Thursday. The accident took place at around 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday in Kedungprau village, Pedas district, some 180 kilometers from Surabaya.

If I were president I would ...

If I were president I would ... If I were president I would create jobs for the masses. I would create jobs by luring companies to Indonesia. To lure companies and make it attractive for business I would abolish airport departure tax, which is detrimental to business! I would reform the immigration system so that it is transparent and simple. I would make temporary stay permit (KITAS) renewals simple.

Australian arrested in Bali for alleged drug smuggling

Australian arrested in Bali for alleged drug smuggling Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar Police said here on Thursday they arrested an Australian citizen for attempting to smuggle illegal drugs from Bali to Australia. Currell Christopher, 37, was arrested while carrying 54,645 ephedrine pills and one kilogram of ephedrine powder, Bali Police chief of detectives Adj. Sr. Comr. Bambang Sugiharto said.

RI has no long term objective in facing WTO talks

RI has no long term objective in facing WTO talks Gusmardi Bustami, Indonesian ambassador to the World Trade Organization (WTO) headquarters in Geneva, has confirmed what many analysts have often said: That Indonesia was less prepared than many other nations for trade negotiations at the WTO forum given the absence of long-term goals in the nation's trade policy. He thus called on the next government and business sector to prepare the nation's trade blueprint.

1. CARTER: 1 LINE, 50 COUNTS

1. CARTER: 1 LINE, 50 COUNTS Election shows 'democracy is taking root' in Indonesia 2. PKS: 3 LINES, 15 COUNTS PKS promises not to take hard-line on nightspots 3. BAASYIR: 1 LINE, 28 COUNTS Bombing charges await Ba'asyir 4. POLLS: 1 LINE, 30 COUNTS Media 'biased' in election runoff

Media biased in election runoff, watchdog says

Media biased in election runoff, watchdog says M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A number of media outlets with large audiences and/or readerships were biased in favor of one of the two candidates in Monday's presidential election, the largest overseas poll monitoring team said on Thursday.

Arroyo calls for unity to solve crisis

Arroyo calls for unity to solve crisis Associated Press, Manila, Philippines President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo called for national unity on Thursday as she sounded the alarm on a "grave economic crisis" in the Philippines, which is battling a burgeoning fiscal deficit.

Hemaviton Challenge enters final stage

Hemaviton Challenge enters final stage JAKARTA: The Junior Hemaviton Challenge tennis championship will enter the grand final stage or master series next week with a package of free overseas outings worth US$10,000 up for grabs. The master series, which will run from Sept. 28 to Oct. 3 at the Senayan tennis courts, will round off the preceding two regular series: the first series in Jakarta in March and the second series in Yogyakarta in June.

Teachers seek transfer out of Thai south

Teachers seek transfer out of Thai south THAILAND: More than 1,000 panicked education officials and teachers have sought transfers out of Thailand's restive south following the latest shooting of a teacher by suspected Islamic separatists, an official said on Thursday.

Asian tourism at all-time high despite terror fear

Asian tourism at all-time high despite terror fear Agence France-Presse, Bangkok Asian tourism has bounced back to an all-time high despite concerns over terrorism and outbreaks of the deadly bird flu virus, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) said on Thursday. PATA director John Koldowski said tourist arrivals had risen 27 percent over the past five years, with all countries in the Asia-Pacific region reporting strong tourism growth this year.

Kota Bunga's elitism reeks

Kota Bunga's elitism reeks From Media Indonesia As a customer of Kota Bunga in Cipanas, West Java, I was promised various facilities before buying a villa, including the use of a guesthouse twice, each time for three nights, while the villa is under construction. Three months ago, I made a request to use the guesthouse only to be rejected because it would be used by the company's executive directors and their families.

People of W. Sulawesi celebrate new province

People of W. Sulawesi celebrate new province Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post, Makassar West Sulawesi people celebrated on Thursday the establishment of West Sulawesi province, optimistic it would bring them prosperity and stability. Ali Baal, the regent of Polewali Mamasa -- a regency in the new province -- said residents, overjoyed by the House of Representatives' declaration of the new province on Wednesday, had taken to the streets.

'Candy wrapper' drug gangs broken up

'Candy wrapper' drug gangs broken up Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta Police announced on Thursday they had broken up four syndicates dealing drugs concealed in candy wrappers, arresting 10 suspects and seizing 1,065 ecstasy pills in a week-long operation last month. "The technique is quite new and could have really baffled us," drug squad officer Adj. Sr. Comr. Anjan Pramuka Putra said.

Apartments on stilts, alternative to eviction

Apartments on stilts, alternative to eviction Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta On one side, the city administration wants to have its 13 rivers clean. One the other side, squatters desperately need better housing and environment. The combination of both seems impossible but East Jakarta municipality has come up with an idea to build 1,000 low-cost "apartments on concrete stilts". It is a pilot project situated on the banks of Ciliwung River in Kampung Melayu.

2 x 33

2 x 33 Australian arrested in Bali for alleged drug smuggling JP/5/MAYOR 1 x 41 Mayor quizzed over alleged poll violation JP/5/PILOT 1 x 34 U.S. missionary pilot laid to rest JP/5/crash 2 X 20 2 x 26 Five people die as two buses collide in Ngawi JP/5/BALD 1 x 40 Susilo supporters shave heads in victory JP/5/SULAWESI 1 x 43 People of W. Sulawesi celebrate new province

Overpass planned for Roxy Mas area

Overpass planned for Roxy Mas area The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Traffic jams around the area of Roxy Mas shopping center in West Jakarta are expected to worsen next year following the city administration's decision to construct a 2.2 kilometer-long overpass for the busway special lane.

Mega talks of her successes

Mega talks of her successes Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri presented her accountability report to the People's Consultative Assembly, claiming that she had established a strong political infrastructure for the new government.

Top seed Tongsalee advances to semifinals

Top seed Tongsalee advances to semifinals Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Top seed Napaporn Tongsalee of Thailand advanced to semifinals of the US$10,000 Indonesia Women's Circuit here on Thursday as the host team was assured a place in the women's singles final. Tongsalee, who is ranked 312th in the world, defeated Geeta Manohar of India 6-2, 6-0 in the quarterfinals to face seventh seed Chan Yung-Jan of Chinese Taipei in the semifinals.

Newmont's Ness, five others detained

Newmont's Ness, five others detained Abdul Khalik The Jakarta Post/Jakarta President Director of PT Newmont Minahasa Raya (MNR) Richard Bruce Ness and five other company officers have been placed in police detention despite the fact that they have been cooperating with the police investigation into alleged pollution in Buyat bay. Ness and Phil Turner, Newmont's production and maintenance manager, were detained after undergoing ten hours of questioning on Thursday.

U.S. missionary pilot laid to rest

U.S. missionary pilot laid to rest Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura The remains of Neil Lousrer, a U.S. missionary pilot whose chopper crashed on Monday in a remote village in Wamena, Papua, was buried on Wednesday evening in Sinakma Cemetery, about one kilometer north of Wamena, at the consent of his family. Lousrer's body was previously arranged to be flown to the U.S.

Newmont executives detained, CEO to follow

Newmont executives detained, CEO to follow Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Police have taken five officers of PT Newmont Minahasa Raya (MNR) into their custody, but suspended the detention of the company's president director Richard Bruce Ness who complained about an illness.

Condolences

Condolences We wish to express our deepest condolences on the passing of Gertrudis Gitomartojo (82 years of age) Mother-in-law of Raymond L. Toruan, Senior Editor/Co-founder of The Jakarta Post on Thursday, September 23, 2004 in Jakarta. Burial was held on Thursday, September 23, 2004 at Menteng Pulo in South Jakarta. May God Almighty bless and keep her always. The Management and staff of The Jakarta Post

Deputy Mayor sent to jail as Rp 5b graft suspect

Deputy Mayor sent to jail as Rp 5b graft suspect Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor Bogor Deputy Mayor Mochamad Sahid was sent to Paledang Prison on Thursday after being questioned for nearly six hours at the Bogor Prosecutor's Office as a suspect in a graft case. Sahid was accused of involvement in the misuse of around Rp 5.53 billion (US$605,033) of the 2002 Bogor City Council budget when he was the speaker.

Strained budget hampers courts: Chief justice

Strained budget hampers courts: Chief justice Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Although the Supreme Court now controls all courts following the implementation of the one-roof administrative system, Chief Justice Bagir Manan said improvements to the country's court system seemed almost impossible due to budgetary constraints. Bagir said the Supreme Court needed some Rp 5.5 trillion (US$604 million) to start improving its performance.

JBIC to hold study on traffic

JBIC to hold study on traffic JAKARTA: The Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) will hold a study on urban transportation, the results of which can be used to find a solution to the capital's chronic traffic. JBIC, in cooperation with the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), held a workshop on Thursday presenting three consulting firms, one of which is to be appointed to conduct the study.

Jakarta stocks end lower on profit taking, oil price

Jakarta stocks end lower on profit taking, oil price The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Profit taking and concern over the rising price of oil have pulled down Jakarta stocks for the second consecutive day, wiping out gains from the euphoria of a peaceful presidential election earlier this week. The Jakarta Composite Index ended 0.18 percent or 1.468 points lower on Thursday at 816.762 on volume of 2.28 billion shares worth Rp 1.17 trillion.

BPK reports huge abuse of state funds

BPK reports huge abuse of state funds The Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) submitted the findings on Thursday of its regular audit on the management of state funds to the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), saying it had so far uncovered 22 major cases of likely corruption involving trillions of rupiah. The report, submitted on the first day of the MPR annual five- day session, said the cases had been notified to the National Police and Attorney General's Office (AGO) for further action.

The Hour Glass Group

The Hour Glass Group The Hour Glass Limited is one of Asia Pacific's most established specialist watch retailers. From a one-boutique operation in Singapore in 1979, which was founded by Henry Tay, The Hour Glass Group has developed into a regional network of 18 retail stores in Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia and Thailand. The Hour Glass has opened stores in strategically located shopping belts, such as in Gayson Plaza in Bangkok, at 1 Utama in Kuala Lumpur and in Ginza, Tokyo.

Canadian Embassy discussion RI polls

Canadian Embassy discussion RI polls JAKARTA: The Canadian Embassy organized a roundtable discussion on Post-Election Indonesia in Jakarta on Thursday. "It's a tremendous success for Indonesia's young democracy. The first-ever direct presidential election was held peacefully," Canadian Ambassador Randolph Mank, who has been assigned in Jakarta since last year, said in his opening remarks.

Watches embody culture, emotion, patience

Watches embody culture, emotion, patience A. Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Singapore Many cultures give an important place to the concept of time. In Western nations, the importance of time is illustrated in the saying; "Time is money" while in an Arabic phrase: "Time is a sword", shows that time can kill if we do not use it wisely. In the distant past, people would observe the movement of the sun and moon to determine the time. They then developed clocks and watches to measure time more precisely.

Council speaker elected quickly

Council speaker elected quickly BATAM, Riau Islands: Soeryo Respationo from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) was elected the new speaker of the Batam legislative council in a unanimous decision achieved within only 15 minutes on Thursday. All factions in the 45-strong council agreed to name Soeryo the new speaker for the 2004-2009 period, and Aris Hadi Halim of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) and Chablullah Wibisono of the National Mandate Party (PAN) as his deputies.

Aceh war leaves 14,000 widows

Aceh war leaves 14,000 widows BANDA ACEH, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam: The continuing armed conflict in Aceh has cost the lives of husbands of 14,000 women in the province over the past 15 years, according to one agency. The provincial women's empowerment bureau also said the conflict had left 58,127 orphans.

Part 1 of 2: The evolution of Indonesian democracy

Part 1 of 2: The evolution of Indonesian democracy Damien Kingsbury , Jakarta Although it is yet to be officially announced, it now seems certain that Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) will become Indonesia's next president. After a succession of three presidents whose incumbencies were variously marred, Indonesia may now have an opportunity to look forward to five years of relative political stability and effectiveness. Congratulations on this outcome are, therefore, due.

Give us your best-shot short: JiFFest

Give us your best-shot short: JiFFest The Jakarta International Film Festival (JiFFest) is back, but with a difference -- this time organizers want your movies. Like in previous incarnations, this year's JiFFest will screen selected movies from around the globe, offering quality films for Jakartan movie buffs. But organizers are also inviting local independent filmmakers to send in their best short films and video to compete for prizes worth a total of Rp 30 million (US$3000).

LIPI gets new professors

LIPI gets new professors JAKARTA: Two scientists from the National Institute of Sciences (LIPI), Riza Sihbudi and Hermawan Sulistyo, were promoted on Thursday to research professors. Riza, a Middle East expert, said in his inauguration speech entitled "Islam, radicalism and democracy" that in a predominantly Muslim country like Indonesia, it was still possible for democracy to flourish.

TNT is dangerous

TNT is dangerous I do not deny any international express delivery company the right to make as much profit as possible. But the calculations must be justified, and the local agent must be ready to give an acceptable breakdown of the costs. In my case, I received a consignment (consisting of two directories, without any commercial value) and I was charged US$9.33 (Rp 85,267).

Astra to borrow $170 from banks

Astra to borrow $170 from banks JAKARTA: PT Astra International, an Indonesian car maker, will sign an agreement to borrow up to US$170 million from several banks in November, an executive with the company said Thursday. Astra's finance director John Slack told reporters that the loan will be co-arranged by ABN Amro Bank, HSBC, Japan's SMBC, Citigroup Inc., and BNP Paribas S.A..

Susilo supporters shave heads in victory

Susilo supporters shave heads in victory The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta/Palu/Semarang Following the people of Semarang, supporters of Gen. (ret) Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in Yogyakarta and Central Sulawesi celebrated on Thursday Susilo's obvious victory in the presidential election by shaving their heads. At least 100 Susilo supporters in Yogyakarta gathered on Thursday in Meguwo subdistrict, Banguntapan district, Bantul regency to celebrate together with razors.

Batam tax office ignores House's 'law'

Batam tax office ignores House's 'law' Fadli, The Jakarta Post, Batam The House of Representatives might have won applause from the proponents of free trade in the industrial island of Batam for its bold move to unilaterally endorse a bill that will change the island into a free trade zone (FTZ). However, they are now facing the reality that the island's tax officials are unwilling to implement the law.

Watches encompass culture, emotion, patience

Watches encompass culture, emotion, patience A. Junaidi The Jakarta Post/Singapore Many cultures give an important place to the concept of time. In Western nations, the importance of time is illustrated in the saying; "Time is money" while in an Arabic phrase: "Time is a sword", shows that time can kill if we do not use it wisely. In the distant past, people would observe the movement of the sun and moon to determine the time.

Part 1 of 2

Part 1 of 2 The revolution of Indonesian democracy Damien Kingsbury Jakarta 2. Yale -- Iran on the brink 1 x 45 Concerns rise as Iran on brink of going nuclear Henry Sokolski Yale Center for the Study of Globalization Washington 3. Herald -- Democracy in Indonesia 2 X 21 Democracy in Indonesia the pride of Muslims The Korea Herald Asia News Network Seoul

Coalition shows signs of division

Coalition shows signs of division The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As Megawati Soekarnoputri and running mate Hasyim Muzadi head toward a crushing defeat, signs of cracks in the so-termed Nationhood Coalition are becoming more and more apparent. Roy BB Janis, a prominent leader of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), called for an immediate end to the coalition, saying that the grouping had not helped Megawati's quest for a full five-year term in the Sept. 20 election.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sept.23, 2004

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sept.23, 2004 ____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 3,000 0 0 Adhi Karya 440 0 48,759,000 Adira Dinamika 2,600 125 79,500 AGIS Tbk 95 0 2,430,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 110 5 1,443,000 Alakasa Industrindo 125 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 900 -25 127,000 Alter...

RI migrant worker faces death sentence

RI migrant worker faces death sentence JAKARTA: An Indonesian migrant worker, Sundarti Suprianto, could be given the death penalty when a Singapore court delivers its verdict on Friday. The court will decide whether she is guilty of multiple charges of murdering both her Singaporean employers, Angie Ng and her two-year-old daughter Crystal, then burning their apartment and illegally using her employer's ATM card in June 2003. Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore M.S.

Authoritarians already at the gate with media their first prisoner

Authoritarians already at the gate with media their first prisoner Bambang Harymurti, Project Syndicate Last Thursday, judges at Indonesia's Central Jakarta Court sentenced me to one year in prison. As the editor-in-chief of Tempo weekly newsmagazine, I am guilty, according to the court, of defaming a business tycoon named Tomy Winata by implying his possible involvement in a fire at Jakarta's Southeast Asia textile market, and of fomenting riots by disseminating lies.

TV Today: Friday, September 24, 2004

TV Today: Friday, September 24, 2004 .TB.30" .90" TVRI .tb .30" .90" 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:30 Health 8:30 Music: Asik-Asik 10:30 Religious Teachings 12:30 p.m. Music 1:00 News: Berita Siang 2:00 Music 3:00 English News Service 4:30 Documentary 5:00 Children Drama 5:30 Sports 6:00 TV Drama 6:30 Talk Show: Obrolan Wong Cilik 7:00 News: Berita Nasional 7:30 TV Drama 8:00 Film: Demigods 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 9:30 TV Drama 10:30 Sports TPI 5:30 a.m.

BI sees no need for rate hike

BI sees no need for rate hike The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bank Indonesia for now sees no need to raise its benchmark interest rate despite the latest increase in the key U.S. interest rate, central bank Governor Burhanuddin Abdullah said. "So far there seems to be no impact (on the BI benchmark rate). But we'll keep monitoring it," he said on Thursday. "(Developments in the) Fed rate will be taken into account. But it is not the only factor (affecting monetary policy)," he added. The U.S.

Marzuki, Fahmi won't be sworn in

Marzuki, Fahmi won't be sworn in M. Taufiqurrahman and Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Two dissident politicians from Golkar will not be sworn in as new legislators on Oct. 1 as the General Elections Commission (KPU) has written to lame duck President Megawati Soekarnoputri to suspend their inauguration.

Adrian too sick to come: Lawyer

Adrian too sick to come: Lawyer Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A lawyer representing Adrian Waworuntu, one of the main suspects in a Rp 1.7 trillion (US$190 million) bank scandal, told the police on Thursday his client was too sick to answer a police summons. Lawyer Doni Antares Irawan said Adrian was still hospitalized in Manado, North Sulawesi, and asked that the police give him at least seven days to recuperate.

Gamawan Fauzi, pioneering regent

Gamawan Fauzi, pioneering regent Syofiardi Bachyul Jb, The Jakarta Post, Padang Although corruption by officials remains at endemic levels throughout the country, one prominent West Sumatran leader is bucking the trend. Solok Regent Gamawan Fauzi has won an award for fighting corruption -- he, along with Forum of Concern for West Sumatra coordinator Saldi Isra, is a recipient of this year's Bung Hatta Anti-Corruption Award.

Telecommunication bill of KPU unpaid

Telecommunication bill of KPU unpaid JAKARTA: The General Elections Commission (KPU) owes nearly Rp 3 billion (US$322,234) to PT Pasifik Satelit Nusantara for telecommunications equipment. The debt was accrued from expenses in the April legislative election and the July presidential election first-round only, said PSN vice president Ryan Alisyahbana. The KPU spent Rp 30 billion on telecommunications for the two elections. --Antara

Citilink offers new facilities

Citilink offers new facilities JAKARTA: Flag carrier Garuda Indonesia's no-frills subsidiary Citilink has added to its services a convenient and cheaper accommodation package for travelers to the resort island of Bali. Citilink now provides a specially priced accommodation package at the Kuta Lagoon Resort for travelers who show their boarding pass, Garuda's account manager for east Indonesia Riza Perdana Kusuma said on Thursday.

SBY can raise fuel prices without resistance: Expert

SBY can raise fuel prices without resistance: Expert Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Raising fuel prices has always been politically sensitive, but with his popularity and communication skills, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who is set to become the next president, will be able to raise the prices without much resistance from the public, according to an economist. "It's better that he takes the decision now rather than later, while he's still hugely popular. "The key is communication.

Bombing charges await Ba'asyir

Bombing charges await Ba'asyir Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Cleric Abu Bakar Ba'asyir will be charged with masterminding the J.W. Marriott Hotel bombing in Jakarta and the illegal possession of explosives, the Attorney General's Office says. The office also said on Thursday prosecutors had finished drafting charges against Ba'asyir and would submit his case file to the South Jakarta District Court next week.

Democracy in Indonesia the pride of Muslims

Democracy in Indonesia the pride of Muslims The Korea Herald, Asia News Network, Seoul Just as Korea has proved, through its political progress over the last few decades, that there is no inherent conflict between Asian Confucianism and democracy, Indonesians are about to beat another myth that democracy cannot prosper in the Muslim world.

My two sons are studying at the University of Indonesia (UI)

My two sons are studying at the University of Indonesia (UI) and I, too, have taken extension courses at UI before. From our own experience studying at UI, I regret to have to say that many UI lecturers are not committed to their teaching profession. Many of them teach there for a variety of other reasons. Some of them, for example, are multi-level marketing agents and often neglect their duties as lecturers.

PKS promises not to take hard-line on nightspots

PKS promises not to take hard-line on nightspots Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Known for its Islamic outlook, the emergence of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) as a major faction in the Jakarta City Council has raised concerns for businessmen who own entertainment spots, who worry that the councillors will take an narrow view on nightspots.

Governor shuns Tapanuli province

Governor shuns Tapanuli province MEDAN, North Sumatra: Governor Tengku Rizal Nurdin called on Thursday for people to reconsider plans to create Tapanuli province on Sumatra island. If established, the new province may not be able to survive because it has no reliable income sources to finance the operation of its administration, he said.

Poll workers sent to jail

Poll workers sent to jail JAKARTA: Three poll workers who organized balloting for migrant workers based in Tawau, Malaysia have been sentenced to one month in jail each for committing election fraud. The court found Ridwan bin Tahir, Arifin bin Namang and Jainal guilty for perforating over 7,000 ballot papers and declaring them valid votes, the Election Supervisory Committee (Panwaslu) deputy chairman Rozy Munir announced during a press conference.

Breaking with Indonesia's past

Breaking with Indonesia's past The clear victory of a former general, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, in Indonesia's presidential election is good for Australia. In more than three decades, Indonesian presidents have made just two brief official visits to Australia, despite scores of prime ministerial trips the other way.

1. DISCOURSE: 36 pt, 7 cols, 1 x 50

1. DISCOURSE: 36 pt, 7 cols, 1 x 50 Strongest signal of intentions will be new Cabinet lineup 2. UMNO: 48 pt, 4 cols, 2 x 24 Abdullah prods Malays in landmark speech 3. HAITI: 32 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 32 Death toll in Haiti floods tops 1,000 4. MARKET: 30 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 25 Jakarta stocks end lower on profit taking, oil prices 5. SECURITY: 30 pt, 5 cols, 1 x 40 Security problems urgent challenge for Susilo